Noble Family's Daughter
"Yan'er, this child, you must prioritize your health and condition. Xiao Lang here was really worried. I and Tian Su are also worried but for now, go back to Prince Jing's mansion to recuperate so you can rest longer there." Xiao Lang which meant little wolf was the childhood nickname that Empress Fu Rong called Fu Yanqing.
No one brought up the reason why Zhao Yan fainted. They all have a tacit understanding.
"Your Majesty, Zhao Yan is grateful for your concern. I ask forgiveness for making trouble and worrying you all." Zhao Yan was quite embarrassed. She really did not want to give such a bad impression on people for appearing so weak but it couldn't help since she was pregnant.
"But Zhao Yan assures everyone that Zhao Yan knows her own body. I only need to rest for a bit and I'll be fine." She also needs to avoid going back the same way she came from lest she faints again.
"This prince and this prince's fiancee will now be leaving. Many thanks to Her Majesty the Empress for visiting." He then leveled a gaze towards Fu Tian Su.
"Su'er.."
Fu Tian Su gulped. Her big brother was so scary. Why was he looking at her that way?
Anyway, Fu Tian Su acted like she understood and nodded even though she really didn't understand what her big brother was telling her.
Fu Yanqing silently observed his spoiled younger sister. This little girl was very naughty. He couldn't let her near Zhao Yan in case something happens.
Zhao Yan who had slept long was very eager to go back. It was already lunchtime and she has not eaten yet.
"Come," Fu Yanqing extended his hand once again towards her.
Zhao Yan had gradually adapted to his sudden intimate actions though it still made her feel somewhat shy and embarrassed.
For someone who lived a secluded life in Prince Li's mansion, Fu Yanqing was the very first man that had held her hand other than her grandfather. His rough calloused hands were very distinct against her own.
This was the hand of a war hero and general who had wielded the sword and spear a countless number of times.
Her ears turned a little red at the thought.
"What are you thinking?" Fu Yanqing whispered to her as he lowered his head down.
The red on her ears were very noticeable because he was near her. She certainly did not have this kind of reaction before but it still amused him and he wondered what her thoughts were to make her little ears change color.
Fu Yanqing chose a narrow path that would lead outside so they wouldn't be disturbed by other people.
Since the path was narrow, it allowed him to be much closer to his little woman, occasionally letting his sleeves brush against her arms.
He firmly held her hand as if he was holding precious porcelain that would break if he wasn't careful enough.
Like Zhao Yan, she was also the first woman that Fu Yanqing had hold hands with. He would have never imagined himself doing something like this before.
He had once thought that Zhang Yuan was too simpleminded for being happy and shy everytime his wife held his hand.
Now Fu Yanqing felt that it was ironic because he was also feeling a few bursts of emotions while holding his little woman's hand. It was only holding hands but he already felt like he was at the top of the world.
It was a strange feeling that was new to him but he did not feel bad or repulsed by it. It felt right since it was because of the little woman beside him.
Zhao Yan was unaware of Fu Yanqing's thoughts because she was looking forward as they walked at a slow pace.
All her embarrassing thoughts from earlier had vanished and were replaced by the desire to eat a good meal. Ever since she got pregnant, all she could think about was food.
It was really different from how she used to live her life but she accepted this change since it was for the growing child in her abdomen.
Five more months and she would be able to hold her baby. Zhao Yan was anticipating this and was already imagining how her child would look like, if they were really a boy like Fu Yanqing told her or if they were a girl who might look like Zhao Yan.
They exited the Imperial Palace and rode in the carriage together, going back to Prince Jing's mansion.
Fu Yanqing has already noticed that his little woman kept her rubbing her stomach. He immediately ordered the kitchen to prepare food and guided her to the dining hall, not once letting her hand go and kept walking forward.
Under his attentive gaze, Zhao Yan was nervous when she ate but with his frequent urging to eat more and comments that she was too thin and needed more nutrients for a safe birth, she was able to swallow her insecurities and started to eat normally.
"Your Highness, you should also start eating... Do not look at me and please focus on your own food." She said before eating the sauteed eggplant in her bowl. The right amount of seasoning made the dish much tastier and her already sensitive taste buds were dancing with joy.
She really was so simple that eating good food was enough to make her happy.
"You have rice on your mouth." Fu Yanqing pointed out. His sharp gaze landed on her soft pink lips and coughed awkwardly to restrain his thoughts from getting too out of hand.
Zhao Yan blinked innocently but Jae Ha handed her a clean cloth and Zhao Yan used that to wipe her mouth. She did not forget her graceful manner while eating.
Anyway, it was second nature being able to move and act with grace and elegance. Having a strict grandfather and living in a strict family led her to get used to this to not lose face as a noble family's daughter.
It was even more important because her family was high in the hierarchy.
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