Chapter 68: Committing a Crime Against the Wind

  The sun is getting stronger day by day, and time is flying forward quickly. Before you know it, July has arrived.

  Su Ying walked a circle in the garden outside, with aloe vera and mint on either side watching over her like guardian deities. As Su Ying's belly grew bigger, she couldn't help but move around every day. At first, the people by her side tried to stop her, but later Su Ying insisted on walking.

  In the garden, trees shaded, Su Ying chose a relatively cool time, she looked more spirited and not tired, Fu Yao agreed, in the small garden, someone checked every day, even the fallen petals were cleaned up, and a fixed time was set.

  It's no wonder that Fu Yiyang and the people below him were so nervous, it was all because Su Ying's belly had been diagnosed with twins - every ten days, the doctor would come to check her pulse, and even Su Ying hadn't expected it, let alone Fu Yiyang, who was stunned at the time. After reacting, he still felt uneasy, and asked his servants to take his card to invite a famous doctor, who checked her pulse again and confirmed that it was indeed twins. At that time, Fu Yiyang looked normal and serious, but after sending away the famous doctor, he clenched his fists and returned to the outer study, Su Ying secretly thought, could it be that he was too excited, had Iron Han shed tears?

  It was more joyful when it was diagnosed that Su Ying was pregnant with twins than when she was first diagnosed. Mrs. Su couldn't hold back and came over the next day with a big smile on her face - this good news was personally delivered by Fu Yeyang himself - as soon as he saw Su Ying, he burst out laughing, from now on, who dares to mock her family's daughter as "a hen that doesn't lay eggs" behind her back? This time it's simply "if you don't make a sound, then you're fine, but if you do, you'll shock everyone", we have double yolks, some people are envious.

  Although this sentence is a bit rough, it's also the truth. Except for those who know the inside story of Su Ying's infertility after marrying for several years, everyone else thinks that Su Ying has finally found happiness and even gave birth to twins. Who can't say polite words? Those who came to congratulate Su Ying all expressed their envy first, saying that Su Ying was a lucky person, and after recovering from childbirth and giving birth to a pair of white and chubby babies, this is truly a double blessing. They were also very willing to teach Su Ying some parenting skills.

  Some people just have to go against the grain. "It's not certain whether it's a boy or girl until it's born, and if at that time Eldest Brother's wife gives birth to two daughters..." Madame Chen seemed oblivious to the furrowed brows and sidelong glances of others, continuing on her own, "That would also be a good thing, with Master having few children, even if they're girls he'll still be very happy. Isn't there a saying 'first flowers then fruit'? Even if it's really two daughters, Eldest Brother's wife won't have to worry."

  The ladies who came to Su Ying's place were all here for Su Ying. Chen Furen didn't even get invited and yet she still had the nerve to say something like that, leaving everyone in the room stunned, exchanging awkward glances at Chen Furen while also feeling a little sympathetic towards Su Ying.

  It's also because of the glory of Princess Yongwu today that no one will mention the hardships she suffered when she didn't have children. Not to mention, not long ago, a first-class lady was forced to knock against a pillar to prove her innocence.

  Su Ying felt that she was really too naive, thinking that with Fu Mu's guidance for over a year, Chen Furen, as the eldest daughter of a noble family, would not have humiliated herself in front of so many guests, especially since it was Chen Furen who had come to their doorstep.

  Su Ying pulled out a handkerchief to wipe the corner of her mouth, and the more she was in this situation, the more she had to calm down. She glanced at Fei Cui with her eyes, who was standing behind Madame Chen, and Fei Cui felt her gaze and couldn't help but feel weak in the knees. A thin layer of sweat broke out on her back, and she gritted her teeth, secretly tugging on Madame Chen's sleeve to hint that she should stop, and quickly say something to turn the conversation around.

  Fortunately, Madame Chen was clever for once. "I thought the elder sister looked good and this pregnancy actually made her look even better than before, so I thought it must be a daughter who is so considerate. Besides, even if it's a pair of daughters, they are also the legitimate daughters of our Hou Mansion, and they are precious."

