Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 200 - 199. Xiao Bao’s Nickname and Birth

199. Little Treasure’s Nickname and Birth

Soon, Yaoji was brought in by the guard outside. Seeing the emaciated and pale woman before her, Ye Li couldn’t help but sigh deeply. The current Yaoji was a completely different person compared to the sorrowful yet resilient and radiant woman from a year ago. Her once delicate face and snow-white skin had become thin and waxen due to a long period of malnutrition. Still, her originally exquisite beauty could be vaguely seen from her elegant outline. Her hair was haphazardly tied with a cloth, hanging behind her in a dry and dull manner. Yaoji held a swaddled baby in her arms. The child seemed well-cared for, about five or six months old.

She waved to signal Qin Feng to leave first. Hesitant, Qin Feng glanced at Yaoji while slightly frowning. Even though they had already investigated Yaoji’s situation, the Princess Consort was in a critical moment where nothing could go wrong. Realizing this, Qin Feng somewhat regretted disturbing the Princess Consort at such a time. He had only thought of rescuing Yaoji and bringing her back without permission, and he needed to report it to the Princess Consort. However, he neglected to remember that the Princess Consort was about to give birth and it would be equally acceptable to report about Yaoji later as long as nothing unexpected occurred. Seeing Qin Feng’s indecisiveness, Ye Li lightly laughed and said, "You may leave first. I’ll chat with Miss Yaoji."

Qin Feng had no choice but to wait outside. Ye Li looked at Yaoji apologetically and said, "Please excuse his intrusion." Yaoji shook her head and faintly smiled, "Lord Qin’s loyalty towards the Princess Consort is truly admirable."

Ye Li looked at the child in Yaoji’s arms. Yaoji constantly lowered her head to look at the child, gently rocking him. Even her sickly face was filled with a loving expression. "This child..." Yaoji hugged the child tightly to her chest and spoke softly, "This is my child. He is almost half a year old. His name is Shen Jing’an. How do you like this name?" Ye Li nodded and asked, "The child uses your surname?" She seemed to recall that Yaoji once mentioned that her original family name was Shen, and her name was Shen Yao.

As if recalling something, Yaoji silently nodded.

Looking at the previous peerless beauty in front of her now reduced to such a miserable state, Ye Li felt deep regret. "I remember you had a substantial amount of silver taels when you left the Capital City. How did you end up in such a predicament?" The silver from secretly selling Qingcheng Workshop to Ye Li should have been more than enough for Yaoji and her child to live a life of luxury. Yaoji gave a bitter smile and gently caressed her sleeping child, "I used to pride myself on being unmatched in every way, but after leaving Qingcheng Workshop, I realized that apart from singing and dancing, I wasn’t good at anything. Although I despise the identity of a dancing girl, it was that identity that allowed me to live freely these years. Without it, I might have been bought by someone and forced to become a concubine by now. I originally thought that, although I couldn’t be with Mu Yang, at least we had parted amicably. However, who would’ve thought..."

It turned out that after Yaoji left the Capital City, she found a secluded place to stay near the capital as she was already three months pregnant. She planned to wait until the child was born before starting a new journey. Little did she know, the numerous manors in the vicinity of the small town she was residing in all belonged to the maternal home of Marchioness Muyang. A steward recognized Yaoji’s identity and reported to Marchioness Muyang. By then, Yaoji was six months pregnant and Mu Yang was away, fighting in the Northwest alongside Ye Li. Despite looking down on Yaoji’s identity, Marchioness Muyang was worried that her son might have an accident as the war in the Northwest remained extremely hazardous. Thus, she didn’t have the intention to harm Yaoji or the child and ordered her mother’s family to keep a close watch on her. With her intelligence, Yaoji could guess her fate—no matter if Mu Yang could return, the day her child was born would probably be her last. Consequently, she used her saved wealth to bribe the guards in an attempt to escape, but was caught and brought back. Marchioness Muyang’s maternal family plundered all of Yaoji’s money, not leaving her even half a copper coin. By the time Mu Yang came back, Yaoji was about to give birth. It was the servant who had cared for Yaoji and had a soft heart who secretly sent a message to Mu Yang. Mu Yang rushed over just in time for the birth of the child. If he had been even a bit late, Yaoji would have died from bleeding.

