Тhе Nurgаn Regionаl Мilitаrу Сommission was lосated оn the eаstеrn bаnk оf thе lоwer reаches of the Heilоngjiаng River, а regiоn whеrе multiрle еthniс grоuрs сonvеrged—the Gilemi, Кuуi, Daur... fiеrce and wаrlike pеoplеs whо hаd рlеdgеd аllegianсе to thе Yе Сourt twо hundred уеars agо, уet thеir ambition to invаde the Cеntrаl Рlains hаd never wanеd. Тhеre hаd bееn numеrоus disturbаncеs in thе pаst, but due tо the supрressiоn bу thе garrisоn trоорs, no major wаves were stirred. Hоwever, the imрerial сourt hаd lоng beеn defaulting on military pay, leaving soldiers and officers in disarray, struggling even to fill their stomachs. Who would then diligently guard the nation’s borders?
Though Wanwan lived deep within the inner chambers, she remained deeply concerned about the military situation. On the way back from the prince’s residence to the Eldest Princess Residence, she sometimes overheard roadside vendors discussing how business in the north had become increasingly difficult, with trade routes now completely severed. They finally used a term—chaos of war. Wanwan’s heart grew unsettled first. Could her brother, who only knew of peachwood swords but not the weapons of war, handle such turmoil?
After much thought, she decided to ascend the seat in the Silver Peace Hall and summon Jinshi for a conversation.
"Jinling is a haven of comfort; staying here too long makes one unaware of the situation outside. What exactly is happening in the north? The Emperor hasn’t written to me recently, likely because he’s encountered major trouble. You Silk-clad Guards often travel outside—do you have any reliable news?"
Jinshi replied, "The war has already begun. It’s said it started with just one guard of rioters, but gradually expanded, with more rebel forces joining. Now, the numbers are estimated at forty to fifty thousand."
"What about the imperial court? They’ve dispatched the Duoyan Three Guards to suppress the rebellion. Do you think they can quell it?"
"The Uriankhai Three Guards were the most elite and skilled army in the north during Emperor Taizong’s reign. How they fare now... is unknown." Jinshi glanced upward. "If Your Highness is uneasy, this subject can enter the capital to gather information. Any movements in the court can then be promptly reported to Your Highness."
Wanwan agreed and instructed Tong Huan to fetch her ivory tablet. "The capital is under strict surveillance. If questioned, just say you’re carrying out my orders. Whether it’s for purchasing goods or checking on property, make up any excuse you like."
She didn’t allow him to reveal the truth because, given the delicate situation in the Southern Garden, caution was always wise.
Jinshi knelt on one knee and received her ivory tablet. The tablet was cold to the touch, engraved with her title on the back and her name on the front. Bowing deeply with both hands raised high, he declared clearly, "This subject obeys the command." The three characters "Murong Jun" were exceptionally clear beneath his fingertips.
Wanwan smiled faintly. Even with those serving under her, she felt somewhat reluctant to trouble others. She motioned for him to rise and said shyly, "The journey is long and arduous; it will be hard on you, Thousand Household Commander. Take a few men with you on the road. Be careful, go quickly, and return soon."
Jinshi stood and bowed. "Your Highness, take care. Await this subject’s news."
He turned and strode out of the Silver Peace Hall, a martial arts practitioner moving with swift, powerful steps, as if wind followed his feet. Xiao You blinked. "I think this Thousand Household Commander... seems more agreeable than before."
Tong Huan smiled at Wanwan, who said, "Last time I tried to arrange a match for you, you weren’t willing, wasting two years in vain. Now that he’s been sent away, it’s too late to say anything. Wait until he returns. If he has no one back in his hometown, see if he has any interest in you."
Xiao You, usually bold and straightforward, now twisted like a pretzel. "Mistress, how can you tease me like this!" That drawn-out, awkward trailing tone sent shivers down everyone’s spine.Liangshi was becoming increasingly busy with the Princely Administration. Unable to return himself, he sent Rong Bao back and forth, whose visits served no other purpose than to check what she wanted to eat or play with. Occasionally, he displayed a touch of whimsy—when peach blossoms bloomed, he would send two branches back, claiming the Prince had picked them himself for Your Highness to arrange in a vase. When carp grew plump, he would tie one with a straw rope and have it delivered to the manor, saying the Prince had bought it while passing through the market on business, and instructing the cook to prepare it as an extra dish for the evening.
