Do you know: I am Xu Jiazi

Chapter 848 Unrestrained, Splash Splash [Thank you! Thank you again! 8k words owed]

As soon as Sun said this,
Everyone in the hall focused their attention on Xu Zaijing's face.

After only a couple of glances, Madam Xie smiled and nodded, "Mother is right, Ren Zhi is a bit dark-skinned!"

Xu Zaijing looked around at everyone, cupped his hands and smiled, "Mother, eldest sister-in-law, second sister-in-law!"

As he spoke, Xu Zaijing waved to everyone, "We're at home, Zhengzheng, you and your sister-in-law don't need to stand up."

"Yes, sir," Chai Zhengzheng replied with a smile.

As they spoke, Rong Feiyan and Minglan smiled and curtsied to Xu Zaijing.

At this moment, Sun had already walked up to Xu Zaijing.

Looking up at Xu Zaijing, Madam Sun said, "You look even thinner! Jing'er, why is your face sunburned?"

Hearing Sun's words, Chai Zhengzheng pursed her lips and lowered her head to drink her beverage.

Rong Feiyan said with heartache, "Mother, it's all because of my husband..."

Seeing Xu Zaijing's sweeping gaze, Rong Feiyan was not afraid at all and said, "He insists on standing under the scorching sun with his soldiers to hone his so-called morale, without paying any attention to his own health."

Minglan frowned, looking at Xu Zaijing with a mixture of reproach and heartache, and nodded in agreement: "Yes, yes!"

Upon hearing this, Madam Sun frowned and looked at Xu Zaijing, saying, "These matters are naturally handled by the military officers. Why are you, a prince, doing all this yourself?"

Xu Zaijing did not argue, but smiled and said, "Yes, Mother, I understand. I won't do it again."

As he spoke, Xu Zaijing took Sun's arm and helped her back to the Luohan chair.

As Xu Zaijing passed by Rong Feiyan and Minglan, he glanced at them sideways, his eyes filled with a 'you'll see tonight' look.

Immediately, Rong Feiyan, like Chai Zhengzheng, picked up her cup and drank, while Minglan, shyly, didn't know where to look.

At that moment, a small figure emerged from behind the screen.

Little Ningmei rubbed her eyes, carefully identified the person standing next to her mother, and then called out with a smile, "Fifth Brother!"

Then, Ning Mei called out as she walked, opening her little hand towards Xu Zaijing.

Xu Zaijing took two steps forward, bent down, scooped Ning Mei up from the ground, and tossed her lightly.

Ning Mei, who instantly flew from the ground into the air, couldn't help but laugh and cheer.

After a while of commotion, Madam Sun, sitting on the Luohan chair, said, "Ning'er."

Ning Mei, who was holding Xu Zaijing's neck, understood and quickly greeted them sweetly: "Eldest sister-in-law, second sister-in-law, third sister-in-law, Feiyan sister-in-law, Minglan sister-in-law."

Everyone inside the room nodded and smiled.

Later that evening, Zai Zhang, who had just finished his business, Xing Dai, Xing Zhong, and Qing Yi, who had also finished their lessons, came to the hall.

Sitting at the head of the table, Madam Sun looked at the bustling hall and couldn't help but feel deeply moved.

After having dinner with Madam Sun, Xu Zaijing left the Duke's mansion with his wives.

Under the veranda
The group walked outside in the lantern light.

Chai Zhengzheng was arm in arm with Madam Sun, Rong Feiyan was arm in arm with Madam Xie, and Minglan and her elder sister Hualan walked at the front.

Xu Zaijing and Zaizhang lagged behind.

"Third brother, you want to be transferred to another post?" Xu Zaijing looked at his elder brother with some surprise.

Zai Zhang nodded: "Yes, there is an official position of Judicial Advisor in Dizhou, Hebei East Circuit."

Xu Zaijing waved his hand and said in a low voice, "Third brother, let's forget about it! I'll find you a position in the capital."

“Father is in the Northwest with my eldest brother, and Zhengzheng and I live separately. If you take Sister-in-law Hualan with you to your post, Mother will have no one to care for her.”

Zai Zhang: "I know that too, but with Xingdai and Xingzhong with their mother, it doesn't really matter whether I'm there or not."

“Hey!” Xu Zaijing waved his hand: “How can a grandson and a son be the same?”

Zai Zhang chuckled softly, "How is it different?"

Xu Zaijing looked at Zaizhang with bright eyes: "Third brother, Mother loves Xingdai and the others because of us brothers."

