Chapter 73 ROTNDOAHRF

FlamingoBees

Translating Chinese Historical Dramas for your enjoyment... and mine! :)

Rebirth of the Noble Daughter of a High Ranking Family

Chapter 73:

Stepmother's Night of Labor

"Thank you for your kindness, Cousin," Ouyang Nuan responded, slightly taken aback but showing little surprise.

Lin Zhiran gazed at her, his dark eyes holding a complex and inscrutable light, contrasting sharply with Ouyang Nuan's calm expression. "You don't seem very pleased, do you?" he remarked.

As they settled in the pavilion, Hongyu served tea. Ouyang Nuan took a sip, her eyes nearly transparent with clarity yet tinged with an elusive emotion. After setting down her cup, she smiled faintly and said, "Cousin, you're a clever person. Do we really need to beat around the bush?"

"Flowers that stand out are easily broken, attracting unnecessary attention. So, you've always been cautious, and I thought the same. But I didn't expect you to shine so brightly at the flower-viewing banquet," Lin Zhiran said, his lips curling slightly, his dark eyes still holding that enigmatic smile.

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"To achieve one's goals, sometimes one must resort to extraordinary measures," Ouyang Nuan raised an eyebrow ever so slightly, her thin lips curving into a smile. There was a fleeting sharpness in her eyes, a subtle brightness that left one feeling uneasy. "You should know that simply hiding in the shadows will not lead to a better life."

"However, by doing so, the Ouyang family has offended the Wu Duke Manor," Lin Zhiran gazed deeply into her eyes, his expression inscrutable, as if containing infinite depths that no one could fathom. "Do you have any regrets?"

Ouyang Nuan replied calmly, "In times of urgency, one must act decisively. At that moment, I had no other choice." For the safety of her brother, no matter how many times she had to make the same decision, she would still push Chen Lanxin out without hesitation.

After listening, Lin Zhiran pondered for a moment, his gaze intensifying. The smile on his face deepened a few degrees. "The Wu Duke Manor is not someone you want to offend, especially that young master, Chen Jingrui. He's known for his vengeful nature. Be prepared."

Ouyang Nuan nodded graciously, her expression grateful. "Thank you for the reminder, Cousin."

Hongyu pondered how much meaning was concealed within this brief conversation. Suddenly, he rose to his feet, arching his brows with a smile, projecting an air of calmness as he placed his cup onto the stone table. Then, he spoke, "Since you are aware of the situation, I shall say no more. I bid you farewell." He turned to leave, but after a few steps, he abruptly turned back, the smile fading from his face, his narrow phoenix eyes adding a touch of icy solemnity as he furrowed his brows slightly. "Be extra careful," he said.

Ouyang Nuan glanced at him and nodded lightly but with great seriousness.

Time passed swiftly, and in the blink of an eye, over a month had gone by.

"Aunt, you've had a long day. You should rest early," Peier said cautiously.

Li Yue'e, looking weary, leaned back on the bed, her face pale and devoid of the usual carefully crafted beauty. "Is Master resting in Wang Yiniang's courtyard again?"

Pei'er nodded nervously, indeed seeing that Li Yue'e's complexion worsened. "Auntie, please don't do this to yourself. You must take care of your own health."

"Take care of myself? I couldn't even protect my own flesh and blood. What's the use of taking care of myself?" Aunt Li said, her voice choked with sorrow. Since the day her child was lost, she had cried countless times. She couldn't believe this cruel reality. The child she had longed for so much was gone just like that.

Pei'er tried to console her, "You must think about it carefully, Auntie. You're still young. Madam, on the other hand, is not getting any younger. She simply can't afford it. Sooner or later, you'll be able to give birth to a little master."

"Having a son, what difference does it make? In the future, he might not even call me 'mother'. Speaking of which, she is the child's legitimate mother. If things go wrong, the child may not even recognize me as their biological mother... unless..." Aunt Li's voice trailed off, growing colder and colder, almost frosty.

Pei'er was startled by her words, unable to speak in the face of Aunt Li's chilling expression.

After a moment, some color returned to Li Yue'e's pale face. She spoke with bitterness towards the direction of the Furui Courtyard, "Hmph. I've suffered once, I won't fall into her hands a second time. I'll remember this debt, and there will be a day when it's repaid!"

Just then, a maid burst in, falling to her knees with a thud. "Madam, there's news from the Furui Courtyard. It's said that Madam is going into labor!"

