As the month went by quickly, Wen Mingyu watched as his two little dumplings grew more squishy and soft, radiating cuteness all the time.
Wen Mingyu lay next to the crib, watching them.
In history, there were also baby cribs. Since there were members of the imperial family, theirs was naturally made of fine wood and adorned with auspicious patterns. The small blankets were soft and cozy because they were made of luxurious silk and satin.
Wen Mingyu strung a wind chime above the crib, which served as a rotating bell and was colorful enough to draw the attention of the little dumplings. When Wen Mingyu flicked it, the dangling silk tassels swayed, and the jade fragments clinked against each other, producing a melodious tinkling sound.
The little dumplings were instantly drawn to the sound. Just watching the swaying and chimes of the jade fragments seemed to delight them, their tiny mouths curling into bright smiles.
Seeing this, Wen Mingyu couldn’t help but smile as well.
At the same time, there was a bit of reluctance in his heart. After all, he had to get ready to return to his work.
After finishing his duties, Mu Zhan came over and also sat beside the crib. He whispered, “Do you want to delay your return? Wouldn’t it be better for you to rest for a little while longer?”
Wen Mingyu smiled and shook his head. “The imperial physician said that I can now go back to my regular activities. Besides, if I stay any longer, I’ll turn into a lazy and
unwilling-to-go-out salted fish.”
Mu Zhan didn’t see a problem with that, though. Even if Wen Mingyu preferred staying indoors, he could still do anything he pleased here. And if he missed his friends, he could even invite them over.
However, if Wen Mingyu wanted to return to court as an official, he wouldn’t stop him and would help him in any way he needed it. The two would also discuss state affairs from time to time.
Although Mu Zhan wasn’t exactly known for having a good temper, once he set his heart on someone, he was almost limitless in his indulgence, apart from some certain bottom-line principles.
Wen Mingyu loved his two little dumplings, but that didn’t interfere with his work. He could still play with them once he got home.
After a brief discussion, they agreed for him to return to work in two days.
Therefore, Wen Mingyu spent all of his leisure time with their children and also prepared for his return.
When the day eventually arrived, he got up early, washed up, put on his official uniform and went to the crib. He reached out and tapped Little Rice Cake and Little Chilli’s small fists. Instinctively, they unclenched their fists and grasped his fingers.
He smiled and urged warmly, “Be good, ah. Daddy will be back before nightfall.”
After a month, the two little dumplings had some familiarity with Wen Mingyu, but they still couldn’t understand. As if in response to him, their eyes curled into small crescent moons, and they burst out in sweet, milk-scented giggles.
By the time the kiss ended, Wen Mingyu’s face was flushed red, while his lips were slightly swollen and glistening with moisture. It had a soft, pink glow like peach blossoms, mesmerizing and impossible to look away from.
Mu Zhan became enthralled. He couldn’t take his eyes off them, his fingertips brushing over the warmth of those soft lips.
Leaning into Mu Zhan’s embrace, Wen Mingyu panted slightly and struggled to catch his breath. They hadn’t had a kiss like this in a long time. It surprisingly felt intense. During his pregnancy and postpartum recovery, Mu Zhan had been careful with him, treating him like a fragile porcelain doll. Even their kisses had been gentle and controlled, leaving Wen Mingyu somewhat unsatisfied.
But now, it seemed as though they had gone back to their old times. Just yesterday, the imperial physician had declared that Wen Mingyu’s health had recovered fully and that he could resume his regular activities.
Once more, Mu Zhan bowed his head and pressed his lips to his, whispering, “Tonight…”
The rest of his words faded into their lingering kiss, lost in a fog of intimacy and unspoken desire.
Naturally, Wen Mingyu desired the same, so he nodded, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. He blushed at the thought of talking about such things in broad daylight, yet was unable to suppress his excitement. taiji
In the end, a red-faced Wen Mingyu left Taiji Hall with Mu Zhan. There was no need to worry about the two little dumplings, as the palace had plenty of seasoned servants to take care of them.
After being away from his post for three months, Wen Mingyu felt oddly out of place. It was similar to seeing his classmates again after coming back from summer break. Everything seemed strangely far away at first, and for a moment, he even struggled matching faces to names.
Fortunately, when he continued to work as usual, he soon regained a sense of familiarity. The moment he started talking, it felt like breaking the ice, and after a few conversations, everything flowed naturally again.
Because he had been on sick leave, his colleagues wanted to know about his health first. Although he had finished his recovery and was much better, if one looked closely, his complexion was still not as rosy as before. After recovering from a serious illness, there was a remnant of weakness that persisted.
Wen Mingyu reassured them that everything was well, and they congratulated him on his recovery, even giving him some modest gifts. Wen Mingyu had guessed it would be like this and also bought some gifts in return. It was nothing extravagant, just thoughtful enough to be well-received without putting undue pressure on others. Wen Mingyu’s understanding of social etiquette was one of the reasons he maintained positive ties with his colleagues.
Once he started working, there was a bit of initial unfamiliarity, but it didn’t take long for him to find his state of mind. Before the end of the day, he had already completed his tasks ahead of schedule, allowing him to leave on time.
