The Slender Waist-Chapter 805 - 571: It Really Happened

The news of the capital’s relocation came unexpectedly.

In the sweltering summer heat, it was like a fresh breeze sweeping across Da Jiang Nan Bei and the Western Region of the Great Desert—the whole world knew—

Emperor Jingning of the Da Yong Dynasty was moving the capital.

For many years, Pei Jue and her young wife had often lived apart, meeting less and parting more.

In the past, people were always puzzled by their relationship.

Some even argued incessantly about it.

Even those closest to them could hardly say for sure if their relationship was good or not.

If you said it was good, the two of them seemed overly indifferent.

They both wore smiles on their faces but never argued or quarreled like ordinary couples.

Even after years of marriage, not even Qian Sanniu, Xiaoman, or the other guards and servants close to them had ever heard them fight.

Yet something seemed missing, though no one could clearly say what it was...

But if you said their relationship was bad, that didn’t seem to fit either.

When they were together, their eyes shone when looking at each other. Without excessive sweet words, there existed a kind of unbreakable tacit understanding—it was only the two of them, and no one else in the world could come between them.

Ordinary couples couldn’t compare to their level of harmony, especially since Pei Jue was a cold-hearted person. To everyone else, she presented one face—indifferent, calm, like an ancient well undisturbed for a thousand years.

Only in front of Feng Yun could you see her different expressions—full of life and animation...

Thus, some were convinced they were in love.

Two contrasting opinions coexisted for years, and neither side could convince the other.

But on the day the imperial decree was issued, the debate was finally settled.

The decree cited various reasons for relocating the capital to Andu, as written by Pei Jue...

Yet, in this world filled with magnificent landscapes and talented people, there were countless places in the Da Yong Dynasty that could have qualified. What set Andu apart was one thing—it was where Feng Shi Er Niang resided.

The Emperor of Da Yong chasing a beauty from Xijing to Andu for a mere smile?

Such infatuation—would it diminish the authority of an emperor?

Pei Jue, however, paid no mind to the rumors outside. The day after the decree was issued, she sent a letter to Feng Yun.

It read, "In the end, I still have to marry into your family."

The Emperor remained calm and unhurried, but the Court Officials were utterly embarrassed.

Especially those at Honglu Temple who worked to receive envoys—they couldn’t help but flush red whenever the topic arose. It was mortifying.

This was the Emperor of Da Yong!

He was a fearless warrior on the battlefield, a King of Hell in the eyes of many, a ruler who had walked out from seas of blood and mountains of corpses—not some frail monarch raised with a silver spoon and under the doting hands of women.

Relocating the capital for the sake of love? Even if they were crystal clear about the truth, in front of foreign envoys, they had to put on a resolute and righteous front, repeatedly emphasizing the strategic intent and benefits of establishing the capital in Andu. They clenched their teeth and refused to admit that it was for a woman.

Feng Yun didn’t admit it either.

The entire Changmen Residence was filled with joy, and the gloom that had shrouded it due to discussions of appointing an empress dissipated overnight.

Granny Han even arranged several tables for everyone to celebrate together.

After years of truce, the livelihoods of the people were gradually improving, and the common folk were living much better lives. Especially in Andu, one of the most prosperous regions in all of Da Yong, rivaling even Xijing and the Central Capital, the food and drink for that day’s feast were extremely lavish, and Granny Han spared no expense.

"The capital has been relocated; can the appointment of an empress be far behind?"

"Does that mean we’ll be calling Lady Yun ’Your Majesty’ in the future?"

"Lady Yun and Your Majesty sound similar. I wonder which one Lady Yun prefers?"

"Obviously, it’s ’Your Majesty.’ Who wouldn’t want to be called an empress?"

"You want to?"

"I wouldn’t dare, wouldn’t dare! Ah, I was wrong!"

"Hahahahaha..."

The laughter echoed in her ears, and Feng Yun found it noisy, sighing helplessly.

On the desk in front of her was Pei Jue’s letter, along with a new property deed.

It had just been delivered to her residence by a broker today.

Only then did Feng Yun realize that Pei Jue had secretly purchased a house.

Not only that, but from purchasing the land to constructing the property, none of it involved Feng Yun.

Feng Yun was perplexed.

"Does this person’s brain not work properly?"

She had so much land, so many shops, estates—why didn’t Pei Jue buy from her and instead went sneaking around buying from others?

If she didn’t already know Pei Jue’s personality, Feng Yun would have suspected she was setting up a secret love nest.

Looking at the blazing sun outside the window, Feng Yun abandoned her thoughts of rushing over immediately. Picking up a brush, she began writing a reply, her lips curling unconsciously.

"If you want to marry in, good. Since you’re so thoughtful, your wife will surely reward you with a surprise, hmm?"

As soon as she sealed the letter, Aozai pushed open the door and entered.

This guy had been restless since returning from Xijing. Every time he went to Jieqiu Mountain, he would stay for days. His little mate, perhaps, disliked human environments and never returned.

