Ji Taoyu's mind wandered to Huo Shu’s powerful build—broad shoulders and narrow waist—and suddenly, his own slight figure seemed even more inadequate. In a futile attempt to appear more substantial, he squared his shoulders and puffed out his chest. But instead of looking stronger, he only succeeded in making himself seem even more ridiculous—like a scrawny bird trying to imitate a hawk.
He slumped slightly, letting his body relax. No matter how much he wished for it, those firm muscles would never naturally develop on his slender frame.
Ji Taoyu prodded his belly again, this time pinching the slight softness between his fingers. A pleased expression crossed his face as he gave an approving nod: "This will do just fine."
At least now there was some padding to keep the baby warm.
Satisfied with his examination, Ji Taoyu hastily burrowed back beneath the quilt.
An inexplicable warmth blossomed in his chest - this quiet, swelling contentment that defied logic. By all reasoning, nothing substantial had changed since yesterday. Yet somehow, in the space of a single night, the entire world seemed transformed.
Stretching out flat on the bed, Ji Taoyu drifted into the first truly restful sleep he'd known since Huo Shu's departure.
Huo Shu's return came on a blustery mid-third lunar month night, the chill of early spring still clinging to the darkness.
After selecting a location in Yuchang Prefecture as the transit point for the merchant caravan, he had sent men to begin construction. By the end of the first lunar month, he'd finally reunited with the merchant caravan. After ensuring their safe passage beyond Yuchang's borders, he'd made one final inspection of the halfway transit point during the second lunar month. Entrusting operations to A-Yu and Shiyi, he'd immediately turned his horse toward Tongzhou.
He had traveled almost day and night, arriving in Tongzhou Town by rending (人定 (people settle) 9-11 PM). He stopped by the shop first—though he could have rested there—but seeing Ji Taoyu wasn’t there, he immediately set off in the dark to return home.
Tongzhou had no curfew, and the streets were still lively at night, but by this time, the village was already quiet.
The evening wind in the third month still carried a chill. As Huo Shu galloped past on horseback, the village erupted in barks, the sound echoing eerily in the still night.
When he arrived home, it was Daniu who sleepily came to open the gate.
"Young master, you’re back!"
Daniu looked at the travel-worn man, his cloak askew, both surprised and delighted.
"I’ll go inform the village head and the others."
Huo Shu said, "No need to disturb them. Go back to sleep."
After days on the road, his voice was hoarse, as if wood shavings were stuck in his throat.
Daniu nodded. "There’s still some hot water in the pot—it shouldn’t have cooled yet. Young master, go wash up. I’ll take the horse to the stable and feed it some grass and water."
Huo Shu gave a slight nod, unfastening his cloak as he strode toward the bedroom.
His movements were light, and he made little noise entering the room. Inside, it was quiet, with only a faint moonlight casting a hazy glow.
Though his eyes couldn’t make out much in the dimness, the layout of the room was all too familiar to him.
It was the third month now. The two charcoal braziers from when he left had been reduced to one. Behind the still curtains lay a sleeping face.
Huo Shu’s gaze softened as he stood by the bed, watching Ji Taoyu lying flat, breathing steadily, long asleep.
Two months apart—he had tasted a bitterness he’d never known before. Unexpectedly, this bitterness outweighed all other sorrows, leaving him unable to close his eyes in peace.
He didn’t want to disturb Ji Taoyu’s rest, but he couldn’t resist lightly brushing the back of his hand against his cheek.
Ji Taoyu’s face was warm from sleep, the soft heat under his touch grounding him. He was truly back, truly seeing him again.
Reassured, Huo Shu finally turned to fetch fresh clothes and wash up.
The next morning, in the haze of sleep, Ji Taoyu felt as if someone was holding him close.
Since becoming pregnant, he had grown even sleepier than before. In the past, he’d been scolded for lazing in bed, but now, the family let him sleep as long as he wanted—they only worried he wouldn’t sleep enough.
Half-conscious, Ji Taoyu pushed at the arm wrapped around his waist. "Don’t squeeze the baby."
Though Huo Shu had slept late, he had woken early.
But today, he didn’t rise. Instead, he stayed in bed, watching over the person beside him.
Hearing Ji Taoyu’s murmur, his brow twitched.
Just two months apart, and he’d already learned to push him away? Without a word, he tightened his arm instead.
Ji Taoyu felt the pressure and, before his mind fully woke, his body reacted first.
"I said don’t squeeze—"
His words cut off as he saw the figure suddenly beside him, nearly pressed against him. He blinked, slow to process.
"Squeeze what? Have you turned into a child?"
Hearing the familiar voice, Ji Taoyu slowly came to his senses. "You… when did you get back?"
Unable to resist, Huo Shu nuzzled against Ji Taoyu’s cheek and ear, then down to his chin and neck.
The faint scent of herbs filled him with peace. "Last night."
Ji Taoyu squirmed, tickled by Huo Shu’s nuzzling. "How long has it been since you shaved? Let go!"
Only when he’d had his fill did Huo Shu lift his head. Ji Taoyu saw the familiar face, now covered in rough stubble along the jaw and above the lip, making him look like a rugged wild man, adding a touch of weariness.
After the letter incident, Ji Taoyu had secretly resolved to give him the cold shoulder when he returned—to teach him a lesson.
But now that he was really here, Ji Taoyu couldn’t bring himself to do it.
"You didn’t even shave."
"No good place to do it on the road. I’ll shave after getting up."
Ji Taoyu leaned into Huo Shu’s chest, his eyes suddenly stinging. Softly, he asked, "Did you miss me?"
"Mn."
Huo Shu answered without hesitation.
Arm wrapped around Ji Taoyu’s slender frame, he added, "I missed you."
Ji Taoyu sniffled. At least he had some conscience.
He pushed at Huo Shu’s hand, trying to sit up.
Puzzled, Huo Shu loosened his hold.
Then Ji Taoyu suddenly took his hand and pressed it against his own belly.
Huo Shu looked down at his palm, now resting on the soft warmth of Ji Taoyu’s stomach.
He lifted his gaze to Ji Taoyu, who was kneeling beside him. "What is it?"
Ji Taoyu bit his lip, whispering, "Two months."
Thank you for the update!!!!!!!!!
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