Chapter 623: Du Shuying Awakens

Jin Wang Fu.

Afternoon.

The sun was at its height, and through the carved lattice fan window, a few golden rays filtered in, falling into the room.

Inside, the ice basin had melted more than half, exhaling wisps of cool air that mingled with the fresh jasmine scent on the An Tou, diluting the lingering smell of blood.

Du Shuying lay on a low bed covered with soft satin bedding, wearing a moon‑white sheer nightgown whose light, breathable fabric made her complexion even paler.

The nightgown had been changed for her by the maids after she fell into a stupor following childbirth, and they also cleaned away the sweat stains and blood.

At this moment her eyelashes fluttered lightly, like butterfly wings skimming a water surface, and she slowly opened her eyes.

Before her was the familiar canopy, embroidered with entwined lotus vines, its corners dangling tiny pearl tassels.

Du Shuying moved her fingers and felt her whole body limp, as if all strength had been drained, except for a lingering, heart‑piercing pain from the delivery.

Her gaze drifted downward, and she saw a figure lying at the edge of the bed.

It was Yuwen Ze.

Her husband, the father of the child.

He lay there crooked, his elbow propped on the bed rail, his profile pressed against the brocade canopy, sleeping soundly.

His jet‑black hair fell down, covering his furrowed brows, and his lashes seemed still tinged with faint fatigue.

Du Shuying remembered that, before her Qi had even risen, he had stood guard outside the delivery room, never leaving her side.

Later, the pain blurred her consciousness, and she vaguely heard him calling her name through the door, his voice filled with a never‑before felt anxiety and panic.

She guessed he had kept watch for a day and night, exhausted, and thus fell asleep at the bedside in such an unceremonious posture while she was unconscious.

Du Shuying's heart felt as if something had lightly tickled it, soft and mushy.

She slowly propped herself up, her back resting on the neatly stacked brocade pillows, moving as lightly as possible for fear of disturbing him.

Then she lifted her hand, the fingertips bearing a faint coolness, and gently brushed the top of his hair.

His hair was soft, carrying a faint scent of soap‑root, the fragrance he habitually used.

Her fingertips passed through the jet‑black hair, again and again, tenderly combing it, her eyes filled with an unbreakable affection.

Perhaps the subtle sensation was too vivid; Yuwen Ze, lying at the bedside, shifted.

He first let out a low nasal sound, bearing the laziness and bewilderment of just waking, and mumbled vaguely, "Hmm?"

Then, slowly, he opened his eyes.

His vision was still a bit blurry, and the figure before him gradually became clear.

It was Shuying, the woman he cherished at the core of his heart.

Yuwen Ze's consciousness hadn't fully returned, as if still trapped in the recent dream; subconsciously, he softly called the name etched into his bones: "Shuying…"

His voice was hoarse, yet full of indescribable tenderness.

Du Shuying looked at his drowsy eyes, a faint smile rippling in her gaze, and said softly, like spring water in a pond, "Husband, you're awake?"

"Did I disturb you just now?"

Hearing this, Yuwen Ze hurriedly shook his head, his head bobbing like a tambourine, lest she misunderstand, and repeatedly said, "No, no!"

His voice was still a bit airy, but his gaze grew clearer, landing on her pale face, full of concern.

Du Shuying watched her husband's demeanor, couldn't help but smile lightly, raised her hand to pat the empty spot beside her, and gently asked, "Would you like to come onto the bed and sleep a while longer?"

The vacant spot was covered with a warm, soft mattress, exuding a comforting heat.

Yuwen Ze followed her hand with his eyes, and when his gaze returned to her face, it was as if he had been suddenly startled awake.

He suddenly widened his eyes, as if in disbelief, and blurted, "Huh?! Shuying, you're awake?!"

The shout rang out loudly, startling the maids on guard outside, who quietly lifted a corner of the curtain to peek inside.

Without waiting for Du Shuying to answer, Yuwen Ze sprang to his feet, stumbling to the bedside, disregarding her fatigue, and pulled her tightly into his arms.