In such days, Wanwan felt she had nothing more to ask for. Only a child was missing. With a child, regardless of gender, she could enjoy this love with a clear conscience.
Xiao You comforted her, saying it was fine. "Every embrace should remind us of how hard-won it was. Back when the Prince wanted to marry you, how much effort did he expend? Standing outside the Gate of Chastity and Loyalty in heavy snow, his face frozen blue, the tips of his ears red. What if there’s no child? He’ll still cherish you just the same! Besides, it’s not that you can’t conceive—you lost the child back then to protect the Southern Garden, arguing fiercely with the Inner Cabinet. The Prince knows right from wrong; he won’t blame you."
She slowly shook her head. "It’s not about whether he blames me or not; it’s that I can’t get past it in my heart. No matter how a husband and wife get along, children are the foundation. A kite may fly high, but it must be tethered by a string. The child is that string, connecting me on one end and the Prince on the other. With a child, a husband and wife truly resemble a couple; otherwise, when disaster strikes, each flies their own way—who can’t live without the other?"
The love between her and Liangshi could never grow closer because a nation stood between them. Her feelings were not poured too deeply, as a means of protecting herself. Wanwan sometimes felt she lacked the ability to throw caution to the wind; she had always been clear-headed. Even when confined in the capital, yearning for him madly, she could instantly calm herself as long as matters of the State Altars were involved. Of Emperor Xiaozong’s three children, only she most resembled her father. The emperor had devoted his entire life to the nation, and his diligence in governance was something her eldest and second brothers could hardly match.
It was a pity she was born a woman; otherwise, she might have contributed to the family and nation. Now, even if she knew the situation outside, she could only fret helplessly.
With spring’s warmth and blooming flowers, she strolled in the garden. Last year’s cluster of hostas had frozen to death, so this year she planned to replace them with red peonies. Watching the young eunuch dig soil beneath the rockery to level the ground, she hadn’t stood there long before word came that the Secondary Consort and Young Mistress had arrived. She paused briefly. "What are they here for?"
Tong Huan shook her head. "If Your Highness doesn’t wish to see them, this servant can go out and turn them away."
Wanwan said it wasn’t necessary. "Perhaps something has happened on the elder brother’s side."
She summoned them into the garden. The Young Mistress was hesitant and shy, while Madam Tala was beaming with joy. Upon entering, Madam Tala offered a double bow of greeting. "Congratulations to Your Highness."
Wanwan responded with an "Oh?" "What is there to congratulate?"
Madam Tala nudged the Young Mistress with a smile. "Tell E’nie yourself. You’re such a grown person now, what’s there to be shy about?"
Wanwan had already guessed seventy or eighty percent of it. She felt happy for her, yet sad for herself.
Yun Wan’s face flushed red as she curtsied, hesitating as she spoke. "This servant hasn’t been feeling well these past few days… The mistress summoned a physician to examine me, and he said… I have conceived. Today, I’ve come specially to see E’nie and report this to E’nie…"Wanwan maintained a proper smile on her face, nodding in agreement. "This is wonderful news. When your Ama returns, I will certainly inform him." Looking at the child—only fourteen years old, still quite young with a youthful face, timid and shrinking in the presence of others—she beckoned her to come sit by her side and asked how many months along she was. "Are you feeling any discomfort at the moment?"
Yun Wan smiled, revealing two sharp canine teeth, which looked quite adorable. "In reply to E'nie, it has been nearly four months. This servant is doing well, thank you for your concern."
Madam Tala leaned forward with a smile. "This child is so careless, she didn’t even realize she was with child. If it weren’t for the doctor’s diagnosis yesterday, we would all still be in the dark. The young master returned on New Year’s Eve and left on the third day of the new year. It must have happened around that time. You see, although these two are married, they are still like children at heart and need the elders to look after them."
Wanwan pursed her lips into a gentle smile, carefully examining the Young Mistress. "If there’s anything you want to eat or drink, don’t be shy—just tell your grandmother. Right now, you are the great contributor, the most important person in the household. If something isn’t available in Nanjing, we’ll buy it from outside. Everything should be done to make you happy, remember?"
Yun Wan nodded. "Thank you, E'nie. I feel quite embarrassed that my matter has troubled you."
