"It hurts...it hurts so much..." An'an gasped for breath. The intense pain made it almost impossible for her to speak a complete sentence. She felt as if her entire waist and abdomen had been hit hard by a heavy hammer, or as if it was being torn down by an invisible force. "My stomach...it feels so heavy...it feels like...it feels like it's going to...come out..." She felt a warm liquid flowing down between her legs in horror, soaking her thick cotton pants.

"Heavens! It's not time yet!" Luo Qingrou exclaimed in shock and anxiety, her voice trembling. "Quick! Someone come quick! Madam is about to give birth! Quick! Get the stretcher! To the clean treatment room in the back! Call Old Wang! And the midwife! Go to the mansion and get the midwife! Run there!" She directed the chaotic military medical ward with all her might, while struggling to support An'an's almost limp body, her voice forced with composure as she reassured her, "An'an, don't be afraid! Mother's here! Breathe in! Yes, breathe slowly! Hold on! We're going to the back right away!"

The entire medical station erupted in chaos. Soldiers scrambled to bring a stretcher and carefully moved An'an, who was curled up in pain and groaning, onto it. Luo Qingrou stayed close by, holding her hand tightly, constantly wiping her sweat and offering encouragement. The news spread like wildfire throughout the military camp and even to the general's mansion.

Lu Xiao was training new recruits on the drill ground when he heard his personal guard's frantic, incoherent report---

"General! Something terrible has happened! The lady is in the medical ward... she's... she's going into labor!" His mind went blank for a moment, and the riding whip in his hand fell to the ground with a "thud."

The next moment, he dashed out like an arrow, forgetting even to take off his helmet. He ran wildly, knocking over several soldiers who couldn't dodge in time, completely unaware. Only one thought occupied his mind: An'an! His An'an was about to give birth! In the military camp! Early!

When he rushed into the treatment room in the backyard of the military hospital, which had been temporarily converted into a delivery room, he encountered his father, Lu Zheng, and his younger brother, Lu Qi, who had also rushed over after hearing the news, their faces grave.

"Father! Aqi!" Lu Xiao gasped for breath, his eyes bloodshot. He grabbed Lu Zheng's arm, his voice hoarse like a broken gong, "An'an... how is An'an? What's the situation inside? Is she in pain? Why is it so early?" He bombarded him with questions, each word filled with immense panic and unease. From inside, he could faintly hear An'an's suppressed moans of pain, which ripped at his heart like knives.

Lu Zheng's expression remained calm, but his tightly pursed lips betrayed his nervousness. He pressed down hard on his son's trembling shoulders: "Xiao'er, calm down! Your mother is inside, along with Old Wang and the midwife! Everything will be alright! Peace and safety are on your side!" Despite his words, his gaze remained fixed on the closed door.

Lu Qi was also anxiously pacing around, craning his neck to try and see inside: "Sister-in-law! Sister-in-law, hold on! Big brother is here!"

Inside the room, An'an's cries of pain grew louder and louder, accompanied by the urgent commands of Luo Qingrou and the old military doctor, and the steady guidance of the midwife. Lu Xiao's heart ached as he listened. He paced anxiously outside the door, his fists clenched so tightly that his nails dug deep into his palms. He wished he could rush in and take all of this for her. Each of An'an's painful screams made his tall frame tremble, and his eyes involuntarily reddened.

Time seemed to stand still; every minute and every second was agonizing.

After an unknown amount of time, just as Lu Xiao's nerves were stretched to their limit and he was on the verge of collapsing and rushing through the door—

"Wow--!"

A loud and vibrant baby cry, like heavenly music, suddenly pierced the tense and oppressive atmosphere!

The three people waiting outside the door were all jolted! Lu Xiao stopped abruptly, his bloodshot eyes fixed on the door, his heart pounding so hard it felt like it would burst out of his chest.

"It's born! It's born!" Lu Zheng's face instantly lit up with immense joy, and he slapped Lu Xiao's shoulder hard. "Listen! How loud it is!"

"Great! Is it a nephew or a niece?" Lu Qi jumped up excitedly.

However, before their smiles could fully bloom—

"Wow--!"

Immediately following was another equally loud cry! No less so than the first one!

Lu Xiao was stunned. Lu Zheng and Lu Qi exchanged bewildered glances, their faces filled with immense joy and a hint of disbelief. Twins? Really twins? Old Wang had previously hinted that An'an's pulse was strong and powerful, suggesting there might be more than one twin, but they had never been able to confirm it completely.

Just as they were still reeling from the double surprise, Luo Qingrou suddenly cried out from inside, her voice trembling with joy and a hint of panic: "Oh my god! There's...there's another one! The head's out! Quick! An'an! Push harder! Good boy! Good boy!"

The three people outside the door froze instantly!

"There's...there's one more?!" Lu Qi exclaimed, his eyes wide with shock.

Lu Zheng gasped, his wrinkles smoothing out in shock.

Lu Xiao was completely stunned, like a statue, with only his violently heaving chest and the hot tears that instantly welled up in his eyes indicating his excitement.

"Wow--!"

The third cry, clearer and more delicate, carried a powerful, proclaiming force, echoing throughout the small space!

"Three! Good heavens! Three!" Luo Qingrou's joyful voice, trembling with tears, came from inside. "An'an! My good child! You are amazing! Two boys! And a girl! Triplets!"

The door was flung open with a bang, and a midwife with a beaming face and bloodstains on her arms poked her head out, announcing the good news in a loud voice:

"Congratulations, General! Congratulations, Old General! Congratulations, Young General! Your wife has given birth! Mother and children are safe and sound! It's two little boys and a daughter! All three little masters are healthy and strong!"

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!