Soon, Yao Ji was brought in by the guards outside. Seeing the emaciated and pale woman before her, Ye Li couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. The Yao Ji before her now was truly like a different person compared to the one from a year ago who, though sorrowful and stubborn, still radiated beauty. Her once-delicate features and snow-white skin had become gaunt and sallow from prolonged poor conditions, with only a hint of her former stunning grace visible in her elegant features. Her hair was carelessly tied back with a cloth, hanging dry and yellowed behind her. Yao Ji held a swaddled infant in her arms; the child appeared well-cared for, looking to be about five or six months old.

Ye Li waved for Qin Feng to withdraw first. Qin Feng hesitated, glancing at Yao Ji with slightly furrowed brows. Although they had thoroughly investigated Yao Ji’s situation, the Princess Consort was at a crucial time and couldn’t risk any mishaps. Thinking of this, Qin Feng somewhat regretted disturbing the Princess Consort with this matter now. He had only thought to inform her about taking the liberty of rescuing Yao Ji and bringing her back but had forgotten that the Princess Consort was about to give birth. As long as nothing went wrong with Yao Ji, reporting later would have been fine. Seeing Qin Feng’s hesitation, Ye Li smiled gently and said, “You may leave first. I’ll have a word with Lady Yao Ji.”

Qin Feng could only withdraw to wait outside the door. Ye Li apologetically smiled at Yao Ji, “I’m sorry you had to see that.” Yao Ji shook her head and smiled faintly, “Master Qin’s loyalty to the Princess Consort is truly enviable.”

Ye Li looked at the child in Yao Ji’s arms. Yao Ji would occasionally look down at him and gently rock him, her sickly face full of maternal love. “This child…” Yao Ji held the child tightly in her arms and said softly, “This is my child, almost half a year old now. His name is Shen Jing’an. What do you think of the name I’ve chosen?” Ye Li nodded and asked, “The child takes your surname?” Ye Li seemed to remember that Yao Ji had once mentioned her original surname was Shen, and her name was Shen Yao.

Seeming to recall something, Yao Ji silently nodded.

Looking at the once peerlessly beautiful woman who had become so wretched, Ye Li felt deep regret. “I remember you had quite a bit of silver when you left the capital. How did you end up in such a state?” The money from secretly selling Chengfeng House to Ye Li would have been enough for Yao Ji and her child to live luxuriously for a lifetime. Yao Ji smiled bitterly, gently stroking the sleeping child as she said, “I was arrogant, thinking I wasn’t inferior to anyone in any way, but after leaving Chengfeng House, I realized I knew nothing except singing and dancing. Though I despised my identity as a courtesan, it was indeed this identity that allowed me to live freely all these years. Otherwise, I probably would have been bought as a concubine by someone long ago. I thought that even though Mu Yang and I couldn’t be together properly, at least we could part on good terms, but who knew…”

It turned out that after Yao Ji left the capital, being three months pregnant, she had to find a secluded place near the capital to stay until the child was born before starting anew elsewhere. However, she didn’t know that several estates near the small town where she was temporarily staying belonged to the Mu Yang Marquis’s wife’s maiden family. Some stewards recognized Yao Ji’s identity and reported it to the Marquis’s wife. By then, Yao Ji was six months pregnant, and Mu Yang was away fighting with Ye Li in the Northwest. Although the Marquis’s wife looked down on Yao Ji’s status, at that time the Northwest war situation was critical, and fearing something might happen to her son, she didn’t intend to harm Yao Ji’s child but had her maiden family’s people keep Yao Ji under watch. With Yao Ji’s intelligence, how could she not guess that whether Mu Yang returned or not, the day her child was born would likely be the day of her death? She tried to use her remaining wealth to bribe her guards and escape but was caught and brought back. The Marquis’s wife’s maiden family then stripped Yao Ji of all her money, not leaving her even half a copper coin. By the time Mu Yang returned, Yao Ji was about to give birth. It was only because the old woman responsible for caring for Yao Ji took pity and secretly informed Mu Yang. Mu Yang arrived on the day Yao Ji was giving birth, and if he hadn’t come quickly and burst into the birthing room, Yao Ji would have died from hemorrhaging that day.

