Three months later, in early winter, the biting cold wind had quietly entered the Kyoto Imperial City.
That day, dark clouds filled the sky, and the sky was gloomy. On the execution platform at Caishikou, all the traitors, including Shen Yun, were bound hand and foot and kneeling on the ground.
Shen Yun's expression was indifferent, and his slightly tired eyes stared straight in the direction of Changxin Hall in the palace, as if he was expecting something.
After watching for a while, Shen Yun completely lost his last glimmer of hope. His face was pale, and his eyes revealed endless regret.
He longed to return to the day he married Ningyin, and he longed to fulfill the duties of a husband.
But this was just wishful thinking. Now, he was about to leave this world, and he would never be able to say another word to Ning Yin in this lifetime.
Shen Yun was not afraid of death, but closed his eyes somewhat dejectedly, tears streaming down his cheeks.
His biggest regret in life was that he didn't spend more time with Ning Yin, care for her more, or do more for her when she needed him.
Irreparable mistakes cannot be forgiven.
As the executioner gave the order, Shen Yun suddenly chuckled. In the end, this day was inevitable, and now that he was dying on his own land, he could at least find some solace.
I hope Ningyin will be happy in the future, and I hope Xiao Xuan will love her, cherish her, and never take a concubine.
With deep regret and longing, Shen Yun felt no pain until blood stained the entire execution ground, and everything finally came to an end.
A month later, the emperor abdicated in favor of the crown prince, and the whole country rejoiced, celebrating the ascension of this young and promising new emperor.
The man, clad in a dragon robe, ascended the steps leading to the supreme throne. After reaching the highest position, Xiao Xuan turned around and looked at all the civil and military officials who were bowing down at his feet. The sharp glint in his eyes revealed his current status as someone who held absolute power.
He is the master of this world, holding the power of life and death over all things, but he must also be a model of a wise ruler in the hearts of the people.
As Xiao Xuan ascended the throne, shouts of "Long live the Emperor!" resounded throughout the entire imperial city.
The sound was deafening and overwhelming; even Ning Yin, who was lying on the chaise longue drinking milk, could hear it clearly.
Originally, Xiao Xuan intended to bring Ning Yin to the coronation ceremony and bestow upon her the title of Empress, the mother of the nation.
Because Ning Yin's health made it inconvenient for her to participate in these large-scale ceremonies, Xiao Xuan decided to wait until the baby was one month old before holding the full-month banquet and the empress coronation ceremony together, so as to have double happiness.
At that moment, Granny Zhang was massaging Ningyin's swollen and sore calves, while Suxin was sewing new winter clothes for the soon-to-be-born imperial grandson.
Just then, Ning Yin suddenly felt a sharp pain in her lower abdomen. Although she had never given birth before, she was a doctor and had delivered babies for other pregnant women, so she knew exactly what this meant.
"Suxin, quickly summon the imperial physician and midwife! I fear I am about to give birth!"
Upon hearing this, Su Xin and Granny Zhang tensed up, hurriedly stopped what they were doing, and called over a young eunuch to give him instructions.
After giving their instructions, the two women carefully helped Ningyin into the bedroom.
At this moment, the atmosphere in the delivery room was extremely tense. The palace maids were busy carrying basins of hot water in and out, while Ningyin lay on the bed.
His face was pale, his forehead was covered in sweat, and his hands were tightly gripping the quilt.
Previously, Ningyin had suspected Zhang Mama's abnormality, and privately asked Suxin to keep an eye on her every move.
However, after observing her for several months, Ningyin discovered that Granny Zhang had no ill intentions towards her.
On the contrary, she took even better care of herself than before. Moreover, Zhang Mama stood guard outside the bedroom every night, just in case she felt unwell and could come in to serve her at any time.
She prepared nutritious meals for herself in various ways, and said that she would work like a cow or a horse to repay her for saving her life. She even said that she would be willing to die even if the Empress asked her to.
Therefore, Ningyin dispelled her suspicions about Zhang Mama and allowed her to serve her personally.
Upon receiving the news, Xiao Xuan, who was still attending the enthronement ceremony in the Hall of Preserving Harmony, said a few words and ended the ceremony early, then quickly returned to the Hall of Changxin in his sedan chair.
Upon entering the bedchamber, Xiao Xuan saw the woman on the bed with a deathly pale face. His brows furrowed tightly, and his eyes were filled with anxiety and worry.
"How is it, Imperial Physician?"
The man clenched his fists, his eyes never leaving Ning Yin, and asked the three female doctors beside him.
"Your Majesty, Her Majesty is in good condition, and the midwife is already assisting her in giving birth."
The female physician had just finished taking Ningyin's pulse and fed her a bowl of ginseng soup to replenish her strength. She responded with a relatively natural expression, after all, the Empress's body had recovered considerably after these past few months of conditioning, and there should be no problem in her giving birth to the imperial heir smoothly.
After hearing the female doctor's words, Xiao Xuan felt a little relieved and went directly to Ning Yin's bedside to sit down.
"Ah Ning, I'm here, don't be afraid."
Although he was still uneasy, he held Ning Yin's hand tightly in order to encourage her.
There are three midwives here, two of whom are experienced old nannies who delivered babies for Empress Zhang.
While encouraging and comforting Ningyin, they operated methodically. Their technique was excellent, so Ningyin did not suffer much.
Meanwhile, Granny Zhang was watching Ningyin and the child with great concern. As the child's head gradually emerged, Granny Zhang excitedly rubbed it with her hands, her eyes shining with indescribable joy.
"Your Majesty, give it your all, just one last push and the baby will be out."
The midwife, with a happy expression, gently cradled the baby's head, offering encouragement to Ningyin.
Ning Yin took a deep breath and exerted only a little effort. Before long, a loud baby cry broke the tense atmosphere.
Upon hearing the cries, everyone breathed a sigh of relief and relaxed, revealing smiles of contentment.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty and Your Highness! It's a healthy baby boy!" The midwife respectfully announced the good news to the couple while holding the baby, then retreated to the back.
Xiao Xuan watched as the midwife carried the child to the back to wash and dress, but he didn't follow. Instead, he quickly called over the female doctor to check on Ning Yin's condition.
Despite it being the dead of winter, the woman's bangs were completely soaked with sweat. He took the wet towel from Su Xin's hand and carefully wiped her face, his brows furrowing with concern.
The baby has finally been born!
Ning Yin's eyelashes trembled slightly, and a joyful and satisfied smile appeared on her face.
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