  It's really hard for Mrs. Chen to say that, and the lady of Pingyang Hou is the first to react. Among those present, except Su Ying, she is the highest in rank, and when speaking, she can be more open: "This statement is not false, you are the most comfortable pregnant woman I have ever seen, this child in your belly is afraid of being blessed, and will definitely make you happy."

  Just saying "satisfactory" and no longer mentioning gender would be enough to get past the slightly awkward moment earlier.

  Mrs. Chen slunk away with a humiliated expression, and when she returned to her room, she pulled out her hair and vented her frustration, thinking resentfully: Just wait until the time comes and all the children born are daughters, see if she can still laugh then.

  Su Ying understood that Fu Yeyang wanted a son, especially since Fu Yeyang still didn't have an heir. In this era where boys were valued over girls, even two daughters couldn't compare to one son.

  Ever since Fu Yi Yang last recited the Filial Piety Canon to Su Ying's belly, he seemed to have become addicted. Especially after Su Ying was diagnosed with twins, it was clear that he looked at her belly even more eagerly. Su Ying had goosebumps all over her body.

  However, Su Ying actually welcomed such a thirsty behavior from him. She had been pregnant for almost four months, and Fu Ye Yang was either resting in the outer study room or sneaking around with her every now and then. At first, he still needed Su Ying to subtly hint at him, but later on, even if she didn't give any hints, he would take the initiative to come over.

  Even when he didn't have much official business, he would come over to Su Ying's place for dinner and not stay overnight. Madame Liu couldn't even get Fu Yeyang to her courtyard after she recovered from her illness, let alone Liyue who was still living off of Madame Liu's charity.

  From this perspective, Fu Yiyang's record has been well-maintained. After all, on the one hand, Su Ying blocked him, but if Fu Yiyang really wanted to sleep with his little wife, Su Ying couldn't stop him. But once Fu Yiyang did that, Su Ying really didn't know what the consequences would be.

  This is not to say that Su Jing will "rather be a jade fragment than a whole tile", but rather that she still can't figure out what the ending would be like if the mainline task released by the system fails, which is a time bomb, suppressing Su Jing's potential.

  Su Ying walked around the garden and was immediately flanked by Lu Hui and Bao He, each holding one of her arms as they headed towards the house. As soon as they entered, Gui Yatou came forward to greet them, "Madam, you must be tired, please sit down and rest for a while?"

  One side supported Su Ying to sit down, Lu Hui took the brocade quilt and placed it behind Su Ying's back, adding a headrest. On the other hand, she muttered: "Madam has been walking in the garden for nearly half an hour, although the sun is setting outside, it's still hot and humid, where is it more comfortable than in the house?"

  Since Su Ying had to take a walk in the garden with her belly, Gui Yatou was always worried. Every now and then, she would nag again, and Su Ying was used to it, so she didn't argue back this time either. She picked up the purple perilla leaves and brought over some watermelon that had been soaked in ice water, took a bite, felt cooler after eating a piece, and asked, "Where is Master?"

  Gu Yining's movements paused for a moment, and when she looked at Su Ying again, there was some disapproval in her eyes.

  At first, less than three months ago, when Su Ying and Fu Ye were together, they didn't really do it. No matter how much Gui's mother thought about it, she wouldn't have expected that the two of them would secretly collude with each other. After more than three months had passed and the fetus was stable, the two people lightly and gently came once. It was also safe. This lifted the ban.

  It's not good to keep this kind of thing hidden. Although Lu Hui and the others didn't notice, Gu Yiniang was sharp-eyed and had been staring at Su Ying's belly until she almost worshipped her, and after a few more times, she let her discover the cat's trick.

  It's unheard of in the past. Generally, after a woman becomes pregnant, there is basically a one-year window period where she does not get intimate with her husband, which is also why after finding out that Su Ying was pregnant, Liu Niang and others were eager to approach Fu Ye Yang.

  After Gu Yehuo savored the taste, she immediately became stupid. If it weren't for the doctor coming to take her pulse every ten days and saying that her pulse was stable, Su Ying would have thought that her nurse's eyes were like thorns on her back. Even though Su Ying wasn't easily embarrassed, under Gu Yehuo's disapproving gaze, she felt ashamed, almost surrendering.

