After I transmigrated, the cold king clung to me every day.

Chapter 174 Laughter and Joy in the Imperial Garden

The Empress Dowager looked kind and gentle, her eyes filled with joy. "It won't be long before I can hold my grandson. Qianqian, you are truly a lucky star for our royal family!" she said, giving her a thumbs up.

"Hehe~ Your Majesty the Empress Dowager flatters me..." Lin Qianqian chuckled awkwardly, scratching her head, but her mind seemed to be elsewhere, and she appeared absent-minded.

At this moment, Murong Lin's eyes darted around, and she teased, "Mother, it's time to congratulate Ninth Sister-in-law on her pregnancy, but..." She glanced at the Seventh Princess Murong Qing beside her and couldn't help but chuckle, "Mother, she's not the only one who's pregnant!"

The Empress Dowager was taken aback and asked in confusion, "Oh? What do you mean by that?"

Murong Lin deliberately kept everyone in suspense, a mysterious smile playing on her lips.

Murong Qing frowned slightly in exasperation and gently reached out to pull her along.

The Empress Dowager looked bewildered, and everyone looked at each other in confusion, and a murmur of discussion arose.

Having whetted everyone's appetite, Murong Lin slowly spoke: "Alright, Mother, I'll tell you now. Actually, it's not just Qianqian who's pregnant, Seventh Sister... is pregnant too!"

Upon hearing this, everyone gasped in surprise. The Empress Dowager was both shocked and delighted, and hurriedly looked at Murong Qing, "What?! Really?! Qing'er, come to your mother." She grabbed her hand and asked anxiously, "Is it true?"

Murong Qing's cheeks flushed slightly. She nodded gently, smiled, and said in a soft voice, "Yes, Mother, I only found out a few days ago. I didn't tell you, thinking... I would tell you in a few days!"

Just then, Chen Shuyu walked steadily over with a smile on his face, naturally put his arm around Murong Qing's shoulder, and looked at her with a doting expression. Emperor Murong Xuan, upon hearing this, couldn't help but burst into laughter: "Hahaha, Mother, look at this Mid-Autumn Festival, one happy event after another, isn't this double happiness, good things come in pairs!"

The Empress Dowager nodded repeatedly, beaming from ear to ear: "Yes, so many happy events in the palace in succession are surely a good omen! We must publicize them and make it a grand occasion. By my decree, a three-day banquet will be held, firstly to celebrate the pregnancy of the Seventh Princess and the Ninth Prince's wife, and secondly to share this joy with the people."

Everyone readily agreed. Lin Qianqian watched the lively scene, but her heart was filled with mixed emotions, her face etched with worry. Having been single for over twenty years in the 21st century, never even having a relationship, and now having a child… the thought made her feel emo…

Murong Qing nestled beside Chen Shuyu, feeling his tenderness, her heart filled with happiness.

As night quietly fell and the lanterns were lit, the palace was instantly illuminated, as if it were daytime. The soft moonlight of the Mid-Autumn Festival shone down, reflecting off the dazzling lights and adding a touch of poetry to this joyous occasion.

The banquet was a lively affair. Dancers, adorned in magnificent gowns, danced gracefully in the interplay of moonlight and lamplight, their long sleeves billowing like celestial maidens descending to earth. Musicians played lively tunes with focused concentration, the melodious sounds of strings and bamboo instruments resonating throughout the palace.

The two grooms, General Zhao Xiong, the Protector of the Nation, and the Fourth Prince Murong Che, moved among the guests, each holding a wine jug and offering them a toast.

The Empress Dowager sat in the main seat, a happy smile on her face, her eyes filled with loving concern as she looked at everyone. Murong Xuan was also in high spirits, chatting and laughing with the ministers, raising his cup in a toast.

Everyone was immersed in the joyful atmosphere, enjoying this rare festive moment to the fullest. Laughter and cheers echoed in the night sky above the palace for a long time.

As the banquet reached its climax, the guests escorted the Empress Dowager and the Emperor to the Imperial Garden. The moonlight, like water, spilled across the winding paths and colorful flowers, creating a dreamlike scene.

The Empress Dowager said slowly, "On such a fine day, we should enjoy the seasonal flatbread and admire the bright moon together."

The servants immediately set out exquisite tea, snacks, and flatbreads in the pavilion in the garden. Everyone sat around, chatting and laughing, enjoying themselves immensely.

While everyone was talking, Murong Yi casually and gently took Lin Qianqian's hand. Lin Qianqian's heart skipped a beat, as if a deer was pounding in her chest. She subconsciously looked at him quickly, and the moment their eyes met, she was at a loss for words. She lowered her head in a fluster, her cheeks flushed with a shy blush.

