Chapter 71 Cen An
As October arrived, the autumn rains brought cooler temperatures, and the sweltering heat gradually dissipated.
Zhuang Dongqing has stopped going out; it's inconvenient for her.
The inconvenience in moving around is one problem, but on the other hand, everyone is afraid that he will be bumped into by someone who doesn't know any better when he goes out. If he has an attack early, it would be very difficult to handle the situation in a panic.
As early as when Zhuang Dongqing arrived at the Prince's Mansion, Cen Yan had sent people to search for a doctor from the Ren tribe. As the capital, Shangjing had experienced several political upheavals, and the scene of multiple ethnic groups living together in one place was no longer there. Naturally, they could not be found anywhere in the capital.
Later, people were sent to other places as well, and they kept searching until Zhuang Dongqing arrived in Suzhou. Master Zhao loved to study medicine, so after settling in, he went to the surrounding clinics to seek out famous doctors and see what the local medical practices were.
Coincidentally, it couldn't be found anywhere else, but Master Zhao stumbled upon it by chance.
It is said that he fled from the capital in his early years and came to Suzhou. Seeing that the local area was prosperous and the people were well-fed and clothed, he opened a clinic. The business was quite good, and he gradually settled down and stopped moving.
Master Zhao brought the person back and showed him to Zhuang Dongqing, who said that everything was fine.
Master Zhao showed the doctor the surgical plan for the production procedure, made some modifications to the details, and after discussing it, told the doctor to go back and agree to invite the doctor back at the appointed time for a joint consultation.
The priest specially invited from the southern border also arrived, bringing with him a life-saving medicine that could bring the dead back to life, as well as some Gu worms, one of which could be used as an anesthetic. When Zhuang Dongqing heard this, he almost went to the temple to burn some incense and pray to the Bodhisattva for protection (Liu Qiliufu didn't allow him to go far and kept him under control).
In short, everything that needed to be prepared was prepared, and now we're just watching Zhuang Dongqing's situation and counting down the days.
Zhuang Dongqing... was also suffering.
The baby's movements became more and more frequent, to the point of being bothersome.
As her belly grew larger, it put pressure on her internal organs, sometimes causing her to get up several times a night, which made Zhuang Dongqing very emotionally distraught.
Sometimes she even suggested sleeping in the guest room because she didn't want to see anyone.
Cen Yan naturally disagreed, even suggesting that if Zhuang Dongqing felt he was in the way, they could put two beds in the inner room and sleep separately.
Zhuang Dongqing certainly didn't mean that.
He was just a little irritable.
I can't quite put my finger on it.
After checking Ping An's pulse again one day, Zhuang Dongqing asked, "Is he alright?"
Master Zhao asked curiously, "Young Master, is there something you're worried about? Why do you keep asking?"
Yes, it wasn't the first time Zhuang Dongqing had asked this question. The closer it got to the time for surgery, the more uneasy Zhuang Dongqing became.
Zhuang Dongqing naturally couldn't say it was something she read in a book, so she casually said, "His belly doesn't look very big, I'm worried he'll be weak after birth... Is that true?"
Master Zhao: "Your pulse sounds very strong, young master, there's no need to worry so much."
"Furthermore, as Doctor Huang has said, most of the sons born to men in your clan are strong and healthy."
Zhuang Dongqing: "...Oh."
After Master Zhao left, Zhuang Dongqing patted her belly and whispered, "I've been feeding you well for so long, you have to live up to my expectations..."
She wanted to call him by the nickname she had chosen, but then she felt that Cen Yan was right. Instead of worrying so much, it was better to wait until after he was born to see what was missing. Nicknames were usually chosen based on what was missing, and calling him by the nickname in advance would bring bad luck.
Zhuang Dongqing let out a soft breath and patted the door open again. "Actually, Liu Fu is right. Zhuangzhuang isn't rustic enough. If you want to raise him properly, Gou Dan and Tie Zhu would be more down-to-earth."
After saying that, the little brat started to move restlessly.
It seems they're not entirely satisfied with any of these names.
Zhuang Dongqing retorted provocatively, "It's no use opposing me now. Wait until you get out before you talk to me."
His stomach moved again, as if it could really understand what he was saying.
*
The sixth prince, Li Yang, having resolved the flooding he encountered on the road, arrived in Hangzhou with his entourage and settled into the official residence arranged by the Hangzhou officials for the salt inspectors.
After everyone settled in, they asked around and found out that Cen Yan hadn't come to Hangzhou at all; instead, he had gone to Suzhou.
So Li Yang hurriedly wrote a letter to Cen Yan.
In Jiangnan, waterways are easily accessible, and news travels quickly. The letter was sent and traveled for two days before Cen Yan received it.
At the same time, Li Yang also received a letter from Cen Yan, written on a specific date, offering some guidance.