  Although it is so, Gu Yuer still can't accept it. She doesn't quite agree with it after all, Su Yinghua is pregnant with twins and needs to be extremely careful, at this stage, no matter what the reason, she should prioritize fetal conservation.

  Su Ying's eyes sparkled, pretending not to understand the meaning in Gui's eyes. She wouldn't use her unborn child as an excuse for dereliction of duty, and besides, Fu was now more mature and capable, and pregnant women had needs too.

  Of course, this cannot be said to Gui's mother, let alone that Gui's mother can't stop it. It's like when Su Ying was pregnant before, didn't Gui's mother say that letting Fu Ye Yang stay overnight wasn't proper? Later on, she just went along with it and even thought that Fu Ye Yang was doing it for Su Ying's sake. This time, being subtly influenced by Su Ying, her tone has softened as well.

  Lü Hu didn't catch Gui's hint and responded, just as Fu Ye Yang returned, with his long-serving attendant Yong Ping holding a stack of books behind him.

  Su Ying supported her waist and came out, what is this for?

  Fu Yiyang glanced at her, and Yongping stood respectfully on the side with his head bowed, waiting for Fu Yiyang's instructions. This is really the first time that public and private matters are not clearly distinguished, as previously there was no bringing of official business back to the backyard, let alone to the wife's quarters. If things continue like this, won't it be long before the private treasury is also handed over to the wife to manage? These days have not been few in taking things from the private treasury for the wife. Even during Wei Niang's time of favor, it was not like this. Truly, the ways of the world are difficult to predict.

  Even Yongping, who had always followed Fu Yiyang, was shocked, and Su Ying was also a little confused - what on earth was going on?

  She was surprised in her heart, but didn't show it on her face. She smiled at Fu Yeyang and asked someone to move the books into the study. There were too many books here, and it wasn't good to pile them all up in the inner room, so a special study had been set aside. Originally, it was all her own books, but somehow several of Fu Yeyang's favorite books had gotten mixed in.

  Su Ying gave a wink to Lu Hui, and Lu Hui smiled at Yong Ping: "You must be thirsty from the journey? Have a bowl of sour plum soup to quench your thirst."

  These days, Yongping has been taking Fu Yiyang to the Zhengyuan Hospital. Although he hasn't gained much benefit, Su Ying is in charge of the back house. As soon as Yongping's younger sister reached working age, she was arranged to work in the tea room. Although the benefits might not be as many as those in the kitchen or purchasing department, it's better because it's more relaxed.

  Su Ying intentionally lifted him up, and he naturally understood the principle of reciprocity. Moreover, now that Su Ying is pregnant, Yongping has been helping Zhengyuan in secret. As soon as he saw Lu Xiu smiling at him, he smiled foolishly, rubbed his hands together, and followed Lu Xiu over.

  Su Ying followed him to the study, and saw that he really intended to work here. The pens, ink, paper, and inkstone he often used had been prepared in advance by Su Ying after she knew he would be sitting in her study. The layout of the study was also carefully considered by Su Ying to suit both their tastes. The arrangement of the main room and inner room had undergone some changes - it could no longer be like before, when it was her own private courtyard, and people came and went as if it were a guest room, without any signs of the male owner's life.

  Under the subtle influence, the house gradually had more traces of Fu Yiyang's daily life, and Fu Yiyang also figured out the taste. The few books he often read on the bookshelf were added by himself, from which he slowly felt the difference between his wife and concubine.

  His wife was different from before, he used to think that as long as his wife was dignified and virtuous, she could help him take care of the household chores without distracting him. Now he felt that he had not understood the wonders of being a couple before, now it's different from before, sitting next to her made his eyebrows relax unconsciously.

  Su Ying saw Fu Yeyang concentrating on his work, so she didn't disturb him. She found a book and lazily lay down on the large pillow by the window, Fu Yeyang occasionally looked up at her, finding that she seemed to have fallen asleep with her eyes closed. He got up and walked over, stroking the loose hair in front of her forehead, and pulled the blanket that was draped over her body.

