Keqing could never forget the day she discovered Ningguang's secret. As the Yuheng Star among the Liyue Qixing, responsible for land infrastructure within Liyue, her duties were already overwhelming. Being a complete workaholic herself, she wouldn't go to the Jade Chamber to discuss matters with Ningguang unless absolutely necessary.
However, when she finally made a rare visit to the Jade Chamber and saw Ningguang, already showing a baby bump, leisurely enjoying afternoon tea, the shock to Keqing was even more staggering than the news of Rex Lapis's demise.
Though Keqing repeatedly pressed for the identity of the child's father, Ningguang always responded with a smile and silence, leaving Keqing both helpless and anxious. Out of respect for Ningguang, Keqing had no choice but to visit the Jade Chamber frequently to care for her and began covering for her, a situation that continued to this day.
Of course, for a figure as prominent as Ningguang, her prolonged absence from public view was bound to raise eyebrows, especially given the timeframe of over half a year. Fortunately, Ningguang resided in the Jade Chamber, suspended high above Liyue Harbor, a place inaccessible to ordinary people.
Seeing Ningguang still maintaining her usual composure, unfazed by praise or criticism, Keqing said anxiously, "Sister Ningguang, how can you be so at ease? You have no idea how rampant the rumors have become in Liyue Harbor due to your long absence. People are saying all sorts of things."
Ningguang chuckled as if listening to a joke and asked, "Oh? Has anyone guessed the correct answer?"
Keqing pondered for a moment before replying, "Well... no, not really. Mainly because that possibility is just too low. No one would believe it even if it were said. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't believe it either. I really don't understand what you were thinking, Sister Ningguang. How could you suddenly make such a choice?"
Ningguang took a sip of tea and smiled, "You might understand when you reach my age, Keqing. I sincerely suggest you not be too rigid and forceful in your actions. Otherwise, it won't be easy for you to marry. Look at yourself—those willing to pursue you can be counted on one hand, right?"
Now in her twenties, Keqing was already considered a late-marriage candidate. However, unlike Ningguang, who had a swarm of suitors, Keqing, also one of the Liyue Qixing, with top-tier family background, authority, looks, figure, and combat prowess, had surprisingly few pursuers.
The main reason was Keqing's overwhelming career focus and her overly assertive personality. After all, who would want to spend their life with a workaholic capable of putting in over 16 hours a day?
Hearing Ningguang tease her, Keqing retorted indignantly, "Sigh, it's all because of that Inazuma Regent. He just had to whisk away Senior Ganyu and Senior Yelan for no good reason. My workload has increased dramatically. And now, with you unable to attend some of Liyue's important events, I have to handle everything.
Sigh, I really don't understand what's so great about that Inazuma Regent. He already has so many wives. Why would Ganyu and Yelan even consider him? I just don't get it."
Upon hearing Keqing's frustrated and inadvertent mention of the correct answer, Ningguang's expression grew subtle. Memories flooded her mind. However, having been immersed in the political arena for years, Ningguang had long mastered the skill of maintaining a poker face, and she didn't let Keqing notice anything amiss.
Seeing that Ningguang's teacup was empty, Keqing went to refill it, only to find the teapot beside them also out of hot water. Frowning, she called out to the little secretary watching from the sidelines to fetch more water, thinking to herself: This new little secretary is no good. She doesn't even notice what needs doing.
However, when Keqing looked up again, she was astonished to see a figure who shouldn't have been there quietly walking up behind Ningguang and pouring her a cup of hot water, filled to eighty percent.
Ningguang glanced sideways and immediately froze, staring at the newcomer with disbelief—shock, confusion, surprise, and panic—but she responded calmly, "What brings you here?"
Miyashiro looked at Ningguang's visible baby bump, his face full of heartache. "Yelan told me. With something this big happening, do you really think I shouldn't have come?"
Hearing that Miyashiro had learned the news from Yelan, Ningguang couldn't help but sigh. "Sigh, I knew it was her. She's helped me keep it secret for so long. Why not see it through to the end?"
Watching Miyashiro and Ningguang exchange words, even someone as straightforward as Keqing couldn't miss the implication. She asked incredulously, "Miyashiro, is the child in Sister Ningguang's belly yours?"
Before Miyashiro could answer, Ningguang said firmly, "No, this is my child alone. It has nothing to do with anyone else."
Upon hearing this, Miyashiro cursed outright: "Bullshit! Without my involvement, try having a child by yourself!"
This statement was essentially a full confession. Keqing glared at Miyashiro with extreme displeasure and demanded, "Regent of Inazuma, you've already taken Shenhe, Ganyu, and Yelan from Liyue. Why must you also target Lady Ningguang? Do you have any idea how much impact this has had on Lady Ningguang and our Liyue?"
Miyashiro: "This woman wants to hide it from the public and give birth to the child alone. Do you think I don't know how hard pregnancy is? What do you, a bunch of inexperienced maidens, know about caring for a pregnant woman? When it comes to taking care of a pregnant woman, I have far more experience than you. Step aside, let me handle this!
You three over there watching the show, how long are you going to stand there? Get over here too! Write down everything I tell you. From now on, be more diligent. You're nowhere near as good as Baiwen, Baixiao, and Baishi."
With that, Miyashiro began personally caring for Ningguang, meticulously explaining the precautions for pregnant women to the three little secretaries assigned to look after her. From daily meals to resting postures, he instructed them to follow his guidance strictly.
Though it was typically considered women's work, Miyashiro handled it effortlessly and with great skill. Even Keqing, who held little fondness for Miyashiro, watched in surprise and newfound understanding. Meanwhile, Ningguang's gaze toward Miyashiro gradually softened.
Pregnant women are inherently more emotional. Ningguang was genuinely pleased that Miyashiro had rushed to Liyue to see her without delay. Thinking of all the hardships and frustrations she'd endured during this period finally finding an outlet, Ningguang silently accepted his presence.
This kind of thing is all about practice making perfect. After all, as a father of nine children, Miyashiro was not only familiar with precautions during pregnancy but also with postpartum confinement and rehabilitation training. His approach was thorough and dedicated.
Otherwise, relying solely on his skills in bed wouldn't have been enough to satisfy the emotional needs of so many wives.
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