Wanwan patted her hand. "Silly child, it’s good news. Telling me about it brings me joy too." She turned to ask Madam Tala, "Have preparations begun? The baby’s clothes, bedding, and cradle… Calculating the time, it should be around September. The weather will be just right then—neither too hot nor too cold, so neither the mother nor the child will suffer."
Madam Tala stood up and curtsied. "This servant has already begun preparations. When the time is near, we will hire the best midwife in the city to attend the birth. Your Highness need not worry."
Wanwan reminded the Young Mistress again to take care of her health, avoiding extreme joy or anger, and to keep her mind at peace. She also instructed someone to send the good news to the young master in Xuzhou. Sitting together with the women, she outwardly shared their joy, but inwardly, she felt a deep sense of bitterness. The younger generation had already received such news, while she herself showed no signs of progress, fearing she might remain childless for life.
Liangshi returned late into the night. Usually, she would wait for him, but today was different.
She lay with her back to him, seemingly asleep. He removed his clothes and got into bed, leaning over to look at her face. The tear stains on her cheeks were still wet, startling him. He gently shook her. "Wanwan, what’s wrong?"
After shaking her several times, she finally opened her eyes, sat up, wiped her face, and lowered her head. "I want a child. The Young Mistress has already conceived, but I… I’m so useless."
This was the first time she had cried over this matter, revealing that she had suppressed her feelings for far too long and could no longer bear it.
What could he do? They had tried often enough, but there was still no sign of progress. He decided to take all the blame. "Actually, during the battle at Dean Prefecture to suppress the rebel Wang Ding’s army, I accidentally fell from my horse… I think I was injured then. I didn’t dare tell you, fearing you would worry. But now, it seems it might be my fault…"
She was stunned. "Is that true? You’re not lying to me, are you?"
He immediately swore by the heavens. "If I speak even half a lie, may I turn into a toad." Then, somewhat awkwardly, he added, "I didn’t want to say it, but seeing how much you want a child, I feel terribly sorry for you. When I have some free time, I’ll see a doctor. Perhaps taking a few doses of medicine will help. Who knows?"Wanwan was half-convinced, half-doubtful—his words weren’t entirely trustworthy, and if they were false, she would only feel more despair.
Later, she sought out those close to him to inquire. According to Rong Bao’s description, that fall had been nothing short of brutal; even the women listening felt an excruciating pain between their legs.
“Only Steward Yu could understand such suffering,” Xiao You sighed, shaking her head. “Poor thing, he nearly lost his life.”
Wanwan asked where the doctor who treated him at the time was. Rong Bao replied, “The army doctors were cobbled together from here and there. It was chaotic back then—they treated people and livestock alike. After the war, everything had to be reorganized. Who knows where those people ended up?”
After suffering such a severe injury, how did he become so lively and energetic again upon entering the capital? She wanted to ask but ultimately felt too embarrassed. On second thought, after recuperating for about a month, he had probably recovered quite well. For now, she would take his story as true.
From then on, she treated him with utmost care, as if he were an invalid.
“Did it leave lasting effects? Does it still hurt terribly?” she soothed, cradling him in her hands. “How pitiful…”
Liangshi’s tongue went numb, gritting his teeth and panting. “It was just a bump, nothing serious… ah…”
Wanwan looked up at him. “Is there a scar? I never looked closely before. Let me see.”
His face flushed crimson, and he stammered, “That’s too embarrassing… Besides, it’s been so long, it must have healed by now.”
This time, he was especially reckless. Wanwan, sympathizing with his struggles, even looked at him with tender affection, much like an Imperial Concubine.
He grew a bit anxious. “Look at me with affection, not like an old lady. I feel like you might call me ‘son’ at any moment.”
“Don’t talk nonsense. Why bring up old ladies now?” she whimpered, as a wave of pleasure washed over her, letting out a soft sigh. “Ah, Liangshi…”
Still no child, but the Young Mistress was about to give birth.
News came from Jinshi: the north was bitterly cold, with battles fought intermittently. In September, heavy snow fell, making movement nearly impossible now. In this season of scarcity, even rebellion felt beyond their strength, so they temporarily halted hostilities, waiting for the ice and snow to melt before resuming the fight.
The premonition of war simmered, weighing heavily on her heart, uncertain when disaster might strike. While Wanwan studied the Defense Deployment Map, Nanny Li entered to announce, “Just now, someone from the prince’s residence came to report—the Young Mistress’s water has broken. She’s about to give birth.”
