Transmigrated into a Scummy Alpha Playboy in Ancient Times - Chapter 129

Zhou Zixuan and Shen Yining were woken by the palace attendants. Early that morning, they were expected to first pay respects to Shen Kaiyuan and Empress Ye Yuran, and then proceed to Liangyi Hall to receive the formal bows and blessings of the court.

Zhou Zixuan felt a little embarrassed when she woke. She was usually an early riser, but after being thoroughly worn out by her little piglet the night before, she had actually slept in.

“Understood. Go prepare the water and towels. Her Highness and I will get up shortly,” Zhou Zixuan instructed the attendants.

Only once the palace servants had left to make preparations did Zhou Zixuan, cheeks flushed, turn to glance at Shen Yining. Her waist was still held tightly in Shen Yining’s arms, and she couldn’t get up even if she wanted to. Worse, she had seen Shen Yining open her eyes a moment ago—but now she was pretending to be asleep again.

Zhou Zixuan reached out and gave her little piglet’s cheek a gentle poke. With a quiet laugh, she said, “Wake up, Your Highness. We need to get ready.”

Shen Yining only tightened her arms around Zhou Zixuan and nuzzled in closer. With someone so soft and warm in her arms, she had absolutely no desire to leave the bed. She planted a kiss on Zhou Zixuan’s cheek and murmured, “Sister, can I hold you for just a little longer?”

Zhou Zixuan pinched her cheek lightly and reminded her gently, “No, or Her Majesty and the others will be upset. Be good.”

Only then did Shen Yining finally open her eyes. She smiled and said, “Then… kiss me once, and I’ll let go.”

“I told you not to be so forward,” Zhou Zixuan mumbled, but she still leaned in and gave Shen Yining a kiss on the corner of her lips. Only then did Shen Yining, satisfied, release her.

Zhou Zixuan watched Shen Yining grinning happily and couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. Her little pig had definitely been spoiled. Thinking about how she was treated last night, Zhou Zixuan still blushed at the memory.

Once Zhou Zixuan had gotten up, Shen Yining followed obediently and came over to her side. “Sister, let me help you tie your sash.”

Zhou Zixuan, seeing how eager she was, simply lifted her arms and let her help.

Shen Yining wrapped her arms gently around Zhou Zixuan’s waist as she helped with the sash, clearly enjoying the moment. Unable to resist, she leaned forward and placed another kiss on Zhou Zixuan’s cheek.

Zhou Zixuan’s face turned red again. She gave Shen Yining a light poke on the nose and whispered, “Your Highness is misbehaving again.”

“I’m not,” Shen Yining replied, looking entirely serious. “I just really like you.”

After washing up, the two shared a simple breakfast, then went to Shen Kaiyuan and Ye Yuran’s quarters to offer their formal morning greetings. Afterward, they returned to the Eastern Palace to change into ceremonial court attire before riding in the bridal sedan to Liangyi Hall.

Hand in hand, Shen Yining and Zhou Zixuan ascended the nine-tiered steps of Liangyi Hall to formally receive the bows of the court officials. Only then was the full sequence of wedding rituals officially complete.

After the ceremony, the two returned to the Eastern Palace and changed out of their heavy court garments. As soon as she was dressed again, Shen Yining wrapped her arms around Zhou Zixuan from behind.

Being held like that in broad daylight made Zhou Zixuan shy. She gently tried to push her away, whispering, “It’s still the middle of the day. Your Highness, don’t be so unruly.”

“I’m not. I just finally married you,” Shen Yining said seriously. Only now did she truly understand why her cousin loved clinging to Sister Su all the time. She felt exactly the same—wanting to stay close to Zhou Zixuan every moment.

Looking at the girl pouting and clinging to her, Zhou Zixuan chuckled and shook her head. She pinched Shen Yining’s cheek and teased, “And here I thought Your Highness was steady and mature. Why are you acting like such a child?”

“I’m only like this with you,” Shen Yining replied with a soft smile, hugging her even tighter and sneaking another kiss on her lips.

After lunch, Zhou Zixuan was coaxed into bed again—her little piglet insisting and wheedling until she gave in and joined her for a midday nap.

