Mo Li

Before long, Yao Ji was brought in by the guards outside. Seeing the gaunt and pale woman before her, Ye Li couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. The Yao Ji before her now was a far cry from the woman she had met a year ago—though sorrowful and stubborn back then, she had still been radiant. Her once-delicate features and snow-white complexion had grown thin and sallow from prolonged malnutrition, with only the faintest traces of her former breathtaking beauty remaining in her elegant contours. Her lustrous hair was now tied carelessly with a cloth ribbon, dry and brittle as it hung down her back. In her arms, Yao Ji cradled a swaddled infant, who appeared to be well cared for and about five or six months old.

With a wave of her hand, Ye Li signaled for Qin Feng to withdraw. Hesitating, Qin Feng glanced at Yao Ji and frowned slightly. Although they had already investigated Yao Ji’s circumstances thoroughly, the princess consort was now in a critical condition, and the slightest mishap could not be tolerated. At this thought, Qin Feng regretted bringing this matter to Ye Li’s attention at such a time. He had only considered that rescuing Yao Ji without permission required reporting to the princess consort, but he had forgotten that Ye Li was on the verge of childbirth. As long as Yao Ji posed no immediate threat, the matter could have been reported later. Seeing Qin Feng’s hesitation, Ye Li smiled gently and said, “You may leave first. I’d like to speak with Miss Yao Ji.”

Reluctantly, Qin Feng withdrew to wait outside the door. Ye Li offered Yao Ji an apologetic smile. “Forgive his behavior.” Yao Ji shook her head and replied softly, “Lord Qin’s unwavering loyalty to you is truly admirable.”

Ye Li’s gaze fell on the child in Yao Ji’s arms. Yao Ji occasionally lowered her head to look at the baby, gently rocking him, her sickly face filled with maternal tenderness. “This child…” Yao Ji tightened her embrace around the infant and said quietly, “He is my son, nearly six months old now. His name is Shen Jing’an. Do you think it suits him?” Ye Li nodded. “He bears your surname?” She seemed to recall Yao Ji mentioning once that her original surname was Shen and her given name Shen Yao.

As if remembering something, Yao Ji fell silent for a moment before nodding.

Seeing the woman who had once been peerlessly beautiful reduced to such a pitiful state, Ye Li felt a deep pang of regret. “I remember you left the capital with a considerable sum of silver. How did you end up in such straits?” The Alluring City Quarter had been secretly sold to Ye Li, and the proceeds should have been more than enough for Yao Ji and her child to live comfortably for the rest of their lives. Yao Ji gave a bitter smile, stroking the sleeping child’s head as she replied, “I prided myself on being second to none in all things, but after leaving the Alluring City Quarter, I realized I knew nothing beyond song and dance. Though I despised my identity as a courtesan, it was precisely that identity that allowed me to live freely all these years. Otherwise, I might have long been bought by someone to serve as a concubine in their household. I thought that even if Mu Yang and I couldn’t be together, at least we parted on good terms. But who could have guessed…”It turned out that after Yao Ji left the capital, she was already three months pregnant and had no choice but to find a secluded place nearby to stay until the child was born before continuing her journey to start anew. Unexpectedly, the estates near the small town where she temporarily resided all belonged to the family of Marquis Muyang’s wife. One of the stewards even recognized Yao Ji’s identity and reported it to the marquis’s wife. At the time, Yao Ji was already six months pregnant, and Mu Yang was away in the northwest with Ye Li, fighting in the war and unable to return. Although Marquis Muyang’s wife looked down on Yao Ji’s status, the northwest war was fraught with crises, and she feared her son might not return safely. Thus, she didn’t intend to harm Yao Ji’s child but instead had her family keep Yao Ji under watch.