His arms clenched her so tightly, as if to meld her into his very marrow, his chin resting on her hair, his voice trembling with barely concealed excitement and a hint of lingering fear: "It's such a relief you're okay; I was terrified for you!"

The embrace was broad and warm, bearing a reassuring strength.

Du Shuying felt a bit suffocated in his hold, yet she was reluctant to pull away.

She could clearly feel his heartbeat in his chest, rapid and strong, mirroring her own feelings.

She raised her hand, gently patting his back as one would soothe a frightened child, and whispered, "There, there!"

"Am I not fine now?"

Only then did Yuwen Ze loosen his grip a little, yet he still wouldn't let go, cupping her face with both hands, his gaze tracing her brows and eyes inch by inch, as if to confirm she was truly unharmed.

He looked at the smile in her eyes, recalled the harrowing morning, and the lingering fear in his gaze could no longer be hidden; his voice deepened, full of lingering dread: "Shuying, you have no idea how perilous your delivery was..."

"Thanks to Yun Xi Xiao Saozi holding the fort inside, and Ah Sao coordinating outside, plus your great fortune and robust destiny, we escaped without injury!"

That life‑or‑death ordeal earlier, had those two not provided support inside and out, Yuwen Ze truly could not imagine the outcome.

Du Shuying heard this, gently nodded, a faint weariness flashing in her eyes, yet also a hint of relief.

She lowered her eyelids, as if recalling the morning scene, her voice soft as a wisp of smoke, she said slowly, "I understand..."

"At the year's end, you were busy outside, coordinating water and handing towels, never a moment of rest."

"Xi Er was acupuncture for me; as the silver needle entered the acupoints, she kept holding my hand, soothing me, repeatedly telling me everything would be safe..."

Yuwen Ze, still holding Du Shuying's hand, his fingertips rubbing her cool palm, his eyes full of regained cherish, suddenly recalled something important, slapped his head, and exclaimed, "Ah, right!"

Before the words finished, he lifted his gaze toward the maids waiting outside and loudly ordered, "Quick, fetch the kitchen and bring up the dish that's been kept warm!"

The two maids outside heard and promptly bowed, replying, "Yes!"

As soon as the words fell, they turned and hurried toward the kitchen, their steps light yet proper, fearing to delay the Crown Princess's needs.

The kitchen of Jin Wang Fu wasn't far from here, and after a short while, a maid arrived carrying a gilt‑lacquered bowl, its lid covered with a plain brocade napkin.

When uncovered, a faint scent of medicine mingled with the fresh aroma of grains, spreading through the hall and adding a rich warmth to the jasmine fragrance.

Du Shuying turned her body slightly, gently inhaled with her nose; her slightly tired eyes flashed with puzzlement as she looked at the bowl's amber‑hued soup, which was neither a typical sweet tonic nor the usual bitter medicine, and she asked softly, "Husband, what is this?"

"A whiff of medicine, but it doesn't smell like a decoction…"

She thought to herself that in the past every bowl of medicinal broth she drank was thick, black, and bitter; a color like this was indeed rare.

Yuwen Ze reached for the soup bowl, lifted the silver spoon resting at its rim, gently stirred the contents a few times, then softly blew across the surface to disperse the lingering heat, before looking up at Du Shuying with a tender smile: "This is a medicinal dish specially prepared for you by little sister‑in‑law Yun Xi…"

"She said you lost too much Qi and blood during childbirth, and specifically instructed that for the next seven days you must drink it twice daily to replenish what was lost!"

As she spoke, she scooped a spoonful of warm medicinal dish and carefully handed it to Du Shuying's lips.

Du Shuying nodded lightly at the words, a warmth rising in her heart; she looked at the spoonful and softly said, "In that case, we really ought to thank Suiwan and Xi'er properly…"

"If not for their inside‑and‑outside support, my child and I might not have been this safe!"

