As the due date drew closer, Shang Changge was irritable in June and tense in July.

As August approached and the possibility of giving birth at any moment became a reality, Shang Changge calmed down.

As dawn breaks, the general's mansion's training grounds are bathed in the soft light of morning.

Today, Xiao Ji was exempt from attending court and was sparring with several of his generals on the martial arts training platform.

Despite the generals taking turns fighting, Xiao Ji remained undefeated. Even with the combined efforts of several generals, Xiao Ji remained as steady as a mountain.

"Clang—!" "Clang clang clang—!" "Buzz—!"

Shang Changge sat under the eaves watching; the sounds of various weapons clashing were like beautiful music to her, extremely pleasing to the ear.

The baby in her arms seemed to like it too, moving occasionally to the sound of clashing weapons, making a particularly joyful sound.

"Clang! Clang!..."

The weapons of several generals were knocked off one after another, and in an instant, spears, knives, swords, axes and other weapons fell to the ground.

Shang Changge looked up and saw several military officers bowing and scraping to Xiao Ji, then exchanging pleasantries.

Several military officers then bowed to her, seemingly preparing to take their leave.

Shang Changge smiled slightly, made a gesture of "no need for formalities" and waved his hand. The generals bowed again and then left together.

She narrowed her beautiful eyes, watching the tall man walking steadily towards her with his back to the light. When he got closer, she touched her stomach and began to speak.

"The little guy was moving around so happily just now. Let's imagine that he took after you and will grow up to be a brave and skilled general."

Xiao Ji washed his hands in a basin of water that the servants had prepared beforehand, and then dried them before reaching out to touch his wife's protruding belly.

"Whether they pursue an official career, farm, or do business, as long as they don't commit crimes, we'll let our children do what they want and won't force them."

Shang Changge sighed, recalling how harsh Xiao's mother had been to Xiao Jinian when he was young. She handed him a cup of refreshing herbal tea and agreed.

"Yes, I won't force you."

Then he remembered something else and teased, “Our General Xiao is quite lenient with his own children, but I’ve heard from many officials that you are very strict with your soldiers.”

The army commanded by the Grand General had strict military regulations, prohibiting alcohol, women, and gossip...

Xiao Ji listened, laughed, and drank his tea. After finishing the cold tea, he got up, dusted off non-existent dust, and came over to embrace the woman.

"Marching into battle is different from raising children; we won't talk about those unimportant things. I've arranged the midwife; on the day of delivery..."

Xiao Ji placed his large hand on Shang Changge's stomach, his eyes deep, and paused for a long time until the little one seemed to sense his father's presence and moved slightly before continuing:

"Be good, don't let your mother suffer on the day you were born."

She pressed her cheek against Shang Changge's and whispered sweet nothings, "You'll get through this safely and smoothly, don't be afraid."

These words were spoken to Shang Changge, but also to himself.

Shang Changge remembered a saying that childbirth is like passing through the gates of hell for a woman. Although she was lucky enough to have superpowers, childbirth was still a very uncertain thing.

He touched General Xiao's face, his emotions subsiding before reason prevailed: "If..."

He had barely begun speaking when Xiao Ji interrupted him, their hands clasped together, and Xiao Ji's deep voice brooked no argument:

There are no "ifs".

Shang Changge knew Xiao Ji didn't want to hear it, but there were some things she still had to say, otherwise, if something happened, she might not even have the chance to say it.

"If anything happens to me, my husband, please don't act impulsively. We brought this child into this world, and someone has to be responsible for him. Raise him, teach him how to be a person."

Xiao Ji is undoubtedly a mature, stable, reliable, and responsible man, but he is emotional and immature when it comes to matters concerning Shang Changge.

"I don't care, I won't listen. If there were a way, I would stay with you, and the Emperor would teach the child how to be raised."

Shang Changge was moved but disliked sentimentality, so she pinched the man's face again and changed the subject:

"You pushed them to Aze again? Last time you pushed those beauties to Aze, Aze came to me complaining and crying."

Shang Changge spoke, and Xiao Ji listened.

Two pots of lotus flowers were planted under the eaves. In the morning breeze, the green lotus leaves swayed and the pink lotus flowers in full bloom swayed. The faint fragrance of the lotus flowers was almost imperceptible.

The couple snuggled together, talking, their simple and peaceful life a sight to behold.