Afterward, due to Mu Yang’s insistence, Yao Ji and the child were settled in a separate courtyard of the Mu Yang Marquis’s manor. Then Mu Yang married Miss Sun, and after Yao Ji recovered after a few days when Mu Yang came to see her and the child, she asked the Mu Yang Marquis’s family to return her money so she could leave with the child. But Mu Yang refused absolutely, and the Marquis’s wife’s maiden family completely denied taking Yao Ji’s money. Yao Ji almost fainted from anger at the time. Her savings of many years, plus what Ye Li had given her from selling Chengfeng House – not counting the jewelry and precious items, just the bank notes alone were worth over two hundred thousand taels. To prevent Yao Ji from taking the money and finding a way to escape, Mu Yang even agreed with his maternal family’s claims. As a result, Yao Ji couldn’t get even a penny, let alone try to bribe the guards of the separate courtyard to escape.

But Yao Ji was also stubborn, and every time Mu Yang came to see her, they would end up quarreling. Mu Yang’s frequent visits to the separate courtyard naturally aroused the suspicions of his newly married wife. So when Mu Yang was sent away on official business by the Marquis, who was already very displeased with this situation, Yao Ji and the child nearly starved to death in a separate courtyard. When Mu Yang returned, there was naturally another big scene, and he moved Yao Ji and their son to a small courtyard under his name. Yao Ji spent over a month softening her attitude to lower Mu Yang’s guard, then took advantage of his drunkenness one night to escape with the child and a few items of little value, heading west. As for whether the people who pursued her trying to snatch the child were sent by Mu Yang or the Marquis’s manor, even she didn’t know.

Looking at the radiantly glowing Ye Li before her with her large belly, Yao Ji smiled bitterly. If the Prince’s Consort had encountered such a situation, she certainly wouldn’t have ended up as wretched as herself. During those days of being confined in the separate courtyard and nearly starving to death, Yao Ji finally understood that trying to control her destiny by herself was nothing but a daydream. All these years of living gloriously were just because of her title as the premier dancer and Mu Yang’s secret protection. Without these, she was nothing but a useless woman who could hardly take a step in this world.

After hearing Yao Ji’s story, Ye Li didn’t know whether to sigh or be angry. After pondering for a moment, she asked, “What are your plans for the future? According to what you’ve said, your money was all seized by the Marquis’s wife’s maiden family – I can have someone help you retrieve that. But what are your plans after that?” Yao Ji looked down at the child in her arms, then raised her head and said, “I beg the Princess Consort to find a good family to adopt this child. I don’t ask for wealth and glory, just that he has both parents and a harmonious family.”

Ye Li frowned and asked puzzledly, “What are you doing? If you didn’t want this child, why did you bring him away in the first place? If you had left him at the Marquis’s manor, Mu Yang would have taken care of the child well enough for the sake of your relationship.” Yao Ji smiled bitterly, looking at Ye Li, and said, “I’ve heard about the Princess Consort’s family matters, how even you as a legitimate daughter from a noble family were mistreated by your stepmother. How much worse would it be for my son? That Miss Sun would rather kill my child, and how much could Mu Yang look after him? Moreover… having a former courtesan for a mother is never a matter of honor. I only wish for him to live peacefully all his life.”

Ye Li was somewhat troubled. After thinking for a moment, she said, “I’m not in a very convenient position to act right now. Why don’t you stay in Ruyang City for now, and take some time to think carefully about your plans? If you still insist on this later, I’ll have someone find a good family for the child.”

Yao Ji was overjoyed and said tearfully, “Shen Yao thanks the Princess Consort.” Although she spoke decisively, she was extremely reluctant to part with the child she had carried for ten months. Ye Li giving her more time to consider, though she had already made up her mind, at least allowed her to spend more time with her child.

