Cloud Ruo's expression remained calm and undisturbed, merely smiling gently and reminding, "It's a good thing that your sister has conceived the Emperor's child—please take good care of yourself." De Fu, ever graceful and courteous, bowed in thanks, "Thank you, Sister." Cloud Ruo nodded slightly, acknowledging the thanks, having originally expected De Fu to depart. Yet, it seemed as though she had grown enchanted by the conversation, staying close beside her, chatting incessantly. Their talk revolved mostly around the Emperor's affection for her and various court gossip, as well as news from the streets—her words carried a genuine, sincere warmth. Cloud Ruo had never felt particularly drawn to De Fu before. In fact, when De Fu had subtly praised the Emperor's fondness for her, she had even felt a touch of impatience. But now, hearing her speak with such natural, unpretentious warmth and sincerity, Cloud Ruo found herself growing fond of her. A woman with such simplicity and genuine heart often leaves a lasting impression. How could Yun Rao possibly understand someone as accomplished as the Imperial Consort, living this long in the deep palace—let alone carrying a child of her own? Her eyes unconsciously drifted to the Consort’s abdomen, where, beneath her court gown, the shape was still relatively flat and unremarkable, hardly noticeable upon a casual glance. The Emperor’s first son—if a boy—would surely become the Crown Prince; how many people in the palace were now watching her belly, calculating, scheming? Though the Imperial Consort lacked sharp intellect or political cunning, her innate maternal instinct naturally prompted her to gently cover her abdomen. When Yun Rao’s gaze lingered on it, she felt an instinctive sense of unease, and smiled warmly at her, asking, “What’s wrong, Sister?” Yun Rao smiled, “Nothing at all. Just marveling at how extraordinary life is—how a little life has already taken root in your belly.” The Consort smiled in return, “You’ll have one too, someday.” Yun Rao nodded, smiled, but said nothing. She likely never would experience such wonder in her lifetime. De Fei couldn't understand the smile on her face, mistaking it for sadness, and offered comfort, "Perhaps soon, sister, there will be news from your belly." Yun Rao shook her head, steering the conversation toward De Fei, thinking she herself had a growing fondness for the imperial consort. She gently reminded her, "My sister is straightforward and full of innocence, but in the palace, it's quite different from outside—full of treachery and complexity. Now that she's pregnant, for the sake of her child, she must be more cautious. Those around her should pay close attention. She shouldn't wander too much, and she should be careful not to eat anything brought by other palace attendants." Hearing Yun Rao's words, De Fei's expression softened with a touch of melancholy. "I fully understand what you're saying," she said. "I don't just hesitate to eat food sent by other palaces—I'm even afraid to light a incense burner, trembling with every step." Now that the weather has warmed up, the mosquitoes indoors have increased, and the fragrant incense received monthly is no longer enough. Since the Emperor has his mind set on my sister, I dare not burden him with these minor matters anymore—nor do I dare use the incense sent from other palaces. The mosquito bites have left me with numerous little bumps all over my body. As she spoke, she lifted her sleeve, revealing a dense network of small red spots on her fair skin, which looked quite unsettling at first glance. Yun Rao, seeing this, felt a pang of sympathy and, without hesitation, said, "I still have quite a store of incense at my place, which I haven't used much. If you don't mind, I'll have Cui Xi bring some over for you shortly." De Fei politely replied, "How could I possibly be so bold as to trouble you?" Yun Rao smiled, "The things I keep are simply gathering dust—useless to me. What I'm concerned about is whether you'll find them suitable for your health. I'll still need to have the Flat Physician examine you first." "Please have the Flat physician examine her—this way, it's as if she's summoned a witness, so as not to stir up any storms later on. When she first spoke, Yun Rao felt a bit regretful. If someone were to take advantage of her gesture of presenting incense, she'd truly be in deep trouble, even if she jumped into the Yellow River and tried to cleanse herself. But once the words were out, it was hard to retract them. So she settled for having the Flat physician serve as a witness. After all, the Flat physician was summoned by the Emperor specifically to treat her—someone the Emperor surely trusts. De Fu smiled and thanked her, "Thank you, sister." — Upon returning from the Imperial Garden to refresh herself, Yun Rao asked Cui Xi to deliver some incense to De Fu and also had the Flat physician accompany them to take a look. At dinner, the Emperor came over to dine with her, noticing that her complexion had grown paler lately. He then ordered a medicinal stew prepared, with eel added, saying it would nourish her body." Yun Rao had no appetite at all, her stomach aching with waves of sourness. As she inhaled the strong, fishy scent of the eel and the medicinal aroma, the flavors were so intense that after barely managing to swallow two bites, she couldn’t hold back anymore—she clutched her lips and twisted around, violently retching beside the table. Wang Jing, the Emperor, was taken aback by her sudden bout of vomiting. His gaze shifted instantly, and he swiftly pulled her into his arms, one hand supporting her shoulder and the other pressing gently on her chest, urgently asking, “What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell again?” By now, Yun Rao had emptied her stomach and was still dry-heaving, her face pale as a sheet, unable to speak. She only managed to clutch her chest, desperately trying to vomit, yet nothing came up. The Emperor gently patted her back to ease her breathing. Once she had calmed slightly, he didn’t hesitate—picked her up and carried her back to her room, laying her down, while sending Cui Xi to bring a bowl of clear tea to help her rinse her mouth. The delicate aroma of green tea slightly eased Yun Rao's discomfort in her stomach, yet she still felt unwell and immediately asked, "Do you have any hawthorn juice? I'd like to have some to soothe my stomach..." Before she finished speaking, her right wrist suddenly found itself in the hands of Yan Jing, the Emperor, who was pressing on her pulse points to take her pulse. But he didn’t give her enough time. As he released his hands from her pulse-taking, he suddenly leaned in, cradling her entirely in his arms. Warm palms pressed against her back, holding her tightly against him, while the other hand encircled her head, pressing her firmly into his chest—so tightly, so heavily that Yun Rao could even feel a slight ache, along with the strong, rapid beating of his heart beneath her. She couldn’t see his expression, bewildered by his sudden movements. As she reached for words, he had already bent down, cupping her face—without letting her catch a glimpse of his face—then pressed a deep, lingering kiss to her lips, gently sucking and swirling. The hand around her waist tightened with care, trembling slightly, drawing her closer and deepening the kiss. Within the surge of his uncontrolled lips and arms, Yun Rao unexpectedly tasted the excitement and joy pulsing from his tongue—a passionate, almost overwhelming emotion, as if he wished to absorb her into his very bones. She stood stunned, yet utterly at a loss for words.