After that, due to Mu Yang’s insistence, Yaoji and the child were placed in a separate courtyard within Marquis Muyang’s Mansion. Then, Mu Yang was married to Miss Sun. After resting for a few days, Yaoji brought up the return of her money by Marquis Muyang’s Mansion and said she would leave with the child. However, Mu Yang completely refused, and the family of Marchioness Muyang even denied having taken Yaoji’s money. At the time, Yaoji was so angry she almost fainted. She had saved for so many years and Ye Li did not treat her unfairly when she sold Qingcheng Workshop. Besides various jewelry and treasures, there were over 200,000 silver taels in banknotes. Mu Yang, in order to prevent Yaoji from running away with the money, tacitly accepted his maternal family’s claim. Consequently, Yaoji couldn’t even take out a single coin, let alone bribe the guards in the separate courtyard in order to escape.

However, Yaoji was stubborn; every visit from Mu Yang was full of arguments. Mu Yang’s regular visits to the other courtyard naturally aroused the suspicion of the new heir’s wife. Therefore, when Mu Yang was dispatched out to work by the dissatisfied Marquis Muyang, Yaoji and her child nearly starved to death in the other courtyard. Upon Mu Yang’s return, there was of course a huge uproar, after which he moved Yaoji and her child to a small courtyard under his name. Yaoji spent over a month softening her stance to lower Mu Yang’s suspicions. Then she seized the opportunity during Mu Yang’s drunken stupor to escape with her child and a few inexpensive belongings, heading west. As for who pursued her in the end, wanting to snatch her child—whether it was Mu Yang or someone from Marquis Muyang’s Mansion—she didn’t have the slightest clue.

Looking at the pregnant yet radiant Ye Li in front of her, Yaoji gave a bitter smile. If Princess Consort Ding had experienced this, she certainly wouldn’t be as wretched as herself. During the days when she was almost starved to death in the other courtyard, Yaoji finally understood that trying to control her own fate was simply a daydream. All the glory she enjoyed over the years was just because she was the premier dancer, along with the secret protection of Mu Yang and Third Feng. Without these, she was nothing more than a helpless woman in this world.

After hearing Yaoji’s story, Ye Li didn’t know whether to sigh or get angry. After pondering for a moment, Ye Li asked, "What are your plans for the future? According to you, all your money and valuables have been taken by Marchioness Muyang’s maternal family. I can help you retrieve them. What are your plans for later?" Yaoji lowered her head to look at the child in her arms, then raised her head and said, "I beg the Princess Consort to find a good family to adopt my child. I don’t seek wealth or high rank; I just want him to have a home with both parents in harmony."

Ye Li frowned, puzzled, "What are you doing? If you don’t want this child, why did you bother to bring him out in the first place? If you had stayed in Marquis Muyang’s Mansion, considering your relationship with Mu Yang, he wouldn’t have let the child be wronged." Yaoji smiled bitterly and said to Ye Li, "I heard about the situation in your family. Even a legitimate daughter from a large family like you was mistreated by your stepmother. Not to mention my child. Miss Sun couldn’t wait to kill my child, and how much could Mu Yang protect him? Besides... Having a former dancer as a mother isn’t something to be proud of. I just want him to live a simple and peaceful life."

Ye Li was somewhat hesitant and lowered her head to think. "I am not so free nowadays. Why don’t you settle down in Ruyang City for now and think carefully about what plans you have for the future? If you insist on doing this, I will have someone find a good family for the child later." Yaoji was overjoyed and sobbed, "Shen Yao thanks the Princess Consort." Although she spoke with determination, she was still unable to bear parting with the baby she had carried for ten months. Even though she had made up her mind, having more time with her child was always good.

