After Lu Xi took the nurse away with his eunuchs, the atmosphere in the delivery room remained tense.
The Emperor looked at the frail Yu Yao and the two infants in the cradle, filled with compassion in his heart.
Just thinking about how that midwife dared to harm them made him filled with anger.
He tried to suppress his anger, gently stroking the damp strands of her hair and softly saying: "Yao Er don't worry, the emperor is here and will not let anyone else harm you or the child. That evil woman, the emperor will not spare her. I will definitely investigate it to the bottom."
Yu Yao nodded slightly, her expression tired yet grateful, and weakly said, "Thank you, Your Majesty. I am also scared. If it had not been discovered in time, I fear I might have…"
Her voice choked, as if she could no longer continue.
The Emperor felt even more painful, bending down to kiss her cheek, his eyes full of love and affection. "I know. Rest well and take care of your body. I will take care of everything."
Fengyi Palace.
The Queen sits on the bed, leisurely playing with her armor, waiting for Qin Matriarch to bring good news.
But left and right wait, wait came to Fagongmao hurriedly running in.
"Your Majesty, there's trouble!" Qin Matriarch kowtowed to the ground with a loud thud, her face pale.
The Queen wrinkled her brow and scolded: "What's the matter with such haste? Can it be that Qin Zhao Zongnv hasn't died yet?"
"Your Majesty, the midwife has been discovered. The emperor has arrested her and questioned her in the heavenly prison."
Qin Matriarch said with a trembling voice.
The Queen stood up suddenly, her face filled with panic and anger: "Idiot! You can't even handle this properly. If that midwife reveals that I am involved, I will never forgive her or her entire family."
Fagongmao lay on the ground, too scared to look up: "Your Majesty, what should we do now?"
The Queen walked back and forth in the hall, before stopping and her eyes flashed with a fierce look: "You go, find a reliable person, think of a way to make that midwife never speak again. Absolutely not let her reveal that I am involved."
Fagongmao quickly responded: "Yes, Your Majesty. Old servant will handle it right away."
After Qin Matriarch left, the Queen returned to the bed, but she no longer had the leisure and comfort from before. Her eyes were filled with deep worry and unease.
If this matter is discovered by the emperor, the consequences cannot be imagined.
At Qionghua Palace, the delivery room has been cleaned up, and the two children have been taken down by wet nurses to be fed.
Liu Lü brought a bowl of steaming hot ginseng chicken soup and softly said, "Your Majesty, you have just given birth. Your body is weak. Please drink some ginseng chicken soup to nourish yourself."
Yu Yao nodded, taking the broth and sipping it slowly.
The warmth and fragrance of the chicken soup spread in her mouth, allowing her tired body to regain some strength.
After finishing the chicken soup, Yu Yao fell asleep.
Seeing that she had fallen asleep, the Emperor gently tucked her in and bent down to kiss her forehead. He then ordered those around him to take care of Chén Guìn, and went back to the Tianhui Hall to deal with matters.
Upon arriving at the Taihe Hall, the Emperor immediately summoned Lu Xi, his expression cold as he ordered, "Keep a close watch on the heavenly prison. Under no circumstances must anyone be allowed to silence witnesses. Find a way to pry the dog eunuch's mouth open. The emperor wants to know who is so bold in the palace."
Lu Xi answered respectfully, "Your servant will follow orders."
Qionghua Palace.
Yu Yao woke up at noon the next day, with sunlight streaming through the windows onto the bed.
Although her body was weak, she had recovered some strength.
Seeing that Hu Dan came to help her, she couldn't help but ask: "Hu Dan, where are the two children? I haven't seen them. Where are they?"
Hu Dan supported the Queen as she leaned back against the head of the bed, and kindly put a soft cushion behind her waist: "Your Majesty, please be at ease. The Second Prince and the Little Princess have had their milk and are now sleeping. The wet nurse is worried they might disturb Your Majesty's rest, so she took them to sleep in the room next door."
Yu Yao listened and felt a little comforted. She dismissed Hu Dan.
Seeing that no one was in the room, she asked her inner system, "Totally, who is trying to harm me? Could it be the Empress?"
The system quickly popped out, not hiding anything, "It's the Empress. The Empress killed Yun Fei through difficult labor and also caused the Crown Prince to be sickly. That was all the Empress' doing."
"Yun Fei?"
Yu Yao frowned, momentarily stunned and unable to respond.
This dog emperor has kept the news so tightly under wraps that she didn't even know that Consort Yun was already dead until now.
