The rain fell all night, and the peach blossoms outside the window had mostly fallen.
Lu Nianfu sighed with some regret, "This child was born at such an inopportune time. How much of the blooming season will be missed during the confinement period?"
Qingya chuckled beside her, "You didn't seem eager to go admire flowers in previous years either."
"Not wanting to and not being able to are two different things. Just like these peach blossoms, they seemed ordinary in past years, but this year, they won't be seen."
"How could that be? The peach blossoms in the capital are finished, but the ones on the mountain are just budding. By the time you're out of confinement, the timing will be perfect. How does that poem go? 'In April, all the flowers in the mortal world fade, but the peach blossoms of the mountain temples begin to bloom.'"
Lu Nianfu tutted, "With your literary talent, why did you marry Shoucheng back then? You should have married into a scholarly family and become a muse."
"Oh, please. The shop hired a failed scholar as an accountant. He's so bookish and pretentious, he makes my teeth ache. Shoucheng is much better; he never skimps on good food and drink for me."
"Look at you," Lu Nianfu thought, seriously suspecting Qingya had been tricked by good food in the first place.
Qingya gently pushed her towards the bed, "My dear Princess Consort, as beautiful as the world outside the window is, you can't linger. You'll get a headache if you catch a chill. Hurry and lie down. Madam Xu said lying down more during confinement is good for the back."
"No, I just got up?"
"You still can't stand by the window."
Lu Nianfu sighed and resignedly let herself be pushed along. Just then, the door opened, and Situ Yan walked in. Standing against the light, the man's face was indistinct, making his figure appear exceptionally tall.
Qingya giggled, "Your Highness, Madam Xu will be here soon. If she sees you in here, she'll surely fly into a rage."
"Go wait outside. I just want to say a few words to the Princess Consort."
"Alright." Qingya darted out swiftly, even closing the door behind them thoughtfully.
Just as Lu Nianfu was about to speak, she was pulled into a familiar embrace. Situ Yan rested his head on her neck, "Wife, I have to leave the capital again."
A hint of reluctance rose in Lu Nianfu's heart, "Why are you leaving again so soon after returning?"
"War is about to break out on the border. I need to go to Hui Ge."
"You're going to war?" Lu Nianfu's head shot up, and she pushed him towards the door, "If you're going to war, how can you still come into my room? Hurry up and get out."
"No, no war, I'm going for peace talks."
Situ Yan hastily explained, but Lu Nianfu still pushed him out. She was reluctant for him to leave, and she wanted to embrace him properly, but now was not the time.
Better safe than sorry.
If she, who had experienced the ethereal concept of rebirth, could encounter such a thing, who knew if the ancient rules of the world would come true? "A Yan, our safety is paramount. When you return, we can hug as much as you want. Why risk bad luck by going to the border?"
Even if they said peace talks, what if they failed? Wouldn't war still ensue?
Situ Yan found it both amusing and exasperating, "That's just old wives' tales, why are you taking it seriously?"
"In any case, it's better to be cautious. If anything happens to you, our child and I won't be able to live."
This was a rather absurd statement. His wife was never a wilting flower and could hold up the Prince Rui's manor without him.
But Situ Yan was still pleased to hear it. The melancholy of parting lessened, "If all goes smoothly, I estimate this trip will only take about two months. Don't worry, Father Emperor has promised to protect you and our child. If the Empress or the Imperial Consort give you trouble, just go to Father Emperor for justice."
"Mm."
"Last time I returned to the capital in a hurry, I didn't have time to buy you a gift. This time, going to Hui Ge, I'll be sure to find some rare treasures for you."
Lu Nianfu shook her head, "Those years when Yangzhou's trade was booming, what rare things haven't I seen? Take care of yourself, returning to the capital quickly is the most important thing. Absolutely do not be like last time..."
Situ Yan responded with utmost solemnity, "Don't worry, I won't make you worry this time."
"Oh, right. Before Sheng Yao was born, I went to a temple to pray for a peace talisman. It's on the vanity in my room. I'll have Qingmiao give it to you later. Be sure to keep it on you at all times."
The couple chattered, seemingly saying a lot, but in reality, it was all meaningless chatter. Yet, neither of them wanted to stop talking.
The northern general Ren Tianyu had already submitted three secret memorials, and Duke Xie had begun deploying troops. The great war was imminent, and there was not much time to delay. Just as Fu Lingyun was still contemplating inserting his own men into the delegation to Hui Ge, Emperor Changwu had already ordered the team to depart.
The departure came too suddenly, and Lu Nianfu fell into a melancholy again. Qingmiao could only bring the child to her room every day to distract her.
How could someone recuperating from childbirth endure constant longing?
The day after she finished her confinement, Ouyang Wen arrived, stating that the betrothal gifts were ready and urging her to go to the Cheng family to propose.
Lu Nianfu had no choice but to quickly arrange to meet Cheng Beizheng and discuss this marriage with him.
Just as she had imagined, Cheng Beizheng exploded. Without waiting for her to finish speaking, he stormed back home.
Then he headed straight for the Chenxiang Xie where Cheng Jiaojiao was staying.