The following spring, the Zhao residence was covered in a gentle green and vibrant floral colors.
As the spring snow melts, the stream flows gently down from the mountains, winding around the mansion, its waters crystal clear and its sound melodious.
Everything was teeming with life.
A courtyard in the east of Dunyang City.
Inside the room, the candlelight flickered. Zhao Zhi lay on the bed, her hands gripping the quilt tightly, her forehead covered with fine beads of sweat. Each exertion seemed to have exhausted all her strength.
"Zhizhi, don't be afraid, your mother is here."
Zhang Wan sat on the edge of the bed, gently stroking Zhao Zhi's forehead with one hand and holding her trembling hand with the other. Her voice was gentle yet firm, "Take a breath, push harder, the baby will be out soon."
Zhao Zhi struggled to open her eyes, looked at her mother, and murmured, "Mother—"
"Zhizhi, we can talk about private things later. Giving birth is the priority now. Gather your strength and push!"
Zhang Wan glanced at the blood gushing from beneath her, suppressed her anxiety, and encouraged her.
Zhao Zhi took a deep breath and pushed again. She felt a warm current surge from her lower abdomen, accompanied by a sharp pain, and the baby's head finally emerged.
"Yes, that's it, Zhizhi, you did a great job!" Zhang Wan encouraged excitedly, tears glistening in her eyes.
She knew that this moment was both the most difficult and the greatest moment of Zhao Zhi's life.
Nan Ying, Bao Zhu, Zhao Yan and other maids were busy but orderly moving around, bringing hot water or handing out clean cloths. Everyone was in a hurry, but they were organized in their busyness.
Outside the door, Zhao Shouzhen paced anxiously back and forth with his hands behind his back, occasionally looking up at the sky, silently praying for his daughter's safety and well-being.
Shen Hanshan stood to the side, his eyes fixed on the door, his face full of worry and anxiety.
Every time Chaoyan came out of the house, he would eagerly inquire about Zhao Zhi's condition.
In his view, while the impending arrival of the new life was important, Zhao Zhi's safety was an even greater burden on his mind.
"Brother Shen, don't worry, good people are always blessed, mother and child will definitely be safe."
Seeing this, Cui Shenghe spoke up to comfort him. In fact, he was even more worried about Zhao Zhi's safety than Shen Hanshan.
Before the words were finished, a loud cry suddenly came from inside the house, breaking the silence outside the door.
Chaoyan ran out with a beaming smile to announce the good news: "Master, son-in-law, young master Cui, my young lady has given birth to a baby girl!"
Upon hearing this, the three people outside the door felt a sense of relief and their faces lit up with smiles of satisfaction.
Shen Hanshan was so excited he almost jumped up. He couldn't wait to rush into the house to see his daughter and Zhao Zhi.
Asagao stopped him in time: "Young master, you can't come in yet, Miss hasn't finished giving birth yet."
Upon hearing this, Shen Hanshan's face immediately darkened, and he asked anxiously, "Didn't you say the birth was over? Why isn't it over yet?"
Asagao explained, "Miss is pregnant again. I came out to let you know so you won't be too anxious." After saying that, she hurriedly turned back into the house.
Upon hearing this news, Shen Hanshan staggered involuntarily. He stood there blankly, muttering to himself, "Childbirth for a woman is like stepping into the gates of hell..."
Seeing this, Cui Shenghe quickly stepped forward and covered his mouth, scolding him in a low voice, "Shen Hanshan, what nonsense are you talking about! Now is not the time to say such discouraging things!"
Shen Hanshan pounded his head in frustration, blaming himself, "It's all my fault, I made Zhizhi suffer so much!"
Seeing the genuine concern and self-reproach in Shen Hanshan's eyes, Cui Shenghe felt secretly gratified. He knew that Shen Hanshan's feelings for Zhao Zhi were sincere and deep. Ever since the decree conferring Zhao Zhi the title of Princess Anping, he had been closely monitoring Shen Hanshan's movements. He understood that whether Shen Hanshan could become Princess Anping's consort was not only related to Zhao Zhi's happiness but also to the future of the Yun Dynasty.
Therefore, he secretly had Qin Han collect portraits and birth dates of eligible young men from prominent families, and screened and examined them one by one.
At the same time, he was also secretly keeping an eye out for suitable candidates among the newly promoted young officials.
However, in his heart, Shen Hanshan remained the most ideal candidate. After all, he was willing to travel from Da Xuan to Yun Chao for Zhao Zhi; such deep affection was something that not every man could do.
Just as Cui Shenghe was lost in thought, another loud cry came from inside the house.
Chaoyan ran out again with a beaming smile to report: "Master, son-in-law, Young Master Cui, it's a baby boy this time! Mother and child are safe!"
Upon hearing this, Shen Hanshan could no longer contain his excitement and joy.
He grabbed Asagao's hand and asked eagerly, "May I go in this time?"
Asagao smiled and nodded, indicating that he could go in.
Once he received permission, Shen Hanshan rushed into the room almost impatiently, his steps faltering slightly with his eagerness.
As soon as he stepped into the room, a warm yet slightly bloody scent wafted towards him, but he paid no heed to it. His eyes were fixed on the face that haunted his dreams—Zhao Zhi, who was lying weakly on the bed, her face as pale as paper, with wet strands of hair clinging to her cheeks, making her look even more haggard.
He walked quickly to the bedside, squatted down, and gently took Zhao Zhi's hand.
Zhao Zhi felt Shen Hanshan's calloused hand holding hers, and wearily opened her eyes, saying weakly, "You've come."
Shen Hanshan's eyes reddened slightly, and his voice choked with emotion: "Zhizhi, you've worked so hard..."
She forced a smile, her voice weak but full of tenderness: "I'm alright, look, our child..."
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