Chapter 731: Lazy
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Donghui ran out to check, and after a while, returned with a smile, “Wangfei, can you guess who it is?”
Mingzhu had a pretty good idea. It wouldn’t be Yuwen Chu himself, but surely people he sent to look after her and bring her things. She pretended, “I can’t guess. Childbirth has made me stupid.”
Donghui laughed, “It’s Rong Momo and the others, and also Zheng Momo and Su Mei.”
Mingzhu could no longer pretend. She quickly said, “Bring them in quickly.”
Donghui laughed, “Don’t be so hasty. They’ve been traveling, all dusty and tired. They should freshen up a bit before coming to pay their respects; otherwise, it would be too impolite.”
“I’m just anxious. Let Zheng Momo and Su Mei come in,” Mingzhu insisted, not caring about manners. Zheng Momo and Su Mei were the ones who usually took care of Zhuangzhuang, and she was eager to hear about him. The details from those who looked after him daily would be more comforting than the few words in Yuwen Chu’s letters.
Unable to refuse, Donghui called for Zheng Momo and Su Mei. Both women had become noticeably thinner from the journey, but instead of tears, they greeted Mingzhu with joy and congratulations, then started sharing updates. “After the situation in Yicheng stabilized, His Highness sent us with supplies, following those sent to proclaim the decree in Yicheng. We hurried all the way, hoping to arrive before Wangfei gave birth, but floods delayed us after Yicheng.”
A month earlier, Yuwen Guang had decreed that the heir of Huan Wang should inherit the title to stabilize the hearts of the people in Yicheng, but without returning the seal, he ordered the heir to the capital for an audience. Mingzhu knew about this and asked, “How did the remnants of Huan Wang’s forces and the local powerful families react to the decree?”
Su Mei couldn’t say, but Zheng Momo explained clearly, “They were uneasy and tried several times to speak with Linan Wang and General Shen. But since the heir himself agreed to go to the capital, there hasn’t been much opposition. Wangfei need not worry; the Regent has it well in hand.”
After discussing important matters, they turned to Zhuangzhuang. “He can walk now and is very mischievous. He loves going up and down stairs and understands everything people say, even though he can only say a few simple words. His Highness often asks him to fetch small things, but he cries whenever he doesn’t see His Highness and won’t be consoled by anyone else except Fourth Master.”
“Does he mention me?” Mingzhu felt a pang of sadness. She had missed Zhuangzhuang’s first steps and the start of his understanding. Now, the long journey back would mean missing more of his milestones. His clinginess to his father, his cries when his father wasn’t there, all stemmed from her absence. Though unavoidable, she felt she owed him so much.
“Yes, he does, he mentions you often,” Su Mei quickly reassured Mingzhu.
Mingzhu knew Su Mei was lying, just like how Yuwen Chu’s letters had been. Perhaps when she first left, Zhuangzhuang did think of her, but as time passed, he likely forgot about her. Even if he remembered, he might be angry with her.
Seeing the situation, Zheng Momo smiled and said, “Please excuse me, Wangfei. This old servant is covered in dust from the journey and would like to wash up before attending to you.”
Donghui also quietly reminded Mingzhu, “They haven’t even had breakfast to rush here.”
“You’ve worked hard. You don’t need to attend to me today. Have a good meal and rest. Once you’re well-rested, come back,” Mingzhu said, sending them off. She then turned to the wall, feeling waves of sorrow.
Donghui tried to console her, but seeing it was no use and worried that Mingzhu might fall ill from grief, she brought the baby over and placed her in Mingzhu’s arms. With a newborn to care for—feeding, changing diapers—Mingzhu had no time to feel guilty and devoted herself entirely to the lazy little baby.
That night, Mingzhu drank soup meticulously prepared by Rong Momo. The next morning, she began receiving abdominal massages. The already well-maintained villa became even more orderly under Zheng Momo’s management, allowing Mingzhu to focus solely on her recovery and caring for her child.
Yuwen Chu sent two carts full of precious herbs and rare items from the capital, some chosen by him and some by the people from the Prime Minister’s residence. The goods ranged from clothes and jewelry to baby supplies. According to Su Mei, this was the result of multiple rounds of selection; otherwise, they would have needed four carts.
Knowing that she and Millet would not stay there long and would eventually return to the capital, Mingzhu picked out the most novel items to reward the influential families in Huazhou, attributing the gifts to Yuwen Chu’s gratitude for their care. This brought joy to everyone.
In early September, the weather cooled, and Mingzhu finally completed her postpartum confinement. She recovered well, thanks to Rong Momo’s soups, massages, and Jiang Zhouzi’s breathing exercises. After the confinement period, she was not slim, but neither was she fat; she was simply a bit more robust. Her complexion and spirit were excellent, making her feel strong and unstoppable.
Millet also grew well, looking clean and chubby. She ate and slept a lot, rarely cried, and when she did, it was usually because she was hungry or had soiled herself. She loved to sleep, often crying with her eyes closed and even smiling lazily.
Mingzhu was concerned about Millet’s laziness, but both Jiang Zhouzi and the wet nurse assured her the child was perfectly healthy. Observing Millet herself, Mingzhu had to admit that the baby was indeed just lazy.
Du Heng comforted her, saying, “Lazy people are often smarter. This child is probably just conserving energy to grow.”
Mingzhu believed him but still expressed her worries in her letters to Yuwen Chu. He dismissed her concerns, accusing her of worrying unnecessarily and wasting time. According to him, their daughter was the best in the world, and even if she was lazy, it was because she knew she was here to enjoy life without unnecessary effort.
Though a bit upset by his scolding, Mingzhu laughed at the last line of his letter: “If you don’t come back soon, Zhuangzhuang won’t recognize you!” She understood he meant he would not recognize her either. Her husband, as usual, was indirect.
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