Who is spreading rumors that my filial piety towards them has changed?

"Then, Chu Lang, can you carry me back? I've been staying in the Immortal Treasure Pavilion for several months without moving around, and I'm tired after just a short while."

This is just a cute excuse!

It's one thing for ordinary people, but Jinyu, you have a considerable level of cultivation. You can meditate for a year or two without worrying about poor blood circulation in your legs. Yet you get tired after just walking around!

"Alright, get on!" Chu Mingkong half-squatted down, giving Jin Yu a convenient riding position.

Under the blue sky, above the clear water.

A handsome man, carrying a charming woman in a red dress, walked briskly through the fragrant forest, his steps light and cheerful, his laughter echoing across the lake.

......

As Xiao Zhi and Wan Hua were discussing their future babies, Chu Mingkong soon climbed in through the window carrying Jin Yu on his back, leaving the two stunningly beautiful women completely stunned.

Wan Hua quickly washed and scalded the two cups, made a cup of tea for each of them, and said irritably:

"Mingkong, what's wrong with you? Why are you using the window instead of the door to steal flowers?"

Group Flow 彡⑧③ Ling Liu Si Jiu ⑦

"Mother Consort Wanhua, what are you saying? Is there anyone like me who, as a flower thief, also comes with 'flowers' by his own side?"

Chu Mingkong patted Jin Yu's pert bottom, then put her down next to Xiao Zhi, before settling into his own special spot—between the two mothers and their babies. This was a spot that no girl could possibly take from him.

...except for the babies.

Xiao Zhi stroked her belly with one hand and pinched Jin Yu's nose with the other, asking:

"What mischief have you two been up to again? Did Jinyu sneak off to eat with Mingkong again? Look at how happy you are!"

"Thank goodness Mingkong is sturdy, otherwise you'd have dried him into a dried-up corpse sooner or later."

Chu Mingkong thought to himself, "Zhi'er, you're not bad either, it's just that you have to stop now."

Jin Yu then happily recounted what had just happened, her face beaming like a young girl experiencing first love. It was hard to imagine that this was the same old lady who had just infuriated Pei Mi.

Xiao Zhi and Wan Hua thought it was something important, but it turned out they were just discussing the baby, and they were so happy.

Of course, the baby's situation is also a big deal! I just didn't expect Jin Yu's reason for being so excited to be so simple.

"That's great! Actually, I've been thinking for a while about having a young woman by my side to help with pregnancy and postpartum care, but Mingkong hasn't been trying hard enough!" Xiao Zhi was naturally mostly encouraging.

Wan Hua glanced at Xiao Zhi's belly, then looked at Jin Yu. From her crescent-shaped, alluring eyes, he could feel the genuine happiness in her heart, and Wan Hua couldn't help but feel envious.

She didn't reveal her emotions much, but simply said to Chu Mingkong:

"Then you really should work hard. You can't just focus on cultivation anymore. But... Mingkong, have you thought about arranging a wedding for Jinyu and the other young ladies?"

Wan Hua spoke cautiously, fearing that Jin Yu might argue with Ming Kong about things like the first or second wife, so she skipped that point and only mentioned the wedding night.

Jin Yu's eyelashes trembled slightly as she secretly glanced at Chu Mingkong. Although she often argued with Yongzhen about who should come first, she had never argued about the wedding night. But that didn't mean she didn't care. Perhaps... she was avoiding it?

I'm afraid that making a fuss about this issue will only cause more unpleasantness.

Chu Mingkong hadn't expected the topic of mother-in-law and daughter-in-law to escalate to such a point; it really opened the floodgates of conversation.

He didn't think this was a sensitive or sharp topic; he would just say what he thought, as hesitation would only make Jinyu worry.

He reached out and pinched Jinyu's cheek, saying:

"This is indeed a big deal. I haven't mentioned it not because I don't care, but on the contrary, because I value it too much."

These two mothers not only took care of Chu Mingkong, but also Jin Yu. Considering that this topic was indeed unusual, and Jin Yu was hesitant to ask further, Xiao Zhi inquired on her behalf.