Mu Zhan, of course, was also off the clock. In fact, he even considered leaving early. But knowing that would be too high-profile and that Wen Mingyu would not approve, he forced himself to wait until the official end of the workday. As soon as he put down his writing brush, he stood up and left without hesitation.
They didn’t walk together at first, but once they were back on the palace pathways, there was no need to maintain appearances. Together, they rode in the step carriage back to Taiji Hall.
Their first priority was to see how Little Rice Cake and Little Chilli were doing. What they had done during the day and whether anything had happened during their absence. The palace servants reported everything in detail.
Seeing the two little dumplings sleeping sweetly in their crib, Wen Mingyu felt relieved. After their evening meal, he picked up a rattle and played with them.
Mu Zhan was at their side as well, spending time with the children too. At Wen Mingyu’s insistence, he also held up a bird-shaped rattle and shook it in front of the babies—with an expressionless face. He shifted it up and down like a worn-out office worker forced to do overtime.
Wen Mingyu saw this and felt both helpless and amused. “Are you really that reluctant?”
Mu Zhan pursed his lips and frowned slightly. He couldn’t help but complain, “It’s a bit childish.”
Wen Mingyu’s lips twitched, and he immediately countered. “You’re already childish enough without the rattle, don’t sweat it.”
Mu Zhan revealed a look of surprise, clearly not believing him. “How am I childish?”
Wen Mingyu replied in a beat, “Remember the time you deliberately tossed the ball for Huo Hongyu to fetch?”
Mu Zhan frowned as he tried to recall it. “That was him saying he would be a dog if he lost. What’s wrong with fetching the ball.”
Wen Mingyu exclaimed, “How old is he, aren’t you bullying a child? And besides, I was the one who made a bet with him. If he was a dog, he was still my dog. It should be me who makes him do things.”
After saying that, Wen Mingyu felt that his words didn’t seem quite right. What’s going on with his brain, his speech just now was somehow dangerous, ah.
Mu Zhan’s face darkened. He repeated in a low voice, “You, your dog?”
Wen Mingyu groaned inwardly. He was just about to explain when Mu Zhan immediately followed up with, “What about me?”
Wen Mingyu froze. His brain momentarily failed to process his words. Hold on. What did this question mean, did he hear it right? Why did it feel like Mu Zhan was competing with Huo Hongyu for the “dog” title? That couldn’t be right. Was it not good to be a human being?
Mu Zhan’s uncanny ability to latch onto the strangest details of a conversation left Wen Mingyu dumbfounded. He waved his hands frantically, “NO, that’s now what I meant…”
It was he who was wrong. He shouldn’t have talked about this.
Mu Zhan, however, took his response as him being in denial. His brows knitted together in dissatisfaction as he put the rattle down with a crisp chime before pressing on, “Why isn’t it me?”
Wen Mingyu was utterly speechless, so shocked that he even started stuttering, “N-no, this… This isn’t something we should be talking about in front of our kids, is it?”
Mu Zhan caught his wrist and pulled him up. “Then let’s go somewhere where it’s appropriate to say it.”
Before Wen Mingyu could react, he was already being let outside. As they walked out of the door, Mu Zhan smoothly instructed the servants to look after the prince and princess, then he led Wen Mingyu back to the main hall.
After passing by the screen, Wen Mingyu was abruptly pushed into the dragon bed. It was only when he saw the teasing smirk on Mu Zhan’s face that he realized he had been tricked. He pointed at him and yelled, “You tricked me on purpose!”
Mu Zhan took his hand and raised it to his lips, kissing his fingertips with a sly smile. “Not entirely. Now, how about calling you ‘Master’ tonight?”
Wen Mingyu: “…”
His face went red all of a sudden.
Damn it. This shameless dog emperor was too good at this. So scary.
Wen Mingyu felt like he was being led down a crooked path and was no longer normal.
He actually felt a little excited upon hearing this.
Wen Mingyu parted his lips slightly and softly whispered, “Just ‘Master’?”
Mu Zhan pondered for a moment, then suddenly, he leaned down to Wen Mingyu’s ear. He rubbed his teeth lightly against his earlobe, and in a husky voice, he let out a soft, low “woof.” It was quiet and a bit muffled, but definitely a bark.
Wen Mingyu stared at him as his eyes widened. Either Mu Zhan had gone insane, or he was crazy and hallucinating.
His writer’s instincts kicked in, and in an instant, his mind came up with an entire plot: He had tamed a clingy, large dog demon. The dog demon then transformed into a human and all of a sudden, pounced on him. As the master, he followed his every command, and from there on, things only got wilder.
As the bed curtains dropped, Mu Zhan’s voice drifted through the air, low and reverent…Is Master satisfied, does Master prefer this, or this, good, as you wish, I will do it all…
By the time they reappeared, Mu Zhan had Wen Mingyu in his arms. They bathed together, checked on the children, and went to sleep for the night, at last.
ChiFu: wow, so wild omg
sorry for the late, late and late update, school is torturing me as usual! I also got swollen feet and burning thighs since we walked 9,000 steps for three days lmao don’t ask me why but it’s related to school haha