There is a happy inn in the capital.

Chapter 484 Ziying is Pregnant

"Ziying, you are now a royal daughter-in-law, the Seventh Princess Consort. This set of jewelry was a gift from the Empress Dowager to me when I got married. It is a set of pearl and gemstone jewelry. Although the style is not the latest, it is excellent because of its auspicious meaning and the pearls are lustrous. There are also some other jewelry items made in the palace. You can take them to give as gifts or use them yourself."

A palace maid brought out a huge brocade box, which, when opened, revealed a dazzling array of jewels, with the set of pearl jewelry being particularly magnificent and elegant.

Gu Ziying quickly expressed her gratitude: "Thank you for your generous gift, Your Majesty. I will certainly keep it safe and live up to the kindness of the Empress Dowager and Your Majesty."

Finally, the Empress looked at Ye Bingli, who stood quietly by.

"Miss Ye, you have a refined taste. These are 'Ambergris' and 'Spring Tidings in Snow' incense cakes, presented as tribute by the Kingdom of Lieli this year. Their fragrances are delicate and lingering, perfect for calming the mind and soothing the soul. In addition, the Palace Music Bureau has found half a lost fragment of the ancient score of 'Guangling San.' Although incomplete, it should still be of some benefit to you."

A genuine ripple appeared in Ye Bingli's usually cold eyes. She accepted the box containing precious spices and an ancient musical score, and bowed respectfully.

"Your Majesty, these two items are more valuable than a thousand pieces of gold to Bingli."

For her, this was indeed a most precious gift, one that catered to her tastes.

The group expressed their gratitude and withdrew from the Phoenix Palace.

Li Shuchen held the newly issued land deed, grinning from ear to ear.

Princess Changning carefully held the wine jar, pondering how to enjoy it when she got home.

Gu Ziying and Ye Bingli exchanged a smile, each cherishing the reward in their hands.

Winter has arrived

The first light snow fell in the capital.

Thanks to the purge of the rebellious faction and the revitalization of the government, coupled with the boost from the "Friendly Trade City," Zixing's economy has become increasingly vibrant, and the city is filled with an atmosphere of stability and prosperity.

Just as the year was drawing to a close in peace, great news spread from the Seventh Prince's Mansion.

Princess Gu Ziying is pregnant!

As soon as the news spread, Li Shuchen and the others couldn't sit still any longer.

The next day, they gathered together, carrying large bags of gifts, and flocked to the Seventh Prince's residence.

"Ziying, my dear Ziying"

Li Shuchen arrived before his voice, sweeping into the warm pavilion like a gust of wind. He carefully placed a heavy, pure gold rattle drum wrapped in red silk beside Gu Ziying.

"Here, this is a gift for my future godson! Let's make it clear first, I have to be number one in the godmother title! Nobody can take it from me!"

Gu Ziying leaned against the soft couch covered with thick brocade, looking radiant, her cheeks a little fuller. Upon hearing this, she didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

"This is nothing... Shu Chen, you..."

Liang Yuying also arrived. Today, she was not wearing military uniform, but a neat civilian outfit. In her hand, she carried a small wooden sword that was meticulously carved and polished to a flawless finish, with tiny peace symbols engraved on the hilt.

"I wouldn't pick out anything too delicate. This is for the child to play with; it's sturdy and won't hurt them."

She gently placed the small wooden sword next to the rattle drum, her movements unusually gentle.

Princess Changning, as usual, arrived last. She raised her chin, placed a pure gold necklace adorned with longevity threads—exquisitely crafted—on the table, and said stiffly...

"Here, the gold lock. Wear it and play with it. I put my special calming herbs inside so the child won't cry and bother you."

It was clearly a well-intentioned act, but they insisted on saying it like this.

The most surprising thing is Ye Bingli

She actually brought out three sets of little clothes she had embroidered herself. The fabric was soft, the stitches were incredibly fine, and they were embroidered with lifelike wisteria flowers and auspicious cloud patterns. The colors were elegant and festive.

