Chapter 174 Many Happy Events
Chapter 174 Many Happy Events
Ever since Su Yuning and Xiao Doukou resolved their misunderstanding and reconciled, she seemed like a completely different person. She constantly pestered Ye Beichen, tirelessly urging him to consummate his marriage with his concubine. At first, Ye Beichen's attitude was exceptionally firm. Each time, he resolutely replied that he would never do such a thing, because in his deep heart, only Su Yuning held a unique and irreplaceable place.
However, Su Yuning did not give up. She continued to patiently persuade Ye Beichen, trying again and again if necessary. Finally, after countless persistent efforts, Ye Beichen's steely resolve began to waver. Although he was still unwilling deep down, looking at the woman before him who loved him so much and cared so much for the entire royal palace, Ye Beichen couldn't bear to disappoint her any longer. So he slowly nodded and said softly, "Alright, I'll think about it carefully."
That evening, as the last rays of the setting sun gradually disappeared below the horizon, the sky was shrouded in a mysterious black curtain. At this moment, Xiao Doukou—the woman who appeared to be just an ordinary concubine, but whose true identity was Nangong Huaxiang—treaded lightly into the room carrying a basin of steaming bathwater. Her movements were extremely gentle, as if afraid of making the slightest sound to disturb Ye Beichen, who was deep in thought.
Reaching the bathtub, Xiaodoukou carefully poured hot water into it, then picked up a soft towel, gently dampened it, wrung it out, turned around and walked to Ye Beichen's side, saying gently, "Your Highness, please allow me to serve you during your bath." As she spoke, she stretched out her slender hands and gently untied Ye Beichen's belt, helping him remove his clothes.
Ye Beichen sat there quietly, letting Xiao Doukou do as she pleased, a faint smile always on his face. Suddenly, as if he remembered something, he asked with interest, "Little girl, seeing how attentive and considerate you are today, you must have something on your mind that you want me to help you with, right? If so, don't hold back, just tell me directly."
Xiao Doukou lowered her head gently, her slender fingers lightly twirling the hem of her dress. A blush crept onto her delicate face, and she parted her lips slightly, speaking softly, "My lord is wise and insightful. I dare to make a small request. I sincerely hope to marry you and have a son. If my wish is granted, I will dedicate the rest of my life to caring for this child. I have no desire to compete for your favor, nor will I fight with my sister for your boundless affection."
Upon hearing this, Ye Beichen raised an eyebrow, his deep eyes fixed on the shy and charming Xiao Doukou before him. After a moment's hesitation, he nodded slightly in agreement. His deep, magnetic voice slowly rang out: "Since my beloved consort's request is so earnest, I shall naturally grant it." With that, Ye Beichen rose and moved to Xiao Doukou's boudoir, leaving the room quiet.
Meanwhile, Su Yuning, the principal wife, had already learned of this. However, unlike ordinary women, she did not burst into tears or make a scene. As the lady of the lord, she was well aware of her high status and needed to maintain a dignified and virtuous demeanor at all times, displaying a magnanimous and forgiving heart to reflect her noble character. Therefore, even though a trace of disappointment and bitterness inevitably lingered in her heart, she still forced herself to remain calm and composed, accepting all the changes that had occurred before her with a peaceful and composed attitude. Moreover, Xiao Doukou had always treated her with great kindness and had stepped forward to save her from danger on several occasions. Thinking of this, Su Yuning's resentment lessened slightly, and she was able to accept the fact that her husband had stayed in the concubine's room.
One morning a month later, the sun, like a generous benefactor, gently filtered its warm, bright rays through the thin curtains, softly illuminating Xiaodoukou's porcelain-like, delicate face. As the sunlight gradually spread across her cheeks, Xiaodoukou slowly awoke from her slumber. However, the moment she opened her eyes, a powerful wave of nausea surged up without warning, overwhelming all her senses like a burst dam. This indescribable discomfort caused her to involuntarily furrow her brows, and her once rosy lips turned slightly pale with unease.
The maid who had been attending to Xiaodoukou was startled when she saw her like this. She quickly and carefully helped her up and ran to the door to fetch an experienced doctor.
A moment later, the doctor rushed over. He first bowed to Xiaodoukou, then placed three fingers on her slender wrist, his expression focused and earnest as he began to take her pulse. Time ticked by, the air around them seemed to freeze; everyone held their breath, anxiously awaiting the diagnosis. Finally, a joyful smile gradually appeared on the doctor's face. He looked up at everyone and said, "Congratulations, Madam! You are pregnant!"
These words exploded in the room like a thunderclap, then spread like a gentle spring breeze throughout the entire mansion. The servants, upon hearing this incredible news, were overjoyed, dancing and spreading the word. In an instant, laughter and cheers filled every corner, and the entire mansion was immersed in a festive and joyful atmosphere.
Meanwhile, in another courtyard, Su Yuning, upon hearing the joyous news of Xiao Doukou's pregnancy, could not contain her happiness and excitement. She eagerly took her personal maid, carrying a beautifully crafted gift box filled with various precious tonic herbs, and hurried to visit Xiao Doukou. Along the way, a gentle and kind smile remained on her face, and her steps were hurried with anticipation.
"My dear sister, you are now six months pregnant, which is truly a great joy for our royal family! In the days to come, you must take good care of yourself and give birth to this child safely and peacefully," Su Yuning said softly, her caring gaze falling gently on Xiaodoukou's slightly protruding belly like the warm spring sun.
Upon hearing these words, Xiaodoukou felt a surge of warmth in her heart, her eyes instantly welling up with tears that streamed down her face like a broken string of pearls. Overwhelmed with emotion, she tightly grasped Su Yuning's hands, choking back sobs as she said, "Sister, without your meticulous care and unwavering support for me, how could I have such a happy and fulfilling life today? I will forever remember your profound kindness and affection!"
