[1]The Consort is Both Charming and Scheming, Rising Through Palace Intrigue

When Xiao Yu saw Ning Shuyan acting so cautious and careful, he couldn't help but chuckle. "You're overthinking, Yan'er. There's truly our child in your belly."

He held her hand gently, softly stroking it in an attempt to comfort her.

Ning Shuyan furrowed her brows slightly. "I... I'm just afraid that if I'm not actually pregnant, I'll disappoint Your Majesty."

Xiao Yu looked deeply at her. He appreciated her attentiveness—this kind of carefulness was not a bad thing.

He quickly ordered Yang An to check which imperial physicians were on duty and summon one.

Xiao Yu was inwardly overjoyed. He believed Ning Shuyan was simply worrying too much. In his heart, he had a strong feeling—she was absolutely pregnant.

He picked her up and gently placed his hand on her lower abdomen. Worried about pressing too hard, he only used the pads of his fingers to lightly stroke. "Now that you're pregnant, you must be careful with your diet. You can't indulge like before. No cold foods, and absolutely no blood-activating herbs. Also, when going out, you must take more attendants with you and be extra cautious."

Thinking of how they lost their first child, he felt sorrowful. Now, after countless hopes and prayers, this child had finally come. Xiao Yu cherished it even more—this child had to be born safely!

Listening to every word, Ning Shuyan didn't feel the joy of impending motherhood. She forced a faint smile and gently replied, "I understand. Thank you, Your Majesty, for your concern."

Xiao Yu noticed her lack of enthusiasm but didn't dwell on it. After all, their last child wasn't protected well—she was probably afraid the same would happen again.

He spoke softly: "Don't worry, Yan'er. I'll protect him well."

Ning Shuyan didn't feel like acting with him right now. She leaned into his embrace, pretending to be happy.

After a long wait, Imperial Physician Guo arrived.

After saluting, he took Ning Shuyan's pulse. This time, Ning Shuyan was even more anxious than Xiao Yu, her face tense.

Imperial Physician Guo was aware that the emperor had already summoned Imperial Physician Liu earlier. Now being called himself, he found it a bit odd, so he examined her even more carefully.

Only after confirming the pulse did he rise and announce with a smile, "Congratulations, Your Majesty, and to Consort Xiu. Your pulse indeed shows signs of pregnancy."

Although Xiao Yu wasn't too nervous, he still sighed in relief.

Ning Shuyan continued to feel uneasy. Something about this didn't feel right. She feared history might repeat itself—that this could be a second false pregnancy.

If it really were fake, now would be the time to tell Xiao Yu, so they could uncover who was behind it.

If it were a misdiagnosis, knowing early would spare him the disappointment.

So she spoke up: "Imperial Physician Guo, are you absolutely certain it's a pregnancy pulse? Could it be a misdiagnosis under certain conditions? Or could any medication alter the pulse?"

If Guo admitted the possibility of error now, it could later help clear her name of suspicion if she turned out not to be pregnant.

But Xiao Yu was visibly surprised and a bit displeased by her question.

After all, no one knew better than Ning Shuyan how much effort had gone into conceiving this child.

He had never so urgently longed for a child, and thought she'd be overjoyed too—he didn't expect her to be so shocked.