After Scheming Against the Enemy Nation’s Emperor, I Got Pregnant Chapter 115

Xiao Yun was pulled into a seat by Jiang Huaichu, but his eyes kept darting toward the door, as if even the brief moment spent talking to Jiang Huaichu was enough to completely ruin the bookshelf he was making for their soon-to-be-born child.

Jiang Huaichu realized the seriousness of the situation. Sitting across from him, he tapped his slender fingers lightly on the table. Only then did Xiao Yun turn back: “Chuchu.”

With just the two of them left in the room, Jiang Huaichu got straight to the point and said gently, “Xiao Yun, have you been under too much pressure lately?”

Xiao Yun: “No!”

Seeing how jittery he still was, Jiang Huaichu grew even more careful with his words, speaking softly: “Then are you maybe overthinking a little? Worrying too much about the baby?”

Xiao Yun’s eyes were full of confusion, as if he couldn’t believe such a thing was even being said, let alone spoken so casually: “I’m just worrying like a normal person should! If anything, I think I’m not worrying enough! This is a huge deal! Giving birth and raising a child—we’re going from two people to three, our entire lives are going to change completely. How can you call that over-worrying?!”

Jiang Huaichu quickly said, “…I was wrong, I was wrong. I didn’t realize just how big this is.”

“Chuchu, how come you don’t seem worried at all?” Xiao Yun asked, baffled.

Jiang Huaichu replied, “…Because worrying doesn’t help.”

Whether he worried or not, the child was coming. When the time came, it was going to hurt whether he was afraid or not.

So what was the point in worrying?

Xiao Yun looked confused: “Just because it doesn’t help, you can stop worrying?”

Jiang Huaichu: “…Well, what else would I do?”

Xiao Yun: “How do you even do that?”

“…” Jiang Huaichu was stumped for a moment, then said gently, “Then let’s talk it through. What exactly are you worried about?”

Xiao Yun was still tightly wound. His hair, which was already coarse, now looked stiffer and messier than ever. His expressions, already a bit exaggerated and dramatic to begin with, were teetering even more between over-the-top flair and borderline manic. He always walked a fine line between what was considered normal and not.

The thread holding him together was clearly about to snap—he was on the verge of spiraling into madness.

Xiao Yun himself didn’t know what had gotten into him lately. One moment he felt like the most powerful and competent father-to-be on earth—disciplined, devoted to his spouse, handsome, and the emperor, no less. The next moment he felt like he was nothing—other than a high status, he was no better than anyone else at raising a child.

He bounced wildly between intense self-love and crushing self-doubt, with no middle ground. The emotional whiplash left him completely unmoored. He was like a spinning top—if he stopped for even a moment, his heart would pound, his palms would sweat. He had to keep himself busy, turning in circles for the baby and Jiang Huaichu, doing physically exhausting tasks just to calm down for a brief second.

He’d done all kinds of preparation and research, thinking it would ease his nerves, but the more he learned, the more anxious he became. His mind was filled with horror stories, playing on a loop whenever he wasn’t actively doing something.

Now, sitting across from his empathetic spouse, Xiao Yun hesitated for a moment. Rarely dejected, he finally said: “…You’re already working so hard carrying the baby. I didn’t want to pass my emotions on to you.”

Jiang Huaichu said, “But seeing you like this makes me worry. I have emotions too. You can tell me. I have a good mindset—I won’t be affected.”

He truly didn’t understand—this was something countless people went through. Why was Xiao Yun this anxious?

Xiao Yun looked at him for a few seconds, then finally intertwined his fingers and muttered in frustration, “Chuchu, I’m really scared it’ll be a girl.”

Jiang Huaichu froze, his heart suddenly sinking.

He had never thought Xiao Yun was the type to prefer boys over girls.

He loved both sons and daughters.

Yet Xiao Yun was this anxious—just over the possibility of a daughter?

He’s the emperor. Of course he’d want a son.

Why couldn’t he see that before?

