Jiang Hua was about to flee. He wasn’t without thoughts of such an outcome, but it came a bit too quickly. From the time the two provinces began clearing wasteland and building cities, the Jiang clan was the undisputed ruler. After more than a hundred years, generation after generation of careful governance created today’s land of fish and rice, a prosperous paradise. The Emperor of Nande was one thing—the Jiang clan was originally the Liu surname’s maternal family. No matter what, he was unwilling to hand over the land his ancestors had managed for generations to Yuan Cheng. So when his son brought back Princess Liu Bao’er, he still chose to establish a separate nation.

Though Song territories had taken Nande’s nine provinces and Yuling’s two provinces, what they received were all troubles. Logically, internal consumption should be severe and military supplies difficult to足maintain. While his troops numbered less than Song forces, they excelled in being strong soldiers and horses, with military pay and provisions fully prepared. Compared to a great nation’s strength, he didn’t necessarily have greater ambitions—at minimum he could defend his ancestral foundation.

However, he miscalculated one person—Yuan Cheng. This young top examination scholar he’d long heard of, who became prime minister at a young age and was framed as Nande’s number one corrupt official—his strategy and patience were unmatched by anyone. Not only did he avoid falling into Jiang Hua’s trap, he turned the tables on him, mobilizing forces within the two provinces that opposed him, creating a situation of attack from both inside and outside.

The shouts of killing at that end of the city shook the heavens. He sighed, unsurprised to see his eldest son Jiang Shu run over to report bad news.

“Father, the city gates have been breached. Quickly board the ship.” The situation was lost. Jiang Shu urged.

“Shu’er, did Father make a mistake? Should I have compromised with Yuan Cheng?” Jiang Hua considered himself still a good ruler, but after the war began, his methods were extremely despicable. “So losing the people’s hearts means losing everything. Father’s lifetime of illustrious reputation was destroyed by his own hands in the end.”

“Father, don’t think too much. As long as we reach the sea, everything can start anew.” Jiang Shu persuaded.

Jiang Hua looked reluctantly at his city as his son pulled him onto the ship.

Once the fleet left port and Hai City grew distant, Jiang Shu finally recovered his composure, only to see his wife Liu Bao’er. She stood at the high stern, her eyes reddened, gazing at the distant beacon smoke, her expression desolate.

“Bao’er, go inside the cabin. The wind on the sea is strong.” Though he had personally heard Liu Bao’er refuse him, when Liu Bao’er actively proposed marriage, he was still very happy to marry her.

“He won’t let us go.” Liu Bao’er murmured.

“No one can catch up to our sea ships. Rest assured.” On this point, Jiang Shu was very confident.

“I understand him.” Having watched his back for so many years, how he eliminated obstacles to become prime minister—she knew quite a bit. “If he’s determined to defeat us, we can’t escape.”

Initially, she went from love to hatred for Yuan Cheng, marrying Jiang Shu in a fit of anger and constantly persuading her father-in-law to proclaim himself king and contend with Yuan Cheng. From this she gained the pleasure of revenge. However, as the war went poorly and the Jiang family began packing their belongings, forced to prepare for drifting on the sea, she finally understood how ridiculous this so-called revenge was. Throwing eggs at a rock—in the end, they didn’t even have a place to shelter.

“I dare not say about other things, but the ships built in Hai City absolutely cannot compare to inland water vessels.” Rumor had it that Lady Yuan of Song was a shipbuilding expert. He hadn’t seen her with his own eyes in Yang City this time, but even if she was truly very skilled, someone who had never seen the ocean couldn’t possibly build sea-going ships from imagination. “When he was fifteen, who would have thought he’d be the top scholar? When he was twenty, who would have thought he’d be prime minister?” Liu Bao’er drew out a bitter smile. “Jiang Shu, in this life I can no longer respond to your feelings. In the next life, I hope you meet me before he does.”

“Bao’er—” Jiang Shu’s heart ached. “Don’t say such things. Our lives aren’t over yet.”

“General! Young General!” The deputy general rushed over urgently. “A row of large ships has appeared ahead, flying crane flags high—it’s Song forces.”

Jiang Shu was greatly shocked. “What?!”

Liu Bao’er laughed lightly. “I told you, he won’t let us leave.”

Jiang Shu left that string of desperate laughter behind and rushed toward the bow, only to see his father staring blankly ahead. “Father, don’t worry. Even if they have warships, they can’t compare to ours—”

Following his father’s gaze forward, Jiang Shu immediately couldn’t speak.

A row of five-masted large ships, with dark pointed iron bows, hulls turned sideways. On the decks, besides archers, there were over ten giant iron frames. The ship sides had two rows of dark black window openings, from which protruded thick iron muzzles.

Though he didn’t understand what those were, Jiang Shu had a very bad feeling.

Yuan Cheng stood on the platform of the command ship’s tower, opened the speaking tube, and ordered, “Sink all of them.”

Signal flags fluttered, and each ship received orders.

In moments, the wind was filled with the force of arrows, and thunderous sounds continuously reached their ears.

