Pregnant Salted Fish Chapter 48

TL: Hua

Inside Qingyuan Palace, singing and dancing flourished, while in Changxin Palace, Young Marquis Yin’s little mouth continued to chatter incessantly. He secretly vowed that it would be best if he could make Xu Yanqing cry. After all, Xu Yanqing had always tormented him back in Xu Family Village.

“So Young Marquis Yin means that Xiling sent a precious princess here just for a marriage alliance with Daliang?” The salted fish young master’s slow brain finally caught on.

Yin Yuancheng nodded repeatedly: “That’s right! And I also heard that this princess from Xiling is exceptionally beautiful and greatly favored by the Xiling King!”

The salted fish young master shook his head, indicating his opposition: “If she’s being sent to a foreign land for a marriage alliance, what’s all this talk about favor or no favor?”

“You’re right.” Yin Yuancheng nodded in strong agreement, sighing with emotion, “It’s a good thing our Emperor is wise and mighty, and Daliang’s national power is strong. Naturally, there’s no need for a princess to be married off for an alliance. I can’t imagine my mother being forced to… It’s never easy for those in the imperial family.”

“No, wait.” Yin Yuancheng suddenly realized, “I said the Emperor is going to form a marriage alliance with the Xiling Princess, an alliance, do you understand?”

The salted fish wished he could just sprawl lazily on the table, feeling utterly listless. To Young Marquis Yin’s repeated emphasis, he obediently nodded: “Yes, yes, I understand.”

“So, how do you feel right now?” Yin Yuancheng tentatively peered at him. Seeing no expression on Xu Yanqing’s face and fearing he might be hurting inside and harm his body, he quickly comforted him: “But don’t worry, the Emperor has always avoided women. You’re the only exception in all these years. Now that you’re even pregnant, I imagine the Emperor will definitely refuse this marriage proposal.”

In truth, the salted fish young master’s heart was not as calm as he appeared. Suddenly hearing that the Taoist Master was to form a marriage alliance with the Xiling Princess, he felt an unspeakable discomfort in that instant… as if something he cherished deeply was being coveted by someone else. There was an inexplicable irritation everywhere.

Unwilling to let Yin Yuancheng see his thoughts, the salted fish decisively chose silence. Then, hearing Young Marquis Yin shift his tone and start to comfort him, he couldn’t help but show a teasing smile: “So, Young Marquis Yin is comforting me?”

“Hmph,” Yin Yuancheng gave an awkward sniff. “I’m just worried you’ll become melancholy and hurt my future little cousin. Besides, if the Emperor found out I made you unhappy, I’d probably be dragged out and beaten.”

Young Marquis Yin was being extremely contradictory. Xu Yanqing pretended to sigh with emotion: “So the little bean in my belly is actually the Young Marquis’s cousin! To think I’ve suddenly gained a generation in seniority. How refreshing.”

Young Marquis Yin froze, as if struck by lightning. How could he have suddenly forgotten?

Now that Xu Yanqing had become the emperor’s favorite and was even carrying the imperial heir in his belly, in an instant, he was a generation lower than Xu Yanqing.

However, Young Marquis Yin stubbornly retorted, “You wait until you become the Empress of Daliang before you make me call you ‘Auntie’!”

The salted fish couldn’t help but shiver all over, goosebumps rising. Auntie? Young Marquis Yin really knew how to annoy people.

—

After the banquet, the envoy and Tuoba Jinshu bowed to the Emperor of Daliang and requested leave. Yin Yanjun nodded faintly, dispatching someone to escort the Xiling envoy to the embassy.

The clamor in Qingyuan Palace quieted. Yin Yanjun raised his hand, signaling Wen Jing to put away the pair of dragon and phoenix jade tokens, then slowly rose and walked towards Changxin Palace.

Yin Yuancheng stayed in Changxin Palace for lunch today. After lunch, the young master sat for a while to digest his food. Feeling terribly sleepy, he lazily curled up on the bed and soon fell asleep. Yin Yuancheng found it too boring to stay, so he chatted briefly with Mu Yu before leaving the palace.

When Yin Yanjun arrived, the salted fish young master was still sound asleep on the bed, occasionally kicking his legs.

Remembering the young master’s swollen legs, Yin Yanjun reached into a drawer and took out Imperial Physician Han’s special medicinal oil. He then rolled up the young master’s trouser legs.

