At this moment, the valley that Jiang Wan had chosen was teeming with people.
The villagers from the small mountain village and nearby settlements were mostly gathered here, along with some who had fled from the city.
The valley was damp, and being summer, it was crawling with insects, terrifying many.
Some people found Magistrate Cheng and demanded that he quickly devise a solution, as being trapped in the valley indefinitely was not an option.
Magistrate Cheng, however, had more pressing concerns: his wife was about to give birth.
Although everyone had protected Madam Cheng well when they entered the mountains, the journey’s bumps and the ensuing stress had caused her to go into labor prematurely.
Chen Yuezhi made a swift decision, immediately ordering a mountain cave to be prepared. She then had the servants from the Cheng residence carry Madam Cheng into the cave for the delivery. Others were assigned tasks: some guarded the cave, while others went to gather firewood for hot water.
Madam Cheng’s condition was not good. Throughout her pregnancy, she had faced numerous difficulties, living in constant fear and worry, and had nearly lost the baby several times.
Chen Yuezhi and Divine Doctor Jin had visited the Cheng residence countless times, and Jiang Wan had even specifically used her abilities to help stabilize the pregnancy.
After enduring the final stage of pregnancy, they were unexpectedly faced with this new crisis.
Madam Cheng’s chosen midwife had not accompanied them because her due date was still a month away, and the midwife had her own affairs to attend to, thus she was not at the Cheng residence.
Chen Yuezhi’s experience in delivering babies was limited to the case of Madam Shen. In her无奈, Magistrate Cheng had to send someone to inquire outside if anyone knew how to assist with childbirth.
Fortunately, they found an elderly woman.
The woman quickly washed her hands and entered the cave. Under Chen Yuezhi’s guidance, she changed into clean clothes before approaching Madam Cheng.
Madam Cheng was in severe pain, biting down on a piece of soft wood to endure it.
The cave was poorly lit, with over a dozen candles burning. The midwife examined Madam Cheng and her expression changed. "Madam, your baby's position is incorrect. My experience is limited, and I fear I cannot help."
With that, the woman, ignoring any attempts to stop her, turned and fled.
Madam Cheng’s tears streamed down her face in distress.
Chen Yuezhi, while feeling Madam Cheng’s pulse, tried to comfort her, but it had little effect. Madam Cheng was extremely anxious and tense, even struggling to breathe.
Just then, Jiang Wan crawled in from the cave entrance.
"Aunt Cheng, don't be afraid, I'm here."
It had taken her half an hour to reach the valley. Before she could even catch her breath, she heard people in the valley say that Madam Cheng was having a difficult labor and might not survive.
Upon seeing Jiang Wan’s return, Chen Yuezhi’s heart, which had been hanging by a thread, finally settled.
Jiang Wan, without wasting time, hurried to Madam Cheng’s side and used her abilities to assess the baby’s condition. It was indeed dire.
She pulled Chen Yuezhi aside. "Mother, do you remember Madam Shen’s delivery? This situation is even more complicated. We need to get everyone out of here; otherwise, there’s no way to proceed."
Chen Yuezhi immediately nodded and turned to Madam Cheng. "Sister, do you trust me?"
Madam Cheng, enduring immense pain, still managed to nod her head.
Chen Yuezhi quickly instructed the maids from the Cheng residence, "All of you, leave. Prepare hot water and wait by the cave entrance."
The maids hesitated. Although the Jiang and Cheng families were close, this was a matter of their mistress's life. They were reluctant to disobey Chen Yuezhi's instructions.
Chen Yuezhi wanted Madam Cheng to give the order, but Madam Cheng, overwhelmed by pain, fainted.
Jiang Wan, lacking patience, directly pushed the maids out of the cave. "Uncle Cheng, don't worry, Aunt will surely be safe, mother and child!"
With that, Jiang Wan moved a large stone to completely block the cave entrance.
Magistrate Cheng, watching the entrance being sealed, repeatedly tried to push the stone away, but Jiang Pan held him back.
Cheng Sinian cried out in distress, "I don't want a brother or sister anymore, I want Mother, I only want my Mother..."
As the father and son were on the verge of collapse, the stone blocking the cave entrance moved again. The stone was pushed aside, and Jiang Wan’s voice emerged from within, "Bring the hot water in."
Along with Jiang Wan’s voice, a baby’s cry also echoed out!
"She gave birth?"
"She gave birth!"
Jiang Wan announced, "Congratulations, Uncle Cheng. Mother and child are safe."
Magistrate Cheng fell to his knees, clasping his hands in gratitude to the heavens.
Cheng Sinian ran to the cave entrance and peered inside.
A moment later, Chen Yuezhi appeared at the entrance, holding the newborn. "Husband, come quickly and see."
Magistrate Cheng rushed over, glanced at the baby, and anxiously asked, "How is my wife? Can she withstand it? Why don't I hear her voice?"
Chen Yuezhi replied, "She is weak and has fallen asleep after the birth. Don't worry, my master is here."
Only then did Magistrate Cheng relax. He looked at the baby again.
The environment in the valley was too poor, so Chen Yuezhi took the baby back into the cave.
Jiang Wan felt a bit unwell. Madam Cheng’s pregnancy had been exceptionally perilous, and it had taken her and her mother a great deal of effort to ensure the safety of mother and child.
She had already depleted a considerable amount of her abilities when restoring the vegetation in the mountains and hadn't yet recovered. Now, she had overextended herself again.
If she didn't replenish her energy soon, she would collapse.
Chen Yuezhi was solely focused on caring for Madam Cheng and the baby, and didn't notice Jiang Wan's weakness. Jiang Wan herself got up and walked towards the cave entrance. As she stepped out, her legs gave way, and she stumbled forward.
"Be careful!"
Gu Chenzhou suddenly rushed forward and caught her, a steady stream of energy transferring from his hands.
Jiang Wan quickly reached out and grasped his wrist tightly. "Brother Chenzhou, I'm a little tired. Can I lean on you and sleep for a while?"
As soon as she spoke, Jiang Wan fell asleep instantly.
"Wan Wan?"
Jiang Pan hurried over, intending to pick Jiang Wan up, only to find her clinging tightly to Gu Chenzhou's arm.
Gu Chenzhou looked at the exhausted Jiang Wan with a pang of concern. "Uncle Jiang, leave Wan Wan to me. You all go and handle other matters."
Jiang Pan looked at his daughter, then at the chaotic valley, and finally nodded. "Chenzhou, you must take good care of Wan Wan."
Gu Chenzhou nodded, carried Jiang Wan to a spot, and sat down, letting Jiang Wan rest on his lap, nestled in his embrace.
When Jiang Wan woke up, two hours had passed.
She opened her eyes to find that it was completely dark. Numerous bonfires had been lit in the valley, and the refugees were busy cooking.
Gu Chenzhou sensed she had woken up and asked, "How do you feel now? Are you still uncomfortable?"
Jiang Wan then realized she was being held by Gu Chenzhou.
She quickly stood up, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Did I make you uncomfortable?"
Gu Chenzhou wanted to pretend he was fine, but he dared not move.
His legs were numb, his arms were numb, and he was uncomfortable.