Although Shi Yan and the midwives explained that childbirth was a long process requiring patience, Xiao Shan, being a modern person, understood this fact but still couldn't help pacing anxiously outside the door.

 

Xie Zhui was silent inside, and Xiao Shan couldn't resist asking about the situation. He had seen on TV that childbirth was very painful and most people couldn't endure it quietly. He worried that Xie Zhui's silence might mean he was too weak.

 

Hearing his question, Shi Yan had to step forward and explain that conserving strength was crucial during childbirth. If one screamed continuously in the early stages, they might lack the energy later on. Xie Zhui was still able to endure, so his silence was actually a good sign.

 

Xiao Shan quickly nodded upon hearing this and hurriedly pushed Shi Yan back to watch over Xie Zhui.

 

He didn't know how much time had passed, but when he heard Xie Zhui's muffled groan, he couldn't help himself again. He leaned against the door and asked if Xie Zhui was too weak and if they needed to use ginseng or something similar.

 

Shi Yan had no choice but to come out again and explain that this was a good sign—it meant the baby was about to be born.

 

Seeing Xiao Shan's anxious and worried expression, Shi Yan suggested, "Your Highness, have someone prepare some food. The Consort can eat a bit to replenish his strength."

 

Xiao Shan quickly called Ji An and instructed him to oversee the kitchen, ensuring they prepared something tasty and suitable for Xie Zhui at this time. Then, he continued to look expectantly at Shi Yan.

 

Feeling unnerved under Xiao Shan's intense gaze, Shi Yan mustered his courage and said, "The Consort is in good health; Your Highness need not worry too much."

 

He knew what Xiao Shan most wanted to hear, but he dared not make any absolute guarantees. Childbirth was inherently risky, and as a physician, all he could do was try his utmost to ensure Xie Zhui's safety.

 

Xiao Shan understood that he shouldn't press the issue, but when it was his own family involved, he naturally wanted more reassurance.

 

Finally, it was Xie Sui who stepped forward and said to Shi Yan, "Go and see how the Consort is doing. The Prince and I will wait here."

 

With that, Shi Yan hurried back inside.

 

Xiao Shan wanted to say something more, but Xie Sui pulled him aside and whispered, "If you stay this tense, Xie Zhui will hear your voice and become tense as well."

 

Xiao Shan looked at Xie Sui without speaking, allowing himself to be led away.

 

Xie Sui's health improved significantly over the past few months, thanks to the meticulous care of both Xiao Shan and Xie Zhui, as well as the efforts of Yin Jin, the illegitimate son of the Prince of Beirong who saved Xie Sui. Yin Jin was the name he gave himself to avoid being recognized.

 

Although the poison in Xie Sui's body had not been completely eradicated, the intervals between its flare-ups had lengthened considerably, though he still remained somewhat weak.

 

Seeing Xie Sui so calm, Xiao Shan managed to regain some composure as well.

 

The kitchen quickly prepared some easily digestible food and brought it in. Xiao Shan desperately wanted to be with Xie Zhui, but respecting Xie Zhui's wishes, he restrained himself. However, he stood at the door and said, "Xie Zhui, I'm here."

 

Xie Zhui responded with a deep voice from inside, "I know you're there. If I can't bear it, I'll curse you." He wasn't one to joke, and his words were rather stern, but Xiao Shan couldn't help but smile at his remark. Since Xie Zhui didn't want him to worry, he would do his best to reassure him.

 

He stood right at the door, listening to the sounds from inside.

 

He heard Xie Zhui's muffled groans, the encouraging words of Shi Yan and the midwives, and saw basins of blood being carried out.

 

Xiao Shan was tormented by the sounds he heard, and his eyes reddened at the sight of the blood. He didn't know how much time had passed when Xie Zhui's sharp cry suddenly pierced the air. Xiao Shan's eyes widened; Xie Zhui had never made such a pained sound before.

 

He must be in unbearable pain.

 

Xiao Shan couldn't bear it any longer and pushed the door open.

 

At that moment, the midwife's joyful voice rang out, "The baby is born... Your Highness?" The latter part of her sentence sounded somewhat distorted.

 

Xiao Shan ignored them and rushed straight to the bedside. Xie Zhui was drenched in sweat but still conscious, and the room was filled with the scent of blood.

 

Seeing Xiao Shan enter, Xie Zhui was momentarily surprised, then he smiled, his eyes curving.

 

Xiao Shan knelt by the bedside, holding his hand and whispered, "You've worked hard." His voice was a bit hoarse, filled with a mix of fear, worry, and joy.

 

Xie Zhui shook his head and said, "Your Highness, please go out and see the baby first." The bedding was still dirty, and he himself was sticky and uncomfortable. He must have looked quite disheveled, and Xiao Shan had seen it all.

 

Xiao Shan took a deep breath and said, "You must be very tired. Let me help you change your clothes so you can rest."

 

Xie Zhui looked at him and moved his lips, but ultimately did not stop him. Xiao Shan, unconcerned, naturally wouldn't push him away.

 

After helping Xie Zhui change his clothes and replacing the bedding with fresh linens, Xiao Shan kissed his forehead and held his hand, saying, "Rest well, I'm here."

