My wife used to know a little about it too.

But that’s not really related, is it?

’It’s probably useless, right?’

But Su Liyan shook her head and said,

"It’s just for some peace of mind."

Hearing this, Lu Yuan understood.

’So it really is useless.’

It was like when a family member is gravely ill. You take them to the hospital, but the doctors can’t do anything and tell you it’s hopeless.

At that point, there’s nothing you can do but go pray to a Bodhisattva or something.

Snapping out of his thoughts, Lu Yuan nodded and said,

"Is that all? I was wondering what the big deal was. We’ll bring your parents over tomorrow."

"They can chant right here at home. Why would anyone mind?"

’The central courtyard is huge. This "chanting" business is probably just kneeling in front of a statue and muttering some auspicious phrases, right?’

Beside him, Aunt Zhao and Song Meiqin also quickly added,

"That’s right, Liyan. It’s no big deal."

"We’ve all been together for so long. Don’t you know what kind of people we are by now?"

"Why would we mind?"

Su Liyan looked up at her man and the two aunts, saying,

"Okay, I’ll go talk to my mom about it tomorrow."

Hearing this, no one said anything else. Lu Yuan took his wife’s small hand and comforted her,

"Aging, sickness, and death are a part of life. It can’t be helped, and it happens to everyone."

"It’ll happen to us, too. Don’t be too sad, and make sure to take care of yourself first."

"The Empress just wants you all to be happy and healthy, doesn’t she?"

Lu Yuan felt a bit emotional as well.

’Such a good person, and she’s only in her fifties.’

’What a shame...’

Although Lu Yuan had never met Empress Ma, he sincerely admired her based on what he knew from various historical accounts.

Su Liyan nodded seriously, looking at her man and saying,

"I know, honey~"

"If not for myself, then for the baby in my belly..."

But before Su Liyan could finish, Lu Yuan gripped her little hand, his eyes widening as he said,

"The baby isn’t what’s important—you are!"

On Earth, a line like that would be a bit corny.

But the women here had never heard such sweet words.

In that moment, an incredibly moved Su Liyan hugged her man and cooed,

"Honey~~"

"You’re so good to me~~"

...

「Around ten o’clock at night.」

Everyone returned home.

After returning home, Song Meiqin came to Lu Yuan’s side with a beaming smile.

She linked her arm with Lu Yuan’s, looked over at Zhao Qiao’Er, who was changing into her nightgown, and said coquettishly,

"Sister Zhao~"

"You should get a good rest tonight~"

Lu Yuan was supposed to be with Zhao Qiao’Er tonight, but well, who told her to get pregnant?

’Now that she’s pregnant, doesn’t that mean tonight belongs to me, Song Meiqin?’

However, before she could finish, Zhao Qiao’Er, having changed into her nightgown, came over, seductively swaying her voluptuous rear.

She pulled Lu Yuan directly into her embrace, stared at Song Meiqin, and said in a provocative tone,

"In your dreams! Tonight is my turn!"

Startled, Song Meiqin frowned and retorted,

"Don’t be reckless! You’re pregnant; you can’t be doing anything foolish in the first few months!"

But Zhao Qiao’Er just huffed.

"We could do it the day before yesterday, so why not today?"

"I say we can!"

Song Meiqin grew anxious and was about to say something else, but Zhao Qiao’Er’s tone turned serious.

"Alright, alright, I know!"

"I cherish this baby more than anyone. I won’t do anything foolish!"

With that, not caring whether Lu Yuan was willing or not, Zhao Qiao’Er wrapped her arm around him and, swaying her voluptuous rear, pulled him into the south room.

Song Meiqin watched Zhao Qiao’Er’s retreating back and couldn’t help but pout.

"Look at that shameless hussy!"

But Song Meiqin didn’t actually try to fight Zhao Qiao’Er for him.

...

Later that night, after Song Meiqin and Su Liyan had also washed up and gotten into bed, they were planning to chat for a while before sleeping.

But then, a loud cry rang out from the south room—the noise was incredible.

It startled Song Meiqin so much that she jumped and exclaimed,

"My goodness, isn’t she pregnant? Why does it sound like she’s mating with a donkey in there?!"

"Does she not want the baby anymore?!"

At that moment, Su Liyan, who was lying further inside the bed, seemed to realize something and instantly buried her gorgeous face in the blankets.

She grabbed Song Meiqin, who was about to get out of bed, and said in embarrassment,

"Oh... Aunt Song, don’t mind them..."

"Aunt Zhao... has two... holes..."

Song Meiqin: "Huh??"