TGFH Chapter 28: Pregnant Bai Yi

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Xiao Yiran quickly returned to the General’s Manor. Upon reaching the main courtyard, he startled Yuan’er, who hadn’t expected him back so early.

“Where is the Madam?”

“The Madam hasn’t been feeling well today. After lunch, he went back to his room to rest…”

Hearing this, Xiao Yiran paused briefly, then nodded to dismiss Yuan’er and gently pushed open the door to the bedroom.

Inside, Bai Yi was lying on his side, one hand supporting his swollen belly. A thin blanket covered him partially, and his long hair spilled across his back, with a few strands falling softly over his cheeks. Xiao Yiran approached quietly, brushing the hair from Bai Yi’s forehead to reveal his slightly pale face. Bai Yi’s delicate brows were furrowed, and a light sheen of sweat dampened his hairline, as though he were not sleeping peacefully.

Xiao Yiran’s heart ached as he gently wiped the sweat from Bai Yi’s brow. Bai Yi seemed to sense his touch, shifting slightly and letting out a soft murmur. His hand instinctively moved toward his belly, but Xiao Yiran quickly held it, stopping him.

Feeling the coolness of Bai Yi’s skin and holding his arm—now so thin it felt bony—Xiao Yiran was filled with guilt. When he had decided to marry Bai Yi, his only thought was to give him a worry-free life. After realizing his deeper feelings, he had vowed to cherish him for a lifetime. Yet now, every time he saw Bai Yi, he seemed thinner and more fragile. Bai Yi’s reassuring smile had always convinced Xiao Yiran that everything was fine. I’m such a fool!

Gently placing Bai Yi’s hands down, Xiao Yiran reached out to caress his face, gazing at him silently. Bai Yi’s complexion was pale, and with his eyes closed, his slightly curled lashes cast delicate shadows on his cheeks, making him look even more fragile.

Xiao Yiran had heard of the hardships of male pregnancy, but witnessing it firsthand was entirely different. Since Bai Yi became pregnant, he had barely had proper rest or care. Instead, he had been constantly on the move because of Xiao Yiran. Even after they reunited in Shengjing, Xiao Yiran had been preoccupied with the Northern Frontier Army and Prince Luo’s affairs, often neglecting Bai Yi. During the early months of pregnancy, Bai Yi had suffered from severe morning sickness, unable to keep food down. Even the supplements he managed to eat were absorbed by the child, leaving Bai Yi with a large belly but a frail and weakened body.

“Mm.” Bai Yi stirred, letting out a soft groan and shifting uncomfortably. Xiao Yiran quickly moved to steady him. At that moment, Bai Yi’s lashes fluttered, and he slowly opened his eyes, his gaze still hazy as he looked at Xiao Yiran.

“You’re awake?” Xiao Yiran supported Bai Yi’s rounded belly and carefully helped him sit up, propping him against the headboard.

“Mm… What time is it? Have I been asleep for long?” Bai Yi’s voice was hoarse from sleep.

Bai Yi froze momentarily upon hearing Xiao Yiran’s words. Then, as always, he smiled faintly and said, “I’m fine. Pregnant men are all like this. Mo Zhi is just exaggerating.”

Xiao Yiran’s heart ached. So this was why, every time Bai Yi said he was fine, he never truly checked if that was the case. Reaching out, he once again brushed Bai Yi’s hair from his forehead and gently wiped away the sweat. His voice was full of guilt as he said, “I’m sorry…”

Bai Yi held Xiao Yiran’s hand. “Don’t apologize. I know you’ve been very busy recently. I’m really fine, and I’m a doctor myself. If something were wrong, I wouldn’t hide it.” Smiling, Bai Yi guessed that Yun Mo Zhi had deliberately frightened Xiao Yiran. While being cared for and loved felt wonderful, he didn’t want to see such a bitter expression on Xiao Yiran’s face.

This pregnancy had indeed been challenging. Bai Yi hadn’t taken proper care of himself in the early stages, which affected the baby’s development. As a result, all the nutrients from the supplements he took were absorbed by the baby. Perhaps because the baby was growing so quickly, Bai Yi was now six months along but already feeling overwhelmed. Fortunately, with Mo Zhi’s help, they had been managing it better recently.

