Pangting gave an awkward laugh; she had actually thought about it just now.
The feelings of a mother giving away her daughter were entirely different from those of a mother-in-law welcoming a daughter-in-law. Moreover, she had four daughters, so each marriage brought a sense of loss, and once all her daughters were married, her spirits would hit rock bottom.
If she had two more sons, then for each son she married, she would feel happier.
However, when she met her elder sister-in-law's suspicious gaze, she lost the courage to even mention having more children.
At noon, Pangting had a meal before returning home.
When the hunters returned in the afternoon, Fan Zehao had already finalized everything, even setting a date for the transportation of the first batch of silk.
Helian Jinli and Baili Fengge were both astonished and said in unison, "So soon?"
Fan Zehao spread his hands. "It has to be fast. If my daughter gives birth, my wife and I will need to visit her."
Upon hearing that Sister Junjun was about to give birth, Yumeng was so happy she almost jumped. She tugged at Fan Zehao's wide sleeve, "Dad, am I going to be an aunt? What gift should an aunt prepare for her nephew or niece? I haven't prepared anything yet, what should I do?"
The thought of becoming an aunt made her happy, but also regretful that she hadn't prepared a gift. She let go of her father's sleeve, completely forgetting about the two princes, and ran straight into the backyard to discuss with her mother.
Seeing this, Jinli and Fengge felt their spirits sink considerably. They handed the hunted game to the guards to take to the kitchen.
After discussing, they decided to return tomorrow along with the goods.
That evening, Fan Zehao and Zhao Jiaqi hosted a farewell banquet for the two princes. Although they had only been in the inner city for a few days, all the necessary arrangements had been made.
It wasn't that the couple were inhospitable, but if they were to go to Zongsheng, the inner city would be without its masters. If anything were to happen to the two princes during their absence, who would be responsible?
Therefore, the two princes understood and decided to return first, planning to visit again after some time. After all, they knew the place and understood the characters of the Prince and Princess; though they appeared cold, they were actually warm-hearted and kind individuals.
After seeing them off the next day, they set off for Zongsheng on the third day.
Accompanying them this time was Pangting's family. Xiao Ce and Su Ya, the couple, stayed behind.
One would manage the inner city, and the other would manage the prince's mansion. During their absence, they would assist in managing all affairs of the inner city.
In the imperial palace of Zongsheng.
Upon receiving the letter from his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Zong Han's days of gloom were swept away, and he was so happy he could have jumped.
Clutching the letter, he hurried to the back palace and looked at the heavily pregnant Junjun, smiling as he handed her the letter. "Wife, our parents are coming. Knowing my mother's personality, they'll probably arrive in five or six days!"
Junjun was overjoyed. She took the letter and read it quickly, extremely happy. "Really? My parents are coming? Mother will definitely arrive before I give birth."
Junjun grabbed his dark purple sleeve, smiling excitedly, tears welling up in her eyes, her mouth curved into a smile. She felt an indescribable sense of happiness and security.
Zong Han embraced her and gently patted her back, fully understanding his wife's feelings.
"Don't worry, wife. This is the only child we'll have. Whether it's a boy or a girl, we won't have any more. We won't endure the suffering of pregnancy again."
Junjun was the person he had waited years for, enduring hardships to marry. She was the one he held in the palm of his hand. If it weren't for his wife's insistence on continuing their lineage, how could he have let her suffer the ten months of pregnancy?
Now, as the months passed and her belly grew larger each day, with the baby kicking and turning inside, his wife sometimes couldn't lie down comfortably at night. She was truly suffering.
Junjun said, "Uncle and Aunt are also coming this time, and Yumeng is accompanying them. I want to wait until I'm out of confinement before letting my parents leave, okay?"
Zong Han had no objections. "Let alone staying for a month, even if they stayed for ten years, I wouldn't be bothered if they stayed here forever. As long as you are happy, I am happy."
If possible, he wished he could abdicate the throne to his father-in-law so that he could take his wife and children to live a simple life in a place of beautiful scenery.
Compared to the daily task of reviewing memorials, that kind of life would be far better.
Ever since Junjun knew her mother was coming, she had the Shou Kang Palace tidied up, and all the ornaments and furnishings inside were replaced.
Brand new bedding, pristine furniture and decorations, and even the servants were carefully selected by Junjun before being assigned to Shou Kang Palace.
Once preparations were complete, the next day, the guests arrived at the palace.
Zong Han, supporting Junjun, met them outside the palace. Seeing Junjun, who had gained some weight, Zhao Jiaqi's anxious heart gradually settled.
"Mother," Junjun's eyes were only on her mother. The moment she saw her, she broke free from Zong Han's arm and walked quickly towards Zhao Jiaqi.
She called out, smiling, "Mother, Junjun missed you so much."
"Silly girl, mother missed you too." Zhao Jiaqi gently embraced her. "You're about to give birth. You mustn't get too emotional right now; it's not good for you or the baby."
She was quite obedient, nodding and controlling her emotions. "I'm just too happy."
Watching the mother and daughter's deep affection, Fan Zehao felt a little jealous.
With a sulky expression, he bypassed Zong Han and walked to Junjun's side, saying enviously, "You ungrateful girl, your eyes only see your mother and not your father?"
"Yes, yes, and me too! Sister doesn't want me at all!" Yumeng chimed in, softly complaining about her sister's heartlessness.
"Father, Sister, I miss you all even more!"
She opened her arms to embrace her father, then hugged her sister, who was almost her height, sighing at how quickly time had passed.
Her sister had grown taller again. She didn't seem as ladylike as before; instead, she had a heroic and spirited air, a woman who could rival any man.
She pinched Yumeng's nose. "I heard from your brother-in-law about you leading the troops to destroy the Axi tribe. You are so brave, sister admires you."
Yumeng arrogantly lifted her head and raised an eyebrow. "Sister, if my brother-in-law bullies you, don't worry. I'll bring the Fan family army to get revenge for you and bring you and my nephew home."
Zong Han heard his sister-in-law's unreliable words and stepped forward, pushing her aside. "Sister-in-law, you should speak cautiously."
She was always plotting to snatch his wife away, making her an unlovable sister-in-law.
Yumeng didn't get angry at being ignored but merely pouted and glared at him twice.
Zong Han ignored her and respectfully called out to Fan Zehao and Zhao Jiaqi, "Father, Mother, it's hot outside. Let's go inside and chat."
Zhao Jiaqi looked up. It was only May, not yet the hottest time of the year, but the midday sun was still piercing.
Junjun linked arms with her mother and walked ahead, with her lively and active sister beside her. They chatted and laughed happily along the way.
Pangting and Fan Xudong followed closely behind, accompanied by Zong Han and Fan Zehao. The four of them chatted and laughed as they wound their way around the imperial garden, crossed the covered bridge, and finally saw the vast imperial harem.