Starting in Exile: Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Lucky Little Wife

Chapter 197 The Guardians of the Royal Family

In the royal palace of the Nanzhao Kingdom, a series of joyous news filled the entire palace with an atmosphere of happiness. Gu Liuli and Jia Xiaoyan were both pregnant, and this news spread like wildfire to every corner. From the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Dowager to the palace maids and eunuchs, everyone showed great care for the two expectant mothers, and they instantly became the focus of protection in the palace.

At dawn, before the first rays of sunlight had fully penetrated the palace, the eunuchs from the imperial kitchen carefully carried meticulously prepared meals and hurried towards Gu Liuli and Jia Xiaoyan's quarters. These meals were carefully prepared by the imperial chefs based on the advice of the imperial physicians.

Inside Gu Liuli's palace, the maids were already bustling about quietly. Xiao Tao gently pushed open the window, letting in a breath of fresh air. Then, she walked to the bedside and softly called out, "Your Highness, it's time for breakfast." Gu Liuli slowly opened her eyes, a lazy smile on her face, and sat up.

Xiao Tao placed a low table beside the bed and then laid out the dishes sent by the imperial kitchen. There was tender fish porridge with nourishing red dates and goji berries added; there were also exquisite side dishes made with fresh vegetables, colorful and appetizing.

"Your Majesty, this fish porridge was specially prepared for you by the chefs. It's tender, delicious, and nutritious, perfect for you right now," Xiao Tao said as she ladled a bowl of porridge for Gu Liuli.

Gu Liuli took the porridge, took a small sip, and nodded with a smile: "Hmm, it tastes good. Thank you all for your hard work."

Meanwhile, Jia Xiaoyan was also busy. Jiang Liushen had been waiting by her bedside since early morning, watching the palace maids prepare her toiletries.

"Xiaoyan, how are you feeling?" Jiang Liushen asked softly, his eyes full of concern.

Jia Xiaoyan replied with a smile, "I'm fine, it's just that I haven't had much of an appetite these past few days."

"Don't worry, I've already asked the imperial kitchen to prepare your favorite snacks. Please have a little bit later," Jiang Liushen said gently.

After washing up, Jia Xiaoyan sat at the table, looking at the delicious food laid out on it. There was sweet osmanthus cake, soft and glutinous red bean cake, and candied fruit made from fresh fruit.

"Your Majesty, there are so many delicious things, I don't know where to start," Jia Xiaoyan said with a smile.

"Eat more if you like it. I'll have them make more if you're not full." Jiang Liushen looked at her with doting eyes.

After breakfast, Xiao Jingchuan and Jiang Liushen would personally accompany Gu Liuli and Jia Xiaoyan for a walk in the Imperial Garden. The Imperial Garden was a riot of color with blooming flowers and lush green grass, and the air was filled with a faint fragrance of flowers.

Xiao Jingchuan supported Gu Liuli, walking carefully, afraid that she might stumble or bump into something. "Liuli, walk slowly, watch your step," he whispered.

Gu Liuli smiled and nodded: "Your Majesty, I'm not a child, don't be so nervous."

“This is different. You’re carrying our child now, how can I not be nervous?” Xiao Jingchuan said earnestly.

Jiang Liushen and Jia Xiaoyan followed behind, with Jiang Liushen also carefully protecting Jia Xiaoyan. "Xiaoyan, if you get tired, we'll find a place to sit for a while," he said gently.

Looking at the beautiful scenery around her, Jia Xiaoyan felt particularly cheerful: "Your Majesty, I'm fine. Walking around is good for the baby."

During the walk, Xiao Nanyi, Xiao Nanyao, and Jiang Youan would follow behind, their eyes always fixed on the bellies of their two mothers, filled with curiosity and anticipation.

"Brother, when will Aunt Gu and Aunt Jia's little brother or sister come out?" Xiao Nanyao asked softly, holding Xiao Nanyi's hand.

Xiao Nanyi tilted his head and thought for a moment: "I don't know either. They'll come out and play with us when they grow up."

Jiang Youan added from the side, "I really want to see the little brother or sister soon. I've even prepared gifts for them."

In addition to taking care of their diet and daily activities, the imperial physicians would also come regularly to examine Gu Liuli and Jia Xiaoyan. Every time the imperial physicians came, Xiao Jingchuan and Jiang Liushen would anxiously stand by their side, carefully inquiring about their physical condition and the development of the fetus.

"Imperial Physician, how is my wife's health? Is the fetus developing well?" Xiao Jingchuan asked anxiously.

The imperial physician respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, please rest assured, Her Majesty the Empress is in good health, and the fetus is developing normally. She only needs to continue to maintain a cheerful mood and pay attention to her diet and rest."

Jiang Liushen also inquired about Jia Xiaoyan's condition with equal concern: "Imperial Physician, Xiaoyan, she..."

The imperial physician quickly replied, "The Empress of Xijing Kingdom is also well, Your Majesty need not worry."

Hearing the imperial physician's answer, Xiao Jingchuan and Jiang Liushen were slightly relieved.

As night fell, the entire palace was unusually quiet to ensure Gu Liuli and Jia Xiaoyan had a peaceful and comfortable rest. The palace maids and eunuchs moved with utmost care, afraid of making the slightest noise to disturb them.

Gu Liuli lay on the bed, and Xiao Tao gently covered her with a blanket before stepping aside. Gu Liuli closed her eyes, feeling the movements of the little life inside her, a happy smile on her face.

