Transmigrated into a Scummy Alpha Playboy in Ancient Times - Chapter 130

In the blink of an eye, it was already April. These days, Shen Xingyue had been busy working on a new type of crossbow. She had given the prototype—drawn from a lottery box—to the craftsmen at her residence, asking them to study it carefully and replicate it based on the original model. Once they produced two similar versions, Shen Xingyue tested them at her estate and then reported the matter to Shen Kaiyuan.

With the Empress’s approval, Shen Xingyue brought the two reproduced crossbows into the palace. Given the significance of the weapons, she had placed them in a cloth bag and carried them personally into Qinzhen Hall.

When Shen Kaiyuan saw her arrive, she asked, “Yue’er, did you bring the item you mentioned?”

“Your subject greets Your Majesty and the Crown Princess,” Shen Xingyue said with a smile, bowing respectfully.

Shen Kaiyuan waved her hand with a smile. “No need for formalities.”

“Aunt, I’ve brought the crossbows,” Shen Xingyue replied, smiling as she pulled one from the white cloth bag. This particular one was a replica made by the craftsmen in her residence; the original she had obtained from the system remained safely stored away.

“Look, this is the crossbow I told you about. It’s much easier to use than a traditional bow and arrow. Even someone without experience can get the hang of it after a couple of tries. It doesn’t require much strength either. Once the bolt is loaded, all you need to do is press this trigger lightly, and it fires. Within a range of a few dozen paces, the impact is even stronger than that of a bow.”

As she explained, Shen Xingyue handed the crossbow to Shen Kaiyuan.

Following her instructions, Shen Kaiyuan pulled the trigger. The bolt flew with a sharp whistle and struck deep into a wooden post in the hall, firmly embedding itself. Shen Kaiyuan was stunned for a moment. She hadn’t expected it to be so precise and easy to use.

“Yue’er, those two craftsmen from your residence must not leave. This matter concerns national security,” she said firmly.

“Don’t worry, Aunt. I’ve only told you and the Crown Princess about this. No one else knows,” Shen Xingyue replied with a smile.

“Very good. This could become a secret weapon for Beichuan,” Shen Kaiyuan said with clear excitement, then asked, “How did you come up with something like this?”

“Oh, a while back I took Muyu out to the countryside estate for a short stay. There were always rabbits around, but Muyu is pregnant and doesn’t have much strength. It was difficult for her to use a regular bow, so I spent a few days tinkering. With the help of a carpenter, we came up with this crossbow.”

Shen Kaiyuan nodded with a laugh. “In that case, I should let you rest more often. Who knows what other useful inventions you might dream up?”

“Exactly, Aunt. The more time I get to spend at home with Muyu, the better my mood will be. And maybe that’ll help me think of even more good ideas,” Shen Xingyue said with a grin, moving closer playfully.

Shen Kaiyuan laughed and gave her a mock stern look. “Haven’t I already been good to you? When have I ever forced you to attend court? Since your child hasn’t been born yet, I’ll allow you another year or two of leisure. But once the child is a bit older, you’ll need to return and help me with state affairs.”

“Thank you, Aunt,” Shen Xingyue replied quickly. A year or two of rest was more than enough—she would get to spend precious time with her child.

“Ning’er,” Shen Kaiyuan turned to the Crown Princess, “have the Ministry of Works assign registered craftsmen to produce these crossbows. Once they’re made, their families must also be properly protected and settled. As for usage, assign these to the imperial guards stationed at the capital. Don’t let word of this spread. We can’t risk the Southern Qi or Daxia discovering this weapon.”

“Yes, I will make sure everything is handled properly,” Shen Yining replied immediately.

As if suddenly remembering something, Shen Kaiyuan smiled and asked, “By the way, how is Taotao’s baby?”

“Oh, little Lucky Koi is doing great. She eats well and even cries with such strength,” Shen Xingyue replied with a laugh.

“That’s good to hear. I have your father by my side, and Ning’er has you. Once Ning’er has her own child, they’ll grow up alongside Taotao’s and yours. Take this little jade ruyi for the child. When she’s older, bring her to the palace so I can see her for myself.”

“Of course. I’ll make sure this gets to her,” Shen Xingyue replied, examining the small jade ruyi. It really was quite adorable.

After settling the matter with the crossbows, Shen Xingyue took the small jade ruyi and returned early to the prince’s residence by carriage.

