Chapter 18: The Delicate Songstress vs. The Strong General

Traveling from the south to the north, Ning Wanguan didn’t feel the exhaustion of the long journey. Instead, she was delighted by the breathtaking landscapes of the country.

At every city they passed through, Wei Chenheng would stop, carefully explaining the local customs to her, taking her to try the regional delicacies—he practically wanted to stuff all the delicious food into her mouth.

“Is the northern frontier really that harsh? Are you afraid I won’t be able to eat good food in the future?”

Wei Chenheng nodded, answering seriously, “There’s only beef, mutton, and dry flatbread. Delicate pastries like these are almost impossible to find.”

Ning Wanguan didn’t see it as a problem at all and comforted him, “That’s fine—I love eating meat.”

But the moment she said that, her expression suddenly changed. A wave of nausea surged from her stomach, and she quickly rushed outside, retching uncontrollably.

Wei Chenheng immediately ran after her, supporting her weakened body. “What’s wrong?”

She looked like she was about to cry from the discomfort, sniffing as she said, “My stomach feels upset… I feel nauseous.”

“Did you eat something bad?” He frowned, handed her a cup of water to rinse her mouth, and instructed Ah Sheng to summon a physician.

While waiting for the physician, Wei Chenheng helped her to the bedside to rest. Her face was pale, looking terribly unwell.

His large hand tightly grasped her small one, his voice filled with urgency. “Your stomach feels sick? Want to vomit? Any other symptoms?”

Ning Wanguan lowered her gaze, deep in thought. Just a moment ago, she had been excited about beef and mutton, but now, she found it absolutely repulsive.

This… could this be morning sickness?

She quickly calculated in her mind—most likely, it was.

Seeing the flickering emotions on her face, shifting from bright to gloomy, Wei Chenheng became even more anxious. He lowered his head, pressing his forehead against hers, his voice slightly hoarse. “Wanwan, you absolutely cannot fall ill.”

At some point, he had become so afraid of losing her.

She reassured him, “Husband, I’m fine.”

But Wei Chenheng’s face remained tense, looking as if she had been diagnosed with a terminal illness.

“I really am fine.”

“Let’s wait for the physician to confirm that first.”

“Husband, I… I think I’m pregnant.” A faint blush spread across her cheeks as she shyly whispered.

Wei Chenheng froze, his eyes filled with bewilderment.

Was he… not happy?

She suddenly felt lost, her mind running wild. Did he not like children? Did he want her to get rid of it? What about her mission then?

The more she thought about it, the more flustered she became, and before she knew it, tears welled up in her eyes.

Wei Chenheng snapped back to reality and, seeing her tear up, instantly panicked. He hurriedly wiped away her tears. “Wanwan, why are you crying?”

She sobbed, looking pitiful, “Husband… do you not like children?”

“That’s not what I meant. I…” He clumsily wrapped her in his arms. “I like them! I like both you and our child! I just… didn’t expect to become a father so soon.”

He was going to be a father!

Her tear-filled eyes were red, like a little bunny that had been wronged. Her fair skin beneath her eyes was slightly flushed from being rubbed, making her look even more delicate and pitiful.

“But you don’t look happy.”

He gazed at her deeply, his voice incredibly gentle. “Of course, I’m happy! But I’ve heard that pregnancy is very hard on women. The thought of you suffering just to have this child… I can’t bear it.”

“It’s just morning sickness. It’ll pass soon.”

Wei Chenheng took her hand and kissed it lightly. “Even when you so much as bump into something, I feel terrible. If you have to suffer because of this pregnancy, wouldn’t that make me a terrible husband?”

She leaned into his chest, listening to his heartbeat. Her voice was soft. “But I truly want to give birth to this child for you. Whether it’s a son or a daughter, they will be our child.”

Wei Chenheng chuckled, brushing a few strands of loose hair behind her ear, his voice husky. “Alright, as you wish.”

After a while, Ah Sheng led the physician into the room. The diagnosis confirmed—she was indeed pregnant.

Overjoyed, Ah Sheng generously tipped the physician extra silver. The physician gave some instructions: “Madam’s pulse is steady, and she is in excellent health. This is wonderful news. However, the first three months are crucial—she must avoid excessive exertion and strenuous activities. Also… it’s best to abstain from intimacy.”

Ning Wanguan momentarily froze, her ears turning red.

She was fine.

But Wei Chenheng—young, strong, and full of energy—could he endure it?

However, his expression remained calm. Instead, he solemnly asked the physician about precautions and dietary needs. He listened carefully, as if memorizing everything.

Once the physician left, Ning Wanguan noticed that Wei Chenheng’s expression had darkened.

“Husband, what’s wrong?”

Wei Chenheng’s deep gaze flickered, and after a moment of silence, he sighed lightly and softened his voice. “Your body isn’t suited for traveling right now. I was thinking… maybe we should stay in this town for a while and postpone going to the frontier. What do you think?”

She looked up, a trace of confusion in her eyes. “But what about the war in the north?”

He hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty in his gaze. Then he leaned closer, taking her hand and pressing it against his chest, his voice filled with tenderness. “That’s not something you need to worry about. I have my arrangements. Right now, you need me more.”

She understood the ancient dilemma of loyalty and personal duty. Though he had been traveling slowly with her, his heart was still tethered to the frontlines and his fellow soldiers.

Wei Chenheng was not a man who indulged in fleeting romance. He was brave and fearless, a strategist of unparalleled skill, sworn to his country, devoted to his people—a great general of unwavering loyalty and honor.

If she kept him here, she would be committing an unforgivable sin.

“Husband, listen to me.” She furrowed her brows slightly, speaking seriously. “I’m already feeling much better. Let’s rest for a day and continue our journey tomorrow, alright?”

He looked at her deeply and firmly refused. “No. You shouldn’t be traveling in your condition.”

“But I don’t want to stay here. I want to go to the frontier.” She lowered her head, feeling dispirited.

“No.” His voice was muffled. “Wanwan, be good. Listen to me.”

She intertwined her fingers with his and said gently, “Do you remember what I said about freedom in marriage? It also includes respect and care for one another. You treat me with sincerity—I can’t be the one holding you back.”

Wei Chenheng’s dark eyes locked onto her.

Ning Wanguan took a deep breath and continued, “I love traveling with you, seeing the scenery along the way. But more than that, I want to see the northern frontier where you’ve spent the past ten years. What is it like?”

“Wei Chenheng, I don’t want our journey to stop because of me. Do you understand?”