Yuwen Chu returned to the mansion and didn’t see Mingzhu. Instead, he found Niuniu crying inconsolably, surrounded by Zhuangzhuang and Millet, who were watching. Niuniu must have wanted to go home to find her mother. Even when Zhuangzhuang offered her toys, she refused, and Millet, mimicking Zhuangzhuang, handed over a tambourine. When Niuniu didn’t take it, she threw it at Niuniu, triggering another round of crying.
Yuwen Chu had to step forward to pick up Niuniu and comfort her gently, then sent someone to find out how Huayang Wangfei was doing. The news was good; Jiang Zhouzi arrived in time and quickly performed a cesarean section on Huayang Wangfei. It was said that Tang Chunlai also helped with the operation. Huayang Wang had received the news and would likely return soon.
Wei Tiande came back and reported, “Wangfei said it’s chaotic over there. Huayang Wangfei has been unconscious the whole time, and with no one taking charge, she has to wait for Huayang Wang to come back before she can go home. His Highness is advised to have his meal and rest first, no need to wait for her.”
Yuwen Chu then settled down and patiently played with the children. He realized he spent too little time with them usually. Although he used to feel guilty about it, he thought it was mainly the woman’s responsibility to take care of the children. But upon reflection, he remembered how he envied Old Nine’s favor from the emperor when he was a child. Zhuangzhuang and the others must feel the same. Moreover, he would soon be going to battle. By the time he returned, the children might not even recognize him. So, he made an effort to entertain them, and Niuniu gradually cheered up. Not only did she finish her meal, but she also obediently went to sleep with her nurse.
It wasn’t until the moon reached its zenith that Mingzhu returned home. She was exhausted but happy. She gestured to Yuwen Chu, “It’s a boy, weighing over eight jin. I don’t know what Seventh Sister usually eats to make the baby so big. She must be foolish and gluttonous. His face was turning blue when he was born. Jiang Zhouzi said if it had been a little later, it would have been a disaster. Seventh Sister lost a lot of blood and will probably need a long recovery. It’s fortunate that Huayang Wang’s mansion is close to the palace. If they lived on our side, it would be difficult.”
Yuwen Chu listened quietly to her and saw her radiant smile and shining eyes. He knew she was genuinely happy for Huayang Wangfei. He said, “I heard from Wei Tiande that Jiang Zhouzi said it’s a critical period. If they get through the first three days, they should be fine. If there are complications, even immortals can’t help. Have you heard about this?”
Mingzhu’s smile faded, and she became nervous again. “I haven’t heard about it.”
“That’s because you’ve been busy and didn’t notice. I’ve arranged for someone to take over Seventh Brother’s military training. Let him take good care of his wife and children at home these days.” Yuwen Chu poured Mingzhu a cup of tea. “Don’t worry too much. I believe Seventh Sister is blessed and will surely pull through.”
Mingzhu looked at him approvingly. “I knew Your Highness is the most considerate person. They follow us wholeheartedly, so we shouldn’t mistreat them. Blood brothers fight side by side, and Seventh Brother is helping you. I feel much relieved.”
Yuwen Chu smiled and said, “There will be one more Old Nine in the future.”
Mingzhu didn’t understand his meaning and said seriously, “He helped me a lot today. Seventh Brother will surely appreciate his help, so even if he suffers a little setback now, he will be rewarded twofold in the future. But he’s unpredictable, Your Highness should not trust him completely like Old Seven”
With such straightforwardness and concern for him, Yuwen Chu felt a little warm in his face, but he would never admit to being petty. He replied just as seriously, “If he wants to lead troops, then I’ll grant him that wish. To be honest, Old Nine is talented. As long as he channels his efforts in the right direction, I may still accommodate him.” Though he never quite liked him, the victor should always be more tolerant towards the vanquished, knowing that this would please Mingzhu even more.
Indeed, Mingzhu looked at him with admiration, praising him generously, “I was a bit hesitant when I saw him today, afraid of what others might say and what you might think. But then I realized you’re not that kind of person, so I boldly went ahead, after all, it was an urgent matter concerning human lives. I knew I hadn’t misjudged Your Highness, only you could have such a broad mind and tolerance.”
“Before, I wanted to discipline him because he was so clueless and needed discipline. Now that he’s more sensible, I’m happy too. Who has time to babysit him all day?” Yuwen Chu’s hair was now smooth and close to his body, and he felt comfortably lazy from head to toe. He reached out to Mingzhu and said, “Come here. I heard you got into a fight again today?”
Seeing his eyes half-closed like a contented cat, Mingzhu knew he was truly relaxed now. Fulfilling her promise to stand up for Yuwen You, she happily walked over and sat in Yuwen Chu’s lap, smiling mischievously, “Of course, that Lady Yang, she’s spoiled by Seventh Brother! I think the reason why Seventh Sister almost lost her life was because of her deliberate delay! I gave Seventh Brother a good scolding without holding back, she won’t get away with it!”
Yuwen Chu smiled, “So you really can’t stand the concubines and maids?”
Mingzhu smiled back, “What do you think? Is Your Highness feeling amorous and wants to find two people to spar with me?”
Yuwen Chu bit her neck lightly and muttered vaguely, “Cut it out. You can spar with me instead. Train me well, and ten of me feeling amorous will be enough.”
Mingzhu lazily replied, “But I’m tired today and don’t want to move.”
Yuwen Chu’s enthusiasm flared up, “You don’t have to move, just don’t fall asleep.” He wanted to make her feel comfortable, then regard all other men as worthless; no one could compare to him.
Mingzhu’s heart fluctuated between anger and shame. At one moment, she felt like she was about to faint, and the next, she was pulled back by him. What was most annoying was that he kept asking her, “Are you comfortable? What doesn’t feel good? What feels the best? Is this good? How about that?” stretching his voice, “Oh, you like this, huh? We’ve been married for so long, just say if you like it, no need to hide it?”
“What do you want?” Mingzhu finally became angry and couldn’t bear it anymore. She wanted to drive him away, but as soon as she lifted herself up, she was mercilessly suppressed. Yuwen Chu knew well how to please her, and with just a few movements, she lost all her strength and could only seethe silently. But he still felt unsatisfied, so he teased her, “If you want to scream, go ahead. I like to hear it.”
Mingzhu gritted her teeth and refused to scream, so he lightly slapped her buttocks and joked in a low voice, “Let’s see how long you can hold out! In the end, it’s not me who can’t stand it.”
