nucmednet Chapter 126: A pair of twins
Chapter 126: A pair of twins
Originally, Consort Li was lying there with utter comfort, her gaze languidly fixed on Ye Qingchen. However, in this peaceful and serene moment, a slight twitching suddenly came from her abdomen. At first, this twitching had no obvious pattern, but soon it began to become discernible. Every now and then, the frequency of the twitching would increase slightly.
Ye Qingchen had once told Consort Li that if this happened, it meant that contractions had begun. Moreover, when the contractions gradually developed a rhythm and the intervals became shorter, the moment of delivery was approaching. Thinking of this, Consort Li's heart tightened, and she hurriedly called out, "Qingchen, my contractions seem to be getting more rhythmic and frequent! Am I about to give birth?"
Hearing the call, Ye Qingchen quickly put down what she was doing and hurried to Consort Li's side. She reached out and gently touched Consort Li's swollen belly, carefully feeling the strength and frequency of the contractions, and silently calculating the interval between the two contractions. Then, she placed her hand on Consort Li's pulse, and after checking, confirmed that both the fetus and Consort Li herself were in good condition.
However, a problem arose—Consort Li hadn't eaten yet. Considering the impending labor would require a great deal of energy, Ye Qingchen quickly took out a piece of chocolate from his pocket and handed it to Consort Li, gesturing for her to eat it to replenish her energy. After Consort Li finished the chocolate, Ye Qingchen carefully fed her a sip of spring water from the mysterious space. After completing these preparations, Ye Qingchen helped Consort Li slowly sit up, allowing her to walk back and forth around the bed to facilitate the labor process.
Meanwhile, Ye Qingchen dared not delay for a moment, quickly instructing her servants to fetch an experienced midwife. Afterwards, she herself, along with Bai Zhi and Fu Ling, quietly stood guard beside Consort Li, constantly observing her every move, ready to respond to any unexpected situations. A tense yet expectant atmosphere filled the room…
Childbirth is not something that can be done in a short time, so Ye Qingchen didn't dare let Consort Li eat too much, naturally in preparation for the possibility of surgery. After all, Consort Li was pregnant with twins, and Ye Qingchen had already checked that both babies were in the correct positions, so there shouldn't be any major problems. Recently, she often dragged Consort Li to do some activities that were beneficial for childbirth, so that she could feel more at ease during the delivery.
Before long, the palace's experienced midwives rushed over. They jogged into the bedchamber, ready to welcome the new life. At the same time, upon learning that Consort Li was about to give birth, the Emperor did not hesitate to put aside his busy affairs of state and hurried over.
The Empress stood outside the palace, watching the Emperor's departing figure, her anger instantly ignited. She recalled the times when she gave birth to the Crown Prince, and later, when she gave birth to Gu Mochen; the Emperor had never waited anxiously outside the palace as he had today. Yet now, simply because Consort Li was about to give birth, the Emperor had left without a second thought. If the Empress wasn't angry at all, no one would believe it.
This Consort Li must have had incredible luck; her life seemed so fortunate. The Empress had targeted her openly and secretly more than a dozen times, but each time she failed to cause her any real harm. Moreover, the Emperor's care for Consort Li was meticulous; he was always careful and cautious, afraid that anything might happen to her. How could this not arouse the Empress's jealousy and resentment?
At this moment, the Empress clenched her fists tightly, her nails almost digging into her palms. She thought to herself, "I want to see if this Consort Li really has the ability to give birth to a son! Even if she does, will he be able to grow up safely? And will she herself be able to survive this ordeal of childbirth and live a long and healthy life?" Thinking of this, the Empress's eyes became even colder and sharper.
When the midwife arrived, Ye Qingchen noticed her unease. The midwife repeatedly urged Ye Qingchen to leave, saying, "Oh dear, Princess Consort Chen, this delivery room isn't a place for you. The blood and qi are heavy there; you should take the two young ladies out!" Ye Qingchen replied, "No need. You go and deliver the baby. I enjoy medicine and will just watch from here. These two are my maids; they should be wherever I am. There's no reason for me to stay here and watch. They can go out and play. You deliver the baby; I'll just watch from the side. However, midwife, I have some things I want to discuss with you. You need to know who's more important. The Empress has taken your family, but..." "Your family has ended up in my hands again. I now have evidence of your crimes, and I can ensure you don't leave this palace alive!" At this moment, the midwife, realizing her schemes had been exposed and her family was in Ye Qingchen's hands, immediately knelt before her, saying, "Your Highness! This was not my intention! It was the Empress who kidnapped my family and gave me a sum of money, which is why I was willing to commit such a heinous act! Please, spare me!" Ye Qingchen had actually anticipated this, and had already ordered her men to rescue and settle the old woman's family, waiting for this day. Sure enough, the old woman intended to do just that. She said, "Listen to my orders, and I will guarantee your safety. Quickly deliver the baby for Her Highness."
The midwife hurriedly kowtowed, then rose, washed her hands, and assisted Consort Li in giving birth. Consort Li was in so much pain she couldn't speak. Ye Qingchen told her, "Mother, conserve your strength. Don't shout. Take deep breaths and do the movements I taught you, following the midwife's rhythm to deliver the baby!" Ye Qingchen, meanwhile, used his internal energy to help the baby be born. With Ye Qingchen's help, the first child was born quickly—a daughter. The midwife immediately told Consort Li and the Princess that it was a princess. Consort Li nodded, and Ye Qingchen nodded as well. Consort Li was still in excruciating pain and was puzzled. The midwife was also confused. Ye Qingchen said, "Quick, there's another child in her belly!" The midwife was taken aback at first, then immediately understood and continued the delivery. A short while later, the second child was born—this time a boy! As the two children cried out one after the other, the commotion was heard outside. Bai Zhi and Fu Ling were about to go out to announce the good news when Consort Li called them back. The two were puzzled, and Consort Li said, "Tell the Emperor that I have given birth to twins, a boy and a girl. They are a brother and a sister, and from now on, the brother must give way to the sister!" Only then did Bai Zhi and Fu Ling go out to announce the good news. Hearing Consort Li's words, Ye Qingchen looked at her even more respectfully; she truly loved her daughter!