Jiang Huaichu pressed his lips together and stayed quiet for a few seconds, then calmed himself and asked gently, “Why are you afraid?”

Xiao Yun looked at him with puppy eyes.

Jiang Huaichu frowned, puzzled.

The moment the topic came up, Xiao Yun’s anxiety visibly spiked. “You were raised so carefully by your royal brother… and then I…”

“I’m terrified it’ll be a daughter. What if I raise her so carefully, and then one day, some b*stard knocks her up before she even comes of age, and she comes crying home, saying she won’t marry anyone but him…” Xiao Yun pressed both palms against his brow, looking on the verge of collapse.

Jiang Huaichu: “…”

For a long while, Jiang Huaichu couldn’t even speak. His face, already toughened from being around Xiao Yun so long, was completely red. Though Xiao Yun was talking about a daughter, it felt like a direct stab of shame at him.

Xiao Yun looked at him imploringly: “Chuchu, please, let’s have a son, okay? I don’t want a daughter. If my son knocks up someone’s daughter, I’ll take responsibility for them, but I can’t handle it if it’s my daughter. I’d go mad.”

“…It won’t happen,” Jiang Huaichu gently comforted him.

“It will! Karma’s real! I did this shameless thing, and what if Heaven decides to pay me back through my daughter?” Xiao Yun said in despair. “I even investigated this—unwed mothers are more likely to have daughters who also become unwed mothers!”

Jiang Huaichu’s face changed slightly: “Really?”

“Of course! It’s like if the father is a promiscuous b*stard, the son’s more likely to be one too—it’s the same thing!”

Jiang Huaichu’s face darkened suddenly, his hands clenching.

Xiao Yun wasn’t wrong.

“So having a son is still better. And think about it—if we have a daughter, she has to go bear someone else’s child. It’s painful and dangerous, and the kid won’t even have our surname!”

Jiang Huaichu’s face turned a shade paler: “Is it very painful?”

Xiao Yun was about to share all the firsthand accounts he’d had eunuchs gather from women who’d given birth—but seeing Jiang Huaichu’s expression shift, he swallowed back the words “hurts like h*ll” just in time.

His sudden silence and pause made Jiang Huaichu’s heart sink: “…It’s… it’s not that painful, right? Lots of people go through it.”

Then he thought again—many didn’t make it—and went even paler.

Why had he been so optimistic before?

Xiao Yun saw something was wrong and quickly said: “…Chuchu, don’t overthink it. Being anxious now won’t help. What’s coming will come. Just get good rest—your state of mind is the most important… You have me! I’m your divine doctor husband! My great-grandfather’s here too—you’ll be fine!”

“No, you don’t get it,” Jiang Huaichu’s eyes showed the first signs of panic, “Even if the birth goes fine, what if the baby… has some hidden problem?”

“No no no—it won’t!” Xiao Yun said quickly. “Don’t imagine things!! The baby’s so lively! Look at other people’s kids—they’re all fine!”

“But some are born with…”

“Chuchu, don’t think like that!! Stay positive!!”

Xiao Yun wanted to cut out his own tongue for planting that thought. He’d known sleeping at Xie Zhe’s place was the right call—anxiety is contagious. Flustered, like a headless chicken, he stood up and hovered awkwardly before lunging forward and wrapping his now-glassy-eyed spouse in a tight hug, gently rubbing his temple.

“It’s okay! Don’t overthink! Your belly’s way bigger than others’ and they all get stretch marks, but you don’t have a single one!”

Jiang Huaichu’s face turned even paler: “Then… what if all my luck is used up on that, and when it’s time to give birth…”

“Peh peh peh!!” Xiao Yun practically slapped himself. “Who are we?! An emperor and a Wangye! We’re Heaven’s chosen!”

“You just said my belly’s bigger than other people’s,” Jiang Huaichu’s hand on Xiao Yun’s shoulder trembled slightly. “Will I have a difficult labor?”