"This doesn't seem like a sign of importance. Who would say they value something without saying a word? Or did you secretly discuss this auspicious day and time with Master Yun?"

Chu Mingkong shook his head slightly and said with a wry smile:

"We didn't discuss it beforehand. It's a bit strange to discuss some things with others, but Jin Yu is easygoing and doesn't try to hide anything."

I was thinking that while Jinyu and the others are incredibly important to me, so are the babies of the Empress, especially Zhi'er and Aunt Gu who have already taken care of the baby. So, shouldn't we have more activities for the elders too?

The two beautiful women, who had been trying to speak up for Jinyu, suddenly fell silent.

Unexpectedly, as they talked, the conversation turned to themselves!

Mingkong means... that the wedding also took them into consideration?

Seeing that they remained silent, Chu Mingkong continued:

"I thought about it for a long time. Although it was only a few days to get it done, the consideration before and after took a lot of time."

Since returning to Xiling, there have been many peaceful days, but each time there's a period of calm before another urgent matter arises, causing repeated disruptions and preventing any real peace. As a result, the matter has been put on hold.

Since you've brought it up, why don't you offer your opinions?

Chu Mingkong originally wanted to handle the matter as thoroughly as possible, but his state of mind had changed recently, which was somewhat related to his recent feelings of separation.

Always striving for perfection is actually quite difficult. A simple wedding night won't affect happiness in the long run, but the absence of certain people can be a great regret.

Just like the saying "Gather ye rosebuds while ye may," it's best to plan and do some things as early as possible.

Chapter Eight: Speaking Without Thinking

However, considering Jin Yu and Xiao Zhi's sudden interest, he still had to pour cold water on them first to cool them down, lest they find that their expectations were not as high as they had hoped.

"Ahem, don't get too excited yet. Although there are plans for a wedding night with red candles, it may not be as grand as the weddings of the royal relatives we've seen before."

After all, it's difficult to invite so many people, so in the end it'll mostly be the people here celebrating.

The small population has nothing to do with leaving one's hometown.

Even now, in Xiling, with the Gu family and all the old generals of Xiling present, if we really invited these relatives and friends, would Aunt Gu and the others be willing to wear the phoenix crown and veil?

Therefore, as long as the elders are taken into account, there is basically no need to think about how many people can be invited; it can only be done among these few female relatives.

Jin Yu didn't care about so much. For her, a ceremony was enough. Anyway, they were already pretty much living like husband and wife. But if it was too simple, her mothers and children might have objections, so Jin Yu couldn't speak up so quickly.

"I'm fine with anything. I'll listen to Chu Lang. I don't care about so many things. What about my mothers?"

Xiao Zhi and Wan Hua looked at each other. This was something they had never dared to imagine. Their current relationship was already against the will of Heaven, but they were enjoying it and dared not ask for more.

Xiao Zhi was speechless for a moment, so Wan Hua spoke on her behalf:

"We wouldn't care about that. You should focus on the young woman. As for us... ask the others what they think. Just go through the motions and we'll be satisfied."

After hearing Wan Hua's words, Xiao Zhi added:

"Yes, if Mingkong really intends to do so, then treat it as a drinking game, just lead them through the motions, but don't let them steal the spotlight from Jinyu and the others. After all, you have far more elders than young women..."

Chu Mingkong smiled shamelessly and nodded repeatedly:

"Well, how should we choose the date? Should we finalize several dates so we can have more options in the future? Or would it be better to have Master Yun calculate the date?"

"Well, actually, for a moment just now, I was thinking of setting it for Xiao Gu Gu's one-month celebration." Xiao Zhi's tone became more enthusiastic, and this matter had clearly become another thing she was looking forward to.

Jin Yu, sensing Xiao Zhi's change of heart, asked curiously:

"So, Mother Consort, have you thought of another auspicious time? I think Gu Gu's full moon celebration would be quite nice, in accordance with Chu Lang's suggestion to keep it simple."