Time flies, and the days slip by quietly. The fetus in Xiaodoukou's womb grew gradually, like a little balloon being inflated. Su Yuning, whenever she had a spare moment, would rush to Xiaodoukou's side, chatting and gossiping to relieve her pregnancy boredom and restlessness. The two sisters often sat together, enthusiastically exchanging all sorts of trivial details about the new life unfolding, as well as their deep anticipation and subtle anxieties about the impending arrival of their little one.
However, just as everyone was immersed in the joy of welcoming the new life, unsettling news suddenly arrived outside the Prince's mansion—war had broken out on the border. As the Prince, Ye Beichen knew the weight of his responsibilities and had no choice but to lead his army to quell the rebellion.
From then on, Su Yuning and Xiaodoukou lived in constant fear and anxiety. They were always thinking about Ye Beichen, who was far away on the battlefield, and also worried about the safety of the child in their wombs.
Time flies, and several months passed in the blink of an eye. Little Doukou finally reached the day of her due date. On this day, the entire palace was bustling with activity, with midwives going in and out, preparing everything that was needed. Su Yuning waited anxiously outside the delivery room, pacing back and forth, her hands clasped together in silent prayer for the safety of both mother and child.
Inside the delivery room, Xiao Doukou's painful groans echoed, like sharp blades piercing Su Yuning's heart, causing her immense pain and restlessness. Time ticked by, each moment feeling incredibly long. Su Yuning could only pace anxiously outside the delivery room, her hands clasped tightly together, silently praying for everything to go smoothly.
After an unknown amount of time, just as everyone was about to succumb to the tense and solemn atmosphere, suddenly, a clear and loud cry of a newborn baby pierced the suffocating silence like a ray of dawn. The midwife, her face beaming with joy, rushed out of the delivery room, shouting, "Congratulations, Your Highness! The lady has given birth to a healthy and chubby little prince!"
This joyous news was like a gentle spring breeze, finally easing the anxiety that had gripped Su Yuning's heart. She trembled with excitement, tears streaming uncontrollably down her cheeks. Without even wiping away her tears, Su Yuning rushed into the delivery room, eager to see her weak little girl and the newborn life that had just arrived in the world.
Upon entering the delivery room, Xiao Doukou's face was as pale as paper, her forehead covered in fine beads of sweat, but her eyes revealed the joy and tenderness of becoming a mother for the first time. The baby lying beside her in swaddling clothes had its eyes tightly closed, its chubby little face scrunched up, and its tiny hands occasionally waving – it looked incredibly cute.
Su Yuning gently walked to the bedside and sat down, reaching out to hold Xiaodoukou's slightly cold hand, and said softly, "You've worked hard, Doukou. Thank you for giving birth to such a lovely child for the Prince." Xiaodoukou smiled slightly, her voice weak but full of gratitude: "Sister, you flatter me. It is my blessing to be able to bear a child for the Prince." The two smiled at each other, their eyes filled with love and blessings for one another.
Time flies, and several months have passed in the blink of an eye. On this day, the gates of the Prince's mansion were bustling with activity, for Ye Beichen had led his army back in triumph. He was still in his military uniform, and strode into the mansion with a heroic air. When he learned that he had become a father and that his wife and children were all safe and sound, Ye Beichen was overjoyed.
Entering the room, looking at the sleeping infant in the cradle, Ye Beichen carefully reached out and gently touched the child's delicate face, his eyes filled with boundless fatherly love. Turning to look at Su Yuning and Xiao Doukou, who were smiling at each other beside him, he felt incredibly content and said with deep emotion, "With you by my side, I have no regrets in this life."
From then on, peace and tranquility reigned throughout the Prince's mansion. Su Yuning and Xiao Doukou were as close as sisters, working together diligently to manage all the affairs of the mansion. Ye Beichen, meanwhile, often spent time with his family, enjoying the simple pleasures of family life. The family's harmonious and happy days continued day by day…
In the bustling Yangjiaping area, Yang Yuxuan brazenly brought a strange young woman home, an act that instantly caused a huge uproar. Madam Yang, her face contorted with rage, rushed forward and demanded angrily, "Son, what are you doing? Who is this woman? Why did you bring her home?"
Faced with his mother's questioning, Yang Yuxuan appeared quite calm. He answered without any pretense, "Mother, this is my concubine. Her surname is Wang, and her given name is Xue, which is the 'Xue' in the Lesser Snow solar term. Previously, I had kept her outside, but now that she is pregnant and carrying the child of our Yang family, I have decided to bring her into the manor to take good care of her."
Upon hearing this, Madam Yang flew into a rage and retorted angrily, "Hmph! This is utter nonsense! I only recognize Zhou Xi as my daughter-in-law, and no other woman should even think about having designs on the Yang family! Our Yang family is a renowned and prominent family in the surrounding area, and not just any Tom, Dick, or Harry can casually step across our threshold!"
However, the concubine didn't care at all. Instead, she put on a smug attitude and replied in a coquettish voice, "Madam, please calm down. Even if you don't care about my feelings, at least consider your unborn grandson's feelings, right? Can you really bear to let your own grandson wander outside? In my opinion, it would be best to let me into the manor as soon as possible!"
Madam Yang was so angry that her face turned ashen, her lips trembled, her teeth clenched so tightly they cracked, and her eyes blazed with fury, as if they were about to spew flames. She raised her hand in a furious rage, her well-maintained hand adorned with a jade bracelet tracing an arc in the air, poised to strike the arrogant woman and teach her a harsh lesson.
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