Union

Chapter 208 Chapter 207 Extra (2)

When Yunying and Chen Yanzhou set off for Jinzhou, it happened to be drizzling.

The drizzling rain slanted across the sky, intensifying the sorrow of parting.

The passenger boat sailed on the quiet river. Yunying stood on the passenger boat with tears in her eyes, looking at her father and two brothers standing on the dock with oil-paper umbrellas. She couldn't help but bury her face in Chen Yanzhou's arms and sob.

She hadn't felt such intense longing when she saw her father off before leaving the capital. But now that it was her turn to leave, Yunying felt a sharp pain in her heart.

She didn't want to leave home, didn't want to leave her father, brothers, and grandparents.

Chen Yanzhou kept patting and coaxing her, "Yingying, be good, don't cry. Your father-in-law is going back to the Northwest in a couple of days. Even if you stay in the capital, you won't be able to see your father-in-law."

Yun Ying, sobbing, pounded Chen Yanzhou's chest, "You still dare to talk back!"

"Alright, alright, I won't say anything discouraging. Yingying, think about it this way: the capital and Jinzhou are connected by a canal, so it's very convenient to go back and forth. If you really miss home terribly, I'll come back with you to see them, what do you say?"

"You're lying. You're an official stationed in a remote area; you can't return to the capital without being summoned."

Chen Yanzhou was taken aback for a moment, then couldn't help but burst into laughter. He had assumed Yun Ying was preoccupied with the sorrow of parting, but he hadn't expected her to remember that he was not allowed to return to the capital without being summoned.

This is not easy to fool. I don't know how to coax it successfully.

It was midsummer, and the weather grew hotter and hotter as we traveled south.

Fortunately, the weather was cool and comfortable in the early morning and evening, but around noon, the scorching sun made Yunying suffer a bit.

But this is much better than when I went south to Yungui County earlier.

They also traveled south by boat at that time, but they stayed in second-class rooms, with two people sharing a single room. There were no ice basins back then, and they weren't allowed to eat the chilled fruit. In addition, to avoid trouble, they stayed in their rooms the whole way and rarely went out.

Even a perfectly healthy person would go stir-crazy staying in a room for so long. Let alone these young girls who had never been out of the house before. Back then, just listening to the boatmen and merchants coming and going on the deck made them extremely anxious and panicked, fearing that they would break down the door and offend them.

Yunying talked to Chen Yanzhou about traveling south by boat. Chen Yanzhou held her in his arms and listened silently, but couldn't help but reach out and touch her cheek and hair.

She chose him out of desperation, but she never really intended to become his concubine. She thought about escaping the whole way; perhaps she even considered jumping into the river and floating ashore while on the boat?

Chen Yanzhou's question stumped Yun Ying.

This person is far too astute; he even managed to guess that she had once considered jumping into the river.

She had indeed considered it, but she wasn't familiar with the river. There were hidden spies and river bandits; she knew nothing about it. She was even more afraid of a sudden change in the weather, a torrential downpour—wouldn't that mean certain death?
Furthermore, with her looks, if she goes ashore without anyone protecting her, wouldn't she be like a fish on a chopping board, at the mercy of others?

Based on these considerations, she ultimately did not act rashly.

But can I share these thoughts with Chen Yanzhou?
Yunying felt that since they were the closest of couples, it wouldn't be a big deal to tell Chen Yanzhou, especially since it wasn't the first time he had heard that she had once tried to run away.

Yunying told the truth, which infuriated Chen Yanzhou.

Even though I knew some of these things, thinking about them now still makes me feel scared.

If she really escapes, what future will they have?

If something happens to her, where should he look for her?
The phrase "physical principle" and the line "Raising a cup to invite the bright moon, we become three with our shadows" came to mind, and Chen Yanzhou's thoughts instantly became chaotic. Even his breathing became rapid and uncontrollable.

Yunying realized something was wrong and looked up at him, "How could you... um..."

Before she could finish speaking, Yunying was picked up by Chen Yanzhou and thrown onto the bed.

The bed in the side room was just an ordinary canopy bed, and in terms of quality, it was worlds apart from the exquisitely crafted canopy bed in the house.

Although Chen Yanzhou had the bed reinforced after boarding, ensuring it wouldn't creak, the soundproofing was poor outside, and even the slightest noise could be heard by people in the next room.

Yunying nudged Chen Yanzhou, trying to calm him down.

He was a prefect, after all. If word got out that he was indulging in debauchery in broad daylight, wouldn't he lose all face?

Chen Yanzhou just stared at her intently, his hands gripping her tightly as if afraid she would run away.

