Drunk on Madness - Chapter 41

Three months passed in the blink of an eye. After confirming that Li Xiang was carrying twins, Lady Zhao became even more cautious. She meticulously supervised every aspect of Li Xiang’s diet, with maid servants monitoring her meals from morning till night. Even the thresholds in Elegant Garden were not spared, all were leveled flat, lest any mishap befall the unborn children.

Li Xiang read the letters Zhou Mingxuan had sent her. Since their parting four months ago, he had written dozens of letters, each ending with a plea for her reply.

Now that the news of her pregnancy was confirmed, it was time to tell him. She picked up her brush and wrote that she was expecting twins, urging him to take care of himself and assuring him that she would wait for his return at the prince’s residence.

…

In the military camp of the Prince of Yan, wisps of smoke curled upward from cooking fires. Iron pots sat atop every stove, flames roaring beneath them, casting light on the bustling figures of soldiers.

Gu Ci came to collect meals for the three of them. Not far along his way, a familiar courier passed by. Gu Ci stopped him and asked, “Any letters for the young master today?”

Zhou Mingxuan always inquired about letters, so out of kindness, Gu Ci decided to ask on his behalf.

The courier quickly bowed before unfastening a pouch from his waist and handing over several letters. “Please deliver these to the young master, General Gu.”

Knowing the three men shared the same tent, the courier trusted Gu Ci with the task.

Gu Ci took the letters and glanced at the senders. Spotting one from Li Xiang, he tucked it into his robe.

Upon returning to their tent, Gu Ci presented the letters. Zhou Mingxuan snatched them up immediately. But after flipping through them and finding none from Li Xiang, his heart sank with disappointment.

Before parting, she had promised to write. Why, after four months, was there still no word? He should have insisted she write at least once a month.

After the three of them finished their meal, Gu Ci waited until Su Mo left to bathe before approaching Zhou Mingxuan’s desk. He handed over another letter.

Zhou Mingxuan found his behavior odd but instinctively glanced at the envelope. When he recognized Li Xiang’s handwriting, his face lit up with joy.

He tore open the letter eagerly. After reading it, his face flushed with excitement, and his hands trembled slightly as he clutched the paper.

Seeing his dazed expression, Gu Ci wondered what earth-shattering news the letter contained. “What does it say?” he asked.

Zhou Mingxuan grabbed Gu Ci in a tight embrace, thumping his back vigorously before suddenly pushing him away. “Hit me. Am I dreaming?”

He couldn’t believe this was real. He lifted the letter again, scrutinizing the familiar handwriting, yet it still felt like a dream.

Abruptly, he slapped himself across the face. The sharp sting convinced him it was real. Overwhelmed, he fidgeted with restless excitement.

Gu Ci was stunned by his actions. Burning with curiosity, he wanted to snatch the letter and read it himself, but Zhou Mingxuan blocked him.

Zhou Mingxuan sat down, carefully folding the letter and tucking it into his chest. A smile played on his lips as he said, “Xiangxiang is pregnant.”

Before Gu Ci could offer congratulations, Zhou Mingxuan continued, “And not just one.”

Gu Ci frowned, puzzled. “Not just one what?”

Zhou Mingxuan grinned. “She’s carrying twins.”

Understanding dawned on Gu Ci, and he pulled up a chair to sit beside him. “Well done, you lucky bastard.”

He punched Zhou Mingxuan hard in the chest. “You’ve got two children at once.”

Zhou Mingxuan staggered slightly from the forceful punch but couldn’t wipe the smile off his face. “You’ll have them too once you get married.”

The mention of marriage gave Gu Ci a headache. Just before the war began, his father had urged him to marry the young lady of the Lin family, saying that since the heir had already married, he should do the same.

He understood his father’s fear, that if something happened on the battlefield, at least he would leave behind an heir. But he had no feelings for the Lin girl, and if he really did die, her life would be ruined.

Gu Ci patted Zhou Mingxuan’s shoulder again. “Now that you have a child, you’ll have to think more about them, mother and child. Before charging into battle, you can’t afford to take risks like before.”

