The edict stated that the imperial clan woman who had previously been betrothed to Xiao Jingyue had suddenly died, so the Empress Dowager had arranged another marriage for Xiao Jingyue. The one chosen to marry Xiao Jingyue was none other than Yan Ningshuang, the legitimate eldest daughter of the Yan family.
This edict was issued publicly, for all to see. In secret, however, the Empress Dowager also sent a confidential decree to the Yanbei Prince's Mansion. The content of this confidential decree was far less polite. The Empress Dowager expressed extreme indignation that Xiao Jingyue had dared to harass a woman of the Yan family, sternly criticizing the Prince of Yanbei and the Princess Consort for failing to restrain the members of the Xiao Family and allowing such an incident to occur within the Yanbei Prince's Mansion.
In the decree, the Empress Dowager made it clear that arranging Yan Ningshuang's marriage to Xiao Jingyue was a last resort, and neither she nor the Yan family were willing. However, given the circumstances, there was no other option but for Yan Ningshuang to marry Xiao Jingyue. After all, Yan Ningshuang's status was somewhat special, and the Empress Dowager could not stand by and watch her own grandniece lose her innocence and be left with no way out. The customs in the capital and Jiangnan were not as open as those in Yanbei. For someone like Yan Ningshuang, who had been taken advantage of by a man and witnessed by so many, it would be impossible to find a good marriage in the future.
Finally, in the confidential decree, the Empress Dowager stated that Yan Ningshuang was marrying into the Xiao Family under unfair circumstances. She hoped that the Yanbei Prince's Mansion would treat her grandniece well; otherwise, neither she nor the Yan family would let the matter rest.
Yan Ningshuang would soon be escorted back to Yanbei to complete her marriage with Xiao Jingyue.
Upon receiving this edict, Xiao Jingyue merely scoffed. He did not care at all who his principal wife would be. Whether it was Yan Ningshuang or someone from the Zhao family made no difference to him. Xiao Jingyue's father, Xiao Heng, severely reprimanded him and nearly resorted to family discipline, but was ultimately dissuaded by Su Shi.
In the blink of an eye, it was already August. For Ren Yaoqi, this period was both peaceful and busy.
Since being betrothed, the young ladies from the capital had all stayed quietly in the annex of the Yanbei Prince's Mansion. Perhaps aware that they were not well-received among the many prominent families in Yanbei, they had not even stepped out of the annex lately, so naturally, no one had caused any trouble.
Ren Yaoqi's wedding was set for September, so she had rarely gone out since the Thousand Gold Banquet. Although there weren't too many tasks she needed to complete herself, there were still many matters that required her personal involvement or decision-making. She often felt as though each day was busy yet unproductive, but time passed just the same.
One day, Ren Yaoqi was in her room trying on the wedding attire and ceremonial robes that the Princess Consort had sent over. The wedding attire for Ren Yaoqi and Xiao Jingxi was made according to the regulations of the Yanbei Prince's Mansion, layered and intricate, appearing both cumbersome and heavy. Her headdress was also much heavier than what ordinary brides wore.
Although it was no longer midsummer, Yanbei was still quite hot during this time. By the time Ren Yaoqi tried on the second set, she was already covered in a fine layer of sweat on her face and body. However, she never complained of fatigue or asked for a break. In the end, it was Nanny Xin, sent by the Princess Consort, who suggested, "Miss Ren, perhaps you should rest a bit before continuing? There are still two more sets of ceremonial robes, and it's still early. It won't matter if we return to the mansion a little later."Ren Yaoqi nodded upon hearing this, then had the maids help her remove the headdress. She smiled and said, “I usually don’t keep ice basins in my room, so you’ve all had to endure the heat with me here. Why don’t you go rest in the front flower hall for a while? I’ll have someone prepare some chilled sour plum soup for you.”
Nanny Xin quickly replied, “Look at what you’re saying, how could we servants not withstand a little heat? The hottest time of the year has already passed. Besides, we came today specifically on the orders of the Princess Consort to serve you. Please rest well, and we’ll continue once you’re refreshed.” Nanny Xin refused to go to the flower hall to rest, insisting on staying to ensure Ren Yaoqi’s wedding attire was properly fitted and without issues.
Ren Yaoqi didn’t press further and simply had someone bring chilled sour plum soup for Nanny Xin and the others to quench their thirst.
As Ren Yaoqi sipped her tea and chatted idly with Nanny Xin, she suddenly heard a commotion outside. The noise was quite loud.
Ren Yaoqi glanced at Pingguo, who immediately stepped out. Before long, she returned and urgently reported in front of everyone, “Miss, someone from the Lei Family has come! The eldest young lady is going into labor, and the eldest son-in-law is worried and has sent someone to fetch Madam to go over.”
Upon hearing this, Ren Yaoqi immediately set down her teacup, her expression a mix of joy and concern. “Sister is going into labor? I thought it wasn’t due for a few more days? Where are the people from the Lei Family?”
Pingguo replied, “It’s Xiangqin who came. She’s in Madam’s room right now, and Madam is preparing to leave for the Lei Family.”
Ren Yaoqi stood up and was about to say something to Nanny Xin when Nanny Xin already understood and smiled, saying, “Oh, the eldest young lady of the Ren Family going into labor is a big event. Why don’t you go meet the people from the Lei Family first? These wedding clothes are already made, and even if adjustments are needed, it won’t take long. Whether we try them on today or tomorrow makes no difference. Perhaps we servants should return to the mansion first.”