With Yao Ji’s intelligence, how could she not guess? Whether Mu Yang returned or not, the day the child was born would likely be the day of her death. She tried to bribe her guards with the money she had on her to escape but was caught. Marquis Muyang’s wife’s family then confiscated all of Yao Ji’s belongings, leaving her without even a single coin. By the time Mu Yang returned, Yao Ji was nearing childbirth. It was only because the old woman tasked with caring for Yao Ji took pity on her and secretly informed Mu Yang that he arrived in time. Had Mu Yang not rushed into the delivery room that day, Yao Ji would have died from postpartum hemorrhage.

Later, due to Mu Yang’s insistence, Yao Ji and the child were placed in one of Marquis Muyang Manor’s estates. Mu Yang then married the young lady from the Sun family. After recovering for a few days, Yao Ji demanded that Marquis Muyang Manor return her money so she could leave with the child when Mu Yang came to visit. However, Mu Yang refused outright, and Marquis Muyang’s wife’s family denied ever taking Yao Ji’s money. Yao Ji was so furious she nearly fainted. The savings she had accumulated over the years, along with the fair compensation Ye Li gave her when she sold Alluring City Quarter, amounted to over 200,000 taels in silver notes alone, not counting the jewelry and valuables. To prevent Yao Ji from escaping with the money, Mu Yang tacitly endorsed his maternal family’s claims. As a result, Yao Ji was left penniless, with no means to bribe the estate guards and flee.

But Yao Ji was stubborn. Every time Mu Yang visited, the two would argue incessantly. His frequent visits to the estate naturally aroused suspicion from his newlywed wife. While Mu Yang was sent away on official business by the increasingly displeased Marquis Muyang, Yao Ji and her child nearly starved to death in the estate. Upon his return, Mu Yang caused another uproar and moved Yao Ji and the child to a small courtyard under his own name. Yao Ji spent over a month softening her demeanor to lower Mu Yang’s guard before seizing the opportunity to escape with her child and a few worthless belongings while he was drunk, heading west. As for whether the pursuers who later tried to snatch the child were sent by Mu Yang or Marquis Muyang Manor, she never found out.Looking at Ye Li, who was heavily pregnant yet still radiant, Yao Ji smiled bitterly. If it were Princess Ding encountering such a situation, she certainly wouldn’t be as disheveled as herself. During those days trapped in the estate, nearly starving to death, Yao Ji finally understood that relying solely on herself to control her own fate was nothing but a pipe dream. All these years of glamour and glory were merely due to the title of the top courtesan and the covert protection of Mu Yang and Feng San. Without these, she was just a helpless woman who couldn’t take a step forward in this world.

After hearing Yao Ji’s story, Ye Li didn’t know whether to sigh or be angry. After a moment of contemplation, Ye Li asked, “What are your plans for the future? According to what you’ve said, your wealth was seized by your family from Marquis Muyang Manor. I can have someone help you retrieve it. But what do you intend to do afterward?” Yao Ji lowered her head to look at the child in her arms, then raised her gaze and said, “Yao Ji begs the princess to find a good family to adopt this child. I don’t ask for wealth or status—only that he has both parents and a harmonious home.”

Ye Li frowned, puzzled. “What are you doing? If you didn’t want this child, why did you go through the trouble of bringing him out in the first place? If he had stayed at Marquis Muyang Manor, Mu Yang, out of affection for you, would at least not have mistreated him.” Yao Ji smiled bitterly and looked at Ye Li. “I’ve also heard of the princess’s family affairs. Even a noble-born legitimate daughter like the princess suffered under a stepmother’s cruelty. How much worse would it be for my child? That Miss Sun would sooner kill my son—how much could Mu Yang truly protect him? Besides… having a mother who was once a courtesan is hardly an honorable thing. Yao Ji only wishes for him to live a safe and peaceful life.”

Ye Li felt somewhat troubled. After a moment of thought, she said, “I’m not in the most convenient position to act right now. Why don’t you stay in Ruyang City for now and carefully consider your future plans? If you remain determined, I’ll have someone find a good family for the child later.”