Zhou Zixuan wasn’t feeling very sleepy, so by the time she woke up, her little piglet was still fast asleep. She looked at Shen Yining’s peaceful face and smiled to herself, gently tapping the tip of her nose before carefully slipping out of bed.

After drinking a cup of tea, she wandered over to the desk, feeling a little bored. She thought she might pass the time reading something while waiting for Shen Yining to wake up.

Sitting down at the desk, Zhou Zixuan casually picked up a small stack of books. Most of them were Confucian classics, along with some military strategy and political theory. These were the kinds of books she had already read many times at home, so she quickly lost interest. Finally, she found a copy of The Book of Songs at the bottom of the pile. Thinking it might be a refreshing change, she opened it up without giving it much thought.

But the moment she glanced at the page, she froze.

In a heartbeat, she shut the book with a loud snap. That was definitely not The Book of Songs but something far less proper. Just one look had left her too embarrassed to continue. Now she finally understood why her little pig had become so mischievous.

Taking a few steadying breaths, Zhou Zixuan suppressed her embarrassment and flipped through another couple of pages. She quickly realized that each one was more risqué than the last. Determined to get to the bottom of this, she decided to wake Shen Yining and demand an explanation. Where in the world had the Crown Princess gotten such a book?

With that in mind, she picked up the book, walked to the bed, and gave Shen Yining’s ear a playful pinch.

Still half-asleep, Shen Yining stirred. When she saw it was Zhou Zixuan, she tried to pull her back into bed for another cuddle.

Zhou Zixuan gave her cheek a little pinch and smiled. “Is Your Highness awake now?”

“Not yet… Sister Xuan, come back to bed with me for a while,” Shen Yining murmured, holding Zhou Zixuan’s hand, trying to coax her back under the blanket.

Zhou Zixuan chuckled softly, then held up the book with a playful smile. “Why don’t you explain to me what this is? And use it to wake yourself up properly.”

Shen Yining followed her gaze to the book and immediately snapped fully awake. She rushed to grab it and stuffed it under the blanket, looking away and mumbling nervously.

Seeing that she was now fully awake, Zhou Zixuan tapped her nose again and teased, “Why so quiet all of a sudden? You haven’t told me what kind of book it is.”

Shen Yining glanced at Zhou Zixuan’s expression, then leaned in and kissed her cheek, hoping to brush the issue aside. “Sister Xuan… that book must have been a mix-up. My cousin must have returned the wrong one when I lent her something last time. I usually only read Confucian texts. There’s no way I’d read something so improper.”

Zhou Zixuan raised her eyebrow and gave her nose another light tap. “You say you haven’t read it, but how do you know it’s improper? Or is it that you’ve memorized it already?”

“No, no, I just glanced at a page, realized it was inappropriate, and tucked it away at the bottom of the pile. I meant to return it to my cousin. But with the wedding and everything, I’ve been too busy and forgot. Don’t worry, Sister. I’ll make sure to give it back tomorrow.”

Zhou Zixuan couldn’t help smiling as she watched her little piglet try to explain. Reaching out, she pinched her cheek gently. “Does your cousin know you’re throwing her under the carriage like this? You sneaky little pig. And you still say you didn’t peek?”

Realizing Zhou Zixuan had figured it all out, Shen Yining blushed and let her pinch her without resisting. She no longer had the serious, proper look she wore outside the palace. She looked up sheepishly and whispered, “Don’t be mad, Sister. I won’t do it again.”

Zhou Zixuan saw how obedient and soft she looked and couldn’t bring herself to scold her further. She rubbed Shen Yining’s cheek and said gently, “It’s fine that I saw it, but make sure no one else ever does.”

“I’ll be careful,” Shen Yining replied quickly, then realized that didn’t sound quite right. She added, “I’ll return it to my cousin as soon as possible.”

On the third day after their wedding, tradition required the couple to return to the bride’s family home. The Grand Preceptor’s household had been bustling with preparations since early morning, making sure nothing was left undone.