He pressed down on her, his voice hoarse, and said, "Then keep your voice down, Yingying, just bear with it, no one outside will hear."

What does it mean to "endure"?
Just like how loudly she yelled!
"what……"

A voice that sounded like chanting suddenly appeared, with a soft tone and a lingering, poignant ending... It's all Chen Yanzhou's fault for going too far!
……

If the winds and currents are favorable, the journey from Jinzhou to the capital can take seven days.

But it was midsummer, and the southeast wind was howling. Coupled with the occasional downpour, the journey was severely delayed. By the time the boat reached Jinzhou, it was already the ninth day.

It was already late at night when the ship docked at the pier.

Under the pitch-black night sky, only a few stars dotted the heavens. In the sweltering air, a few wisps of breeze blew across the river, dispelling the daytime heat and bringing a touch of coolness.

By this time, the people were all asleep, and the city gates were locked, but the docks were still brightly lit.

Loading goods, unloading goods, picking up people, traveling long distances... Jinzhou's wharf, a well-known major wharf throughout the country, has a daily throughput that is enough to make people astonished.

The group quietly disembarked from the boat and boarded the carriage that had come to pick them up.

Yunying had been forced to do strenuous physical labor before bed, so she was fast asleep. Chen Yanzhou held her carefully, managing not to wake her.

Thus, they quickly boarded the carriage and soon arrived at the city gate.

The guards at the city gate had already received instructions, knowing that the prefect would be returning to the city in the next two days. They had been on high alert, and when they saw Sui Yun, who was by the prefect's side, personally driving the carriage and leading a group of people toward them, they hurriedly opened the city gate to welcome the prefect's return.

Yunying was naturally unaware of the commotion and noise happening here.

When she opened her eyes again, all she saw were unfamiliar objects.

The bed was a pale blue canopy draped with a hundred sons and a thousand grandsons design, and a light green silk quilt embroidered with exotic flowers. The bed itself was a rosewood canopy bed with water-drop carvings. Beside the bed stood a dressing table, on which rested a cloisonné enamel mirror painted with a design of flowers and birds symbolizing a long and happy marriage, and two large red and gold-painted begonia-shaped cosmetic boxes…

As Yunying was observing carefully, she suddenly noticed footsteps approaching, followed by a shadow being cast.

"Are you awake?"

When Yunying saw that the person who came was Chen Yanzhou, she yawned and reached out her arms for him to hug her.

He was wearing a dark purple official robe, looking as if he had just returned from the yamen.

The deep purple color made him look older, but because of his fair and handsome face, as well as his dignified and noble temperament, he wore the official robe perfectly.

The old-fashioned air was gone, replaced by an aura of official authority and grandeur. This solemn and dignified Chen Yanzhou was a far cry from the Chen Yanzhou who indulged in frivolous pursuits within the boudoir… I can’t think about it anymore; to think about it any further would be a desecration of the official robes I wear.

Yunying's voice was languid and listless, as if she had just woken up. "What time did we get off the passenger ship last night? I slept so soundly that I didn't notice anything. And what time is it now? I feel like I could eat a whole cow."

Chen Yanzhou couldn't help but laugh again. He didn't mention getting off the ship last night, otherwise she would definitely be embarrassed. Chen Yanzhou only talked about the time, "It's already noon now. I woke up early to call you for breakfast, but you couldn't even open your eyes, waved me away, and almost slapped me..."

Yunying immediately opened her sleepy eyes. "No way, let me see."

"I missed, I dodged it... I'm meeting the prefect and your subordinate today. If I show up with an injured face, I'm afraid it will ruin your reputation."

Before Yunying could show any annoyance, Chen Yanzhou said, "Get up and have lunch. The cook has prepared your favorite dishes. Didn't you say last night that you wanted to go to your maternal grandparents' house today? I'll go with you after lunch. I won't be free tomorrow."

Hearing Chen Yanzhou's words, Yunying dared not dawdle any longer. He carried her to the clean room, and she quickly changed her clothes and did her makeup.

After lunch, Yunying and Chen Yanzhou went to the Chu family together, carrying various gifts for their maternal grandparents.

When Yunying got married, her two uncles and aunts went to the capital to see her off, but her maternal grandfather did not come.

The old man's leg ailment flared up again, and he was in so much pain that he couldn't walk. In addition, he was getting on in years, and he hadn't recovered from the hardships of last year. His eldest and second uncles wouldn't let him go along to join the fun, otherwise, if something really happened to him, Yunying would regret it to death.

My maternal grandfather listened to my advice and actually stayed.

