With her maids supporting her, Shen Yujiao slowly made her way to the front courtyard. Before she even entered the flower hall, from a distance she already caught sight of that vivid splash of red within the broad, bright chamber.
“My lady, blessings.” The servants before the hall bowed in greeting.
Hearing the movement, the man inside turned his head. At the doorway, framed by fresh blossoms and greenery, stood a young woman heavy with child, clad in a plain yet elegant spring gown, her hair arranged in the fashionable “falling horse” bun of Chang’an ladies. At her temple was a pearl-and-jade hairpin in the shape of a blossom, by her ears dangled a pair of glimmering jadeite earrings, and on her snowy wrist rested a smooth white jade bangle—aside from these, no other adornments.
Yet her features were so dignified and lovely that no matter how simple her attire, it could not conceal her radiant beauty.
Xie Wuling watched her approach, surrounded by her maids, like an immortal descending. Glancing around the tastefully furnished hall, he only felt all the more that back then, keeping her in that little courtyard in Jinling had truly wronged her.
His Jiaojiao was as bright as a pearl. She should live in such a grand house, with a host of maids to serve her, enjoying the life of a pampered lady of leisure.
It was only his lack of ability in the past that made her suffer with him. Now that she was with Pei Xia, at least she lacked for nothing in food and clothing.
But when he made his fortune, he would take her back and give her a good life—sooner or later, that day would come!
While he silently roused himself with such thoughts, Shen Yujiao had already reached him. Looking him up and down, her fair face could not hide her surprise. “What happened to your leg?”
The man wore a dark red robe, handsome and dignified, yet the crutch under his arm marred the picture.
Before Xie Wuling could answer, Dongxu at Shen Yujiao’s side quietly tugged her sleeve, frowning as she softly reminded: “My lady?”
Shen Yujiao started slightly, belatedly realizing she had lost her manners.
But Xie Wuling’s appearance was too unexpected.
Steadying herself, she inclined her head slightly toward him. “Blessings to you, Sir Xie.”
Xie Wuling’s sharp eyes had also caught Dongxu’s little gesture, and he sneered inwardly. Families of great houses really did have too many rules.
“Blessings to you, madam.”
Skipping the surname in front, Xie Wuling tucked the crutch under his arm and returned her bow. “Many thanks for your concern. This leg was from a fall off a horse some time ago. It has mostly recovered now.”
Shen Yujiao had wanted to ask further, but restrained herself. She walked slowly to the main seat, gestured for Xie Wuling to sit as well, then waited for the maids to bring tea and cakes. After sipping twice, she asked again: “How did you fall, when everything was fine?”
“Just a careless moment, and I fell.”
Xie Wuling brushed it off lightly, his gaze lingering on her. Seeing her complexion rosy and bright, he knew she had been well cared for in this household these days.
Then his eyes went to her belly, now noticeably larger, and he wondered—this was already the third month, why had she not yet given birth?
“Last time… did not Sir Xie tell my husband that when the weather warmed, you would hurry back to Ningzhou? Why, now that it is the third month, have you still not departed?”
Shen Yujiao was puzzled. Could it be Marquis Zhennan’s estate was so lenient, letting a subordinate linger away from duty this long?
“Is it not because I fell from my horse and broke some bones, so I had to lie in bed and rest for a time?”
Xie Wuling said, “Now that my leg is nearly healed, I’ll be returning to Ningzhou in a few days. I came today especially to bid farewell to you—cough—to your household’s lord.”
“Broken bones? That serious?”
Shen Yujiao’s gaze swept toward his leg, her brows knitting. “It is said that injuries to the bones take a hundred days to heal. You should be resting indoors—why are you still running about?”
“Bah, just a small injury, truly it’s nothing.”
So he said, but his eyes dodged, faintly guilty.
That day he fell, several bones had indeed been broken—but they were ribs, not his leg.
Yet broken ribs were agony all the same. He had lain abed nearly a month before he could stand again, and even now he dared not lift heavy things, lest he pull at the injuries.
