The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage Chapter 231: Return Of An Old Friend (Part 11)

The midwives present were considered the absolute best, their reputations preceding them, summoned only after meticulous selection from a pool of highly skilled practitioners, particularly those adept at managing complex births. To ensure utmost safety, Tao GuGu had secured the services of two of these renowned experts.

The first midwife, Li Po-zi, offered words of reassurance, "WangFei, do not be anxious. A woman often finds her first childbirth challenging, but as the saying goes, the first time is unfamiliar, the second time becomes familiar. After experiencing it once, the fear subsides, and subsequent deliveries tend to be smooth."

Liu Po-zi, elder to Li Po-zi, chided gently, "What foolishness are you spewing before these esteemed individuals?" She then turned to Shen Miao with a tone of admiration, "However, WangFei is indeed remarkably composed. In all my years attending births, I have never witnessed a woman so serene during labor."

Shen Miao was already being assisted to lie down on the bed. Her outward appearance was one of immense calm, as if the gravity of the situation did not weigh on her at all. From the very beginning, she had not exhibited a single sign of panic, leading many to assume it was not her first experience with childbirth. Indeed, even for a second-time mother, such a level of relaxation would be uncommon.

Internally, Shen Miao was acutely aware that her calmness was a carefully constructed facade. The memory of her previous childbirth was distant, a time when Fu Xiu Yi had shown no concern for her. The process had been agonizingly difficult, and she had endured it with profound unease.

This time, the child's arrival was anticipated by everyone. Whether it was Xie Jing Xing and herself, or Empress Xian De and Emperor Yong Le, the Shen family's joy upon learning of her pregnancy had been palpable, and their hopes for the child immense. The more precious something is, the greater the fear of its potential loss or damage.

An excess of worry could easily lead to chaos. She consciously focused on her breathing, taking slow, deep breaths in and out, deliberately pushing all extraneous thoughts to the back of her mind.

"WangFei, please consider eating something first," Li Po-zi suggested, holding out a boiled egg steeped in brown sugar. "Only with sustenance will you have the energy. Delivery takes time, so one must be prepared to wait."

"WangFei is not at all fussy," Liu Po-zi added, her praise sincere. "In the past, many young women would throw tantrums, and even ladies from noble families would be exceptionally demanding, refusing to eat anything, claiming discomfort. Yet, afterwards, they would lack the strength for the actual birth. Ultimately, they are the ones who suffer. WangFei, however, is remarkably sensible. With such an attitude, the delivery will surely proceed smoothly."

Observing Shen Miao's gentle demeanor and her lack of prejudice towards their humble, rural origins, Liu Po-zi felt a sense of connection, which warmed her heart.

Shen Miao understood that their words were intended to serve as a distraction, a way to make the passage of time feel less arduous, especially since the labor had yet to truly begin.

Outside, Tao GuGu and the others waited anxiously. Luo Tan voiced her anticipation, "My heart is pounding so fast! I wonder if Youngest Biao Sister will give birth to a boy or a girl. After all this curiosity, we will finally have our answer."

"Regardless of whether it's a little prince or a little princess, His Highness the Prince will be overjoyed upon his return, showering the child with affection," Tao GuGu commented. "It's just that one wonders how long we will have to wait."

Deng GongGong appeared somewhat nervous, remarking, "This is, after all, the first younger generation within the Imperial family. The Emperor, Her Ladyship the Empress, and Her Ladyship the Empress Dowager will be in seventh heaven."

The atmosphere was tense on this side, let alone within the Prince Rui residence itself.

Even Mo Qing, typically unfazed by displays of emotion, seemed flustered, his face flushed. Cong Yang, meanwhile, was practically bouncing with excitement, proclaiming, "Before we left, Tie Yi and I made a wager. I bet it would be a little princess and risked my entire fortune. If I lose this time, my funds for finding a wife are certainly done for!"

Jing Zhe happened to overhear this and scoffed, "I have a feeling it will be a little prince."

"Hey! Why must it be a little prince?" Cong Yang retorted, "I'm quite certain it's a little princess."

"A little prince is a little prince!" Jing Zhe insisted, unwilling to concede.

"Cease this bickering," Gu Yu intervened, attempting to de-escalate the situation. "Arguing at a time like this? Where is Tang Shu?"

Tang Shu was found in a corner, murmuring prayers to Amitabha Buddha and whispering softly, "May the ancestors of the Xiao family bless WangFei and her son to be safe and sound, WangFei and her daughter to be safe and sound, and may everyone be safe and sound..."

From early afternoon, through the late afternoon, and only as evening descended, Shen Miao finally commenced her delivery.

The Po-zi instructed the palace maids to prepare clean water, towels, sterile scissors, and an assortment of other necessary items. Luo Tan expressed a desire to enter, but Tao GuGu restrained her. Tao GuGu, along with a few palace maids, entered the room, as did Jing Zhe and Gu Yu, to ensure that all went smoothly.

Shen Miao let out a low, pained moan.