Her first stop was Shen Taotao’s courtyard. After knocking and entering, she saw Shen Taotao and Han Shu playing with the baby. The little one was nearly four months old now, chubby and cheerful. When she saw Shen Xingyue come in, she waved her tiny hands with a bright smile.

Shen Xingyue warmed her hands slightly by the stove, then handed over the jade ruyi. “Little Lucky Koi, take this. It’s a toy from the Empress. Isn’t it cute?”

Seeing the unfamiliar new item, the baby instantly lit up with excitement, flailing her little arms to grab it.

Shen Xingyue handed it to her, and the baby gazed at it with wide eyes before gleefully trying to put it into her mouth. Han Shu quickly intercepted and pulled the ruyi away.

The baby, unhappy at having her new toy taken, scrunched her nose and protested with a loud “Ya ya!”

Han Shu stroked her soft cheek, gently coaxing her, “Be good, little Lucky Koi. You can’t eat this, it’s hard and not tasty.”

The baby gave Han Shu a disgruntled look and blew out a string of bubbles in reply.

Han Shu quickly grabbed a cloth to wipe the drool from her face.

After playing with the baby for a while, Shen Xingyue returned to her own courtyard. Su Muyu, now seven months pregnant, was lying in bed reading when she came in.

Shen Xingyue immediately went over, kissed Su Muyu on the cheek, and gently placed her hand on her round belly. She asked softly, “How are you feeling? Any discomfort today?”

“No, not really,” Su Muyu replied, though her tone was a little pitiful. “The little troublemaker inside just kicked me several times.”

Shen Xingyue caressed her belly gently and spoke to the baby, “Be good, little Ear. Don’t bully your mama. If you keep kicking, I’ll have to settle things with you once you’re born, alright?”

The baby inside went quiet, as if fast asleep.

Shen Xingyue had named the child Shen Tingyu. Because of the character “Ting” (to listen), the nickname had naturally become “Little Ear.”

Su Muyu chuckled and reached out to her. Shen Xingyue understood immediately and helped her sit up. With the pregnancy far along, Su Muyu could no longer move easily. Even sitting up required support to avoid straining her back.

Shen Xingyue helped her settle comfortably, then took off her own shoes and sat behind her, wrapping her arms around Su Muyu to support her from behind so she could rest more easily.

Su Muyu leaned into her with a soft sigh, eyes half-closed. “In less than three months, our baby will be here. I wonder what they’ll look like.”

“I’m sure they’ll be just as adorable as my Muyu,” Shen Xingyue replied with a smile, leaning in to kiss the tip of her ear.

Su Muyu smiled and gently nuzzled her twice.

Shen Xingyue gently stroked her round belly, silently hoping everything would go smoothly when the time came.

In the three months that followed, the Ministry of Works began quietly producing crossbows under strict orders. The Empress’s personal guards in the palace had already been equipped with them. Shen Kaiyuan and Crown Princess Shen Yining each kept a few for personal protection as well. The weapon’s effectiveness within short range made it invaluable.

As for Shen Xingyue, she remained by Su Muyu’s side. One morning, Su Muyu sensed something was off. Shen Xingyue, immediately alert, summoned several experienced midwives to help her through labor.

Fortunately, little Ear was quite cooperative. The delivery went smoothly, and the baby was born healthy.

Even though everything had gone smoothly, Su Muyu was completely exhausted. Her face was damp—no one could tell if it was from sweat or tears. Shen Xingyue sat on a round stool nearby, her eyes already red. The pregnancy had taken a huge toll, and now her precious little cat was utterly drained.

Seeing the worry in Shen Xingyue’s eyes, Su Muyu forced a weak smile and gently squeezed her hand. “I’m alright.”

“Don’t talk,” Shen Xingyue said softly, leaning forward to kiss her forehead. “Just get some rest.”

“I’m fine… I just want to see Little Ear,” Su Muyu whispered.

Shen Xingyue immediately called for the nurse to bring the baby over. The little one was still wrapped in a soft swaddle, a tiny bundle who hadn’t yet opened her eyes.

When Su Muyu looked at the baby and confirmed she was safe, she finally relaxed a little and closed her eyes to rest.

Shen Xingyue didn’t stay still. She soaked a soft cloth in warm water and gently wiped down Su Muyu’s body. Then, she wrapped her in clean blankets and picked her up carefully. While a few maids changed the bedding, Shen Xingyue held her in her arms. Once the bed was ready, she laid her down gently so she could sleep more comfortably.