Zhou Mingxuan’s long lashes cast faint shadows, his entire demeanor as still and cold as ice. Suddenly, he grabbed Gu Ci’s hand and said solemnly, “If one day, I’m unfortunate enough to die in battle, and Su Mo is still alive, think of her. I’ll leave it to you to return her to him.”

Gu Ci struggled to pull his hand away in refusal, but Zhou Mingxuan held on tightly and continued, “I don’t dare tell Su Mo this. I can only entrust it to you. I’ve wronged him too much. The battlefield is full of uncertainties, I can’t guarantee I’ll survive.”

“Su Mo and Li Xiang were meant to be together. If I die, it’s fate… my retribution. Now that Li Xiang carries my bloodline, I can die without regrets.”

“I’ve always seen him as a brother. I truly wish for his happiness and have thought countless times about stepping aside for them, but I just couldn’t. Only in death can I finally let her go.”

Listening to his heartfelt words, Gu Ci suddenly felt grateful he hadn’t fallen deeply in love with a woman like they had. It was terrifying.

Outside the tent, Su Mo, who had been listening to Zhou Mingxuan’s voice, slowly unclenched his fists. His gaze turned to the moonlight in the night sky.

Under the vast starry expanse, human lives seemed as insignificant as ants.

One was his sworn brother, the other the love of his life. They were the two most important people in Su Mo’s life, and he wished for them to live long and well.

…

Early autumn. A line of wild geese streaked across the sky. The lush summer foliage in the courtyard had begun to wither, and even the colorful fish in the pond seemed lonelier than usual.

Li Xiang paced slowly in front of the courtyard. The elderly maid beside her, worried she might tire, hurried to help her sit down.

As Li Xiang settled, she suddenly noticed a figure by the distant wall. The moment their eyes met, the figure quickly ducked back.

Curious, Li Xiang slowly approached. The figure peeked out cautiously again, and their gazes locked. “Auntie Su,” Li Xiang blurted out.

Caught, Auntie Su immediately moved to bow in greeting.

Li Xiang quickly stopped her, holding her up. The maid beside them gasped, terrified Li Xiang might stumble.

Once steady, Li Xiang led Auntie Su to sit in the pavilion and asked about her recent life.

It turned out that since arriving at the border, Auntie Su had been helping out in the military camp, which was why they hadn’t met. But seven months ago, just before the army marched to war, Su Mo, fearing he wouldn’t be able to look after her amid the chaos of battle, had sent her back to the prince’s estate.

Due to Su Mo’s status as the prince’s adopted son, no one in the estate dared assign her any tasks.

Auntie Su gazed at Li Xiang, who had almost become her daughter-in-law, and couldn’t resist reaching out to touch her pregnant belly.

Nanny Li promptly swatted Auntie Su’s hand away and scolded, “How dare you! Who allowed you to touch the consort’s belly?” Nanny Li was well aware that Auntie Su was the mother of the heir’s close friend, but these were delicate times, and she couldn’t risk letting anyone get too close to Li Xiang. If anything went wrong, no one could bear the consequences.

Li Xiang frowned slightly, her eyes filled with reproach as she looked at Nanny Li. ” Nanny Li, this is no stranger. This is Auntie Su, the mother of Su Mo, the adopted son of Prince Yan. She is also my savior.”

“Without her help, I would never have entered the prince’s residence, nor would I have met Su Mo or the heir. She treats me like her own daughter, so I ask that you show her some respect from now on.” With that, she took Auntie Su’s hand and placed it on the curve of her belly.

Li Xiang met Auntie Su’s eyes and said, “The physician says it’s twins.” Perhaps because she was agitated, one of the babies gave a sudden kick against her stomach.

A flicker of warmth appeared in Auntie Su’s eyes. While the entire residence knew the consort was pregnant, very few were aware she carried twins. The news left Auntie Su stunned.

Li Xiang suddenly spoke again, “Auntie Su, I’ll be giving birth in September. Will you stay by my side?” The thought of childbirth made her nervous, and having someone familiar nearby would ease her fears.

Since Auntie Su had nothing pressing to attend to, she gladly agreed to remain with her.