Feng Yun glanced at him and teased, "You’ve married in too."

Of course, Aozai didn’t understand what "married in" meant. He squatted in front of her, rubbing her skirt slightly anxiously...

Feng Yun couldn’t discern what he wanted, so she fed him, played with him a bit, and then Aozai left.

Her heart felt heavy and uneasy.

-

Late at night, there was a sudden sound at the window.

Feng Yun heard Aozai’s voice and quickly got up to open it...

What she saw made her gasp—Aozai held a little one in his mouth.

As soon as she appeared, "plop," it dropped to the ground.

At Aozai’s feet, there was another, slightly larger one.

Both little lynxes, grayish in color, looked thin and frail, much like kittens—utterly adorable...

Feng Yun’s face filled with delight.

Most wild males didn’t care for their young, but Aozai, having lived with humans for so long, obviously wasn’t one of those "deadbeat dads." Though it wasn’t breeding season, he hadn’t abandoned his mate and offspring...

"Little ones." Feng Yun didn’t dare touch them. These two were two or three months old and might be aggressive.

She just rubbed Aozai’s head lightly.

"Did you bring them back to show me, or do you want me to help you take care of them?"

Aozai nudged her hand with his head and led the two little ones inside, heading straight to his "cat bed" to lie down.

The young ones, curious about the unfamiliar surroundings, wandered and sniffed around at first but eventually lay obediently by Aozai’s side under their father’s imposing gaze.

Staying, are they?

Are you really asking me to help raise them?

Feng Yun couldn’t stop laughing. She called Xiaoman to bring food and fresh water for the little family of three, then sat down with a faint smile.

"Seeing these two little ones reminds me of when Aozai was young."

Xiaoman nodded in agreement, stealing a glance at Feng Yun.

"Lady Yun, you can’t gain more weight... His Majesty might return anytime now with the relocation of the capital..."

She spoke with hesitation.

Feng Yun couldn’t help but giggle.

"Afraid he’ll find me unappealing?"

"Not exactly..." Xiaoman blushed. "It’s also for Lady Yun’s health. Lately, you’ve put on quite a bit of weight, and it’s entirely my fault for not taking better care of you."

Feng Yun pursed her lips, a faint smile playing on them.

"Come here."

She beckoned to Xiaoman with her finger.

Xiaoman leaned closer, thinking there were instructions, only for Feng Yun to grab her hand and place it gently on her belly, smiling faintly.

Ah!

Xiaoman gasped in shock.

In an instant, she understood everything.

Recently, Feng Yun had been wearing only loose-fitting clothing.

No belts, everything flowing—had she not revealed it, people would have just thought she’d gained some weight...

"Lady Yun! You’re... with child? And I, by your side daily, didn’t notice at all!"

Glancing again at Feng Yun, Xiaoman’s expression turned guilty.

"I even thought Lady Yun found my clumsy work unsatisfactory and no longer trusted me. Oh... My eyes must be blind for not realizing this."

Feng Yun smiled faintly, her hand instinctively stroking her abdomen.

"This child isn’t demanding. I only had some discomfort at the start, but soon after, everything returned to normal. I eat and sleep well. How could you have known?"

"This is wonderful, truly wonderful..."

Xiaoman’s eyes turned red almost instantly, her trembling hands betraying her excitement.

Everyone knew Feng Yun couldn’t conceive, although she herself seemed unbothered, and no one dared to bring it up in her presence. Still, in their hearts, they all quietly worried for her.

The inability to bear children...

In this era, it was a significant regret for a woman.

Feng Yun’s fertility had long been written off by the doctors as nearly impossible.

Xiaoman had speculated privately that Lady Yun’s decision not to stay with His Majesty in Xijing might be because she had no children—avoiding prying eyes and wagging tongues by staying out of sight...

"From now on, I’ll see who dares to speak ill. Just let them, and I’ll smack every single one of them."

Compared to Feng Yun’s calm demeanor, Xiaoman’s spirited outburst lit up her entire being as though she might float away.

"Keep your voice down," Feng Yun admonished.

Xiaoman, grasping the situation, covered her mouth and nodded, her face beaming but speechless. She couldn’t help her joy, sneaking another gentle touch to Feng Yun’s belly, frustrated with herself.

"Why did Lady Yun keep this from us? Had I known earlier, I would’ve taken more care..."

Feng Yun cast her a sidelong glance.

"Are you saying you haven’t been attentive enough?"

"No, no." Xiaoman, realizing she’d misspoken, urgently patted her lips and craned her neck to explain. Then she noticed Feng Yun’s half-smile and realized she was teasing.

"Lady Yun..." Xiaoman sighed in relief, unable to contain her laughter. "Is your caution because you’re worried for the Little Prince’s safety, fearing ill-intentioned individuals might harm him if they find out?"

Feng Yun gave her a sideways glance, lowering her gaze.

"That is only part of it."

"What? There’s more to it?" Xiaoman’s wide eyes were filled with curiosity and confusion.