Ninth Imperial Glorious Phoenix Chapter 748

Chapter 748: Coaxing Zhuangzhuang

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The lantern hanging in front of the carriage illuminated half of Yuwen Chu’s face while leaving the other half in shadow. He spoke gently, his gaze soft, looking exceptionally handsome. No, it wasn’t just handsome; he was mature, elegant, composed, strong, and profound. Just sitting there effortlessly overshadowed all words of praise.

Mingzhu stared at him, filled with mixed emotions, and then spoke frankly, “I just saw Ji Hui at the Great Empress Dowager’s.”

“I know,” Yuwen Chu pulled her to sit down, “We’ll discuss this matter later. Zhuangzhuang also came to pick you up.” He indicated a shadow beside him, “He waited too long and fell asleep.”

Mingzhu immediately put him aside and eagerly moved to Zhuangzhuang’s side, crouching down to look at him. At one year and seven months old, Zhuangzhuang was still soft and round, holding a small wooden carriage in his chubby hand, a gift Mingzhu had brought back.

Mingzhu’s eyes welled up, and tears fell unexpectedly. She held Zhuangzhuang’s little hand against her cheek, kissing it gently. She wanted to wake him but couldn’t bear to. Yet, not waking him made her long to talk to him, to tell him that his mother had returned.

Seeing her emotional state, Yuwen Chu was also moved. He took out a handkerchief to wipe her tears and said warmly, “He really likes the gift you brought him.”

Mingzhu smiled through her tears, “He said so?”

Yuwen Chu shook his head. “No, but I could tell. He kept holding it and wouldn’t let go. His favorite is that carriage, but when Millet wanted it, although he was reluctant, he still gave it to her. He’s also very accommodating with Jia Jia, but he’s different with Little Stone. If Little Stone tries to take his things, he’s willing to fight back.”

Mingzhu couldn’t help but smile. During the year and more that she had been away, Yuwen Chu had done a great job raising their child. Yuwen Chu continued describing Zhuangzhuang’s personality: “This child is a bit stubborn, but he’s incredibly generous. Of course, he also holds grudges.”

Mingzhu reached out to Zhuangzhuang, several times wanting to hold him but then withdrawing her hands. Seeing her hesitation, Yuwen Chu couldn’t help but place Zhuangzhuang in her arms. “If you want to hold him, just do it. What are you afraid of?”

“Isn’t there a saying about how returning to your hometown makes you nervous? It’s like that for me too. I’m just afraid that waking him up might make him resent me and not want to be close to me anymore.” As Mingzhu held Zhuangzhuang, she felt all her unease and displeasure vanish. She had Zhuangzhuang, Millet, her family, and many people who liked her. The people around her weren’t as terrifying as the Great Empress Dowager had said. Blaming everything on women was simply wrong.

The little one in her arms suddenly stirred, opening his eyes and silently observing Mingzhu. She didn’t notice and softly told Yuwen Chu how much she missed Zhuangzhuang: “I always felt guilty for him. Holding Millet makes me think of him, and not holding Millet also makes me think of him. When Millet was born, there was a double rainbow after a rain, and everyone said she was special, born with a sign. I thought, luckily she’s a girl. Otherwise, how would Zhuangzhuang feel?”

“No matter the distance, a child can sense a mother’s love,” Yuwen Chu gently tapped Mingzhu, hinting that the child was awake.

Mingzhu suddenly became nervous, looking down at Zhuangzhuang with a silly smile. “Good baby, Mommy is back.”

Zhuangzhuang’s eyes were dark and bright. He laid steadily in her arms, scrutinizing her, then wiggled to sit up. Mingzhu quickly helped him sit, smiling ingratiatingly. “Zhuangzhuang, it’s Mommy. Do you remember?”

Zhuangzhuang silently turned away, reaching for Yuwen Chu instead.

Mingzhu felt a pang but didn’t want to force him. Reluctantly, she handed him to Yuwen Chu, looking at him with a forced smile.

Zhuangzhuang buried his head in Yuwen Chu’s shoulder, pretending not to hear Yuwen Chu’s words. After persuading him for a while to no avail, Yuwen Chu could only helplessly comfort Mingzhu. “He’ll come around soon.”

Mingzhu sniffled, forcing a laugh. “Okay.” She decided to hang a lantern inside the carriage and took out a small wooden horse from her robe, set it on a mechanism, and placed it on the table. The little horse lifted its front hooves and “clip-clopped” a few steps.

Zhuangzhuang suddenly turned, staring at the horse without blinking. He reached out for it. Mingzhu eagerly tempted him. “Come to Mommy, and you can have the horse.”

Zhuangzhuang shook his head and looked up at Yuwen Chu, asking for the horse. “Daddy, want.”

Yuwen Chu smiled. “The horse belongs to Mommy, not Daddy. If you want it, you have to ask Mommy.” He whispered something in Zhuangzhuang’s ear. Zhuangzhuang looked at the horse, then at Mingzhu, but still refused to go over.

By this time, more than half the journey had passed, and Zhuangzhuang remained steadfast. Mingzhu was nearly disheartened, but she decided to try once more, reaching out and making her smile as sweet as possible. “Mommy really missed you. Can I hold you just once? Just once.”

Zhuangzhuang hesitated for a moment, and though he didn’t reach out, he leaned slightly towards her. Mingzhu understood his meaning instantly, joyfully scooping him up and quickly placing the little horse in his hand, taking the opportunity to show him how to work its mechanism.

Zhuangzhuang, with his small and clumsy hands, couldn’t figure it out and pulled Mingzhu’s hand, impatiently wanting her to make the horse move. Mingzhu cheerfully obliged, and seeing his gradual happiness, she stole a couple of kisses on his cheeks. He didn’t protest, which emboldened her. She kissed his face and hands, singing and joking to entertain him.

When she felt his little body gradually relax in her arms, she knew he had temporarily accepted her. Having been away for so long, she didn’t expect him to become immediately close but hoped he would slowly accept and allow her near. That was enough. With teary eyes, she rested her head on his, softly saying, “Such a good boy.”

Yuwen Chu watched from the side, his heart melting. When they arrived at the Regent’s Palace, he reached out to take Zhuangzhuang, but Mingzhu wouldn’t let him. She insisted on carrying Zhuangzhuang herself. Zhuangzhuang accepted her hold, clinging tightly to the carriage and the little horse. His expression remained serious, but his eyes were bright, showing no signs of sleepiness.

Everyone from the Fu family who could come was there. The reunion was naturally filled with excitement and joy. Fu Mingzheng reached out to take Zhuangzhuang from Mingzhu. “Who’s holding you? How about letting your fourth uncle hold you instead?”

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