The reason he came leaning on a crutch today—first, was to put on a pitiful act before Shen Yujiao, so she might feel a bit more heartache for him. Second, with his ribs broken, he couldn’t very well lift his robe to show her, so he could only feign a leg injury with the crutch.
With this little scheme tucked away, he had played the cripple the whole way here. Yet truly seeing Shen Yujiao frown with worry, he began to regret it a little.
Jiaojiao was already weary carrying a child—how could he still pretend to be lame just to trouble her?
But now that he had already acted, he couldn’t suddenly toss aside the crutch and expose himself before so many people—if he did, the servants of the Pei household would surely whisper that he had some brain disease.
So he could only grit his teeth and keep up the act.
“Madam, don’t worry, it’s really nothing. Just a broken bone. With me being young and strong, I won’t need a hundred days—after just a month of rest I’ll be lively as a dragon and striding about like the wind.” Xie Wuling’s narrow eyes tilted up slightly, a lazy, unrestrained smile playing on his lips. “If you still don’t believe me, shall I do a couple of flips to show you?”
Seeing him about to rise, Shen Yujiao was struck speechless. She quickly lifted a hand downward: “Enough, I believe you, I believe you already.”
This man was always like this—even with an injured leg, he just couldn’t stay still.
“Though you’ve mostly recovered, it’s best you still rest as much as you can,” Shen Yujiao said, then thought of something: “How did Marquis Zhennan’s household arrange for your return? Surely not on horseback?”
Normally, personal guards traveled by horse.
But with Xie Wuling’s leg injury, how could he endure the jolting? If he did, the bone that had just set would scatter apart immediately.
“The young shizi is benevolent—he arranged for me to go back by boat.”
“That’s good.”
Shen Yujiao secretly let out a breath of relief. Thinking that the waterways from Chang’an to Ningzhou were well connected, and that the boat journey would take over a month, he could nearly be fully recovered by the time he disembarked.
As she pondered, Xie Wuling’s gaze lingered on her belly, he too lost in thought.
He had been lying in the manor until the spring of March, and thought he could wait until the child was born before going to Ningzhou with peace of mind.
But this child was far too stubborn—still unwilling to come out.
Even if he wished to linger, even if Huo Shizi did not drive him away, he thought of how in April the islands off Ningzhou would grow active again. If he didn’t hurry back, and someone else beat him to it and took Chen Liang’s head, then wouldn’t all his service in the army be for nothing?
Because there were quite a few servants in the hall, he couldn’t speak plainly. So Xie Wuling put on an air, took a sip of tea, and then said: “I heard Madam is soon to give birth. I specially bought some tonics and small gifts. Please, accept them. If you can eat them, eat them; if you can use them, use them.”
Shen Yujiao lifted her eyes toward the high stack of red gift boxes piled on the rosewood table beside him, and said softly: “You’ve gone to such expense, Sir Xie.”
“No expense at all.”
Xie Wuling said it, his eyes fixed steadily on her, silently conveying what he did not voice—that if it was for her, he would gladly spend all the money in the world.
Shen Yujiao understood his gaze, and her heart was touched, yet also filled with melancholy.
The better Xie Wuling was to her, the more guilty she felt.
She would rather he slipped away without a sound, forgot her completely, and went on to live a carefree life that belonged to him.
Not hold onto such empty illusions, only to suffer hardship, shed blood and sweat, and in the end wake from it all to nothing but a dream.
Seeing Shen Yujiao’s expression as if she had words unsaid, Xie Wuling guessed what she meant. He quickly turned his face aside, changing the subject: “I wonder if Madam has already found a midwife?”
“My aunt found one for me, and Her Highness Consort Xian in the palace also sent one.”
Knowing he would soon be traveling far, Shen Yujiao wanted to reassure him, so she added more: “Both Momos entered the manor last month to make ready. They’re just waiting for the birth to begin, so they can attend immediately… As for the child’s wet nurse, I’ve also chosen one, introduced by my eldest cousin from my aunt’s family—very honest and dependable.”
“That’s good.” Xie Wuling thought, since the household had two midwives, and one even sent from the palace, then surely they were the best in the world—he could be at ease.