Li Yang's brief letter was undoubtedly asking where Cen Yan was and why he hadn't come to Hangzhou. Now that everyone was here, shouldn't the salt inspection be started?
Cen Yan's letter was simple. He said that he had something to do at his residence. Since his residence was in Suzhou, he had met with most of the officials in Suzhou. He did not mention that he intended to start by organizing the salt affairs in the small places in Jiangnan. He only said that since Li Yang had already gone to Hangzhou, he might as well learn about the salt affairs in Hangzhou first. This way, when he went there, Li Yang would be in a good position, which would also facilitate the salt inspection work.
Cen Yan did not reply to Li Yang's letter.
Li Yang replied to Cen Yan's letter quickly.
When Cen Yan opened it, she almost burst out laughing.
"What's wrong?" Zhuang Dongqing asked Cen Yan, knowing it was a letter from Li Yang.
Cen Yan didn't shy away from showing it to him directly, and Zhuang Dongqing remained silent after reading it.
He hesitated, then asked, "Are the officials in Hangzhou willing to tell him the details of the salt administration?"
Cen Yan: "Of course not."
"But nothing will happen to him."
"He is a prince after all, and not just anyone can touch him."
"Since he's so enthusiastic now, let him test the waters of officialdom in Lianghuai. Otherwise, if I want to start investigating from the surrounding areas later, and he disagrees with me, it will be difficult to handle."
Zhuang Dongqing understood. It meant that since Li Yang was young and fearless, and given his unusual status, he should be allowed to try starting with the toughest challenge.
It would be best if we could break through a barrier, but even if we couldn't, we would still understand the situation and wouldn't be so reckless when we meet again.
Zhuang Dongqing: "..."
Zhuang Dongqing: "Why do I have a feeling he'll come looking for you?"
Cen Yan laughed: "What a coincidence, I had the same feeling."
The two of them talked about it and then let it go.
Zhuang Dongqing waited patiently for the red line on her belly to darken, and for her stomach to start hurting so she could have surgery.
Cen Yan also accompanied him every day with great patience.
The two had discussed the matter of requesting a title once before. Cen Yan's point was that the child could not be kept secret, and it could be reported after the birth to request the title of heir apparent. However, given Zhuang Dongqing's existence and the current unclear situation, he was not keen on requesting a title.
Zhuang Dongqing understood Cen Yan's meaning immediately after hearing it and nodded.
The old emperor is inherently suspicious, and he doesn't have many years left. Moreover, Cen Yan and Li Yang are drifting further and further away from the original storyline. He can't guarantee that things will still develop according to the plot. Under this premise, it is undoubtedly the safest thing for him to do to outsiders is to become Cen Yan's retainer.
Otherwise, if something were to happen, anyone could use him and the child to blackmail the Prince of Dingxi's mansion... Zhuang Dongqing thought it best to forget about it.
Neither of them had any objections, and the matter was settled.
*
Li Yang arrived earlier than Cen Yan had anticipated.
And instead of writing a letter, they came by boat with a box of account books, as if he were some kind of savior.
Upon receiving the news in the morning, Cen Yan was somewhat reluctant to go pick him up, but since he was a prince, it was only right to take him to the government office and arrange for his lodgings.
Zhuang Dongqing still sent Cen Yan.
He had a vague feeling when Cen Yan left, but he felt he couldn't be sure, so he didn't say anything to stop him.
After eating lunch by himself and resting for a while, Zhuang Dongqing opened his eyes, felt around, and called out from the bed, "Liu Fu".
As Liu Fu entered, Zhuang Dongqing calmly said, "Your stomach is starting to cramp; it's time to operate."
Liu Fu was taken aback. Unlike Zhuang Dongqing, he was not calm and hurriedly went to find someone.
Knowing it was coming soon, everyone was on standby every day, including the doctor who had delivered several Ren clan men. At Cen Yan's request, he moved into the mansion and received money every day until Zhuang Dongqing gave birth.
The delivery room had been arranged long ago, and all the bed sheets and blankets had been washed, scalded with boiling water, and sun-dried.
After calling for help, Zhuang Dongqing, with Liu Fu's assistance, went into the house and lay down.
He was very agitated and uneasy before he died, but when the moment actually came, Zhuang Dongqing miraculously calmed down.
Even when Liu Fu makes a mistake, he can still comfort Liu Fu and tell him not to panic.
Liu Fu: "Manager Liu has already sent someone to find the Prince. Young Master, please hang in there."
Knowing that Cen Yan was picking up Li Yang, Zhuang Dongqing said, "Why look for him? Is he going to take this knife for me?"
Liu Fu was left speechless, both amused and exasperated.
People were coming and going in the main courtyard. Before long, the chief surgeon, Master Zhao, and the old doctor who had delivered several Ren men arrived. After examining Zhuang Dongqing's condition, the old doctor nodded: "It's almost ready, we can begin."
He then instructed Master Zhao, "Remember to remove everything completely, otherwise it will cause problems if you leave it behind."