"Moreover," Xu Zaijing glanced at the moths flying around the lanterns, "Your Majesty is ambitious, and the north might descend into chaos in the future. At that time, I may also have to lead my troops away from the capital! Although Dizhou is far from the front lines,..."

"Third brother, you should gain some experience in the capital first. It will also help me and my eldest brother to fulfill our filial duties to our mother! Besides, Sister-in-law Hualan is going to have a second child. It's not good for her to be alone if you leave."

"Once things are settled in the north, we won't have to worry about where to go in the future."

Hearing Xu Zaijing's words, Zai Zhang felt no discomfort at all, and simply nodded slightly: "Alright."

The two brothers talked and quickened their pace, catching up with Sun and the others.

It was late at night, and the night air was cool and still.
The Prince's Mansion, Rongfei Yan'er.

The bathroom was lit by bright yellow candlelight.

The curtains were lifted.

Rong Feiyan, her hair soaked with sweat, lay dazed and weak in Xu Zaijing's arms.

Xu Zaijing carried Rong Feiyan to the bathtub.

After testing the water temperature with one hand, Xu Zaijing carried the person directly into the bathtub.

After sitting down.

"Wow!"

Suddenly two people entered, and the water in the bathtub overflowed.

"ah--"

The warm water instantly sobered Rong Feiyan up.

"My lord, I'll wash it myself."

Xu Zaijing glanced at the teeth marks on his shoulder, shook his head, and said, "No way!"

Rong Feiyan also saw the teeth marks she had left, and her cheeks instantly turned red.

By candlelight, looking at Xu Zaijing before her, Rong Feiyan suddenly laughed.

Before Xu Zaijing could ask a question, Rong Feiyan's fingers slid down to the base of Xu Zaijing's neck, and then pointed to Xu Zaijing's upper arm.

"My lord, your clothes are now two different colors."

As Rong Feiyan spoke, Xu Zaijing reached out and smoothed the hair near her cheek: "With the scorching sun, it's natural to look like this after being exposed to so much sun."

"Mm." Rong Feiyan nodded with a smile.

After exchanging a glance with Xu Zaijing, Rong Feiyan smiled and asked, "My lord, what are you looking at?"

Xu Zaijing smiled and said, "I only noticed today that your complexion has improved a lot compared to when I saw you a few summers ago, Feiyan."

"Really?" Rong Feiyan asked in surprise.

Xu Zaijing nodded affirmatively.

“We’ve been using a remedy for summer heatstroke,” Rong Feiyan added.

Xu Zaijing smiled at Rong Feiyan: "If you become better, do I, your husband, deserve any credit?"

Rong Feiyan pursed her lips: "I don't suffer from summer heat, what does that have to do with you, my lord!"

Seemingly sensing something in the water, Rong Feiyan's eyes widened in panic, and her gaze towards Xu Zaijing was filled with complex emotions.

Rong Feiyan was already extremely beautiful.

At this moment, her eyes possessed such a naturally alluring charm.

She simply had Xu Zaijing pick her up and adjust her position slightly.

"My lord, I... I have something to say to you," Rong Feiyan said urgently, supporting herself on Xu Zaijing's chest.

Xu Zaijing took a deep breath: "Speak."

Rong Feiyan bit her lip.

Xu Zaijing's breathing became a little rapid.

"My lord, the flesh on your arms and chest seems to have thinned a bit," Rong Feiyan said, pinching them twice with her slender fingers.

"Hmph." Xu Zaijing snorted coldly.

"Official!"

A noblewoman's lips were sealed shut.

"Wow--"

"Wow--"

Inside the bathroom, water from the tub began to overflow, wetting the floor.

The next day.

"Girl, wake up." Hearing the voice calling her, Rong Feiyan, who was lying on the pillow, was about to wave her hand when she felt her arms go weak and her wrists ache.

"Stop calling me, I can't get up." Rong Feiyan said weakly, "Let my husband go to Sister Zhengzheng's for breakfast."

Hearing Rong Feiyan's slightly hoarse voice, Ningxiang looked at the various marks on Rong Feiyan's body with heartache and replied, "Yes."

As Ningxiang emerged from the bedroom, she looked at Xibu, who was carrying Rong Feiyan's clothes, and whispered, "Sister Xibu, don't go in yet. Let the young lady sleep a little longer."

"You know perfectly well how long the lord will keep this up."

Upon hearing this, Xi Bu nodded with a slightly embarrassed expression.