Yet his gaze toward her belly still held regret: “It’s a pity I must leave in two days. Otherwise, I could have witnessed Xie Di’s… I mean, I could at least have come to the manor for a cup of your happy wine.”
And curiously enough, just as he spoke of Xie Di, the child in her belly seemed to respond, suddenly moving.
Shen Yujiao, surprised, stroked her belly. She wanted to tell Xie Wuling, but with the maids present, she swallowed the words, only lifting her shining dark eyes to him, her tone gentle and certain: “Sir Xie’s care for my child—I will remember it in my heart. This child, too, will remember.”
“No need for such courtesy.”
Xie Wuling smiled, and then, looking at her belly, said softly: “If it grows up obedient and sensible, then when I return to Chang’an, I’ll buy it a pile of candy.”
After a bit more polite talk, Dongxu timely reminded: “My lady, it’s about time to return to your room for the massage.”
Shen Yujiao lowered her eyes slightly: “I know.”
Seeing this, Xie Wuling understood it was time to leave.
He had come today only to see Shen Yujiao once more, to bid her farewell in person.
Now that his purpose was met, he did not wish to trouble her further. He set down the cup in his hand, rose, and cupped his hands: “Since Lord Pei is not at home, I should not intrude further. Madam’s body is precious—please return early to rest and do not overexert yourself. I’ll take my leave now.”
Shen Yujiao braced a hand against the table, just about to rise, but Xie Wuling waved his hand: “No need to see me out.”
“Then… take care.”
“Don’t worry.” Xie Wuling lifted his chin, grinning boldly at her. “Perhaps the next time you see me, I’ll already be a mighty general, full of vigor.”
Shen Yujiao had still been somewhat heavy-hearted, but at his arrogant swagger, she couldn’t help a laugh: “You… ah!”
The belly suddenly moved twice.
She thought at first it was just normal fetal movement, but the next moment, a sudden rush of warmth spread beneath her.
The younger maid Qiulu cried out in alarm: “My lady, your skirt!”
Shen Yujiao lowered her head, and saw transparent fluid seeping down beneath her skirt, soaking the hem and her shoes.
In these past days, Huang Momo had told her much about the signs before childbirth. This situation was exactly what she had mentioned—her water had broken.
Xie Wuling was also startled for a moment, then quickly came forward: “Jiaojiao, what’s wrong?”
“I… I may be about to give birth.”
Bracing herself with one hand against the table, warmth kept spilling between her legs, and from her belly came a heavy pressure, pulling downward. Shen Yujiao bit her lip, tried her best to stay calm, and turned to Bai Ping: “Quick, go fetch Huang Momo and the others to the main chamber…”
Bai Ping, though flustered inside, managed to remain steady. She immediately sent a nimble-footed servant boy to summon the midwives from the rear quarters, then together with Qiulu, supported Shen Yujiao on either side, faces full of worry: “My lady, how do you feel now? Can you still walk?”
“I… I’m fine.” Shen Yujiao forced herself to endure the damp heat beneath her and the waves of pain pressing downward, clinging tightly to the two maids’ hands. “Help… help me back to my courtyard.”
Xie Wuling had never imagined it would come so suddenly—ready to give birth just like that.
But seeing her face, which only moments ago had been rosy and calm, now drained of all color, pale and weak, his heart clenched tight, his thick brows drawing together: “In this state, how can you still walk!”
Saying this, he muttered a low “forgive my offense,” threw aside the crutch, strode forward, and swept Shen Yujiao into his arms.
Shen Yujiao had been trying to steady her breath to endure the pain in her belly. Her feet suddenly leaving the ground, she gave a start: “Xie Wuling!”
“I’m here.”
Xie Wuling gritted his teeth, bearing the tearing pain from his ribs, his strong arms holding her firmly. Drawing in a deep breath, he said, “I know you want to scold me for being improper, but save it. Keep your strength to give birth to the child. Once the child is born, you can scold me a thousand, ten thousand times, and I’ll not argue back a word.”
