Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress

Hearing the sound of the door closing, Xiao Rongyan hurriedly took an invisibility pouch and placed it behind Bai Qingyan's waist, untied the ribbon of the Jinxian Guan, and set it aside. He squatted down to help Bai Qingyan take off her shoes, then grasped her feet as he sat on the edge of the bed and placed her feet on his lap, kneading them for her: "How are you feeling? Any discomfort?"

Xiao Rongyan remembered when his sister-in-law was pregnant, his brother said she couldn't stand for too long, as her feet would swell. Every night, his brother would massage her to provide relief.

Bai Qingyan tightened her grip on the invisibility pouch, a slight blush appearing on her cheeks…

Through the thin layer of foot cloth, Xiao Rongyan's palm radiated warmth, making Bai Qingyan instinctively want to pull her foot back, her heartbeat quickening.

Perhaps they were not yet an old married couple, and their intimacy… still made Bai Qingyan feel nervous.

Feeling uncomfortable from Xiao Rongyan's massage, Bai Qingyan quickly pulled her feet back under her clothes and smiled, "Stop it, it's very ticklish…"

Seeing that Bai Qingyan's feet were fine, Xiao Rongyan was relieved. Gazing intently at Bai Qingyan, who had become his wife today, he said softly, "Even though it's under the name of Xiao Rongyan, we are married… I'm very happy, Kid… from now on, you'll be my wife."

The flickering red candles cast a glow on Bai Qingyan's profile. Xiao Rongyan moved a little closer to her, placing his hands on either side of Bai Qingyan, slowly leaning in, wanting to kiss her.

Locking eyes with Xiao Rongyan and watching his handsome features draw nearer, her heart raced even faster.

Seeing Bai Qingyan's shy appearance, Xiao Rongyan could no longer restrain his emotions. He gently kissed Bai Qingyan's forehead, quietly watching for her reaction, then let his gaze fall to her lips, planting a warm kiss at the corner of her mouth.

Xiao Rongyan edged closer to Bai Qingyan, and the rustling sound of his clothes made her ears burn with heat.

"Your Majesty…"

Before Xiao Rongyan could deepen the kiss, Nanny Qin's voice suddenly came from outside the hall, startling Bai Qingyan, who promptly pushed Xiao Rongyan away.

"Nanny Qin, come in!"

Bai Qingyan ignored Xiao Rongyan, slipped on her shoes, and sat primly and properly at the edge of the dragon-phoenix bed, appearing dignified and composed, though her ears were flushed red.

Xiao Rongyan could only sit properly as well.

Nanny Qin entered alone, carrying the soothing soup Xiao Rongyan, passing through layers of sheer silk and brocade, and greeted Bai Qingyan and Xiao Rongyan. Only upon seeing their attire was neat, did she smile and say, "This is the soothing soup ordered by Madam for the son-in-law."

Upon hearing it was sent by Mrs. Dong, Xiao Rongyan hurriedly stood up to thank her, taking the jade cup from the black lacquered tray Nanny Qin held, and drained it in one gulp. He then took a step back and bowed to Nanny Qin, "Please convey my gratitude to Mother."

Nanny Qin, seeing Xiao Rongyan's courteous demeanor, was very satisfied, nodded and softly said, "Now that the eldest young lady is expecting, and these first three months are crucial, the Madam is worried that the young lady and son-in-law, being young and inexperienced, might not know the importance of rest. Thus she sent the old servant to remind the son-in-law… ensure the young lady rests well, and the son-in-law should also retire early if feeling unwell."

Only then did Bai Qingyan understand, Mother was worried about them getting carried away, and so she sent Nanny Qin with a bowl of sleep aid for Xiao Rongyan, ensuring he slept early.

As she realized Mother's intent, her ears reddened even more.

Now in Mother's heart, she was no longer trusted.

"Mother is right! I will certainly prioritize Kid and the child, and ask Nanny to reassure Mother," Xiao Rongyan replied, bowing again to Nanny Qin.

Nanny Qin nodded, bowed to Xiao Rongyan, "Then this slave will take her leave, and wish the young lady and son-in-law a good rest."

Bai Qingyan nodded, "Nanny, remind Mother to rest early as well."

"Yes!" Nanny Qin, seeing their content demeanor, happily replied and withdrew from the main hall.

Xiao Rongyan turned back to gaze at Bai Qingyan sitting at the bedside, her features as serene and beautiful as a painting, and his eyes were filled with a smile.

That night, Xiao Rongyan held his love for the first time in his arms as he slept. Although they didn't consummate the marriage, he was immensely happy. Since his mother's passing, he'd never slept so soundly…

Bai Qingyan too, like Xiao Rongyan, slept exceptionally well.

The next day, the diligent Empress of Zhou didn't attend court early. Instead, the officials were overjoyed, hoping for the Empress of Zhou to soon give birth to a royal heir.

A royal heir is a matter of national importance, and a woman's childbearing years are limited. With the Empress known to be lacking in progeny, how could the officials not be anxious, wishing for a marriage today and an heir by tomorrow?

The Empress of Zhou took a two-day break from court, leading everyone to sigh at the deep affection between the Empress and her consort. Yet… unexpectedly, this lowly status consort, married to the Empress of Zhou only ten days, passed away on the night of the twenty-sixth of the same month, leading to national mourning.

The Empress of Zhou was devastated, fainting several times. Worried about her health, the Empress Dowager ordered Doctor Hong to stay by her side from that day.

The "Book of Zhou" records that the Empress of Zhou appointed Xiao Rongyan as the consort during his illness, but his time was short, passing on the twenty-sixth day of the eighth month in the first year of Yuanhe.

Xiao Rongyan left with the departing envoy from Yan. Despite feeling reluctant, unable to let go of Bai Qingyan and the child within her womb, he had no choice but to leave.

After bidding farewell to Xiao Rongyan, the ghost-masked Prince of Rong also entered the palace to bid farewell.

With Bai Qingyan having dismissed the eunuchs and palace maids from the grand hall, Bai Qingyu's gaze inevitably fell on Bai Qingyan's abdomen. Restraining his gaze, he lowered his eyes and asked softly, "Elder sister, do you truly have feelings for this Murong Yan?"

Bai Qingyan gazed at A Yu, knowing… if she were to say "yes" today, A Yu would certainly spare Murong Yan for her sake in the future.

"My feelings for Murong Yan are personal! Public and private interests should not be mixed. He is my lover but also our Zhou's opponent." Bai Qingyan's countenance held a faint smile, "We are both soldiers, understanding that meeting a respectable opponent and giving it one's all is the greatest form of respect."

Hearing Bai Qingyan's words, Bai Qingyu was relieved, knowing that his sister wasn't blinded by emotion. He nodded and began discussing serious matters, "A Yu understands. Rest assured, elder sister! Li Zhijie has repeatedly sought me out to form an alliance against the strong powers of Zhou and Yan. I have agreed to enter the palace today to inform the Empress and then return to Rong to discuss with them, sending envoys to Xiliang."

"In this way… the results of sending our third brother to Xiliang to form an alliance haven't returned; forming an alliance with Rong is still uncertain. I doubt Li Zhijie will easily leave Dadu."