ATNCF: Chapter 131 Parenting (Part Three)

 In the following half month, apart from her busy work at the Hanlin Academy, Li Zhi also had to prepare for the upcoming military expedition.

Joining the army was a significant event; the eyes of the court and the common people across the land were upon her. She had to uphold a frugal demeanor while also maintaining the dignity befitting an empress.

Fortunately, she was not one for luxury, and she and Pei Ji lived in the palace much like an ordinary couple, which had helped her gain acceptance and respect over the past two years.

The once prevalent image of her as the alluring, nation-ruining Consort Zhong seemed to have faded. Now, to an increasing number of people, the Empress Zhong residing in Luoyang Palace was seen as gentle, dignified, simple, and compassionate.

Following the Ministry of Rites’ guidelines, she selected their clothes in the simplest manner, not tailoring a single new garment, but reusing those they had worn throughout the year. The accompanying servants were also kept to a bare minimum.

However, remembering that Yuan Lang would also be accompanying them, she included an imperial physician and a wet nurse in the entourage.

After all, the child was still young. Though currently healthy, she couldn’t afford to be careless on this journey.

Two days before departure, she took the child to visit Empress Dowager Li. Empress Dowager Li had Shu Niang bring out a thick pile of clothes, including women's dresses, men's robes, and a child's bib, seemingly meant for early winter.

"I've had nothing to do lately, so I learned to make clothes with Shu Niang. My embroidery skills have always been mediocre, and I never really knew how to make clothes. It took me nearly three months to make these sets for your grandmother, you, and Third Son. The fabric was cut by the Bureau of Clothing, and I only did the sewing. I've already sent your grandmother's; these are for you two and Yuan Lang’s little bib."

Li Zhi took them, feeling a warmth in her heart as she touched the fine stitches. She repeatedly thanked her, "Thank you for your concern, Mother. I should have thought of making clothes for you and Grandmother."

As she spoke, she took the bib and carefully tied it on Yuan Lang, then handed him to the kind and loving Empress Dowager Li to hold. "This bib looks nice, similar to the one Mother gave Sanlang when he was little."

Empress Dowager Li, holding the child, replied, "I modeled it after that one. Now that he's wearing it, he looks even more like Third Son did at his age."

She adjusted the hat on Yuan Lang's head, her mood visibly lifted. "You have always been kind and respectful to your grandmother and me, and that's enough. Making clothes is just something I do to pass the time. You two are young, focus on your own duties."

Li Zhi chatted with her for a while longer, and seeing that Yuan Lang was getting sleepy, she had the wet nurse take him back to lull him to sleep.

Newborns spend most of their time asleep.

After the child left, Empress Dowager Li pointed to another neatly stacked pile of men's clothing. "Take these with you as well, to give to your father when you see him." She then carefully unfolded each piece for Li Zhi to see. "I've made a set for each season, based on his previous measurements. My sewing skills are lacking, so I couldn't make shoes; he'll have to make them do."

She spoke gently and warmly, as if Pei Yan were merely temporarily away in Taiyuan.

Li Zhi paused, then smiled as usual and took the clothes. "Since these are made by you, Mother, they're the best. I'll have Yuan Lang personally hand them to Grandfather."

…

In mid-September, the decree for the military expedition was issued from Luoyang, and a few days later, the Emperor and Empress set off northwards amid the farewell of the court officials.

The journey was not rushed. Li Zhi felt no discomfort but was constantly concerned about her young son enduring the jostling. She personally ensured his clothes and bedding were sufficiently soft each day before she could relax. During the daytime, the child stayed close to her and Pei Ji.

On this day, the spacious carriage was traveling smoothly along the flat official road. Yuan Lang, who had just woken up hungry from his nap, lay contentedly after being fed by his mother, his bright, inquisitive eyes darting around curiously.

Pei Ji, having just finished dealing with memorials sent from the court, saw this and took out the xun he had brought along. He brought it to his lips and began to play.

He played the same tune he had before, but this time it flowed much more smoothly. To mask the naturally melancholy tone of the instrument, he deliberately played it in a lively rhythm, making the melody cheerful.

Little Yuan Lang was drawn to the sound, waving his tiny arms and legs as he slowly turned over, staring at his father with wide, curious eyes.

Li Zhi laughed softly beside him, lifting her son so he could be closer to his father. “Good boy, look at your father. He’s practiced hard this past year and now plays so well!”

Yuan Lang, infected by his mother's laughter, grinned at his father and giggled, his bright eyes meeting his father’s gaze with excitement.

When the song ended, Pei Ji brought the xun close to his son, letting him touch it with his small hands. “When Yuan Lang gets a bit older, Father will teach you to play the xun.”

Li Zhi kissed her son’s soft cheek and said, “Yes, let Father teach us to play the xun. And when you’re older, he’ll teach you to ride horses and shoot arrows.”

Pei Ji’s gaze lingered on his son’s freshly kissed cheek for a moment before he subtly leaned in closer, placing a hand on the carriage wall to half-encircle his wife and child in his embrace.