Ye Li ordered Qin Feng to take Yaoji out and settle her down. As she was thinking about Yaoji’s situation, Mo Xiuyao walked in leisurely. Seeing that Ye Li’s eyebrows were slightly furrowed, Mo Xiuyao hurriedly sat next to her to check. "What’s wrong? Are you not feeling well?" Ye Li shook her head, leaned against Mo Xiuyao’s chest, and recounted Yaoji’s story, sighing at the end, "Mu Yang really messed this up." This was not only for Yaoji, but also for the newly married Miss Sun. Even if the people who chased Yaoji were sent by Miss Sun, Ye Li wouldn’t be too surprised.

Hearing Ye Li worrying about others like this, Mo Xiuyao was discontented. He let her lean against him, lightly stroking her round belly, and said, "Let others handle these trivial matters. If Ah-Li has time to worry about these, you might as well think about something else." Ye Li raised her eyes, smiled at him, and said, "Think about what? Have you thought about the baby’s name?" Mo Xiuyao frowned and said indifferently, "Is it that troublesome to pick a name? Ah-Li is always cooing ’baby, baby,’ so let’s just call him ’baby Mo’."

Ye Li’s mouth twitched. Looking at the jealous man, she laughed, "’Baby Mo’? Are you sure our child won’t blame us for this name in the future?" Just imagining a handsome young man, teenager, or middle-aged man who looked just like Mo Xiuyao, having to live with a name like ’Baby Mo’ was comical. Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows and said, "How dare he?" Ye Li nodded seriously, "Trust me, he really would dare." Any man with a name like that would be itching to rebel, wouldn’t he? Mo Xiuyao snorted and said, "Then call him Mo Xiaobao." Ye Li rolled her eyes, deciding not to discuss this issue with him for now. What if his temper flared up and he insisted on calling the child ’Baby Mo’ or ’Mo Xiaobao’? She wouldn’t be able to win against him. Anyway, the baby’s formal name could be decided before he turned one. If not, she could ask her maternal grandfather and uncles to choose one. Ye Li tactfully changed the subject and asked, "How is the search for the former dynasty’s treasure? How did you come back so soon?"

Mo Xiuyao carelessly retorted, "Isn’t this all Tan Jizhi’s mischief? Does he think he can cause me trouble and still get away with it?" Ye Li curiously asked, "What did you do?" Mo Xiuyao nonchalantly replied, "I simply revealed his true identity to our Emperor. Incidentally, it can be seen as a way of serving Great Chu." Ye Li raised an eyebrow and said, "When Tan Jizhi left the Northwest, he must have been prepared for his identity to be exposed, right?" Mo Xiuyao sneered, "What if I add that the Imperial Seal of the Realm is involved?"

"Would anyone believe that the Imperial Seal of the Realm is in his possession?" asked Ye Li.

"There will always be those who believe it. I will send the secret guards after Tan Jizhi. They don’t need to kill him, just force him to produce the Imperial Seal," Mo Xiuyao said casually. Understanding the situation, Ye Li smiled. If the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion was also chasing after Tan Jizhi for the Imperial Seal, those interested in it would naturally think twice. As for who to believe, that was up to each person to decide.

Mo Xiuyao hugged Ye Li, lazily rubbing his head against her shoulder, saying, "Ah-Li, you don’t need to concern yourself with these trivial matters now. As long as you safely give birth to baby Mo, that will be enough." Once that annoying little one is out of the picture, Ah-Li will be his and his alone.

"Don’t call him baby Mo; it doesn’t sound nice," Ye Li protested seriously, fighting for their son’s rights. Mo Xiuyao nonchalantly corrected himself, "Mo Xiaobao."

Ye Li held her forehead, sighed, and looked at the man’s stubborn, handsome face, saying, "That’s a nickname." Mo Xiuyao gave a hum but didn’t reply. When the nickname became more renowned than the formal name, what difference did it make? Hence, the future Young Master of Prince Ding’s Mansion, handsome and renowned, was given a nickname he could never shake off for his entire life.