In that battle, the Jiang clan was exterminated—no survivors.

When news of the victory arrived, Mo Zi was thirty-eight weeks pregnant. Everyone in the mansion was nervously preparing to welcome the newborn.

“Did Prime Minister Yuan say if he could make it back?” Yang Qiao had moved into the Yuan mansion to accompany Mo Zi.

Moving in with her was also Wu Youyan, an instructor from the women’s academy.

“He said he’s on the road, rushing back as quickly as possible.” Though Mo Zi was usually very bold, this was her first time giving birth after all. Looking at her enormously large belly, she felt a bit panicked. Even though in ancient times men couldn’t enter the room during childbirth, she felt that at least knowing he was just beyond the door would be a great comfort.

“There’s no one who knows how to perform surgery either.” What about difficult labor? Fearless of heaven and earth, she had prenatal anxiety.

“Perform what?” Yang Qiao was learning to embroider baby shoe uppers with Wu Youyan.

Of course this couldn’t be explained. Mo Zi rolled up a book into a tube and changed the topic. “Looking at you two, why do I feel even more panicked? Two unmarried young ladies on either side—isn’t this adding to the chaos?”

“I’ve seen women give birth.” Wu Youyan spoke up.

Yang Qiao and Wu Youyan were now close friends. “Hmm? A dignified county princess, Prince Li’s precious daughter—how did you see such a thing?”

Wu Youyan immediately felt several burning gazes seeking knowledge. “Once when I was staying at a mountain villa, the steward’s wife was about to give birth but encountered heavy snow blocking the mountain. I heard that a nanny by my side had delivered babies before, so they asked her to help. I was curious and stubbornly insisted on going along. My parents weren’t there, no one could control me, so they had to let me. That’s how I saw it.”

Mo Zi looked at her. “First glance at you—a county princess. Second glance at you—still a county princess. Need to look for ten days to half a month to know this county princess isn’t quite like a county princess. Look for another half year, and the county princess is completely not a county princess anymore.” Wu Youyan was a woman who needed to be read slowly—the more you read, the more wonderful she became.

Wu Youyan smiled. “Thank you for the compliment, Madam.”

Truly clever. Mo Zi smiled back.

Yang Qiao’s eyes sparkled brightly. She said to Wu Youyan, “That’s great then. On the day Mo Zi gives birth, you go in with the midwife, I’ll go in with you. I also want to know what giving birth is actually like.”

So she was stepping one foot through the gates of hell, and they were running over to join the excitement and observe? Mo Zi shook her head in refusal. “Neither of you come in to add chaos. At that time I’ll be nervous enough myself. How could I possibly look after you two?”

“We don’t need you to look after us. We’ll help you instead. Sister Luo Ying just finished her confinement period not long ago and can’t make it. A Yue and A Hao also have no experience. Though we have Yang City’s best midwife, she’s still an outsider after all.” Yang Qiao had made up her mind.

“Moreover, if Prime Minister Yuan can’t make it back, at least we’ll have company with more people.” Wu Youyan also volunteered.

“More people make things easier, but that can’t apply to giving birth.” Miao Shi pushed the door open. “You’re all unmarried young ladies—how can you watch someone give birth? I’m married, but because I’ve never given birth myself, I don’t dare take on this task. Your courage is really something.”

Behind her appeared the shy smiling face of Su Lan’s younger sister Su Qin, softly calling out to her sisters.

“What use is their great courage? I don’t agree.” Mo Zi rose to greet them. “What a good day today—everyone’s gathered.”

“Even if we all gather, we can’t help much. Besides the midwife, only Physician Hua’s wife knows how to deliver babies. She went to the countryside yesterday to treat farm women, saying she’ll return before you give birth. There’s still half a month—Prime Minister Yuan should be able to make it too.” Miao Shi unwrapped a bundle and took out infant clothing from inside, clean white cotton fabric. “I didn’t embroider flowers—newborn babies have tender skin. I was afraid embroidered stitches would prick and hurt.”

Mo Zi liked them very much. “These stitches are so fine, and they feel comfortable to touch. Thank you, Auntie.”

Su Qin had also made clothes for the child, but winter cotton clothes. In a soft voice she said, “Not knowing if it’s a boy or girl, I chose goose yellow.”

“With your help, I don’t have to worry about making baby clothes for all four seasons myself.” Mo Zi thanked them.

Yang Qiao blinked. “Even if you worried, it would be useless. With your skill at making clothes and embroidering—sleeves sewn solid, hems with dropped threads. I thought my needlework was poor, but compared to my sister, I can feel a bit proud.”

All the women laughed.

“Those hands of hers produce remarkable craftsmanship, works of divine skill—don’t waste them on needlework. By the way, the midwife should move in now, right?” Miao Shi was concerned. “Other wealthy families raise two or three midwives from the start, but you found them unfamiliar.”

“She’ll move in today. Set your mind at ease, Auntie. They say the first child won’t come so early, and besides, my husband hasn’t returned yet. No matter what, I have to hold on until he’s home—otherwise wouldn’t it be hard to go through alone?” Very much an attitude of “if husband doesn’t return, I won’t give birth.”