The young master’s legs were so swollen that they looked like steamed buns made of leavened dough. Yin Yanjun’s heart and eyes were filled with pity for the young master.

As the medicinal oil was applied and massaged onto his legs, Xu Yanqing dazedly opened his slightly sleepy eyes. What met his gaze was the Taoist Master earnestly massaging his legs, making Xu Yanqing feel as if a constantly thumping little rabbit had invaded his heart.

Throughout the entire day, the young master’s heart hadn’t settled down. He wobbled up from the bed. Before he could sit steadily, Yin Yanjun’s arm was already supporting the young master’s waist, preventing him from toppling back onto the bed.

“Is the palace banquet over?” The young master blinked his still somewhat sleepy eyes.

Yin Yanjun nodded: “Did Yuancheng cause trouble for you today?”

“Not at all. The Young Marquis is a very interesting person.” Feeling a little more energized, Xu Yanqing gently raised an eyebrow: “He just told me about the Xiling King sending his daughter to Daliang for a marriage alliance.”

Yin Yanjun’s hand, which was massaging the young master’s legs, paused for a moment. His clear, handsome eyes fell on the young master: “Perhaps the Xiling King had that intention, but the Xiling envoy couldn’t voice it today.” That envoy, having been dispatched to Daliang by the Xiling King, was naturally a perceptive and intelligent person. He likely wouldn’t bring up the topic of a marriage alliance at subsequent palace banquets.

Listening to the Taoist Master succinctly and clearly describe what happened at the palace banquet, the young master’s eyes sparkled: “Our Minister Shi of Daliang is also a remarkable and truly interesting person.”

Yin Yanjun continued to massage the young master’s legs. A moment later, he cleansed his hands and sat down beside the young master again: “Young master, if you’re bored, feel free to call Yuancheng over to play or to pass the time.”

“Can’t you hang out with me then, Taoist Master?” The Taoist Master’s tone made it sound as if he was treating the young master like an undeveloped child, filled with undisguised indulgence. This made the young master want to misbehave and tease the Taoist Master.

Sure enough, the young master saw the Taoist Master’s ear tips begin to redden slightly. He raised a hand and placed it on the Taoist Master’s ear tip, murmuring softly, “Taoist Master’s ears are so red!”

Yin Yanjun was a little embarrassed. He raised his hand and held the young master’s hand, which was deliberately teasing him: “I am much older than you, young master. Sometimes I’m unsure what young people your age like to play. I’m afraid you will find me extremely boring.”

“Not at all!” Xu Yanqing, with his pregnant belly, tilted his head slightly and looked at the Taoist Master’s clear, detached eyes: “I actually find Taoist Master very interesting.”

The salted fish young master began to flirt with Taoist Master Xuanchen again. Thinking back to that unintentional kiss in Xu Family Village, coupled with the strange feeling he had today upon hearing about the Taoist Master’s potential marriage alliance with the Xiling Princess, Xu Yanqing seemed to faintly realize something.

He seemed to have a strong possessiveness towards the Taoist Master. Was this normal? Obviously, it was normal, as the Taoist Master was a beauty.

And an unparalleled beauty at that. The salted fish young master felt himself to be merely an ordinary person; it was perfectly normal to feel possessive towards such a considerate and beautiful person.

However, at this moment, he still hesitated. It wasn’t a lack of trust in the Taoist Master, but rather a lack of trust in himself and an uncontrollable self-doubt.

“What are you thinking?” Yin Yanjun very naturally took the young master’s hand from his ear and gently kneaded it in his palm.

Xu Yanqing shook his head: “Has Taoist Master seen what the Xiling Princess looks like?” The young master’s eyes were full of curiosity.

Yin Yanjun shook his head faintly: “Princess Tuoba wore a veil.”

“Hmm.” Xu Yanqing instantly recalled the scenes he had seen on TV in his previous life and couldn’t help but tease the Taoist Master: “Why didn’t Taoist Master ask this Xiling Princess to remove her veil? Perhaps she’s a beauty who could topple kingdoms!”

Yin Yanjun raised his hand and pinched the young master’s cheek, telling him to put his clothes on properly: “Why would I need to see what Princess Tuoba looks like?”

