Chapter 135

Chapter 135

By the time Zhao Beichuan sent his younger brother off, it was late in the evening. He entered the room and saw that Lu Yao had already fallen asleep. Zhao Beichuan climbed into bed silently and gently drew Lu Yao into his arms.

The next morning, when Lu Yao awoke, Zhao Beichuan was already up and helping his brother pack in the courtyard.

This trip to Shang Jing will last several months, and they won’t return before the New Year, so they needed to bring more clothes and additional silver.

Lu Jia and Lu Bing would be accompanying him. Lu Jia handled things reliably, and Lu Bing was attentive to details. With them by his side, Lu Yao felt reassured.

"Awake already?" Zhao Beichuan greeted him, helping to tighten his cloak. November was approaching, and the weather had become increasingly cold recently, with the sky looking gloomy, suggesting an impending snowfall.

"Is everything packed?"

"Everything is loaded onto the cart. I’ve already arranged to travel with a merchant caravan."

"Good." The route from Ping Prefecture to Shang Jing is relatively safe, with plenty of inns and pavilions along the way. Traveling with a caravan ensures safety, so Lu Yao wasn’t concerned.

After Xiaodou finished loading the last box of books onto the cart and clapped his hands, he ran over. "Bro, aren’t you and Big Bro coming too?"

Lu Yao brushed the dust off his sleeve and replied, "We’ll go later, but no later than November."

"That’s good!"

"When you arrive in Shang Jing, find an inn with Lu Jia and Lu Yi first. We’ll look for a proper house when we get there."

"Okay."

"Remember to keep your money safe when you’re out, and don’t associate with those types."

"Don’t worry, Bro. I won’t associate with those types."

Zhao Beichuan snorted from beside them. "Just make sure to keep your wits about you."

Xiaodou glanced at his older brother’s expression and felt a chill down his spine. Even though his elder brother had never hit him, he was still afraid. It was an inherent fear, a natural sense of dread.

Lu Yao added, "Please give my regards to Old Master Lin and bring some gifts over to him." The gifts were already prepared. They would send some with his younger brother first, and the rest would be delivered when they went later. It wouldn’t be right for the child to visit empty-handed.

"Alright, I got it."

The farewell instructions were almost done, and it was getting late. Zhao Beichuan urged him to leave quickly so as not to miss the right time.

Zhao Beidou got onto the carriage and waved reluctantly at his older brother and sister-in-law. "Make sure to come soon, okay?"

"We know, study well in Shang Jing."

As the carriage left, the servant closed the gate again. Lu Yao sighed, "I always feel he's still a child, but now he can handle things on his own."

"Don’t worry about him. Let’s go eat first, and then I’ll take you to the doctor."

"Mm-hm."

In truth, Lu Yao had a suspicion but never dared to admit it, as deep in his heart he still thought of himself as male and believed it impossible to be pregnant.

But reality often surprises us.

"The pregnancy is still in its early stages, probably a little over two months. Is this your first pregnancy, dear husband?"

Lu Yao was too shocked to speak, but Zhao Beichuan exclaimed in delight, "My husband is pregnant?"

"Yes."

"A-Yao, you're pregnant!"

It took Lu Yao a moment to process the news. "This is our first child." Judging by the timing, it must have been the last time before Zhao Beichuan left...

The doctor observed their expressions for a moment before saying, "For the first child, you need to take extra care. Avoid cold and fatty foods for now. Stay away from things that can cause miscarriage, such as saffron, hawthorn, and crab claws." I'll prescribe a nourishing and fetal-protecting formula for you."

Zhao Beichuan nodded repeatedly, "Good, good, good."

After picking up the medicine, Zhao Beichuan helped Lu Yao out of the clinic. He couldn’t believe he was actually pregnant...

Noticing Lu Yao’s expression, Zhao Beichuan asked cautiously, "A-Yao, are you not happy?"

"I'm happy; I just haven’t fully processed it yet." Lu Yao thought how fortunate they were that they hadn’t followed through last night; otherwise, given Zhao Beichuan's vigor, the baby likely wouldn't have been safe...

Zhao Beichuan was much happier than expected, with a big smile on his face. When they got onto the carriage, he even lifted Lu Yao in his arms, causing Lu Yao to punch him lightly. "There are people walking by. Aren’t you embarrassed?"

Zhao Beichuan caught his hand and kissed it. "Why should I be embarrassed carrying my own husband? I'm so happy today; we're having our own baby."

Lu Yao couldn't help but laugh. "You look so silly."

"Hehehe," Zhao Beichuan drove the carriage to the back of the wine shop and, as he got off, reached out to hug him again.

Old Madam Zhao and Xiao Lan'er were watching. Lu Yao refused to let him hug him, pinching him several times until he finally helped him get off the carriage.