As the words faded, she slightly opened her mouth, took the medicinal dish Yuwen Ze fed her, and the warm broth slid down her throat with a faint sweetness, lacking any bitterness of a typical decoction.

Her eyes lit up, and after swallowing she laughed, praising, "This medicinal dish isn't bitter at all; it's actually very tasty!"

"If it's tasty, have more…" Yuwen Ze's smile deepened; he scooped another spoonful and gently urged, "Drink it while it's hot; once it cools the efficacy wanes and it won't be as smooth."

Du Shuying smiled, nodded, and replied, "Alright."

She followed Yuwen Ze's motions, drinking in big gulps. The medicinal dish was simmered to a fine texture, mixed with minced meat and grains, yielding a velvety mouthfeel.

The warmth slid down her throat into her stomach, making her whole body feel pleasantly warm.

Even her body, which had felt a bit weak and soft earlier, seemed a little lighter.

The bowl of medicinal dish was soon empty; the attendant nearby saw the right moment, hurried forward, and offered a clean silk handkerchief.

Yuwen Ze took it, pinched it in his palm, glanced at the trace of broth on Du Shuying's lip corner, smiled lightly, and said softly, "Here, let me wipe your mouth."

As he spoke, he lifted his hand and gently used the handkerchief to wipe Du Shuying's lip corner, his movements as delicate as handling a priceless treasure.

His fingertips occasionally brushed her soft lips, causing Du Shuying to tilt her head slightly, a shy smile blooming in her eyes.

After wiping, Yuwen Ze handed the handkerchief to the attendant, then steadied Du Shuying, helping her lie more comfortably.

Du Shuying rested on the soft pillow, her body warmed and her spirit improving; she seemed to recall something, her eyes flashing slightly as the faint, loud wailing she heard before losing consciousness now rang clearly in her ears.

She lifted her gaze to Yuwen Ze and asked softly, "Husband, where is our son?"

"I haven't even had a proper look at him yet!"

Yuwen Ze was startled at first, then couldn't help a chuckle, lightly patting his own forehead with a look of annoyance: "My memory! I was so happy you woke up I forgot this matter…"

As he spoke, he turned to the attendant standing nearby and ordered, "Quickly bring Jimin here for the Crown Princess to see!"

"Jimin?" Du Shuying repeated the name softly, then her brows curved, smiling brightly at Yuwen Ze, her tone full of delight, "Is that our son's name?"

Yuwen Ze nodded firmly, reached out to grasp Du Shuying's hand, gently pinching her palm, and said with respect, "Exactly!"

"The name was personally chosen by his elderly father…"

Du Shuying, hearing this, nodded thoughtfully, a hint of understanding flashing in her eyes, gently stroking Yuwen Ze's hand back, smiling, and said appreciatively, "It also derives from the meaning 'to aid the world and bring peace to the people'?"

"Our elder brother is named Ji'an, so the younger is called Jimin; to secure the nation and aid the world, a fine choice!"

Yuwen Ze watched the smile in her eyes, his heart softening, about to say more when light footsteps echoed from outside the hall.

A wet nurse entered, cradling a swaddling cloth; she walked in with feather‑light steps. The swaddle was bright‑yellow silk, its corners embroidered with delicate qilin patterns, and a golden longevity lock hung at the neck, glowing warmly in the sunlight.

The child seemed to be sleeping soundly, its tiny face tucked into the silk, only a sliver of pale forehead showing; its breathing was even, not even a flicker of an eyelash.

The wet nurse carefully placed the swaddle before Du Shuying and said softly, "Crown Princess, the young lord is sleeping soundly!"

Du Shuying quickly reached out, gently taking the swaddle, fearing to disturb the little life within.

Then her fingertips lightly brushed her son's tender cheek; the feel was as delicate as fine silk, the warm temperature passing through her fingers, instantly melting her heart.

She lowered her head, gazing at the sleeping infant in her arms—its tiny nose, pink lips, and features that resembled Yuwen Ze's a bit, yet also faintly reflected her own.

