PFC Chapter 231 Announcing the Good News to the World
Chapter 231 Announcing the Good News to the World
The midday sun dappled the room through the carved window lattice. Lin Qianqian had just finished eating, and as usual, she had little appetite, eating only a few bites before stopping.
At this moment, she was sitting alone at the table in the room, one hand supporting her chin, her eyes vacant, staring blankly out the window, her brows unconsciously furrowed slightly, as if entangled by an invisible sorrow.
She subconsciously lowered her head to look at her protruding belly, her eyes filled with a complex expression, a mixture of worry about the unknown and an unspeakable helplessness.
After a long while, she sighed softly, a sigh that held a secret only she could understand.
Xiaodie stepped lightly into the house, a smile as warm as the spring sun on her lips, steadily carrying a bowl of still steaming light noodle soup.
Her eyebrows and eyes were curved, and the fine lines at the corners of her eyes exuded gentleness. Every step she took was full of lively energy, which made people feel cheerful.
Upon stepping across the threshold, Xiaodie immediately spotted Lin Qianqian sitting at the table, sighing and groaning. Her smile instantly froze, replaced by a look of utter confusion.
She pouted slightly, like a wronged little deer, her clear eyes filled with confusion and concern. Xiao Die quietly walked to the table, gently placed the soup on the table, then leaned down slightly, bringing her face close to Lin Qianqian's, and asked softly, "Miss, what's wrong? Why are you sighing like that? Is something on your mind?"
Lin Qianqian sighed again, her voice full of melancholy: "Sigh~"
Xiaodie looked at her with heartache, her eyes slightly reddening, her face filled with worry. She gently walked to Lin Qianqian's side, her voice soft and urgent: "Miss, don't worry, you barely ate anything just now, that won't do, how can you get any nutrition like that? I specially made noodle soup for you, it's very light in flavor, please try it!"
Lin Qianqian shook her head gently, her brows furrowed, her expression full of exhaustion and helplessness: "Xiaodie, I really can't eat anymore."
Xiaodie's eyes reddened even more, tears welling up in them. She crouched down slightly, looked up at Lin Qianqian, and said in a choked voice, "Miss, you're pregnant now, you can't do this. For the sake of the baby, you have to eat something! Otherwise, where will you get the nutrition and energy?"
Lin Qianqian forced a smile, patted Xiaodie's hand, and reassured her, "You can leave it there, I'll eat it later."
Xiaodie straightened up, bit her lower lip, hesitated for a moment, and then mustered up her courage to ask, "Miss, what's wrong with you? Could it be... because of Consort Su giving birth?"
Upon hearing this, Lin Qianqian slowly raised her eyes to look at Xiaodie, her gaze seemingly filled with endless worries, before letting out a heavy sigh.
She pouted, like a wronged child, and muttered softly, "Sigh... I don't know why, but I just feel like this isn't simple, and my heart feels so heavy..."
Xiaodie looked puzzled, her clear eyes filled with confusion, and couldn't help but ask, "Really? What's so special about it?"
Lin Qianqian gently shook her head, her brows furrowing into a deep frown, a hint of worry in her eyes. She slowly said, "I don't know, I can't quite put my finger on it, but I feel that Su Wan'er is not that simple."
Xiaodie was still completely confused. Her pink lips pouted even more, and she scratched her head, looking extremely cute.
Seeing that Xiaodie still didn't understand, Lin Qianqian's expression grew increasingly serious. She frowned deeply, a sharp glint flashing in her eyes, and became serious and profound, her hands involuntarily clenching.
Meanwhile, in the west wing, Su Wan'er looked at the sleeping baby in her swaddling clothes, a wicked and disdainful smile on her face. She muttered to herself, "With this child, let's see who dares to look down on me! Humph!"
In the Empress Dowager's palace, candlelight flickered amidst the carved beams and painted rafters. The Empress Dowager sat high in the center, her posture dignified, exuding an aura of quiet authority. The Emperor, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, had a serene expression, radiating the composure of a ruler. The Empress stood quietly to the side, her phoenix eyes slightly lowered, her demeanor elegant.
Murong Yi strode in, her face beaming with joy; her smile was practically overflowing.
Seeing this, the Emperor's eyes flashed with curiosity, and he asked gently with a slight smile, "Ninth Brother, what makes you so happy?"
Murong Yi quickly cupped his hands, unable to hide his excitement, and said, "Your Majesty, I naturally have good news to report."
The Empress Dowager raised an eyebrow slightly, a hint of interest flashing in her eyes, and asked, "Oh? What good news?"