Zhao Beichuan wanted to share the news about the pregnancy, but Lu Yao quickly grabbed him and shook his head. There was a folk tradition that it was best not to talk about a pregnancy in the first three months, as it could lead to complications. Although Lu Yao didn’t believe in these traditions, it was better to be cautious.

Once inside, Lu Yao said, "The pregnancy is still in its early stages, and the fetus isn’t stable yet. Let’s not tell anyone for now. We can talk about it after two months."

"Alright, I'll do whatever you say!"

Seeing his excitement, Lu Yao couldn't help but tease, "You’re that happy?"

"Of course! I've been hoping to have a child with you for a long time." Zhao Beichuan crouched next to Lu Yao and said, "You know, I've had this dream on and off for many years."

Lu Yao had never heard him mention this before. "What dream?"

Zhao Beichuan pulled a wooden stool over and sat down. "The dream has been recurring for many years, and each one was different from the last. Some I can't remember anymore, but others are still vivid. In all these dreams, you turn into someone else. Although your voice and appearance remain the same, I knew it wasn't really you. That person didn't love me and didn't like Xiaonian and Xiaodou. Every time I woke up from those dreams, I was drenched in cold sweat..."

Lu Yao frowned slightly. "Why haven’t you mentioned this before?"

"I didn’t want to worry you, but I haven’t had these dreams in recent years."

"Haven’t you had these dreams in the past five years?"

"Something like that. I can't quite remember."

Lu Yao vaguely felt that it might be due to the copper coin given by the old Taoist. It had helped stabilize his soul for five years. Now that he was pregnant, he had a blood tie in this world and no longer had to worry about his soul leaving his body. The delayed joy slowly welled up in his heart, a mix of emotions that made him inexplicably happy.

Lu Yao said, "I wonder if it’s a boy, a girl, or twins."

"I’ll love them no matter what."

This was their first child and possibly their only one, so they would love them regardless.

Zhao Beichuan pressed his head against Lu Yao's belly and kissed it through his clothes, "If it's a boy, let him study with his younger uncle and take the imperial exams in the future. If it's a girl, she can learn needlework with her younger aunt and be pampered until we find her a husband to stay by our side. If it's a boy, he can learn business from you, and with a mother as capable as you, he'll definitely be outstanding."

"You're thinking too far ahead."

"We need to plan carefully. People our age already have children who are over ten years old, and in a few more years, they'll be getting married."

Indeed, they had married late to begin with. Nine years later, they finally had this precious child, almost a generation behind others. How could they not be joyful?

"Luckily, the child's mother is capable and has built such a large family fortune for him. Being born into our family is his good fortune."

Lu Yao kicked him. "Stop talking nonsense, it's fate."

"Alright, alright, it's fate. You're always right."

This happy news disrupted Lu Yao's plans. Originally, they had decided to go to Shang Jing in November, but that might have to be postponed. Even if he wanted to go, Zhao Beichuan wouldn’t let him.

Since becoming pregnant, Lu Yao didn’t feel much different than usual, except for being more easily tired. His other symptoms were minimal, and after taking the medicine prescribed by the medical clinic, he had far fewer bouts of dry heaving.

However, Zhao Beichuan was extremely anxious. He was afraid Lu Yao might trip while walking or get jolted in the carriage, and even thought about moving to another room at night, fearing he might accidentally press on him while sleeping.

After dinner that night, Lu Yao came in to see Zhao Beichuan carrying bedding to the west room.

"That’s the summer quilt, why are you bringing it out?"

"I'm going to sleep in the west room..."

"Try moving, and see what happens!" Lu Yao crossed his arms, raised an eyebrow, a mock angry smile on his face.

Zhao Beichuan felt his heart racing at the sight of him. "I’m just worried I might press on you."

Lu Yao snorted and went inside, locking the door behind him.

Zhao Beichuan hurriedly knocked on the door, "Yao, Yao? Don't be mad, I won't move, alright?"

After waiting for a while and seeing no sign of the door opening, Zhao Beichuan had no choice but to sleep on the floor outside.

Hearing the rustling sound outside, Lu Yao quietly opened the door a crack and, seeing Zhao Beichuan lying on the ground, angrily opened the door and kicked him inside.

"Get in here, now!"

"Sigh," Zhao Beichuan quickly hugged the quilt and hurriedly climbed back into bed.

"I'm afraid of the cold. What will I hug for warmth if you leave?"

"Tomorrow, I'll have the kang built in the west room."

"Even so, you have to sleep in the west room with me, or I won’t feel secure."

Zhao Beichuan drew Lu Yao into his arms and gently patted his back. "Alright, I'll stay with you."

"Beichuan, I'm just pregnant. My body is fine. Don't worry so much. Look at my sister-in-law; she was still working when she was pregnant."

"Mm."

