Chapter 24: The General’s Pampered Little Wife

Chapter 24: Chapter 24: The General’s Pampered Little Wife

Ji Xiaosong grew suspicious when she learned that Consort Song was hosting the Spring God Festival and had specifically requested her attendance.

In previous years, the Spring God Festival had always been organized by the Empress. This year, because the Empress was pregnant at an advanced age, the task had fallen to Consort Song.

Consort Song’s faction had always had a cool relationship with the Xiao family, which deeply concerned Ji Xiaosong. She couldn’t understand why she had been singled out for this festival. ’Is she trying to test the Xiao family’s stance? Or does she plan to humiliate me in front of everyone?’

Previously, while trying to conceive, she had remained in seclusion to prevent anyone from framing her and starting malicious rumors.

After all, it was difficult for Xiao Shen to father children. In an era without paternity tests, if someone were to see her with another man, the resulting rumors would be disastrous.

Now that she was pregnant and the baby was healthy, most of her worries had vanished.

This Spring God Festival was held once a year to welcome the Spring God and pray for favorable weather. It was an extremely important and grand event in the palace, and Ji Xiaosong was actually somewhat interested.

But when Xiao Shen heard Ji Xiaosong wanted to attend the Spring God Festival, he said worriedly, "Wife, you’re pregnant. Attending this festival will be exhausting, both mentally and physically. If anything were to go wrong, what would we do?"

Ji Xiaosong soothed him. "Don’t worry, husband. Just find a way to decline the invitation for us."

However, before Xiao Shen could take any action, the Second Prince Consort personally paid them a visit, bringing gifts.

Ji Xiaosong and Xiao Shen hurried to greet her. The Second Prince Consort beamed. "I heard Lady Xiao is with child, so I came especially to offer my congratulations. This Spring God Festival is a gesture of goodwill from the Imperial Concubine. If Lady Xiao were to decline, I’m afraid it would be seen as a slight to Her Ladyship."

Xiao Shen’s brow furrowed at her words. He cupped his hands in a salute. "Thank you for your kind intentions, Your Highness. But my wife is pregnant and it is truly inconvenient for her to travel. I hope that both Your Highness and the Imperial Concubine will understand."

Despite such a direct refusal, the Second Prince Consort’s expression remained unchanged. She continued her persuasion, "General Xiao, you may not be aware, but the Imperial Concubine has been extremely dedicated in her preparations. She has poured immense effort into every aspect of the decor and arrangements."

"Besides, many noblewomen from prominent families will be in attendance. It would be a good opportunity for Lady Xiao to socialize and build connections, which will surely benefit the Xiao family’s future generations."

This argument failed to sway Xiao Shen in the slightest. His expression grew severe. "Your Highness," he said in a low, heavy voice, "the Xiao family has served loyally for generations. We have never needed my wife to curry favor with the powerful to advance our family’s standing. The health and safety of my wife and our unborn child are what matter most."

His words, however, gave the Second Prince Consort a new opening. She said slowly, "General Xiao, you needn’t worry. An Imperial Physician will be on standby at the festival to ensure the ladies’ safety."

"I know Lady Xiao is concerned for her well-being, but this is a rare chance for some excitement. Being cooped up in the mansion for too long can get dreary. A little outing would do her good."

Still, this line of reasoning failed to move Xiao Shen. His tone was resolute. "Your Highness, my wife has a delicate constitution; she cannot withstand the strain. It is better that she not attend the festival."

Watching them go back and forth, Ji Xiaosong witnessed for the first time what it truly meant to be unscrupulous in pursuit of a goal. She also saw firsthand the unflappable composure of a Prince’s consort.

’Impressive. Truly impressive!’

The Second Prince Consort did not retreat. She pressed on, "General Xiao, this festival is also a fine opportunity to showcase the Xiao family’s glory and your wife’s grace. If you decline, others will inevitably feel that the Xiao family is slighting the Imperial Concubine’s kind intentions, which could create unnecessary animosity."

