Ning Wanwan opened her mouth to eat but suddenly felt a surge of sour liquid in her throat. She quickly pulled back and covered her mouth. Si Zhan immediately set down the bowl and picked up the chamber pot, holding it under her face.
She glanced at the pot and then at Si Zhan’s hand, forcing herself to swallow and pushing the pot away. “Disgusting, put it down.”
Sighing, he placed the pot down, wiped his hands with a wet towel, and returned to the bed, gently holding her hand.
“Are you still angry with me?”
Ning Wanwan said nothing, turning her face toward the bed.
“Because you’re pregnant, I wanted you to rest easy, so I didn’t tell you some things. I didn’t expect you to care so much.”
She knew he was referring to Yao Saner and Lu Chuan, lowering her eyelashes as she waited for him to continue.
“When you went to find Mi Yue, did she only tell you about Yao Saner’s cause of death?”
Ning Wanwan looked up at Si Zhan, her eyes acknowledging that Mi Yue had only told her how Yao Saner died, while Lu Chuan’s death was merely her speculation.
Si Zhan brushed a strand of hair from her temple, sighing, “Wanwan, I thought we were in sync and would trust each other. But I didn’t expect you to distrust me in this matter…”
Ning Wanwan’s eyes remained silent. Si Zhan was right; she did not trust or understand him regarding Yao Saner.
Si Zhan shook his head, saying, “I don’t need you to understand or apologize, Wanwan. I’m willing to walk through dark places for you and your child to live well in the light.”
“…Okay.”
With her heart somewhat lighter, Ning Wanwan’s morning sickness gradually improved, and her appetite returned, though she felt drowsy all day.
On the winter solstice, Si Suo, unable to sacrifice to Heaven at the Southern Suburb Circular Altar due to health issues, issued an edict for Crown Prince Si Yi, Left Minister Han Sui, and Right Minister Ling Hui to attend in his stead.
After the sacrificial ceremony, a grand court assembly was held in the palace, where the monarch and his ministers enjoyed themselves.