"How is that possible!" Li Yue'e's eyes lit up, abruptly jumping off the bed and bombarding the maid with questions. It hadn't even been ten months yet, and the midwife hadn't even been summoned. Giving birth now would mean premature delivery, wouldn't it?

"Madam, this matter is absolutely true. The Fu Rui Courtyard is in chaos right now!"

"Chaos? She sure knows how to pick the timing to give birth," Li Yiniang sneered. "Going into labor before ten months, who knows what kind of trash she'll produce! She's the one who caused herself to lose the child. It's best if this child doesn't make it either! Everything happens for a reason, truly Madam Lin's retribution!"

"Madam, Li Xiang from the Furui Courtyard said that the midwife Jiruo has yet to arrive. She wishes for Madam to find several experienced midwives to accompany her," the maid continued cautiously, observing Li Yue'e's expression. But she heard Li Yue'e chuckle lightly, "Experienced midwives?"

For some reason, Pei'er, who was nearby, felt a sudden jolt in her heart upon hearing Li Yiniang speak so softly. Li Yue'e paused, her expression pained, "The birth of a child is a major event. Madam instructed us not to interfere early on. Now she's asking for help, but alas, I'm not prepared. Well then, go find Sun Mama, Liang Mama, and Wei Mama. Let them go to the Furui Courtyard and accompany Madam."

Madam Lin is suspicious by nature and fears that by bringing in the midwife, others might take advantage of the situation. So she hasn't told them who to find, only planning to bring them into the house ten days before the birth. She probably didn't expect the premature birth to happen.

The maid hurried off, and Li Yiniang rose from her seat, sitting in front of the bronze mirror. With a slight smile at her reflection, her gaze softened as she turned to Pei'er and said softly, "Go and remind those experienced midwives what they should and shouldn't do."

"Yes," Pei'er rushed out. After a short while, she returned and reported, "Li Yiniang, it's all taken care of."

"Very well done," Li Yiniang said, delicately placing a golden hairpin in her hair. Then, turning back to Pei'er, she added, "Come, help me with my grooming. I must visit the Madam. It's such an important moment, as her servant, I must accompany her. I hope for a smooth delivery and the safety of both mother and child." Li Yiniang spoke each word clearly and eloquently, but beneath the surface, there was a chilling resentment in her tone, causing Pei'er to shiver involuntarily.

Sun Mama, Liang Mama, and Wei Mama received the orders and hurried to the gate of Furui Pavilion. However, Wang Mama refused to let them in altogether. Having served in the mansion for at least a decade, she knew well that these three were the most heavy-handed. How could she allow such clumsy midwives in at such a crucial moment for the mistress? She instructed Lixiang and the other maids to guard the gate and quickly went to find Ouyang Zhi.

Wang Mama almost ran all the way to the gate of Yuxi Pavilion. She was panting heavily as she raised her hand to knock on the door. There was no response from inside. She decided to knock harder. Eventually, the door opened, revealing Liu Mama, the manager of Yuxi Pavilion, holding a lantern. She glanced at Wang Mama and then closed the door behind her.

Liu Mama smiled, "Is it Wang Mama? My, why have you come here so late?"

Wang Mama urgently replied, "I have urgent matters to discuss with the master!"

Liu Mama wore a troubled expression on her face. "This won't do. The master isn't feeling well today. Wang Yiniang ordered that no one should disturb him. He's probably fast asleep by now! I can't afford to take this risk."

Wang Mama's face showed an anxious expression as she said, "The Madam is about to give birth. We must summon the master."

Liu Mama hesitated for a moment, her voice carrying uncertainty. "Wang Mama, this... I can't make the decision either!"

At that moment, the main gate swung open. Bixi, a maid by Wang Jiaoxing's side, emerged wearing a coat. Seeing Wang Mama, she immediately frowned, looking displeased. She glanced at Wang Mama and asked, "What's the matter, Mama? It's the middle of the night!"

Wang Mama's heart sank when she saw it was this maid. Bixi was by Wang Jiaoxing's side, and she had clashed with her several times before. She feared she might intentionally make things difficult and prevent her from seeing Ouyang Zhi. With a forced smile, Wang Mama said, "Miss Bixi, our Madam is about to give birth. Please hurry and ask the master to come out!"

Bixi frowned and said, "The master just returned from a banquet tonight and has been restless for half the night. He finally managed to fall asleep. I dare not disturb him, Wang Mama. You should go back and ask the Madam to endure the night!"

Wang Mama, hearing this, became furious. "What nonsense are you spouting? She's giving birth. Can she endure it?"