The salted fish sighed inwardly. The Taoist master was truly a person who didn’t understand romance. Indeed, he fully lived up to his cool, ethereal, and immortal-like temperament.

…

Inside the embassy, Tuoba Jinshu stood by the window, pushing it open. Outside, a pine tree grew, evergreen in all four seasons, embodying a sense of steadfastness.

The envoy knocked and entered: “The Son of Heaven of Daliang seems to have no intention of a marriage alliance.”

“Then let me stay in Daliang,” she said. “If I cannot enter Daliang’s imperial palace, I can still be a hostage.” For the first eighteen years of her life, Tuoba Jinshu had enjoyed all the favor of the Xiling imperial family. Now, it was time for her to dedicate herself to Xiling.

The envoy was astonished: “Your Royal Highness, you…”

“My lord, there’s no need to persuade me. I will write a letter to my imperial father then, and he will understand my intentions after reading it.” Tuoba Jinshu turned around calmly, a sweet smile appearing on her gentle face: “My lord, may I go out for a walk?” She had not yet seen what the capital of Daliang looked like.

The envoy’s heart was conflicted, but he could only nod in agreement: “This subject will send maids to accompany Your Royal Highness for service.”

The capital of Daliang was very lively, with an endless flow of people coming and going. The maid accompanying Tuoba Jinshu’s eyes were practically wide with wonder: “Pr… Young lady, Daliang’s imperial capital is truly prosperous!”

Tuoba Jinshu had changed into a Daliang woman’s open-collared dress, and the exposed area on her chest made her feel quite uncomfortable.

But the prosperity of the capital also infected her. Pulled along by the maid, she wandered around. There was no shortage of Daliang young ladies passing by, moving gracefully in twos and threes.

With a “bang,” something fell to the ground. Tuoba Jinshu felt a sharp pain in her forehead. Looking up, she realized she had been distracted and ended up hitting a gentleman head-on.

“My apologies, sir. I was rude.” Tuoba Jinshu squatted down to help pick up the brocade box that had fallen to the ground. The box scattered, revealing a pair of silver bracelets in front of her.

The silver bracelets were very delicate and beautiful, adorned with a small silver charm for blessings. Judging by the size, they seemed to be ornaments for an infant.

Xu Xianzhi bent down and picked up all the scattered items on the ground: “It was my rudeness; I was slightly distracted just now. It has nothing to do with you.”

“Hey, isn’t this the Prince of Wu’an Marquis’ mansion?” A young gentleman walked over and cupped his hands to Xu Xianzhi in greeting.

Tuoba Jinshu blinked gently, then bowed again to Xu Xianzhi before quickly leaving with her accompanying maid.

The young gentleman who had greeted Xu Xianzhi gave him a meaningful look: “Was that lady just now Young Master’s lover?”

Xu Xianzhi’s face stiffened: “Don’t speak nonsense, lest you ruin the lady’s reputation.”

“Alright, alright, my lord, want to go for a drink at Qingyun Tower?” The young gentleman naturally understood Xu Xianzhi’s temperament and, fearing a beating, quickly dropped his teasing expression.

Xu Xianzhi looked down at the things he was holding, then shook his head blankly: “I won’t go today. You guys go ahead and drink; I’ll treat you brothers another day.”

“Young lady, just now this servant heard another gentleman call that gentleman ‘prince’!” The maid was a bit young and therefore especially lively.

Tuoba Jinshu turned back and glanced again, then said faintly, “Let’s return to the embassy!” This was the imperial city of Daliang, where nobles could be encountered everywhere. She didn’t want to cause trouble for Xiling at this critical juncture.

—

In the evening, the salted fish finally finished his walk, drenched in sweat. Yin Yanjun took a handkerchief from his sleeve and wiped the sweat from the young master’s forehead, gently rubbing the side of his face: “Are you alright?”

“No, not at all.” The young master never felt ashamed of being a man and pregnant, nor did he find the stretch marks on his belly ugly, nor did he find swollen calves unbearable. That was because this life he now had was hard-won, so anything external was just a minor issue.

But why did a salted fish still have to endure the pain of exercise? Didn’t Heaven know that making a salted fish exercise was like stranding him on the shore? It would tire him to death!