“……” Xiao Yun’s heart skipped a beat, and he thought, It’s over.

It’s over, it’s over. He hadn’t even considered that. His own wife’s belly had made even the old master nervous, warning them not to overeat. What if it really was a difficult birth?

…

In the days that followed, the young couple became increasingly anxious.

Their nervousness manifested in opposite ways: Xiao Yun ran around nonstop, using up his energy, while Jiang Huaichu stayed in his room in a daze, unmoving unless someone coaxed him.

This actually worked out. Xiao Yun knew this was his fault, so he didn’t go back to the Xie family for days. Instead, he stuck to Jiang Huaichu like glue, dragging him out to move around, chattering nonstop in his ear, massaging him.

Maybe the baby knew his two dads were too stressed to bear it, because the birth that was expected in a few more days suddenly came seven or eight days early—catching Jiang Huaichu and Xiao Yun off guard while they were out walking.

Xiao Yun carried Jiang Huaichu—who had gone pale with pain—back to the estate at full speed, shouting in panic: “Someone! Someone come!! The imperial physician! Old man!! Chuchu’s going into labor!!”

At his shout, people rushed over.

Luckily, everything had already been prepared in advance. Though panicked, no one was disorganized, and they all immediately went to their assigned roles.

Xiao Yun carried Jiang Huaichu in wide, hurried strides toward the rear courtyard, his voice trembling: “Chuchu!”

Jiang Huaichu leaned against Xiao Yun’s chest, lips pale. He drew a deep breath and forced out words through clenched teeth: “…I’m fine.”

Xiao Yun’s hand gripping his trembled as well, fingertips stiff and cold, like they’d lost feeling.

“Does it hurt that bad?!”

Jiang Huaichu didn’t want to talk.

He only felt pain—a suffocating, all-consuming pain. It had been bearable earlier, but now it had intensified into the worst cramping he’d ever experienced in his life.

His lower abdomen and back were tight and heavy, hard and unbearably taut.

Xiao Yun gently placed him on the bed. The time hadn’t come yet—they still had to wait. The hardest part.

Jiang Huaichu said, “…Go outside.”

“I’ll go out when you’ve given birth!”

They had agreed—Jiang Huaichu didn’t want Xiao Yun to see the birth. So no matter what Jiang Huaichu said, Xiao Yun wouldn’t stay by his side.

“You—” A wave of pain hit, and Jiang Huaichu gasped.

Xiao Yun panicked, lunged onto the bed, and cupped his face. Feeling the cold sweat on Jiang Huaichu’s temple, his own palms turned clammy, heart burning with anxiety.

Jiang Huaichu asked weakly, “What are you doing?”

Xiao Yun pulled him into his arms, chin pressed tightly against his temple, like he never wanted to let go: “Chuchu, it’s all my fault! I’m a b*stard!”

Jiang Huaichu managed a weak laugh through the pain: “What does this have to do with you? It was my own decision…”

His expression twisted suddenly in pain, like a child who had gotten his hand slammed in a door—too hurt to move or speak.

There must be a little devil inside him; even the smallest movement made the pain unbearable.

Xiao Yun’s eyes turned red in an instant: “Wife…”

This big, strong man—who hadn’t cried in years—was now completely thrown off, eyes red with fear. Jiang Huaichu was in so much pain, he couldn’t help but laugh: “…Aren’t you embarrassed?”

“Not at all!”

Jiang Huaichu raised a hand to gently touch Xiao Yun’s sharp, handsome face—like a silent comfort, soft and full of trust.

Xiao Yun was still looking at him pitifully when his eyes suddenly widened. He cried out, “No!!! Don’t talk like you’re giving your last words!!!”

“…?” Jiang Huaichu slapped his shoulder. “I wasn’t!”

He laughed from frustration, and the breath he’d been holding gave out—bringing a fresh wave of pain.

Xiao Yun immediately began kissing his hand, from fingertip to wrist. He used to kiss him gently and lovingly. But now, consumed by panic, the kisses were urgent and messy—like he was terrified of losing him, desperate to hold on to any shred of reality, confirming over and over that he was still there.