Shen Yining and Zhou Zixuan had also gotten ready early. The Eastern Palace had prepared the carriage and horses well in advance. After boarding the carriage together, the two made their way slowly toward the Grand Preceptor’s residence.

Zhou Zixuan had been missing her parents over the past few days, especially her mother. She had always spent more time at home, and naturally, she was closest to her mother. Not having seen her for several days made her feel a deeper sense of longing.

Noticing how eager Zhou Zixuan was to return, Shen Yining smiled and said, “Sister Xuan, if you ever feel homesick in the future, we can come back often. Or, we can invite your mother to visit the Eastern Palace regularly.”

“It wouldn’t be proper for me to return too often,” Zhou Zixuan replied with a smile as she looked at Shen Yining. “Now that I am the Crown Princess Consort, I shouldn’t leave the palace frequently. But my mother could come visit me more often.”

Shen Yining glanced at Zhou Zixuan, and her mood dimmed slightly. Even as a kunze, those who remained outside the palace still had much more freedom. Take Sister Su, for example. Her cousin often spent time with her outside, going to tea houses and enjoying small outings together. But Zhou Zixuan was different. Now that she had entered the palace for Shen Yining’s sake, her freedom would be much more limited.

Seeing Shen Yining fall silent, Zhou Zixuan tugged gently at her sleeve and leaned on her shoulder, offering comfort. “I knew this would happen. But I don’t mind. Back at the Grand Preceptor’s residence, I didn’t go out often anyway. Now that I’m in the palace with you, there are plenty of lovely places to explore. There’s nothing to be sad about.”

Hearing that, Shen Yining pulled her into a gentle embrace, holding her even closer.

Before long, the carriage arrived at the Grand Preceptor’s residence. Shen Yining was considerate as always and helped Zhou Zixuan down carefully.

Grand Preceptor Zhou Yuanzhen and his wife, Jiang Zhe, were already waiting at the gates to welcome them. As they prepared to bow in greeting, Shen Yining quickly stepped forward to stop them.

“Father-in-law, Mother-in-law, no need for formalities. We’re family now. It’s cold out here—let’s go inside.”

“Of course. Your Highness, please watch your step, the ground may be slippery,” Zhou Yuanzhen said as he made a welcoming gesture and led the couple into the residence.

Once everyone was seated in the front hall, Zhou Yuanzhen spoke with Shen Yining about matters of the court, while Jiang Zhe gently took her daughter by the hand and led her back to her room for a private conversation.

“Xuan’er, how have you been these past few days in the palace? Is Her Highness treating you well?” Although Jiang Zhe knew that her daughter had been visiting the Crown Princess regularly after she was injured, she still worried. She feared that Shen Yining, known for being serious and reserved, might not treat her daughter warmly.

Zhou Zixuan smiled and said, “Mother, you don’t need to worry. Her Highness treats me very well. She always puts me first, and I’ve been quite comfortable in the palace.”

“Truly? She always seemed so cold. Are you sure she hasn’t been distant with you?” Jiang Zhe asked again, studying her daughter carefully, afraid she might be putting on a brave face.

Zhou Zixuan’s ears turned red as she muttered softly, “She’s actually very clingy. You’re overthinking it.”

Seeing her daughter so flustered, Jiang Zhe laughed. “Alright then. If that’s how it is, I’m relieved. Don’t keep Her Highness waiting too long. Go on and spend time with her.”

With that, the two returned to the front hall. Shen Yining was sitting upright, engaged in a serious conversation with Zhou Yuanzhen. But the moment she saw Zhou Zixuan come in, her eyes lit up.

Jiang Zhe smiled and said, “Xuan’er, why don’t you take Her Highness around the residence? Let her rest a bit in your room too. There’s still some time before lunch.”

“Alright. Your Highness, shall we go?” Zhou Zixuan turned to Shen Yining with a gentle smile.

Shen Yining smiled at Zhou Zixuan, then politely said goodbye to Zhou Yuanzhen and Jiang Zhe before obediently following behind Zhou Zixuan.

Outside, the weather was cold and icy, and there really wasn’t much to see. Worried Zhou Zixuan might slip, Shen Yining kept holding her hand as they walked toward the back courtyard.

