His head was spinning. But it wasn’t the kind of spinning where he didn’t know anything. His mind felt like a bottle of soda that had been shaken violently and then opened, bubbling over with sweet fizz, leaving him dazed by these sugary bubbles. Sweet? Zhuang Dongqing was momentarily lost in thought. His tongue was lightly bitten, and Cen Yan noticed.

“Mm.” He couldn’t help but let out a shameful whimper. His waist was wrapped in a strong embrace, and he realized he was completely clinging to Cen Yan, holding on tightly. Sometimes the world was clear, and other times it felt like it was shrouded in mist; after a while, everything became surreal. He couldn’t catch his breath. The air seemed to follow his breathing, becoming humid and sticky. His face felt like it was on fire, and Zhuang Dongqing tilted his head back, exposing his fair neck, which was kissed at the Adam’s apple. Zhuang Dongqing’s spine began to tremble again. He didn’t understand why every place that was touched reacted so intensely. This feeling was unfamiliar. But it wasn’t unpleasant.

“Enough, enough.” Unable to hold back, Zhuang Dongqing spoke, his voice breaking. Then his Adam’s apple was gently bitten, and Zhuang Dongqing blinked, a tear sliding down from the corner of his eye.

“Why are you crying again?”

“I’m not, I didn’t cry…” He just couldn’t control this reaction… Ugh, so embarrassing. His eyes were gently wiped by a fingertip, the messy tears brushed away, and Zhuang Dongqing tightly closed his eyes, slightly turning his face, desperately avoiding the gaze that fell on him, his eyelashes trembling incessantly.

“Don’t like it so bright?” A hoarse voice asked near his ear. Zhuang Dongqing just shook his head, not wanting to speak. Cen Yan looked at him for a moment and suddenly said, “Hold on tight.”

Zhuang Dongqing didn’t have time to think; the next moment, his body was lifted into the air. When he hurriedly opened his eyes, the white veil that separated the inside from the outside swept over his head, and Zhuang Dongqing was stunned as the surrounding light quickly dimmed, then he was set down. He sat on… his own bed. What a terrible place. What a terrible scene. What a terrible atmosphere. Zhuang Dongqing’s face temperature skyrocketed, steaming up as if it were about to explode.

The next moment, his head was pressed into Cen Yan’s embrace. “Take it easy.”

“Don’t think too much,” Cen Yan swallowed hard, his throat dry, “My shoulder injury hasn’t healed yet.”

Zhuang Dongqing: “…” Zhuang Dongqing actively buried his face into Cen Yan’s side. He felt embarrassed about the hidden meaning behind it. “…You don’t have to tell me.” Zhuang Dongqing mumbled. Cen Yan’s voice returned with a smile, “That won’t do. You’ve taken care of me for so long, haven’t you?”

“I didn’t…” I never thought there would be any follow-up. Cen Yan interrupted, “Mm, our young master is so upright…” After a pause, he added softly, “It’s me who’s thinking.”

“…” How shameless! Zhuang Dongqing completely stopped talking, unable to say anything, and his face burned again. Yeah, he couldn’t control it. At the same time, in just a few sentences from Cen Yan, his mind was filled with chaotic thoughts… Help!

Fortunately, Cen Yan really let him take it slow. When he didn’t say anything, Cen Yan also fell silent. He didn’t know how long it had been, but when Zhuang Dongqing managed to calm his racing thoughts and steady his breathing, Cen Yan asked him again, “Do I still smell good?”

Zhuang Dongqing lost all shame; anyway, with his face buried in Cen Yan’s body, he took a deep breath in this position. Zhuang Dongqing’s heart finally relaxed, “…No.”

Upon hearing this, Cen Yan let out a short laugh. “?”

“Want to know what I’m laughing at? But you better not hide.” Even though he couldn’t see Zhuang Dongqing’s expression, it felt like Cen Yan could read his thoughts. Zhuang Dongqing felt numb, and before he could think it through, Cen Yan didn’t give him much time to choose.

“I can hear your voice sounding quite relieved. Normally, I should feel relieved too, but… I seem to feel a bit disappointed?” Cen Yan: “I find it quite amazing, couldn’t help but laugh a little.”

Actually, he was laughing at himself, being insincere. Zhuang Dongqing felt completely numb. He rubbed his hot ears and couldn’t help but close his eyes again, “…Don’t say anymore.”

Cen Yan complied, “Okay.” With just one word, Zhuang Dongqing could sense the comforting tone. “…” He couldn’t think anymore. Zhuang Dongqing pretended to be dead again.

After hiding like an ostrich for a while, Cen Yan didn’t rush him. Zhuang Dongqing took a deep breath, “Alright, can you see him now?” The sooner the better, so he could wash up and then completely bury himself under the covers to hide away.

“Can we do it now?” Zhuang Dongqing gritted his teeth, “If we delay until next time, it really won’t be possible!” He couldn’t afford to lose that person, ugh. Realizing something, Cen Yan softly hummed.

Zhuang Dongqing raised his hand halfway, constantly doing mental preparation: It’s okay, it’s the child’s other father, it’s okay, it’s already been agreed upon, it’s okay, I’ve already lost face in front of Cen Yan many times, so what’s one more time… Zhuang Dongqing untied the ties.