Enduring the agony proved futile as pain surged in relentless waves, escalating to a constant, severe torment. It felt as though sharp scissors were relentlessly piercing her abdomen, a sensation far exceeding any physical suffering she had endured since her rebirth.

“WangFei, exert more strength! One can already see the child!” Li Po-zi encouraged, her voice filled with urgency.

*****

Outside the chamber, a palpable tension hung in the air. Pei Lang stood among a procession of people, his anxiety mounting with each passing moment, as if a single day stretched into an eternity.

Palace maids emerged intermittently, carrying silver basins brimming with a shocking amount of blood. Luo Tan, beside herself with worry, clutched the arm of a nearby attendant. “What is happening? Why is there so much blood?” she questioned, her voice trembling.

Pei Lang’s heart felt as though it had been transported leagues away.

In his previous life, Fu Xiu Yi had shown little concern for the births of Fu Ming and Wan Yu. It was merely by chance that he had been present, and Fu Xiu Yi had instructed him to represent him and witness the event.

During Shen Miao’s childbirth in that past life, it was Pei Lang who, in a way, had been by her side. He had not anticipated that in this current existence, with Xie Jing Xing absent, it would again fall to him to accompany her.

Yet, this turn of events was not entirely unwelcome. At least during such a critical time, she was not alone. At the very least, he was present to support her.

Each second stretched into an unbearable length of time. Unsure of how much time had elapsed, Pei Lang finally heard the midwife inside the room exclaim, “It’s emerging! It’s a young heir! Oh, there is another one!”

“Twins! It’s twins! WangFei is truly blessed!”

Moments later, another cry, resonant and strong, echoed from within. Then, as if they could scarcely catch their breath, Li Po-zi’s voice cried out, strained, “WangFei, you must hold on and not sleep! Do not sleep!”

Pei Lang’s heart seized with dread. Before he could react, Tao GuGu’s sorrowful voice reached him, “WangFei, stay with us!”

Luo Tan, her temperament prone to anxiety, cast aside her fear and rushed into the room. Pei Lang hesitated for a moment before Tao GuGu’s voice called out, “Gentleman Pei! Please come in, Gentleman Pei!”

Pei Lang hurried into the room. Shen Miao, covered by a blanket, appeared exceptionally pale. She spoke weakly to Liu Po-zi and Li Po-zi beside her, “It’s alright. The important thing is that the children are safe.”

“WangFei…” Liu Po-ze and Li Po-zi attempted to speak, but the words failed them.

“What exactly is happening?” Luo Tan, near tears with anxiety, implored, “Youngest Biao Sister, what is wrong? Why are you speaking such words?”

“WangFei’s constitution was weak to begin with, and she was carrying twins. Before the delivery, she became agitated and expended too much energy, causing the fetus to become unstable. Her body is now exhausted, and she has bled excessively…” Liu Po-zi faltered, unable to continue.

“This delivery is indeed arduous. I… I feel I cannot continue. Older Biao Sister, when you see my Father, Mother, and Eldest Brother, tell them that I am unfilial and could not care for them in their old age.”

Luo Tan shook her head desperately. “Youngest Biao Sister, you must not speak such words. Stop this nonsense. You will recover and be lively to see GuFu and GuMu. Those words are utterly unfilial. Stop talking. Stop talking!” By the end of her plea, she was sobbing uncontrollably.

Shen Miao offered a weak, helpless smile before her gaze shifted to Pei Lang.

Pei Lang’s expression was one of stunned disbelief, his lips trembling slightly, devoid of his usual composure.

“No, you must carry on,” he managed to say, his voice tight. “I have not yet repaid your kindness. You must live a hundred years, healthy and free from worry.” He seemed to be forcing himself to believe his own words.

“Gentleman Pei, you owe me nothing further. If there is truly something to repay, then… then promise me you will protect my children. I wish for them to grow up healthy and safe.” She gasped for breath, as if her strength had completely depleted. “Upon seeing Xie Jing Xing, tell him that I am sorry and could not wait any longer. Thank him for protecting me so willingly all this time and for tolerating me. Being his wife… I was very happy…”

“WangFei!” Tao GuGu cried out, her voice laced with distress.

“Let me see my children…” Shen Miao whispered.

The two infants, now cleaned and swaddled in blankets, were brought to Shen Miao’s side. Tao GuGu, tears streaming down her face, announced, “They are two heirs. They are very healthy.”

Shen Miao’s tear-filled gaze fell upon both children. With great effort, she reached out and gently traced the brows of each infant. “When these children grow up, their brows will surely be handsome,” she said softly. “Whether they take after their father or mother… Xie Jing Xing and I have endured much hardship. If Heaven is benevolent, they will not suffer the same fate.”

Tao GuGu began to quietly wipe away her own tears.

Luo Tan turned her head away, using the back of her hand to brush away her own falling tears.

“I truly wish to witness both of you grow up…” Her gaze fell upon the two infants, imbued with a profound tenderness, as if she could perceive the individuals they would become beyond their current visage.

“I miss you dearly…”

Her voice began to fade.

