Seeing the palpable nervousness radiating from her sister and brother-in-law, Du Jingyi knew she couldn’t prolong their discomfort. Rising gracefully from her seat , she addressed her parents, “Dad, Mother, your daughter will return with the General tonight and come back to see you both another day.”
Master and Madam Du both nodded, their expressions a mix of understanding and unspoken regret. The Duke of Shang’s family held such high status in this country ; who knew when they would next have such a private family gathering? Yet, they couldn’t voice these thoughts, lest their second son-in-law mistakenly believe the Du family was trying to leverage his position or, worse, that they were unhappy with their daughter’s marriage.
Du Jingyi then turned, a warm smile gracing her lips, to her older sister. “Sister , you’re embracing motherhood soon. When I return, I’ll ask Lu Jue to send you some suitable clothes, a token of my joy as an aunt.”
“Well, be careful on your way back,” Du Jingxiang replied to her heartfelt words, though her reply was a little strained. She found herself utterly flustered by her formidable brother-in-law’s presence, her heart pounding like a drum.
After exchanging their goodbyes, Du Jingyi and Shang Ji walked out of the Mingse Courtyard together, disappearing into the moonlight. Onlookers all aoround who ever saw them couldn’t help but sigh, as struck by the sight of them—a truly heaven-made match, a union of talent and beauty.
Once they were well out of earshot, Du Jingxiang let out a long, shaky breath, patting her chest. “My brother-in-law is simply too… Feirece.” She had married early and had been ill when Du Jingyi wed, so she had never met Shang Ji before. Her timid nature made his imposing presence feel like a moving Mount Tai, with a crushing sense of oppression.
“This is how a military commander should be,” He Shilin explained, his eyes alight with admiration for the general. “Otherwise, how could our great dynasty’s borders be so impregnable?” He, like many men, harbored a secret yearning for martial glory. But as the sole son in his family, the thought of joining the army was quickly quashed by his parents. Thus, he had abandoned that path long ago. Seeing such a powerful general now naturally stirred a thrill within him.
The Du family matriarch and patriarch sighed in agreement. Indeed, the peace they now enjoyed was bought with the sweat and blood of soldiers gaurding the borders day and night . They also held a deeper respect for Shang Ji other than him being the shizi of duke’s mansion , and for all soldiers. If ever there was a need in the future, they would not hesitate to offer their help. But for now, such words were unnecessary.
“Alright, it’s getting late,” Mada, Du said, turning her attention to her elder daughter and son-in-law. “You and your wife should go back and rest. Shilin, if you wish to study, I’ve had the study in Meandering Courtyard cleaned. It’s separated from the main house by a small path, and was quite serene . As for Xiangxiang’s health, don’t worry. I’ll take good care of her and ensure her safety.”
Madam Du’s words were sincere, and her arrangements were thoughtful so He Shilin felt a surge of gratitude towrads her . He nodded, “Thank you, Mother-in-law, for your thoughtfulness. Your son-in-law is deeply grateful for your care .”
“Families don’t speak of such things. We have plenty of time together to spent in the future Don’t always be so courteous towards us ,” Madam . Du replied warmly.
“Understood.”
Du Jingxiang’s unexpected pregnancy had delighted her in-laws in Pingzhou very much . They had initially considered bringing their daughter-in-law back home, but at a month pregnant, continuous travel was too arduous for her body . So, it was decided that the two elders would come to Sui’an when the baby was due. Fortunately, the Du and He families enjoyed a good relationship, ensuring a smooth cohabitation.
In the main room of Meandering Courtyard, He Shilin gently helped his wife, Du Jingxiang, to sit down and with a look of tender concern in his eyes said . ” Xiangniang , your legs seem a little swollen to me . I’ll have Dongqin bring some hot water so I can soak them and massage them for you , to spare you from severe pain tonight.” Though He Shilin had been meticulously careful during their journey, Du Jingxiang’s pregnancy still presented its challenges—throbbing leg pain, restless nights. Her husband observed all of it, his heart aching for her. He knew he couldn’t feel her pain, but he could certainly pay more attention to her during this time.
Du Jingxiang never felt tired of her husband’s fuusing over her as it his form of devotion. He had been kind to her even before her pregnancy, and now, he was even more attentive. This unwavering affection resonated deeply with Du Jingxiang, who had been cherished by her parents since childhood. She playfully remarked, “I must have done many good deeds in my previous life to be reborn into such a family and to meet a man like you.”
Though not flowery declarations of love, her words deeply moved He Shilin. His eyes filled with affection as he replied, “I am truly blessed to be favored by my wife also.” The couple exchanged a silent, knowing smile.
Meanwhile, on the journey back to the Duke’s Mansion, Du Jingyi found herself alone in the spacious carriage. Unlike their arrival, Shang Ji rode ahead on the horse , leading the way. His presence, or lack thereof, created entirely different sensations. Sitting in the somewhat empty carriage, Du Jingyi couldn’t help but recall her mother’s earlier words. She hadn’t anticipated falling into the grand confines of the Duke’s mansion, but now that she was here, and her husband seemed quite agreeable, she wouldn’t dwell on it much further . The matter of consummating their marriage, ultimately, had to be addressed. She couldn’t afford to wait for others to act first and then find herself in a precarious position. “The sooner you get pregnant, the sooner you can secure your position,” her mother’s words echoed clearly in her mind .
So, on the ride back, her resolve solidified as her shyness shed. It wasn’t until the carriage gradually slowed to a halt that Du Jingyi opened her eyes from her thoughts . The curtain was drawn back, revealing her husband, Shang Ji, standing outside. His broad palm extended as usual. “Madam, we’re home. Let me help you out of the carriage.”
His simple sentence momentarily unsettled Du Jingyi’s newfound determination. She paused, then replied, “Yes ,” placing her hand in his and stepping out from the carriage .
Night had now fully descended, bringing with it a profound stillness. It was indeed quite late for her to return today. If those in Beiyuan knew, there would be endless gossip. Unlike the Du family’s more modest dwelling, the Duke’s Mansion’s gate remained open, allowing them unhindered entry. However, as they reached the second gate, the sharp-eyed Luo Yuan detected figures lurking in the shadows. He moved swiftly, grabbing a person and flinging them from behind the door with an audible “Ouch!” The fallen figure, dizzy from the impact, was Qi Er, a capable steward from Yingjuan Courtyard, with connections to the Fifth Old Madam’s family. He was considered quite the gossiper in the back house, known for his sly, inquisitive gaze.