At a time like this, when a woman faced the gate of life and death, what were rules but nonsense? He cared nothing for them.
Shen Yujiao knew his stubborn temper—saying more now would be useless. And with the pain in her belly surging so fiercely, as though the child was impatient to come out, she hadn’t the energy to argue. Her slender pale fingers clutched his robe tightly. Her lips parted slightly, breathless: “To… to the back courtyard.”
“Alright.” Xie Wuling nodded. Seeing the two maids staring like wooden chickens, he was inexplicably irritated, his voice rising: “What are you standing there for! Hurry up and lead the way!”
He was tall and imposing by nature; now with his face darkened and voice raised, he looked every inch a demon star descended to earth—frightening them half to death.
“Y-yes, yes…” Bai Ping and Qiulu both trembled, not daring to think further about their lady being carried by a strange man, and hastily rushed ahead. “This way.”
Xie Wuling held Shen Yujiao steady in his arms and strode out.
All along the way, he heard the muffled sounds of her suppressing her pain, and felt the damp warmth through her skirts soaking onto his arm. His brows knit tighter, and his voice, hoarse and heavy, urged anxiously: “Jiaojiao, don’t be afraid—we’ll be there very soon.”
“Mm…”
Resting against his chest, one hand gripping his robe and the other clutching his arm, Shen Yujiao raised her eyes when the pain in her belly eased a little. Gazing at his sharply defined jawline, her trembling voice carried a rare calm: “Xie Wuling, I’m not afraid… don’t be so tense…”
“I’m not tense. You’re the one in pain—why should I be tense?”
Though his words said otherwise, Xie Wuling’s steps flew faster and faster. He asked as he went: “Does it hurt badly? This little rascal—why is it so unruly? Couldn’t it wait until you were back in your room? It has to torment you like this! Once it’s out, I swear I’ll give it a beating!”
Shen Yujiao couldn’t help but let out a laugh through her tears—then suddenly sucked in a sharp breath.
Xie Wuling’s heart leapt: “What is it? Another pain?”
“Y-you… you’re walking too fast.” Shen Yujiao frowned, tightening her grip on his arm. “It didn’t hurt before, but your steps are jolting me.”
“Then I’ll go slower.”
Xie Wuling said it, but though his pace was still swift, his steps grew much steadier. “Better now?”
“Better.”
Shen Yujiao nodded, then glanced at the man before her—his jaw taut, his thin lips pressed tight, his brows locked with an unprecedented mix of solemnity and panic. Her heart felt as if something had gently brushed across it.
“Xie Wuling.” She called softly.
“I’m here, I’m here.” Xie Wuling’s eyes stayed fixed on the path ahead, spring moss between the bricks underfoot making each step treacherous, yet his mouth kept answering her without pause: “Jiaojiao, if the pain gets too much, just pinch me. My skin is thick, I won’t feel it.”
“It’s alright for now.” Though pale, Shen Yujiao still had some spirit, her voice light: “No need to be so anxious. The midwives said after the water breaks, there will still be some time of labor before the child is born… not so soon yet, ah—”
“My little ancestor, stop talking.”
Xie Wuling’s heart was already in chaos. Hearing her gasp and still try to speak only made him more frantic: “I heard from Aunt Liu once—childbirth takes the most strength. When you enter the birthing room later, you must conserve your strength. When the baby is about to come, you have to push all at once, grit your teeth and deliver it. Don’t drag it out, understand?”
Shen Yujiao found it funny, panting lightly: “You’re a man, and yet you’re here teaching me how to give birth…”
“I’ve never eaten pork, but I’ve seen pigs run! Anyway, just remember what I said—don’t you dare lose your strength later.”
Xie Wuling felt he had never been this nervous in his life. Glancing at the two maids hurrying ahead, he quickly leaned down, while they weren’t looking, and kissed Shen Yujiao on the forehead. “Jiaojiao, my good Jiaojiao, you must be all right.”
His low voice carried a husky tremor, almost like a devout plea: “When you’re giving birth, remember—there’s a man called Xie Wuling waiting for you outside. You must hold on to that breath of yours, you mustn’t let it go, do you understand?”
