My Darling, Coax Me.

CHAPTER 86: Childbirth.

    

　　The Crown Prince returned victorious from the battle, his triumph celebrated by the Court. The annals of history would be filled with accounts of his achievements. 

　　After his triumphant return, there were many matters to attend to. The Che Luo had retreated to their own lands, submitting to the rule of the Great Jin, and dared not invade again.  

　　The entire Nation of the Great Jin celebrated. 

　　The Ji An Palace, adorned with intricate carvings and paintings, was brightly lit, a scene of joyous celebration. 

　　Xie Jue sat at the head of the table. 

　　The table was laden with exquisite food and fine wine, a feast for the eyes. On either side sat the generals who had distinguished themselves in the conquest of Che Luo. 

　　This celebratory banquet was also a ceremony for bestowing rewards.

　　Xie Jue, with a discerning eye, bestowed rewards upon those who had contributed to the victory. 

　　The hall echoed with laughter and the sounds of grateful thanks. 

　　One general, having imbibed a bit too freely, his cheeks flushed, rose unsteadily from his seat and raised his cup in a toast to Xie Jue. The language of warriors was simple and direct. “Your Highness, you led our troops to a resounding victory over Che Luo, capturing three of their cities and sending their king fleeing in disgrace. Your strategic brilliance is truly remarkable. To have such a valiant leader is a blessing for the Great Jin!” 

　　The hall erupted in agreement. 

　　Xie Jue raised his cup, standing to his feet. 

　　“This victory is not solely mine. It is thanks to the loyal support of my ministers. I raise this cup to you all!” 

　　“Thank you, Your Highness!” 

　　The hall resounded with cheers.

　　These were unrestrained military men, having endured months of grueling battles and emerged from the jaws of death. Now, they let loose, drinking deeply. 

　　After three rounds of drinks, some of the less hardy generals succumbed to the alcohol and were carried away by palace attendants. 

　　Xie Jue rubbed his aching temples and decided to end the banquet. 

　　Stepping out of the hall, Grand Eunuch An quickly draped a brocade robe over him. The evening breeze dispelled some of the lingering scent of alcohol. 

　　Xie Jue strode quickly into his bedchamber. The candlelight flickered dimly within, the gauze curtains hanging down. 

　　It was quiet. 

　　The moon was high in the sky; it was late. Yun Ling was likely already asleep. 

　　Xie Jue summoned the two maidservants, Lǜyī and Lǜshuǐ, and whispered, “Did Her Highness the Crown Princess drink her restorative soup before bed?”

　　Lǜshuǐ replied respectfully, “Reporting to Your Highness, she drank half a cup.” 

　　Xie Jue nodded at her report and dismissed the two maids. He started towards the bed, but paused, catching a whiff of the alcohol on his clothes. He turned and went to the bathing chamber. 

　　The scent of alcohol was too strong; he didn't want to disturb her with it. 

　　After washing and bathing, the smell of alcohol was considerably fainter, almost imperceptible. He changed into a moon-white sleeping robe and lifted the bed curtains, carefully climbing into bed. 

　　With the curtains drawn, the light grew dim. 

　　A gentle rise under the silken quilt indicated a woman sleeping soundly, her face pale and rosy, her breathing even.

　　Despite being nine months pregnant, her arms remained slender, her fingers delicate and white, their tips rosy. Clad in a pale yellow sleeping robe, her skin appeared even more luminous and smooth. Her dark hair cascaded softly across her chest, and even in her sleep, her arm instinctively protected her belly. She radiated a gentle aura. 

　　Xie Jue could see she loved her child deeply and would be a very gentle mother. 

　　She was only a month away from giving birth, and her belly was enormous, like a balloon about to burst. Since his return, Xie Jue had been consumed by worry, terrified of accidentally hurting her. 

　　Thinking of her, carrying such a heavy burden, yet still scheming to eliminate the remnants of Su Le's network in the Capital, with so many people wielding blades before her, and she might be hurt if she was not careful, Xie Jue was even more scared. 

　　Thankfully, she was safe and unharmed.

　　Xie Jue gazed at her for a long time before finally lifting the covers and lying down, gently pulling her into his arms and closing his eyes. 

　　The effects of the alcohol quickly lulled him to sleep. 

　　But just as he drifted off, he felt her stir slightly, as if uncomfortable. Xie Jue immediately opened his eyes. 

　　He placed his hand on her belly. 

　　He wasn't sure what was wrong. 

　　Yun Ling wasn't actually uncomfortable; she had simply been lying in one position for too long and wanted to turn over, but found it difficult. So she woke up.

　　The first thing she saw was his worried and slightly helpless frown. 

　　“What is it? Are you feeling unwell? Should I call Imperial Physician Zhang...?” 

