Jin Yu stroked Su Xi’s back, reassuringly saying, “I know, but let’s still have a doctor check.” As her hand moved down Su Xi’s belly, Su Xi gently grasped her hand, a blush spreading across her face. Shyly lowering her head, she trembled, her long eyelashes hiding the misty look in her eyes. “I… I…”
Author’s note: Just finished a chapter and am preparing to go to the electronic reading room for updates.
The installation staff arrived on time, and the network is connected. We can now reply to comments and earn points, which will speed up updates. Frequent commenters might receive more points today.
Huahua, why are comments getting fewer? I’ll update more and see.
Su Xi trembled, nestling into Jin Yu’s embrace, lowering her eyes with fear. Nervously, she covered her belly with her hand, realizing she was pregnant. The thought of her belly growing larger terrified her; she feared the world’s contempt and that her child might be harmed.
Jin Yu sensed Su Xi’s timidity and comforted her, “Don’t worry. You’ll live here with me, in my room.”
Su Xi stiffened, whispering, “How could that be?” Normally, even legitimate wives had separate rooms. A wife would wait in her room or be summoned to the master’s room.
Concubines had no right to sleep in the master’s room and could only wait in their own rooms for his favor. She was neither his wife nor concubine, just a lowly prostitute. Even male bed warmers had a clean status, but she was lower than that. How could she possibly share her room?
Jin Yu, previously of noble status and now living as a commoner for two years, didn’t understand Su Xi’s thoughts. She wanted to cherish and love her, to share happiness together. She had once thought she preferred delicate men, but now realized that Su Xi – struggling yet strong, fragile yet beautiful – was more attractive, making her feel happiness was very close.
Jin Yu gently stroked Su Xi’s slightly protruding belly, patiently persuading her, “I’ll only feel at ease if you stay in my room, to take care of you while pregnant.”
Su Xi’s eyes welled up with tears. Lowering her gaze, her long eyelashes concealed her misty eyes filled with touched sweetness. She nodded slightly, softly mumbling “Mm.”
Jin Yu laughed, her smile spreading to her eyes, radiating tenderness. Su Xi looked up and was captivated. Though Jin Yu was always gentle, Su Xi rarely saw her smile like this—warm and comforting.
The narrative explores themes of love, vulnerability, and mutual care, with Su Xi ultimately agreeing to be with Jin Yu, motivated by love and the desire to protect their unborn child.
Jin Yu caressed Su Xi, causing his breathing to quicken and soft moans to escape his lips. A tingling sensation spread across his body, and his face flushed with embarrassment and sweetness. He was too shy to turn away but felt drawn to Jin Yu.
Seeing Su Xi’s reaction stirred Jin Yu’s heart, and she kissed him again, finding him even more lovable and attractive now that he was pregnant. She wanted to keep him hidden away from others.
Just as Su Xi thought Jin Yu was going to do something embarrassing again, she pulled the blanket up, saying, “Sleep. You must be very tired. Don’t push yourself.” Her voice was husky with desire.
Su Xi softly replied, “I’m not tired. If you want, I can still continue.”
Jin Yu stroked his hair affectionately, “You’re not tired, but the baby must be. Go to sleep.” He insisted he wasn’t tired, supporting himself until he finally fell asleep.
Su Xi placed his hand on his belly and fell asleep in Jin Yu’s embrace.
Jin Mo returned home last night and learned that Su Xi and Xiao Lian had been brought back to the mansion by Yun Mei. She was slightly angry. Her elder sister was about to marry Xu Yi, yet Yun Mei had returned Su Xi, who was pregnant, causing an awkward situation for Xu Yi. Jin Mo saw Yun Mei as possibly opposing her or Jin Yu, or pitting Su Xi against Xu Yi. She believed Su Xi should have waited until after the marriage before entering the mansion.
Jin Mo thought Xu Yi might be happier marrying her, as she could provide him with exclusive favor without competition. However, he preferred to be one of many wives, just as it was two years ago.
Xiao Lian turned to leave, but Jin Mo called out, “Where are you going? I can show you the way.”
“None of your business,” Xiao Lian replied, considering Jin Mo a detestable woman who had caused Jin Yu great sorrow.
“The mansion is very large.”
You might get lost finding my elder sister’s quarters,” Jin Mo said to the curious and bewildered Xiao Lian, who seemed lost.
Initially reluctant, Xiao Lian remembered the handkerchief he had made and agreed, “I’m going to find my brother.” At least Jin Mo was willing to help him, unlike the servants who looked down on him.
Jin Mo smiled faintly and said, “Just follow me.”
Although annoyed by Jin Mo’s demeanor, Xiao Lian was too hesitant to express his feelings. He had been searching the Jin residence for a long time and needed assistance.
Su Xi opened the door to reveal the beautiful outdoor scenery, the soft winter sunlight bringing a smile to his face.
“Brother,” Xiao Lian called out as he spotted Su Xi and ran toward him, leaving Jin Mo behind. Jin Mo simply smiled at the sight.
Su Xi turned to see Xiao Lian approaching and happily said, “Xiao Lian, slow down.”
Xiao Lian rushed into him, only to realize Su Xi’s stomach had grown. Worried, he touched it, asking, “Are you okay? Did I bump the baby?”
“No, the baby will be fine,” Su Xi smiled softly. When Xiao Lian bumped him, he instinctively protected his stomach. Su Xi stroked Xiao Lian’s hair and greeted Jin Mo behind him.
Jin Mo saw Su Xi bathed in sunlight, looking soft and submissive, and began to understand why Jin Yu liked Su Xi.
The steward approached Jin Yu’s courtyard, contemplating the master’s instructions. The master allowed a young widower to live in her main room – a privilege even Cloud Mei had not received. Though displeased, the steward accepted it since the young widower was carrying the master’s child. She believed the master’s feelings were merely indulgence due to pregnancy and that once the child was born, the master would neglect him.
As the steward entered the courtyard, she saw Jin Mo and felt even more displeased. She was upset about Su Xi living in the master’s room but was more bothered by Jin Mo’s presence. The second young miss had an ambiguous relationship with Cloud Zheng and seemed interested in Young Master Xu. Did she intend to pursue all of the master’s men? Su Xi was already the master’s and had his child.
The steward believed Jin Mo was capable of taking over the Jin family but had reservations about her.
The second young miss’s two-year correspondence with the legitimate wife was shameful, and she had recently met the already-married Cloud Mei.
The steward said, “Second Young Miss, Su Xi belongs to the master. It seems inappropriate for you to meet him alone.”
Jin Mo ignored the steward’s words with a gentle smile. Su Xi said, “Since I’ve brought Xiao Lian here, I’ll return now.”
Su Xi bowed respectfully. Xiao Lian snorted, feeling he no longer needed to tolerate this woman now that he had found his brother.
Jin Mo noticed Xiao Lian’s reaction, “You really don’t seem to like me.”
Xiao Lian turned away. Su Xi stroked his hair, “Xiao Lian, don’t be like this.” Xiao Lian pouted and lowered his head. Jin Mo’s smile deepened as she shook her head and left.