Now that the conversation had reached this point, Ji Xiaosong gently tugged on Xiao Shen’s sleeve and gave a slight shake of her head. Then, she said, "Since this is the case, it would be better to obey than to merely be respectful."

Xiao Shen was completely reluctant, his brow tightly knitted. But when he met his wife’s expectant gaze, a tide of helplessness washed over him.

He slowly turned his head and looked deeply at Ji Xiaosong. His lips pressed into a thin line, but in the end, he gave a slight nod.

His wife truly wanted to go, so they would go.

At worst...

At worst, he would just arrange for extra protection.

But before that, Xiao Shen had Liu Zheng come and take Ji Xiaosong’s pulse again.

She was just four months along, but her belly was already surprisingly large, which deeply unsettled Xiao Shen.

After Liu Zheng took her pulse, he confirmed the signs of a multiple pregnancy, which made Xiao Shen even more worried.

"Wife, let’s not go to the Spring God Festival after all. I’m just too worried!"

Xiao Shen pleaded with her at length, and Ji Xiaosong finally relented with a nod.

But the matter of her multiple pregnancy was reported to the Emperor by Liu Zheng.

When the Emperor heard that Ji Xiaosong was carrying multiple children, he was overjoyed.

After a moment of thought, he issued a decree: "The Lady of the National Guardian General, Mrs. Ji, is deeply blessed and carrying multiple children. This is an auspicious omen. As the Spring God Festival approaches, she is ordered to enter the palace and attend the feast to bring joy and share her good fortune with all. However, the joy of a multiple pregnancy may attract complications if announced too early. Keep this matter quiet for now, and we shall act according to the situation at the festival."

And so, this secret decree was quietly delivered to the Xiao Mansion.

After receiving the decree, although Xiao Shen and Ji Xiaosong were completely unwilling, they did not dare to defy the Emperor’s will.

Helpless, Ji Xiaosong had no choice but to resume her preparations for the festival.

Meanwhile, the Emperor made secret arrangements in the palace, intending to give everyone a surprise at the Spring God Festival and, at the same time, add a touch of festive cheer to the Royal Family.

*

The eighth day of the third lunar month, the day of the Spring God Festival, arrived.

The sun shone brilliantly, and a gentle spring breeze blew.

In the Imperial Garden, seats were arranged artfully around the lawn, covered with exquisite brocade cushions.

A high platform stood at the front, surrounded by crimson railings, with light curtains fluttering in the wind.

On the platform, musicians played with rapt attention, the melodious notes of strings and flutes filling the air.

Graceful Dancing Girls swayed, twirling elegantly to the rhythm.

The moment Ji Xiaosong stepped into the Imperial Garden, a little eunuch announced loudly, "The wife of General Xiao has arrived!"

Everyone’s gaze instantly focused on Ji Xiaosong.

She wore a loose, pale-crimson brocade gown, draped in a moon-white gossamer cloak. A gentle breeze set her sleeves fluttering, lending her an ethereal grace.

Her hair was styled in a simple yet dignified bun, secured by a single green jade hairpin. A few tendrils framed her face, adding to her gentle and graceful appearance.

Her face was lightly made up. Her eyebrows were shaped like distant mountains, her eyes as clear as autumn pools, her lips naturally a brilliant red.

Although pregnant, her steps were still light, dignified, and elegant.

She nodded slightly, a perfectly measured smile on her face, acknowledging the crowd.

This was the first banquet Ji Xiaosong had attended since transmigrating to this world. She was inevitably a little nervous, but because she had practiced many times, it didn’t show.

Consort Song sat in the seat of honor, her eyes sweeping over Ji Xiaosong, the corners of her mouth curling into an inscrutable smile.

The other guests whispered to each other, their gazes lingering on Ji Xiaosong’s belly for a moment before they murmured amongst themselves again.

Supported by her maid, Ji Xiaosong slowly walked towards her assigned seat.

"Lady Xiao, the Imperial Concubine requests your presence," a palace maid came forward and said softly.