Shen Yujiao was still startled by that hasty kiss, when she then heard his constant muttering. A faint helplessness, amusement, and a warm surge quietly spread through her heart.
“Xie Wuling.” She steadied her breath, closed her eyes against the pain. “How have you become so talkative?”
“All right, all right, you think I’m noisy, then I won’t say another word.”
For now, Xie Wuling yielded to her in everything. Yet though he said he wouldn’t chatter, after walking a short while he couldn’t help but mutter again.
“Jiaojiao, don’t be afraid.”
“Jiaojiao, it won’t hurt.”
“We’re almost there, almost there, just about there.”
Like this, he muttered the whole way, until at last he carried her into the main room.
Old Qiao Momo, who had been stitching shoe soles in the courtyard, heard the commotion outside and looked up.
When she saw a tall, broad-shouldered stranger carrying her mistress straight toward the bedchamber, her face went green. “Who are you? How dare you offend my lady! Someone—quick, someone come—”
“Old woman, out of the way! Can’t you see Jiaojiao’s about to give birth?”
At this moment Xie Wuling was utterly frantic, with no patience left to spare for anyone else. Treating Old Qiao Momo as if she were nothing, he rushed straight into the inner chamber to the bed. “Jiaojiao, we’re here. Are you all right?”
Shen Yujiao’s gown was already soaked through below the waist. Lying on the bed, she caught her breath. “I… I’m all right.”
“How could it come on so suddenly!” Old Qiao Momo shoved Xie Wuling aside, worry all over her face. She pulled out a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from Shen Yujiao’s brow and soothed her gently: “Don’t be afraid, Huang Momo and the others will be here very soon.”
Having helped deliver Ma Cuilan before, Shen Yujiao was still relatively calm, forcing a faint smile. “All right.”
Seeing that her mistress’s spirit was still steady, Old Qiao Momo felt a little relieved. Then her gaze fell on Xie Wuling, standing boldly by the bedside. Her wrinkled face immediately hardened, and she blocked him sternly: “Just now the situation was urgent, so we are grateful to Young Master for carrying our lady back. But from here on, the midwives and servants will tend to her. You are an outsider man—for the sake of our lady’s reputation, I must ask you to leave at once!”
“Aren’t the midwives not here yet? Let me stay with her a while—”
“Young Master, please mind yourself!” Old Qiao Momo thought this young man far too lacking in propriety. If it weren’t for his good intention in helping, just for barging into the inner courtyard like this, he’d have been beaten out with a cudgel.
“What are you all standing there for? Quickly, see this young master out!”
“Hey, you fierce old woman—” Xie Wuling frowned.
“Xie Wuling…” From behind the bed-curtain came Shen Yujiao’s delicate voice.
“I’m here.” At once his tone softened, tender to the extreme. “Jiaojiao, I’m here.”
“Do not be rude to Qiao Momo.”
Shen Yujiao forced her breathing to follow the rhythm of the contractions, her voice still weak. “You must go out first. The birthing chamber is not a place for you.”
Though Xie Wuling still wanted to stay with her, seeing her speak like this, he feared upsetting her and agreed. “All right, I’ll listen to you—I’ll wait outside.”
Qiao Momo turned to Bai Ping and Qiulu. “You two stay here and attend to our lady.”
She herself straightened her back and ushered Xie Wuling forward. “This way, Young Master, please.”
Xie Wuling: “…Fine, I’ll go.”
He walked backward, retreating to the side room. “If I wait here, is that acceptable?”
Qiao Momo raised her hand. “No. Please—”
Xie Wuling kept backing up until he stood under the outer veranda. “This should be fine, at least?”
Qiao Momo’s face did not change, her hand still raised. “Young Master, mind yourself. Please—”
Xie Wuling: “……”
He kept retreating, until he was at the courtyard gate. Gritting his teeth, he said: “If you say no again, I’ll just throw myself down right here! Worst case, you can call someone to haul me out like a corpse!”