　　Yun Ling smiled softly, taking his hand. “I'm fine.” 

　　She just wanted to turn over; there was no need to summon a physician. 

　　He was being overly dramatic.

　　Since his return, he treated her as if she were a delicate porcelain doll, watching over her constantly, as if afraid she would break. 

　　Seeing that she was truly alright, Xie Jue relaxed, carefully helping her shift her position before holding her again and settling back down to sleep. 

　　Yun Ling, having slept early, was now awake and couldn't get back to sleep. She asked with concern, “Your Highness, did you drink?”

　　“Did the smell of alcohol bother you?” Xie Jue leaned down and sniffed his sleeve. 

　　“No,” Yun Ling shook her head, snuggling into his arms and softly asking, “Your Highness, are you tired?” 

　　He had been on the battlefield for months, and after the victory, he had rushed back without rest. 

　　He had to take care of her, handle state affairs, and hold the celebratory banquet... He had been working tirelessly, day and night, stretched thin. 

　　He had visibly lost weight since his return. 

　　Her heart ached for him. 

　　Taking his warm hand, Yun Ling leaned down and kissed his fingertips, then looked up and gently kissed his lips, wrapping her arms around his neck. 

　　Xie Jue's eyes darkened. He let her kiss him, closing his eyes in contentment, his arms tightening around her.

　　Inhaling her comforting, soft, and delicate scent, he leaned his head and nibbled on her delicate earlobe before moving to her lips. Their mouths met in a long, passionate kiss, heavy with desire. Before he lost control, he buried his face deeply in the crook of her neck, his voice husky. 

　　“I'm not tired.” 

　　“As long as you're safe and by my side, I'm at peace.” 

　　Ever since Imperial Physician Zhang informed him of the unusual nature of Yun Ling's pregnancy and the size of her belly, he would wake at the slightest movement from her, checking to make sure she was alright. 

　　He had become so cautious that even a slightly raised voice from a palace attendant would displease him, for fear of startling her. 

　　Yun Ling, accustomed to his usual strength and composure, rarely saw him so anxious and apprehensive.

　　This carefulness and constant vigilance continued until the day Yun Ling gave birth.

　　The warm afternoon sun streamed down. 

　　But the Crown Prince, anxiously waiting outside the delivery room, showed no sign of warmth. His gaze was fixed intently on the closed door, his hanging hands clenched tight. 

　　Yun Ling had been in labor for two hours. 

　　This delivery was proving difficult. 

　　From time to time, faint cries of pain drifted from within the delivery room, each one a agonizing sound to Xie Jue, causing the veins in his clenched hand to bulge. 

　　The palace attendants outside didn't dare to breathe too loudly. 

　　Time ticked slowly by.

　　The sun grew stronger, its rays causing even the vibrant green leaves to wilt, lacking vitality. 

　　The air outside the delivery room seemed heavy with a sense of lingering pain; the palace attendants lowered their heads further under the oppressive atmosphere emanating from the Crown Prince. 

　　In that heavy silence... 

　　Two clear, resounding cries of newborns pierced through the door and windows, shattering the suffocating silence. 

　　The door, which had been tightly shut for hours, finally opened. Two elderly women, each carrying an infant swaddled in blankets, beamed with joy. “Congratulations, Your Highness! The Crown Princess has safely delivered a pair of twins—a prince and a princess!”

　　Xie Jue's pupils dilated. 

　　Like a drowning man finally reaching the shore, he gasped for breath, his chest heaving, beads of sweat dripping from his forehead. 

　　The joyous congratulations around him seemed distant and muffled. He rushed into the delivery room without hesitation. 

　　The midwives had just carried out basins of bloody water, leaving a faint scent of blood in the air. 

　　Yun Ling, having just given birth, lay pale and weak, her damp hair clinging to her face. Her eyelids drooped wearily; she was on the verge of falling asleep. 

　　Only upon seeing him enter did she manage to open her eyes.

　　Reaching the bedside, Xie Jue felt a wave of helplessness at her weakened state. He leaned down, gently kissing her damp forehead. Tears welled in his eyes, unnoticed until now. 

　　“My Ah Ling, you've suffered so much.” 

　　Yun Ling gently squeezed his hand, her fingers warm and soft, seeming to dispel all the gloom. 

　　In the twenty-third year of the Chengping era, the Crown Princess safely delivered a pair of twins, a prince and a princess. The Crown Prince was overjoyed and declared a general amnesty. 

　　The following month, Emperor Jingning passed away in the Golden Light Hall.

　　The Crown Prince ascended the throne and crowned the Crown Princess as the Empress. 

　　The new era was named Qingping—meaning clear rivers and calm seas, a peaceful realm.

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