The young master’s expression of pain was too rich. Yin Yanjun couldn’t help but pinch the young master’s chubby cheek: “I’ll help you back to the room to rest first.” The salted fish wished he could hang himself entirely on the Taoist Master. His legs felt so heavy, as if they weren’t his own. The salted fish needed a Taoist Master-brand stretcher to carry him to his room.

Fortunately, the Taoist Master lived up to his name. The salted fish young master didn’t exert much effort before he was comfortably nestled in the recliner in the sleeping quarters. This recliner had been custom-made by Wen Jing, though only the one in the pavilion outside had been completed earlier.

The salted fish panted heavily in the recliner. Mu Yu had already brought several buckets of hot water and poured them into the bathtub behind the screen.

When the sweat on the young master’s body had mostly dried, Mu Yu pulled his young master into the bath.

Yin Yanjun listened to the sound of water coming from behind the screen, and his ear tips began to redden slightly again. He went to the side hall to review memorials.

When the memorials on the desk were reduced to a few, Yin Yanjun picked up his teacup and took a light sip. He couldn’t help but recall the young master mentioning the Xiling Princess earlier today.

The corners of his lips curved into a faint smile. The young master’s indolent nature was indeed suited for boiling a frog in warm water, slowly cooking it over a gentle fire. However, today’s development was truly a pleasant surprise.

The memorials on the desk were quickly reviewed. Hearing the movement from next door, Yin Yanjun put down his vermillion brush and rose calmly.

The salted fish young master’s black hair was still dripping water, then it was wrapped in a cloth by Mu Yu. Yin Yanjun walked over and took over the task. When Mu Yu was about to speak, he gently raised a hand.

Mu Yu obediently retreated.

The young master sat in the chair, eyes half-closed, so sleepy that he kept nodding off, completely unaware that the person drying his hair had changed.

At the moment the young master nodded off again, almost letting his head drop. Yin Yanjun reached out a hand to support the side of the young master’s face.

Yet, the young master was still unaware of what had happened. He opened and closed his eyes in a daze, hugged the Taoist’s arm as a pillow, and fell into a deep sleep.

Yin Yanjun couldn’t help but smile wryly, releasing the cloth he was using to dry the young master’s hair. Fortunately, the still-dripping hair was now mostly dry. He gently lifted the young master into his arms.

The young master habitually nestled into the Taoist’s embrace, tugging at his collar and smacking his lips, as if eating something delicious in a dream. In a daze, the foodie young master bit the Taoist’s chest.

Yin Yanjun’s body instantly stiffened, his ears turning crimson. Yet, the young master, deep in sleep, refused to let go of his chest.

Awkwardly walking to the bedside, Yin Yanjun gently placed the young master securely in the bed. He bent down, and his gaze immediately fell upon the young master’s full, luminous forehead.

Once in bed, the young master finally opened his mouth and released the Taoist master’s poor chest. Yin Yanjun paused for a long time before finally placing a gentle kiss on the young master’s forehead.

His long eyelashes trembled slightly. Yin Yanjun blinked and froze, not daring to move. After a long while, he suddenly reacted, straightening his body abruptly. He had actually taken advantage of the young master’s sleep and been presumptuous with him.

Even his fair neck flushed with a faint blush. Yin Yanjun stood by the bed, gazing at the young master’s obedient sleeping face for a while, then finally walked to the side, moving his hands and feet awkwardly, and took out the ointment and medicinal oil that the young master usually applied from the drawer.

Tonight, the little bean in the young master’s belly was unusually quiet, probably sleeping soundly like his other father, not kicking and punching under his imperial father’s palm.

Yin Yanjun finished applying the ointment and medicinal oil for the young master, then sat properly beside him.

Since autumn began, although it was hot during the day, it often became windy at night. The young master was a restless sleeper and frequently kicked off his blanket.

Pulling the blanket back up to cover the young master, Yin Yanjun took the young master’s hand in his palm and gently kneaded it. After a long while, he finally rose and left the young master’s sleeping quarters.

—

While serving the Emperor during his bath, Wen Jing was somewhat alarmed: “Your Majesty’s chest…” So why is there such a deep tooth mark on the emperor’s chest? The young master is now pregnant with such a big belly. Is he angry about the Xiling Princess?

Yin Yanjun, sitting in the bathtub, lowered his eyes to look at his chest, then turned his head and looked at Wen Jing faintly: “Say no more.”

Wen Jing: I was wrong. I spoke too much.