In the meantime, Cuizhu and the other maids cleaned the room quickly and quietly. Not long after, Zhou Yunqing and Shen Zhengchu arrived, eager to see the newborn with their own eyes.

They approached the cradle. The baby hadn’t opened her eyes yet and looked like she was still asleep, breathing softly with her little chest rising and falling beneath the blanket.

Shen Zhengchu’s smile never left his face. The baby was just too adorable. He wanted to reach out and touch her but was afraid he might disturb her, so he stood there, nervously holding back.

Zhou Yunqing leaned in, smiling warmly. “Our little Ear is so sweet. Come here, let me hold her.”

She carefully took the baby from the nurse’s arms and chuckled as she looked down at the sleepy face.

Shen Xingyue glanced over and asked with some concern, “Why hasn’t she opened her eyes yet?”

“It’s normal,” Zhou Yunqing said, still smiling. “Newborns don’t always open their eyes right away. You think they’re all like Lucky Koi? That one was staring at people the moment she was born.”

Now that there were two babies in the family, Zhou Yunqing couldn’t have been happier.

“As long as she’s healthy, that’s all that matters,” Shen Xingyue said, finally a bit more at ease.

As if responding to their voices, the baby started moving her tiny hands, waving them around like she was trying to catch something.

Shen Xingyue extended her finger. The baby’s little hand barely managed to wrap around it, gripping it gently with all her strength.

But being only just born, her strength was weak—her grip was so soft it felt more like a tickle. Shen Xingyue looked down at her, the corners of her lips lifting. The more she looked, the more she felt her child was the most precious thing in the world. After all, this was the baby her little cat had brought into the world with so much effort.

After playing for a while, the baby suddenly burst into loud cries.

At this stage, babies didn’t need a specific reason to cry. If they weren’t sick or in pain, they cried just because they felt like it. Little Ear cried loudly, full of energy. Fortunately, Zhou Yunqing had experience. She gently rocked the baby in her arms. After a little while, the baby quieted down, her strength fading. Soon, she fell asleep again in Zhou Yunqing’s arms.

Shen Xingyue watched helplessly and sighed. It felt like she had no way to handle her baby. But thankfully, she had helped Han Shu take care of Lucky Koi for a few days before. Compared to back then, she wasn’t completely lost. At least now she knew how to change diapers and do the basics.

Once the baby was asleep, Zhou Yunqing handed her gently to Shen Xingyue. She cradled the tiny body with care, resting the baby’s head in the bend of her arm. So small, she really did feel like a tiny kitten.

Looking at her daughter’s peaceful sleeping face, Shen Xingyue gently laid her next to Su Muyu, hoping both of them could rest well.

She didn’t want to leave the little one, but many guests had arrived in the front hall to offer their congratulations. Shen Xingyue glanced at Shen Zhengchu and Zhou Yunqing, her eyes shining as she said, “Father, Mother, could you perhaps go in my place to greet the guests? I don’t feel at ease leaving Yu’er here alone.”

Seeing how reluctant Shen Xingyue was to leave Su Muyu, Shen Zhengchu chuckled and shook his head. “Very well. You stay here with her. Your mother and I will handle the greetings.”

“Thank you, Father, Mother,” Shen Xingyue said sweetly and gratefully.

With Shen Zhengchu and Zhou Yunqing helping to see off the guests, Shen Xingyue finally moved a round stool next to Su Muyu. Her gaze drifted from the tiny baby to her own child’s face. She couldn’t help but feel that her own baby wasn’t particularly good-looking—certainly not as beautiful as Su Muyu—but she reminded herself that newborns change quickly, so she didn’t worry too much.

Noticing the fine layer of sweat forming on Su Muyu’s forehead from time to time, Shen Xingyue had someone bring warm water and gently helped wipe the perspiration from the baby’s forehead.

Su Muyu slept for about an hour before she slowly woke up again.

Shen Xingyue leaned in softly and asked, “How are you feeling? Any better?”

Su Muyu looked pale as she turned to Shen Xingyue and replied, “It still hurts a bit.”

Shen Xingyue quickly grasped her hand and said gently, “It will take some time to recover. I’ll have Zhou Miao come and check your pulse again later. Maybe there’s some medicine that can help ease the pain.”

“Alright. Is Little Ears asleep?” Su Muyu turned to look at the baby lying nearby, and her expression finally softened into a smile.