Bixi replied coldly, "Who told her to give birth in the middle of the night? It serves her right if she can't find anyone!"

Wang Mama, seething with anger, retorted, "You... You have some nerve! Do you know who the Madam is? Can you afford to offend her? You won't even deliver a message. Beware that the mistress might skin you alive in the future!"

Bixi shuddered, realizing her words were too explicit. Suddenly feeling afraid, she looked at Wang Mama, who stood silent and resolute. Wang Mama pushed her aside and rushed inside. Just then, a voice sneered from the corridor, "The master is not feeling well. Whoever dares to make a fuss will be kicked out!"

It was Wang Jiaoxing's voice. With the support of the concubine favored by the master, who would care about a lackey by the side of a fallen madam? Bi Xi signaled to Liu Mama, who steeled herself and shoved Wang Mama out, slamming the door shut heavily behind her!

As the door closed, Wang Mama felt a mix of despair and frustration. She wanted to kick the door open and cause a scene, but she dared not delay any longer. She hurriedly made her way towards Shou'an Hall.

"Is it time?" Old Madam Li asked, stunned.

"Yes," Zhang Mama replied in a low voice. "Wang Mama from the Madam's side rushed in, insisting on seeing you. I couldn't stop her..."

Old Madam Li furrowed her brows tightly upon hearing this. She took off the prayer beads from her wrist and rolled them between her fingers. After a moment, she still couldn't shake off her unease. She stood up abruptly. "This ominous star... How can this be good..." she muttered to herself, simultaneously praying to the ancestors to bless the Ouyang family with good fortune in the face of adversity!

At the entrance of Shou'an Hall, Wang Mama was blocked outside, crying loudly without regard. The sound echoed from afar, unsettling Old Madam Li, who rebuked sharply, "Get her out."

"Old Madam..." Zhang Mama felt this was somewhat harsh, but seeing Old Madam Li's sudden stern expression, she dared not say more. She quickly went out and instructed people to escort Wang Mama away.

Wang Mama was driven out of Shou'an Hall, feeling waves of despair. The master was indifferent, the madam cold-hearted—there was nobody reliable in this household! She glanced at the dark sky, gritted her teeth, deciding that these people were useless. She didn't need to beg anymore. She would directly seek out the experienced midwives in the family! The madam's authority was still there; she wasn't afraid they wouldn't comply! As she pondered, she wiped the cold sweat off her forehead and swiftly headed towards the quarters where the servants lived.

"Where are Zhao Mama and Li Mama?"

"They're all on leave, already out of the garden," the little maid answered, her eyes flickering. Wang Mama couldn't believe her luck. How could they all coincidentally be on leave?

"What about Zhou Wang's wife?"

"She was sent out by Li Yiniang to pray for the madam to give birth to a chubby little master," the maid replied smoothly, as if she had prepared the answer early.

"And what about Auntie Huang?"

"Her husband's family just had a funeral. Li Yiniang was afraid she'd bring bad luck to the madam's child, so she was sent away," the maid lowered her head, concealing the coldness in her eyes.

Impossible! Either the experienced midwives were on leave or they were sent away on errands. How could such a coincidence happen? It must be Li Yiniang's meddling! Wang Mama regretted deeply, patting her chest. Madam, oh Madam, I've told you before. Endure the momentary anger, and there will be boundless opportunities. But you insisted on stirring up trouble. You've harmed Li Yiniang's child. How could she not hate you to the core!

The news of Madam Li's premature birth quickly spread to Nuan's Pavilion. Ouyang Nuan frowned slightly, "Wasn't it supposed to be another month? How could it happen so early?"

"Who knows! The midwives haven't even been invited into the mansion for the birth ceremony yet! Suddenly, they say she's going into labor!" Fang Mama said. "I heard that Wang Mama went to invite Master and Old Madam, but they ignored her. Then she went to find those experienced midwives, but she couldn't find any of them. She might have gone back to Furui Court now..."

The sudden premature birth of Madam Lin caught Ouyang Nuan off guard, and she couldn't help but feel that it was somehow related to the kind-hearted grandmother, Old Madam Li, in Shou An Hall. It was quite unexpected.

"Miss, this time Madam really can't handle it," a hint of satisfaction flashed across Fang Mama's face. She still remembered how affectionate and tender Master and Lin Wanru were when Madam Wanqing was lying on her sickbed. The original Madam was literally killed by those shameless people. Now, the one who was once ignored and deserted had become Lin Wanru. Truly, how the tables had turned.

"Hongyu," Ouyang Nuan pondered for a moment before whispering, "Help me change clothes. Come with me to Shou An Hall."

