Chapter 893: Chapter 893: Family Banquet (Part 2)
Lian Hua understood and quickly patted her chest to show her determination: "Parents, Master, Clan Uncle, Clan Aunt, and Second Brother and Third Brother, don’t worry, I understand."
Everyone looked at her with doubtful "Is that so?" expressions, feeling very uneasy.
Lian Hua had no choice but to push the bowl and chopsticks away, pouting her lips and muttering: "Even if I wanted to eat more, there’s no way. Nanny controls all of my meals and snacks..."
Ever since her belly got bigger, Nanny Qi was afraid she wouldn’t control her mouth, so she strictly managed her meals, measuring them precisely for each meal.
Sometimes she craved food desperately, whining with hunger, but it wasn’t time for snacks, so she could only chug water or crack a handful of sunflower seeds and walnuts—just enough not to fill the gaps between her teeth.
The Emperor squeezed her hand under the table to comfort her, and said to Su Ran and Lian Changhe, "Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, there’s no need to worry. With me and Nanny Qi here, the Imperial Physician checks Nannan’s pulse every few days. There won’t be any problems. Moreover, Nannan knows herself well and usually adheres to the arrangements by the Imperial Physician and Nanny Qi, except for today when she ate a bit more out of joy at seeing you all. Besides, she walks around the court every day, which is beneficial for childbirth later."
The matter of his Little Concubine’s childbirth was what he worried about the most, and he couldn’t be careless.
He meticulously questioned the Imperial Physician, trying to nip any risk in the bud, but still, the Emperor couldn’t put his mind at ease. Hearing from Chu Yuanzheng that walking more is beneficial for women during childbirth, he did not oppose it, as long as it wasn’t too vigorous.
And his Little Concubine was obedient, fulfilling each promise she made him diligently.
Now, the Midwife, Medicine Woman, and Wet Nurse had secretly been prepared. An investigation back to the ancestors of three generations and scrutinizing family relations was done to ensure character and proficiency in childbirth. Those who handle food, clothing, and interactions were all under control, and when the time of delivery comes, decisions will be made to prevent any tampering.
At this moment, Lian Hua smiled and nodded, appreciating His Majesty’s thorough explanation; she never thought about it like this.
No wonder she usually felt restless, always needing to do something, even patrol Canglan Court several times if idle, subconsciously knowing she needed to move around to make childbirth easier. Now she understood.
The Emperor was never verbose, his words always thoughtfully chosen, possessing a natural charm, no matter the subject, people involuntarily trusted his discourse.
Now, it was the same. Everyone felt relieved and the stone in their hearts dropped immediately upon his explanation.
Su Ran felt much calmer as well. As a mother, the worries never end; when not seeing her daughter, concerns linger about her well-being, and once her daughter recovered, thoughts shift to anxieties about the upcoming childbirth.
Now, having heard the Emperor’s words, her little daughter is managed exceptionally well, even if she were to oversee it herself, it wouldn’t be better than this.
Lian Changhe felt extremely satisfied and grew even more pleased with this son-in-law; if he were managing, he’d likely not stand to see his little girl hungry, her slightest plea and he might not hold back.
Recalling his words to Lian Hua earlier, he winked at her, signaling: "Nannan, wasn’t I right before? Always listen... to His Majesty, it’s never wrong. You can’t act on your own whims."
His voice was slightly muffled at the critical words, remembering the fault-finding he did with his son-in-law, his face slightly burning.
Lian Hua received the hint; nodding while glancing at the Emperor, she said: "Hmm... Daddy’s right..." Earlier, she had complained to her father about His Majesty; hopefully, His Majesty wouldn’t find out.
Father and daughter exchanged knowing nods, making clear their firm resolve not to divulge the secret.
This little gesture was quickly understood by the Emperor and Su Ran; Lian Bao thought through it and realized that his father and sister must’ve exchanged some secretive words.
Thus, the family dinner ended, dishes were cleared, aromatic tea was served for rinsing mouths, clean hands, wiping hands, drinking tea, and other rites.
Lian Wanzhen marveled at the fuss in the palace, for him growing up a meal ending was simply wiping his mouth, never had he experienced rinsing with fragrant tea, washing hands with fragrant soap, and wiping with soft towels, and that aromatic tea he thought was for drinking, he took a sip and found it pleasantly taste.
By this time, it was already afternoon; Lian Hua remembered the things she brought for everyone and hurriedly had them fetched, previously forgotten in the excitement of seeing everyone.
Lian Wanzhen also recalled the things they brought for Lian Hua, and before they could ask, Zhang Qing led people to bring them in.
Both sides were delighted, exchanging gifts for the other one by one.
Taking advantage of this moment, the Emperor invited Lian Changhe for a private chat.
Lian Changhe chuckled as he looked at the tacky purse in his hand, lost in joy; only after several calls by the Emperor did he snap out of it, hurriedly apologizing before reluctantly tucking the untouched purse into his bosom, making it bulge, then followed along.
Arriving in the study, the Emperor straightforwardly assured Lian Changhe solemnly that he would treat Lian Hua well, just like Lian Changhe and Su Ran’s enduring love till old age.
Regarding his little daughter’s major affair, Lian Changhe’s mind cleared instantly. After contemplating briefly, he spoke frankly, admitting he never dreamed his little daughter entering the Imperial Palace, his heart had built much but still felt anxious.
In his life, not achieving much, he only wished for family well-being, never considering having his daughter climb high branches, just wanting her to marry into a stable family and live comfortably, even if times were tough, having family support. Fate, however, was unpredictable—a calamity’s turn led his daughter into the Emperor’s eyes.
But the palace has strict rules; his little daughter, lively, straightforward, carefree in nature, he feared, accidentally breaking some serious regulation in the future.
Moreover, the harem is filled with beautiful women, his little daughter known to him lacks literary skills, possesses no particular talents—having neither aptitude nor art—just a bit of looks, but once age catches up...
Here he paused, looking towards the Emperor.
The Emperor understood his concern, after a silent moment, discreetly expressed his inner thoughts.
Lian Changhe initially didn’t grasp it but soon reacted and was startled, almost exclaiming in shock.
His emotions surged with countless thoughts, speechless for a long time, once calmed, his first response was bowing in apology to the Emperor, saying his daughter didn’t deserve such blessed favor, yet fearing...
The Emperor raised a hand to interject, saying it was no matter; the decision, his alone, unrelated to anyone else, proceeding to share a family secret and ending with stressing the importance and requesting Father-in-law’s confidentiality.
Lian Changhe, after hearing, remained speechless for a while, looking at the Emperor with newfound warmth, no longer viewing him just as the lofty Son of Heaven.
Though muddled in daily life, in critical matters, he was clear. He knew such a secret, if leaked, brought no benefit, thus nodded in agreement, promising upon leaving to act as if unheard.