"I... learned it in my spare time," she tilted her head slightly, her ears turning a little red. "Children have delicate skin, so this might be more comfortable for them."

Looking at the pile of gifts before her, filled with the deep affection of her sisters, Gu Ziying's eyes welled up with tears again. She took their hands.

"You guys...are too good to me."

"Stop! Stop! Pregnant women shouldn't cry too much!"

Li Shuchen immediately exclaimed, then asked nervously.

"What did you eat this morning? Did you throw up? Is the charcoal fire in the house warm enough? Be careful when you walk!"

In the following period, Gu Ziying became a key person to protect.

She wanted to pour herself a glass of water, and Ye Bingli silently handed it to her.

As soon as she stood up, Liang Yuying immediately and subtly offered a helping hand.

Princess Changning seemed indifferent, but her eyes kept glancing at her lower abdomen;

Li Shuchen transformed into a nagging old mother, meticulously writing down everything from diet to daily routines, as if she wanted to take notes.

Surrounded by them, Gu Ziying was both amused and exasperated: "I'm really fine. The imperial physician said my pulse is very stable. You don't need to be so nervous; it's making me uncomfortable."

"That won't work!"

Li Shuchen shook his head vigorously, "You're our top priority now, we can't afford to have any mishaps! Where's the Prince? Why hasn't he returned yet? I need to talk to him again!"

Just then, familiar footsteps and a maid's greeting came from outside the door.

Xiao Xiuyuan has returned home after court.

He stepped into the warm chamber and saw a room full of young women and his wife, who was smiling gently on the couch. His cold and stern expression softened instantly. He first nodded to the young women, then quickly walked to Gu Ziying's side, naturally took her hand, and softly asked...

How are you feeling today? Is there anything you'd like to eat?

Li Shuchen and the others exchanged knowing glances.

"Ahem," Li Shuchen cleared his throat and pulled Liang Yuying up. "Well, the prince is back, so we, the third wheel... ah, I mean, our visiting group should leave now. Yingying, get some rest! We'll come back another day!"

Princess Changning also stood up: "This princess still needs to go back to the Aiyou Hall to take a look."

Ye Bingli nodded slightly: "The score still needs further refinement."

The group tactfully withdrew, leaving the room filled with warmth and tranquility for the loving couple who were about to welcome a new life.

Outside the window, fine snow fell silently; inside, the fireplace was warm, and the future seemed promising.

In the early summer of the following year, the cicadas began to sing.

In the Three Treasures Hall, Li Shuchen held up a settlement certificate stamped with strange light patterns, spun around three times, and finally put her hands on her hips and shouted at the ceiling: "Little Jizi! Did you see that?! This young lady has paid off all her debts, principal and interest! I'm debt-free now!"

After she finished shouting, she lay on the bed and felt as if a huge stone that had been weighing on her heart for so long had finally been lifted. The air seemed fresher, and even the sound of the abacus sounded like music.

With this biggest worry resolved, she immediately shifted all her attention to the Seventh Prince's residence.

Gu Ziying's due date was in the height of summer; her belly was already quite round, making it increasingly difficult for her to move around.

Li Shuchen simply packed up his personal belongings and moved directly into the guest courtyard of the Prince's Mansion, ostensibly to...

"Resident Nutrition Consultant and Chief Chatting Officer"

She spent every day in the Prince's kitchen, trying different methods of preparing food based on the "Complete Guide to Pregnancy Nutrition" and "Secret Recipes for Pregnancy Safety" that she had collected from Xiao Jizi, while also nagging Gu Ziying.

"I'm making this poria cocos chicken soup today; it's light and nutritious!"

"Let's try this fish porridge tomorrow. I heard it's good for children's eyes!"

"Hey, hey, hey, those hawthorns won't do! Put them away, put them away!"

Besides eating, Li Shuchen also started "prenatal education".

She heard from somewhere that babies can hear sounds from outside, so she read and told stories to Gu Ziying's belly every day (mainly exaggerated versions of how she outwitted unscrupulous merchants and bravely ventured into the Kingdom of Boyu), and even tried to get Ye Bingli to play the piano.