“Yes, our little one is sound asleep. Her eyes haven’t opened yet, but Mother said they should open in a day or two,” Shen Xingyue replied quickly.

Su Muyu nodded slightly. She still didn’t have much energy and didn’t speak much more before drifting back to sleep.

In the afternoon, Su Muyu’s spirits improved a bit, and the baby also became more lively—crying on and off after short bursts of play. By then, her eyes had finally opened.

The little one let out a few weak cries, then curiously looked at Su Muyu and then at Shen Xingyue, seemingly trying to understand the unfamiliar faces. Her tiny hand reached upward, as if trying to grab Shen Xingyue.

Seeing her baby so curious, Shen Xingyue carefully leaned in and gently pressed her face against the baby’s soft little hand. The baby looked surprised and gave her a gentle push with her hand.

Shen Xingyue laughed softly. “Our Little Ears is so adorable. She’ll be even more fun in a few months.”

This tiny baby was so much cuter than any collectible figurine Shen Xingyue had seen in her past life.

Before long, Han Shu and Shen Taotao arrived, carrying little Jinli with them. Jinli was already seven months old, a big baby who could crawl around in bed.

When Jinli saw Little Ears in Shen Xingyue’s arms, she curiously stared at her. Little Ears also turned to look at Jinli, observing this fellow baby being held in someone’s arms, just like her.

Realizing that the baby in front of her was even smaller than herself, Jinli clapped her hands in delight and laughed, even smiling a few times at Little Ears.

Holding Jinli, Han Shu pointed to the little one in Shen Xingyue’s arms and said with a smile, “Jinli, look, that’s your little sister. Isn’t she cute?”

Jinli stretched out her hand, wanting to reach for Little Ears, but the adults were cautious. They didn’t let the two babies touch, knowing how unpredictable a child’s strength could be.

Little Ears, having just arrived in this world, was curious about everything. She pointed her tiny fingers at Jinli with wonder.

Shen Xingyue laughed and gently explained to the baby in her arms, “That’s your big sister. She’s just as adorable as you, isn’t she?”

The baby gave a little giggle and blinked her large eyes at Shen Xingyue.

Shen Xingyue looked at the little one who still had to be carried and smiled. “I wonder when the babies will be able to run and jump around on their own. By then, our household will be full of laughter and noise.”

“Yes, and these two sisters will be great companions for each other,” Han Shu said, laughing as she gently tapped her daughter’s tiny nose.

Soon, the baby reached her one-month milestone. She had now been in this world for a full month. At first, she didn’t understand anything, but now, she seemed to recognize faces. She would smile at Shen Xingyue and Su Muyu, and whenever she was upset or uncomfortable, she would cry loudly—already acting like a little grown-up.

During this month, Su Muyu’s health had improved little by little. However, because she produced plenty of milk and the baby could never quite drink enough, she often felt discomfort from engorgement.

It was the same that day. Su Muyu was about to nurse the baby on the bed while Shen Xingyue brought over a round stool and sat nearby, watching eagerly. Su Muyu hadn’t even started feeding when her face turned red.

She cleared her throat and nudged Shen Xingyue. “Can you step out for a moment? I’m going to feed the baby.”

“Huh? I need to leave? But haven’t I already seen it before?” Shen Xingyue blinked in surprise. The baby looked at her, and Shen Xingyue playfully winked, making the little one smile.

Su Muyu gave her a glare. “It’s different now. Come on, hurry—she’s already hungry.”

“Alright, alright! I won’t look, okay?” Shen Xingyue obediently turned to face the other way.

Only when Su Muyu was sure she wasn’t being watched did she pull down her collar slightly to nurse the baby.

Shen Xingyue stayed quiet for a while, but when she didn’t hear anything, she slowly scooted back over and peeked. Watching the baby drink contentedly, gulping down milk, she couldn’t help but feel a little envious.

Su Muyu looked down at the baby quietly nursing, but she had a strong feeling someone was staring at her. When she turned her head, she saw Shen Xingyue watching them intently. Her face flushed red, and she snapped, “Didn’t I tell you to turn around?”

“I’m just being thoughtful! What if the baby drinks too fast and chokes? Someone has to keep an eye on her,” Shen Xingyue replied seriously.

Su Muyu glanced at her and chose not to respond, but even the tips of her ears turned red.