"I hope the girl gets pregnant soon," Ningxiang whispered.

Seeing Xibu's puzzled look, Ningxiang said, "That way, the lord won't act so recklessly." Xibu nodded in agreement.

July 7th

Qixi Festival.

At midday, when the sun was high in the sky, the moon quietly peeked out.

in the sun,
Along the bustling streets, in front of the decorated doors of many brothels, various exquisite and lavishly made Mohele (a type of traditional Chinese musical instrument) are displayed, which seems to be a competition to show off.

On the street in front of the brothel, carriages and pedestrians came and went in an endless stream, and the business of various grains and floating items relied on these few days to make a big profit.

After the sun set and it got dark, the weather cooled down considerably, and the moon in the sky became even brighter.

The city of Bianjing remained bustling.

Compared to other days,

The city of Bianjing is brighter tonight than usual.

The reason is that tonight, whether it's a wealthy family or an ordinary person, several candles will be lit in the courtyard.

In the courtyards of grand mansions, there stands a decorated pavilion for the Qiqiao Festival, and on the offering table in front of the pavilion are placed incense burners, fruits and vegetables, books, needles and thread and other items for the Qiqiao Festival.

Ordinary people's homes are simpler; they simply bring out a table, set out some food and needles and thread.

The backyard of the Prince's Mansion
In front of the newly built, magnificent Qiqiao Tower,
On the incense burner on the altar, the red dots on the three incense sticks glowed brighter as the night breeze blew.

Before the heavy altar laden with various items, Chai Zhengzheng knelt on a thick prayer cushion, her hands clasped together in prayer.

After praying, Chai Zhengzheng stood up with the help of Yunmu and Fuyi. After taking a few steps, Xu Zaijing took over and helped her to sit down on a chair.

Chai Zhengzheng habitually protected her lower abdomen, sitting in the chair and looking at Rong Feiyan and Minglan kneeling on the prayer mat in front of her.

suddenly,

Chai Zhengzheng looked up at Xu Zaijing standing beside her, sensing something.

After glancing at Rong Feiyan and Minglan who were praying, Chai Zhengzheng gestured to Xu Zaijing to move closer to her.

Xu Zaijing, who had been watching Chai Zhengzheng, understood and leaned closer.

Chai Zhengzheng then whispered, "What's wrong, my lord? Why are you looking at me like that?"

Xu Zaijing smiled and whispered in Chai Zhengzheng's ear, "Seeing this scene reminds me of what my mother-in-law told me."

"What did your mother say to you?" Chai Zhengzheng asked.

Xu Zaijing smiled and said, "Speaking of a certain young lady, during the Qixi Festival, she always worships Kui Xing (the God of Literature) in the Qiqiao Tower, and she also likes to use..."

Before he could finish speaking, Xu Zaijing's mouth was covered by Chai Zhengzheng's hand in embarrassment.

"Don't say it anymore," Chai Zhengzheng 'threatened'.

Xu Zaijing nodded with a smile.

Soon, Rong Feiyan and Minglan also stood up and sat down near Chai Zhengzheng with smiles on their faces.

While Rong Feiyan and Chai Zhengzheng were talking, Minglan looked up at Xu Zaijing and asked, "My lord, why don't you sit down?"

Xu Zaijing looked at Minglan and shook his head with a smile: "I'm not tired."

Upon hearing this, Minglan seemed to have thought of something, pursed her lips, and nodded shyly, "Oh."

As the two were talking, Qingcao and Yunxiang walked to the prayer mat, slowly knelt down, and prayed softly.

After Qingcao and the other three finished praying, it was time for Chai Zhengzheng and the others to become their personal maids.

Xu Zaijing didn't deliberately eavesdrop, but he still overheard Xibu and Ningxiang praying that Rong Feiyan was pregnant soon.

We share the same moon, though we are thousands of miles apart.

North of Bianjing

Thousands of miles away,

The Northern Liao Dynasty's Nanjing Xijin Prefecture Palace
According to the custom of the Northern Liao imperial family's summer hunting expeditions, Yelü Jun, who should have gone to Qingzhou, Northern Liao to escape the summer heat, did not leave.

At this moment, Yelü Jun was standing in front of the Qiqiao Tower, looking at his elder sister who was praying with her eyes closed.

May the White Horse Immortal protect you.

Listening to his sister's prayer, Yelü Jun raised his head and looked up at the bright moon in the clear night sky.

The act of tilting his head back also revealed Yelü Jun's sideburns in the candlelight.

