Chapter 125: The Baby Moved

Du Wanchun reached out and touched her belly. “I don’t really feel anything yet. Maybe it’s still too early.”

Madam Zhou nodded. “Just wait a little longer. You’ll probably feel it soon, maybe even tonight.”

Du Wanchun lowered her head and gazed at her stomach, her face full of anticipation for the baby growing inside her.

Madam Zhou strode into the kitchen. Taking advantage of the fact that the Third Prince was not home, she prepared a bowl of egg soup for Du Wanchun. She added small glutinous rice dumplings and some brown sugar for extra nourishment.

“Wanchun, come and try this. I made you some sweet brown sugar egg soup.” She smiled as she placed the bowl in front of Du Wanchun.

Du Wanchun quickly took it in her hands. “Mother, but I just finished breakfast.”

Madam Zhou bent down and gently blew on the hot soup. “A pregnant woman should eat five or six times a day. Later, I’ll make some meat buns for you.”

Now that she thought about it, Du Wanchun did feel a little hungry. She picked up the spoon and scooped up a rice dumpling, taking a bite. It was sweet and chewy—delicious.

She quickly ate two more bites.

Fortunately, the portion wasn’t too much, so after finishing the bowl, she didn’t feel overly full.

Seeing her eat so heartily, Madam Zhou turned and went back to the kitchen to make the buns.

After finishing, Du Wanchun got up and took the empty bowl back to the stove.

Today, Zhou Ruizhen had gone to General Mo’s residence in Cheng’an County.

General Mo had asked to see him, but Du Wanchun didn’t know what they had talked about. Zhou Ruizhen didn’t return until nightfall.

By the time he came back, Du Wanchun had already finished washing up and was lying in bed.

Zhou Ruizhen moved quietly, cautiously approaching her. He knelt beside her, gently brushing away the stray strands of hair on her forehead before placing a soft kiss there.

Du Wanchun felt the cool sensation on her forehead and quickly opened her eyes, only to be met with Zhou Ruizhen’s handsome face.

Before she could say anything, he pressed his lips against hers, climbing onto the bed and pulling her into his arms.

Ever since she became pregnant, the two of them had not been intimate for several months.

Zhou Ruizhen had been holding back all this time.

But today, perhaps unable to suppress his longing any longer, he lost control.

The warmth of his lips made Du Wanchun momentarily dazed. She quickly pushed him away. “Wait, the baby…”

Zhou Ruizhen kissed her earlobe, whispering beside her ear, “I asked the doctor. He said it’s fine.”

Her cheeks flushed, and her heart pounded wildly.

Then, Zhou Ruizhen pulled down the bed curtains and once again captured her lips.

That night felt exceptionally long.

By the time the next morning arrived, Du Wanchun was still lost in sleep.

Zhou Ruiyuan stood up and gently wiped her face with a handkerchief.

Du Wanchun slowly opened her eyes, then buried her face into the quilt, exposing the back of her neck.

Her fair skin was covered with faint red marks.

Zhou Ruiyuan reached out and lightly touched them. “General Cao spoke to me yesterday about returning to the palace.”

Du Wanchun peeked out from under the covers and looked at him. “Husband, if you return to the palace, does that mean you’ll be the Crown Prince? And later, the Emperor?”

Zhou Ruiyuan pulled her into his arms and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. “Don’t worry. No matter what my status becomes in the future, my wife will only be you.”

In the Xuanyue Kingdom, it was common for men to have multiple wives and concubines. As a ruler, having an imperial harem filled with women was considered the norm.

Du Wanchun felt a warmth stir in her heart. Just as she was about to speak—

Zhou Ruiyuan continued, “Wanchun, in this lifetime, I will only take a wife and never a concubine. Even if I return to the palace, the imperial harem will consist of you alone.”

Du Wanchun froze for a moment, then turned and hugged him tightly.

Zhou Ruiyuan was not a man who made promises easily. But once he did, he would always keep them.

And in this, Du Wanchun had absolute faith in him.

The two of them embraced, closing their eyes for a moment of rest.

Suddenly, Du Wanchun felt a flutter in her lower abdomen.

Her eyes snapped open in surprise. “Husband! The baby just moved!”

Zhou Ruiyuan’s body stiffened. He immediately let go of her. “The baby moved?”

Du Wanchun placed her hand over her belly and felt the tiny movement again. “Yes! Try placing your hand here.”

It was Zhou Ruiyuan’s first time experiencing fatherhood. His heart pounded with excitement as he reached out with a slightly trembling hand and carefully placed it on her stomach.

The baby inside seemed to sense its father’s presence and gave a small, playful kick.

Zhou Ruiyuan immediately felt the gentle movement against his palm.

At that moment, his nose suddenly tingled, and his throat tightened with emotion. He was so overwhelmed he could barely speak. “He… he really moved…”

Seeing Zhou Ruiyuan stammering in excitement, Du Wanchun couldn’t help but laugh.