"You're making me anxious too. This child, though hard to come by, is ours if it is destined to be, and if it's not, we can't keep it. Just relax and treat it like any other time."

Zhao Beichuan kissed his hair. "Alright, whatever you say."

*

The weather grew increasingly cold, and it had snowed for several days, causing a sharp drop in temperature.

In the morning, Lu Yao went to Xiao Chun's new house with Zhang Yu. The furniture was already bought, and everything was almost ready. They planned to set the engagement in a few days and get married in February next year.

Zhang Yu carefully inspected the small courtyard as she walked. "This house is really nicely finished and quite spacious. It makes me want to buy another courtyard."

"Given the current low housing prices, you should buy one now."

Due to the war, many high-ranking officials and nobles had been packing up and leaving, some to Shang Jing and others to the south, fearing that the city would be attacked by invaders and their families would be destroyed.

Houses for sale on Changrong Street were plentiful, and the prices had dropped the most. A courtyard that once cost over ten thousand taels can now be bought for as little as six to seven thousand taels, and houses that previously cost between five to six thousand taels were now selling for just over three thousand taels.

Lu Yao planned to buy a few more houses. Once the war ends, housing prices will definitely rise, and he could sell them for twice the price.

Zhang Yu hesitated a little. "I wonder how the war at the border is progressing."

"Right now, it’s survival of the bold and death of the timid. If you're worried about Ping Prefecture being breached, then you should run."

Zhang Yu chuckled. "Run? My business is here in Ping Prefecture. You can run, but you can’t escape the consequences."

Many people in the city had the same idea, but few had as much silver as they did. Most people were still waiting and observing.

The two walked out, chatting and laughing, with Zhao Beichuan having already brought the carriage to the door to pick them up.

Zhang Yu teasingly said, "After all these years of marriage, you two are still so affectionate."

Lu Yao coughed in embarrassment.

Being thick-skinned, Zhao Beichuan was unbothered. "There's nothing wrong with receiving my husband," he stated.

After bidding Zhang Yu farewell, they boarded the carriage and returned directly to the wine shop. It was around noon, and many regular customers waved as they caught sight of the two.

"Boss Lu is back," said one.

"Hey, Brother Zhang, have a good meal and drink well."

"Old Master Fang, what brings you here today? Xiaochun and I just finished our meal."

"Shopkeeper Chen, enjoy your meal."

They exchanged pleasantries as they reached the back courtyard, where Xiaochun and Zhang Qiulan sat chatting in the warm pavilion. Lu Yao smiled and signaled Zhao Beichuan, telling him not to disturb them. The two went inside.

Just then, Ma Kuan arrived to report about the alcohol at the distillery. "Three thousand jin of alcohol have been barreled and sealed, ready to be sent out at any time."

Lu Yao said, "Go to Master Cao's residence first and give him a heads-up. Since he initiated this, we'll follow his lead."

"Yes."

"There's one more thing. In a few days, head to Shang Jing and help Xiaodou settle into a home there."

This task was originally meant for Lu Yao and Zhao Beichuan, but they couldn't leave now.

The journey from Ping Prefecture to Shang Jing was over a thousand miles, and with the cold weather and bumpy roads, Zhao Beichuan was worried Lu Yao's body couldn't handle it. So, he decided to send Ma Kuan instead.

"Yes," Ma Kuan nodded without asking too many questions.

Lu Yao gave him 10,000 taels of silver. This amount of money would suffice to purchase a courtyard in Shang Jing. If the border conflict intensifies, they would have a safe haven as a precaution.

After Ma Kuan left, Lu Yao started feeling hungry. He had only exchanged pleasantries with the guests and hadn't eaten lunch yet.

"My dear, I'm hungry."

"What would you like to eat? I'll go prepare it for you."

"I want soup noodles."

"What kind of sauce?"

Lu Yao thought for a moment, "Egg and vegetable sauce, with a bit of pickled radish."

Seeing her elder brother return, Xiaochun hurriedly got up, "I'll go help out."

Zhang Qiulan stood up and spoke, "I'll be on my way, and will visit you again in a few days."

"Mm-hmm." Just as Xiaochun was about to leave, someone suddenly grabbed her hand.

Zhang Qiulan, seeing her ears gradually redden, smiled slightly, "See me to the door, my carriage is waiting up front."

He wore a moon-white robe, his hair tied back with a red ribbon. With the red mole at the end of his eyebrow, he looked exceptionally handsome.

Xiaochun, feeling a bit flustered by his grin, nodded in agreement, "Alright."

As the two walked through the main hall, a few men suddenly approached them head-on.

The man leading the group eyed them with a malicious gaze and after a pause, said, "Well, well, if it isn’t the young master of the Zhang family? I heard that after you broke off our engagement, you found a cook as your husband. Is this him?"