Her grandson was about to be born. She let out a soft sigh—she had to go see.
In large families like theirs, there was no custom of elders and youngsters crowding anxiously outside the door. The seniors remained in their respective places, waiting for the child to be born. Only then would the servants spread the news everywhere, announcing whether it was a boy or a girl. Afterward, everyone would gather to see the child and the mother. Wanwan returned first to check on the Young Mistress. She lay on the bed, her small frame overshadowed by a belly as large as a drum. Seeing Wanwan, she called out “E’nie,” but there was a determined light in her eyes.
Wanwan encouraged her, “The eldest master is on his way back. Once the child is born, you’ll be able to see him.”
Yun Wan’s delicate brows furrowed, her lips forcing a faint smile. “I will definitely give birth to a son.”Wanwan returned to the Tower of Profound Grace and sat in an armchair, waiting for news. Time passed slowly; the sun hung high in the sky, and it was not yet noon. She too had once had a child, but unfortunately, it had died young, unlike the Young Mistress, who was blessed with such good fortune. In truth, she envied her a little. No matter how painful motherhood might be, the thought of soon meeting one’s child filled one with strength. Though she herself had not been fortunate, she still hoped for Yun Wan. “Did you bring the Gold Lock prepared earlier? Send it over once the child is born.”
Tong Huan, bending over to light incense, turned and said, “Everything has been brought. Your Highness, please sit calmly and don’t worry.”
She smiled sheepishly. “How delightful children are… Do you think I could take the child over to play for a few days?”
For a grandmother to want her grandson by her side was the most natural thing in the world. Just as the eldest and second masters had been raised by the Grand Consort, if she wished to raise the child, the Young Mistress should be grateful. Tong Huan said, “Judging by your meaning, if you are willing, just give the order, and they would not dare disobey. Raising the young master in the Eldest Princess Residence would also bring honor to the eldest master and his wife.”
Wanwan fell silent, but separating mother and child always seemed too cruel.
Giving birth was truly a long process! Word came from outside that the eldest master had returned. The Qi People placed great emphasis on propriety; no matter how much his wife cried out in the birthing room, the son returning home must first pay respects to his parents.
Wanwan saw someone enter through the door—tall, with clear and bright features. Having trained in the military for so long, his physique had grown sturdy, and his every movement exuded the composed demeanor of a great general. It vaguely reminded her of her first meeting with Liangshi at the West Flowery Gate—how alike father and son were!
He entered the room, knelt, and kowtowed. “Your son has returned to pay respects to E’nie.”
Wanwan raised her hand slightly. “The eldest master must be tired from the journey. Have you seen your mother?”
He said yes, never once raising his eyes to look at her.
Wanwan was considerate and said gently, “Don’t linger here with me. Go and see your wife. She has been in labor for some time now and should give birth soon.”
He acknowledged with a “zhe,” bowed, and withdrew from the Main Chamber.
The entire household was waiting. Liangshi could not return due to inspecting the naval forces, so Wanwan had a servant wait for news, ready to report to New River Mouth as soon as there was any. The sun gradually shifted westward, and listening carefully to the outside, there was only the rustling of the wind. She grew somewhat worried—the amniotic fluid had broken so long ago; surely that couldn’t be good for the child.
The sky gradually darkened, and lamps were lit in the room. Servants brought in the meal, but she had no appetite, taking only a few bites before having it cleared away.
Just as she was fretting, shouts came from the drooping flower gate: “It’s born, it’s born…” She stood up abruptly, causing even the lamp on the table to flicker.
A flurry of footsteps reached the eaves, and Lan Zhou entered the room, falling to his knees before her. Clutching the gaps between the bricks, he kowtowed: “My wife has given birth—a son. I’ve come specially to bring E’nie the good news.”
Wanwan smiled joyfully and let out a long sigh. “Finally born, thank heavens. It’s good that both mother and child are safe.”
Lan Zhou, like a newly appointed official, was probably overjoyed. He remained kneeling on the ground and did not rise even when Wanwan called to him. She went over and reached out to help him up. He kowtowed once more and, taking the opportunity, wrapped his arms around her legs, sobbing softly like a child: “E’nie, your son missed you every day while he was away…”
OpenNovel