Zhou Zixuan pointed to a small garden pavilion nearby and said with a smile, “In the spring, when I have free time, I often sit in that little pavilion to read and have tea. I even grow a lot of flowers there. But now that it’s winter, there’s nothing to see.”

“It’s alright, Sister Xuan,” Shen Yining murmured, “there’s a small courtyard behind our palace too. If you like, we can plant flowers there as well.”

“Alright. Then when spring comes and I have time, I’ll plant lots of flowers,” Zhou Zixuan replied with a warm smile.

As they chatted, they arrived at Zhou Zixuan’s bedroom. It was Shen Yining’s first time entering the private quarters of a kunze. Even though it was her wife’s room, she still felt a little shy.

Zhou Zixuan found her expression amusing and leaned closer with a laugh. “You weren’t shy last night. Why are you blushing just from entering my room now?”

Shen Yining’s face turned red at being called out. She moved forward and hugged Zhou Zixuan gently, speaking in a soft voice. “You’re the one I like. Of course I’d be nervous walking into the room of someone I love.”

Zhou Zixuan turned and pinched her cheek. “Then how come you weren’t the least bit shy while coaxing me last night?”

“Don’t say that,” Shen Yining quickly interrupted, trying to act serious while her face turned crimson. “Just show me your room.”

Seeing her little piglet truly embarrassed, Zhou Zixuan stopped teasing her. She took her hand and led her further inside. “Have a look. My room isn’t much different from yours. In winter, it gets too cold, so I had a bookshelf and a table moved in. Everything else is simple, not as refined as your rooms in the palace.”

“That’s not true. Your things are beautiful too,” Shen Yining replied as she slowly walked around the room. But soon enough, she wandered back to Zhou Zixuan and pulled her into a hug.

Zhou Zixuan gave her a playful nudge and said, “If I told people how you act in private, no one would believe me.”

“I love you,” Shen Yining whispered, planting a kiss on her cheek.

Since they were still at the Zhou residence, she didn’t dare go too far. Instead, they sat together and chatted quietly until noon.

When the maids came to invite them for lunch, Shen Yining once again held Zhou Zixuan’s hand as they walked to the front hall. They stayed at the Grand Preceptor’s residence until the sun began to dip low in the sky, and only then did they return to the palace.

Two months passed quickly. The new year arrived, and it was already the first month of the lunar calendar. The New Year festival was just around the corner.

In another room of the palace, Han Shu was gently accompanying a young girl who had just given birth. The baby had only recently arrived into the world and was now sleeping soundly beside Shen Taotao.

Han Shu sat nearby, her gaze soft as she looked at the tiny hands of the infant. The baby’s fingers were so small and delicate that they looked impossibly precious. She reached out, wanting to touch them, but stopped halfway, afraid to wake the sleeping child.

She turned to the exhausted young girl lying beside the baby. Seeing how worn out she was, Han Shu’s heart ached. She leaned in and kissed the girl’s cheek gently, whispering, “Does it still hurt?”

The girl shook her head slightly, but she was so tired that she didn’t even want to speak.

Han Shu looked at the little one and whispered softly, “You little rascal, do you see how hard your mother worked? You’d better be good and listen to her, alright?”

The baby seemed to be dreaming of something tasty, smacking her lips a few times before continuing to sleep soundly.

Han Shu gently wiped the sweat from Shen Taotao’s forehead and sat by the bed, quietly keeping the mother and child company.

About an hour passed. Shen Taotao was still deeply asleep, exhausted, but the little one began to stir. Her big, bright eyes looked around the room. When she spotted Han Shu, she visibly froze for a second, then waved her tiny hand in the air and scrunched up her mouth like she was about to cry.

Han Shu recalled what the nursemaid had just taught her. She placed one hand to support the baby’s neck and the other under her bottom, letting the baby’s head rest in the crook of her arm as she carefully lifted her up.

The baby felt soft and weightless in her arms. Their eyes met—one big and curious, the other gentle and amazed.