After ordering Qin Feng to take Yao Ji out and settle her, Ye Li was lost in thought about Yao Ji’s situation when Mo Xiu Yao strolled in. Seeing Ye Li’s slightly furrowed brows, Mo Xiu Yao quickly sat beside her to check on her, “Why are you unhappy? Are you feeling unwell somewhere?” Ye Li shook her head and leaned into Mo Xiu Yao’s embrace, telling him about Yao Ji’s situation, finally sighing, “Mu Yang handled this terribly.” Not just towards Yao Ji, but also toward the newly married Miss Sun. Even if the people who tried to kill Yao Ji were sent by Miss Sun, Ye Li wouldn’t be too surprised.

Hearing Ye Li so concerned about others’ affairs, Mo Xiu Yao was visibly displeased. He let her lean against him while gently stroking her round belly and said, “These small matters can be handled by others. Instead of worrying about these trivial things, Ah Li should think about other things.” Ye Li looked up at him with a smile and asked, “Think about what? Have you thought about the baby’s name?” Mo Xiu Yao frowned and said indifferently, “How difficult can naming be? You keep calling the baby ‘baby’ every day, so let’s just call them Mo Baobao.”

Ye Li’s mouth twitched as she looked at the jealous man and smiled, “Mo Baobao? Are you sure the baby won’t resent us for this name in the future?” Just imagining a handsome youth or middle-aged man who looked exactly like Mo Xiu Yao being stuck with the name ‘Mo Baobao’ was enough to make anyone stifle a laugh. Mo Xiu Yao raised an eyebrow and said, “Would he dare?” Ye Li nodded seriously and said, “Trust me, he really would.” Any man with such a name would inevitably want to rebel against his parents, wouldn’t he? Mo Xiu Yao let out a light snort and said, “Then we’ll call him Mo Xiaobao.”

Ye Li rolled her eyes and decided to temporarily drop this topic. If this man got stubborn about naming the baby Mo Baobao or Mo Xiaobao or something similar, she wouldn’t be able to win against him. After all, there was still time to choose the child’s formal name before their first birthday, or they could ask her grandfather and uncle to choose one. She smoothly changed the subject and asked, “How did things go with the previous dynasty’s treasure? Why are you back so soon?”

Mo Xiu Yao replied carelessly, “It was all Tan Jizhi’s tricks. Did he think he could cause trouble for this prince and get away with it?” Ye Li asked curiously, “What did you do?” Mo Xiu Yao said coolly, “Naturally, I informed His Majesty of his true identity, and took the opportunity to show loyalty to Great Chu while I was at it.” Ye Li raised an eyebrow and said, “When Tan Jizhi left the Northwest, he must have been prepared for his identity to be exposed, right?” Mo Xiu Yao gave a cold smile and said, “What if we add the Imperial Jade Seal to the mix?”

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

“Some people will believe it. I’ll send shadow guards to pursue Tan Jizhi later. No need to kill him, just make him reveal the Imperial Jade Seal,” Mo Xiu Yao said casually. Ye Li smiled in understanding. With even the Prince’s manor chasing after Tan Jizhi for the Imperial Jade Seal, those interested in it would naturally think twice, and as for who to believe, that would be up to individual judgment.

Mo Xiu Yao held Ye Li close, lazily nuzzling her shoulder, and said, “Ah Li doesn’t need to worry about these trivial matters now. Just focus on safely delivering Mo Baobao.” Once they got rid of this annoying little one, Ah Li would be alone.

“Don’t call him Mo Baobao, it doesn’t sound good,” Ye Li seriously advocated for her son’s rights. Mo Xiu Yao casually changed it, “Mo Xiaobao.”

Ye Li rubbed her forehead, looking at the man’s stubborn handsome face, and sighed, “That’s a nickname.” Mo Xiu Yao gave a light snort without speaking. When the nickname became more well-known than the formal name, what difference would there be between them? And so, the future young master of the Prince’s manor, who would become elegant as jade and renowned throughout the land, was given a nickname he would never be able to shake off.