Even though he knew the danger was nearly nonexistent, he still feared that faint, improbable nightmare.

Jiang Huaichu looked at him and, through this silent language, understood what was in his heart. His own heart softened. Strangely, now that the moment had arrived, all the nervousness of the past few days had vanished. All he could see was this vividly drawn man in front of him.

“Xiao Yun,” he whispered, “I really hope the baby looks like you.”

He had always liked children, but if it hadn’t been for the old manor master, he would never have gone this far just to have one.

But now, because he loved Xiao Yun, he was willingly, gladly doing this for him.

Xiao Yun, in his panicked state, didn’t grasp the deeper meaning behind those words. He just chuckled: “If it’s smart, it takes after you. If it looks like me, I’ll smack its butt the moment it’s born! If it’s like you, maybe it’ll be spared.”

Jiang Huaichu glared at him: “Say another word and it might not want to come out anymore.”

Xiao Yun was horrified. He leapt off the bed and pointed at Jiang Huaichu’s belly, shouting like he was afraid the baby couldn’t hear: “If you dare torment my wife later, I swear I’ll hang you upside down from a tree and give you a beating, you hear me?!”

Jiang Huaichu: “…”

Xiao Yun’s face darkened: “You better behave, or I won’t go easy on you!”

Jiang Huaichu couldn’t help it—he burst into laughter, which made him lose his breath again. Then another wave of pain surged up, and he pushed Xiao Yun away.

This guy really wouldn’t stop.

…

When the old manor master arrived, he had Xiao Yun carry Jiang Huaichu into a pool of warm water.

Xiao Yun didn’t blink as he stared at Jiang Huaichu’s legs—like he expected them to turn into a fish tail or something.

Jiang Huaichu had always been good in water. Once submerged, his black hair floated around him like seaweed, and he looked like the lovechild of a sea sprite and a god—both intoxicating and ethereally pure.

Especially now, pregnant with Xiao Yun’s child. His once-slender waist had become round and heavy. The graceful lines of his body had disappeared—not turning ugly, but instead replaced by a more profound and mysterious beauty. One that could only be described as: he belonged to Xiao Yun.

As a pregnant man, anyone who saw his belly would instantly think of those intimate nights—think of the one who made him like this. It was a mark left by Xiao Yun, bold and undeniable, growing day by day.

It was complete possession, blooming wildly and without restraint.

He and Xiao Yun had countless beautiful memories. He belonged to Xiao Yun. He was willing to bear children for Xiao Yun. This realization was even more stunning than any prior beauty.

Xiao Yun was overwhelmed with an unnamed emotion. His hands trembled slightly at his sides.

Jiang Huaichu relaxed a little once he touched the water. His expression softened, and he began to float gently.

Xiao Yun had known that Chuchu had merman blood in him, but seeing this moment with his own eyes still left him stunned.

Chuchu had become even more beautiful during the pregnancy. Aside from the nausea early on, he’d had almost no discomfort.

The old master had told him it was due to his special bloodline. His unusually pale skin came from this too.

So he didn’t need to worry. The ancient records of Nanruo said that the merfolk of the South Sea had easy births—even seven hundred years ago.

…

Meanwhile, Xiao Yun paced back and forth outside, so anxious he couldn’t sit still, hopping and darting around—making the officials behind him dizzy from watching.

They, too, were drenched in sweat, hearts in their throats, palms clammy, listening to the muffled groans from inside that were laced with unbearable pain—every sound tightening their nerves to the limit.

His Majesty was anxious, but their anxiety was no less than his.

Just the sound alone was enough to make one feel it deep in their bones—scalp tingling, skin faintly aching, ears and heart buzzing.

The emperor’s eyes were bloodshot, as if tears might fall at any moment. “Why hasn’t it ended yet?!”