Ren Yaoqi nodded apologetically and escorted Nanny Xin and the others from the Yanbei Prince’s Mansion to the door.
As soon as they stepped outside, they heard the courtyard bustling with activity. Everyone wore joyful smiles, and even the usually composed Nanny Zhou stood under the eaves, repeatedly instructing several maids to prepare things.
Seeing this scene, Nanny Xin couldn’t help but smile. Families experiencing their first grandchild or grandchild-in-law were always like this. With Ren Yaohua giving birth, Madam Li’s generation would also be elevated.
However, before leaving, Nanny Xin reminded Ren Yaoqi, “Miss, you cannot enter the delivery room and won’t be of much help. It’s best to stay home today and wait for good news.”
Although Ren Yaoqi wasn’t getting married today, her wedding date was approaching, and prominent families often had strict customs regarding such matters. If Ren Yaoqi rashly went to the Lei Family, it might not only be inauspicious for the child but could also bring her bad luck. Nanny Xin was concerned that Madam Li was still young and Ren Yaoqi might not understand these taboos, so she specifically reminded her.
Ren Yaoqi nodded and said, “I understand, Nanny. I won’t go to the Lei Family. I just want to ask my sister’s maid.”
Only then did Nanny Xin feel reassured and leave with the others.Ren Yaoqi was about to head to Madam Li's room when she saw Madam Li already hurrying out of her own room, with Xiangqin following closely behind, explaining Ren Yaohua's condition as they walked. Madam Li must have been eager to get to Ren Yaohua's side, having only changed into an outer garment before rushing out.
Ren Yaoqi quickly stepped forward and asked, "Why is it today? I remember the midwife said last time it would be a few more days."
Madam Li, leading the group as they hurried outside, replied, "It's possible to be a few days early or late. When I gave birth to you, it was two days earlier than expected."
Just as Madam Li finished speaking, Ren Yaoqi noticed Xiangqin pursing her lips behind Madam Li. Ren Yaoqi’s heart stirred, and she was about to ask Xiangqin something, but Xiangqin had already resumed her demure and serious expression. However, she glanced at Ren Yaoqi one last time, her eyes seemingly filled with unspoken words.
Seeing that Xiangqin could still act mischievous, Ren Yaoqi felt somewhat relieved—it likely wasn’t anything too serious.
Ren Yaoqi escorted Madam Li and the others to the Inner Gate, but Madam Li stopped her from going further. "Don’t come along. Nanny Zhou and I will stay and watch over things."
Ren Yaoqi nodded in agreement. "If anything happens, please send someone back to let me know."
Madam Li agreed as she walked away.
After Madam Li and Nanny Zhou left, Ren Yaoqi sat in her room waiting for news from the Lei Family. She waited from morning until afternoon. Madam Li sent someone back once to reassure Ren Yaoqi that everything was fine, though it would still be some time before the baby arrived.
Ren Shimin also returned from the academy. Though he didn’t say much, he was concerned about the birth of his first grandchild.
By evening, Madam Li still hadn’t returned, nor had she sent anyone back. Ren Yaoqi began to worry again.
Growing anxious at home, she was about to send someone to the Lei Family to inquire when Madam Li’s maid, Xier, rushed back in a panic. Perhaps from running too fast, the sweat on Xier’s face had smudged her rouge. As soon as she saw Ren Yaoqi, she didn’t even have time to greet her properly before urgently saying, "Miss, quickly send someone to the Yanbei Prince’s Mansion to fetch a midwife named Gong."
Upon hearing this, Ren Yaoqi’s heart sank, and she quickly stood up to ask, "Has something happened to my sister?"
Xier was on the verge of tears. "The midwife says the young mistress is having a difficult birth. The baby is in the wrong position—feet first. Miss, you must go to the Yanbei Prince’s Mansion and beg the Princess Consort. I’ve heard there’s a midwife named Gong in the Prince’s Mansion who is incredibly skilled. Even if the baby is in the wrong position, she can turn it around. She even delivered the Princess Consort’s own child. But Nanny Gong is the Princess Consort’s personal attendant and never delivers babies for outsiders. Besides, she’s quite old now. If you go and beg the Princess Consort, she’ll surely agree to send Nanny Gong to deliver the young mistress’s baby. Please hurry, Miss, or it’ll be too late."
Ren Yaoqi was startled, her legs feeling weak. "What do you mean, too late? Is it that serious?"
Xier replied, "If it’s too late, I’m afraid the baby won’t survive. The young mistress is stubborn and insists on saving the child!"
Hearing this, Ren Yaoqi understood. The midwife must have asked Ren Yaohua whether to save the mother or the child, given the difficult birth. As a mother, Ren Yaohua naturally wanted the child to live.Ren Yaoqi had no time to think too much. Without saying a word, she took Xier and left the house. There was no time to prepare a carriage again, so she directly boarded the Lei Family's carriage to head for the Yanbei Prince's Mansion.
However, before getting into the carriage, she sent Leshan, who was by her side, to the Lei Family, instructing her: "No matter what, protect the child! If my sister remains stubborn until the very end, knock her out!"
After receiving the order, Leshan didn't even take a carriage but ran directly to the Lei Family.
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