"Miss, what are you planning to do?" At this time, shouldn't we just close the doors and pretend we haven't heard or seen anything? Why go to Shou An Hall?" Hongyu was somewhat surprised.

Ouyang Nuan smiled faintly, "Mother is giving birth in the middle of the night. As her daughter, I should do my part."

"Miss, are you planning to persuade Old Madam to go see her? Why? Have you forgotten how she treated you and Young Master back then?" Fang Mama exclaimed in disbelief.

There was a reason for this, and a thin layer of smile covered Ouyang Nuan's face, carrying a subtle, almost imperceptible chill...

Ouyang Nuan entered Shou An Hall. Old Madam Li's tone mirrored Fang Mama's, "You want me to go see her?" Her feelings about this matter were even more complex than Ouyang Nuan's, with many more considerations. Old Madam Li widened her eyes, "If it weren't for her, would our family be in such a turmoil now?"

"Sigh... Mother is also thinking about adding descendants to the Ouyang family!"

"What descendants? That child she brought to our family is nothing but a disaster! If it weren't for this child, Ke'er wouldn't be lame, you and Jue'er wouldn't have been attacked, and my head wouldn't ache so badly every day..." Old Madam Li clearly linked all the misfortunes to the child in Madam Lin's belly.

Ouyang Nuan's beautiful face flashed a hint of sympathy, as she softly said, "I heard that Wang Mama begged everywhere but met with rejection. Hearing this, I feel somewhat bitter."

"She deserves it! In the past, she was skilled at vying for favor and knew how to manipulate situations. Who knows how many people she harmed to get ahead. Now that nobody is willing to help her, it shows how malicious and hateful she was in her daily interactions!" Old Madam Li's disgust towards Madam Lin reached its peak. Whenever Madam Lin was mentioned, her words became extremely sharp, filled with disdain.

"Grandmother, are you still afraid of the ominous star?" Ouyang Nuan pondered for a moment before asking softly.

"Not only that," Old Madam Li shook her head, gripping the prayer beads tightly in her hand, as if it was the only way to maintain her composure. Pausing for a moment, she turned to look at Ouyang Nuan seriously. "So what are you suggesting? Do you really want me to go see her?"

Ouyang Nuan's tone carried a hint of regret. "Granddaughter has no fixed opinion. It's just that grandmother and father are the heads of the family. If mother is giving birth to such an important event, and neither of you is present..."

Old Madam Li raised her eyebrows. "The midwife will arrive soon, and Li Yiniang has already sent experienced mothers to attend. That should be sufficient. Why insist on me going?"

"Grandmother, this matter spreading out doesn't sound good..."

Old Madam Li paused for a moment, then said, "It's her fault for not choosing the right time for childbirth. Who can she blame?"

"Whatever others say doesn't matter. But if Second Uncle uses this as an excuse to come and blame Father, I'm afraid we won't be able to handle it," Ouyang Nuan whispered.

"Is he daring to do so?" Old Madam Li's heart skipped a beat, but her tone seemed firm.

"He and Father are both officials in the same court, supporting each other. It's not good to create a rift between them. After all, we are family, grandmother," Ouyang Nuan said with concern. "Grandmother, I know you don't like Mother, but we can't let others take advantage of the situation."

Old Madam Li hesitated for a moment, then with a cold tone and a stern face, she said, "I won't go. I won't go! I can't continue to spoil a daughter-in-law who doesn't know the difference between respect and disrespect!"

Just then, hurried footsteps interrupted their conversation. Yumei rushed in, sweating profusely and panting heavily, her expression extremely nervous. Old Madam Li immediately realized that something major had happened. Yumei knelt down in front of Madam Li, unable to speak for a while.

"What's happened?" Old Madam Li asked urgently.

"It's... it's the Madam, she's having a difficult childbirth. Wang Mama sent word... she's afraid... afraid it's not going well!" Yumei stuttered, her voice trembling with fear.

Old Madam Li and Ouyang Nuan exchanged a glance. This time, there was no choice but to go.

Inside the Furui Courtyard, Ouyang Nuan supported Old Madam Li as they entered. From the inner room came the piercing screams of Madam Lin.

"Madam! Please, you must save our mistress!" Wang Mama collapsed at Old Madam Li's feet. Old Madam Li gave her a cold glance. As Wang Mama was about to plead further, Ouyang Nuan gently helped her up.

"Wang Mama, there's no need for such formalities. Grandmother won't blame you. Please, go take care of Mother. Don't let anything happen to her or the baby," Ouyang Nuan said softly.

