FBC – Chapter 337 Atmosphere

When Mu Junyan returned home, Gu Hua told him about the situation with Lady Li.

“The songs Chu Huai composed have already spread, and some storybooks are being recited by storytellers. The Prefect of Qian and Lady Li must have heard them, which is why Lady Li reacted so strongly.”

Mu Junyan watched her eyes sparkling and listened seriously, recalling how she had been when he first met her.

She had wanted to rely on him but was worried he would look down on her, moving cautiously step by step.

It was like an extremely hungry little kitten: wanting food but wary, stretching out tiny paws to tentatively paw at someone.

As soon as someone paid attention, it would retract its paws and run away, pretending not to care.

When unnoticed, it would peek out its little head and meow at you.

If provoked, it would scratch or even bite.

Now the kitten had grown up—its claws could be extended at will, and it could flash its white teeth, looking rather fierce.

Gu Hua spoke animatedly, only to notice Mu Junyan staring at her intently.

Annoyed, she stomped her foot. “Are you even listening?”

Mu Junyan hastily supported her waist. “Ah, don’t stomp. You might hurt the baby.”

Gu Hua glanced at her prominently rounded belly. “It’s already six months. Is it really that easy to injure?”

“Still need to be careful.”

Mu Junyan gently pressed her against his thigh, his large hand caressing her belly.

“Do you think this one will be a girl or a boy?”

They didn’t care either way, so they hadn’t asked Doctor Shen or Shen Li.

Gu Hua smiled warmly. “I think it’s a daughter, probably a quiet one.”

“That’s great! Then I’ll finally have a little daughter as charming as my wife.”

Mu Junyan’s smile lit up his face.

Gu Hua teased, “If Yuanyuan hears that, she’ll make a fuss.”

Mu Junyan quickly reassured her, “Yuanyuan is even more delightful. She’ll grow up to be a bold, heroic daughter, while our little one will be a gentle, delicate girl. Both are wonderful in their own ways.”

Gu Hua smiled softly. “This child is so calm, doesn’t fuss at all. The past two months, I often couldn’t sleep.”

Mu Junyan lifted her chin. “No wonder, my wife’s face is even more radiant—sleeping well suits you.”

Gu Hua blushed. “What are you talking about?”

She squirmed a little uncomfortably.

Suddenly, she felt a shift under her hips, and stiffened in surprise, her almond-shaped eyes discreetly glancing at the expressionless man.

Mu Junyan tensed but tried to maintain a serious demeanor.

Their eyes met for a moment, and Gu Hua couldn’t help laughing.

Mu Junyan also lost his composure. “Useless, every time I hold you…”

Since she had discovered it, he stopped pretending and pulled her into his arms.

Whispering in her ear, “Wife, I’m thinking of you… what should I do?”

They had returned to their main residence, and because of both his busyness and concern for her condition, they hadn’t been overly intimate.

Even sharing a bed, Mu Junyan had observed strict boundaries, at most holding her as they slept.

Gu Hua blushed furiously but seeing her husband so eager, she couldn’t bear to hold back any longer.

In a tiny voice, she murmured, “Shall I help you?”

After all these years of marriage, they had experienced everything, so there was no need to be shy.

Mu Junyan hummed in response, still concerned for her.

“Worried about straining your wrist. Mother said during pregnancy, the bones are fragile.”

Gu Hua nestled her head into his neck, giggling softly. “Fragile maybe, but not that fragile. It’s not like my arms are iron rods. Besides, you don’t always need to use force with your wrist.”

“Reading too many storybooks?”

Mu Junyan lifted her face, frowning slightly.

Gu Hua rolled her eyes. “Do I need a storybook to serve you well?”

Mu Junyan laughed and pressed a fierce kiss to her lips. “You little enchanting devil.”

But Gu Hua had underestimated Mu Junyan’s desire.

Even when her wrist nearly gave out, he was still insatiable, declaring that after she gave birth and finished her confinement, he would insist on daily sessions.

He even argued that since his mother had four sons and she was having just one child, more effort was required.

Had he completely ignored Yuanyuan and the possible daughter to come?

Gu Hua felt the days after childbirth would be endless.

Ah, a man’s strong body isn’t always a blessing.

The next day.

Mu Junyan hadn’t gone out yet. After breakfast, as they rinsed their mouths, Chiyu returned.

Gu Hua quickly wiped her mouth. “Have you found out about Father Yiyun?”

“Yes. And we’ve uncovered more details about Yiyun.”

Mu Junyan gestured for Gu Hua to sit, indicating Chiyu should speak freely.

“Yiyun’s original surname was Du, named Yun. The incident during her father’s tenure as Prefect of Gongzhou was actually a frame-up. The culprit was the current Prefect Jiang Qifu. Jiang Qifu, originally the eldest son of Gongzhou’s wealthiest family, allegedly took a liking to Du Yun, but her father rejected his proposal, seeing him as a merchant with ill intent.

Subsequently, Du Yun was sent to the Gongzhou Music Bureau. Jiang Qifu, spending huge sums, replaced Du Yun’s father as Prefect and threatened to make Du Yun his private courtesan. Knowing she could not escape, Du Yun exchanged her innocence for a transfer to the Bianjing Music Bureau. There, when the Empress was selecting singers for the palace, she was chosen immediately for her mastery of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.”

Gu Hua looked at Mu Junyan, then at Chiyu. “The Empress sent her to the palace selection?”

Chiyu nodded. “Exactly.”

Gu Hua pondered. “Since Du Yun could maneuver herself into Bianjing, could it be that being chosen by the Empress was also her plan? She doesn’t seem to actively approach the spies, I feel her ambition lies elsewhere.”

Mu Junyan agreed. “Possible.”

Gu Hua realized, “Then I guess Du Yun’s ultimate goal is to rescue her father and avenge her mother.”

Mu Junyan asked Chiyu, “How’s the situation in Yongzhou?”

“Yongzhou is a remote exile place with only a thousand guards. Most prisoners are officials convicted of crimes, but initial checks show many are innocent, judged by the Jiang family.”

Mu Junyan nodded.

Gu Hua’s eyes lit up. Looking at Mu Junyan, she said, “You want to rescue them?”

Mu Junyan smiled at her. “Clever little one.”

“That’s wonderful. This way, Du Yun can become one of ours.”

Mu Junyan stood. “I’m heading out first.”

Gu Hua hurried to adjust his belt and robe. “What about Du Yun’s matter?”

Chiyu stepped outside.

Mu Junyan lifted her chin. “My wife is brilliant; it’s only fitting you handle this.”

Gu Hua glared. “I manage the household and now I have to deal with spies too?”

Mu Junyan leaned close, whispering where only she could hear, “Then tonight I will serve my wife, no effort needed from you. How about that?”

Gu Hua blushed and pushed him. “Go on, hurry.”

Mu Junyan laughed heartily as he left. At the door, he turned back. “Remember to soak your hands in warm water, don’t want your wrists to stiffen.”

Gu Hua shyly replied, “I know.”