Overjoyed, Yao Ji said tearfully, “Shen Yao thanks the princess.” Though her words had been resolute, parting with the child she had carried for ten months was still unbearably painful. Ye Li giving her more time to think was a kindness—even if her mind was already made up, being able to spend more time with her child was still a comfort.

After instructing Qin Feng to settle Yao Ji, Ye Li was deep in thought about her situation when Mo Xiuyao strolled in. Seeing the slight furrow in Ye Li’s brows, Mo Xiuyao quickly sat beside her and asked, “What’s troubling you? Are you feeling unwell?” Ye Li shook her head and leaned into Mo Xiuyao’s embrace, recounting Yao Ji’s story. Finally, she sighed, “Mu Yang’s actions are truly disgraceful.” Not just toward Yao Ji, but also toward his newly wedded Miss Sun. Ye Li wouldn’t even be surprised if the people sent to hunt Yao Ji down were Miss Sun’s doing.

Hearing Ye Li so preoccupied with others’ affairs, Mo Xiuyao grew displeased. Holding her close, he gently stroked her rounded belly and said, “Leave such trivial matters to others. Rather than worrying about these things, A Li should think of something else.” Ye Li looked up at him with a smile. “Think of what? Have you thought of a name for the baby yet?” Mo Xiuyao frowned and said indifferently, “What’s so troublesome about a name? Since you keep calling him ‘Baobao,’ let’s just name him Mo Baobao.”Ye Li's lips twitched as she looked at the man sulking with jealousy and laughed, "Mo Baobao? Are you sure the baby won't blame us in the future for giving him such a name?" Just imagining a handsome youth, young man, or middle-aged man with features strikingly similar to Mo Xiuyao bearing the name "Mo Baobao" was enough to make her chuckle. Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow and said, "Would he dare?" Ye Li nodded solemnly, "Believe me, he definitely would." Any man with such a name would surely be tempted to rebel, wouldn't he? Mo Xiuyao snorted lightly and said, "Then let's call him Mo Xiaobao." Ye Li rolled her eyes and decided to drop the subject for now. If this man got stubborn and insisted on naming the baby "Mo Baobao" or "Mo Xiaobao," she wouldn't be able to win the argument. After all, the baby's formal name could be decided anytime before his first birthday, and they could always ask her grandfather or uncle for suggestions. Casually changing the topic, she asked, "What about the matter of the former dynasty's treasure? Why did you return so soon?"

Mo Xiuyao replied nonchalantly, "It was all Tan Jizhi's doing. Did he really think he could escape after causing trouble for me?" Ye Li asked curiously, "What did you do?" Mo Xiuyao said coolly, "I simply revealed his true identity to His Majesty the Emperor, and incidentally, did my part for the Great Chu." Ye Li raised an eyebrow, "When Tan Jizhi left the northwest, he must have already prepared for his identity to be exposed, right?" Mo Xiuyao sneered, "What if we add the Imperial Jade Seal into the mix?"

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

"Some will believe it. Later, I'll send shadow guards to hunt Tan Jizhi down. No need to kill him—just make him hand over the Imperial Jade Seal," Mo Xiuyao said indifferently. Ye Li smiled knowingly. If even the Ding Royal Palace was pursuing Tan Jizhi for the Imperial Jade Seal, those interested in it would naturally think twice. As for who to believe, that was a matter of opinion.

Mo Xiuyao wrapped his arms around Ye Li and lazily nuzzled her shoulder, saying, "A Li, don’t worry about these trivial matters now. Just focus on safely delivering Mo Baobao." The sooner they got rid of this annoying little brat, the sooner A Li would be his alone.

"Don’t call him Mo Baobao—it sounds awful," Ye Li protested earnestly for her son's rights. Mo Xiuyao shrugged and amended, "Mo Xiaobao, then."

Ye Li rubbed her forehead and sighed at the man's stubbornly handsome face. "A nickname," she conceded. Mo Xiuyao gave a faint hum but said nothing. Once a nickname became more widely known than the formal name, what difference did it make? And so, the future young master of Prince Ding's Estate, destined to be dashing and renowned throughout the land, was bestowed with a nickname he could never shake off for the rest of his life.