Every time Wang Mama saw Ouyang Nuan, she trembled with fear. Now, seeing her smiling so gently, her heart sank even further. However, in front of the Old Madam, she dared not show any signs of fear.

Zhang Mama entered the room to see chaos. Ouyang Nuan stood silently in the corner, while the maids hurried around with pale faces. The room was a complete mess. Zhang Mama, fearing Old Madam Li's wrath, immediately asserted her authority and scolded them sternly. She instructed them to fulfill their duties and quickly bring out the items that had been prepared beforehand.

After a flurry of activity, the maids hurriedly brought out two trays adorned with red lacquer and gold. One tray held a set of children's shoes, hats, and outfits, while the other held gold locks, bracelets, and caps for the child. Ouyang Nuan smiled faintly, knowing that if Madam Lin hadn't fallen out of favor, these auspicious items would have been prepared long ago. How could there be only a few now?

At that moment, Old Madam Lin let out another agonizing scream. Old Madam Li furrowed her brow and sat down in the outer room.

"Is this what you call a difficult childbirth?" she said. "Which woman doesn't go through such dramatic moments? Your mistress is not giving birth for the first time. Why panic?"

Wang Mama was drenched in sweat but dared not speak up. She could only remain silent, unable to utter a word.

The maid led a dignified-looking midwife into the room. Upon arrival, the midwife first greeted Old Madam Li and Ouyang Nuan with a bow. Wang Mama, anxious but unable to urge them, watched nervously. Old Madam Li sneered and allowed the midwife to finish her formalities before saying coldly, "Go inside."

From afar, they could hear the midwife loudly shouting instructions: "Quick, bring a bucket of hot water and a large basin! Place a red-painted board underneath and pour half a bucket of hot water into it! Quickly, help the pregnant woman into the basin!"

Wang Mama hurried to assist, almost running herself ragged. Every time she came out to call for someone, she saw Madam Li sitting outside with a dark expression, which made her even more anxious.

Then, Wang Mama, holding a talisman for hastening childbirth, and Lixiang, holding a piece of camphor wood, continued to burn it incessantly in the room, causing Old Madam Li to furrow her brow in discomfort.

"Old Madam, can you please... ask the Master to kowtow to the household gods and pray for the safe delivery of the Madam?" Wang Mama hesitated, hesitated again, but ultimately voiced her request.

Old Madam Li sneered, "What does it have to do with men when women give birth? Stop fussing over these trivial matters! Hurry up and wait for your Madam to give birth to the child!"

Wang Mama hesitated, lowering her head in resentment. For other families, it wasn't difficult to ask the husband to go and pay respects when the wife was giving birth. But in their case, no matter what the Madam did, it was always met with disdain.

Ouyang Ke appeared nervous, staring intently in the direction of the inner room, wringing her handkerchief anxiously. Ouyang Nuan spoke softly, trying to reassure her, "Don't be nervous, younger sister. Mother has experience in childbirth. Nothing serious will happen." Ouyang Ke heard Ouyang Nuan's voice but felt a surge of anger, yet dared not confront her openly. She could only grit her teeth and pretend not to have heard anything.

"Why are you ignoring your elder sister when she's talking to you? What kind of attitude is this?" Madam Li's cold voice was filled with irritation as she glared at Ouyang Ke.

Ouyang Ke trembled all over, her face full of resentment. However, when she saw Ouyang Nuan's faint smile, showing no signs of anger, but instead gently persuading, "Grandmother, younger sister is just anxious for Mother's sake. It's nothing to worry about."

"Alas, she doesn't have the demeanor of a young lady at all. What's wrong with her?" Madam Li sighed heavily, shooting Ouyang Ke a fierce glare.

At that moment, Ouyang Zhi strode into the room, his brow slightly furrowed. His low, authoritative voice caused everyone present to pause.

Ouyang Nuan stepped forward to greet him, "Father, Mother has given birth prematurely. The situation seems a bit difficult," she paused, her tone filled with concern, "Father, what do you think we should do?"

"Don't worry, Miss. Women giving birth is a common occurrence. When my mother gave birth to my younger brother, the situation seemed dangerous, but in the end, both mother and child were safe," Wang Yiniang's voice was clear and carried a hint of charm.

Seeing Wang Jiaoxing, Ouyang Ke's expression turned colder. She sneered inwardly, thinking it was just hypocritical pity. She herself was born a servant girl, and her mother was nothing more than a servant. How could she compare herself to her own mother?

