Chapter 433: Mother and Child Safe

Chapter 433: Mother and Child Safe

Although Princess Changping was candid and acted on whim, she possessed a clear sense of right and wrong, which is why she had lived so unboundedly for so long.

She had always considered her relations with the current Emperor and the Empress Dowager to be merely superficial, given their limited past interactions and her absence of aid during the Emperor's difficult times. Thus, after the Emperor ascended the throne, she became much more restrained in her behavior.

But she had not anticipated that the Emperor would consult her opinion before consenting to her marriage to the King of Yong, and the Empress Dowager had advised her extensively, even placing considerable pressure on the King of Yong.

She felt a genuine warmth wash over her. With another long sigh, she remarked, “The Duchess of Dingguo has raised the Emperor exceedingly well.”

Prince Yong was taken aback by her sudden comment, but it involved the Emperor, so he smiled in agreement, “Indeed, despite his youth, the Emperor possesses the breadth of vision and wisdom of a truly enlightened monarch.”

………

The news of Princess Changping’s impending nuptials with Prince Yong caused quite a stir. But since the Emperor had decreed it, signalling his approval, the powerful families of the capital sent their congratulations and gifts.

With Princess Changping pregnant, the wedding could not be delayed. A month later, the ceremony took place with Emperor Li Jingyi in attendance. After their wedding, Prince Yong did not leave immediately, as the marriage of Qi Er and Xia Dailan was soon approaching.

Qi Er and Xia Dailan's wedding was a grand affair, and Princess Changping, as the stepmother, added generously to Xia Dailan’s dowry.

Though Xiao Huai and Qi Liangsheng were at odds, their families were intertwined in many ways. Especially since Qi Er and Xia Dailan’s marriage involved Xiao Huai, he attended the wedding with his family.

Jia Ning, eight months pregnant, had a sizable bump, as did Xie Xihua, four or five months along. They were attended to by Xiao Yuzhu and Tang Shuyi, each watching over one. Many approached Tang Shuyi with well-wishes, eagerly awaiting their family’s joyous occasion.

After the feast, Xiao Yuchen and Xiao Yuming eagerly waited outside the women’s area. Upon seeing Jia Ning and Xie Xihua emerge, they rushed to assist their wives, drawing many admiring glances. Others eyed Tang Shuyi’s belly, hoping for another son to be born, wishing to propose a match early.

In the blink of an eye, another month passed, and Jia Ning's due date approached without sign of labor. Yet the households of Shi'an Yuan and Qingfeng Yuan were on high alert, with Tang Shuyi sleeping lightly, ready to act.

That night, Tang Shuyi had barely fallen asleep when she heard Cuizhu’s voice, “Madam, the eldest young madam has gone into labor.”

Upon hearing this, Tang Shuyi swiftly sat up to dress, with Xiao Huai immediately rising from bed. The couple quickly prepared and hastened towards Qingfeng Yuan. Xiao Huai, concerned she might stumble in her haste, held her arm.

Arriving at Qingfeng Yuan, they saw the courtyard ablaze with light. Xiao Yuchen stood at the birthing room’s entrance, arguing with the midwife, “Why can’t I enter if the birth hasn't started yet?”

The midwife looked troubled as she tried to explain. Seeing this, Tang Shuyi hurried over and pushed through the curtains to enter. Inside, she saw Jia Ning lying on the birthing bed, her face twisted in pain.

Approaching, she took Jia Ning's hand and asked the midwife, “How is she doing?”

“The cervix has dilated one centimeter,” the midwife promptly replied. “It will be some time before labor begins. It would be best if the eldest young madam had something to eat to maintain her strength during childbirth.”

“Quickly, have someone prepare food,” Tang Shuyi ordered, then turned back to Jia Ning, whispering softly, “Don’t be afraid, my child. Mother is here with you.”

Jia Ning nodded. Tang Shuyi then suggested, “Let’s have Yuzhen join you for now, and he can step out when you start giving birth.”

“Alright,” Jia Ning managed through the pain.

“Yuzhen, come inside.”

Tang Shuyi called out to the entrance, and the curtain was immediately drawn aside, allowing Xiao Yuchen to stride in. Tang Shuyi made way, allowing the couple to be together at this crucial moment.

Time ticked by, and as dawn approached, the midwife announced it was time to give birth. Jia Ning asked Xiao Yuchen to step outside. He was reluctant to leave, but Tang Shuyi said, “Your presence here might hinder her. Please step out; I'll stay with her.”

With a worried face, Xiao Yuchen stepped out, and Tang Shuyi sat beside Jia Ning, holding her hand firmly. Outside, Xiao Yuchen stood by the birthing room door, while Xiao Huai, Xiao Yuzhu, Xiao Yuming, and Xie Xihua all waited anxiously.

The birthing room was filled with Jia Ning's pained groans, and as daylight fully broke, her cries culminated in the loud wailing of a newborn.

Someone drew back the curtain and announced, “Congratulations to the Heir Apparent, mother and child are safe and sound.”

After speaking, the midwife hurried back to her duties, leaving the onlookers outside beaming with joy. Shortly after, Tang Shuyi emerged holding a small, red-swaddled bundle, entered a side room, and after a glance at the child, Xiao Yuchen rushed into the birthing room.

In the side room, everyone gathered around the infant. Weighing seven pounds three ounces, the baby had a fair and tender complexion, melting the hearts of all who laid eyes on him.

Once Jia Ning and the child were settled, Tang Shuyi sent word to Prince Duan's residence and the Marquis of Li's household to share the good news. Old Lady Marquis of Li and Li Jinghao arrived soon after. After a brief conversation with them, Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai went to catch up on sleep.

Tang Shuyi lay down after undressing, and Xiao Huai lay beside her, cradling her head in his arm, and whispered softly, “Shuyi…”

With closed eyes, Tang Shuyi hummed in acknowledgment, but his following words were not forthcoming. She opened her eyes and asked, “What is it?”

Xiao Huai looked at her, the words reaching his throat but changing at the last moment, “I’m so happy.”

Tang Shuyi smiled, “Indeed, becoming a grandfather is a joyous occasion.”

After her response, she closed her eyes. Xiao Huai sighed and also closed his eyes to sleep. In truth, he wanted to say that he longed for a child of their own. But he knew the risks were greater given Tang Shuyi’s age, so he swallowed his true words.

The eldest grandson of the Duke had his first bath ceremony, an event attended by all the notables of the capital, with Li Jingyi bestowing many gifts.

The bath ceremony was followed by a full-moon celebration, and then a hundred-day feast. Not long after this event, it was time for Xie Xihua's due date. Madam Xie moved into the Duke’s residence to be by her daughter's side for the birth.

Even so, Tang Shuyi's concerns remained as ever. She visited Xiao Yuming's courtyard daily to check on Xie Xihua and to chat with Madam Xie.

Madam Xie felt her daughter must have accumulated much merit in her past life to have found such a good family in this one.

……………