Yuqiongyin

Xie Chenning raised his head and looked at Minghe's face. He saw that although Minghe's eyebrows and eyes showed a bit of elegance and refinement, there was a hint of fear in the depths of his eyes that was difficult to conceal.

She knew very well that for a palace maid like Minghe, being pregnant was a disaster with unpredictable consequences, not to mention that the child was related to the royal bloodline. The complex situation in the palace was like a turbulent undercurrent that could swallow her up at any time.

"You don't need to be so frightened."

Xie Chenning whispered softly, and there was a calming power in his voice.

"Yes...your Majesty." Minghe nodded timidly in response.

Her voice trembled slightly, and her hands unconsciously covered her bulging belly, as if it was her only support at the moment.

Looking at her bulging belly, Xie Chenning said softly: "The child in your belly is of royal blood, and the Xie family will protect him well. But you must understand that after the child is born, you must not have any unreasonable thoughts."

Xie Chenning's eyes were somewhat serious. She understood that in the game of power in the palace, the birth of a child might trigger countless disputes, and if Minghe had any ill intentions, the consequences would be disastrous.

Ming He burst into tears and kowtowed to express his gratitude: "I will follow the instructions of the Empress and have no intention of overstepping my authority."

Her forehead banged against the ground, each time with endless fear and earnestness.

"Just stay in this mansion and take good care of your body. Don't walk around casually. It would be bad if something unexpected happened." Xie Chenning reminded him again with concern, "After this matter is settled, you will be able to get what you want."

"Thank you, empress!"

The situation in the manor outside was not peaceful either, with spies from all sides moving around like ghosts, so Xie Chenning chose to bring Ming He to the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion, which was the safest place at the moment.

The Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion has the power of the Xie family and loyal servants, which can resist outside spying and conspiracy and ensure the safety of Minghe and the children.

Not only did she strengthen the guard of the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion, increase the number of patrol officers, and set up secret sentries around the mansion, she also arranged for reliable people to take care of Minghe until she could give birth smoothly.

These people have been servants of the Xie family for many years. They are loyal and reliable, and take good care of Minghe's food and daily life. They are all strictly checked to prevent anyone from poisoning him.

Xie Chenning would visit Minghe every few days to check on her physical condition and the movements of the fetus.

As the days passed, Minghe's belly grew bigger and bigger, and it became increasingly difficult for him to move.

Xie Chenning ordered his servants to prepare a comfortable couch and various items for prenatal care, and also invited an experienced midwife to be on standby in the mansion.

*

There was a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere in the Duke Zhenguo Mansion. The sunlight sprinkled on the bluestone path in the courtyard, as if covering this world with a layer of golden gauze.

Minghe was walking in the courtyard as usual, supported by her maid. She gently stroked her bulging belly, her eyes full of tenderness and anticipation of becoming a mother.

The maid carefully reminded her, "Young lady, please walk slowly. The eldest lady has ordered that you must not make any mistakes now."

"I know." Minghe nodded with a smile, his heart full of gratitude towards Queen Xie Chenning.

Suddenly, a frightened cat jumped out from nowhere, ran across the courtyard and bumped into the maid.

The maid staggered and subconsciously let go of Minghe's hand.

Minghe lost her support and her body fell forward suddenly. She widened her eyes in horror and tried to steady herself, but it was too late.

"Ah——!" Minghe let out a cry of pain, and the tranquility in the courtyard was instantly broken.

She fell heavily to the ground, feeling a sharp pain in her abdomen, and then her amniotic water broke.

The maids gathered around in panic, and someone shouted, "Go and inform the young lady!"

The entire Zhenguo Mansion suddenly fell into panic.

"The most urgent task now is to ensure Minghe's smooth delivery." Just as Xie Chenning passed the letter, he heard the servant report, "Miss Minghe fell down!"

When Xie Chenning heard the news, her heart sank. Knowing that premature birth would be extremely dangerous for Minghe and the child, she immediately got up and rushed to Minghe's residence.

When she arrived, Minghe had been carried back to the bed. His face was as pale as paper, his forehead was covered with beads of sweat, his hands were tightly clutching the sheets, and he was groaning in pain.

"Minghe, how are you?" Xie Chenning held Minghe's hand, trying to give her strength.

When Ming He saw Xie Chenning, a glimmer of hope flashed in her eyes, "My Queen, save my child..." Her voice was weak and trembling.

Xie Chenning immediately ordered the midwife and the female doctor in the mansion: "We must keep the mother and child safe, at all costs!"

The midwives did not dare to delay and quickly began to prepare for the delivery, placing hot water, towels, scissors and other items one by one, while the female doctor checked Minghe's condition on the side.

However, the situation is far worse than imagined.

Due to the impact of the fall, the fetus's position changed, and Minghe's body could no longer support the severe pain of premature birth.

The midwife's face became more and more solemn. She said to Xie Chenning, "Miss, the situation is not good. The baby is in an abnormal position. The delivery will be very difficult. Moreover, Miss Minghe is weak. I'm afraid..."

Xie Chenning frowned, his eyes were firm and majestic, and his tone was unquestionable, "We must find a way to protect them!"

At this time, Minghe's moans became louder and louder, and her consciousness began to become a little fuzzy, but she had only one thought in her mind, and that was to ensure the safe birth of the child.

"My queen... if you can only save one... the child..." Minghe said with his last bit of strength.

Xie Chenning's eyes flashed with pity, "You and the child will be safe."

Time passed by minute by minute in the tense atmosphere, and the delivery room was filled with a strong smell of blood.

Minghe had fallen into a semi-comatose state, but her body was still exerting force instinctively.

The midwives were sweating profusely as they kept adjusting the position of the fetus, while the female doctor used various methods to maintain Minghe's physical strength.

Finally, after some difficult efforts, the child's head emerged.

The midwife shouted, "Miss, I've seen the end!"

Xie Chenning was delighted in his heart, but he did not show it on his face, as the most critical moment was yet to come.

With a faint cry, the baby was finally born.

It was a boy, but because he was born prematurely, he was very weak and his small body was bluish purple.

The doctors immediately took the child and gave him first aid.

After giving birth to the child, Minghe fell into a coma and her breath was weak.

Xie Shenning looked at the child and the unconscious Minghe. She knew that this unexpected premature birth made everything more difficult.

The future of this child, Minghe's safety, and the covetous eyes of various forces in the court are all looming.