After speaking, Wang Jiaoxing felt a sharp, piercing gaze locking onto her. She immediately turned her head and saw Wang Mama glaring at her with a cold expression. Remembering how she had tried to obstruct Wang Mama from seeing Ouyang Zhi earlier, she couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt and fell silent. Meanwhile, behind her, Li Yiniang looked at Ouyang Zhi with a stern expression and smiled, "Indeed, Master, there's no need to worry. Madam is blessed with good fortune and will surely give birth safely."

Wang Mama thought to herself, "You cunning foxes. If it weren't for you hindering Master, he wouldn't have arrived at this moment." With this thought, her gaze turned even more sinister.

However, Li Yiniang showed no fear of Wang Mama's chilling expression. She simply lowered her head slightly, a small sweet smile playing on her lips, as if enjoying the sound of Madam Lin's wailing inside the room.

Ouyang Ke stood in the corner, observing everyone in the room. Old Madam Li recited her prayers while clutching her prayer beads, Ouyang Zhi remained silent with a stern expression, Wang Mama spoke softly to reassure, and Li Yue'e kept her head down, her expression unreadable. As for Ouyang Nuan, she sat quietly without a hint of schadenfreude on her face. Suddenly, she thought, what if her brother didn't make it this time? What would she do then?

Old Madam harbored such disgust towards her mother and herself because of this brother who was born with the curse of being a lone star. If he didn't survive, perhaps everything would return to normal. She had tried countless times to persuade her mother not to keep this child, but her mother persisted against all advice, leading to the current situation of discord and estrangement. If this child didn't make it... everything would return to peace... Ouyang Ke couldn't help but think this way, and her expression turned somewhat cold.

Ouyang Nuan observed everything with a cold smile. In this room, the only person who hoped for Madam Lin's survival was herself. Grandma was wary of the lone star curse, Father resented Mother for obstructing his good deeds, and Sister was selfish, only concerned about herself. Only she—the person who hated Madam Lin the most in this world—wished for Madam Lin to live. If Madam Lin died, everything would be resolved, but if she lived, she would taste the bitterness of hell. Therefore, she hoped for Madam Lin to survive and endure the deepest pain in the world.

Suddenly, the midwife peeked out from inside and said, "Wang Mama, please come in!"

Wang Mama was startled, quickly walking over.

Ouyang Nuan asked with concern, "What's going on?"

The midwife smiled weakly and said, "It's nothing, it's nothing..." She tried to speak in a calm and rational tone, but her voice trembled uncontrollably.

If everything was fine, she would have come out happily to deliver the news. Why did she nervously call Madam Lin's personal attendant inside? Ouyang Nuan pondered for a moment, then called Red Jade to her side and whispered a few instructions. Red Jade hesitated for a moment, then saw Ouyang Nuan's confident expression and nodded slightly before hurrying out.

The atmosphere in the room grew tense, and everyone was lost in thought. Only Aunt Li remained calm, but she couldn't help feeling a hint of suspicion.

Inside the room, Madam Lin grabbed Wang Mama's hand tightly. "What's going on? Why can't I give birth yet?"

Wang Mama looked at the midwife, whose expression was becoming increasingly grim. "The amniotic fluid broke too early, but the baby still hasn't come out!"

It was indeed a difficult birth! Wang Mama hadn't expected the words she used to deceive the Old Madam to actually come true. She paled with fright as she felt Madam Lin's grip tightening. She hurriedly tried to reassure her, "Madam, it's not necessarily the case. As long as the baby comes out quickly, everything will be fine!"

"Wang Mama, the herbal medicine is here!" Lixiang hurriedly walked in from outside, but Wang Mama snatched it away fiercely and glared at her. "You little brat, how dare you be so slow! I'll deal with you later!"

Lixiang bit her lip. The time between the midwife's instructions and her preparation of the herbal medicine was very short. She had already done her best, but they were still not satisfied. She lowered her head, quietly retreated to the side, and watched as Wang Mama helped Madam Lin, who was panting heavily, drink half a bowl of labor-inducing herbal medicine.

Another half an hour passed, Madam Lin's wails nearly exhausting her. But there was still no sign of the baby coming out, and Wang Mama was sweating profusely with worry.

At this moment, Hongyu entered the birthing room carrying a tray. But as soon as she reached the corridor, she was stopped by someone. "What's in the tray?"

The woman in front of them had a light layer of powder on her face, with delicate eyebrows and almond-shaped eyes, adding a touch of charm compared to usual. On her outstretched fingers gleamed a blue sapphire ring the size of a lotus seed. Hongyu was taken aback, the item in her hand already snatched away. "Snow ginseng?"