Due to his physical condition, he was worried it would be bad for the child, so the clothes he made after coming to the Wangfu didn’t have a waist seal, so… They were still easy to take off. After pulling out three ties, he felt a breeze against his chest, and Zhuang Dongqing’s toes curled… Wasn’t it a bit too easy to take off? An inner garment fell down.

Zhuang Dongqing swallowed hard, pulled out another tie, and a chill rushed over him, making him shiver. “You can come and see.” He stuttered, closing his eyes. He really couldn’t face this scene; it was better to be an ostrich. If he couldn’t see it, then it never happened! Zhuang Dongqing told himself.

Cen Yan laughed again, and Zhuang Dongqing’s ears turned red and never cooled down. Hearing the sound, he gritted his teeth. “Are you nervous?”

“No…” Zhuang Dongqing broke down, speaking honestly, “Embarrassed.”

“Can I lean here?” Cen Yan guided Zhuang Dongqing to lean against the carved post of the bed frame. Zhuang Dongqing then realized he was still curled up in Cen Yan’s embrace; in this position, Cen Yan couldn’t see him.

“…Okay, okay.” Without opening his eyes, Zhuang Dongqing endured. Gripping the bed frame felt like holding onto a lifeline, but his head was held high, waiting for the inevitable. It’s fine, it’s fine, it’s fine… it will be over quickly…

The moment he felt the fabric of his clothing being moved, Zhuang Dongqing instantly broke down; it had only just begun! Hurry, it was taking way too long. Because Cen Yan continued, “Wait for me.”

After a while, he turned back, and although Zhuang Dongqing couldn’t see, he could feel what Cen Yan was doing. Because the light on his eyelids intensified… Cen Yan brought in a lamp, ugh. Before Zhuang Dongqing could react, he felt a chill at his ribs as his clothing was completely opened.

Zhuang Dongqing shivered, tightening his grip on the bed frame, his entire face scrunching up. It’s fine, it’s fine, it’s fine… just kidding! Don’t reach out, ah! Thinking it would just be a moment, but unexpectedly, that fingertip slid along his skin, ah, ah, ah, Zhuang Dongqing opened his eyes, “You…”

His face flushed red as he managed to say one word, but when he saw Cen Yan’s expression, he froze. It wasn’t what he thought; it wasn’t… flirtation. Cen Yan’s expression was very serious, even somewhat solemn. It didn’t seem like he was facing Zhuang Dongqing’s lower abdomen; it felt more like he was dealing with something significant.

He… As his gaze fell, Zhuang Dongqing saw where Cen Yan’s finger was pressing, it was that red line. “Does it hurt?” Cen Yan asked, confused, in a gentle tone. Zhuang Dongqing shook his head; compared to Cen Yan, he felt like his mind was filled with junk.

“Oh,” after asking, Cen Yan seemed to realize he had touched him, and he awkwardly added, “Can I touch it?”

“I just couldn’t help it; if you don’t like it, then…”

“…You can touch it.” Zhuang Dongqing completely gave in. Seeing that he no longer closed his eyes, Cen Yan examined his expression for a moment, then opened his fingers and really pressed against Zhuang Dongqing’s lower abdomen, “Still flat.”

“…Mm.” Zhuang Dongqing: “Zhao Ye said it will show later, and the belly won’t get too big.”

“That’s good; it will save you some suffering.” Cen Yan’s finger traced that red line, following its path, bringing a slight itch. Perhaps it was Cen Yan’s focused expression, or perhaps his words were too serious; as Cen Yan moved, Zhuang Dongqing’s chaotic thoughts diminished, and he also felt something else, like the fact that there was indeed a life inside him.

“This feeling is quite wonderful.” Cen Yan swallowed, speaking softly. Zhuang Dongqing felt the same. When he first found out, every time he touched his belly, he would feel a wonderful sensation.

“After having it, besides this line, are there any obvious changes?” Cen Yan looked up, his light-colored pupils filled with pure curiosity. Zhuang Dongqing suppressed his embarrassment and said, “There are, at first, I would vomit, later, I would feel very sleepy, even now, if I lie on the chair to rest, I can easily fall asleep.”

“My appetite has gotten better; I really want to eat things…”

“If I walk for a little longer, I really want to sit down and rest.” His eyelashes trembled, Zhuang Dongqing said, “Sometimes I feel very excited, and sometimes I feel very scared…”

“What are you afraid of?” His voice was gentle, and the atmosphere was good; Zhuang Dongqing couldn’t help but answer, “A lot of things.”

“At first, I was afraid I wouldn’t have enough money to raise it, that I wouldn’t be able to raise it well.”

“Later I was afraid… afraid…” Zhuang Dongqing hesitated. Cen Yan looked into his eyes but didn’t rush him. Zhuang Dongqing slowly calmed down, influenced by his tranquility, lowered his gaze for a moment, and confessed, “I’m still a bit afraid you won’t want him.”

“If something happens to me during childbirth, I’m afraid no one will take care of him…” If it ended up like this, it would be better not to have him. Zhuang Dongqing knew all too well what a child without parental protection would go through.