“I’ll not only teach Yuan Lang to ride horses and shoot arrows, but I’ll teach his mother too.”

Li Zhi immediately protested, lifting her head. “Why teach me? I already know how to ride.”

A smile appeared on Pei Ji’s face as his hand on the carriage wall moved to her shoulder. He shook his head. “You can ride, but your skills aren’t refined, and you know nothing about archery.”

These were his areas of expertise, honed since childhood. Even though he seldom had the opportunity to hunt in the palace, these skills were deeply ingrained in him.

He had long wanted to personally take her horseback riding and teach her archery, and now, finally, he had the chance.

Li Zhi raised an eyebrow, looking at him leisurely. “Then tell me, how will you teach me? Don’t be perfunctory like before.”

As she spoke, her gaze drifted from his eyes to his lips, which had somehow moved to just an inch away from her.

By “before,” she meant that time years ago when they went hunting at the Lishan Hot Springs Palace.

In truth, he hadn’t taught her then. He had merely guided her hand to shoot an arrow and shared a horse with her.

Pei Ji evidently recalled the past as well, his eyes dimming. His lips, so close, moved in to capture hers in a tender kiss. The hand on her shoulder grew warm, the heat seeping into her skin.

Yuan Lang, still cradled in his mother’s arms, watched his parents draw close. He blinked in wide-eyed curiosity for a moment before giggling again, unaware of the sudden intimacy.

The couple quickly remembered they were in the carriage with their son and hastily pulled away.

Pei Ji put on a serious face, diverting his gaze from his wife’s flushed cheeks, and continued as if nothing had happened, “Earlier, there wasn’t an opportunity. Next spring, I’ll personally choose a bow for you. When we have free time, we’ll go hunting in the countryside. I’ll teach you myself and make sure you become the envy of all.”

Li Zhi freed a hand to press against her warm cheek, playfully retorting, “You promised. If you don’t teach me well, it’s your fault, not mine.”

Pei Ji's stern expression couldn't help but soften.

"I wouldn't blame you. But if you don't learn well, I'll put all my effort into teaching you, just like I train soldiers in the camp. You mustn't complain about my strictness."

Li Zhi’s eyes flickered, and she gave him a pitiful glance before handing their drowsy son to the wet nurse to be taken to another carriage to sleep.

Once it was just the two of them in the carriage, she immediately nestled into his arms, speaking softly, "Sanlang, would you really be that harsh with me?"

Her closeness disoriented Pei Ji, but he maintained his composure, trying not to look at her. He replied in a calm voice, "Don't try to use your charms on me. I won't fall for it."

"Really?"

Li Zhi’s eyes were full of disbelief.

Pei Ji remained silent and stern, as if truly unmoved.

Li Zhi watched him for a while, then slowly turned away, leaning against the other side of the carriage with a sigh. "Alright, then I'll just have to fend for myself."

The carriage fell silent.

Pei Ji sat straight-backed beside her, silently closing his eyes. After a moment, he moved slightly closer.

"I know my limits. I won't be truly harsh with you."

Li Zhi pursed her lips, not speaking, and turned away from his gaze.

Pei Ji, resigned, placed his hands on her shoulders, leaning in to whisper, "I'm just afraid you'll really use your charms on me. You know I can't resist when you do that."

Li Zhi finally turned to meet his eyes.

"Is it so bad when I do that? It seems you can't handle it."

"It's not bad. Of course, it's good." His dark eyes showed a hint of helplessness. "I just can't control myself. I wish you would act like that with me every day."

"That's the truth." Li Zhi smiled at last, turning to wrap her arms around his neck and kissing his cheek. "In that case, I'll charm you every day from now on, Sanlang."

"Good." Pei Ji touched the spot on his cheek where she had kissed him, feeling warmth in his heart. He gently tightened his arms around her, holding her completely in his embrace.

……

On the tenth day, the convoy arrived in Taiyuan.

The couple stayed at the ancestral residence of the Pei family. Several generals stationed in Taiyuan and messengers who had returned from the front lines to deliver battle reports were already waiting in the mansion. As soon as they entered the gate, Pei Ji led them to the main hall to listen to their reports on the military situation and deployment plans.

Although he had been pushing hard for progress and constantly overseeing the situation, Pei Ji had not intervened in the specific deployments for this battle. He had only sent a few of his generals and left the rest to Zhang Jian and others to handle. Now, after more than half a month of warfare, the Yan army's momentum was very promising, which was gratifying.

The group discussed for more than half an hour, making everything clear and detailed. Pei Ji was quite satisfied and personally wrote a letter to boost morale, which he handed to a messenger to be delivered to the front lines by fast horse.

After finishing these tasks, he kept the group for a meal together. It was not until nightfall, under the bright full moon, that he dismissed everyone and returned to the courtyard, rubbing his temples.

Upon entering the room, he saw two porcelain bowls on the table, each filled with steaming hot noodle soup, the aroma especially enticing.

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