“I had no idea.”
He couldn’t help but chuckle softly, gazing at her intently. “So Wanwan has so many thoughts.”
“Then, husband, are you willing to respect my opinion?”
“I am.” A faint smile lingered between his brows, the corners of his peach-blossom eyes slightly raised, the gloom instantly swept away.
He was gentle yet restrained, rational and composed.
“But you must also promise me that if your body can’t handle it, you must tell me.”
Ning Wanwan agreed without hesitation, “No problem!”
She would never shortchange herself. That evening, while Wei Chenheng was away, Ning Wanwan quickly took out the Hundred-Treasure Pouch, rummaging through it for the Fetus Protection Pill and the Luck Enhancement Pill. The former was to protect the fetus and child, while the latter boosted her resistance and reduced her pregnancy symptoms.
After a moment’s thought, she also took a Scar Removal Pill, just to be safe.
Over the next few days as they began their journey, Ning Wanwan clearly noticed the caravan moving slower. They stopped and started along the way, less like traveling and more like sightseeing.
Wei Chenheng took on the role of her personal bodyguard with great seriousness, caring for her meticulously throughout the journey.
In late autumn, the caravan arrived grandly at the northern frontier. The grasslands were already bare, and the weather was turning cold.
Ning Wanwan’s belly was slightly showing now, about four months along.
The military camp conditions were indeed harsh, but the tent she lived in was the best available. Wei Chenheng gave her the best within his means.
After living there for half a month, Ning Wanwan had grown accustomed to military camp life. Once Wei Chenheng returned to camp, he became increasingly busy. Worried she might feel lonely, he assigned a maid to attend to her.
The maid was named Cui’er, also a woman of few words. Wei Chenheng’s intention was for Cui’er to keep her company and chat, but instead, the two often found themselves staring at each other in silence.
Fortunately, aside from being quiet, Cui’er was diligent in her work, which allowed Ning Wanwan to enjoy her leisure.
Two months passed imperceptibly in the military camp. It was now the sixth month, and Ning Wanwan’s pregnant belly was more prominent. Her movements began to slow, and she tired more easily than before.
In early winter, heavy snow fell on the grasslands, the howling wind whistling through.
Outside the tent, the world was frozen, the northern wind roaring.
Cui’er added firewood to the stove, above which a roasted lamb leg sizzled, golden brown. With just a sprinkle of coarse salt, the meat was crispy, neither gamy nor greasy.
It made Ning Wanwan’s mouth water.
Her appetite had surged recently, especially for meat. Presumably, the little one in her belly was a carnivore too.
Cui’er took the lamb leg down and poured freshly boiled goat milk onto the table, preparing to serve Ning Wanwan her meal, when they heard the inspiring sound of a horn outside the tent.
The victorious horn made Ning Wanwan’s eyes light up. She exchanged a glance with Cui’er and asked, “Has the general returned?”
Cui’er nodded. “Sounds like it. Three or four days earlier than expected.”
Ning Wanwan rushed out of the tent. Cui’er grabbed a cloak and hurried after her, draping it over Ning Wanwan’s shoulders, exclaiming, “Madam, slow down! Be careful, the snow makes the ground slippery!”
Only then did Ning Wanwan cover her belly and slow her pace, but her heart continued to race wildly. Her eyes fixed on the direction of the victorious horn.
Cui’er held onto her tightly, afraid she might slip and fall.
After walking only a few steps, they saw a Blood-Sweating Horse galloping toward them from ahead.
The horse charged through the snow, majestic and imposing.
The general on its back wore armor, his brows spirited and features radiant. He carried the steady composure of one who had weathered battlefields and endured bloodshed and hardship, like a god of war descending from the heavens amidst clear brilliance.
The warhorse let out a low neigh as the general reined in sharply just a meter away from her.
He dismounted swiftly, having traveled through wind and dust, and his first act was to pull her into an embrace.
“Husband…”
Wei Chenheng’s deep gaze swept over her before he lowered his head to gently kiss her palm. Noticing her small hand was somewhat cold, he couldn’t help but rub it, frowning as he asked, “Why are your hands so cold?”
“I’m not cold!”
She reached out to caress his handsome face. It had been over two months since they last met, and he appeared much thinner. “But you—how have you grown so thin?”
With one arm, he scooped her up horizontally, holding her like a prized trophy, and headed toward the tent. “Let’s talk inside.”
Once inside the tent, he deftly placed her on the soft couch.
She wrapped her arms around his waist, drawing closer to him.
“Husband, I’ve missed you so much.”
Wei Chenheng looked down at her, his voice gentle and warm. “I’ve missed Wanwan too.”
So much that it nearly drove him mad.
Her small face pressed tightly against his chest, she could feel his heart beating fervently, and her own heart responded with equal intensity.
“Your hands are so cold.”
He held her hands, breathing warm air onto them, and led her to the stove. Picking up some firewood, he tossed it into the stove, causing flames to leap up and heat to billow out.
Before long, her cheeks were flushed rosy from the stove’s warmth, and her body grew comfortably warm.
Wei Chenheng carved the lamb leg into small pieces, feeding her bite by bite.
Chewing the lamb, she smiled radiantly, her bright eyes blinking as she gazed at him. “Husband, you eat too.”
He smiled tenderly, placing a small piece of meat into his mouth, still chewing slowly and deliberately.
After they had eaten and drunk their fill, he ordered servants to heat water and bring it into the tent. Wei Chenheng began to remove his armor and prepare for a bath and change of clothes.
Ning Wanwan sat by the bed, admiring the sight of this handsome man in the flesh.
It seemed his skin had tanned darker, and his muscles appeared even more robust and firm.
As her thoughts wandered, Wei Chenheng finished his bath. He simply draped a garment over himself and walked toward her.
Seeing him approach, Ning Wanwan smiled softly.
He lowered his head, looking at her intently, sensing the wonder of life being passed on.
Ning Wanwan’s gaze was gentle as she whispered, “Husband, in a few months, we will become parents.”
Wei Chenheng couldn’t help but curl the corners of his lips into a smile.