However, she immediately thought of the few pregnant women in the palace. Recently, the only one who gave birth to the Crown Prince was Consort Yun.
"You mean that Consort Yun is already dead, and the dog emperor has even bestowed her the title of Consort Yun?"
Yu Yao asked in shock from within.
The system hummed in response, "That dog emperor is indeed a womanizer and lecher, but he is quite good to you. He's afraid that you'll be scared after hearing this news, so he ordered that the news be kept secret. The Consort Yun has already been buried in the imperial tomb, and as for the Crown Prince born to Consort Yun, he was entrusted to Juefei. However, his condition isn't too good. He's being kept alive with soup and medicine."
Yu Yao felt a mix of emotions, unable to imagine all the events that had taken place in the palace during this time.
Yu Yao felt a bitter taste in her heart. She had used the system's medicine to make Consort Yun pregnant with the Crown Prince. Now, his condition is like this, which left her feeling unsatisfied.
She felt a bit guilty, as if she had indirectly killed Consort Yun.
She sat on the bed, silent for a long time.
Yu Yao's inner system responded, "Totally, use a healthy body pill on that child."
The system asked in surprise, "Host, that's the Crown Prince. He's being raised by Consort Juefei. Don't you worry that once the child has a healthy body, he might compete with your child for the throne?"
Yu Yao wasn't concerned. The child was just born, and what kind of character and conduct he would have is yet to be known.
If he truly has intentions for the throne in the future, he can certainly strive for it on his own merits.
If he lacks the ability, then even if he sits on the throne, he would be an incompetent ruler.
It's better to be a carefree prince.
Moreover, there are only a few children in the palace. If the Crown Prince lives, their own child can have more brothers.
As long as they are well-educated, it is not necessarily that an adversarial situation will arise.
The system saw that the host had already made up her mind and didn't say anything more, quietly following her instructions and giving the Crown Prince a health pill.
Yu Yao then thought of how the Empress had tried to harm her, and a cold glint flashed in her eyes.
The old woman had already been detained and interrogated in the heavenly prison. The Empress would certainly not sit idly by and wait to be killed. She would definitely think of a way to silence any witnesses.
She then called in Xiao Qingzi and told him to remind Lu Xi to be careful and watchful of the heavenly prison. They must absolutely not let anyone kill and cover up the evidence.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Xiao Qingzi also knew the seriousness of the matter and respectfully accepted the order.
Later, he went out to handle matters.
Night fell deep, in a hidden corner outside the Tianhui Hall.
Xiao Qingzi found Lu Xi and said in a low voice, "Eunuch, Your Majesty is worried about the heavenly prison. She fears that there might be thieves who will go in and kill to silence witnesses. I would trouble you to pay more attention."
Lu Xi originally didn't think much of it, but after hearing Xiao Qingzi's words, he smiled slightly, "You can rest assured, Eunuch. The emperor has instructed me to pay extra attention to the heavenly prison. As for thieves, even if there were any, they wouldn't be able to get in. Not even a fly could fly in."
Xiao Qingzi, hearing this, felt somewhat relieved, "I see. Thank you, Eunuch. I will report back to the Your Majesty and let her know so she can have peace of mind."
Lu Xi nodded slightly, and the two exchanged a few polite words before parting ways.
In Qionghua Palace, the lights are bright.
Yu Yao heard Xiao Qingzi report back, knowing that Lu Xi had made preparations in advance and that the heavenly prison had also been arranged, she felt at ease.
"Xiao Qingzi, you've done well. Go down," she said in a low voice.
"Yes, Your Majesty," he replied.
Xiao Qingzi bowed slightly and quietly retreated.
Juefei's Jing Shuang Palace.
The Crown Prince lay weakly in the cradle, with a pale face without any color.
However, under the effect of the healthy body pill, the pale face slowly turned red and the originally weak breathing became steady and strong.
Juefei noticed the change in the Crown Prince, and she burst into tears of joy.
She felt that the heavens were pitiful to her. After taking care of him meticulously during these days, finally, there were results.
Even though the Crown Prince was not born to her, since he was brought to Jing Shuang Palace, Juefei treated him as if he were her own child. Even though she knew it might not be possible to save him.
Since the emperor no longer chooses any of the concubines, this child will be her sole hope for the future.
Juefei hugged the Crown Prince, kissed him again and again, and her expression was extremely excited.
"Xiangguo, hurry and send for the imperial physician. Let them come and examine the Crown Prince immediately."
Juefei dried her tears and quickly instructed one of the attendants next to her.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Xiangguo was also very happy and respectfully accepted the order.
Not long after.