This trip back to the Capital of Great Chu, Qin Feng brought back not only Ye Li’s attendants and Chief Steward Mo, but also the beloved concubine and son of the Deputy Commander of the Imperial Army. Xue Chengliang, who had been stubbornly refusing to speak, finally broke down upon seeing his delicate, beautiful lover and his adorable two-year-old son. He didn’t even need to be tortured; he willingly confessed everything.

In the dungeon, Mo Xiuyao still sat leisurely on the large couch, coolly observing the touching scene of family reunion before him. Feng Zhiyao and Qin Feng stood behind him. After pacifying his crying wife and child, Xue Chengliang stood up and said, "Prince, I will tell you whatever you want to know. But please, under no circumstances should you hurt my wife and child." Mo Xiuyao frowned slightly, nodding and saying, "Granted. I assure you, as long as you give me the information I want, I absolutely won’t harm this mother and child. I can even grant them a peaceful place to live."

Hearing this, Xue Chengliang chuckled and said, "I naturally trust the personal promise of Prince Ding. Please, ask your questions."

With a wave of his hand, Mo Xiuyao had the mother and child escorted out. After the dungeon had been quiet for a while, he asked, "Why did Mo Jingqi go to such lengths to save Su Zuidie?" Upon hearing this, not only did Xue Chengliang hesitate, but Feng Zhiyao and Qin Feng were taken aback as well. Feng Zhiyao glanced at Mo Xiuyao and thought to himself, Prince, you can’t still have lingering feelings for that woman Su Zuidie, can you? Probably because Feng Zhiyao’s expression was too obvious, Mo Xiuyao gave him a slanted, chilly look. Feng Zhiyao felt a chill run down his spine; he quickly cleared his throat and adjusted his expression to a serious one as he looked at Xue Chengliang.

The question took Xue Chengliang by surprise. He looked at Mo Xiuyao’s calm and indifferent face in silence for a moment before answering, "His Majesty and Su Zuidie have known each other since they were teenagers. His Majesty, shortly after he ascended the throne, had proposed to Lord Su that he wanted to take Miss Su into the palace as a consort, but Lord Su refused."

Mo Xiuyao glanced up and asked nonchalantly, "Are you trying to tell me that it’s due to His Majesty’s lingering affection for Su Zuidie that he dispatched so many people to rescue her?" Xue Chengliang remained silent. He also understood how absurd this answer sounded. He had been with Mo Jingqi since before he ascended to the throne and knew perfectly well what kind of person he was. Even if Su Zuidie were a hundred times more beautiful, Mo Jingqi would not expend such significant resources merely for a pretty woman. After some thought, Xue Chengliang asked, "What does the Prince want to know?"

Gazing at his slender fingers, Mo Xiuyao said, "For instance, the relationship between Su Zuidie, His Majesty, and Tan Jizhi."

Xue Chengliang frowned and said, "Tan Jizhi appeared suddenly at His Majesty’s side ten years ago. His Majesty greatly valued his wisdom and considered him a trusted advisor. As for his relationship with Miss Su, I don’t know, except that they knew each other."

"Tan Jizhi’s true identity is a survivor of the former imperial family," Mo Xiuyao continued. "Or, you could tell me why Mo Jingqi trusts him so much. You wouldn’t happen to be ignorant about this as well, would you, Commander Xue?" Hearing this, Xue Chengliang’s face changed; he stared at Mo Xiuyao in shock, unblinking. Mo Xiuyao sneered, his eyebrows furrowing as he coldly ordered, "Third Feng, bring the child who is outside to me!" Xue Chengliang jumped and quickly said, "No! Prince, I beg you, spare the child! Whatever you want to know, I will tell you!" Mo Xiuyao nodded satisfactorily. "Very well. Su Zuidie is in my hands. But in the past two months, countless people have come. Tan Jizhi wants to kill her, and His Majesty wants to save her. I wonder when a woman became so important. Perhaps you would like to enlighten me?"

