Nong Nu Jiao

"Gu Zhuoqing said she could tell I was pregnant."

Cen Lingyi reached out and hugged his neck.

"Lingzhi, summon the imperial physician to take a look."

Yan Chenghui slowly straightened up and was about to pick her up.

"Don't do it."

Cen Lingyi quickly put both feet on the ground.

If you really have a child, this movement will be strenuous.

"It might really be true." Yan Chenghui placed his large hand on her lower abdomen and whispered in her ear, "After all, I haven't been slacking off these past few months, so it's about time I got pregnant."

"Shut up."

Cen Lingyi playfully hit him, giggling, her face slightly flushed.

As they spent more time together, she became less shy.

Yan Chenghui hugged her and laughed.

"Have you finished your official duties for today?"

Cen Lingyi asked him.

"Hmm." Yan Chenghui said, "I'll finish up quickly and come keep you company. I'll call Huai Jiao over for dinner and test him."

"Alright."

Cen Lingyi agreed.

Gu Meishu arrived quickly.

"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty and Your Majesty the Empress."

He stepped forward and bowed, with a smile on his face.

He was an old acquaintance of the Emperor and Empress, so he wasn't too reserved.

"Minister Gu, you may dispense with the formalities. Please examine the Empress's pulse to ensure her well-being."

Yan Chenghui stepped aside.

"Your Majesty is too kind. It is my duty."

Gu Meishu stepped forward and placed her hand on Cen Lingyi's pulse.

After listening for a moment, he withdrew his hand and said with a smile, "Her Majesty the Empress is pregnant. Congratulations, Your Majesty, and congratulations, Her Majesty the Empress."

"really?"

Cen Lingyi was both surprised and delighted, and looked at her abdomen again.

"Your subject dares not speak recklessly."

Gu Meishu replied with a smile.

"Is there anything I should be aware of?"

Yan Chenghui asked with his hands behind his hands.

"Your Majesty is in good health, so there's no need for any pregnancy-stabilizing medicine." Gu Meishu hesitated for a moment, took two steps to the side, and lowered her voice, saying, "You must abstain from sexual intercourse during the first three months of pregnancy."

Upon hearing this, Cen Lingyi blushed and turned her head to look in another direction, pretending not to have heard.

"I understand."

Yan Chenghui agreed without blushing or skipping a beat.

Cen Lingyi's pregnancy was different from Huai Jiao's.

When she was pregnant with Huaijiao, she hardly vomited, but she couldn't eat much meat in the first few months.

Pregnancy was a painful experience. I started experiencing morning sickness a dozen days after being diagnosed with the pregnancy.

I vomit everything I eat.

She was in pain, yet also somewhat relieved.

My mother said that this pregnancy is different from the first one, so this one might be a girl.

She was eagerly anticipating having a daughter.

More than two months later, the good news was delivered to the imperial court, and all the officials offered their congratulations.

However, there were also dissenting voices within the imperial court.

On the morning of that day, Yan Chenghui sat upright on the dragon throne.

"Do any of you ministers have anything to report?"

"Your Majesty, I have something to report."

The Minister of Rites came out; he was Xia Qinghe's father.

"speak."

Yan Chenghui stared at him.

"Your Majesty, the Empress's pregnancy is a blessing for the nation. However, the longevity of the country depends on its many branches and leaves. The Empress has only one son, and the gender of the child in her womb is still unknown. Now the harem is empty, and the six palaces are without concubines. In the hundred years since the founding of our Great Sheng Dynasty, there has never been such a thing. I humbly request Your Majesty to select a concubine."

When he brought it up, naturally some people stood up to agree.

"I humbly request Your Majesty to follow the will of Heaven and the will of the people, select virtuous and noble women from good families to fill the six palaces, and to increase the number of imperial heirs, so as to appease the hearts of the court and the people and silence the gossip of the world."

"Absolutely right! Your Majesty is in the prime of your life; you should not favor the Empress alone, lest the imperial heir be few and far between!"

"Throughout history, no emperor's harem has ever been vacant; only the empress's palace has remained empty. I humbly request Your Majesty to select concubines!"

Half of the court officials bowed and volunteered. The scene was so grand that it resembled a coup d'état.

After all, the emperor had three thousand concubines in his harem; this was an ancestral system.

Moreover, the emperor is young, powerful, and handsome. Who wouldn't want to send their daughter to the palace to get a taste of imperial power, or whisper something in the emperor's ear?

On the dragon throne, Yan Chenghui looked down from above.

He was dressed in a black dragon robe, his brows and eyes were cold and stern, and his fingertips rested on the armrest.

He listened to the endless stream of advice and remonstrances from below, his eyes remaining completely unmoved.

Until the Golden Palace fell silent.

"My esteemed ministers, have you all finished speaking?"

The officials fell silent, exchanging bewildered glances, unsure of his meaning.

"Now that you've all said your piece, it's my turn to speak."

He stood up and looked around at everyone in the Golden Palace.