Knowing His Majesty’s character, he would definitely explain everything to the young master and not leave any rift between the two of them.

At night, Yin Yanjun lay stiffly on the bed. He wasn’t sleeping deeply, but he couldn’t open his eyes. Suddenly, the young master’s voice echoed in his ears.

The voice came from far away and drew closer, at first a cry of pain, then slowly changing its tone, soft and sweet, as if infused with honey.

“Taoist Master, Taoist Master…” The young master called out repeatedly. Yin Yanjun’s hazy eyes saw a pair of fair, jade-like arms draped over his chest.

Yin Yanjun abruptly woke from his dream, feeling a fine layer of sweat all over his body.

“Your Majesty.” Hearing the sound from within the hall, Wen Jing quietly entered: “Did Your Majesty have a nightmare?”

“It shouldn’t be your turn on duty today.” Yin Yanjun took the handkerchief Wen Jing offered and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

“Old Chen had an upset stomach yesterday, so this servant swapped with him for a day.” Wen Jing was not the only one serving the Emperor, but he was the one the Emperor trusted most.

“Call for hot water. I want to bathe.” Although it was just a thin layer of sweat, feeling sticky was uncomfortable. Wen Jing, having received the order, was about to turn when Yin Yanjun suddenly called him back: “Never mind. I’ll go for a walk first.”

Yin Yanjun left the hall alone, without taking anyone, and slowly paced in the courtyard. He hadn’t answered Wen Jing’s question just now; what troubled him wasn’t a nightmare, but the night he and the young master spent together on Qingling Mountain.

The sky was still dark, not yet breaking into dawn. Yin Yanjun walked in the courtyard for a long time. When his restless heart finally calmed down, he then walked back to the side hall.

—

Time flew by. The salted fish young master had been living in Changxin Palace for about half a month now, and he had been sleeping very well at night recently.

Although he got up more frequently than before, the young master miraculously managed to go back to sleep after taking care of his physiological needs, seeming largely unaffected.

After dinner, the salted fish was nestled in his sleeping quarters, reading a storybook, when he saw Yin Yuancheng walking towards him, carrying a medium-sized box.

Placing the box on the table, Yin Yuancheng took out a pile of small toys from inside: “These are all little things I’ve prepared for my future younger cousin.”

There were wooden rocking horses, shadow puppets, Cuju balls… all sorts of things, filling the wooden box to the brim.

The salted fish young master casually pulled out a shadow puppet from the box: “What, only children can play with these little things? Adults can’t?”

Yin Yuancheng looked at the young master, who was two years younger than him, with a complicated expression, then said rather helplessly, “Never mind, never mind. Take them if you like. When I have time, I’ll go to the shop and find some more interesting little things.” Anyway, he had to prepare everything he didn’t get to play with as a child for his yet-to-be-born little cousin.

“Recently, Yuanshuang has been asking about you again. I don’t know how you two got acquainted. During the time I accompanied the Emperor south, she didn’t seem to miss me, her brother, much.” The sis-con Young Marquis was utterly wronged, full of endless grievances towards Xu Yanqing.

“Hmm,” the salted fish young master was engrossed in playing with the shadow puppet in his hand. Hearing this, he looked up and gave Young Marquis Yin a triumphant look: “Perhaps it’s just because I’m more lovable than the Young Marquis!”

Alas, being loved by everyone is also a very heavy burden. The salted fish groaned—no, he should be proud of it!

“Perhaps it’s because Young Master Xu is so glib-tongued that Yuanshuang can’t stop thinking about you,” Yin Yuancheng cleared his throat, pretending to be serious: “Now that you’re pregnant with the Emperor’s child, you should keep your distance from Yuanshuang.”

“Oh, Young Marquis, what harsh words,” the salted fish young master shook his head, curving his lips at Yin Yuancheng: “My relationship with Princess Jing’an is purely a revolutionary friendship formed from heartbreak after being deceived by a scoundrel.”

Yin Yuancheng listened in confusion but still caught the key point. Remembering the young master’s deliberate trickery back in Xu Family Village, he tentatively asked, “So, how does Young Master Xu feel about Su Hanfeng now?”

“What else is there to feel about a scoundrel!” The great sword in the young master’s shadow puppet chopped down fiercely: “A scoundrel should know better and get lost, or else this young master’s blade won’t be merciful.”