The Empress Dowager's gaze softened, filled with doting affection. She first looked at Lin Qianqian, gently took her hand, and said softly, "Qianqian, ever since you entered this royal family, I have noticed that you are clever and quick-witted, and act appropriately. There are many complicated matters in this palace, but you never hold grudges against anyone. You are kind and generous, which is truly rare."

After speaking, the Empress Dowager turned her gaze to Murong Qing, her eyes glistening with tears, and said lovingly, "Qing'er, although we have been apart for most of these years, your mother has always thought of you. Now that you have grown up so beautifully and are pregnant, your mother is overjoyed."

Lin Qianqian bowed slightly, her demeanor elegant, a gentle smile on her face, and said softly, "Your Majesty flatters me. I merely did what I was supposed to do. It is my blessing to be favored by Your Majesty. I will certainly work even harder in the future to live up to Your Majesty's love." Her voice was soft, like a spring breeze, making one feel as if bathed in warm sunshine.

Murong Qing's eyes reddened, tears welled up, and she couldn't help but choke out a sob. She quickly straightened her posture, bowed respectfully, and said in a trembling voice, "Mother, I have missed you day and night all these years. Hearing your words today, I am deeply moved. Now that I am pregnant, I will take good care of myself and not let you worry about me."

Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager's smile deepened, and she nodded repeatedly.

Lin Qianqian peeled a piece of flatbread for the Empress Dowager at the right moment and said softly, "Mother, try this flatbread. I heard that the Imperial Kitchen has added some new varieties."

The Empress Dowager took it, tasted it, and praised, "Hmm, it's really good. Qianqian is so thoughtful."

Murong Qing calmed down and pointed to the bright moon in the sky, saying playfully, "Mother, look at the moon today, it's so big and round, like a white jade plate. It must know we're happy today and came to join in the fun." Everyone looked in the direction she was pointing and agreed.

Murong Lin smiled playfully and chimed in, "Seventh Sister's words are amusing. On such a fine day, I'm reminded of some interesting things related to the moon. Let me share them with you all for a laugh."

Everyone looked at her, their eyes filled with anticipation and joy.

Murong Lin's eyes darted around, and she eagerly stood up, gesturing excitedly as she said, "Then let me tell you a story! Ahem~" She coughed a few times to clear her throat and began, "I've heard that in a previous dynasty, there was a scholar who, on the Mid-Autumn Festival night, was enjoying the moon and drinking wine with his friends. Inspired, he recited, 'The moon in the sky is round, the mooncake on the ground is round.' Just as he was feeling pleased with himself, his friend teased him, 'Then tell me, which is rounder, the moon in the sky or the mooncake on the ground?' The scholar was speechless for a moment, and everyone burst into laughter. Embarrassed, the scholar blushed, and to save face, he quickly added, 'The mooncake may be round, but it doesn't last as long as the moon; the moon may be round, but it doesn't satisfy hunger as well as the mooncake.' This made everyone laugh even harder, almost throwing away their flatbreads!"

After saying that, she clutched her stomach and laughed so hard she almost fell over. Her lively and playful appearance made everyone laugh along with her.

Murong Xuan smiled broadly, gently pointing at Murong Lin with his finger, his eyes full of doting: "Eighth Sister, you really are a clever little devil! This funny story is so vividly told by you, it's truly hilarious."

The Empress Dowager smiled so much that her eyes narrowed into slits. She gently shook her head and said with loving reproach, "You child, you are quite amusing! You always manage to bring some joy to everyone at times like this."

Lin Qianqian couldn't help but laugh out loud. She pursed her lips, and her eyes inadvertently met Murong Yi's. She quickly turned her head away shyly, trying to appear calm. Murong Yi looked at her adoringly and smiled indulgently.

Upon hearing this, everyone burst into laughter, their hearty cheers echoing throughout the Imperial Garden. The gentle moonlight bathed everyone's happy faces, and the entire garden seemed to be submerged in a wave of joy, brimming with vitality, like a warm and beautiful painting.

During this Mid-Autumn Festival, everyone is immersed in the rare joy of reunion, fully enjoying this comfort and happiness.

Amidst the laughter and cheers of the crowd, Su Wan'er sat alone in a corner, her eyes fixed on Lin Qianqian, her gaze filled with an almost imperceptible flame of jealousy.

She bit her lower lip, thinking to herself: "You, Lin Qianqian, now that you're pregnant, everyone's doting on you. You really are a vixen! You've even stolen the prince's heart. I'm not reconciled! I refuse!"

The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. Her hands clenched unconsciously, her knuckles turning white from the force. She subconsciously touched her uncooperative, unfeeling belly, feeling both angry and resentful...