Thousands of Li away, within a grand military tent, the young General was suddenly seized by a sharp pain in his chest. It radiated outwards, engulfing his entire being and forcing him to instinctively double over, gripping a table for support as he struggled to draw breath.

Gao Yang entered the tent and was taken aback by the sight. He swiftly reached out to check the General’s pulse, only to express his bewilderment, “There’s nothing wrong physically. What troubles you?”

Xie Jing Xing's brow furrowed, and he suddenly commanded, “We attack Xun Yang tomorrow.”

“Why such an abrupt decision?” Gao Yang exclaimed in shock.

“We shall commence and conclude the battle swiftly,” Xie Jing Xing stated, turning to exit.

*****

Great Liang had successfully seized Xun Yang from the Qin country, thereby shattering the stalemate that had divided the three nations. The tumultuous era had concluded, and the grand ambition was realized as prosperity bloomed across Great Liang.

The vanquished had fallen, and the victors claimed their reigns. The Qin Emperor was defeated and eradicated by his adversary. Now, only the Great Liang Emperor remained, with no successors from the Ming Qi or Qin countries.

History would forever document the victors. Though the defeated nations would mourn, if their former sovereign was despotic and the new ruler proved benevolent and just towards the populace, the people's hearts would inevitably gravitate towards the virtuous side.

The common folk were not oblivious; they had always shown gratitude. Wherever a wise ruler presided, the unwavering support of the people followed.

The triumphant legions of Great Liang were poised to embark on their journey home.

A victorious return was always a cause for immense pride. Families with members serving in the army who had survived naturally swelled with pride. Even those who had fallen in battle were remembered with honor, tinged with sorrow but overshadowed by their valor.

Throughout Long Ye, the populace was in a state of joyous anticipation, eagerly awaiting the return of their victorious soldiers.

In stark contrast to the jubilant atmosphere among the commoners, the Imperial Palace was a picture of somber stillness.

Luo Tan sat in the courtyard. The autumn sun, unusually warm and radiant, cast a comforting glow. Piles of books lay basking in the sunlight, having been brought out by Jing Zhe and Gu Yu to air.

Luo Tan watched them with a gentle smile. “When we were in Xiao Chun City, she always insisted on airing these books. I never understood the need, thinking books wouldn't spoil, but now I find myself doing the same, proactively helping.”

The attendant in green beside her remained silent.

Pei Lang appeared visibly aged, as if overnight. He performed his duties with quiet diligence, yet without Shen Miao’s directives, he was unable to process official documents. His days were spent poring over books, a seemingly unproductive existence that weighed heavily upon him.

Not a trace of joy permeated the Palace grounds.

Tao GuGu arrived, carrying the two infants. Luo Tan quickly rose and took one of them.

“The Young Masters are in excellent health,” Tao GuGu reported with a smile. “The nanny mentioned they are quite well-behaved at night and don’t cause any distress.”

A faint smile touched Luo Tan’s lips. “So well-behaved, just like their mother’s temperament.” Her voice faltered.

Pei Lang’s gaze shifted to the children, his eyes clouding slightly.

“Which one is the elder brother, and which is the younger? I truly cannot discern the difference,” Luo Tan said, attempting to steer the conversation. “They look so alike now; how will it be when they grow older?”

Tao GuGu chuckled. “It will be nothing. In the future, distinguishing them by their clothing will suffice. Besides, as children mature, their personalities diverge, making them naturally recognizable.”

“But what should we call them?” Luo Tan mused, a hint of vexation in her tone. “Which one is the elder, which is the younger? Youngest Biao Sister didn’t have the time to name them…” She paused abruptly, then continued with a forced smile, “I keep saying not to mention it, yet I keep bringing it up. No matter.”

Seeing Luo Tan’s distress, Tao GuGu prepared to offer words of comfort. However, Gu Yu and Jing Zhe suddenly entered.

“The Prince of First Rank has returned!” Gu Yu announced.

“What?” Pei Lang and Luo Tan exchanged looks of disbelief. Given the usual pace of Great Liang’s army, their return to the capital should have taken at least another month.

“The Prince returned ahead with his personal contingent,” Gu Yu clarified softly. “However, Madam…”

After a brief silence, Pei Lang declared, “Let us go and see.”

Xie Jing Xing made his way towards the Palace. In the span of just one year, an overwhelming number of events had transpired. Both Emperor Yong Le and Empress Xian De had departed from this world, leaving the Imperial Palace feeling significantly more desolate.

Deng GongGong offered a smile, "May Your Highness first go and see the two young masters. Tao GuGu and Young Lady Luo are currently playing with them."

A frown creased Xie Jing Xing's brow as he inquired, "Where is Shen Miao?"

Just as he spoke, he observed Luo Tan and Tao GuGu emerging from behind a decorative screen, cradling the children, with Pei Lang trailing close behind them.

Xie Jing Xing halted his advance.

"Shen Miao?" he echoed, his voice measured.

Pei Lang stepped forward and spoke in a hushed tone, "Go and see her."