Master Zhao nodded, and Zhuang Dongqing felt a little scared.
Fortunately, after the priest from the southern border arrived, the insect was placed on the nerve in Zhuang Dongqing's back. After a slight pain, Zhuang Dongqing felt nothing. Before closing her eyes, Zhuang Dongqing decided to call this insect the modern-day painless childbirth insect.
Thank you, Bodhisattva. Amitabha!
*
Cen Yan had just received Li Yang and exchanged a few words when people from the Prince's Mansion arrived.
Upon hearing the news, Cen Yan's expression changed, and his gaze towards Li Yang became slightly unfriendly.
Li Yang: "?"
Cen Yan: "There's been an emergency at the manor, please forgive me, Sixth Prince. I'll go back to the manor first, and Hao San will take you to the government office later. The Suzhou magistrate and the officials in charge of salt affairs are already there to welcome you. You must be tired from the journey, so please rest first. We can talk about everything tomorrow."
It was clear he was in a real hurry, because as soon as Li Yang responded, Cen Yan strode away.
In a moment of distraction, he rode off on his horse, leaving everyone in the dust.
Li Yang: "..."
Okay.
It seems the Prince's residence has been quite busy lately.
Hao San quickly stepped forward to lead the way for Li Yang, his smiling face making it difficult for Li Yang to say anything more.
*
In the same city, this time it was fast; when we entered the main courtyard, it had only just begun.
Cen Yan was sitting outside.
Liu Qi was with him.
With Liu Fu next to him, there are three people, and it's hard to say who is more nervous than whom.
Liu Fu was really anxious, and every now and then he would get up and walk around for a while.
Liu Qi waited for a while, but couldn't resist, and after a while he stood up and started circling around.
Unlike ordinary women giving birth, it was completely quiet inside, without a sound. Cen Yan waited for half an hour and began to feel a little anxious.
After Hao San saw Li Yang off, he went into the main courtyard and saw that there were several chairs, but no one was sitting on them.
Hao San said the matter was settled, but Cen Yan just waved his hand and didn't have the patience to listen. Hao San, unusually, understood and sat down to wait.
After waiting for a while, Hao San also stood up.
I understand, this wait is truly agonizing.
*
When Zhuang Dongqing opened her eyes, Master Zhao brought in a bowl of herbal medicine to relieve the pain.
Zhuang Dongqing quickly drank it.
I didn't feel anything when I moved, which suggests that the little bug on my back hasn't gone away yet.
Soon after, the priests of the southern border confirmed this.
Zhuang Dongqing pleaded pitifully, "Can it stay a little longer? It would be too painful to remove it now!"
The pain pump needs to be used until the second or third day postpartum; I've never heard of it being removed immediately after giving birth.
Perhaps it was because Zhuang Dongqing's eyes looked too pitiful, or perhaps it was because Cen Yan was too domineering, but the priest ultimately said nothing and agreed.
Master Zhao congratulated him, saying, "Congratulations, young master! It's a boy, weighing a little over five pounds, which isn't particularly light."
"oh."
As Zhuang Dongqing lay down again, she felt weak.
But now that the belly is empty, it has finally shrunk a little, and I think I'll be able to sleep well after this period of pain.
I wonder if the scar will look ugly...
Well, it's good enough that I'm alive. Surgery these days is nothing like it is in modern times.
Zhuang Dongqing is feeling some blood loss, but there's no way to lose it.
People came and went, and soon Zhuang Dongqing was moved to a small bed next to her. Sensing the movement, she opened her eyes and found that it was Cen Yan.
How strange, Cen Yan's eyes are a little red, that's unusual.
"Why are you awake? Did I hurt you?"
Zhuang Dongqing shook her head, stared at Cen Yan for a while, then realized something and asked him, "Is the child still healthy?"
Cen Yan thought of that nickname and laughed, "Your crying was quite loud. You were just soothed by Grandma. I guess you probably won't need that nickname anymore."
Zhuang Dongqing smiled, her voice light and airy: "It's fine if we don't need it, and the name you chose sounds nice too."
His name is very simple and unpretentious.
The child's given name is An, Cen An, which expresses the hope that he will have a peaceful and joyful life, and that everything will go smoothly for him.
Cen Yan smiled and asked him if he wanted to look after the child.
Zhuang Dongqing was actually a little listless, but after thinking about it, she nodded.
Having lived inside his body for so long, it was only right that we meet.
A moment later, the child was brought over by the grandmother. Zhuang Dongqing looked at the child carefully and felt a little... disgusted.
Zhuang Dongqing wrinkled her nose and commented truthfully, "It's so ugly, all wrinkled, like a little monkey."
Cen Yan: "..."
Grandma: "..."
Before Grandma could explain that all newborns look like this, a very loud sound rang out in the room.
"Wow—"
Little Cen An was the first to speak up, crying and expressing his dissatisfaction.
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