Madam Song awoke startled from a dream, drenched in cold sweat, her body sticky, and her heart felt as if it were being crushed by a massive stone, unable to breathe.
Upon opening her eyes, she was shocked to find herself in tears, her stomach spasming with pain, and dampness beneath her.
She reached out to touch her stomach, feeling the bulging abdon, constantly reassuring herself, it was just a dream, rely a dream.
As childbirth approached, there was no one absent from Madam Song’s room, even under her bed where a maid was curled up keeping watch at night, who was roused by the sound of groaning.
"Madam? What’s wrong?"
The lamp was always lit in the room. Seeing Madam Song’s pale face, with sweat or water unknown covering her forehead and face, Shaoyao was alard.
Just as Madam Song was about to speak, a sharp pain gripped her stomach, causing her to moan out in pain.
Startled, Shaoyao quickly lifted the quilt, noticed the sheets were wet, with a faint bloody sll wafting to her nose, and reaching out to touch, it was blood.
"Soone, co quickly, Madam might be going into labor."
With this shout, everyone woke from sleep, and the main courtyard quickly lit up like daylight.
Chunhui Hall.
"Quickly go to fetch Doctor Lin to the main courtyard." Song Ci dressed and called the gatekeeper woman, instructing, "Send soone to summon Qian Yong, have him dispatch a ssage by fast horse to the palace for the Pri Minister, asking him to return to the mansion imdiately. Also, take my badge and go to the palace to invite the gynecology expert Imperial Physician Liu."
Song Zhiyuan accompanied Emperor Chu to the palace for sumr retreat, also thinking Madam Song’s due date hadn’t arrived, planning to return three days prior.
But now, it’s seven to eight days early.
Song Ci considered the nightmare, and the Pri Minister Mansion’s lady giving birth, wondering if there were hidden demons lurking wishing to cause trouble.
"Nanny, go and inform Jiang Fula, issue my orders, have him station guards at each room and courtyard, until Gu delivers safely, do not let servants leave the mansion to et up, and absolutely do not let them wander between rooms and courtyards. Whoever dares defy orders will be bound and locked in the firewood room awaiting punishnt." She paused, adding, "Especially the concubine in the third chamber, should not step outside. If there’s anything I overlooked, feel free to issue orders in my na."
This showed distrust towards those concubines.
Nanny received the orders, instructed Chun Fen to take good care of Song Ci, then she urgently went to carry out the tasks.
Song Ci took a deep breath, then with assistance from Chun Fen went to the main courtyard.
anwhile, at the Listening Pavilion, Jiang’s and Song Zhicheng were woken by servants, hastily washed up, and hurried to the main courtyard.
Plum Garden.
Mrs. Lu was also awakened from sleep upon hearing news from Madam Song’s side, quickly got up to wash.
"Aunt Zhou, have soone go invite Concubine Shen over imdiately."
Aunt Zhou paused, then quickly went to summon soone.
The commotion in the main courtyard was so significant, and it was still before dawn, being quiet, it couldn’t be concealed from Moyun Inn and Leisurely Garden.
Concubine Shen received the news promptly and hurried over.
Mrs. Lu looked at her and said, "Concubine Shen, can I trust you?"
Concubine Shen hesitated slightly, but kneeled, saying, "I dare entrust my life."
"Good, keep watch over this Plum Garden for , keep an eye on the west wing, don’t let those two children get frightened, understand?" Mrs. Lu said aningfully.
Concubine Shen raised her head, nodding emphatically, "Understood."
Leisurely Garden.
Bai Shuilian sat before the mirror, a hint of hesitation passing through her eyes, until Aunt Quan appeared, she pursed her lips as if making a decision.
"Let it be as Aunt said."
Aunt Quan kneeled, bowing her head, saying, "Madam is decisive."
Bai Shuilian closed her eyes, her fists clenched.
User Comments
0 comments from readers