Li Yue'e's voice carried a hint of severity. "How dare you go to fetch it!"

"It was me." A gentle voice sounded from behind them. Li Yue'e turned around to see a smiling Ouyang Nuan. "My maid, naturally only I can give orders."

Li Yue'e's expression darkened instantly. She looked at Ouyang Nuan with a hint of hostility in her eyes. "Miss, are you trying to save her?" Li Yue'e's face immediately darkened, and a sense of hostility emerged in her gaze as she looked at Ouyang Nuan.

Ouyang Nuan found the tone slightly grating, but her smile remained unchanged. "Aunt is correct."

“Why?” Li Yue'e exclaimed, her face changing drastically, her gaze becoming stern. "Miss, don't forget, you have a younger brother. What will you do if Madam Lin gives birth to a son?"

Ouyang Nuan smiled faintly. "Now that Father has both sons and daughters, having Mother give birth to another child would only be an extra blessing. Aunt Li, there's no need to worry too much."

Li Yue'e glared at Ouyang Nuan. "You..."

Ouyang Nuan looked at her with a smile. "Do you know why Grandmother is here?"

"I don't know," Li Yue'e said, her heart pounding. "I've been wondering why she, who fears the ominous reputation of the lone star, would be sitting here." She glanced sideways at Ouyang Nuan, her gaze flickering in the darkness.

"I invited her," Ouyang Nuan said with a smile.

Li Yue'e's complexion grew even more grim. "Miss, I always thought we had the same goal."

The same hatred for Madam Lin, the same desire for her unborn child to die, the same wish to see her destroyed. That's why they formed an alliance. But at this critical moment, Ouyang Nuan was unexpectedly stabbing her in the back. She actually wanted to save Madam Lin?! This completely baffled Li Yue'e!

In the darkness, Ouyang Nuan's lips curled slightly. "Aunt Li, Grandmother is not easily deceived. Do you think she would change her mind and come to the Furui Court just because I said a few words?"

Old Madam Li's dislike for Lin Wanru was also profound.

She appeared here not because she was unwilling to be called a cruel mother-in-law of the Ouyang family, creating rumors that her difficult childbirth led to her death.

She was even less willing to see Lin Wenyuan take advantage of the situation and sabotage the alliance between the two families in the court, damaging Ouyang Zhi's future. Although Aunt Li didn't fully understand the situation, she knew that her master was incompetent and had relied on Lin Wenyuan for many years in court.

But for herself, Madam Lin had killed her child. It would be best if she paid with her life!

Li Yue'e tightened her grip on the snow ginseng, the resentment and anger blazing in her eyes, showing no intention of backing down, as if it was her hope for the rest of her life!

Ouyang Nuan smiled gently and said, "Aunt Li, I know you hate Madam for causing the death of your child, but you also need to consider what the outcome will be if she dies. If she dies and a new mistress comes in, what will your fate be?"

Li Yue'e's heart skipped a beat. She had only wanted Madam Lin and this child to die together, but she hadn't considered what would happen if Madam Lin died just like that. Wouldn't the Ouyang family have to shuffle the cards again? She was just a concubine. No matter how much the old lady and the master liked her, she couldn't possibly be promoted to the status of a wife. Ouyang Zhi was still young. If he married a noble new wife, would she really be treated well? Madam Lin had fallen out of favor, and even if the child was born, being a lone star would not be favored. But if a powerful and favored mistress replaced her, everything would be different.

"Aunt, have you thought it through?" Ouyang Nuan looked at Li Yue'e, her smile gentle, as if waiting for her to make a decision.

Aunt Li looked at Ouyang Nuan, her mind spinning rapidly. What she said was true. If Madam Lin died now, it might not be a good thing for herself, but why did Ouyang Nuan want to do this? If Madam Lin gave birth to a son, it wouldn't benefit Ouyang Jue at all. Ouyang Nuan could easily let Madam Lin die in childbirth. Why did she insist on saving her now?

"Li Yue'e?" Ouyang Nuan gently asked again. Li Yue'e thought for a moment, and a smile appeared on her face. "Miss, this snow ginseng is a rare item. Let me personally brew it. I'll send it to Madam soon. You can rest assured."

Ouyang Nuan looked deeply at her, her smile becoming even more friendly. "In that case, I'll trouble Aunt Li."