An indescribable joy and emotion surged in her heart, her eyes warming, and she couldn't help lowering her head to place a gentle kiss on the boy's forehead, her voice so tender it seemed to drip water: "My son, my Jimin…"

Yuwen Ze's gaze fell on the infant in Du Shuying's arms, the tiny bundle curled in the silk swaddle, breathing softly like a wisp of cloud.

His eyes softened to the point of being squeezable, then added a solemn tone, leaning forward, his voice dropping to a whisper as if speaking to the child in the swaddle, yet also to himself, earnestly admonishing, "Son, your mother fought through near‑death, gave half her life, to bring you into this world…"

"You must later honor your mother well!"

"Never make your mother angry!"

The voice was soft yet each word earnest, resonating in the quiet room with a unique solemnity.

Du Shuying, hearing this, couldn't help a light laugh, her fingertips still gently stroking her son's delicate cheek, her eyes full of indulgent tenderness: "He's so young, how could he understand any of this?"

"He's just a clueless baby; you've already set rules for him!"

Yuwen Ze blinked, a hint of matter‑of‑factness on his face, brushed the stray strands from her cheek, and, earnestly yet endearingly, said, "Then tell him when he's older—day after day, month after month—so it sticks in his heart…"

Du Shuying ceased teasing him, merely lowering her gaze at the son in her arms, watching the slight pursed corner of his mouth as he slept, her smile deepening in tenderness.

She gently rocked the swaddle, murmuring softly as if replying to herself, "Our little Jimin is so obedient; he surely won't make mother angry, right?"

Yuwen Ze watched her, his eyes full of mirth, then, as if recalling something important, lifted his hand to lightly tap the boy's smooth forehead, his touch gentle enough not to startle the tiny life, his tone tinged with barely concealed pride:

"This morning Father, while guarding your safe birth of the legitimate eldest grandson, was in high spirits and immediately issued an edict, granting Jimin the title of General Jianzhong and bestowing upon him the rank of Right Marquis Guard Middle General…"

"What?!" Du Shuying exclaimed, a slight startle, her grip on the child tightening subconsciously, she lifted her eyes to Yuwen Ze, surprise flooding her gaze, "Is this too early?"

"Jimin has just been born, his eyes not yet opened; how could he bear such a post?"

Such a bestowal for a newborn is an excessively extravagant favor.

Yuwen Ze's mouth twitched upward, his eyes gleaming, he reached for Du Shuying's empty hand, gave it a gentle squeeze, and, with a bragging tone, said, "Isn't that… (ellipsis) …"

"Under the whole heavens, only Jimin and Ji'an could receive such favor!"

He paused, leaned in closer, lowered his voice as if announcing a monumental joy, his smile deepening: "Moreover, Father even declared that at the hundred‑day banquet, Jimin would be appointed as the Jin‑Wang's heir, and a marriage engagement was specially arranged with A Xiong's little Shuying…"

Du Shuying's eyes brightened instantly, surprise flooding them, a radiant smile curving her lips, and she nodded eagerly, "That's perfect!"

She spoke with heartfelt joy, as if recalling something, turned to Yuwen Ze, and, with a hint of concern, asked, "By the way, what about Suiwan and the others?"

"Have they returned to the manor?"

Yuwen Ze shook his head, his smile unchanged, lifted the thin blanket covering her knees, and softly replied, "Nope!"

He paused, then continued, "Brother A Xiong, sister‑in‑law, as well as father‑in‑law and mother‑in‑law, worked all night yesterday; Father specifically ordered them to stay at our residence to rest, saying they'll later join us in the main hall for dinner, to make a lively gathering."

Du Shuying heard the words, gently nodded, her eyes full of grateful expression, lowered her head to glance at the sleeping son in her arms, then lifted her gaze to the sunset gradually sinking outside the window, her voice soft as a pool of spring water: "I must properly thank them!"

"If it weren't for their help both inside and out, I could not have been so fortunate, and the people we aid would not have been able to arrive in this world safely......"