The baby didn’t drink much before she was full. She looked up and smiled at Su Muyu, who was still feeling the pain of fullness in her chest. She tried to get the baby to nurse a bit more, but no matter how she coaxed, the little one refused.

Shen Xingyue leaned in and asked softly, “Does it still hurt?”

Su Muyu gave a quiet “mm” and looked a little wronged.

Shen Xingyue quickly covered the baby’s eyes with her hand, leaned in to kiss Su Muyu gently on the lips, and said tenderly, “Yu’er, how about I help you again? I’ll massage it for you in a bit, alright?”

Su Muyu’s face turned crimson, all the way to her neck. She pushed Shen Xingyue away, flustered. “No! That’s meant for Little Ears! Don’t say such things!”

“I’m not making it up. I asked Zhou Miao about it, and she said this method actually works,” Shen Xingyue said seriously.

Su Muyu looked at her with doubt in her eyes, still unsure. But before she could say anything, Shen Xingyue leaned in and gave her another quick kiss. Su Muyu had originally wanted to keep a straight face and scare her a little, but after that kiss, the corners of her lips lifted on their own. After all, this was the person she liked—how could she really be mad at Shen Xingyue? She was just too embarrassed to admit it.

Seeing that her little kitten couldn’t hold back a smile, Shen Xingyue leaned over and planted a kiss on the tip of her ear. Sure enough, Su Muyu smiled even more sweetly.

At the same time, the baby was still lying there with her eyes covered by Shen Xingyue’s hand. The innocent little one thought her mother was just playing a game with her and giggled non-stop, clearly enjoying herself. Her little hands reached out again and again, full of joy and excitement.

Noticing that Su Muyu was about to give in, Shen Xingyue gently coaxed her, “Just let me try, okay? If it doesn’t help, I’ll stop right away. Please?”

Su Muyu blushed as she glanced at Shen Xingyue, then gave a small nod. That part of her body wasn’t unfamiliar to Shen Xingyue, but this was the first time while she was still lactating.

Shen Xingyue checked on the baby again to make sure she couldn’t see, then leaned in and began.

After a little while, Shen Xingyue realized it was hard to move freely with the baby right next to them. So she asked the nursemaids to carry the baby to the next room for a while. Once they were alone, she returned to the bed and softly reassured Su Muyu, “Little Ears is gone now, no need to be shy.”

Su Muyu, both coaxed and teased, gave in. Fortunately, Shen Xingyue hadn’t been bluffing—she really had learned the technique from Zhou Miao and knew how to relieve the pressure. Su Muyu felt much better afterward. Still, she was terribly embarrassed and buried herself under the covers, turning her back to Shen Xingyue and refusing to talk.

Knowing how shy her little kitten was, Shen Xingyue gently hugged her from behind and said softly, “We really didn’t have another choice. I just wanted to help you feel better. Yu’er, rest for a bit. I’ll go bring the baby back.”

With that, Shen Xingyue left the room looking quite pleased with herself. She went next door to get the baby and couldn’t resist kissing the little one’s soft cheek.

“Yu’er, I brought Little Ears back,” Shen Xingyue called as she gently bounced the baby in her arms. The baby giggled happily, her laughter crisp and bright.

When Shen Xingyue returned to the bedside, the baby was still laughing. Hearing the sound, Su Muyu finally pulled down the covers and sat up slightly to take a look. She saw her little one smiling so cheerfully, full of joy.

Su Muyu reached out and touched the baby’s soft cheek, muttering, “You little rascal… Your mom just got bullied and you’re still laughing. Little Ears, should we team up and teach your other mom a lesson?”

Of course, the baby didn’t understand a thing. She just smiled at Su Muyu, then snuggled into Shen Xingyue’s arms like she was playing.

Shen Xingyue kissed the baby’s face and laughed. “See? Our little one couldn’t bear to be mean to me. She’s such a good girl. I love Little Ears the most.”

Su Muyu glanced at the two of them and couldn’t help laughing. She had really underestimated just how shameless Shen Xingyue could be—trying to make a move while the baby was still in the room!

Noticing Su Muyu dazing off, Shen Xingyue adjusted the baby in one arm, gently covered the baby’s eyes with the other, then leaned in to kiss Su Muyu softly on the lips. She whispered sweetly, “Of course, as much as I love Little Ears, I love my Yu’er even more.”

Su Muyu blushed at the kiss. This woman—she really had no shame. After getting her way, she could still act so calm and sweet, playing with the baby like nothing happened.

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