The pregnant woman pressed down on the wife, and the cousin collapsed into the prince's arms.

"Based on rumors..." Pei Jingnian looked at her smiling eyes and sighed inwardly. He naturally knew whether those things were just rumors or not. Su Wanrou's ruthless methods had also had a significant impact on Pei Jingnian. He gently stroked Shen Yunshuang's lower abdomen, soothing her with his large hand, and said, "Weren't Green Bud and Snow Branch serving you closely before?"

"Xuezhi hasn't been feeling well these past few days, so I let her rest for a couple of days. Seeing that Chuntao is clever and quick-witted, I've decided to have him fill in for Xuezhi for a few days. Is there anything wrong with that?"

Looking at Shen Yunshuang's innocent appearance, Pei Jingnian thought to himself: Shuang'er is still too innocent and kind. It's best not to let the people sent by the Su family serve her personally.

However, seeing Shen Yunshuang's delicate and pregnant state, I was afraid that speaking rashly would startle her, so I could only keep a close eye on her and refrain from mentioning it for the time being.

Two days later, Pei Jingnian specially sent someone to deliver ten bolts of cloud-mist silk to Shen Yunshuang, saying that they were transported from Suzhou. This silk was woven from extremely fine mulberry silk, with interwoven threads that resembled a layer of mountain mist. The silk was light, thin, and translucent, and came in colors such as pear blossom white, sky blue, sunset pink, and light gardenia yellow.

The servant who delivered the items spoke fluently and crisply: "The young master said that this gauze is not as stuffy as brocade satin. Since the empress is pregnant and cannot use ice, this light and transparent fabric is just right."

Shen Yunshuang touched it and found it to be cool and smooth, feeling almost weightless in her hand, as light as a wisp of cloud. She was delighted and said that Linglan had given her a bottle of Zhuyeqing tea a few days ago, but she was pregnant and couldn't drink it. She wanted to prepare a nice meal for him that evening and invite the young master over.

_

The night was deep, and a crescent moon hung in the sky, surrounded by a halo of light like smoke. The pure moonlight streamed through the window and filled the room.

On the round rosewood table were laid out delicacies: lotus-patterned blue and white porcelain bowls and plates, two pairs of bamboo-wrapped silver chopsticks, cherry-flavored pork and yam, braised duck strips with sea cucumber, crispy celery with soy sauce and vinegar, scrambled eggs with toon sprouts, crispy crucian carp, cold peanut and pea sprout salad, and a hot and sour soup made with winter bamboo shoots, ham, tender tofu, and shredded wood ear mushrooms, heavily seasoned with pepper and vinegar, served in a Ding kiln sunflower-shaped soup bowl, still steaming. The tangy and refreshing taste immediately whetted Pei Jingnian's appetite.

Shen Yunshuang sat down at the table and first served Pei Jingnian a bowl of soup. In the candlelight, Shen Yunshuang's fingers holding the bowl were porcelain white and delicate, and her nails were like pink flower petals: "This soup is sour and refreshing, please try it, Your Highness."

Then he got up and picked up the celadon silver teapot next to him, poured it into a glass. The wine was amber in color, with a layer of soft bamboo green light, the color of new bamboo after the rain. It was smooth and sweet on the palate, with a medicinal aroma.

Shen Yunshuang wore a light, smoky pink dress, tied at the chest with a pale purple ribbon. Her slightly protruding pregnant belly was hidden under the dress. In the candlelight, her face was rosy and radiant, her hair was piled high with green, and her face was as beautiful as spring. Her movements were graceful and charming.

"Young Master, please drink."

With fine wine before him and a beautiful woman by his side, Pei Jingnian's gaze grew increasingly indulgent. He grasped Shen Yunshuang's soft hand, the delicate and smooth touch stirring his heart, and said, "Shuang'er is very beautiful."

Shen Yunshuang gave a gentle reproach, her beautiful, bright eyes sparkling, and as she gently touched her pregnant belly with her slender white fingers, she asked, "Am I beautiful like this?"

Pei Jingnian smiled gently and replied, "Of course."

Shen Yunshuang personally handed the wine glass to Pei Jingnian's lips: "I am pregnant and cannot drink alcohol, so please drink a few more cups for me, my lord."

Pei Jingnian was already relaxed, and with her gentle and soft-spoken service, he couldn't help but drink a few more cups.

The effects of the alcohol gradually spread throughout my body, the candlelight flickered, and I began to see double images.

"Master? Master?" Shen Yunshuang called out twice. Seeing that Pei Jingnian's eyes were unfocused, she said softly, "Master is quite drunk. Let the maid help you inside to rest. Shuang'er will go and prepare some hangover soup for you."

"Alright."

Shen Yunshuang straightened up, slowly concealing the gentle smile in her eyes, and gave Lü Rui a wink.

Green Bud nodded and stepped forward to help Pei Jingnian up: "Young Master, let me help you inside."

Pei Jingnian was already drunk and let Lü Rui help him to bed.

After Shen Yunshuang came out, she said, "Young Master is drunk. Tell the kitchen to prepare a hangover soup immediately."

Lanru and Yunxi left as instructed, while Chuntao stood to the side, her heart pounding. The young master was drunk, which was the perfect opportunity for her to serve him. What if the concubine was also thinking the same thing?

Shen Yunshuang straightened her back, looking exhausted. At this moment, Lürui came out from the inner room, supported her waist, and said, "Your Highness, are you tired? Let me help you to rest."

Shen Yunshuang nodded, glancing casually at Chuntao, and said, "I'm worried about the young master being alone in the room. You should go in and serve him."

Chun Tao's heart pounded; it was true! It was today!

She readily agreed, but after Shen Yunshuang left, she felt a little apprehensive about returning home. She lowered her head, gathered her plain silk skirt, and adjusted the pearl hairpin in her hair. Only after confirming that everything was in order did she carefully enter the room.

Leftover food remained on the table, wine glasses were overturned, and the rich aroma of wine filled the entire room.

Chun Tao walked very lightly, her steps delicate and soft, as if afraid of disturbing anything in the room.

All that could be seen was a black lacquered and gold-plated canopy bed, shrouded in curtains, obscuring the view inside.

Chun Tao held her breath, quickly approached, and pulled back the bed curtains. She saw Pei Jingnian leaning against the pillow, his eyes slightly closed and his long eyelashes drooping.

The young master was already a rare beauty, and now, having shed his usual coldness and aloofness, he revealed a unique gentleness. Chun Tao stared at his face, almost mesmerized.

Remembering what the concubine had said about her serving her, she pursed her lips, mustered her courage, and leaned forward, deliberately making her voice soft and sweet: "Your Highness, let me help you change your clothes."

Pei Jingnian was drunk and confused. He only felt a soft warmth beside him. When those hands brushed against his chest, he thought it was Shen Yunshuang.

At this moment, the long-suppressed feelings and desires broke through the shackles in the hazy state of drunkenness. He had already forgotten that Shen Yunshuang was pregnant, and instinctively stretched out his long arms to tightly embrace the person in front of him.

He used tremendous force, and in an instant, their bodies were pressed tightly together. Pei Jingnian's vision blurred, and he murmured, "Shuang'er."