Chapter 336: She’s About to Give Birth

“Mother, Third Sister is already my sister. Now that you’ve taken her as your goddaughter, should I call her Third Sister or God-sister instead?”

Jingyun’s brows were tightly furrowed into knots. He waved his hand. “No, no, God-sister isn’t as close as Third Sister.”

The Empress Dowager was surprised.

Jingyun was firm in his stance. “Everyone knows I was raised by Mother (Mother Gu). Third Sister staying by our side won’t be seen as anything improper. And even if it were, this entire Great Zhou listens to me. If I say it’s proper, then it’s proper!”

If he couldn’t even make decisions about such trivial matters, then what was the point of being this damn emperor?

The Empress Dowager smiled. “Very well, she’s your sister.”

She knew Tingyuan’s true identity. With both Jingyun and Tingyuan shielding and supporting Gu Baozhu, naturally, no one would dare speak ill of her.

“Mother, I don’t have much time left. I want Third Sister to stay in my side hall so we can review and read together. When I go to morning court or handle state affairs, she can come to you and learn embroidery and other feminine skills. Would that be alright?” Jingyun blinked, trying to coax her into agreeing.

Under normal circumstances, this would be improper. The Empress Dowager would have refused outright without room for discussion.

But Jingyun was different. He hadn’t grown up in the palace. Taking on such a heavy burden in an unfamiliar environment, he was likely feeling frightened and lonely. Having someone familiar by his side might bring him a bit of comfort.

“Alright. Mother trusts that you know your limits,” the Empress Dowager replied, placing her faith in him.

Jingyun was so overjoyed he nearly lost his mind, like a wild colt breaking loose from its reins, wanting to gallop around the palace three full laps.

“Thank you, Mother!”

Jingyun performed a proper bow with all due decorum.

The Empress Dowager, feeling helpless, said to Mother Gu, “Jingyun has changed his name. The name recorded in the imperial genealogy is Ji Shuo. His childhood name is Jingyun.”

Mother Gu smiled. “It’s a very good name.”

She looked at Jingyun. Dressed in a dragon robe and wearing a golden-winged crown, his small face stern with seriousness, there was an inexplicable softness and adorableness about him. Her heart warmed, and she wanted to hold this child in her arms, but knowing the difference in their statuses, she restrained herself.

Mother Gu asked, “Did you just return from morning court?”

Jingyun took the initiative and hugged Mother Gu. In his clear eyes shone deep affection. “Mother, I haven’t seen you in so long. I missed you so much.”

Tears welled up in Mother Gu’s eyes. “Mother missed you too.”

“Mother, can you come to the palace every month to see me and Third Sister?”

“Of course. Whenever I have time, I’ll come visit you.”

Jingyun was overjoyed. He wanted to take Mother Gu around and show her everything in the palace, but he held himself back and instead just pulled Mother Gu and Su Wan along, chattering about his experiences.

“Sister-in-law, there was an official who opposed the construction of the Baishan Hall. He said you shouldn’t monopolize the supply of medicinal herbs to the palace and the military. Does he think I’m a fool and don’t know that the supplier he’s pushing is his own relative?”

Jingyun gave a cold snort. “I’ll issue an order for him to personally oversee the construction of the Baishan Hall.”

That’ll drive him mad!

Su Wan found him unbearably adorable and couldn’t resist pinching his little cheek. “That works. I can’t go supervise the construction myself, so let him do it. And if we catch him slipping, we’ll strip him of his position.”

Jingyun happily agreed without hesitation.

Gu Baozhu stood beside the Empress Dowager. She saw that her second brother’s fair face was constantly lit with a smile, yet he still cast a careful glance at the Empress Dowager from time to time. Noticing the warmth in her eyes, Gu Baozhu quietly let out a breath of relief. The unease in her heart finally settled a little.

“Third Sister, don’t be afraid. From now on, the two of us will live together just like before. Whatever happens, I’ll stand up for you,” Jingyun said as he gently patted Gu Baozhu on the head.