Aunt Li, with an uncertain expression, took the snow ginseng and left. Hongyu watched her figure, her face showing a trace of doubt. "Miss, she harbors resentment. What if she does something?"

"Aunt Li is a smart person. She knows what to do, what not to do, and how to do it in her best interest."

Actions will definitely be taken, but she won't necessarily use it as an opportunity to take Madam Lin's life. Ouyang Nuan smiled faintly. "Let's go inside."

But Hongyu stood still, not moving. Ouyang Nuan glanced at her, and Hongyu whispered, "Miss, do you really want to save Madam?"

Ouyang Nuan smiled. "I naturally can't let her die so easily." Her voice was calm and solemn, with a hint of gravity.

"Madam, exert yourself! Push harder!" The midwife's urging echoed in Madam Lin's ears, bringing her back to consciousness slightly. The intense pain surged again, and Wang Mama stood by, anxious, watching Madam Lin's cries gradually diminish, her gaze starting to wander.

"Madam, you must pull yourself together!" Wang Mama tightly grasped Madam Lin's hand, whispering in her ear, "You still have Miss Ouyang. Are you willing to leave her alone?" Wang Mama paused for a moment before continuing, "If anything were to happen to you, the Ouyang family would belong to those people!"

Madam Lin's brows furrowed even tighter, her face showing a hint of resentment. She exerted even more force in her grip, almost breaking Wang Mama's hand.

At that moment, Lixiang brought in a bowl of soup. She whispered, "Wang Mama, this is the snow ginseng soup sent by Miss Ouyang. Take a look."

Madam Lin let out a fierce scream, struggling to overturn the bowl of soup. Wang Mama suddenly snapped out of her daze, staring blankly at the steaming bowl of soup, her expression changing rapidly.

Suddenly, she coldly ordered Lixiang, "You take a sip first!"

Lixiang hesitated, biting her lip. But ultimately, she dared not disobey and took a sip. After a while, with no signs of any adverse effects, Wang Mama's face lit up with joy. She said, "Madam, this snow ginseng is a precious remedy, very helpful for childbirth. Miss Ouyang only had half of it. Do you remember? When that lady gave birth to the young master, it was the same situation. She managed to pull through with this ginseng."

Madam Lin's expression kept changing, sometimes looking at the midwife, sometimes at Wang Mama. She asked with difficulty, "Are you sure this soup... is safe?"

"Madam, why would you be confused? If there were any issues with the soup sent by Miss, with so many witnesses, everyone would know she plotted against her stepmother. She wouldn't be that foolish!" Wang Mama, although unsure why Ouyang Nuan sent this, knew this much. With no other options, she could only muster her courage and persuade in this manner.

Madam Lin clenched her teeth, waiting for the midwife to speak. However, the midwife only lowered her head in fear and said, "Madam, if the child still can't be delivered, both the mother and child might be lost. The current plan is to preserve your strength to ensure the childbirth."

With no other options, Wang Mama served Madam Lin the soup. A rush of heat instantly spread throughout her body. Madam Lin gritted her teeth and vowed, "I will definitely give birth to this son!" The effect of the snow ginseng was immediate. Madam Lin's voice grew louder, and her strength returned. The people around breathed a sigh of relief.

After another hour of labor, the midwife, sweating profusely, suddenly exclaimed, "Madam, push a little harder! It's coming out!"

Madam Lin's heart leaped with joy. She exerted all her strength, and there was a faint cry of a baby. The midwife exclaimed in delight, "It's a little master! Madam, congratulations!"

The smile on Wang Mama's face couldn't be concealed. Madam Lin relaxed, overwhelmed with joy, and urgently demanded, "Bring him to me to see!"

This labor lasted the entire night, and the sky was already beginning to lighten. Sitting outside, Old Madam Li, with her eyes closed, heard the baby's cry and furrowed her brow even tighter. Could it be that even with the omen of a lone star, this child was born safely? Was it heaven's will to ruin their Ouyang family?

Ouyang Zhi also furrowed his brow slightly. It seemed this child was truly resilient to have been born under such circumstances. Wang Jiaoxing's expression was filled with envy, while Li Yue'e remained calm, hiding her emotions. Ouyang Ke stood dazed, seemingly unable to process it all until Ouyang Nuan smiled and said, "Sister, we have a new addition to our family."

Ouyang Ke was startled by the voice, snapping out of her reverie, still looking somewhat dazed.

In the inner room, Madam Lin looked at the child and thought of those sitting outside. She felt a surge of satisfaction and couldn't help but force herself up, shouting at the top of her lungs, "Reward! Reward heavily!"

•••

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