Xue Chengliang became as white as a sheet, glancing once at the tightly closed dungeon door. His wife and child were just outside; one wrong word from him would plunge them into irreversible danger. Closing his eyes with a sense of powerlessness, Xue Chengliang finally said, "I don’t know too much. I only recall that, on His Majesty’s orders years ago, I received something from Miss Su. Then I handed it to Lord Tan." Mo Xiuyao narrowed his eyes. "What was it?"

Xue Chengliang answered, "I don’t know, but... it was taken from Prince Ding’s Mansion. Afterwards, Lord Tan went alone to Beirong. A month later... the previous Prince Ding and the Mo Family Army suffered a crushing defeat at the Beirong border. So I guess... it might be related." After saying these words, Xue Chengliang slumped to the ground as if all his strength had left him. Although he wasn’t a noble man, he wasn’t cruel and utterly devoid of empathy either. When the tragedy befell Prince Ding’s Mansion years ago, he had an indistinct feeling that these things would come back to haunt him one day, but he never imagined it would take ten years.

The dungeon fell into silent stillness, disturbed only by the occasional crackle of burning firewood not too far away. Mo Xiuyao reclined on the couch with his eyes downcast. A few wisps of silver hair hung by his face, hiding his expression from view. But Feng Zhiyao and Qin Feng, standing behind him, could clearly see the hair stirring without wind. The overwhelming pressure made the two unconsciously take a step back. They looked at each other and saw disbelief mirrored on each other’s faces.

After a while, when the three people in the prison cell were almost out of breath, they heard Mo Xiuyao’s cold voice, "Continue."

Xue Chengliang’s face was pale, and a trace of blood seeped from his lips. He never expected that Prince Ding’s cultivation had reached such a level that, just by relying on his internal energy projected from a distance, he could force him to sustain internal injuries and cough up blood. He shook his head and said, "At that time, I was just one of His Majesty’s personal guards; I didn’t know much. The reason His Majesty wanted to save Miss Su was because Miss Su seemed to have taken two things from Prince Ding’s Mansion, but she only gave one to His Majesty, and the other is still with her. As for the rest... I don’t know."

"Prince..." Feng Zhiyao called out cautiously. The silent Mo Xiuyao was more terrifying than when he was in a rage. Even though he knew logically that Mo Xiuyao would do no harm to them, Feng Zhiyao sighed, secretly tightening his slightly trembling fingers within the sleeve of his gown.

"Qin Feng, bring Su Zuidie here. I don’t care what method you use, nor how you do it, but make her spit out the answer today!"

Qin Feng’s heart shivered, and he nodded, "Yes, I will do as you command." Feng Zhiyao frowned in worry, "Prince, Su Zuidie is notoriously tough. What if..."

"Then let her die!" Mo Xiuyao shouted angrily. "If you can’t get the answer, send out all the Qilin! Capture all of Mo Jingqi’s confidants! I don’t believe there’s not one of them who knows about this!"

"I obey!" Qin Feng nodded, turning and running out of the prison cell without looking back.

"Prince..." Feng Zhiyao’s throat felt bitter, and he didn’t know what to say. The news that Xue Chengliang had revealed was too shocking. While puzzling over how to respond, he heard footsteps outside the door, and then the joyful voice of Chief Steward Mo came, "Prince! Reporting to the Prince, the Princess Consort is about to give birth!"

Mo Xiuyao was startled and suddenly rose to his feet. Feng Zhiyao only saw a flash of a white figure, and Mo Xiuyao was no longer in the prison cell.

BANG——!

The previously intact couch instantly exploded, shattering into a pile of debris. Looking at the rubble and Xue Chengliang, who was bruised by the flying splinters, Feng Zhiyao casually said, "Commander Xue, rest here. If the Princess Consort gives birth to the heir and the Prince is in a good mood, you might have a chance at survival." Xue Chengliang forced a bitter smile, turning to Feng Zhiyao, "Thank you for your comfort, Third Young Master Feng. I have been uneasy for many years after that incident, always feeling that this day would come. I have no hope for my own life; my wife and child are innocent. I only hope that the Prince can spare their lives."

