The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure-Chapter 1679 - 1673: I’m Proud to Be a Henpecked Husband

Chapter 1679: Chapter 1673: I’m Proud to Be a Henpecked Husband

However, at least Lady Shen was still present, so she kept her thoughts to herself.

Once Lady Shen calmed down, she reported the situation of the Embroidery Store over the past few months and then brought the account book for Wang Yongzhu to review.

Wang Yongzhu accepted the account book, thought for a moment, and still asked, "We all understand your family situation. This is your first pregnancy, and I’m sure Aunt Wu and Brother Wu are very worried. If your body can’t handle it, don’t hide it, just tell me directly. Now that I’m back, it’s no problem to have someone else help look after the Embroidery Store. What matters most is your health and the child in your womb!"

Lady Shen panicked, the tears that had just stopped nearly erupted again: "Madam, did I do something wrong? My body can handle it now; I’ve seen the doctor, who said my pregnancy is going well and my health is good. Staying at home all the time isn’t good for me, and it’s fine to go out for walks!"

"Madam, don’t worry, even if I’m pregnant, I won’t delay things! The embroideresses have learned very well by now, and I just need to guide them daily with little effort. If ever a day comes when I’m too big and can’t go out, I’m not the type who doesn’t know her limits; I will definitely stay at home!"

"As long as I’m still able to move and work, please let me contribute a few more days to you and the Embroidery Store. It will give me some peace of mind!"

Wang Yongzhu was speechless, what more could she say?

She understood Lady Shen’s mindset; the Embroidery Store was her means of subsistence and the future of the Shen Family’s craft. How could she easily give it up?

Still, it might be for the best. Being pregnant doesn’t mean staying home every day to nurture the pregnancy is best; going out might actually be good for both the mother and the child.

So she just smiled, "It’s just a suggestion. If you feel it’s not a problem, then it’s up to you! Just one thing: don’t overdo it! Otherwise, you won’t be going to the Embroidery Store anymore! Understand?"

Lady Shen quickly nodded in agreement.

Wang Yongzhu, still not at ease, checked Lady Shen’s pulse, ensuring that she and her baby were fine before finally feeling relieved.

They chatted for a while longer, discussing the customs and scenery of the Capital City and along the way. Wang Yongzhu didn’t dare keep Lady Shen for long and asked Gu Yu to give her some trending patterns and embroidery pieces from the palace, which she brought back from the Capital City.

She urged her not to rush, just to take a look and understand what is currently in trend in the Capital and the palace.

After having the baby and recuperating, she could research in detail, it wouldn’t be too late.

Lady Shen lovingly touched those patterns and embroidery pieces, her heart almost entirely drawn to them, nodding at whatever Wang Yongzhu said.

Wang Yongzhu could only shake her head, wondering if all people in the arts have this common flaw—becoming deeply absorbed in their industry’s masterpieces, forgetting all else.

However, there was no need to worry about Lady Shen, as someone outside had already reported that Wu Zhongbao was waiting to bring Lady Shen home.

These past few days, Wu Zhongbao frequently visited the County Yamen to discuss matters with Song Chongjin, learning that Wang Yongzhu was available today.

Upon returning, as soon as Lady Shen mentioned coming to thank Wang Yongzhu today,

Wu Zhongbao immediately complied without objection, bringing Lady Shen to the rear courtyard of the County Yamen before attending to his own affairs.

After finishing his business, he would take Lady Shen back home.

Though Lady Shen was somewhat reluctant to part with Wang Yongzhu, feeling that after these few months apart, there were still many thoughts and words she wanted to share. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

But she also knew that Wu Zhongbao was waiting outside, and now that she wasn’t on her own, she naturally had to consider Wu Zhongbao’s feelings more.

After some thought, she got up, promising to come and chat with Wang Yongzhu another day.

Wang Yongzhu walked Lady Shen to the secondary door, watching Wu Zhongbao sitting in the front courtyard, showing not a hint of impatience.

Upon seeing Lady Shen, he immediately approached, fully attentive to her needs.

Wang Yongzhu couldn’t help but recall how back in Qilidun, Wu Zhongbao, single-mindedly focused on passing the martial exams, was a straightforward man who hadn’t matured.

Unexpectedly, he had transformed into a gentle and caring partner.

She couldn’t help but smile.

Wu Zhongbao, quite familiar with Wang Yongzhu, felt slightly awkward under her gaze but had grown a thicker skin over time.

He greeted Wang Yongzhu, even proudly winking, "Not to boast, but you and Brother Song should step it up! See, we’ve overtaken you—"

Lady Shen, hearing this, was suddenly both embarrassed and annoyed, pinching Wu Zhongbao’s waist. He immediately grimaced in silence, only inhaling sharply.

If anyone else pinched him like this, he wouldn’t let it slide. But this was his treasured wife; he couldn’t bear to say more, nor even show a frown.

Not only that, he tenderly held Lady Shen’s hand, affectionately saying, "My dear, be careful not to hurt your hand! Your husband here has thick skin, didn’t hurt your hand, did I?"

Even Lady Shen couldn’t take it, and Wang Yongzhu felt goosebumps all over, truly unaware that Wu Zhongbao was capable of such tenderness!

This was indeed a straight man finally understanding how to cherish his loved ones.

The nearby maids and guards, some couldn’t help but stifle their laughter, while others only gave sideways glances at Wu Zhongbao, thinking, Brother, you are still a government official, is it okay to be so henpecked in public?

Wu Zhongbao puffed out his chest with a demeanor of pride for being "henpecked."

Lady Shen didn’t have skin as thick as his, her face already flushed like a peach flower, almost dripping with embarrassment, clinging to Wu Zhongbao and softly saying, "Alright, let’s hurry home!"

Though Wu Zhongbao wasn’t afraid of others’ opinions, he was considerate of his wife. Hearing Lady Shen speak, he nodded immediately and repeatedly, "Whatever my wife says goes, let’s head home now. Mother is waiting for us to dine!"

Saying this, he waved at Wang Yongzhu and carefully helped Lady Shen away.

Wang Yongzhu shook her head, recollected herself, and happened to meet Old Granny Zhang’s gaze, who glanced outside the courtyard, "Was it the Wu family boy here to pick up his wife?"

Wang Yongzhu nodded, supporting Old Granny Zhang as they walked inside, chatting, "Indeed, their relationship is growing stronger. I see Sister Shen is doing well now, her face rounder, smiling more, even daring to cry. It’s clear Brother Wu truly cherishes Sister Shen!"

Earlier, when Lady Shen arrived, Old Granny Zhang was still resting from a late night and hadn’t been disturbed.

Hence, she didn’t see Lady Shen.

Now, hearing Wang Yongzhu mention Lady Shen’s good days, Old Granny Zhang rejoiced for her, "The Wu family’s daughter-in-law is a good girl. Once she figured things out, having a nice life today is great! I heard she’s expecting? Is that true?"

Wang Yongzhu smiled, "Sister Shen is four months along now. In this hot weather, you can see a slight bump under the thin clothes. I checked her pulse first; both mother and child are healthy."