Han Shu rocked the baby gently and cooed, “Our little lucky koi is awake, aren’t you? So good and so adorable, right?”

She smiled at the baby, but the baby pouted in response, waved her little hands with displeasure, wrinkled her nose, and let out a loud wail.

The sudden crying startled Han Shu. It was her first time caring for a baby, and she had no idea how to soothe her. In a panic, she began pacing back and forth across the room, bouncing the baby gently in her arms.

But the little one cried harder, as if heartbroken. Han Shu was distraught. She kissed the baby’s forehead in an attempt to comfort her—but that only made her cry even louder.

Shen Taotao, completely worn out, slept through it all. She didn’t stir at all, but the commotion brought in a few nearby maids and nursemaids. They saw Han Shu standing in the middle of the room, completely flustered, trying to calm the sobbing baby.

One of the maids quickly stepped forward and took the baby from her arms.

Han Shu, looking anxious, asked, “She was fine just now. What happened?”

“Don’t worry, General,” one of the older women said kindly. “Babies are like this. Before they grow older, they cry often. This is just the beginning. You’ll get used to it.”

Han Shu was still heartbroken and asked, “Is there nothing we can do to stop her from crying?”

“There’s no need to worry. She’ll stop once she gets tired or if she’s hungry. We’ll have the nurse feed her now. If you don’t mind, please step outside for a moment,” the nursemaid added gently.

“Oh, alright,” Han Shu replied quickly, worried the baby might be hungry. She left the room but paced anxiously back and forth in the hallway, clearly unsure of what to do.

While she was still walking around, Shen Xingyue arrived with Su Muyu in her arms.

Seeing Han Shu outside, Shen Xingyue asked, “Why are you standing out here? Why not go inside?”

“The nursemaids are feeding Little Lucky Koi,” Han Shu said awkwardly.

“Ah, then we’ll wait too. How’s Taotao doing?” Shen Xingyue asked.

“She was exhausted. She’s been sleeping for over an hour now,” Han Shu replied.

“Childbirth is tiring. Let her sleep a little longer.”

Just as Shen Xingyue finished speaking, one of the maids peeked out from behind the door and said, “General, Lady Su, please come in.”

The three of them entered the room. The baby, who had just been fed, had calmed down. Her eyes were still red from crying, and she looked around curiously, as if unsure who all these new faces were.

Han Shu gently took the baby back into her arms from the nursemaid, chuckling softly. “You were just hungry, weren’t you, little rascal? You really scared me.”

Shen Xingyue and Su Muyu also leaned in. Shen Xingyue reached out to touch the baby’s tiny hand. It was so small and soft that it melted her heart just looking at it.

The baby, feeling Shen Xingyue’s touch, pouted again and pulled her hand back, wrinkling her nose at Han Shu as if to complain.

Han Shu couldn’t help but laugh. “Your aunties came to see you, and you won’t even let them touch your little hand? Such a stingy little rascal.”

Seeing that the baby wouldn’t let Shen Xingyue touch her, Su Muyu moved closer and gently held the tiny hand. It was soft, warm, and so very small that Su Muyu instantly adored it. But the baby wasn’t pleased. When another person tried to touch her hand, she pulled it back and pouted before blowing a little string of bubbles in protest.

Han Shu found it even more adorable. “Our little lucky koi is amazing. You can even blow bubbles now!”

The baby let out a couple of cheerful noises, then began waving her hands in the air. But her energy was limited, and soon she tired out and drifted back to sleep.

Han Shu didn’t dare disturb her, so she gently laid the baby back in the crib to let her sleep peacefully.

Seeing that the little one had fallen asleep, Shen Xingyue and Su Muyu said their goodbyes and quietly left the room.

Shen Taotao was still deeply asleep from exhaustion. Even when the baby woke up a second time, she had not stirred.

The moment the baby opened her eyes again, it looked like she was about to cry. Han Shu, who couldn’t bear to see her upset, quickly picked her up and gently rocked her. “Don’t cry, my little lucky koi. You’re the sweetest baby ever, aren’t you? Han Jinning, my little treasure, how did you get so cute?”