Feng Zhiyao remained silent. What Xue Chengliang said was too appalling. Until the Prince personally dealt with it, nobody knew what the final result would be. Feng Zhiyao glanced at Xue Chengliang, then stepped out of the prison cell.

The courtyard of the Prince’s Mansion main courtyard was full of people. The door to Ye Li’s room was tightly closed, with only serving girls occasionally entering and exiting carrying water. But before anyone could peek inside, the door would be firmly shut again.

The people standing outside the door saw a flash of white speed past them, and in the blink of an eye, he was already at the door. Mo Xiuyao lifted his hand to push the door open, but Xu Qingze and Xu Qingfeng each grabbed one of his hands. When Mo Xiuyao turned around in displeasure, despite the intensive training Xu Qingfeng had undergone under Qin Feng in the past two months, he inadvertently loosened his grip and said with a smile, "Li’er is giving birth; the Prince can’t go in."

Mo Xiuyao frowned, "I want to see Ah-Li."

Shen Yang retorted coldly, "What’s so interesting about a woman giving birth? The Prince doesn’t know that men can’t enter the delivery room..." A cold gaze, like an arrow, shot towards Shen Yang, who held his ground for a moment before faltering. As a physician, his keen senses told him that something was amiss with the Prince’s aura. He paused before saying, "It’s inauspicious for men to enter the delivery room..." Mo Xiuyao replied coldly, "I am not afraid." Shen Yang was silent for a moment before finally saying, "The Princess Consort will probably give birth in two to four hours. The Prince can go in to see her." Mo Xiuyao snorted, then turned around, pushed the door open, and went inside.

Outside the door, Xu Qingyan protested discontentedly, "Mr. Shen, why is the Prince allowed to enter, but we are not?"

Shen Yang silently wiped a drop of sweat, saying, "Because if I refuse, the Prince will kill me on the spot." Survival was clearly more important than following customs.

Mo Xiuyao stepped into the room, causing Nanny Lin, who was standing at the entrance, to exclaim, "How did the Prince come in..." Before she could finish her sentence, Mo Xiuyao interjected, "I’m just here to see Ah-Li; I’ll leave shortly."

After speaking, he walked past Nanny Lin and directly into the inner room. The others in the room were taken aback at seeing Mo Xiuyao. Ye Li was lying on the bed; her labor had just begun and wasn’t showing signs of immediate delivery. Upon seeing Mo Xiuyao, she gave a faint smile and questioned, "Why are you here?" Under the surprised gaze of the midwives, Mo Xiuyao sat down beside the bed, his expression somewhat uneasy and glum. Ye Li smiled reassuringly, held his hand, and said, "Don’t worry, I’ll be fine." Looking at her slightly furrowed brow, he extended his hand to wipe the sweat from her forehead and asked softly, "Does it hurt?"

Ye Li smiled faintly, "It’s bearable. You should go."

Mo Xiuyao shook his head, "I’ll stay with you for a while... Ah-Li, you have to be alright."

Ye Li smiled helplessly, "It’s just childbirth; what woman doesn’t go through it? I’ll be fine." Nanny Wei walked in carrying a bowl of fragrant chicken soup, briefly stunned upon seeing Mo Xiuyao at the bedside. Mo Xiuyao looked at her and asked, "What is this?" Nanny Wei explained, "This is chicken soup that has been simmering for several hours. The Princess Consort should have some to build her strength for later." Mo Xiuyao took the bowl from her, stating, "I will feed her." Although Nanny Wei wanted to object, she handed over the soup upon seeing Mo Xiuyao’s serious demeanor. Witnessing Mo Xiuyao lovingly feeding her Young Miss the chicken soup, she quietly wiped her eyes before exiting the room. No matter what, the Prince treated the Princess Consort a thousand times better than the Old Master had treated the Madam. The Young Miss’s judgment was far better than her mother’s.

