After a day and a night of torment, Xiao Man gave birth to a son.
Nangong Yu sat by the bed, looking at Xiao Man, who had fallen asleep from exhaustion, and said, "You've worked hard."
Xiang Xue held the baby by the bed. The wet nurse had been prepared long ago. The baby had just been fed and was already asleep.
Nangong Yu turned to Xiang Xue, "Let me see the child."
Xiang Xue hesitated for a moment, then handed the child to Nangong Yu. Nangong Yu looked at the tiny infant in the swaddling clothes and couldn't help but reach out and touch the baby's small face. "Little one, you really know how to torment people."
Xiang Xue smiled, "Indeed, it took a whole day and night to be born, so it's clear he's a tormentor."
"Be careful, or your mother will wake up and spank your little bottom," Nangong Yu's voice was exceptionally gentle. He took the child from Xiang Xue and held him in his arms. The small bundle looked so fragile that he dared not use any force, for fear of hurting him.
"Have you named him?"
"Yes, the Imperial Husband named the child before his death. If it were a girl, her name would be Yi Han, and if it were a boy, Jun Yan."
"Jun Yan? Xiao Jun Yan, that's a good name." Nangong Yu's eyes were filled with smiles. "Very good, son, you've tormented your mother for so long, and it will eventually be your turn to pay. You must be well, safe and sound. You have a long and arduous journey ahead."
"Your Majesty Yu Huang, please don't frighten the little prince."
Nangong Yu handed the child back to Xiang Xue, "Fortunately, it's a boy. If it were a girl, I would feel truly unbearable."
"Unbearable, why?" Xiang Xue asked, puzzled, her eyes even showing a hint of defensiveness.
Nangong Yu knew Xiang Xue had misunderstood, but did not explain. "When will Man'er wake up?"
"She should wake up soon, but Your Majesty has just given birth and needs to rest well and recover her strength, otherwise, she will develop lingering health problems."
"I fear she won't rest," Nangong Yu sighed. "Feng Moran will not give her time to rest. Go and prepare. I'm afraid as soon as she wakes up, she'll have to rush back. Chu Qingge and her son have fallen into Feng Moran's hands; she cannot ignore this."
"But the mistress's body..."
"The carriage is ready, lined with thick bedding and fitted with wind-proof curtains. It's ready to depart as soon as the mistress wakes up."
"Eldest, the mistress is still very weak after giving birth..."
"Xiang Xue, taking care of the mistress's health along the way will be your responsibility," Qin Xue interrupted Xiang Xue. The young madam and the young master were in mortal danger. Given the mistress's temperament, how could she possibly ignore it.
Xiang Xue gritted her teeth, "I will prepare immediately."
"Give me the child," Qin Xue took the child. "Be quick. The mistress might wake up soon."
"Yes." Xiang Xue hurried off to prepare.
Nangong Yu's gaze fell on Qin Xue. No wonder Xiao Man trusted her so much. This person understood her thoroughly and was very supportive of her.
"You've followed her for many years, haven't you?"
"Fourteen years."
Nangong Yu nodded slowly, "So you've known each other since you were in your teens."
"Yes, I knew the mistress before you did," Qin Xue said in a low voice. "I was there during that battle, watching from within the city, but did not participate."
Nangong Yu knew Qin Xue was referring to the incident where he was unhorsed by a single sword from Dugu Man. Although embarrassing, it was the truth, and without it, he would not have met Dugu Man.
"I remember, you arrived in Yusheng very early. When did you come to Yusheng?"
"After the mistress returned three months after her disappearance, I was sent to Yusheng," Qin Xue said, unhurriedly. "I followed you all the way to Shengjing."
Nangong Yu understood that after Dugu Man left him alone, she hadn't truly abandoned him but had people following him all along.
"I will go ahead," Nangong Yu said calmly. "You travel slowly and don't rush. Take good care of your mistress."
"Where are you going?"
"To do what I should do," Nangong Yu glanced at the sleeping Xiao Man and said softly, "She can't always be worried about me."
Nangong Yu stood up, took one last look at Xiao Man, and then left quickly. Qin Xue watched Nangong Yu's figure disappear, then turned around. As soon as she turned, she saw Xiao Man sitting up.
"Mistress, you're awake." Qin Xue quickly brought the child to Xiao Man and showed her. Xiao Man took the child and looked at his soft little face, her expression full of tenderness.
"Are everything ready?"
"Yes, Mistress, everything is ready," Qin Xue hesitated. "However, do you really have to..."
Xiao Man hung the jade pendant she had given to Wen Mohan on the child. "This journey is extremely perilous. How can I bring him with me?"
"But..."
"Enough, no more 'buts'." Xiao Man kissed the child's cheek and handed him to Qin Xue. "This time, I will surely deal with him. Otherwise, I don't know how many more troubles will arise. You all stay here for now and come out when it's safe outside. If anything happens to me, send him to Prime Minister Wen and his wife. They will know what to do."
"Miss... your subordinate also wants to follow you..."
"No, you must stay and protect Jun Yan," Xiao Man said without hesitation. "You and A Jin are the talismans I've left for Jun Yan's safety. You must not be harmed. Yan Li will come to meet you."
"You're not even bringing the Asura Guards?"
"A place like the Demon City is not about having more people. The more people go, the more dangerous it will be," Xiao Man analyzed calmly. "Feng Moran captured my sister-in-law and Ziyang precisely to force me to appear. If I don't go, my sister-in-law and Ziyang will surely be in danger. Moreover, Yin Zhu's whereabouts are still unknown."
"Miss, they say Yin Zhu..."
"I believe her," Xiao Man interrupted Qin Xue. "Putting others aside, I believe Yin Zhu. If they said she took Ziyang, I would believe it, but if they say she abducted my sister-in-law and Ziyang, that is absolutely impossible." Su Dan Novels
"I knew you wouldn't believe it," Qin Xue handed a dagger to Xiao Man. This dagger was a gift from Nangong Yu to Xiao Man. Ever since Tian Gan was broken, this dagger had stayed with her and was her weapon for self-defense. "Miss, please come back safely."
"I will." Xiao Man changed her clothes, took one last look at the child, and resolutely embarked on her journey. The road ahead was perilous and unpredictable, but she could not retreat. Not only for her child, but also for her family and friends who were persecuted by Feng Moran. She had to go on this trip, no matter what.
The carriage sped away, disappearing into the night. The infant in the swaddling clothes seemed to sense something and cried out, bidding farewell to his mother.
Qin Xue swayed the child in her arms, "Little prince, don't cry. The mistress will definitely return safely. Your subordinate will also protect you well and will never let any evildoer harm you. Mistress, may you win every battle and have a prosperous military career."