"When I was young, I was the crown prince. I oversaw the country, eliminated internal traitors, and pacified the four seas. I relied on my abilities and skills."

"My empire is secure not because of beautiful women, and its longevity is not due to nepotism."

His gaze sharpened as it fell upon the group of leaders. "The Empress manages the inner palace and assists me in governing the country. She is virtuous and upright. Now, she is pregnant, which is the most difficult time for her. Instead of appreciating her hard work, you take advantage of her pregnancy and weakness to force me to choose a concubine?"

"Is your urgency in demanding that I choose a concubine a necessity for the nation, or is it driven by your own selfish desires, a scheme to send your daughters into the palace to curry favor with the emperor?"

His words hit the nail on the head for many people.

All the officials in the court lowered their heads, and no one dared to look him in the eye.

Yan Chenghui's voice deepened, carrying the unquestionable resolve of an emperor, as he proclaimed to the world:

"In my entire life, I have only had one empress in my harem."

"As the ruler of the world, I should set an example for all people. Love in this world should be faithful and devoted, lasting a lifetime. I, as emperor, wish to start with myself and break the outdated custom of having multiple wives and concubines."

"From this day forward, I wish that all lovers in the world shall emulate me and the Empress, to be one couple for life, and to stay together until our hair turns white."

After he finished speaking, the hall fell silent.

The ministers who had just been advocating for the selection of a concubine all kept their heads down and dared not utter a sound.

Yan Chenghui watched them quietly.

He was an emperor, and naturally, people would stand up and agree with what he said.

Sure enough, it wasn't long before someone stepped forward.

"Your Majesty is wise! Throughout history, emperors have all valued a full harem, but Your Majesty is devoted to one woman and sets an example for all the people! This is a blessing for the common people and a fortune for the Great Sheng Dynasty for all generations!"

Once someone starts, others follow suit.

"Your Majesty's virtue is unparalleled, setting a new precedent unprecedented in history. Your subject is sincerely convinced."

"The Emperor and Empress's deep affection is a model for all couples. With Your Majesty like this, how can the people not be educated?"

Yan Chenghui's lips curled slightly, quite satisfied.

He spoke again, his tone indifferent: "From now on, anyone who tries to force me to take concubines under any pretext will be punished for bewitching the emperor and disrupting the government, and there will be no leniency."

"I obey your decree."

All the officials responded in unison.

Cen Lingyi's belly grew bigger day by day.

After three months of getting up early, they were able to eat and drink normally.

Yan Chenghui was worried about her, so he simply had all the memorials sent to Kunning Palace.

into the night.

Cen Lingyi went to bed early; she was heavy-set and needed to sleep a lot.

Yan Chenghui stood by the desk, intently reviewing memorials, occasionally glancing back at the sleeping man.

Just looking at her and listening to her even breathing, he felt a sense of peace in his heart.

"Ouch, that hurts, Yan Chenghui..."

Cen Lingyi suddenly woke up with a start, bent her leg and cried out in pain.

"Where does it hurt?"

Yan Chenghui threw down his pen and was at the bedside in the next instant.

"My legs hurt."

Cen Lingyi writhed in pain on the bed.

"I got a cramp, straighten your leg."

Yan Chenghui quickly pulled her feet over and massaged her legs.

Cen Lingyi listened to him and straightened her legs.

Yan Chenghui's warm, large hand held her calf, stroking it gently.

"How is it?"

"It seems to be painless now. How could this be?"

Cen Lingyi tried to move.

"The imperial physician said this is common during pregnancy," Yan Chenghui said. "It's because the baby in your womb is growing and depleting your qi and blood, causing your tendons and veins to lack nourishment, which is why your calves are prone to cramps. You should eat more milk and bone broth."

"How do you know everything?"

Cen Lingyi was stunned for a moment.

"The imperial physician told me."

Yan Chenghui continued to massage her legs.

"Why didn't I have this problem when I was pregnant with Huaijiao?"

Cen Lingyi asked curiously.

"It's probably because you were young and in good health back then."

Yan Chenghui pondered for a moment.

"So you mean I'm old now?"

Cen Lingyi kicked him.

Yan Chenghui lay down on the bed and leaned in to hug her: "Trying to pick a fight on purpose, huh?"

Cen Lingyi chuckled, "That's exactly what you said."

"You're a year younger than me. If I say you're old, aren't I talking about myself?"

Yan Chenghui kissed her on the cheek, then kissed her again.

"Who knows what you're thinking?"

Cen Lingyi shrank her neck to avoid him.

As Yan Chenghui kissed her, the feeling changed. He cupped her face in his hands, intending to kiss her again.

"No." Cen Lingyi raised her hand to cover his lips. "My belly is so big, I can't."

"I'm being very gentle."

Yan Chenghui grabbed her hand and kissed her palm.

"no……"

Cen Lingyi refused.

"Okay."

Yan Chenghui has already begun to take action.

"Yan Chenghui, you tyrant..."

Cen Lingyi bit him and cursed at him.

