Yunyi wasn't too worried about having a child. The entire Chengqian Palace was staffed with her people, and the midwife was sent by the Tong family. She was of impeccable character and absolutely reliable.
During childbirth, she was accompanied by four senior palace maids who took care of her inside and out, and there was also Zhang Mama, an experienced woman, in the delivery room.
In addition, she had already taken the pregnancy pills from the system store, so there was absolutely no chance of a difficult labor, and childbirth would be very easy.
Yunyi wasn't worried about being harmed by anyone outside, nor about her own health, so she wasn't afraid at all.
Ruoshu helped her into the delivery room, which had been prepared in advance, where the midwife was already waiting.
Yunyi is only experiencing mild pain, which is not significant. The midwife is a seasoned veteran, and although she is a little nervous in front of the Imperial Concubine, she still maintains a calm demeanor.
Seeing Yunyi's condition, the head midwife knew it was still too early for her to give birth, so she instructed a young palace maid to go to the small kitchen to prepare some food for the Imperial Concubine so that she would have the strength to give birth.
Since it concerns the food that goes into her mouth, Ruoshu goes to the small kitchen to supervise the cook to ensure safety.
Yunyi, under the guidance of the midwife, walked back and forth in the room so that her cervix could open faster.
As Yunyi prepared to give birth, her palace maids went to various parts of the inner palace to inform her.
Due to the distance, the Empress's office in Kunning Palace was the first to receive the news.
"Yes, I understand that the Imperial Concubine is about to give birth." Xia He received the news of Imperial Concubine Tong's delivery and, thinking of her mistress's current situation, could only apologize to the palace maid who came to report from Chengqian Palace.
"However, Her Majesty the Empress is currently unwell and has been resting in bed for quite some time. She is truly unable to get up. I will inform Her Majesty of this matter, but Her Majesty will not be able to go."
The first-class palace maids were all in Chengqian Palace taking care of Yunyi. The one who came to Kunning Palace to report this time was Qingruo, a second-class palace maid who served Yunyi.
Hearing Xia He's words, Qing Ruo knew that the Empress's condition was indeed not good, and she was not displeased with what Xia He said.
Qingruo bowed slightly and smiled, "What are you saying, sister? Her Majesty the Empress is unwell and should be resting in bed. I was just informing her as usual. You can report to Her Majesty the Empress yourself; there's no need for you to come."
Xia He nodded. Qing Ruo exchanged a few pleasantries with her and then left without disturbing her as she went back to take care of the Empress.
Turning back into the inner hall, Chunlan asked with some confusion, "What's wrong? Who was looking for you?"
Xia He explained to Chunlan the news she had just heard about Consort Tong giving birth.
The two men fell silent for a moment. Their master was seriously ill, spending less and less time conscious and more and more time unconscious, which showed how serious his condition was.
Meanwhile, the woman in Chengqian Palace is ten months pregnant and preparing to give birth. How happy she will be to have a child by her side!
Both women were candidates to become empress, but the master emerged as the ultimate winner. Now, things are as they are. Although Consort Tong lost, she still has a son.
Thinking this, Xia He couldn't help but sigh at the impermanence of life and how unpredictable one's circumstances are.
Looking up at Chunlan, I asked, "Is Master awake?"
Chunlan shook her head heavily. "She's still asleep and shows no signs of waking up."
Xia He felt a chill in her heart; her master had been asleep for a whole day.
Thinking of the imperial physician's previous diagnosis, Xia He simply couldn't accept the idea that her master didn't have much time left.
Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang was reading a Buddhist scripture, and Empress Dowager Renxian was also beside her. Su Mala Gu came in and reported, "Your Majesty, a palace maid from Chengqian Palace has come to report that Consort Tong has gone into labor."
Gently setting down the scriptures, Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang's heart stirred. After months of anxiety, she couldn't help but sigh, "Finally, this moment has arrived."
Thinking of how the Empress had been bedridden and even had difficulty getting up during this time, and how she was afraid that she would not be able to go to Chengqian Palace to take charge of the overall situation, Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang pondered for a moment and then said to Empress Dowager Renxian.
"Qiqige, Consort Tong is of high status, so the Empress can't go. There is no consort in the palace of higher status than her. Chengqian Palace cannot be left without someone to take charge. Please take on the task and go and look after her."
Knowing the current situation in the inner palace, Empress Dowager Renxian had long anticipated this, so she was not surprised when Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang said these words to her, and she nodded in agreement.
"Yes, Your Majesty, I will go right away."
Watching Empress Dowager Renxian's departing figure, Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang sighed, "Su Mo'er, help me to the small Buddhist hall."
Sumalagu responded and stepped forward to help Xiaozhuang. The two elderly women, both in their sixties, supported each other as they walked to the small Buddhist hall in the back.
Kneeling on a thick prayer mat, Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang prayed with a devout expression.
Since learning of Lady Tong's pregnancy, Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang had been somewhat worried, fearing that if she gave birth to a prince, it would threaten the crown prince's position. Although Emperor Kangxi had given her assurances, she was still uneasy.
When Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang learned that Lady Tong was pregnant with twins, she became even more worried. She feared that if she gave birth to two princes, it would bring an ominous sign to the Qing Dynasty. She also feared that if she gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl, although it would be an auspicious sign, Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang did not want this auspicious sign to fall on Lady Tong.
At this moment, Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang was in a small Buddhist hall. She silently recited Buddhist scriptures and prayed in her heart, hoping that Lady Tong would give birth to two little princesses.
When Emperor Kangxi learned from Liang Jiugong that Yunyi was about to give birth, the emperor, who was usually inscrutable, showed a hint of panic.
Although he quickly suppressed it, Liang Jiugong still noticed it with his sharp eyes. He was somewhat surprised, not expecting that the Imperial Concubine held such a heavy place in His Majesty's heart.
After mentally reassessing Consort Tong's position, Liang Jiugong secretly told himself that he should be even more respectful to the Consort in the future.
Emperor Kangxi put down his pen and abandoned the memorials he had not yet finished processing, loudly ordering, "Liang Jiugong, prepare the carriage for Chengqian Palace." He then strode out of the main hall.
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