Qin Feng's trip back to the Chu capital didn’t just bring back Ye Li’s attendants and Head Steward Mo—it also brought along the beloved concubine and son of the Imperial Guards' deputy commander. Xue Chengliang, who had been stubbornly holding out, crumbled the moment he saw his delicate, gentle concubine and their bright, adorable two-year-old son. Without even needing torture, he confessed everything on the spot.In the dungeon, Mo Xiuyao remained seated calmly and leisurely on the wide, plush couch, coldly observing the scene of a family reunion before him. Feng Zhiyao and Qin Feng stood behind him, watching as well. After comforting his weeping wife and child, Xue Chengliang stood up and said, "Your Highness, I can tell you whatever you want to know, but I beg you not to harm my wife and child no matter what." Mo Xiuyao frowned slightly, then nodded. "Agreed. This prince promises that as long as you tell me what I wish to know, I will not harm this mother and child. Moreover, I can provide them with a safe place to live."

Xue Chengliang chuckled dryly. "With Prince Ding's personal promise, I naturally have no reason to doubt. Ask away, Your Highness."

Mo Xiuyao waved his hand, signaling for the mother and child to be taken away. The dungeon fell silent for a moment before he asked, "Why is Mo Jingqi going to such lengths to rescue Su Zuidie?" The question not only caught Xue Chengliang off guard but also caused Feng Zhiyao and Qin Feng to freeze in surprise. Feng Zhiyao glanced at Mo Xiuyao and thought to himself, "Your Highness, surely you don’t still have lingering feelings for that woman, Su Zuidie?" His expression must have been too revealing, as Mo Xiuyao shot him a cold sidelong glance, sending a chill down Feng Zhiyao’s spine. He coughed lightly and straightened his face, adopting a solemn expression as he stared at Xue Chengliang.

Xue Chengliang was visibly taken aback by the question. His expression shifted as he studied Mo Xiuyao’s calm and indifferent face before finally answering after a pause, "The Emperor and Su Zuidie knew each other in their youth. Shortly after ascending the throne, His Majesty proposed to Su Zuidie’s father to take her into the palace as a concubine, but the request was refused."

Mo Xiuyao lifted his gaze and said coolly, "Are you trying to tell me that the Emperor is rescuing her out of lingering affection?" Xue Chengliang fell silent. He knew full well how absurd that answer sounded. Having served Mo Jingqi since before his ascension, he was well aware of the kind of man the Emperor was. Even if Su Zuidie were a hundred times more beautiful, Mo Jingqi would never expend such resources merely for a pretty woman. After some thought, Xue Chengliang asked, "What exactly does Your Highness wish to know?"

Mo Xiuyao lowered his eyes, examining his slender fingers. "For instance, the relationship between Su Zuidie, the Emperor, and Tan Jizhi."

Xue Chengliang frowned. "Tan Jizhi appeared suddenly by the Emperor’s side ten years ago. His Majesty greatly valued his intellect and regarded him as a strategist. As for his connection to Miss Su, I don’t know, but they are acquainted."

"Tan Jizhi’s true identity is that of a surviving descendant of the previous dynasty’s royal family. Or perhaps you could tell me why Mo Jingqi trusts him so implicitly. Surely, Commander Xue, you wouldn’t claim ignorance of this either?" At these words, Xue Chengliang’s face paled, and he stared at Mo Xiuyao in shock without realizing it. Mo Xiuyao snorted coldly, his sharp brows lifting as he said icily, "Feng San, bring that child in here!" Xue Chengliang shuddered and hastily pleaded, "No! Your Highness, I beg you, spare the child. I’ll tell you everything you want to know." Mo Xiuyao nodded in satisfaction. "Good. Su Zuidie is in my hands. But over the past two months, countless people have come—Tan Jizhi seeking to kill her, the Emperor trying to save her. I fail to see why a woman has suddenly become so important. Perhaps you’d care to enlighten me?"Xue Chengliang's face was as pale as paper. Glancing at the tightly shut prison door, he knew his wife and child were right outside. A single wrong word from him would plunge them into eternal damnation. Closing his eyes weakly, Xue Chengliang finally spoke: "I don't know much. I only remember that back then, I was ordered by His Majesty to retrieve something from Miss Su. Then I handed it over to Minister Tan."