“You came back early. Why don’t you take a walk with me?” Bai Yi propped himself up slowly, trying to change the subject to prevent Xiao Yiran from dwelling on it. Since his belly had grown so large, Bai Yi lacked physical strength, and Mo Zhi often encouraged him to walk more to build stamina for the delivery.

“Alright,” Xiao Yiran agreed with a nod.

Now that Bai Yi’s belly was so big, he couldn’t even reach to put on his shoes. Usually, Yuan’er helped him with his morning preparations. As Bai Yi was about to call for Yuan’er, Xiao Yiran knelt down and bent over to put the shoes on for him.

“I can ask Yuan’er…” Bai Yi said, a little embarrassed, moving his foot slightly. However, Xiao Yiran firmly held his foot in place. Bai Yi caught the look Xiao Yiran gave him and could only let him proceed.

Xiao Yiran carefully helped Bai Yi into his shoes before standing up and supporting him. “I want to take care of you myself.”

Bai Yi’s cheeks flushed. He turned his head away, a small smile playing on his lips.

By November, the weather was already very cold. Worried that Bai Yi might not tolerate the chill outside, Xiao Yiran only allowed him to walk slowly around the room. Bai Yi didn’t mind—being with Xiao Yiran was all that mattered.

Because of his belly’s size, Bai Yi couldn’t stand or sit fully upright. He had to lean slightly back, which put a strain on his lower back. Seeing this, Xiao Yiran stood behind him, one arm supporting Bai Yi’s waist and the other helping him hold his belly to relieve some of the pressure. Still, after just a short walk, Bai Yi was already sweating and slightly out of breath.

Xiao Yiran, filled with concern, kissed the sweat from Bai Yi’s forehead and whispered, “Take a break.”

“Alright,” Bai Yi said with a smile, catching his breath as he slowly sat down with Xiao Yiran’s help.

“Your back hurts?” Xiao Yiran noticed Bai Yi trying to rub his back and quickly took over, gently massaging his lower back. “Does it hurt?”

“It doesn’t,” Bai Yi said with a laugh, glancing at Xiao Yiran teasingly. “You’re a mighty general, yet you’re so good at these things.”

“I don’t want you to suffer. I want to take care of you,” Xiao Yiran replied earnestly, his face serious.

Bai Yi’s face turned crimson. Every time Xiao Yiran said these “sweet nothings” with such a calm, serious expression, it left Bai Yi flustered and his heart racing. Xiao Yiran had this ability to make even the simplest words sound more moving than anything else, making Bai Yi feel like everything he endured was worth it.

“Why is your face red? Are you feeling unwell?”

At times, Bai Yi found Xiao Yiran’s obliviousness exasperating. Blushing, he shook his head lightly and said softly, “It’s nothing. It’s just a little warm in here.”

Xiao Yiran looked around, puzzled. Although there was a brazier in the room, the November weather was far from warm. Seeing that Bai Yi wasn’t wearing much, Xiao Yiran hesitated before saying, “It’s better to be warm than cold. Let’s just stay inside.”

Hearing this, Bai Yi couldn’t help but chuckle. While Xiao Yiran excelled at leading troops into battle, he could be utterly clueless in conversations. No wonder Yun Mo Zhi always called him “Blockhead Xiao.”

Just as Xiao Yiran was about to speak again, Yuan’er entered to announce Yun Mo Zhi’s arrival. Xiao Yiran fetched a cloak and draped it over Bai Yi’s shoulders.

“Wow, Blockhead Xiao is quick this time!” Yun Mo Zhi’s voice arrived even before he did.

“Why are you both here today?” Bai Yi asked with a smile.

“Hmph! The one surnamed Bu has already woken up. Why else would Blockhead Xiao still be hanging around the marquis’ manor? But this guy ran off so fast, he didn’t even wait for me.” Yun Mo Zhi grumbled. It had started snowing when he left the marquis’ manor, and Xiao Yiran had returned ahead of him, leaving him to trek through the wind and snow alone.

Bai Yi poured tea from the small kettle on the stove and handed a cup to Yun Mo Zhi. “Have some tea. It’s been kept warm on the stove.”

