"Harp, someone from the Qin Clan has just arrived. He claimed that the Qin Clan wants to make peace with you and that he has a letter for you." Seeing how busy Harper was reading a book, Matthew immediately snatched the volume off her hand, even giving her a look of disagreement. "Harp, you have to stop doing this. You're a pregnant woman! You shouldn't overwork yourself!" he said exasperatedly.
"What? I'm just reading a book!" Harper was a bit speechless in front of the protective husband, who seemed to make a fuss about anything that might cost her time and energy.
"Harp, come on. You know you'll get tired after reading for some time. The balance between work and rest is very important, especially for someone expecting." Aside from strictly monitoring his pregnant wife's daily activities, Matthew made sure that he had prepared every food that was good for pregnant women, as per their physician. He even cooked the chicken soup himself! "You know what? Eating is better than reading. Come and have a taste of this chicken soup I made."
"Okay, didn't you just say that someone from the Qin Clan arrived? Then now isn't the time for chicken soup!" Harper said confused to high heavens. Matthew didn't react whatsoever, and so Harper just gave up, taking the bowl of soup from his hand. As she stirred it to cool it off, she said, "Let him in."
"What's with the rush?" asked Matthew immediately, "Drink the chicken soup first. There is plenty of time." With that, instead of going ahead and calling the visitor in, he just sat by Harper's side, making sure she ate her food.
Harper knew that there was no way she would be able to convince Matthew any further, and so she resigned herself to finishing the chicken soup. Matthew's eyes lit up with happiness when he saw that Harper was drinking more than he had expected. After Harper emptied the bowl, he filled another one at once.
"One more, Harp," Matthew cheerfully urged.
"Matthew, your chicken soup is honestly one of the best chicken soups I have tasted, but having too much of it will make me sick. Why don't you try it?" Before Matthew could respond, Harper quickly took the bowl from his hand, scooped a spoonful of soup, and basically forced it to him. Though surprised, Matthew grinned widely, opened his mouth like a spoiled child, and closed his eyes as he gulped the liquid down. The look on his face, however, suddenly changed.
"Bitter? Why does it taste like drug!" he grumbled, tears almost forming in his eyes.
"Bitter?" Harper asked, an amused smile on her face. "No, it's not. You worked so hard on it. So, drink it all!"
Seeing that Harper was in such high spirits, Matthew dared not reject her. 'It is just a bowl of chicken soup. Even though it tastes like bitter medicine, it's not a big deal,' he thought. He would lap the soup all up in tears if need be. After all, he himself had cooked it, and he could blame no one else.
After finishing his bowl of the soup he concocted, Matthew was in no mood to speak anymore. Harper, now free and unbothered by Matthew, then asked one of her servants to usher Qin Clan's messenger in.
"Good day, Your Highness," greeted the man, who looked gentle and amiable. He turned out to be the new steward of the Qin Clan.
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