During the journey from the south to the north, Ning Wanwan felt no fatigue from travel, only delight at witnessing the magnificent landscapes of her homeland.
At every city they passed, Wei Chenheng would stop to carefully explain the local customs and culture to her, taking her to sample regional delicacies as if trying to stuff every delicious morsel into her mouth.
“Is the northern frontier really that harsh? Does my husband truly fear I won’t get to enjoy good food in the future?”
Wei Chenheng nodded and answered seriously, “There’s only beef, mutton and dry flatbreads. Delicate pastries like these will be practically unavailable.”
Ning Wanwan didn’t see this as particularly bad and comforted him, “That works out perfectly since I love meat.”
But the moment she finished speaking, her expression suddenly changed. Feeling her stomach churning violently, she rushed outside and began retching dryly.
Wei Chenheng immediately chased after her, supporting her as she retched until she was nearly exhausted. “What’s wrong?”
On the verge of tears from discomfort, she sniffled, “My stomach feels upset, and I’m feeling nauseous.”
“Did you eat something bad?” He frowned, handed her a cup of water to rinse her mouth, and instructed A Sheng to summon a physician.
While waiting for the physician, Wei Chenheng helped her rest by the bed. Her face was pale, and she appeared quite unwell.
The man’s large hand tightly clasped her small one, his voice filled with urgency. “Stomach discomfort? Nausea? Any other symptoms?”
Ning Wanwan lowered her gaze thoughtfully. One moment she had been delighted at the mention of beef and mutton, the next she found the thought of them utterly revolting.
This… this must be morning sickness, right?
She mentally calculated the timing and realized it was likely.
Seeing her shifting emotions clearly written on her face—sunny one moment, cloudy the next—Wei Chenheng grew even more worried. He leaned down, pressing his forehead against hers, his voice slightly hoarse. “Wanwan, you mustn’t have anything happen to you.”
Somewhere along the way, he had become constantly anxious, terrified that something might befall her.
She reassured him, “Husband, I’m fine.”
Wei Chenheng’s handsome face remained tense and unsmiling, his expression so serious it was as if she had contracted a terminal illness and was about to die.
“I’m really fine.”
“We’ll see what the physician says.”
“Husband, I… I think I’m with child.” A faint blush spread across her cheeks as she spoke timidly.
Wei Chenheng froze for a moment, his gaze filled with bewilderment.
This… was he unhappy about it?
She too became confused. Her mind immediately began racing with wild thoughts—did he not like children? Was he thinking of making her abort? What would happen to her mission then?
As these thoughts swirled, she began shedding miserable tears.
Wei Chenheng snapped out of his daze and, seeing her tears, became flustered. He quickly reached out to wipe the tears from the corners of her eyes. “Wanwan, why are you crying?”
She sobbed pitifully, “Does my husband not like children?”
“That’s not what I meant. I…” He hugged her in a fluster. “I do like them! I like any child of yours and mine! I just… didn’t expect I’d become a father.”
To suddenly become a father!
Her eyes were red from crying, like a wronged little white rabbit. The fair skin beneath her eyes was slightly rubbed pink, making her appear even more pitiful and delicate.
“But you didn’t look happy.”
He gazed deeply at her, his tone exceedingly gentle: “Of course I’m happy! But I’ve heard pregnant women suffer greatly. The thought of you enduring hardship to bear this child pains my heart.”
“This is just morning sickness. It will pass.”
Wei Chenheng took her hand, pressing it to his lips for a light kiss. “My heart aches whenever you get the slightest bump or bruise. If pregnancy causes you discomfort, wouldn’t I be committing a grave sin?”
She rested her head against his chest, listening to his heartbeat as she softly replied: “But I truly wish to bear this child for you, husband. Whether it’s a daughter or son, it will be our own flesh and blood.”
Wei Chenheng smiled faintly, his fingers brushing aside the stray hairs at her temples. His voice grew husky: “Very well. As you wish.”
Shortly after, A Sheng ushered the physician into the room. The pulse diagnosis confirmed she was indeed with child.
Overjoyed, A Sheng gave the physician extra silver. The physician advised: “The lady’s pulse is steady, her vital energy abundant—this is most auspicious. However, the first three months require special caution. Avoid excessive fatigue and strenuous activity. And… refrain from marital relations.”
Ning Wanwan’s thoughts drifted momentarily, her earlobes flushing warm and pink.
She would have no issue with that.
But Wei Chenheng—in his prime and full of vigor—could he endure it?
Yet Wei Chenheng’s expression remained neutral, his face solemn as he inquired about precautions and dietary needs for pregnant women. The physician explained each point thoroughly, and Wei Chenheng listened intently, seemingly committing everything to memory.
The physician then prescribed prenatal medicine before taking his leave.
After the physician departed, Ning Wanwan noticed Wei Chenheng’s darkened expression.
“Husband, what troubles you?”
Wei Chenheng’s eyes deepened with unspoken thoughts. He released a barely audible sigh, softening his tone: “Your current condition isn’t suitable for travel. I’m considering whether we should remain in this small town instead of proceeding to the frontier. What do you think?”
She lifted her gaze, confusion shimmering in her eyes. “But what of the northern border conflicts?”
He paused briefly, hesitation flickering across his eyes before leaning closer. Taking her hand and pressing it over his heart, he gazed at her with tender affection: “Don’t trouble yourself with that. I have arrangements in place. You need me more at this time.”
She understood the ancient dilemma between loyalty to country and devotion to family. Though he accompanied her on their leisurely journey daily, his heart remained with the frontline soldiers who had fought alongside him through life and death.
Wei Chenheng wasn’t one to indulge in trivial romance. He was courageous and fearless, strategically brilliant, sworn to serve his country with unwavering loyalty to the court and compassion for the people. A general of towering stature, wholehearted in his devotion.
If she confined such a man to this limited space, she would truly deserve eternal condemnation.
“Husband, listen to me.” She composed her expression, speaking earnestly: “I feel much better now. Let us rest today and depart tomorrow, alright?”
He studied her intently before stating firmly: “No. Your present condition cannot withstand travel.”
“But I don’t wish to stay here. I want to go to the northern frontier.” Her hands dropped dejectedly.
“No.” His voice grew muffled. “Wanwan, be good. Listen to me.”
Interlacing her fingers with his, she spoke tenderly: “Do you remember when I spoke of marital freedom? That includes mutual respect and care. You’ve given me your sincere heart—how could I possibly hinder you?”
Wei Chenheng’s eyes, dark as the night, gazed at her.
Ning Wanwan paused briefly before continuing, “I enjoy watching the scenery along the way with you, but what I truly wish to see is the Northern Frontier—the place you called home for nearly a decade. What is it like there?”
“Wei Chenheng, I don’t want my concerns to halt our journey forward. Do you understand?”