CHAPTER 471: CHAPTER 471 SUDDEN ATTACK

"Yes, yes, I heard Qiulan mention it too. It’s just a child, after all, it’s hard to tell what the future holds. I’m hoping Ke Li and Mu Zhi can strive a bit harder and both become scholars!"

This September, the two cousins are set to take the provincial exams together.

If they pass, they will earn the title of scholar.

This would pave the way for a promising future.

Therefore, this is the most important matter in the family right now.

"Don’t worry, don’t worry. I’ve never heard of any student at the Imperial College not passing the exams. Sister-in-law, just wait for the joy of a celebration,"

Mrs. Dong teased as she spoke.

Lin Wanyi was curious when she heard the term ’celebration tea’.

Could it be that her cousin is making progress?

Madam Dong’s smile grew even wider.

"It’s too early to tell, sister, don’t speak carelessly."

At these words, Lin Wanyi understood naturally.

It seems the elder aunt has someone in mind but is not in a hurry.

It makes sense, seeing Ke Li is about to start the exams.

No one can predict the future.

Perhaps Cousin Ke Li will achieve top honors, and by then, the Dong Family’s threshold may be worn out by matchmakers.

Thus, Madam Dong, although having a candidate in mind, remains silent.

Firstly, to avoid damaging the reputation of a young lady.

Secondly, hoping her son can earn some merit first, so as to have more dignity in making proposals.

The conversation was filled with laughter, and the family was harmonious.

Sitting for a while, Lin Wanyi planned to get up and stretch her legs.

Unexpectedly, she strained herself while doing so.

With an "Ouch," her stomach suddenly ached.

Seeing her unusual expression, Mrs. Dong immediately rushed over in worry.

At first, inquiring if Lin Wanyi’s leg was in pain.

But seeing her point to her stomach, Mother Dong quickly understood.

"Could it be that she’s in labor?"

Once these words left her mouth, everyone present panicked.

Just a moment ago, she was laughing and chatting with them, but now she was about to give birth.

Second Madam Yun immediately stepped forward to check.

Calm and composed, she worked methodically.

After a moment, she spoke to Xia An.

"The Lady is indeed in labor; call the midwife over and make sure everything is prepared, leave nothing out."

"Yes!"

Then, with a slightly serious expression, she asked Lin Wanyi.

"Lady, can you still walk? Shall we head to the side hall?"

All the preparations for childbirth were in the side hall, which Lin Wanyi was aware of.

Having given birth before, she knew the pain wouldn’t be constant but would come in waves.

Therefore, taking advantage of the moment when her stomach didn’t hurt as much, she nodded and said,

"I’m fine, I can walk over."

"That’s good."

So, Second Madam and Mrs. Dong supported her on each side, helping Lin Wanyi move step by step to the side hall.

As soon as she lay on the bed, the pain came rushing back.

Perhaps she hadn’t suffered much while giving birth to twins before,

Therefore, Lin Wanyi wasn’t overly fearful about childbirth.

With Mrs. Yun and her family around, she felt somewhat reassured.

So she focused on listening to Mrs. Yun’s instructions.

Everyone present was experienced, showing not the slightest panic.

Instead, there was a subtle sense of anticipation.

Would Consort Yin Ning’s baby be a prince or a princess?

Though a prince could more solidly secure her place in the harem,

everyone in the palace with eyes could see.

Even if she bears a princess, there was no one in the harem who could compare to their master.

Thus, everyone hoped for a safe delivery.

Outside the side hall, people were standing in the corridor.

And inside, Mrs. Dong and Dong Qiuyue waited outside, with only Madam Dong inside to help.

Lin Wanyi’s muffled cries of enduring pain occasionally echoed.

If it weren’t for the fear that the elderly Mrs. Dong couldn’t bear to witness such a bloody scene,

she might have gone inside too.

Dong Qiuyue, raised by Mrs. Dong from a young age, was concerned both about Lin Wanyi’s labor and her grandmother’s health.

Thus she comforted her, saying,

"Grandmother, don’t worry, with Mother, Aunt, and Aunt-in-law there, the Imperial Concubine will surely be safe and sound with her child!"

Mrs. Dong took a deep breath upon hearing this.

With a solemn expression, she grasped her hand, worry written all over her face.

The news reached Qian’an Hall where the Emperor, originally reviewing memorials, immediately put everything aside.

He hurried over,

sweat beading on his forehead.

Alongside him, sweating as well, came the Second Prince.

The Emperor had called the Second Prince to inquire about his recent studies,

so the Second Prince was waiting as his father reviewed documents.

But before the Emperor could speak, the news of Lin Wanyi going into labor arrived.

Naturally, father and son had to quickly set aside everything and head to Yihua Palace.

This quick rush, combined with the hot weather, naturally caused them to sweat.

"The Emperor has arrived!"

Inside, Mrs. Dong, hearing the Emperor had come, immediately took Dong Qiuyue to kneel in greeting.

"This humble wife greets Your Majesty, wishing Your Majesty ten thousand years of peace."

"This humble servant greets Your Majesty, wishing Your Majesty ten thousand years of peace."

Being in the palace, they dared not be remiss in their courtesy.

Especially during such a special time, they could not bring trouble to Lin Wanyi.

But upon seeing Mrs. Dong kneeling, the Emperor quickly spoke.

"Old Madam, please rise."

Though the Emperor was accustomed to being bowed to by the people, given that Mrs. Dong was Lin Wanyi’s maternal grandmother, it was slightly different.

So he motioned Dong Yuzhong to help her up, showing his stance.

Meanwhile, Dong Qiuyue kept her head low, afraid to show the slightest disrespect.

After all, this was the current Holy Emperor.

For the sake of both her husband’s and her own family, she had to be proper.

In the conversation, some soft groans from Lin Wanyi emerged from the side hall.

The Emperor felt anxious, but his face maintained the solemnity and composure of an emperor.

Standing outside, his breathing grew heavier.

He immediately had someone send a message inside, telling Lin Wanyi,

that he was outside keeping vigil.

Telling her not to worry and to focus on the delivery.

After giving these instructions, the Emperor stood still in the corridor.

Seeing him like this, those who came with him, as well as the attendants already waiting there, had no choice but to obediently stand by.

The Emperor keenly noticed and specifically instructed,

"Bring a round stool for the Old Madam, so she doesn’t tire."

"Yes."

Mrs. Dong thought to refuse, but she dared not be too conspicuous before the Emperor.

She had no choice but to sit stiffly.

Outside, the heat waves rolled in.

Inside, Second Madam Yun continued her previous actions.

After giving Lin Wanyi a pill, she felt much more relaxed.

Gradually, sleepiness overcame her, and when she was asleep, Mrs. Yun began her work.

This time it was just a single birth, making delivery somewhat simpler.