This trip back to the Chu capital, Qin Feng brought back not only the people who served Ye Li and Butler Mo but also the beloved concubine and son of the Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guards. Xue Chengliang, who had been holding out until now, completely crumbled when he saw his delicate and beautiful beloved concubine and his clever, adorable two-year-old son. Without even needing torture, he confessed everything.

In the dungeon, Mo Xiu Yao still sat calmly and leisurely on the wide soft couch, coldly watching the family reunion before him. Feng Zhiyao and Qin Feng stood behind him watching as Xue Chengliang, after comforting his crying wife and child, stood up and said, “Your Highness, I can tell you whatever you want to know, but please, no matter what, do not harm my wife and child.” Mo Xiu Yao frowned slightly and nodded, “Very well. This prince promises that as long as you tell me what I want to know, I absolutely will not harm this mother and child. I can even give them a safe place to live.”

Xue Chengliang gave a dry laugh and said, “With the Prince’s promise, I naturally trust you. Please ask, Your Highness.”

Mo Xiu Yao waved his hand, having someone take the mother and child away. After the dungeon was quiet for a moment, he asked, “Why did Mo Jingqi go to such lengths to save Su Zuidie?” At these words, not only did Xue Chengliang start, but even Feng Zhiyao and Qin Feng were taken aback. Feng Zhiyao looked at Mo Xiu Yao and thought silently, “Your Highness, you can’t still have lingering feelings for that woman Su Zuidie, can you?” Perhaps because Feng Zhiyao’s expression was too obvious, Mo Xiu Yao gave him a cold sideways glance, making Feng Zhiyao’s spine go cold. He coughed lightly and straightened his expression, looking at Xue Chengliang with complete seriousness.

Xue Chengliang was very surprised by this question. His expression changed as he looked at Mo Xiu Yao’s cold, calm face and after a moment of silence said, “His Majesty and Su Zuidie knew each other in their youth. When His Majesty had just ascended the throne, he approached Lord Su about wanting to welcome Miss Su into the palace as his consort, but Lord Su refused.”

Mo Xiu Yao raised his eyes and said calmly, “Are you trying to tell this prince that His Majesty sent so many people to save her because he can’t forget his old feelings for Su Zuidie?” Xue Chengliang fell silent, understanding how absurd this answer was. He had been following Mo Jingqi since before he ascended the throne and naturally knew what kind of person he was. Even if Su Zuidie were a hundred times more beautiful, Mo Jingqi wouldn’t pay such a high price just for a beautiful woman. After thinking for a moment, Xue Chengliang asked, “What does Your Highness want to know?”

Mo Xiu Yao looked down at his slender fingers and said, “For instance, the relationship between Su Zuidie, His Majesty, and Tan Jizhi.”

Xue Chengliang frowned and said, “Tan Jizhi suddenly appeared by His Majesty’s side ten years ago. His Majesty greatly valued his intelligence and treated him as an advisor. As for what relationship he has with Miss Su, I don’t know, though they are acquainted.”

“Tan Jizhi’s true identity is a surviving royal from the previous dynasty, or, you could tell this prince why Mo Jingqi trusts him so much. Surely Commander Xue doesn’t claim to be ignorant of this as well?” At these words, Xue Chengliang’s face changed, and he stared at Mo Xiu Yao in shock without realizing it. Mo Xiu Yao gave a cold snort, his sword-like eyebrows rising as he said icily, “Feng San, bring that child outside in here!” Xue Chengliang started and quickly said, “No! Your Highness, I beg you to spare the child. I’ll tell you everything you want to know.”

Mo Xiu Yao nodded with satisfaction, “Very good. Su Zuidie is in this prince’s hands. But over these two months, countless people have come. Tan Jizhi wants to kill her, His Majesty wants to save her. This prince doesn’t know when a woman became so important, perhaps you’d like to explain it to this prince?”