“You—what kind of person are you!”
In all her life dealing with high-ranking nobles, the only one this shameless she’d seen was her gambling wastrel of a nephew—Xie Wuling was the second.
“Old Auntie, I share a bond of life-and-death with your master. His wife is as my own… Hey now, don’t glare, I’m only making a comparison. Since Pei Shouzhen isn’t at home right now, I’ll stand guard at the gate. I won’t step inside, so I won’t be in your way!”
Xie Wuling pressed his hands together in a pleading salute, his long peach-blossom eyes full of entreaty. “Please, just let me stay here.”
Qiao Momo only felt this man before her was utterly strange. Yet seeing her mistress’s familiar and gentle manner with him earlier, could it be that he truly had close ties with her young master?
Before she could think further, a servant came running with Huang Momo and Chen Pozi in tow, both rushing anxiously. “Qiao Momo, has the lady’s water already broken?”
“Thank heaven you’re here at last!” Qiao Momo could no longer bother with Xie Wuling, hurrying to meet them. “Quick, quick, the lady is already lying inside.”
She hastened to lead Huang Momo in, while asking the servant: “Has anyone been sent to the Pei residence to fetch the young master? Not yet? Then what are you standing here for—go at once!”
The young servant immediately dashed out.
Old Chen Pozi knew she was only there to lend a hand, and dared not steal the limelight before the palace midwife, so she obediently followed behind.
With Huang Momo taking the lead, she wasn’t in such a rush. Passing by Xie Wuling, she couldn’t help but glance at him curiously.
That one glance made her misstep on moss growing between the bricks—slipping with a swish.
Fortunately, Xie Wuling’s eyes were sharp and hands quick; he caught her at once. “Careful.”
Old Chen Pozi had never in her life seen such a handsome young man. Her old face instantly flushed crimson as she stammered, “Many thanks.”
“You are the midwife?” Xie Wuling asked.
“Yes, I am lady’s midwife, but—”
Before Chen Pozi could finish, she saw this tall, stalwart man raise both hands and bow deeply to her, his brows solemn with utmost gravity. “I must trouble you—please, at all costs, ensure the safety of the Madam and the child in her womb. I beg of you!”
—
A gilt crane held the boshan censer, burning fine mugwort balls. The thin curling threads of herbal fragrance somewhat covered the blood-tinged air in the bedchamber.
“Lady, don’t be nervous. Spread your legs, let me check your condition first.”
“All right…”
Shen Yujiao lay on the bed, clutching the silk straps tied at either side, gasping for breath in great gulps.
Don’t panic, you mustn’t panic.
She told herself silently: back in Bozhou, in that shabby thatched hut, the conditions were so poor they didn’t even have hot water or scissors, yet she still managed to help Sister Cuilan give birth safely.
How much less reason to be nervous now, with maids and old women surrounding her, and even a palace-trained midwife attending in person.
“You’re already five fingers dilated, Lady. Drink some warm water and rest a moment.”
Enduring the pain, Shen Yujiao took a sip with Chen Pozi’s help. Her black hair was damp, clinging to her cheeks, as she asked Qiao Momo: “Did… did you send someone to inform the young master?”
Qiao Momo looked at her small face, pained until her features all knotted together. Her heart ached. She quickly answered: “Yes, yes, someone’s been sent. As soon as the young master hears, he’ll ride back at once. Don’t you worry.”
Shen Yujiao forced a nod, then suddenly thought of something else. “And Young Master Xie? Is he still… outside the courtyard?”
At the mention of that one outside, Qiao Momo’s expression stiffened, her tone displeased: “He’s there, won’t leave no matter how we drive him away!”
She was baffled—how could her noble, refined young master have befriended such a fellow reeking of banditry?
Shen Yujiao also knew that, with Xie Wuling’s temperament, he surely would not leave.
But if Pei Xia came rushing back and the two ran into each other at the gates, they’d surely quarrel again.
Her heart was fretting when suddenly another fierce wave of pain surged from below. No matter how strong her endurance, she could not keep from crying out: “Ah!”
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