A young servant reported outside the door, “Granny Wang and Granny Zhao have entered the estate. Steward Ming had me lead them to meet Madam.”

Mo Zi invited them in. During her pregnancy she’d been under Physician Hua’s wife’s care for her health, so this was her first time seeing these two midwives.

As soon as the two women entered, they were about to kneel but were stopped by A Yue and A Hao, because Mo Zi’s place had no rules about kneeling in greeting. Granny Wang had a blessed appearance and a pleasing smile—she was Yang City’s best midwife. Granny Zhao was thinner, dressed more poorly than Granny Wang, with a restrained expression—she was Granny Wang’s assistant.

“Being able to deliver for Lady Yuan is a blessing we cultivated over eight lifetimes.” Granny Wang was also good with words. “Seeing Madam’s face ruddy and healthy, belly already dropped—when the time comes, it will definitely be an easy birth. Please rest assured.”

“Then I’ll entrust it to you both.” Mo Zi didn’t say much more. “Having just entered the estate, you’ll want to settle in. If you’re lacking anything, just speak up.”

The two women acknowledged and went down.

“Everything is ready, only the east wind is lacking.” Yang Qiao looked at Mo Zi’s belly and suddenly seemed to remember something. “Let’s make a bet—bet whether this first child is a boy or a girl.”

Things became lively as everyone spoke at once, each placing their wagers.

After the evening meal, seeing off the guests, Yang Qiao and Wu Youyan still huddled together talking and doing needlework. Mo Zi felt tired and returned to her own room to rest. Now not only was her belly large and movement clumsy, but her feet and legs were swollen, shoes stretched full—very uncomfortable.

A Yue helped prop up her feet.

Suddenly Zan Jin’s voice came from outside. “Who’s there?”

“I’m Granny Wang. In the daytime rush, I momentarily forgot—I should take Madam’s pulse. I don’t know if now is convenient?” The voice carried a smile.

Mo Zi, who had been about to sleep, sat up. “Zan Jin, let her in.”

A Yue lit the lamp.

Granny Wang entered. “Forgive this old woman for disturbing Madam’s good rest. It’s just that without taking the pulse, this old woman won’t be able to sleep tonight. All the city’s people are praying for Madam to give birth safely—this old woman truly dares not fail their trust.”

Mo Zi saw Granny Zhao following behind and thought that midwives also took pulses, and both coming together showed they were quite responsible. She said, “I haven’t slept yet, no matter. Thank you for your trouble.”

Granny Wang took the pulse and was quiet for a while. “The pulse is very steady. It seems just like Madam’s facial features—very good.”

At this time, Granny Zhao came forward. “Madam, please also allow me to take it once. Each person takes the pulse with their own insights. Better to be cautious.”

Mo Zi, her vision blocked by the two people, couldn’t help but recline on the pillow. She only saw A Yue standing with her back to her. “Of course I’ll allow it. Both of you are so dedicated to Mo Zi—Mo Zi is grateful.”

“A Yue, go brew a pot of good tea and bring some refreshments for the two grannies to enjoy.” She smiled slightly.

Granny Zhao shifted, again blocking Mo Zi’s view. She extended her left hand toward Mo Zi’s wrist. “No need to trouble yourself. After taking the pulse, please Madam have a good rest—”

Her tone suddenly turned vicious. Granny Zhao’s right hand gripped two silver needles and, swift as lightning and thunder, stabbed toward Mo Zi’s neck. She had complete confidence in this strike. Because she calculated that the other party at this moment would absolutely not be on guard.

However, Granny Zhao saw a silver flash and felt sharp pain in her wrist. Looking, blood was gushing there.

“You… how could you…” How could you possibly counterattack? She immediately endured the pain and shot the silver needles out.

Mo Zi quickly dodged, got off the bed, gripping a dagger in her hand. “What are you trying to do?”

Granny Zhao sneered coldly. “Naturally, to kill you.” Her palm created wind as she swung at Mo Zi.

Mo Zi cried out loudly, threw the dagger, and herself rushed toward the door.

Granny Wang, originally too frightened to move, thinking of her grandson’s life, suddenly generated a fierce determination. She grabbed a chair and threw it at Mo Zi.

A Yue had been stuck with a silver needle by Granny Zhao—unable to move or speak, she could only watch helplessly as that chair struck Mo Zi’s back.

Mo Zi only felt a sharp drilling pain in her waist. At the same time, her belly violently contracted. The pain made her gasp sharply as she fell sitting before the door.

Zan Jin rushed in. Seeing this scene, he was greatly enraged. With one palm he sent Granny Wang flying, then engaged in battle with Granny Zhao. But he quickly discovered this woman was no ordinary assassin. Her martial arts style was bizarre, her internal energy profound, mixing reality and illusion with killing intent hidden in phantom images. He could handle her, but Mo Zi, sweating profusely from pain, couldn’t wait.

So he let out a long, continuous whistle.

The whistle sound carried out of the room, out of the courtyard, alarming everyone.

—