The baby, watching Han Shu smiling at her, finally let out a few giggles. Seeing her smile, Han Shu’s eyes filled with warmth. This tiny bundle was her and Taotao’s child.

But after just a few laughs, the baby blew another string of bubbles at her. Han Shu sat down carefully, holding the little one while gently wiping the bubbles from her mouth.

The baby blinked her big eyes, tilting her little head as she looked up at Han Shu. Her heart melted. Han Shu couldn’t help but wonder if the baby already knew how adorable she was.

After playing for a little while, Shen Taotao woke up. Han Shu quickly carried the baby over and gently asked, “Taotao, how are you feeling? Want some water?”

“A little thirsty,” Shen Taotao replied weakly.

“Alright, don’t move. I’ll get it for you.” Han Shu placed the baby beside her, but the little one wasn’t pleased and kicked her legs twice, as if voicing her protest.

Han Shu chuckled and brought over a bowl of warm water, using a spoon to carefully feed Shen Taotao sip by sip.

The baby waved her hands again, clearly wanting Han Shu to come back and play. Han Shu quickly soothed her. “Be good, little lucky koi. Your mother went through so much to have you. Let me finish helping her first, then I’ll play with you.”

The baby gave two more little kicks and let out a few whimpering cries, as if trying to sound upset. But perhaps she realized she didn’t really feel like crying, because after a few attempts, she gave up.

After feeding Shen Taotao and wiping the sweat from her neck and cheeks, Han Shu picked up the baby, who had been sulking all by herself.

Holding her in her arms again, Han Shu laughed softly and looked at Shen Taotao. “Look, little lucky koi, that’s your mother. You gave her such a hard time. Be good and let her hold your little hand, alright?”

Of course, the baby couldn’t understand her. She just waved her hand in the air.

Han Shu lowered herself beside Shen Taotao with the baby, and Shen Taotao gently took hold of the tiny hand. This time, the baby didn’t resist. She even smiled softly at Shen Taotao, as if to give her face.

As Shen Taotao stroked the soft little hand, she finally began to feel the reality of becoming a mother. The baby’s eyes were wide and bright, just like Han Shu’s. But her little nose and mouth were delicate, resembling her own. It was a strange and wonderful feeling. As she looked at her child, her gaze softened. Both she and Shu-jie were good-looking—surely their little lucky koi would grow up just as beautiful.

After a while, the baby began to cry again, and Han Shu was flustered once more. Seeing Shen Taotao trying to get up, she quickly stopped her.

“Taotao, rest. Don’t worry. I’ve got her.”

But Han Shu, still new to all of this, had no idea why the baby was crying. After pacing around anxiously, she hurried to call in the nearby nursemaids.

As soon as they came in, one of them noticed the issue right away. “The little general wet herself. It’s perfectly normal, no need to worry. We’ll change her diaper, and she’ll be fine.”

The three nursemaids worked quickly and efficiently. One warmed a cloth with water to clean the baby’s bottom. Another prepared a fresh diaper and laid it out on the round table. They placed the baby down gently, cleaned her up, secured the fresh diaper, and wrapped her back in a soft swaddle, rocking her gently afterward.

Han Shu watched from the side, quietly learning everything she could. Next time the baby cried, she wanted to know exactly what to do.

As the baby’s cries slowly settled, Han Shu finally felt the tension in her chest ease. She gently took the baby back into her arms, bounced her lightly, and kissed her soft little cheek. “Thankfully you’re okay, little lucky koi. You really scared me, you little rascal.”

The baby didn’t understand a word, but gave Han Shu a happy smile in return.

That night, Shen Taotao needed plenty of rest. Her body was still weak, so Han Shu had a small bed brought into her room so she could stay close and get up easily if needed.

As for the baby, the nursemaids took turns caring for her overnight. Since Shen Taotao needed undisturbed rest and the baby would likely wake and cry several times during the night, this was the only practical arrangement.

After helping Shen Taotao wash up and feeding her some restorative medicine, Han Shu finally coaxed her to sleep. Then she lay down on the small bed nearby, ready to get up the moment her little girl needed her.

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