Mo Xiuyao narrowed his eyes. "What was it?"

Xue Chengliang replied, "I don't know. But... that item was taken from Prince Ding's Estate. Afterward, Minister Tan went alone to Northern Rong. A month later... the previous Prince Ding and the Mo Family Army suffered a crushing defeat at the Northern Rong border. So I suspect... there might be some connection."

After saying this, Xue Chengliang collapsed to the ground as if all strength had left him. Though he was no saint, he wasn't a heartless monster either. Ever since the incident at Prince Ding's Estate, he had vaguely sensed that these events would one day return—yet he hadn't expected to wait ten years.

The prison cell fell into silence, broken only by the occasional crackle of burning firewood nearby. Mo Xiuyao sat reclined on a soft couch, his head slightly lowered, strands of silver hair falling by his ears, obscuring his expression. But Feng Zhiyao and Qin Feng, standing behind him, clearly saw those silver strands stir without any wind. An overwhelming pressure radiated from him, forcing the two men to instinctively retreat several steps. Exchanging glances, they saw disbelief mirrored in each other's eyes.

After a long while, when the three in the cell could barely breathe, Mo Xiuyao's icy voice finally cut through the silence: "Continue."

Xue Chengliang's face was deathly pale, a trace of blood seeping from the corner of his lips. He hadn't expected Prince Ding's cultivation to have reached such a level—merely using his Internal Force from a distance was enough to inflict internal injuries and make him cough up blood. Shaking his head, he said, "At the time, I was just His Majesty's personal guard. I didn't know much. The reason His Majesty wanted to save Miss Su was because she seemed to have taken two items from Prince Ding's Estate, but she only gave one to His Majesty. The other remained in her possession. As for the rest... I truly don't know."

"Your Highness..." Feng Zhiyao called out cautiously. A silent Mo Xiuyao was far more terrifying than when he was in a rage. Even though logically they knew he wouldn't harm them... Feng Zhiyao sighed inwardly, tightening his fingers hidden in his sleeves to suppress their trembling.

"Qin Feng, bring Su Zuidie here. I don't care what methods you use or how you do it—make her spit out the answers before the day ends!"

Qin Feng stiffened, then nodded. "Understood."

Feng Zhiyao frowned worriedly. "Your Highness, Su Zuidie's lips are unusually tight. What if—"

"Then let her die!" Mo Xiuyao snapped. "If she won't talk, mobilize all the Qilin and capture every last one of Mo Jingqi's confidants! I refuse to believe no one else knows about this!"

"Understood!" Qin Feng bowed, then turned and strode out of the cell without looking back.

"Your Highness..." Feng Zhiyao felt his throat tighten, unsure what to say. The information Xue Chengliang had revealed was too shocking. Just as he was struggling for words, hurried footsteps approached from outside, followed by the excited voice of Head Steward Mo:

"Your Highness! Reporting to Your Highness—Her Highness the Princess Consort is going into labor!"Mo Xiuyao was stunned for a moment before suddenly standing up. Feng Zhiyao only saw a flash of white before Mo Xiuyao's figure vanished from the prison cell.

Bang—!

The perfectly intact couch instantly exploded into splinters, reduced to a pile of broken debris. Looking at the wreckage and Xue Chengliang, who was now covered in wounds from the flying wood fragments, Feng Zhiyao said calmly, "Commander Xue, you may as well stay here peacefully. If His Highness is in a good mood after the Princess Consort gives birth to the heir, you might still have a sliver of hope."

