Chapter 434: Did I Do Something Wrong?

Chapter 434: Did I Do Something Wrong?

Xie Xihua went into labor in the morning, just as Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai were waking up. The couple hurried over. By the time they arrived, Madam Xie had everything well in hand.

Upon entering the room, Tang Shuyi saw Xiao Yuming and Madam Xie the Second, who were conversing with Xie Xihua. Xie Xihua, a pregnant woman, bore no expression of pain on her face, but instead wore a smile. Recalling the painful labor Jianning had endured, Tang Shuyi inquired, "How do you feel?"

Xie Xihua replied with a smile, "The pain from earlier has passed, and it doesn't hurt anymore."

Tang Shuyi nodded and found a chair to sit down. No sooner had she sat down than Xie Xihua began to feel pain again. Xiao Yuming hastily took her hand, anxiously advising, "If the pain becomes unbearable, feel free to pinch me."

Madam Xie the Second: "………"

Tang Shuyi: "………"

Will pinching you alleviate the pain?

As the labor contractions grew more frequent, the midwife sent Xiao Yuming out once Xie Xihua was in constant pain. Tang Shuyi and Madam Xie the Second stayed to accompany her through the birth.

The midwife began to deliver the baby, and Xie Xihua was sweating profusely from the pain. Madam Xie the Second tenderly wiped her forehead, murmuring, "Try to endure without shouting; conserve your strength for the delivery."

Xie Xihua, breathing heavily, nodded and cooperated with the midwife, breathing and pushing hard. Eventually, overwhelmed by the pain, she began to cry out. Hardly had she voiced her pain when Xiao Yuming's concerned voice was heard from outside, "What's happening? Why is it so painful? Xihua, Xihua..."

Just as Tang Shuyi was about to intervene and stop his fussing, Xie Xihua shouted, "Shut up!"

Silence ensued outside as Xie Xihua focused on giving birth. Soon, the baby's head emerged, followed by the rest of the body. The midwife slapped the baby's bottom, prompting the newborn to cry out with a wide-open mouth, which deeply moved both Tang Shuyi and Madam Xie the Second.

"Congratulations, Madam, it's a precious daughter."

Tang Shuyi, all smiles, along with the midwife, lifted the baby, who was fair and tender. They let Xie Xihua have a quick look before Tang Shuyi carried the baby out, naturally drawing a crowd from the family. Xiao Yuming took one glance before rushing into the birthing room.

The following ceremonies of 'Washing the Third', the full moon feast, and the hundredth-day celebration, were conducted with the same grandeur as for the eldest grandson.

After the hundredth-day celebration, Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai discussed with Xiao Yuming and Xie Xihua about when to depart for the northwest. Xiao Yuming couldn't stay in the capital indefinitely; he had to return to the northwest. The baby was over three months old; while it was possible for Xie Xihua to accompany him with the child, waiting until the child was older would be safer.

After some discussion, Xiao Yuming and Xie Xihua decided he would leave first and return to fetch his wife and daughter after the child's first birthday. Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai also began preparing for their journey.

The couple first informed their family of the decision. Xiao Yuming and Xiao Yuzhen, among others, knowing their parents' determination was unlikely to change, agreed without hesitation. Then, the pair visited the imperial palace together.

After some casual conversation, Tang Shuyi announced, "We are planning to take Yu Zhu out for some travel and leisure."

Emperor Li Jingyi was taken aback upon hearing this, then pursed his lips and said, "Master, you have worked hard for many years; you deserve to enjoy yourselves."

He felt a pang of reluctance, partly due to his fondness for Tang Shuyi and her husband, and partly because of Xiao Yuzhu. Although they couldn't meet often, they stayed in touch through correspondence and occasional visits. But if they were to travel for leisure, it would probably be months before they could meet again.

Though he felt powerless to prevent it—and indeed, could not—he consoled himself inwardly and then asked, "How long will you be away?"

Tang Shuyi responded, "Perhaps three or four years."

"What?"

Li Jingyi sprang to his feet, his face a mask of panic, as he implored Tang Shuyi, "Master, have I done something wrong?"

He was certain that he had erred in some way, leading Tang Shuyi to wish to avoid marrying off Yu Zhu to him, preferring instead to embark on an extended journey without stating the true reason.

Tang Shuyi couldn't help but give a bittersweet smile, "You've been great, and there's nothing you've done wrong. You know my nature; I'm someone who speaks his mind directly."

"Then why..." Li Jingyi was on the verge of tears.

"Firstly, the Duke and I wish to travel and see the great rivers and mountains of our land, and secondly, it concerns Yu Zhu," explained Tang Shuyi. "After marriage, women often find themselves confined within their homes, and it becomes difficult to travel far. We thought it best to take advantage of her youth and travel more."

Li Jingyi's face relaxed from its tension and hurt, and after a long silence, he said, "I will make every effort so that when you return, all will be in order."

Still, the fact remained: as reluctant as he was, he could neither prevent nor stop them.

"Mmm, we all believe in you," Tang Shuyi said with a smile.

Having settled matters with Li Jingyi, they allowed Xiao Yuzhu to meet with him before they departed. Then Tang Shuyi, along with Xiao Huai and Xiao Yuzhu, set off on their journey. On the day of departure, friends and family gathered to bid them farewell, including Li Jingyi himself.

After saying goodbye to everyone, the trio waved their hands and began their long journey...

The silhouettes of the departing party grew smaller and smaller in the distance, yet those seeing them off remained, rooted to the spot, because the emperor showed no sign of leaving. It was only after Tang Shuyi and their carriage had completely disappeared from view that Li Jingyi still stood motionless.

Xiao Yuzhen sighed deeply and softly said to him, "Your Majesty, let's go back."

Li Jingyi hummed in acknowledgment, then turned around, the entourage of well-wishers following suit. Upon reaching the palace, Li Jingyi did not return to his study but instead went to the Cining Palace to see the Empress Dowager, greeted her with a call of "Imperial Grandmother," and then sat in silence.

The Empress Dowager felt an emptiness within her; though she did not live with her son, at least she used to see him from time to time. Now, several years would pass without such opportunities.

"Have the Duke and his family left?" the Empress Dowager inquired.

Li Jingyi hummed in affirmation, then pursed his lips, remaining silent. After a long while, he added, "Imperial Grandmother, do you think Master and the Duke might betroth Yuzhu to someone else?"

Three or four years—a long time, indeed. Within these years, if they found someone more suitable for Yuzhu...

Dare not contemplate.

"Do you trust Yuzhu?" the Empress Dowager inquired.

Li Jingyi nodded, "I do trust her."

"Your worries are born of care," the Empress Dowager stated, "The Duke and his wife are not the types to coerce their children. As long as Yuzhu's heart remains with you, you've nothing to fear."

Li Jingyi felt a weight lift off his chest upon hearing this. After chatting for a while longer, he returned to his study to work. He had to work hard so he could marry Yuzhu upon her return.

Ye Deben noticed that his Emperor had changed a lot since the Duke and his family left the capital. Not only had he become more diligent, but his methods had grown more decisive, and he seldom smiled.

At this moment, he stood at the door of the imperial study, where the Emperor was discussing state affairs with his ministers. Ye Deben wished for news from the Princess of Kang Le to arrive soon, hoping it would bring a smile to the Emperor's face. This somber mood couldn't continue.

While he mused, a young eunuch ran over like the wind, followed by several others carrying a chest. Approaching, the little eunuch announced excitedly, "Steward Ye, a letter from the Princess of Kang Le has arrived, and she's sent a chest of gifts as well."