Xiangguo hurriedly brought the Imperial Physician Zhang to Jing Shuang Palace.
The Imperial Physician Zhang entered the palace, first placing down his medicine box, then respectfully bowing to Juefei, "Your servant greets Your Majesty."
Juefei stepped forward, eagerly waving her hand, "Ease up, Doctor Zhang. Hurry and examine the Crown Prince."
The Imperial Physician Zhang nodded and walked to the cradle of the Crown Prince, gently placing his fingers on his wrist.
After a moment, he revealed a look of surprise on his face and bowed to Juefei, "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince's pulse is stable and his condition has improved. This is a good omen. As long as he is well cared for, there is no reason why he cannot recover completely and be like anyone else. Just avoid strenuous exercise."
Juefei heard what the Imperial Physician Zhang said and was very pleased. Even though he said that the Crown Prince couldn't engage in strenuous activities in the future, it didn't lessen her joy at all.
As long as the Crown Prince can live well and have a normal life, including marrying and having children, she would be happier than anything else.
"Thank you, Doctor Zhang. Your skillful hands have brought him back to life. I will definitely reward you generously."
After saying that, she ordered Xiangguo to bring the rewards to give to Doctor Zhang.
The Imperial Physician Zhang accepted the rewards and, after writing a prescription, bowed and left.
Juefei called for a young eunuch and instructed, "You go quickly to the Tianhui Hall to inform the emperor of this good news."
Tianhui Hall.
The Emperor Jin was reviewing edicts when he heard the news that the Crown Prince had improved. He was very happy.
He immediately put down the documents in his hand and hurriedly rose to go to Jing Shuang Palace.
In Jing Shuang Palace, Juefei was happily entertaining the Crown Prince on the bed.
Suddenly, a voice was heard from outside the palace gate, "The emperor has arrived."
Juefei hurriedly got up, cradling the Crown Prince, to greet the emperor.
The Emperor Jin walked in quickly and his gaze immediately fell on the Crown Prince in her arms.
He approached Juefei and carefully examined the Crown Prince, even though he was still a tiny child, looking like a little kitten.
He noticed that the Crown Prince was not as large as the second prince or the princess, who were just born, but his color had improved significantly.
He smiled with satisfaction, "Very good. He looks much more lively indeed."
He gently touched the Crown Prince's small hand. The Crown Prince gripped the emperor's fingers tightly and even made a few soft cooing noises.
The Emperor was very pleased. A warm expression appeared on his face, and he looked at Juefei and said, "You have taken good care of the Crown Prince. From now on, the Crown Prince will be recorded under your name."
Juefei heard this and burst into tears of joy.
Having the Crown Prince registered under her name meant that the Crown Prince was considered her child, which was different from adoption.
At least on the Royal Jade Butterfly Register, Juefei is considered the birth mother of the Crown Prince.
In the palace, having a child gives one a foothold. Once the emperor passes away, she will not have to follow the emperor to his death.
Juefei hurriedly held the Crown Prince in her arms and bowed deeply, her voice trembling with emotion, "Your Majesty, I am grateful. Your grace is something I will never forget. I promise to take good care of the Crown Prince and not to let down your trust."
The Emperor Jin smiled slightly, his gaze filled with expectations, "I believe you will be a good mother. Although the Crown Prince's condition has improved, he still needs careful nurturing. Be cautious in every aspect of his diet and daily habits."
Juefei hurriedly replied, "I understand. I will surely follow the emperor's orders and prioritize the Crown Prince in everything."
The Emperor Jin nodded slightly, cast one more glance at the Crown Prince, and then turned and left Jing Shuang Palace.
Juefei held the Crown Prince, walking him to the palace gate.
She watched the emperor's distant back, her heart filled with joy and gratitude.
She lowered her head to look at the Crown Prince in her arms and softly said, "My child, from now on, you will be my flesh and blood. Your mother will protect you."
The Crown Prince seemed to understand, cooing and making sounds in her arms, and his little hands were still holding her clothes.
Juefei had felt a bit disheartened since she realized the emperor would no longer choose any concubines.
Now, however, she felt that the days in the palace finally had a true purpose, and that the future held hope.
All the people in the palace learned of the Crown Prince's improvement in health, and they all looked surprised.
A month ago, Yun Fei died in childbirth, and the scene still left people with aftereffects.
And the Crown Prince, upon his birth, was weak and fragile, with a faint breath as if he could die at any moment, looking as though he would never survive.
At that time, the emperor wanted to find a foster mother for the Crown Prince, but everyone else treated it as a hot potato and avoided it.
