The moonlight was as clear as washing.
Today was the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, the night when the moon was full.
Whether rich or poor, families always gathered together on such a night.
Layue felt especially happy watching the children hopping around joyfully.
The three youngest were already four years old now.
They skipped and followed behind their older brothers, making a noisy ruckus.
Layue and Emperor Jing were reclining on a rocking chair, with Layue snuggling entirely into the Emperor’s arms.
“The elders always say that the fullest moon comes on the sixteenth. So technically, we’re not even seeing the roundest moon tonight,” Layue teased playfully.
She had already become accustomed to this unrestrained lifestyle over the past two years.
She spoke freely without any reservations.
The Emperor kissed her gently on the face.
“Then we can come out again tomorrow.”
Layue giggled.
“You’re so good to me, Your Majesty!” She naturally wrapped her arms around the Emperor’s neck.
Emperor Jing smiled and patted her head: “If watching the moon means treating you well, then when have I ever treated you poorly? In everything, I always put you first.”
Layue playfully rubbed her cheek against his.
Their affectionate moment didn’t disturb the children at all.
Yan Yu and Yan Jia watched the younger ones, and everything was harmonious.
Yan Ning was playing happily with the children, seemingly having completely forgotten the past. Layue had been somewhat worried at the beginning of the lunar year, but now she was entirely reassured.
Even Cui Wen said that he probably couldn’t remember those past events.
Seeing the brothers getting along so well now, both Layue and Emperor Jing were extremely delighted.
He only wished that his children would never again experience the brutal struggle for succession.
Noticing Layue’s gaze resting on Jiao Jiao, Emperor Jing understood her eagerness. Since losing their last child, Layue had desperately wanted another baby, and had become unusually proactive in their intimate life.
Yet for some unknown reason, she hadn’t conceived.
The Emperor had always believed that everything should happen naturally.
He slid his hand toward her abdomen and smiled.
As long as they kept trying, it would happen eventually.
And he would be more than willing to “try.”
“Your Majesty, the red date and sticky rice porridge you requested is ready.”
At this moment, only Jin Xin dared to approach and interrupt.
Layue quickly sat up. For some reason today, she had suddenly developed a craving.
But after tasting just one spoonful, Layue frowned.
“Why does this porridge taste so fishy?” She covered her mouth, feeling her stomach churn violently.
“Really?” The Emperor took a bite from her spoon.
“I don’t taste anything unusual. It’s actually quite sweet.” The little ones had just eaten fish porridge, and Qiao Ning would never mix ingredients carelessly.
Still puzzled, Layue took another bite.
Another wave of nausea hit, and feeling her stomach contents rising, Layue quickly stood up and rushed to the washroom.
Seeing her like this, Emperor Jing also stood up immediately.
Jin Xin hurried behind her.
“Your Majesty, are you unwell? Let me call Qiao Ning.”
Before she could turn around, the Emperor, following Layue, murmured, “You know, I think you might be pregnant.”
He remembered that her monthly period was already a few days late.
“Eh?” Layue was stunned, staring blankly at the Emperor.
Seeing her dazed expression, the Emperor helped her out and told Jin Xin, “Go get Cui Wen.”
If she really was pregnant, it would be tremendous news. Knowing how anxious Layue was, Jin Xin lost her usual composure and hurriedly rushed out.
Soon enough, Cui Wen also hurried in, clearly flustered.
Everyone was eagerly anticipating the news.
Sure enough, Layue was already one month pregnant. Upon hearing the news, Layue’s mouth hung open in shock, overjoyed beyond words.
“Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I’m finally pregnant…”
Hearing that their mother was expecting, the children quickly gathered around.
Clapping their hands and spinning around happily.
“I want a little sister. I’ll comb her hair and give her delicious food. I want a sister…” Jiao Jiao jumped up excitedly.
“No sister, I want a little brother. A little brother. Number Five isn’t fun to play with. I want a little brother to wrestle with…” Little Four had completely different thoughts from his sister.
“Smack!” He received a kick on the butt from his sister.
“If you try to take my idea, you’ll get hit.” Jiao Jiao showed no sign of being a proper little girl.
“You all must behave. Whether it’s a boy or a girl, they’ll be your younger sibling. You must protect them and make sure no one bullies them. Don’t bother your mother with anything these days, understand?” The Emperor addressed the children.
They all nodded in unison, answering clearly: “We understand.”
This pregnancy brought immense joy to Layue, who carefully took care of herself, hoping only for the safe arrival of this child.
Nine months later.
With the sound of a newborn’s cry echoing, Emperor Jing, disregarding the supposed inauspiciousness of entering the birthing chamber, strode in and lifted Layue into his arms.
Everyone else kept their heads down, too afraid to speak.
“Yue, look, you’ve given birth to another pair of twins, a boy and a girl. You’re amazing. Our daughter has returned to us…”
Layue couldn’t hold back her tears. Although these past two years had been fulfilling, she still often thought of the child who was no longer with them. Now, finally, her child had returned.
Gently holding the Emperor’s hand, she was already too weak to do much else, but she still wanted to hold onto him.
“Don’t cry. Who cries during their postpartum period? You’ll ruin your eyes. Haven’t you always longed for this child? My Yue should be happy, not crying. You’re the most capable woman in the world.”
Although weak, Layue wiped away her tears and replied with a smile: “I’m not that amazing. Every woman can give birth.”
But the Emperor looked proud: “No one else could be as amazing as Yue. You’ve given me five wonderful children in just two births.”
Smiling, Layue said: “Your Majesty disbanded the harem for me. I always feel guilty that I can’t give you more children…”
Seeing how weak the Empress was becoming, Nurse Zhou couldn’t help but interrupt.
“Your Majesty, please leave now. Her Majesty’s body is very weak and she needs more rest.”
The Emperor looked up and indeed saw how frail she was.
The Emperor kissed Layue’s forehead and said sincerely: “I love you, my darling!”
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