Xue Chengliang let out a bitter laugh and looked at Feng Zhiyao. "Thank you for your consolation, Third Master Feng. After that incident years ago, I spent years in constant unease, always feeling this day would come. I have no hope for myself, but my wife and child are innocent. I only beg His Highness to spare their lives."

Feng Zhiyao fell silent. What Xue Chengliang had revealed was far too shocking. Without the Prince's personal judgment, no one could predict the final outcome. After giving Xue Chengliang one last glance, Feng Zhiyao turned and walked out of the prison cell.

The courtyard of the main residence in the Prince's manor was crowded with people. The door to Ye Li's room remained tightly shut, with only maids occasionally entering and exiting with basins of water. But before anyone could peek inside, the door would swiftly close again.

The people waiting outside saw a white figure swiftly approaching, arriving at the door in the blink of an eye. Mo Xiuyao raised his hand to push the door open, but Xu Qingze and Xu Qingfeng each grabbed one of his arms from either side. Mo Xiuyao turned his head with displeasure. Despite the two months of training under Qin Feng, Xu Qingfeng couldn't help but let go with a smile, saying, "Li'er is giving birth, Your Highness cannot go in."

Mo Xiuyao frowned. "This prince wants to see A Li."

Shen Yang said coldly, "What's there to see about a woman giving birth? The birthing chamber is off-limits. Doesn't Your Highness know—" A gaze as sharp as an arrow shot toward Shen Yang, who held out for a moment before yielding. With a physician's keen senses, he clearly detected something amiss in the prince's aura. After a pause, he added, "It's inauspicious for men to enter the birthing chamber..." Mo Xiuyao replied icily, "This prince isn't afraid." After a moment of silence, Shen Yang finally said, "The princess consort will likely take another hour or two to deliver. Your Highness may go in for a look." With a light snort, Mo Xiuyao turned and pushed the door open.

Outside, Xu Qingyan complained, "Shen, why can His Highness go in but not us?"

Shen Yang silently wiped his sweat. "Because if I refused, His Highness would have killed me on the spot." Compared to rules, survival was clearly more important.

As soon as Mo Xiuyao entered, Mama Lin at the door was startled and quickly said, "Your Highness, why have you come in—" Before she could finish, Mo Xiuyao said, "This prince will see A Li and leave shortly."

With that, he bypassed Mama Lin and went straight into the inner chamber. Everyone inside was stunned at his arrival. Ye Li was lying on the bed, only just beginning to feel contractions with no immediate signs of delivery. Seeing Mo Xiuyao enter, she smiled faintly. "Why did you come in?" Under the midwives' astonished gazes, Mo Xiuyao walked to the bedside and sat down, his expression uneasy and somber. Ye Li smiled, reaching out to hold his hand. "Don't worry, I'll be fine." He looked down at her slightly furrowed brows, wiping the sweat from her forehead as he asked softly, "Does it hurt?"

Ye Li smiled. "It's bearable. You should go out."

Mo Xiuyao shook his head. "I'll stay with you for a while... A Li, you must be well."

Ye Li chuckled helplessly. "It's just childbirth. What woman doesn't go through it? It's fine." Mama Wei entered carrying a bowl of fragrant chicken soup and froze at the sight of the man sitting by the bed. Mo Xiuyao turned his head. "What is this?" Mama Wei replied, "Chicken soup simmered for hours. The princess consort should have some to keep up her strength." Mo Xiuyao reached out. "This prince will feed her." Though Mama Wei wanted to object, the gravity on Mo Xiuyao's face made her hand over the soup. Watching him carefully spoon-feed her mistress, she quietly wiped her eyes and retreated. No matter what, the prince treated the princess consort a thousand times better than the master had treated the mistress back then. The young lady's judgment was far superior to her mother's.Ye Li drank the chicken soup and let Mo Xiuyao keep her company for a while before urging him to leave. Mo Xiuyao refused, but Ye Li pinched him hard and said, "If you stay here, I’ll get distracted, and that’s even more dangerous." Only then did Mo Xiuyao rise, sweeping a glance over the midwives, maids, and Mama Lin in the room. "Take good care of the princess consort. If anything happens to her, watch your lives!" After watching Mo Xiuyao leave, Ye Li sighed helplessly and reassured the frightened attendants, "His Highness is just overly worried. Don’t be too nervous."