  Fu Yiyang only mentioned that he had a business trip to Jiangnan after they got into bed, and Su Ying clutched his hand, panting. She was originally sensitive, and it became even more so after she got pregnant. Having to protect her belly, with limited posture, and unable to make big movements, the slow and shallow movements made Su Ying even more unbearable.

  Fu Yiyang also knew. He liked to see her struggling, his hand reaching from the shoulder blade to the front to hold her softer and more plump than before, his hot mouth kissing her snowy back all the way to her earlobe, while slowly speaking to her: "It's really gained weight, in the past it was all skin and bones."

  But he was still rubbing that soft and delicate thing in his hand, which was obviously intentional. Su Ying let out a sudden breath, clamped her legs together and arched her back, but this seemed to push those two things further into his hands.

  She was originally leaning against him. With this movement, Fu Yeyang's breathing also became heavier, and his mouth didn't stop: "Is there still my credit in this?"

  Not only did Su Ying make progress in actual combat, but Fu Yeyang was not far behind, and he still had to rely on Su Ying to lead him. Since the last time Su Ying used her hands, it can be said that she has opened a new door to a new world, and she is becoming more and more open-minded about such things, rather than just burying her head in hard work. When talking about private matters like this, there's not even half a bit of discomfort, but instead, Su Ying becomes more sensitive and shy because of it, and he sometimes even intentionally says a few words to tease her.

  Fu Yiyang came over slowly and gently, feeling refreshed and invigorated. He had originally wanted to come again, but after thinking about it and touching her swollen belly, he gave up the idea.

  Both of them were sweating, Fu Yiyang called for hot water to come in, and he also knew that he couldn't hide it from the people below. He was not concerned about it, but rather enjoyed teasing Su Ying until her face turned red and her body was also flushed with a crimson glow. Watching this made him feel lustful again, so he took advantage of the bathing break to touch and caress her, releasing his desires once more. This bath was almost in vain.

  Fu Yiyang handed her a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from her forehead, playing with her fingers and said: "I estimate that I will be away for two or three months. When I come back, these two will have grown even bigger. Originally, this matter was not my turn to go, but next year is the year of the big comparison, and the cheating case in Jiangnan's last rural trial had a wide impact. The emperor is worried about this year's rural trial, so he also wants me to secretly investigate."

  Su Ying leaned against his chest, listening to him say these things, but what she was thinking in her heart was that originally in the Hou Mansion there was still her watching over him, not giving him the opportunity to sleep with a concubine. But now he's going out on official business, and it's still to Jiangnan, two or three months letting him restrain himself from eating meat, Su Ying herself didn't have any idea what would happen.

  Heavens, this is simply playing with her! Su Ying pursed her lips and lowered her eyelids: "When are we leaving?"

  "In two days, I'll be leaving." Fu Yeyang wouldn't know what Su Ying was thinking, and he hadn't forgotten about that aspect either. At the beginning of the year, he had also gone out on a business trip, which coincided with Su's miscarriage. That time, he had been looking forward to having a child too, but it didn't turn out as expected. Seeing Su fall ill had also made him feel uncomfortable in his heart. Going out on a business trip was also a way for him to avoid seeing her and feeling troubled.

  But now it's different, he can't help but stare at his wife's belly getting bigger and bigger, with two little ones inside, without Su Ying saying anything, he feels that these twins are making up for the child they never had, compensating for their marriage, in his heart, unknowingly, he has more patience and longing, after having such thoughts, gradually, he developed feelings for the unborn children.

  Nowadays, going out means not seeing his wife and children for several months. Fu Yeyang was reluctant to leave, so he brought his work to the main courtyard today, a rare occurrence.

  "What's the hurry?" Su Ying thought to herself, recalling the emperor's distant face. Doesn't he know that his subject's wife is pregnant and he's sent her husband on a mission for several months? What kind of thing is this! He deserves to be remembered by Chen Wanqiu, humph!