Wan Hua gently poked Xiao Zhi's stomach, indicating that this was the reason for changing his mind.

Xiao Zhi and Gu Jun Gui were only a few months apart in terms of "winning the lottery," and by the time Gu Gu turned one month old, it was almost time for Xiao Zhi to be pregnant as well, since she was already having difficulty moving around.

Surely we can't have someone carry Xiao Zhi around in a sedan chair?

Jin Yu suddenly realized that she had completely forgotten about this. She stuck out her tongue and said:

"That's true. We'll just have to find another time. Let's leave it to Master Yun to choose. We can use Gu Gu's one-month celebration as a warm-up!"

The three women chattered away, their words never ceasing, leaving Chu Mingkong sitting helplessly in the middle, having forgotten from which point he had lost touch with the conversation.

The happier they were in their discussion, the greater the pressure Chu Mingkong felt on his shoulders.

But this pressure also brings a sense of satisfaction, like two big snowflakes pressing on your face, it's all happiness!

After chatting for a while, the three women finally showed signs of calming down. Xiao Zhi helped Chu Mingkong up by the arm and said:

"Chu Mingkong, help me up and walk around. It's uncomfortable to sit for too long."

"Do you want me to come along too?" Jin Yu asked.

If Pei Mi were to see this kind of filial piety, so sweet and considerate, she would probably cry herself to sleep for half the night.

Xiao Zhi gently shook her head: "Jinyu, you continue to chat with Wanhua. I just asked Mingkong to take me for a short walk in the corridor. I'll be back in a while."

Chu Mingkong carefully helped Xiao Zhi to her feet and they walked slowly outside.

Even though she was six months pregnant and her once slender waist had disappeared for some time, Xiao Zhi's beauty and elegance remained unchanged. Her bright and dignified face was always filled with gentle maternal love, and she really did have a bit of Gu Jun Gui's feeling. Even her daily bickering with Wan Hua had decreased a lot.

Before they had taken more than a few steps into the corridor, Xiao Zhi beckoned to Chu Mingkong to come closer and whisper something in his ear.

"What's wrong?" Chu Mingkong leaned down and got close to his mother's cheek.

“I saw that Wan Hua asked Qing Se for some herbs to make soup a few days ago. Do you know what that means?”

"Is Consort Wanhua feeling unwell?"

"Hey, Mingkong, what are you pretending to be so clueless about? I'm not kidding you!" the mature and beautiful, busty princess scolded playfully.

Her every smile and frown still possessed a captivating charm that had matured over time. Her delicate face, though unadorned, was as radiant as a spring peach.

After staring at Chu Mingkong for a while, she thought he had a change of heart and swallowed hard.

"Mingkong, we haven't been as affectionate these past few days. If you really want to, for now you can only try the back door, or I can give you a little kiss..."

"No, I was trying to talk to you about something serious, how did we get onto this topic? Really!"

Chu Mingkong felt wronged. "I wasn't thinking about anything like that. I was just looking at you. When have I not looked at you like this, my little Zhi'er?"

The pregnant princess's mature and beautiful face became even more radiant. One could feel the burning heat on her flushed cheeks at a glance. She reached out and weighed Chu Mingkong in her hand, then her eyes immediately seemed to say in a low, silent voice, "Still saying you don't?"

"It's serious business. Wanhua has some hopes too. No matter what, I still have Yunhan and you. Wanhua only has me."

...No, Wan Hua's mother still has me. You're not fighting with her now, and you don't need to speak up for her while simultaneously giving her a hard time.

Chu Mingkong found it amusing and nodded in response.

Xiao Zhi continued:

"I can't take good care of you, Mingkong, right now. Go find Wanhua to help her conceive, I won't blame you. Just don't be near me, otherwise I'll just be watching and listening, which will be painful for me..."

"Yes, I'll be careful. Baby Zhi'er, you're a bit like Aunt Gu. She often urges me to cultivate and grow babies~"