Xiao Yiran frowned, taking Bai Yi’s hand and examining it carefully. “He can pour it himself. Be careful not to burn yourself.”

Yun Mo Zhi, mid-sip, nearly choked on his tea at Xiao Yiran’s words. He glared at Xiao Yiran for a long moment. “You… You Wooden Xiao really are just like that Bu fellow. No sense of gratitude!”

Bai Yi awkwardly withdrew his hand and gave Yun Mo Zhi an apologetic smile.

“Sigh, this divine doctor is truly suffering. Always being called on by you lot with no one to care for me. Only Little Bai shows me a little consideration! To think that such a kind and lovely person ended up with someone as wooden as you. What a waste!”

Xiao Yiran frowned at Yun Mo Zhi’s exaggerated expressions. After thinking for a moment, he replied, “Your considerate person isn’t here. They left for Di Country a month ago. Go find them yourself and stop bothering my Ah Yi.”

Yun Mo Zhi froze for a moment, his eyes losing their usual spark as his expression dimmed.

Bai Yi quickly nudged Xiao Yiran with his hand, about to say something to lighten the mood, but before he could, Yun Mo Zhi perked up again. Pointing a finger at Xiao Yiran, he glared and said, “Do you even need to say that? If it weren’t for you lot holding me up, this divine doctor would have chased after them long ago! Do you even know who’s been taking care of Little Bai for you all this time? Who’s the one you drag out of bed in the middle of the night to treat that Bu fellow? Who had to crawl through a dog hole to change Mu Qi’s bandages? You’re all ungrateful! One day, I’ll have Le Shan avenge me! Hmph!”

Hearing Yun Mo Zhi’s tirade, Bai Yi coughed awkwardly twice and suggested, “It’s getting late. How about staying at the general’s manor tonight?” Bai Yi always felt a little guilty for troubling Yun Mo Zhi so much, but since his own medical skills were lacking, having Yun Mo Zhi around gave him peace of mind.

“No need,” Yun Mo Zhi waved dismissively. “Once I finish with you, I still have to head back to the Marquis of An’s manor. If I don’t, Mu Qi will nag me endlessly…”

“Alright then. At least stay for dinner before leaving,” Bai Yi offered.

“Fine, but let me say this upfront—if you’re not cooking, there’s nothing good to eat in the general’s manor.” Yun Mo Zhi pursed his lips and shot a disdainful glance at Xiao Yiran.

“Enough nonsense,” Xiao Yiran replied calmly, ignoring Yun Mo Zhi’s look. “Check on Ah Yi first.”

Seeing that Yun Mo Zhi was about to jump up in frustration, Bai Yi quickly extended his hand with a smile, cutting off their banter. Yun Mo Zhi cast one more glare at Xiao Yiran before starting to check Bai Yi’s pulse.

“How’s your appetite these past couple of days?” Yun Mo Zhi finally got serious as he focused on the examination, his sharp gaze returning.

“It’s alright, a bit better than before.”

Yun Mo Zhi nodded, pressing gently on Bai Yi’s abdomen in several places, occasionally asking about his sensations. After receiving answers, he moved to another spot. Finally, after a while, he withdrew his hands and said, “You’ve been recovering well these past few days, but you haven’t been moving around enough. Make Wooden Xiao accompany you for some light walks. Also, as your belly grows, it’s pressing on your internal organs, so it’s normal to feel shortness of breath, nausea, and discomfort. When you sleep, don’t stay on one side too long—change sides often, alright?”

Bai Yi nodded earnestly in response to each instruction. Xiao Yiran, standing silently to the side, was equally attentive, his expression serious as he memorized Yun Mo Zhi’s advice.

Seeing their cooperation, Yun Mo Zhi nodded in satisfaction. Then, as if recalling something, he grinned mischievously at Xiao Yiran and added, “Oh, and for the next month or two, no funny business. Little Bai’s body hasn’t fully recovered, and the fetus is still unstable. Whatever you’re thinking, hold off until the baby is born. Got it?”

Xiao Yiran froze briefly, then nodded expressionlessly.

Bai Yi turned his head away to hide his increasingly flushed face. He’d already been made to blush multiple times by these two today!

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