Xue Chengliang’s face turned paper-white. He glanced at the tightly closed prison door; his wife and child were just outside, and one wrong word from him would plunge them into irredeemable disaster. Closing his eyes helplessly for a moment, Xue Chengliang finally spoke, “I don’t know much, only that years ago, on His Majesty’s orders, I obtained something from Miss Su. Then I gave it to Lord Tan.” Mo Xiu Yao narrowed his eyes, “What thing?”

Xue Chengliang said, “I don’t know, only… the item was taken from the Prince’s manor. After that, Lord Tan went to the Northern Rong alone, and a month later… the previous Prince and the Mo family army suffered a devastating defeat at the Northern Rong border. So I guess… there must be some connection.” After saying this, Xue Chengliang collapsed to the ground as if all strength had left him. Though he wasn’t a good person, he wasn’t completely heartless and devoid of humanity either. After the incident at the Prince’s manor those years ago, he had vaguely felt that someday these matters would return, but he hadn’t expected to wait ten years.

The prison cell fell into silence, with only the occasional crackling sound of burning firewood from nearby. Mo Xiu Yao lowered his gaze as he reclined on the soft couch, several strands of silver hair falling beside his ears, making it impossible to see his expression. But Feng Zhiyao and Qin Feng, standing behind him, clearly saw the silver strands moving without wind, and the powerful, oppressive aura made them unconsciously step back several paces. They simultaneously turned to look at each other’s faces and saw the same expression of disbelief.

After a long while, when the three people in the cell were almost unable to breathe, Mo Xiu Yao said in an icy voice, “Continue.”

Xue Chengliang’s face was deathly pale, with a trace of blood seeping from his lips. He hadn’t expected the Prince’s martial arts to have reached such a level, that he could cause internal injuries and make him cough blood with just his internal force from a distance. Shaking his head, he said, “At that time, I was just a personal guard by His Majesty’s side, I don’t know much. The reason His Majesty wants to save Miss Su is because she took two items from the Prince’s manor back then, but she only gave His Majesty one, the other is still in Miss Su’s possession. As for anything else… I don’t know anymore.”

“Your Highness…” Feng Zhiyao called cautiously. A silent Mo Xiu Yao was more terrifying than when he was enraged. Even though they rationally knew Mo Xiu Yao wouldn’t do anything to them, but… Feng Zhiyao sighed, secretly gripping his slightly trembling fingers in his sleeve.

“Qin Feng, get Su Zuidie. This prince doesn’t care what methods you use or how you do it, make her spit out the answer today!”

Qin Feng’s heart tightened as he nodded and said, “This servant obeys.” Feng Zhiyao frowned worriedly and said, “Your Highness, Su Zuidie is unusually stubborn, what if…”

“Then let her die!” Mo Xiu Yao shouted angrily, “If you can’t get answers from her, deploy all the Qilin guards, and capture all of Mo Jingqi’s confidants! This prince refuses to believe no one else knows about this matter!”

“This servant accepts the command!” Qin Feng nodded and turned, rushing out of the prison cell without looking back.

“Your Highness…” Feng Zhiyao felt his throat turn bitter, not knowing what to say. The news Xue Chengliang had revealed was too shocking. As he was struggling with what to do, footsteps came from outside, followed by Butler Mo’s joyful voice, “Your Highness! Reporting to Your Highness, the Princess Consort is going into labor!”

Mo Xiu Yao froze for a moment, then suddenly stood up. Feng Zhiyao only saw a white flash before his eyes, and Mo Xiu Yao’s figure had vanished from the prison cell.

Bang—!

The originally pristine soft couch instantly exploded into fragments, becoming a pile of scattered debris. Looking at the mess of fragments and Xue Chengliang, who was covered in wounds from the flying wood splinters, Feng Zhiyao said calmly, “Commander Xue can rest easy here. If His Highness is in a good mood after the Princess Consort gives birth to the young prince, there might still be hope for survival.” Xue Chengliang gave a bitter smile and looked at Feng Zhiyao, saying, “Thank you for your comfort, Master Feng San. After that incident years ago, I spent several years in constant anxiety, always feeling this day would come. I don’t ask for my survival, but my wife and child are innocent. I only beg His Highness to spare their lives.”