Gu Baozhu’s eyes curved into crescents with her smile, a natural aura of spirit and charm radiating from her. “You’re not allowed to bully me.”

“I’m a grown-up now. I’m too mature to bully you like a child,” Jingyun said, holding out his hand. “But you can bully me.”

Gu Baozhu shot him a glare and slapped his hand.

Jingyun quickly dodged and reached out to tug at one of her braids.

“Gu Jingyun!” Gu Baozhu shouted in anger, chasing after him.

Jingyun burst into loud laughter and ran off.

The Empress Dowager, Mother Gu, and Su Wan watched the two of them laughing and playing, unable to hold back their own smiles.

The Empress Dowager said, “I’ve never seen Jingyun this happy before.”

Perhaps bringing Gu Baozhu into the palace had been a good decision after all.

——

Su Wan and Mother Gu had lunch together in the palace, returning to the residence only in the afternoon.

Mo Yuan reported, “Young Lady, the six people have been delivered to Young Lady Cao. They’ve already left the capital.”

“Good. From now on, matters related to acquiring properties in various regions will be your responsibility. You’ll handle all communications with them.” As Su Wan led Mo Yuan back to the study, she gave her instructions. “I’ll draft a document for you outlining all the important points. Also, based on the geological and climate conditions of each area, determine what kinds of medicinal herbs are suitable for cultivation. Have them report back to you so I can make a proper plan. You’ll need to work harder in the first three months. After that, I’ll go conduct a field inspection myself.”

“Young Lady, your health…”

“It’s fine. I’ll be careful. If I’m feeling unwell, then you all will have to handle the travel. I can only teach you how to identify herbs. Or we can just spend a bit more to hire people experienced in medicinal herb cultivation.”

Now that Su Wan’s business had a clear plan and was already on track, she couldn’t let her pregnancy bring it to a halt.

Mo Yuan remained silent and relayed Su Wan’s intentions to Gu Huaizhi.

Gu Huaizhi had no objections. The first three months happened to coincide with his busiest period, and he rarely had time to stay in the residence to care for Su Wan. Fortunately, the child had been well-behaved and caused little trouble. Not only did Su Wan show no signs of morning sickness, but her appetite was excellent. She had even put on a little weight, and her complexion had visibly improved.

When Su Wan needed to leave the capital for inspections, Gu Huaizhi did his best to make time and accompanied her on the journey.

Out of concern for her health, it took Su Wan nearly a full year to properly arrange matters across the six locations where Cao Wanqing had acquired land. All areas had since begun large-scale cultivation of medicinal herbs, and the growth conditions were excellent.

The two pilot Baishan Hall had also been constructed. Su Wan, along with Director Liu and several imperial doctors, selected medical practitioners for them. Each hall had a total of four practitioners. Every month, a batch of medicinal herbs was supplied based on prescriptions provided by the practitioners.

Su Wan, with her round belly, reclined on a soft couch. A large cushion supported her lower back as she held the financial statements and simple reports submitted by the Baishan Hall.

Qi Min placed pieces of cut pineapple on the small table, drizzled honey over them, then picked one up with a bamboo skewer and fed it to Su Wan. “Jingyun had these specially delivered. There weren’t many to begin with, and he gave you half.”

Su Wan took a bite, juice flowing out as the sweet and tangy flavor burst in her mouth. She really liked it. “But I can’t eat too much, it causes internal heat. I just wanted a taste. The rest, you all can share.”

“Your father, your mother-in-law, and I all tried it. Nearly knocked our teeth out from the sourness,” Qi Min said with a look of distaste.

“I think it’s delicious.” Su Wan picked up another piece and popped it into her mouth. She was dressed in a light spring blouse, her belly shifting and tilting as the little one inside kicked around. She rubbed her stomach and said, “Don’t be naughty. That kick really hurt your mother.”

Qi Min watched her belly bulge out slightly, as if it had been poked by a tiny fist. Her eyes brimmed with amusement. “You’re about to give birth. Stop worrying about the Baishan Hall. Leave it to your subordinates, or hand it over to Huaizhi.”