Yan Chenghui smiled and kissed her: "Yes, I am a foolish emperor, indulging in beautiful women."

Although he was enthusiastic about this matter, he was always concerned about Cen Lingyi's health, and he couldn't bear to hurt her in the slightest.

Even though he was very careful, Cen Lingyi still slept until noon the next day.

"Mother Empress."

After finishing her studies, Yan Huaijiao arrived at Kunning Palace early.

Cen Lingyi was taking a walk in the courtyard when she saw him and couldn't help but smile: "Huaijiao, come here to your mother."

Yan Huaijiao was very sensible and went over to help her walk into the hall.

"What is this?"

Cen Lingyi noticed the flowers in his hand and asked him with a smile.

"I saw it in the Imperial Garden and picked it for my younger sister."

Yan Huaijiao handed her the bouquet of jasmine flowers.

"It smells so good, and it looks so beautiful. Our Huai Jiao really knows how to choose. Mother, thank you on behalf of your sister."

Cen Lingyi patted his head and kissed him on the forehead, feeling very gratified.

Her son has grown up and will protect the child in her womb.

Yan Huaijiao smiled shyly, pursing her lips.

Yan Chenghui's edict advocating monogamy has already spread throughout the country in the past few months.

Many ordinary families began to follow the example of the emperor and empress, and the men in their families no longer took concubines.

Local gazettes were continuously sent to the palace, reporting on harmonious relationships between couples in the common people.

In the afternoon, a palace maid reported to Cen Lingyi from the side.

Cen Lingyi listened quietly with a smile on her face.

I never expected Yan Chenghui to have such a sentiment, considering the women of the world.

His words in the imperial court truly began to change the situation of many women in the world, and also gradually changed the atmosphere of the entire Dasheng Dynasty.

After ten months of pregnancy, the fruit ripens and falls from the vine.

The Kunning Palace was brightly lit, and all the palace servants and imperial physicians stood at attention, holding their breath.

Cen Lingyi gripped the bedsheet beneath her as waves of pain washed over her, beads of sweat constantly forming on her forehead and her disheveled hair becoming damp with sweat.

Yan Chenghui wiped the sweat from her face again and again, his fingertips trembling.

The pain of childbirth.

How did she give birth to Huai Jiao all by herself?

He watched as she trembled in pain, her lips bleeding from being bitten. The midwife and the imperial physician forbade her to cry out, so she could only suppress her gasps.

Yan Chenghui's eyes reddened with heartache, filled with pity and worry. He gently stroked her hair, offering words of comfort.

"Jiaojiao, I'm here, I've always been here."

"Take your time, I'm with you."

"Go ahead and bite me..."

He reached out his wrist, wishing he could take her pain away.

Cen Lingyi bit his wrist, glanced at him with difficulty, and her eyes were filled with tears.

Another wave of pain hit her, and her face scrunched up in pain.

it hurts!

"Jiaojiao!"

Yan Chenghui was extremely anxious and wished he could take his place.

The midwife and the imperial physician calmly guided the process from the side.

They weren't worried, as the Empress's baby was in the correct position and it was her second child, so there shouldn't be any unexpected problems.

Yan Chenghui felt as if a year had passed.

"Wow--"

Finally, a clear baby cry rang out.

"It's born! It's born!"

"It's a little princess!"

"Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations, Your Majesty the Empress! You have welcomed a little princess."

The midwife picked up the baby and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and everyone offered their congratulations.

Exhausted, Cen Lingyi collapsed weakly onto the pillow, letting out a long sigh.

"Jiaojiao".

Yan Chenghui didn't look at the child first, but went over to look at her first.

"I'm fine."

Cen Lingyi knew he was worried, so she forced herself to speak to him.

"Your Majesty, please hold her for a moment so that the Empress can have a look."

The midwife handed the baby over.

Yan Chenghui took the child, not very good at holding him, and carefully and clumsily turned the child's face toward Cen Lingyi.

"Jiaojiao, look, our daughter."

"Like you."

Cen Lingyi smiled wearily.

Seeing her daughter's adorable little face, she felt it was all worth it.

"Herbalist, take him away."

Yan Chenghui handed the child over to the wet nurse.

Inside the inner hall, everyone had left.

Yan Chenghui leaned closer and pressed his forehead against Cen Lingyi's: "Jiaojiao..."

"What's wrong?"

Cen Lingyi recovered and was drowsy, but her mind was still clear.

"From now on, we will never have any more children."

Yan Chenghui choked up, and a tear fell onto her face.

Seeing her in so much pain, he felt a heartache that almost suffocated him, yet he couldn't help her.

He never wanted to go through that again.

"fool."

Cen Lingyi smiled and raised her hand to touch his face.

From then on, the Dasheng Dynasty enjoyed the prosperous reign of Emperor Qizhen, with peace and tranquility throughout the land. The common people eagerly imitated the emperor and empress, and monogamy gradually became prevalent, eventually becoming a customary practice. (The End)