Feng Zhiyao remained silent. What Xue Chengliang had revealed was too shocking. Until His Highness personally decided, no one knew what the outcome would be. After glancing at Xue Chengliang, Feng Zhiyao turned and stepped out of the prison cell.

The courtyard of the manor’s main compound was filled with people. The doors to Ye Li’s room were tightly closed, with maids occasionally hurrying in and out with water, but before anyone could peek inside, the doors would be firmly shut again.

Those standing guard outside saw a white figure flash past, reaching the doorway in the blink of an eye. As Mo Xiu Yao raised his hand to push open the door, Xu Qingze and Xu Qingfeng each grabbed one of his arms. Mo Xiu Yao turned back displeased, and though Xu Qingfeng had trained considerably under Qin Feng these past two months, he couldn’t help but release his grip and smile, saying, “Li’er is giving birth, Your Highness can’t go in.”

Mo Xiu Yao frowned and said, “This prince wants to check on Ah Li.”

Shen Yang said coldly, “What’s there to see about a woman giving birth? Your Highness should know men can’t enter the birthing room…” An icy gaze shot toward Shen Yang like an arrow, and after resisting for a moment, Shen Yang yielded. With a physician’s sensitivity, he sensed something off about the Prince’s aura. After a pause, he said, “It’s inauspicious for men to enter the birthing room…” Mo Xiu Yao said coldly, “This prince isn’t afraid.” Shen Yang fell silent for a moment before finally saying, “The Princess Consort probably won’t give birth for another hour or two. Your Highness can go in and look briefly.” Mo Xiu Yao gave a light snort and turned to push open the door and enter.

Outside, Xu Qingyan said dissatisfiedly, “Doctor Shen, why can His Highness go in but we can’t?”

Shen Yang silently wiped away his sweat and said, “Because if I refused, His Highness would kill me immediately.” Life was more important than rules.

As soon as Mo Xiu Yao entered, Nurse Lin at the door started in surprise and hurriedly said, “Your Highness, why have you come in…” Before she could finish, Mo Xiu Yao said, “This prince will look at Ah Li and leave shortly.”

He passed by Nurse Lin and went straight to the inner chamber. Everyone was startled to see Mo Xiu Yao and Ye Li lying on the bed, having just begun labor pains but not yet ready to give birth. Seeing Mo Xiu Yao enter, she gave a faint smile and said, “Why did you come in?” Under the midwife’s surprised gaze, Mo Xiu Yao sat down by the bed, his expression somewhat anxious and gloomy. Ye Li smiled and took his hand, saying, “Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.” Looking down at her slightly furrowed brows, he wiped the sweat from her forehead and asked softly, “Does it hurt?”

Ye Li smiled and said, “It’s not too bad. You should go out now.”

Mo Xiu Yao shook his head, “I’ll stay with you for a while… Ah Li, you must be alright.”

Ye Li smiled helplessly, “It’s just childbirth, what woman doesn’t go through it? It’s fine.” Nurse Wei entered carrying a bowl of carefully prepared chicken soup and also started upon seeing the person sitting by the bed. Mo Xiu Yao turned and asked, “What’s this?” Nurse Wei said, “This is chicken soup that’s been simmering for hours. The Princess Consort should drink some to have strength later.” Mo Xiu Yao reached out to take it, saying, “This prince will feed her.” Though Nurse Wei wanted to object, seeing Mo Xiu Yao’s solemn expression, she ultimately handed over the chicken soup. Watching Mo Xiu Yao carefully feed her young mistress the chicken soup with complete concentration, she quietly wiped her eyes and withdrew. No matter what, the Prince’s treatment of the Princess Consort was a thousand times better than how the master had treated the madam back then; her young mistress had much better judgment than her mother.