Cen Yan was surprised. Then he scolded, “Don’t say such unlucky things!”

“I…”

“It won’t happen.” Cen Yan said seriously, looking directly at Zhuang Dongqing, firmly stating, “Nothing will happen.”

“Zhao Ye’s medical skills are excellent; if you’re still worried, we can find a few more doctors later, okay?” Zhuang Dongqing swallowed hard, and after a moment, obediently nodded.

Cen Yan squatted down, took Zhuang Dongqing’s hands in his, looking up at him, his expression determined as he slowly said: “There are many good doctors in the fief, and in the southern border, there are many secret techniques that aren’t passed down; keeping you safe won’t be a problem.”

“If you’re really worried, I can have Zhao Ye explain it to you?” Lowering his gaze, thinking of something, Cen Yan smiled again, “They are all very concerned about you; they definitely won’t let anything happen to you.”

After all, Cen Yan should only have this one child. With the abbot of the Great Compassion Temple’s endorsement, everyone regarded Zhuang Dongqing like a precious gem. Zhuang Dongqing nodded again, feeling a bit embarrassed as he said, “I just can’t help but think of such situations, but you have already promised to keep him…”

“Same here; whether I promise or not, it’s better for the child to have both parents alive.” He actually used Zhuang Dongqing’s own words to counter him.

After a moment of silence, Zhuang Dongqing couldn’t help but laugh. Then he nodded more emphatically, “Right, that’s true.”

“Feeling better?” Zhuang Dongqing stubbornly said, “Not bad.”

“Alright, our young master says it’s not bad, so after we’ve finished, shall we continue?”

“?”

Continue what? What to continue? Cen Yan gave Zhuang Dongqing the answer through action; he had already untied the inner garment, and now he pulled at the waistband of his pants. Zhuang Dongqing stared blankly as he directly tore it open.

In the next moment, Cen Yan placed a kiss on the red line, and at that moment of contact, Zhuang Dongqing trembled all over. “Continue detoxifying,” “Zhao Ye said it’s best to let it out.”

That voice was close to his ear, impossible to shake off, tempting him, “Do you want to do it yourself, or should I take care of our young master like last time?” Zhuang Dongqing tried to run but was caught by the ankle, unable to break free, and soon, he started to whimper again…

In less than half an hour, Cen Yan called for hot water. Zhuang Dongqing buried his entire face in the pillow, feeling utterly defeated. Listening to the sound of water from Cen Yan washing his hands, he was filled with shame and anger!

The next day, Zhuang Dongqing still felt dazed. The first time could be excused; he couldn’t remember it that clearly, but yesterday, yesterday… Cen Yan even brought in an extra lamp! So excessive! So excessive, excessive, excessive! He must have done it on purpose!

Liu Fu: “Young master, is the bun not to your taste?” Seeing Zhuang Dongqing stabbing the bun with his chopsticks with all his might, Liu Fu was confused.

“It is!” The reply was also through gritted teeth. While speaking, Zhuang Dongqing stabbed the bun several more times, and looking at the bun’s battered body, Liu Fu fell silent. Fortunately, Zhuang Dongqing didn’t mind the stabbed bun.

Breakfast was finished in this strange atmosphere. Between breakfast and lunch, it was time for medicine. Zhuang Dongqing took the bowl, drank a big mouthful as usual, and then…

“Poof—”

“Cough, cough, cough, cough!” Caught off guard, he spat it all out. Liu Fu was also startled and hurried over to pat Zhuang Dongqing’s back while calling for Zhao Ye.

By the time Zhao Ye arrived, Zhuang Dongqing had already tried several times and truly couldn’t drink it. When he tried to force it down, Liu Fu stopped him.

“It’s both bitter and sour; I don’t know why, but today it has become especially, especially bitter, and I can’t swallow it.” Zhuang Dongqing said.

Zhao Ye took a sip of the remaining medicine at the bottom of the jar, checked the dregs, and confirmed that the taste and the medicinal materials hadn’t changed at all. What had changed was actually Zhuang Dongqing’s perception. He took his pulse.

Zhao Ye: “Have you been feeling… recently?”

Zhuang Dongqing: “Last night.” He squeezed out each word, “The prince came over and then helped, helped me a bit…” After saying that, he didn’t dare to look at Zhao Ye.

Fortunately, Zhao Ye was professional; after listening, he took his pulse again. After checking both of Zhuang Dongqing’s hands, Zhao Ye finally said, “Actually, the pulse condition is much better; the toxins are dissipating.”

Zhuang Dongqing: “Then what about this medicine…”

Zhao Ye: “It’s not suitable; our young master should have noticed that the medicine can’t suppress the toxins.”

“Moreover, all medicine has some toxicity; even if the dosage is very small, if you can avoid it, it’s better not to take it.”

“Even if it doesn’t affect the child, it still isn’t good for your body.”

Zhuang Dongqing: “…” Realizing something, Zhuang Dongqing looked at Zhao Ye, wanting to say something but hesitating.

Zhao Ye gave him the green light, “Let’s stop the medicine.”