But who would have thought that after Juefei took over, she could actually make the nearly dying Crown Prince's health improve and become as normal as anyone else, which was really unexpected.
The palace was abuzz with discussions, unsure whether to admire the skill of the doctors from the Imperial Medical Office or to say that Juefei had good fortune.
Suddenly obtaining a crown prince, and even more so, having him recorded under her name, made everyone else jealous.
In one corner of the Qionghua Palace, spring was in full bloom, with a harmonious blend of floral scents and the fragrance of milk, painting a warm scene.
Yu Yao heard about the Crown Prince's improvement and merely smiled faintly before turning her attention back to her own child.
The second prince and the little princess lay next to her.
The second prince's small hands were plump and tender, as if they could squeeze out water at any moment. The little princess, on the other hand, had a round face like a full moon, making people want to kiss her.
A warm current surged through her heart as she gently stroked the children's cheeks, pondering what pet names to give them.
However, she was a poor name-chooser and couldn't come up with any good names for them at first.
"Sigh, what do you think? The second prince is so round and adorable, let's call him 'Tuan'?"
Yu Yao suddenly had a flash of inspiration and turned to smile at the amber and lapis lazuli, who were standing beside her.
The amber and lapis lazuli heard this and were initially stunned, but then they looked at each other and laughed.
They felt that their mistress still had a childlike innocence.
"Your Majesty, this name is... quite unique!"
Lapis lazuli stifled a laugh and deliberately elongated her tone, which made Yu Yao laugh involuntarily.
"Yes, Your Highness, the name sounds both familiar and fun. It's hard to find another one in our palace."
Amber nodded in agreement, her eyes brimming with affection and understanding for her mistress.
Just as the three of them were immersed in a sea of laughter, the sound of light steps could be heard outside the door.
The Emperor Jin appeared at the door.
Seeing the cheerful scene inside, his lips naturally curved into a tender smile. He stepped lightly into the room, as if afraid to disturb this rare tranquility.
"I heard you discussing the names of the children just outside the door. I'll also come and listen."
The Emperor Jin walked to the bedside and sat down, naturally wrapping Yu Yao in his arms without any concern for her "inconvenience" after giving birth.
Yu Yao looked up at the Emperor with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Your Majesty, I've chosen a name for the child. What do you think of it?"
"Oh? Let's hear it."
The Emperor Jin asked with interest.
"The second prince will be called 'Tuan Tuan,' and the little princess will be called 'Yuan Yuan.' Together, they are 'Tuan Yuan Tuan Yuan,' which means to be forever happy and complete, to be together in unity."
She explained with a proud expression, as if she had accomplished something tremendous.
The Emperor Jin reached out and pinched her nose gently, his expression doting: "You, Yao'er, have come up with a unique idea. The meaning is indeed good. However, as you said, the name is simple and rustic, yet it sounds fresh to me."
Yu Yao lightly brushed off the Emperor's hand that was pinching her nose, feigning annoyance: "Your Majesty always likes to play around with me like this. Don't you care that the children might pick up bad habits?"
The Emperor seems to enjoy poking fun at people, what a strange habit!
"Ha ha, my Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan will naturally behave well. However, with a lively and charming mother like you, it would be hard for them not to be lively."
The Emperor laughed even more heartily, his eyes full of affection.
At this moment, the little princess suddenly made a few hiccups, as if she was about to wake up.
Yu Yao quickly reached out and lightly slapped the little princess's buttocks, whispering softly, "Yuan Yuan, be good. Your mother is here."
The Emperor watched her as she comforted the child, his heart filled with tenderness. He then remained silent, afraid of waking the two children.
Fengyi Palace
The empress was restless, tapping lightly on the desk, producing a faint but rapid sound, revealing her inner turmoil.
She looked up towards the dark night outside, her brow furrowed, and softly called out, "Jin Xuan."
Jin Xuan heard her voice and immediately walked out from the side room, kneeling down to the empress's front, respectfully asking, "What orders do you have?"
The empress's gaze was sharp, as if it could pierce through the night and straight into people's hearts: "Go and find out what's happening with Qin mother. Why has it been so long since she left and no news has been returned?"
She had last instructed Qin mother to find a way to deal with the midwife in the prison, but since then, Qin mother has not returned, which caused the empress great unease.
Even hearing that the Crown Prince's condition has improved, she doesn't have the heart to care.
Jin Xuan's heart lurched, but she could only answer honestly: "I don't know the specific details, but I'll go and find out."
The empress impatiently waved her hand.
Jin Xuan quickly retreated and disappeared into the night.