  Su Ying was nestled in Fu Yiyang's arms, and didn't let Fu Yiyang see her expression. "Things haven't been put away yet, clothes and medicine need to be prepared thoroughly, it's different from being at home." Before she could finish speaking, Fu Yiyang pinched her finger, "Let the people below worry about these things."

  Su Ying lowered her head, twisted her body: "You've been out for so long, although there are Yongping and others following you, but after all, it's not careful enough, with people around to serve..."

  She didn't move, that's fine, but as soon as she did, the waves that were originally hidden under her arm started to surge up and down, making Fu Yeyang's lower abdomen tighten, and the things that had calmed down before reacted again. But Su Ying's words also got through to her, shifting the topic to bring her into his arms, "I'm going out on official business, my schedule is tight, bringing a woman with me would look like what."

  She saw her fingers tapping on his chest, somewhat uncomfortably putting her fingers to her mouth and nibbling them, "What's going on?"

  Su Ying raised her face to look at him, her furrowed eyebrows relaxed, but she still said: "This is what you said yourself." She thought that with his character, he wouldn't bring a concubine out in public, and it had never happened before. By doing this, she was trying to test Fu Yeyang's attitude, hoping that he would be too busy with official duties to think about those unnecessary things. On the other hand, she wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to tease him a bit, having been so virtuous in front of him all along, but when it was just the two of them, she couldn't keep up the act, and teasing him was still quite enjoyable.

  As expected, Fu Yiyang couldn't help but smile and said: "You, these things don't need you to worry about, just take good care of this pair, that's the priority." As he spoke, he reached out to touch her protruding belly, "If you're tired, I'll discipline them when I get back."

  "Got it." With two small blessings in her belly, Su Ying was also forced to listen to a lot of obscure classical Chinese texts, and this man really took prenatal education seriously.

  But even if Fu Yiyang didn't bring anyone out of the house, Su Ying still couldn't rest assured. Once again, she deeply felt how difficult it was to complete the main task released by the system at the beginning, and how much of a scam it was.

  By the second day, everyone in the mansion knew that Fu Yeyang was going out on a mission. Just as Madam Fu's mind had started to turn, thinking of taking advantage of the situation to do something, Fu Yeyang went to pay his respects and said: "My wife is pregnant with twins, and her body will become increasingly difficult in the future, I beg Mother to help take care of her."

  Fu's mother did not respond, but if she agreed, she would have to take good care of Su Ying. If anything happened to Su Ying, she would also be responsible. She glanced at Fu Qiyang standing below with a drooping eyelid, "The child that the Su family is carrying is also my grandson, you don't need to say it, I will follow up on it."

  It suddenly occurred to her that she could take advantage of this opportunity to take over Su Ying's management rights, and Mrs. Fu felt that life was not as comfortable as it used to be, even the second house seemed to be less in harmony with her than before.

  This is something Mrs. Fu absolutely doesn't want to happen, it seems that the second room needs a good knock on the door.

  Also, on the side of the main house, after learning about it, Madame Liu instructed Cuiping to find a set of clothes and shoes that she had previously made for Fu Yeyang. Since Su Ying exempted them from paying respects, and let Madame Liu manage the courtyard where she and Liyue lived, whatever matters she could handle on her own were dealt with without needing to go to the main house. As a result, Madame Liu hadn't found an excuse to visit the main house and coincidentally run into Fu Yeyang.

  This time, coincidentally, there was an opportunity. After thinking about it, Madam Liu decided not to let it slip away. She had recovered from her illness and regained her complexion, so she asked Feicui to open the trunk and pick out some clothes.

  Feicui first took out a piece of clothing with a smoky pink edge, and Liu Yiniang looked at the garment without a waistline and shook her head. Feicui then brought out a new pale purple embroidered yulan-colored long gown for comparison, and Liu Yiniang compared them and chose the pale purple one. With a subtle makeup on her face, she carefully considered everything, checked the time, felt it was about right, and led Feicui to carry the clothes made for Fu Yeyang to the main hall.

  Fu Yiyang was indeed at the main courtyard, and Su Ying was talking to him when someone outside said that Madame Liu had arrived.