Murong Yi's voice trembled slightly with excitement: "Mother, Wan'er has given birth to a baby boy!"
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone turned to look and exclaimed in unison, "What!"
The Empress Dowager's brows furrowed instantly, her face full of doubt: "Isn't it still early in the month? How could she have given birth so quickly?"
The Emperor frowned slightly, his tone filled with concern and doubt: "Yes, Ninth Brother, what's going on?"
Murong Yi's smile vanished instantly, replaced by a look of self-reproach and guilt. He slowly lowered his head, his voice filled with regret: "It's all my fault. It was my mistake that I failed to take good care of Wan'er. She was only thinking of going to the temple to pray for me, and I didn't stop her. Who knew she would accidentally fall in the temple? Fortunately, an old woman saw her and knew how to deliver babies, which helped Wan'er give birth safely. I deserve to die a thousand deaths." As he spoke, he sighed heavily, his face full of remorse.
The Empress Dowager's expression was solemn as she stared intently at Murong Yi, a scrutinizing glint in her eyes: "Such a thing is true? My son, are you telling the truth?"
Murong Yi immediately raised his head, his eyes firm, and said sincerely, "Mother, every word is true. If there is even a single lie, I am willing to accept any punishment."
The Empress Dowager and the Emperor exchanged a glance, their eyes seemingly conveying a thousand unspoken words. Then, the Empress Dowager looked at the Empress, her brows furrowing slightly as she fell into brief contemplation.
A moment later, the Empress Dowager's worried expression vanished, replaced by an excited nod. She said, "In that case, it's truly a blessing from heaven! Yi'er, you must take good care of them, mother and child. Wan'er has just given birth and is very weak. We must invite the best imperial physicians and use the finest medicinal herbs to nourish her. Prepare plenty of nourishing meals, such as bird's nest, fish maw, and chicken soup, at every meal. Also, arrange for several capable nannies to watch over her day and night, and make sure nothing goes wrong."
The Emperor nodded slightly, his face gentle, and said softly, "What the Empress Dowager says is absolutely right. Ninth Brother, Consort Su has given the royal family a son, which is a great achievement. You must take good care of her. If you need anything, just ask, and the palace will do its best to support you."
The Empress smiled gently and softly agreed, "Yes, Ninth Brother, you'll have to put in more effort in the future so that Wan'er can recuperate in peace and recover her strength as soon as possible."
Murong Yi quickly bowed respectfully, his body bent very low, his voice full of gratitude: "Thank you for your concern, Empress Dowager, Imperial Brother, and Imperial Sister-in-law. Your son will do his utmost to take good care of Wan'er and the child. I will certainly not let you down and will ensure that they are safe and healthy." After saying this, he raised his head, his eyes filled with determination and gratitude.
The Empress Dowager smiled broadly, her eyes sparkling with loving light. Holding Murong Yi's hand, she said with anticipation, "From now on, bring your grandson to me more often so I can see him. I can't wait to play with this little darling."
Murong Yi bowed slightly and replied respectfully, "Yes, Mother."
The Empress Dowager turned to look at the Emperor, her expression solemn yet filled with undisguised joy: "My son, the addition of a new member to the royal family is a blessing to the nation. Shouldn't we grant a general amnesty and announce this good news to the whole world, so that the people can also share in this joy and peace?"
The Emperor nodded hurriedly, his face beaming with a happy smile, his eyes narrowing into slits: "Yes, yes, Mother is absolutely right. Your son will immediately arrange for the Ministry of Rites to draft an edict and announce it to the world as soon as possible, so that all people may rejoice and share in the joy of the new life of the royal family."
The palace was filled with jubilation, the festive atmosphere almost overflowing. The Empress Dowager, her face glowing, sat regally in the main seat, a smile never fading from her lips, her eyes full of love and joy. From time to time, she gently stroked her knees, immersed in the joy of the royal family's new addition to the family.
Joy shone in the Emperor's eyes, and his dragon robe swayed slightly with his excited movements. He raised his hand and gently patted the armrest, unable to hide his excitement, and laughed heartily, repeatedly saying that this was a blessed event for the country.
The Empress wore a gentle smile, her demeanor dignified yet unable to conceal the joy in her eyes. She turned slightly to the side and softly instructed the palace maid beside her to prepare the gifts, her happiness evident in her eyes and brows.
Murong Yi's face was beaming with joy, his smile almost reaching his ears, his eyes sparkling with the pride and excitement of becoming a father for the first time. He straightened his back, his posture upright, and repeatedly bowed to everyone in thanks, his voice trembling slightly with excitement.