Mama Lin carefully wiped the sweat from Ye Li’s forehead and said, "His Highness cares deeply for you, Princess Consort. We couldn’t be happier for you."

Ye Li smiled faintly, pressing a hand to her aching abdomen. Xiu Yao’s emotions had been quite unstable earlier—he must have been truly frightened. She had heard stories of fathers fainting outside the delivery room and hoped Prince Ding wouldn’t be that useless.

Another hour passed before the delivery room became a flurry of activity. Those waiting outside anxiously listened to the midwives’ instructions and Ye Li’s muffled groans. Compared to the usual screams of women in labor, Ye Li’s sounds were far less terrifying, but the tension was palpable. Not only Mo Xiuyao but even Xu Qingfeng and Xu Qingze had turned pale. Even the usually mischievous Xu Qingyan was subdued, squatting listlessly beside Shen Yang and Doctor Lin, asking every so often, "Is Sister Li alright? How much longer until the baby comes?" Annoyed, Shen Yang kicked him away and snapped, "Some women take seven or eight hours to deliver! It hasn’t even been two yet—what’s the rush?" Xu Qingyan’s face paled further, and he crouched motionless by the door, dreading the thought of Ye Li enduring such prolonged pain.

Xu Qingfeng tried to ignore the groans from inside, forcing a stiff smile as he turned to Mo Xiuyao, whose entire body was rigid with tension. "I was there when Aunt gave birth to Fourth Brother and Fifth Brother. There’s no danger."

Mo Xiuyao stared fixedly at the closed door, unsure if he had even heard.

Ye Li remembered a discussion from her past life—whether childbirth or being shot was more painful. Now, she felt she had the answer. If taking a bullet meant the baby would come faster, she’d gladly take one. "Mm..." A midwife beside her urged, "Princess Consort, don’t hold it in—let it out!" Ye Li remained silent. What was the point of screaming? All that energy wasted on shouting would leave none for pushing. And even if she screamed, the pain wouldn’t lessen. She cursed inwardly, feeling her pain tolerance had weakened compared to her past life.

"Almost there! Almost... Quick, bring fresh water!" The midwife shouted instructions on how to push. Despite being the eighth month, the room was stiflingly hot, the crowded space amplifying the oppressive heat.

Nearly another hour passed before those outside heard Ye Li’s sharp cry of pain. Mo Xiuyao shuddered and nearly charged inside when suddenly, cheers erupted from within. "It’s born!" A baby’s vigorous wails followed. Doctor Lin nodded approvingly. "Judging by the cry, the child is healthy." Shen Yang added, "Not as strong as His Highness was at birth, but a little nurturing will fix that.""She's given birth..." Xu Qingfeng felt as if he were dreaming. He turned to look at Mo Xiuyao beside him, who stood frozen for a moment before suddenly rushing toward the inner chambers. Unexpectedly, his legs gave way and he collapsed to the ground, causing another flurry of panic among the crowd.

Shen Yang remarked without surprise, "The prince was too tense, using all his strength to keep his legs steady. Now that he's relaxed, of course he'd collapse. He'll be fine after resting a while. The princess consort still needs some time to be properly settled."

The crowd stared at Shen Yang's composed expression with awkward expressions—this was absolutely revenge!

Meeting Mo Xiuyao's murderous glare, Shen Yang stood up, brushed off nonexistent dust from his sleeves, and sauntered away. He still had to examine the Little Prince's health.

––––– Author's Note –––––

You're all so enthusiastic, giving so many names—how to choose? I've picked a few, please vote~