Ji Mingzhu was stunned by Jade’s idea.

"That’s all nonsense, don’t take it seriously."

Jade still looked worried, biting her lip, "But you and the General are often intimate, the chances of pregnancy are high."

The lady managed to have a pair of twins in one go, indicating strong fertility.

As long as the General’s seed is fine, isn’t getting pregnant a breeze?

It’s said that having many children brings happiness, Jade felt that if the lady got pregnant, it’s a great thing.

On the other hand, having children is like crossing the Ghost Gate, it’s very taxing on the body.

Deep down, she doesn’t want the lady to have too many children.

As long as the lady is healthy, not only will the County Princess and young prince be happy, but those of us serving her will benefit as well.

Regardless, she just wants the lady to be well.

Ji Mingzhu, despite being experienced, was still embarrassed by Jade’s words.

She secretly decided that starting today, she should let Xie Yunzhen practice restraint.

No more than ten times a month.

If people keep saying they’re overly intimate, she’ll want to crawl into the ground!

Jade belatedly realized she brought up an embarrassing topic.

She’s still a maiden, and if this spreads, she’d certainly be laughed at.

Trying to ignore it, she played with Zimu in her arms.

The little one has a short memory and soon forgets what had just happened.

Sitting steadily in Jade’s arms, holding a cloth tiger, he tries to lift it high, seeming to want to entertain Ji Mingzhu, looking very proud.

Ji Mingzhu pinched her delicate nose, "You little rascal."

Pondering in her heart whether to gift the little ones a pet cat or dog when they turn one?

Previously, Yun Ling had a pet cat that she loved dearly, carrying it everywhere to show off.

Ji Mingzhu thought her two little ones would probably like them too.

She had been conflicted about what gifts to give the children on their first birthday.

Now she had an idea.

Give them cats and dogs.

To be fair and prevent sibling rivalry, Ji Mingzhu decided to give two each.

Although Zishan wouldn’t compete with Zimu for things, her family is well-off, and she doesn’t want to economize on that small amount of silver.

As long as the children are happy.

Caring for the kids, while managing the household affairs.

No major issues, but small matters never seem to end; resolving one before another awaits her decision.

Though the household is simple, Xie Yunzhen’s family is large and prosperous, plus the properties left by her parents, many things await Ji Mingzhu’s decision, wanting to take a break isn’t easy.

In the hustle and bustle, time slips away quickly.

The first to return to the manor were Xi Yu and Liu Xu, with them present, Ji Mingzhu certainly can’t neglect the guests.

She asked the steward to arrange dinner in the garden, inviting Liu Xu and Xi Yu to have supper together.

The garden is close to the guest courtyard, so it’s not troublesome.

Liu Xu and company walked over in half a tea’s time.

Zimu and Zishan were both awake, and Ji Mingzhu brought them along.

Preparing some porridge, in case the little ones get hungry, they can eat a little.

Liu Xu settled in the estate, but it was her first time seeing the twins.

The little ones wore identical clothes and looked very alike.

Both have big eyes, high noses, and fair skin, adorable little ones.

Clearly inheriting Ji Mingzhu and Xie Yunzhen’s fine traits and looking like New Year dolls, they are hard not to love.

Seeing Zimu and Zishan at first sight, Liu Xu felt they were sweet and soft, wanting to hold them.

She asked Ji Mingzhu, "Can I hold them?"

"Of course."

Afraid she might not be able to hold Zimu, Ji Mingzhu signaled to have the nurse hand Zishan to Liu Xu.

Zishan looked bewildered, not understanding the situation.

Also clueless as to why mother handed him to someone he didn’t know.

His small body was stiff, little hands wringing, looking very tense.

Xi Yu found it amusing, pinching Zishan’s little cheek.

"Such a good kid, unlike your scoundrel father, always infuriating people every day."

Liu Xu looked at him with a teasing smile, "What did the Lord do to wrong you, you seem to bear a deep grudge."

Xi Yu cleared his throat, "If I start, it would take three days and nights to finish!"

"Then make it brief."

Ji Mingzhu looked ready to listen intently, "If he was truly excessive, I can help you seek justice."

Xi Yu shook his head, "It’s enough that you’re not on his side."

With that, he took Zimu from Ji Mingzhu’s arms.

"This little girl resembles Ah Zhen the most, I should feed her spicy food, make her cry!"

Zimu understood, leaning towards Ji Mingzhu, calling out anxiously.

Begging Ji Mingzhu to save her.

Xi Yu teased, "It’s almost New Year."

Though untimely, Ji Mingzhu couldn’t help but be amused.

She reassured her daughter, "Uncle Xi is just joking with you, don’t be scared."

Liu Xu and Xi Yu went out once and already figured out each other’s temperaments.

He’s not one to shy away from jokes.

Thus, Liu Xu coaxed Zimu, "Hit him, let him know little girls aren’t easy to mess with."

Xi Yu boasted, "Zimu won’t listen to your coaxing, I’m her..."

Before finishing, a small hand landed on his face.

That slap knocked his confidence away.

He asked pitifully, "A few days ago you were playing with me, why suddenly ignore me today?"

Liu Xu gloated, "Little girls aren’t easy to mess with, see?"

Zimu cooed, as if agreeing with Liu Xu.

Xi Yu could hold both of Zimu’s little hands with one hand, pretending to be fierce, "If you hit again, I’ll go hit your dad, make him cry!"

Zimu wasn’t scared, rather found it amusing and burst into laughter.

Her laughter made Zishan foolishly laugh along.

With little hands reaching, pointing at Zimu, babbling something.

Liu Xu didn’t understand, cuddling closer with the child, "Are you wanting to talk to sister?"

Zishan responded, Liu Xu thought she guessed right, she cuddled the child even closer.

Holding the eldest, Xi Yu turned toward Liu Xu to let Zimu and Zishan play clapping games.

Each of them held a child, Ji Mingzhu sat on another side, suddenly feeling a bit extraneous.

Her gaze darting between Xi Yu and Liu Xu.

Not sure if it was an illusion, she felt their relationship had gotten much closer after the outing.

Seemingly no longer feeling awkward, no different from close friendship.

All of this seemed off.

Everyone has a curiosity, Ji Mingzhu is no exception.

Among friends, speech and actions require less formality.

Curious, Ji Mingzhu straightforwardly asked, "What happened when you were outside?"

Xi Yu bemused, "Why ask that?"

Ji Mingzhu cleared her throat, "Just curious."

Women understand other women best, seeing Ji Mingzhu’s gossiping eyes, Liu Xu felt her heart race.

Only now did she realize, she and Xi Yu were standing too close!