After drinking the soup and letting Mo Xiu Yao keep her company for a while longer, Ye Li finally pushed him to leave. Mo Xiu Yao was unwilling but Ye Li gave him a hard pinch, saying, “Having you here makes it easier for me to get distracted and more dangerous.” Only then did Mo Xiu Yao stand up, sweeping his gaze over the room full of attending midwives, maids, and nurses, saying, “Take good care of the Princess Consort. If anything happens to her, watch out for your lives!” Watching Mo Xiu Yao leave, Ye Li sighed helplessly and said to the frightened room, “His Highness is just very worried, don’t be too nervous.”

Nurse Lin carefully wiped Ye Li’s sweat and said, “His Highness cares deeply for the Princess Consort. We should be happy for you.”

Ye Li smiled faintly, placing her hand on her painfully contracting abdomen. Xiu Yao’s mood just now was not good; he must have been truly frightened. She had heard before of fathers fainting outside the birthing room; hopefully, the Prince wouldn’t be so useless.

Another hour passed before the birthing room became busy. Those waiting outside anxiously listened to the midwife’s voice and Ye Li’s groans. Compared to the usual screams of women in childbirth, Ye Li’s voice wasn’t too frightening, but not only Mo Xiu Yao but even Xu Qingfeng and Xu Qingze had turned pale. The usually mischievous Xu Qingyan had nothing to say, listlessly crouching beside Shen Yang and Doctor Lin, asking now and then if Sister Li was all right and how much longer it would take. Shen Yang got so annoyed he kicked him away, saying angrily, “Some people can’t give birth even after seven or eight hours, it hasn’t even been two hours, what are you rushing for?” Immediately, Xu Qingyan’s face also went white, and he crouched motionless by the door, terrified that Sister Li might also have to labor for seven or eight hours – how painful that would be.

Xu Qingfeng tried his best to ignore the groans coming from inside and said to Mo Xiu Yao, whose body had gone rigid, with a somewhat stiff smile, “I’ve seen when Great Aunt gave birth to Fourth Brother and Fifth Brother, there won’t be any danger.”

Mo Xiu Yao stared unblinkingly at the tightly closed door, seemingly not hearing whether he had heard or not.

Ye Li remembered in her previous life there had been discussions about whether women giving birth or men being shot was more painful. Now Ye Li felt she knew the answer – if taking a bullet would make the baby come out faster, she would rather take a bullet. “Mmph…” The midwife beside her said repeatedly, “Princess Consort, don’t hold it in, cry out!” Ye Li remained silent – what was there to cry about? If she used all her strength to shout and scream, where would she find the strength to give birth? Besides, even if she cried out, it would hurt just the same. Ye Li could only curse inwardly that her pain tolerance seemed worse than in her previous life.

“Almost there! Almost… quick, bring fresh water…” The midwife called out while guiding Ye Li on how to push. Even in the eighth month, the room was unbearably hot, and with so many people, it felt like a chaotic mass of heat pressing down on everyone.

After about another half hour, when the people outside were almost unable to wait any longer, they heard a cry of pain from Ye Li. As Mo Xiu Yao’s body trembled and he was about to rush in, suddenly cheers erupted from inside, “The baby’s born!” followed by the loud crying of an infant. Doctor Lin nodded and said, “From the sound of it, the child’s health is not bad.” Shen Yang nodded and said, “Not quite as good as His Highness was back then, but some nurturing will fix that.”

“Born…” Xu Qingfeng felt as if in a dream. He turned to look at Mo Xiu Yao beside him, who had frozen for a moment before lifting his foot to rush inside. Unexpectedly, his body swayed and fell toward the ground without warning. Everyone scrambled in confusion again, and Shen Yang said unsurprisingly, “His Highness was too tense, using all his strength to keep his legs standing. How could he not fall when finally relaxing? He’ll be fine after resting a bit, and they still need to clean up the Princess Consort’s side anyway.”

Everyone looked at the composed Shen Yang with embarrassed expressions – this was revenge!

Meeting Mo Xiu Yao’s murderous gaze, Shen Yang stood up, brushed off non-existent dust from his sleeves, and walked away unhurriedly. He still needed to examine the young prince’s health.