Whether it was an illusion or not, there were faint strands of silvery hair at Yelü Jun's temples.

Looking away from the night sky at the exquisitely carved 'White Horse Immortal' in the Qiqiao Pavilion, Yelü Jun shook his head somewhat helplessly.

Seeing his elder sister performing her final kowtow, Yelü Jun quickly stepped forward and helped her up.

When Yelü Ying got up, he saw her swollen belly, which clearly indicated that she had been pregnant for some time.

"You may offer your respects," Yelü Ying said, waving his hand as he stood up.

"Yes."

The surrounding palace maids quickly bowed and said.

After watching the palace maids pray for a while, Yelü Ying led her younger brother toward her own bedroom.

On the way,

Yelü Jun whispered, "Sister, can assassinating the leader of the Taichiwu tribe really break the alliance between the Mongols and the Jin Dynasty?"

Yelü Ying didn't speak, he just walked quietly.

Only after entering the palace did Yelü Ying say, "I originally intended to drive the wolves away to devour the tiger, but I never expected that in the end, the tigers and wolves would come together to eat us."

Yelü Jun sighed: "It's just that there were too many accumulated problems before, and the disease is too serious to be cured."

Yelü Ying nodded and explained, "Falcon assassinated the leader of the Taichiwu tribe simply to give the Jadaran tribe more say among the tribes."

"In this way, we can also get you more benefits."

Yelü Jun frowned: "Sister, nine out of ten members of the royal family are short-sighted rats who only care about their own businesses and pastures and refuse to let go. There are almost no loyal and righteous people among them!"

"The Mongol tribes have now become tigers and wolves who have tasted blood and flesh."

"Since that's the case, I think it would be better if..."

"Not as good as?" Yelü Ying looked at his younger brother and questioned, "Do you really think the Emperor of Great Zhou is as magnanimous as he is? If the previous assassination attempts had happened to you, would you have forgiven the instigator?"

“With my position in the Jadaran tribe, no matter what happens in the future, I can protect your life.”

"If you go to the Great Zhou, what will become of you?"

Yelü Jun was speechless for a moment.

"Get those Han women in your palace pregnant as soon as possible."

"After being connected by blood, your relationship with the Han Chinese aristocratic families will definitely be further strengthened. In addition, with the remaining elites of our dynasty's imperial family, you will surely be able to secure the position of the Southern Court King in the future."

"Yes, sister."

"Ah."

The siblings talked for a while longer before returning to their respective chambers.

Yelü Jun's sleeping quarters
Yelü Jun couldn't help but smile when he glanced at the small shoes and hats on the offering table in front of the Qiqiao Pavilion in front of the palace.

In the palace,

Yelü Jun looked at the woman with a graceful figure and beautiful face standing behind the light veil and said in surprise, "You're not asleep yet."

As he spoke, Yelü Jun walked over to the woman and helped her, as she was also heavily pregnant.

"I can't sleep until His Majesty returns."

"Was it appropriate to pray for skill just now?"

"Ah."

As he spoke, Yelü Jun waved away the palace servants.

Upon entering the hall, Yelü Jun whispered to the woman about his conversation with his sister.

"Your Majesty, there is something I wish to say, but I am not sure if I should."

"explain."

“Sister, he is, after all, the Khatun of the Jadaran tribe, and the child in his belly is also the child of the Jadaran tribe’s leader.”

"His Majesty said that the Mongol tribes and the Jin Dynasty have reached an alliance. No matter what, the child in my sister's womb has a way out."

"Can"

As the woman spoke, she looked down at her stomach.

“No, that’s my own sister.” With that, Yelü Jun released his grip on the woman’s hand and continued, “Besides, we’ll have the support of the Han Chinese families of Xijin Prefecture in the future.”

"Your Majesty!" the woman exclaimed, raising her voice. "My family members are all shrewd; how could they not see the future situation clearly!"

"The Great Zhou in the south has recovered Bai Gao and is now at the height of its military strength. Meanwhile, the Mongol tribes in the west are doing brisk business with the Great Zhou! If..."

Yelü Jun shook his head: "When it gets cold, the Great Zhou will be no match for us."

The woman advised, "But Your Majesty, the soldiers of Great Zhou already have cotton armor, while we have to spend money to buy it! If we wait until it gets cold, it's hard to say who will win the battle!"

"Your Majesty, you and the renowned Prince of Wei of the Great Zhou are old acquaintances, so why don't you..."

(End of this chapter)