Now that Yunying is going to her new post with Chen Yanzhou, it is only right and proper for her to take her new son-in-law to pay respects to her maternal grandfather.

The Chu family had already received the news, and several people were waiting at the door.

Auntie looked at Yunying's face and asked, "You got off the boat in the middle of the night last night, and didn't get up this morning?"

Yunying blushed and nodded.

We had originally agreed that she would come this morning, but after yesterday's commotion and the fatigue from the journey, she fell asleep this morning.

Auntie didn't think much of it, assuming she was just exhausted, so she held her hand tenderly and said, "It's okay to come a couple of days later, you'll have plenty of time to stay in Jinzhou in the future."

Yunying said, "I can't keep my grandfather waiting. I'll come again later. I miss him too. I won't feel at ease if I don't send my regards to him."

"Your maternal grandfather also misses you."

That afternoon, Yunying and Chen Yanzhou both stayed here.

After the two chatted with the elders for a while, the maternal grandfather beckoned Chen Yanzhou to the study, seemingly to give him some pointers.

As for Yunying, her two aunts called her into their rooms and asked her some private questions.

The aunts were counting the days; it had been more than twenty days since Yunying's wedding. If everything had gone smoothly, they might already be carrying the money.

Now that Yunying is with them, her aunts can't help but ask her a few more questions.

Have you experienced any discomfort with your diet or other necessities these past few days?

Do you feel unwell?

"You've just gotten married, so there's no rush to have children. But if you don't want any, you'll have to use protection... If you want to have a child soon, then blah blah blah..."

This was a private conversation, and its contents must absolutely not be leaked.

Yunying blushed as her aunts imparted their "secrets," especially the methods of contraception and having children, which left her speechless.

Although she had tried every position and all sorts of shameless things with Chen Yanzhou, she still felt very uncomfortable talking about such private matters in front of outsiders, and her whole body felt like it was on fire.

Yunying blushed crimson, and her two aunts couldn't help but chuckle to themselves.

They've been through this stage themselves, so how could they not know that young people are easily embarrassed?

If it were someone else, they wouldn't bother with all this rambling.

But He'er has no mother, and Ling Jia is young and probably too embarrassed to say it. The old lady is also getting on in years and might not be able to be considerate of everything... He'er can't let her mother-in-law and sisters-in-law talk to her about these things, or He'er would be so ashamed she'd want to disappear into the ground.

After much deliberation, it seemed that only her two aunts could be the most reliable people to talk to about this matter.

The two aunts felt embarrassed, but with the child by their side, they dared not let anything happen to him.

The aunts repeatedly instructed, "If you feel unwell, please see a doctor promptly. Don't spoil your nephew-in-law too much; you also need to take care of your health... By the way, He'er, when does your period usually come?"

Yunying mentioned a date, which is eight days away.

The aunts immediately perked up, "If it hasn't arrived by the actual day, send someone to let us know immediately... You also need to be extra careful these next few days..."

Yunying nodded in agreement, while thinking to herself, "She just got married, she shouldn't be pregnant so soon, right?"

However, it's hard to say.

After all, the frequency is too high, and the demand is very high...

When they got back, Chen Yanzhou asked Yunying what her aunt had said to her, and why her face was still flushed even after so long.
Yunying stammered, avoiding the important details, and only mentioned that her aunts had mentioned the pregnancy.

Chen Yanzhou raised an eyebrow and couldn't help but touch Yun Ying's belly.

Her abdomen was flat, and he couldn't even imagine what it would be like for her to be pregnant with their child.

But if they have children with blood ties, will she not disappear?
Chen Yanzhou seemed to have found a way to keep her, so he became even more diligent.

However, he was too diligent, which caused Yunying to bleed a few days later.

Yunying didn't pay much attention at first, just thinking that her period had come early.

This time, however, she not only had a stomachache, but also a feeling of heaviness in her lower abdomen. She felt unwell all over and just wanted to stay in bed all day long.

Seeing this, Chen Yanzhou sent for a doctor, and the result was unexpected: Yunying was likely pregnant! However, it was still early in the pregnancy, and the pregnancy was unstable…

Chen Yanzhou was overjoyed that his wish had come true.

But thinking of the ordeal of the past few days and Yunying's frequent bleeding, he turned pale with fright.

Fortunately, the doctor was highly skilled, and Yunying's condition improved after drinking two doses of the medicine to prevent miscarriage.

After three long months, Chen Yanzhou wrote to all his relatives and friends to announce that Yunying was pregnant and he was going to be a father!
(End of this chapter)