"My lady, the Empress is truly devoted to you! Many more palace servants have been added to serve you these past few days, and even the midwife has a special room to temporarily stay in, just waiting to arrive in time for your delivery."
Wei Shuyi had reduced her outings. Firstly, her body had become heavy, making even a few steps difficult. Secondly, the cramping pain in her abdomen made her afraid to move around.
Across from the bed hung a painting of black lotus, its flowers matching the red plum blossoms. Only by looking at it could the discomfort ease. It was as if the child in her belly had developed a connection with her, communicating with her in this way.
"This kind of thing would usually be handed over to the highly respected old doctors and nannies. Why would the Queen go outside the palace to find a midwife?"
Wen Yu explained for Jing Ning, "It was precisely because the Queen was worried that she went to the common people to find an experienced mother-in-law to ensure that everything would be foolproof."
Wei Shuyi nodded slightly: "The Queen is so thoughtful... After I give birth smoothly, I will definitely thank her..."
"Yao'er!" Xie Yanci walked in after opening the door curtain, his shoulders still dusted with fallen snow. "I've finally arranged a place for the old general's followers. I'll come see you when I have some free time."
He had been busy these past few days with the resettlement of the aging soldiers who had died after the Battle of Dashuo. To have them retire and return home in glory was an honor and a gesture of sincerity to have the emperor personally handle their affairs.
So, after seeing the stubble on his chin and the bloodshot in his eyes up close, she immediately ordered, "Wen Yu, make a bowl of that nourishing soup you're best at and bring it to the emperor while it's hot."
"yes."
There were only the two of them in the house, and occasionally there was the sound of the charcoal fire crackling and the sound of falling snow breaking branches outside the window.
Wei Shuyi looked in the direction of the sound, but because he was too far away from the window, he could not see anything clearly except the trembling half of a branch.
Seeing this, Xie Yanci helped her up and slowly walked to the window——
"It's windy outside, Yao'er, just enjoy the snow for now. After the baby is born, I will take you to the palace. There is a terrace there with an excellent location. You will definitely like it."
"good."
She leaned against the emperor's embrace, watching the snowflakes drift across the sky, falling like stars before melting into broken jade. She wondered if the bones buried beneath the ground would also feel the chill.
"What's wrong? Are you cold?"
Xie Yanci noticed a slight tremor and quickly reached out to the window frame to feel if there was any wind coming in through the gap.
She shook her head in denial: "No, I was wondering, is it auspicious or unlucky for the emperor's child to be born on such a snowy day?"
"Auspicious snow indicates a good harvest, that's naturally a good omen!" He was in a very good mood, leaning close to her ear to whisper blessings for the child. "My Queen Mother once told me that boys born on a snowy night are much more gifted and intelligent than others. I didn't have that blessing, but I'm really looking forward to having such a child."
Wei Shuyi couldn't help but smile bitterly: what she heard happened to be another version.
A daughter born on a snowy night is destined to have a rough life. Without the help of a noble person, she might die prematurely.
"Has Yaoer ever named the child?"
"This matter was decided by the Emperor and the Imperial Household Department. I dare not break the rules."
He said with a hint of helplessness: "If you had mentioned it to me in person and if you really liked it, I would have agreed. Why bother with all those rules?"
"The Emperor took the lead in violating palace rules, and if the Empress Dowager finds out, then it is my fault."
"The Queen Mother has loved you for a long time. Is she really going to punish you?" The Emperor tapped her forehead as usual. "Besides, I have your protection. What have you done wrong?"
yes.
The emperor's favor is often a golden ticket to immunity from death.
Wei Shuyi took the opportunity to hook his little finger, and finally interlocked their fingers with infinite tenderness.
At this moment, a sharp pain swept through my body!
She subconsciously exerted force with her hands: "Your Majesty! I think I'm about to give birth!"
"Come, I'll help you back to bed! Yang Mingrui, call the imperial physician!"
——
Hearing that Xi Changzai in the side palace had already started, the empress was the first to rush there and sat anxiously beside the emperor.
This was also her first time handling a woman's birth. If she wasn't careful, someone with ulterior motives could accuse her of something. Coupled with Meng Ruhui's previous words, she stood up and wandered around anxiously.
Xie Yanci noticed her abnormality: "What's wrong with the Queen? You're walking back and forth, making me dizzy."
"I'm just nervous. This is the first time a concubine has given birth in the palace." She told the truth. "Before, in the mansion, I've seen concubines who had difficult births. Basins of blood and water were carried out, and their voices were hoarse from shouting. It was really horrible! I want to pray for Concubine Xi, but I can't calm down, so this is the only way."
Imperial Concubine Jin, who had also rushed here, also pleaded on behalf of the Empress: "Yes, Your Majesty, the entire palace is worried about this child. As the head of the six palaces, the Empress will naturally be even more concerned."
"How many hours has it been? Why can I only hear shouting... No, even the voices are faint now." Rong Zhaoyi tried to peek inside, but was blocked by the door curtain. "Your Majesty, do you want to summon the imperial physician to clarify?"
Indeed, the rapid and tragic screams just now gradually weakened as if due to exhaustion.
Xie Yanci was worried about the people in the inner hall: "Call Jiang Yuanzheng!"
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, please calm down! This child is quite large. The midwives and nurses are currently trying to deliver the baby. I am also preparing the medicine to hasten labor. I will continue feeding the baby to the young lady shortly..."
"How's Xi Changzai?!"
"The young lady has endured for three hours and is now severely weakened. I have already given her some ginseng soup to sustain her. She is now following the midwife's instructions to rest for a while."
"What?!"
Xie Yanci stood up and wanted to go inside, but was grabbed by the sleeve by Concubine Jin!
"Your Majesty, the delivery room is unlucky, you cannot go in!"
"But Xichang's life and death are uncertain, and I cannot turn a blind eye."
The Queen volunteered, "Then let me in! I'm not afraid of anything good or bad, as long as mother and child are safe!"
Xie Yanci stared at her in shock, trying to stop her: "You don't know any medical skills, and you don't have any childbirth experience. What can you do in there? You'd better stay here..."
"Xi Changzai gave birth alone, without any relatives by her side. As Empress Dowager, I should have eased her fear. I don't know much, but I can stay by her side and offer her some comfort."
After saying that, the queen lifted the curtain and entered the delivery room. Jin Han stretched out her right hand in vain, then retracted it in embarrassment.
Wei Shuyi's vision blurred several times, and he forced himself to open his eyes again, fearing that he would fall asleep and never wake up again.
In the haze, a bright red phoenix robe suddenly appeared!
She opened her mouth in astonishment: "Empress?"
"Shh, save your energy and don't talk!"
The man held her sweat-soaked hand and shouted an order to everyone present—
"The Emperor is merciful, but I am much more ruthless and am not afraid of rumors! If I find out that anyone is not wholeheartedly helping Concubine Xi, or even obstructing her, I will dig three feet underground to find your relatives and execute them! This is a serious matter, you must be vigilant! I will sit here and watch until Concubine Xi safely gives birth!"
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