After the peace treaty between the Northern Barbarians and the Great Qi was formally signed, the situation in the court gradually stabilized. Xiao Suiyun continued to assist the Crown Prince in handling military affairs, but he was no longer as busy as before and had more time to spend with Qi Yue.
With Qi Yue's due date approaching, everyone in the Zhenbei Marquis's residence was taking extra precautions. Xiao Suiyun even declined all unnecessary social engagements, returning home early every day to be with his wife.
That afternoon, Qi Yue was taking a walk in the courtyard when she suddenly felt waves of pain in her abdomen. She leaned against a pillar and quietly called for her maid.
"Quickly...quickly go and fetch the midwife and the imperial physician..."
The news spread, and the entire Marquis's residence was immediately bustling with activity. Xiao Suiyun, who was in the Ministry of War, immediately asked for leave and returned home upon hearing the news.
Outside the delivery room, he listened to Qi Yue's suppressed cries of pain inside, his heart filled with anxiety. He tried to rush in several times, but Xin Xiyao stopped him each time.
“Men should not enter when a woman is giving birth.” Although Xin Xiyao was also worried, she remained calm. “Yue’er is in the correct position, she will be fine.”
However, an hour passed, and there was still no good news from the delivery room. The imperial physician came out and reported, "The lady's fetal strength is somewhat weak, and delivery will probably take some more time."
Xiao Suiyun's face was pale, and his knuckles turned white from clenching his fists. Just then, Qin Sang rushed over.
"Let me go in and take a look." She nodded to Xiao Suiyun and then entered the delivery room.
Another half hour passed, and just as Xiao Suiyun was about to burst in, a loud baby's cry came from the delivery room.
"It's born! It's born!" The midwife came out joyfully to announce the good news. "Congratulations, Your Excellency, it's a little prince!"
Xiao Suiyun felt relieved and was about to go in to see Qi Yue when she heard another exclamation from the delivery room: "There's another one! It's twins!"
Another flurry of activity ensued, followed by a second cry. This time it was a girl.
Xiao Suiyun could no longer contain herself and strode into the delivery room. Qi Yue lay weakly on the bed, her body soaked in sweat, but with a satisfied smile on her face.
“Suiyun…” she called softly, “Look at our child…”
The midwife handed over two swaddled babies. The boy looked just like Xiao Suiyun, with a natural air of heroism in his eyes and brows; the girl looked more like Qi Yue, with delicate features and was very cute.
Xiao Suiyun carefully took the two children, tears welling up in her eyes: "Thank you for your hard work, Yue'er."
Qi Yue gently shook her head, gazing tenderly at her husband and children.
The news spread quickly, and the emperor issued a special decree to bestow names upon the twins: the eldest son, Xiao Muyue, and the eldest daughter, Xiao Nianyun, which were the names Xiao Suiyun had originally chosen.
On the day of the baby's third-day celebration, the Marquis of Zhenbei's residence was filled with guests. The Crown Prince and Crown Princess came in person, bringing generous gifts. Xin Rui and Qin Sang also arrived early to help.
"These two children truly embody the best qualities of their parents." The Crown Princess held Xiao Nianyun, beaming with affection.
The Crown Prince patted Xiao Suiyun on the shoulder: "Now that you are a father, you should set a good example for your children."
Xiao Suiyun looked at Qi Yue, who was talking with the women not far away, his eyes full of tenderness: "Your subject will do his utmost to protect my family and serve the country."
The full moon celebration was extremely grand. Not only were all the important officials of the court present, but Ashina Zhe, the new king of the Northern Di, also sent envoys with congratulatory gifts to show goodwill.
At the banquet, Qi Yue, dressed in a noblewoman's gown, greeted the guests alongside Xiao Suiyun. Although she had only given birth a month prior, her complexion was rosy and her demeanor elegant, earning her secret praise from many of the female guests.
"Sister is becoming more and more like the lady of a marquis." Qi Mingyue had specially rushed back from the border and was very pleased to see her younger sister's transformation.
Qi Yue smiled: "It's all thanks to Sui Yun's thoughtfulness that I can rest and recuperate in peace."
Midway through the banquet, Xiao Suiyun announced to the public: "To celebrate the full moon of my children, I will donate 50,000 taels of silver to build a charity hall in the capital to take in elderly people living alone and orphans."
This act of kindness won applause from everyone present. Upon learning of it, the emperor bestowed a plaque upon the hall and personally inscribed the four characters "Ren De Shan Tang" (meaning "Hall of Benevolence and Kindness").
However, amidst the festive atmosphere, Qi Yue noticed that Xiao Suiyun occasionally showed signs of worry. After the banquet, she asked softly, "Is there something troubling you in court?"
Xiao Suiyun pondered for a moment and said, "I received news today that Ashina Hong has fled to the Western Rong, and I fear he may incite the Western Rong to become enemies with the Great Qi."
Qi Yue's heart tightened: "The Western Rong have become increasingly powerful in recent years. If they collude with the remnants of the Northern Di, it is indeed a hidden danger."
“However, you don’t need to worry too much,” Xiao Suiyun comforted him. “The Crown Prince has ordered people to closely monitor the movements of the Western Rong, and I will also strengthen border defenses.”
Just then, the wet nurse came over carrying the crying Mu Yue. Xiao Suiyun took his son and gently rocked him. The little guy gradually stopped crying and looked at his father with his big, dark eyes.
"Look, Mu Yue loves being held by her father the most," Qi Yue said with a smile.
Looking at her son in her arms, Xiao Suiyun's worry gradually faded: "For their sake, I must also protect this peaceful and prosperous world."
As the days went by, the two children grew up. Mu Yue, just as his name suggests, was particularly attached to his mother; while Nian Yun clung even more to his father, always reaching out his little arms for a hug whenever Xiao Suiyun returned home.
That day, Xiao Suiyun was teaching Nianyun to walk in the courtyard. The little girl wobbled and ran into her father's arms, giggling. Qi Yue, holding Mu Yue, watched this scene from the corridor, her heart filled with happiness.
"Madam, the Marquis truly dotes on Miss," a maid said with a smile.
Qi Yue nodded, then suddenly remembered something: "The Marquis's birthday is coming soon, we should make a big celebration for him this year."
Xiao Suiyun has never liked extravagance, but this year marks his 30th birthday, and it also happens to be the year of peace between the two countries, so Qi Yue wants to celebrate it properly for him.
She secretly discussed with Xin Rui and Qin Sang, deciding to give Xiao Suiyun a surprise on his birthday.
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