Chapter 938: Chapter 886: Finale (12)_5

Dong Han said, "There’s no need for formality among family."

Zhao Xunyin asked her, "How do you feel? Is anything uncomfortable?"

Dong Han’s originally pale face suddenly blushed, "It was a bit painful just after giving birth, but I’m much better now."

Zhao Xunyin sat down with Wen Wan, delightedly saying, "At that time, I only thought Her Highness’s belly was a bit pointed. I didn’t think it was twins; double blessings! Congratulations to Her Highness on the birth of the dragon children."

Dong Han said with shame, "Actually, once the fetal position stabilized, the Imperial Physician told me it was twins. I just kept it a secret to be safe."

In fact, she wanted to surprise His Majesty.

According to her mother, Mrs. Cao, His Majesty came to visit once while she was asleep right after giving birth, and hasn’t shown up since.

Dong Han knew he was busy with state affairs and didn’t hold any grudge.

"Keeping it a secret is good," Zhao Xunyin said, "Better safe than sorry, especially in the harem where you’re not the only woman. You must be cautious."

After speaking, Zhao Xunyin glanced around the bedchamber and noticed many rewards placed on a nearby long table, so she asked, "Did His Majesty come by?"

Dong Han replied, "According to my mother, His Majesty came the night I gave birth."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xunyin laughed, scolding, "That rascal, it’s so improper. I’ll have a word with him later."

Dong Han was going to dissuade her, but her sister-in-law from the Du Family chimed in, "Could it be that concealing the twins from His Majesty has caused him displeasure?"

Mrs. Cao’s expression sank.

At home, she could overlook how inept her eldest daughter-in-law was, but now in the Imperial Palace, she was still so oblivious!

Wen Wan smiled at Du Family’s daughter-in-law, "Well, Dong Family’s sister-in-law better pray His Majesty isn’t angry, or we’ll all be in trouble, and it’ll be hardest for you as the sister-in-law."

Du Family’s daughter-in-law didn’t expect Wen Wan to speak up and was left speechless, her face turning pale.

Wen Wan could not be bothered with her anymore, and after the nurse finished breastfeeding, she and Zhao Xunyin each carried one of the babies for the bathing ceremony, and when they returned, the little ones were wrapped in blankets, crying red-faced.

Wen Wan coaxed them one by one and then placed them beside Dong Han. Exhausted, the little ones cried briefly before falling asleep.

During the entire bathing ceremony, Zhao Xi didn’t appear, which Zhao Xunyin found too improper. After chatting with Dong Han for a while, she took Wen Wan to the Qianqing Palace.

Zhao Xi was holding a military report from the Northern Border when Eunuch Sanbao informed him that the Eldest Princess and Princess Yong’an requested an audience. He nodded and let them in.

The mother and daughter greeted Zhao Xi, who offered them seats and then asked Eunuch Sanbao to show the military report to Zhao Xunyin.

Seeing words like "total victory" and "returning triumphantly," Zhao Xunyin’s eyes warmed, "I knew he wouldn’t disappoint the people."

Wen Wan glanced over, similarly showing joy, "Father is going to return triumphant?"

Zhao Xi nodded, "After cleaning up the battlefield and letting the soldiers rest for a few days, the army will begin its return to the capital."

With the war between the two countries going on for so long, it was finally coming to an end. While Zhao Xunyin was happy, she didn’t forget the purpose of her visit to Zhao Xi.

After returning the military report to Eunuch Sanbao, Zhao Xunyin assumed an elder’s posture, "The Empress’s childbirth is a significant event, and today is the bathing ceremony. Why haven’t you gone to see them, Xixi?"

"I’ve been busy during the day; I’ll go later," Zhao Xi answered casually.

Though Zhao Xunyin was Emperor Xuanjing’s aunt, some things should be said in moderation. Too much talk risks displeasing Zhao Xi, so she changed the topic, "Have the little princes been named yet?"

"The names will be given at the full moon," still with a calm demeanor.

Facing this side of Zhao Xi, Zhao Xunyin was completely out of options, so after a brief visit, she and Wen Wan left and returned home.

...

Night fell, and Zhao Xi went to Yikun Palace.

Nian Chun and Xiu Dong were keeping watch in the outer chamber when they saw His Majesty arrive. They wanted to greet him, but Zhao Xi stopped them, softly asking, "How is the Empress?"

"Replying to Your Majesty, Her Highness is already asleep," Nian Chun answered respectfully.

Zhao Xi nodded and walked inside.

Nian Chun intended to speak, but Xiu Dong held her back with a look, after which the two silently retreated.

Zhao Xi entered the inner chamber of the bedchamber, finding Dong Han already asleep, lying on her side with her long black hair spread out, a strand resting on her delicate nose tip.

Zhao Xi went over, sat on the edge of the bed, and just as he was about to reach out to move the strand of hair, Dong Han turned over, and Zhao Xi’s hand paused mid-air, then reached for the brocade quilt, pulled it up to cover her slender shoulders and back.

After sitting quietly for a while, Zhao Xi stood and walked toward the cradles.

The two cradles were placed side by side, with two little ones on the left and right looking almost identical. Though not yet chubby and rosy-cheeked, their sleeping forms touched a soft spot within Zhao Xi’s heart. He leaned over, gently stroking their tender faces with his slightly warm fingertips, a smile unconsciously forming on his lips.

Dong Han, a light sleeper, turned again and drowsily opened her eyes, vaguely seeing a silhouette by the cradle. Her heart raced, fearing anyone might harm her children. She quickly woke, and seeing clearly the person’s back, the worry on Dong Han’s face swiftly turned to joy, "Your Majesty?"

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