He looked ready to charge in and stay with Jiang Huaichu, but the experienced Liu Yun quickly grabbed his sleeve. “Your Majesty, this is normal! Please don’t worry. It’s only just begun… Save your strength, lest later…”

“Just begun?!” Xiao Yun’s eyes widened in shock.

He turned to look at the other ministers with wives and children. They all nodded. “Your Majesty, it’s still early. Only half an hour has passed…”

Xiao Yun instantly broke down, clutching his own hair. “…It’s still… early?!”

“When my wife gave birth to our son, it took the entire night.”

“My wife too.”

“Please be patient, Your Majesty… Caiqing will be alright for sure.”

“A whole night?!” Xiao Yun suddenly felt like the world had gone gray. Just thinking of how many more hours of multiplied pain Chu Chu would have to endure, he couldn’t hold back anymore—two tears spilled down his cheeks.

The ministers were shocked and rushed forward to comfort him, but even as the tears clung to his face, Taifei came rushing out, her voice trembling with joy: “It’s done! The birth is done!”

Xiao Yun: “……”

Ministers: “……”

Xiao Yun hastily wiped away his overly sentimental tears, then rushed forward in elation, grasping her wrists with trembling hands: “How is Chu Chu?!”

Taifei beamed, “He’s fine! Don’t worry! Everything’s fine!”

The heart Xiao Yun had been holding in his throat finally settled back into place, leaving a heavy, exhausted sensation of survival. A tidal wave of happiness surged through him. For someone who never believed in fate or gods, he found himself sincerely thanking the heavens. Gripping Taifei’s hand, he asked with trembling voice, “Is it a boy or a girl?”

All the delighted ministers also looked over eagerly.

Taifei replied, “A boy.”

Liu Yun and the older ministers immediately burst into joyful tears. “Former Emperor, we finally have something to show for ourselves! The Great Ning Dynasty has a prince!”

They hadn’t even finished celebrating when they realized such blatant favoritism toward sons wasn’t ideal. They were about to add that they would’ve been just as happy with a princess when Xiao Yun, even more overjoyed than they were, burst into laughter and shouted, “Wonderful! A son! That’s amazing!!”

“Truly amazing!!”

Xiao Yun turned around, unable to contain his excitement, and tightly grasped Liu Yun’s hand: “Old man, did you hear that?! It’s a son! Thank goodness it’s not a girl!!”

Behind him, Taifei’s smile dimmed slightly.

She knew Xiao Yun favored sons—if it had been a girl, how heartbroken would Chu Chu be?

Liu Yun gave the emperor a look, trying to remind him silently.

Wanting a son was one thing—but expressing it so bluntly was another. It was offensive.

Liu Yun coughed furiously, and the other ministers tried to signal him, but Xiao Yun was too caught up in the joy of “not a girl,” repeating over and over with visible relief, “Not a girl, not a girl, thank goodness… Chu Chu is amazing…”

He had barely finished mumbling when another respected palace matron came running out, cradling two swaddled bundles in her arms.

Xiao Yun stared at the two identical bundles, face frozen.

The ministers behind him were also stunned. Taifei, who had come out too early, stood there like a statue.

The old matron’s jowls trembled with joy, and her voice rose with excitement, “Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations! The young master gave birth to twins—a dragon and phoenix pair!”

A dead silence fell. Then the ministers burst into wild cheering and joyful tears. Some were so overwhelmed they literally danced like madmen.

But standing below the steps, Xiao Yun began to tremble. “D-dragon… what…?”

“Dragon and phoenix twins!!” The matron thought he was too happy to comprehend, so she repeated it clearly, word by word: “The young master has given birth to a prince and a little princess!”

Liu Yun’s joyful expression became awkward. “Your Majesty! Congratulations! What a great joy! You’ve been blessed with both a prince and a princess!”

All the ministers rushed to offer their congratulations, but Xiao Yun could only hear the phrase “a little princess” echoing in his mind. It’s over, he thought, and then his eyes rolled back, and he fainted.

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