On Jia Xiaoyan's side, Jiang Liushen personally turned off the bedside lamp for her, then lay down beside her and gently held her hand: "Xiaoyan, sleep well, have sweet dreams."

Jia Xiaoyan gave a soft "hmm" and, with Jiang Liushen by her side, slowly drifted off to sleep.

Under everyone's loving care, Gu Liuli and Jia Xiaoyan peacefully spent each day of their pregnancies. They eagerly awaited the arrival of their new life, and the entire palace also looked forward to the arrival of these two little ones, hoping to add more joy and happiness to this loving royal family.

"Little brother You'an, come and chase me!" Little Nan Yao was wearing a pink jacket embroidered with delicate flowers, like a butterfly fluttering in the air. She ran and looked back, her face beaming with an innocent smile, and two adorable dimples appeared on her rosy cheeks.

Jiang Youan was dressed in a blue robe with an exquisite jade belt around his waist. His eyes were bright and excited as he chased after her, shouting, "Sister Yao'er, don't run so fast, I'll catch up with you soon!" His face was slightly flushed from running, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

Xiao Nanyi, dressed in a light blue robe, stood tall and straight. He followed behind, smiling, and said, "You two little rascals, wait for me!"

However, their cheerful steps came to an abrupt halt at that moment. Xiao Jingchuan and Jiang Liushen walked in side by side, their expressions gentle, but their eyes revealing an undeniable determination.

"Yi'er, Yao'er, You'an." Xiao Jingchuan's voice was steady and powerful, echoing in the garden.

Hearing the voice, the three children immediately stopped and turned around. Seeing the two emperors, their smiles vanished instantly, replaced by confusion and nervousness. They stood obediently in a row, and Xiao Nanyi spoke first: "Father, is there something you need?"

Jiang Liushen stepped forward, squatted down, looked the children in the eye, and said in a gentle yet serious tone, "Children, Aunt Gu and Aunt Jia are both pregnant now. Their bodies are special and they need to be extra careful. So, from today onwards, you can no longer run around in the palace, understand?"

Jiang Youan blinked his big eyes, his eyes full of reluctance: "But we're just playing in the garden, and we'll be very careful not to bump into Aunt Gu and Aunt Jia."

Xiao Jingchuan patted Jiang Youan's head and patiently explained, "Youan, the palace is so big, you might run into them anywhere. You're still young, and if you run too fast, it could be troublesome if you accidentally bump into them."

Xiao Nanyao tugged at Xiao Jingchuan's hand and said coquettishly, "Father, does that mean we can't play hide-and-seek anymore? I love playing hide-and-seek the most."

Xiao Jingchuan looked at Xiao Nanyao with eyes full of affection: "It's not that you can't play, it's just that you can't run around the palace like before. You can play in your own courtyard, or find some quiet games to play."

Xiao Nanyi nodded sensibly, "Father, I understand, we will be obedient." After saying that, he turned to look at Xiao Nanyao and Jiang Youan and said, "We must be good and not let Mother, Aunt Jia and Father worry."

Although Xiao Nanyao and Jiang Youan were a little disappointed, they still nodded obediently.

"Can we go see Aunt Gu and Aunt Jia now?" Jiang Youan asked in a low voice.

Jiang Liushen smiled and said, "Of course, but we need to be quiet and not disturb them."

So, led by Xiao Jingchuan and Jiang Liushen, the three children arrived at Gu Liuli and Jia Xiaoyan's bedroom.

At this moment, Gu Liuli and Jia Xiaoyan were sitting in the pavilion in the garden, enjoying the warm spring sunshine. Their bellies were already slightly protruding, and their faces were filled with happy smiles.

"Aunt Gu (Empress Dowager), Aunt Jia (Empress Dowager)." As soon as the three children saw them, they ran over happily. However, remembering their earlier instructions, they slowed down when they were almost at the pavilion.

Gu Liuli and Jia Xiaoyan smiled gently when they saw the children.

“Children, come, sit here.” Gu Liuli beckoned to them.

The three children sat around the two expectant mothers. Little Nanyao looked at Gu Liuli's belly and asked curiously, "Aunt Gu, what are the little brothers or sisters doing in the belly?"

Gu Liuli smiled and patted her head: "He's sleeping. When he grows up, he'll come out and play with you all."

Jiang Youan also came closer, looking cautiously at Jia Xiaoyan's belly: "Aunt Jia, I really want to see my little brother or sister soon."

Jia Xiaoyan gently held his hand: "Soon, once he's ready, he'll meet everyone."

In the days that followed, the three children were very well-behaved and stopped running around the palace. They would play quiet games in their own courtyard, such as chess and drawing.

One day, Xiao Nanyi took out his brush, ink, paper and inkstone and said to Xiao Nanyao and Jiang Youan, "Let's draw. Let's draw the little brother or sister in Aunt Gu and Aunt Jia's belly."

Xiao Nanyao and Jiang Youan immediately became interested and picked up their paintbrushes. Xiao Nanyao drew a cute little girl with big eyes and long hair; Jiang Youan drew a little boy holding a small ball with a beaming smile on his face; Xiao Nanyi drew a picture of the whole family together, with Gu Liuli and Jia Xiaoyan holding a baby, and everyone smiling happily.

After they finished drawing, they took the drawing to Gu Liuli and Jia Xiaoyan.

"Aunt Gu, Aunt Jia, we'd like to show you the paintings we've made."