After Ye Li finished the soup, she chatted with Mo Xiuyao for a while before insisting on sending him outside. Initially resisting, Mo Xiuyao finally got up after Ye Li gave him a hard pinch, warning, "If you’re here, I’ll get distracted, and it will be even more dangerous." Mo Xiuyao took one last look at the midwives and maids serving her, "Take good care of the Princess Consort. If anything happens to her, you will pay with your lives!" With Mo Xiuyao now outside the room, Ye Li sighed in relief and reassured the still startled group, "The Prince is just overly worried; everyone, don’t be too tense."

Nanny Lin gently wiped the sweat from Ye Li’s face and said, "The Prince is showing concern for the Princess Consort; we should be happy for you."

Ye Li gave a faint smile, her hand soothing her aching abdomen. Mo Xiuyao’s mood just now wasn’t very good; he was probably really scared. She had heard of fathers fainting outside the delivery room during childbirth; she hoped Prince Ding wouldn’t be so useless.

After nearly two more hours, the delivery room started to bustle. The people waiting outside anxiously listened to the midwives’ voices and Ye Li’s groans. Compared to the screams of most women during childbirth, Ye Li’s voice wasn’t too frightening, but for those waiting outside—not just Mo Xiuyao, but even Xu Qingfeng and Xu Qingze—their faces had turned pale. Usually mischievous, Xu Qingyan now remained quiet, listlessly squatting next to Shen Yang and Doctor Lin, anxiously asking every so often, "Is Sister Li okay? How much longer before the child comes out?" Shen Yang kicked him away, snapping, "Some people are in labor for fourteen to sixteen hours. It’s been less than four hours; what’s your rush?" Instantly, Xu Qingyan’s face turned pale, and he sat immobile by the door. He was scared that Sister Li would also be in labor for fourteen to sixteen hours; how painful that would be.

Xu Qingfeng tried to ignore the groaning sounds coming from inside, his smile more of a grimace as he said to the physically stiff Mo Xiuyao beside him, "I was there when Eldest Aunt gave birth to my fourth and fifth younger brothers. There won’t be any danger."

His eyes glued to the closed door, it was questionable whether Mo Xiuyao took in what Xu Qingfeng had said.

Ye Li remembered a discussion from her past life: what hurts more, a woman giving birth or a man taking a bullet? Now, Ye Li felt she knew the answer. If taking a bullet could make the baby come out faster, she would rather take a bullet. "Umm..." The midwife beside her urged, "Princess Consort, don’t hold back, scream!" Ye Li stayed silent. What was there to scream about? If she expended all her energy on screaming, how would she have any left to give birth? Besides, even if she screamed, the pain would still be the same. All Ye Li could do was inwardly curse that her tolerance for pain seemed to be worse than in her previous life.

"Almost there! Almost there! Quick, bring fresh water!" the midwife instructed Ye Li on how to push while frantically calling for assistance. Even though it was August, the room was still stifling. With so many people, it felt chaotic, with waves of heat washing over them.

After what seemed like another long hour and a half, the people outside were becoming increasingly impatient when they finally heard Ye Li let out a painful groan from inside the room. Mo Xiuyao trembled and was about to rush in when suddenly a cheer emanated from the room, "The baby is born!" followed by the baby’s loud, strong cries. Doctor Lin nodded approvingly, "Judging by the sound, the child is healthy." Shen Yang nodded, "A bit weaker than the Prince was back then, but the child will be fine with some care."

"Born..." Xu Qingfeng felt as if he were dreaming. He turned to look at Mo Xiuyao, who stood frozen for a moment, then lifted his foot as if to rush inside. But unexpectedly, his body swayed, and he collapsed to the ground without warning. Chaos ensued among the people outside. Shen Yang casually remarked, "The Prince was too anxious; he was using all his strength to keep his legs supporting him. With the tension released, it’s not surprising he collapsed. He’ll recover after some rest. The Princess Consort will need some time to be attended to as well."

Everyone exchanged embarrassed glances while looking at the composed Shen Yang. This is definitely retaliation! they all thought.

Despite receiving a murderous gaze from Mo Xiuyao, Shen Yang dusted off non-existent dust from his sleeves and walked away unhurriedly. He had to go and check on the newborn heir.