 

Xie Zhui was indeed exhausted, and with the baby safely born, he finally felt at ease. He obediently closed his eyes.

 

It wasn't long before he fell into a deep sleep.

 

Xiao Shan watched him intently, only moving his body after ensuring Xie Zhui was sound asleep.

 

He gently placed Xie Zhui's hand under the covers, then stood up and walked outside to the midwife who was soothing the baby, saying, "Bring the child here for me to see."

 

Shi Yan and the midwife had thought he had forgotten about the child, so they were relieved when he asked to see the baby.

 

As the midwife handed the baby to Xiao Shan, she glanced at his expression, thinking that given how concerned he was for Xie Zhui, he would surely value the child greatly. She smiled and said, "Congratulations, Your Highness. The Consort has given birth to a little ger, and he looks very promising."

 

Without hesitation, Xiao Shan replied, "A little ger is good, there will be a reward."

 

The midwife was genuinely delighted at this.

 

Shi Yan, too, finally felt a weight lift from his heart.

 

Xiao Shan's movements were somewhat clumsy as he held the baby, being extremely careful. The newborn wasn't particularly attractive, but he agreed with the midwife's assessment that the child looked promising.

 

The baby bore a striking resemblance to both him and Xie Zhui.

 

The child that Xie Zhui had suffered so much to bring into the world was naturally the best. His heart had been concerned for Xie Zhui, but he was also worried about this child.

 

These were the two most unexpected people in his life, the ones he was determined to protect.

 

Seeing this, Shi Yan gave the midwife a slight nod, and they quietly withdrew.

 

***

 

When Xie Zhui awoke, Xiao Shan was holding his hand, resting his head beside him on the bed.

 

He moved slightly, and Xiao Shan immediately lifted his head. Seeing that Xie Zhui was awake, Xiao Shan smiled and asked, "You're awake. Are you hungry? Do you want something to eat?"

 

Xie Zhui was indeed a bit hungry, but what he said was, "Where's the baby?"

 

Xiao Shan replied, "Just fell asleep. I'll have the wet nurse bring the baby over."

 

Xie Zhui nodded.

 

Xiao Shan went to the door, instructed someone to prepare a meal, and then personally brought the baby to the bedside.

 

Xie Zhui looked at the sleeping baby with a gentle expression.

 

He reached out to touch the baby's cheek, but as soon as his fingers brushed the baby's forehead, the little one suddenly started crying.

 

Xie Zhui's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly withdrew his hand, thinking he had hurt the baby.

 

Xiao Shan stood up and, somewhat adeptly, began changing the baby's diaper, saying, "Don't worry, the baby just wet himself." At this stage, babies cried when they were wet, when they soiled themselves, and when they were hungry.

 

Xiao Shan quickly finished changing the diaper, inwardly longing for the convenience of modern disposable diapers.

 

Once Xiao Shan wrapped the baby up and placed him back beside Xie Zhui, the child fell asleep again.

 

Xie Zhui looked at him but hesitated to reach out again.

 

Xiao Shan then took his hand and placed it on the baby's forehead, saying, "It's okay, you just need to touch him more often."

 

The baby was very small and soft. Xie Zhui was initially nervous, but with Xiao Shan holding his hand, he felt reassured.

 

After caressing the baby's eyebrows and eyes, Xie Zhui noticed a red birthmark between the baby's eyebrows and said, "It's a little ger."

 

Xiao Shan hummed in agreement, "Yes, he's a little ger like you."

 

Xie Zhui acknowledged softly. He would love the child whether it was a boy or a ger, because this was his and Xiao Shan's child.

 

Xiao Shan naturally shared this sentiment. As a modern man, he wasn't fixated on having a son. If it was a ger, he would raise him well, ensuring he could navigate society smoothly in the future. If it had been a boy, he would have done the same.

 

After all, as his child, they were destined to be the happiest person in the world.

 

After the child's birth, although there were wet nurses in the residence, Xiao Shan and Xie Zhui often took care of the baby themselves. Initially, Xie Zhui was somewhat resistant, but with Xiao Shan's help, he quickly became familiar with how to care for the child.

 

Xie Zhui didn't feel very tired because Xiao Shan helped a lot.

 

Of course, when both of them were especially exhausted, they would let the wet nurse take care of the baby for a while.

 

During the month Xie Zhui was recuperating, Xiao Shan stayed with him the entire time.

 

Xie Zhui didn't mind, but he was eagerly looking forward to the time when he could take a proper bath.

 

Xiao Shan was sometimes very attentive, but other times quite carefree.

 

When it was time for the baby's three-day bath, Xiao Shan didn't invite anyone from outside to participate, mainly because he didn't want to be too bothered.

 

Seeing the situation at the princely residence, those waiting outside to present gifts didn't dare to send anything in easily. They hadn't yet figured out Xiao Shan's temperament, so they hesitated and observed. Upon hearing the news from the residence, everyone decided against sending gifts.

 

Thus, the baby's three-day bath ceremony was kept simple, though Xie Sui, Yin Jin, Ji An, and others contributed quite a few gifts.

 

Xiao Shan and Xie Zhui also added their own gifts. Regardless of whether it was customary, Xiao Shan declared that this was the Prince of Yunnan's residence, and he could do as he pleased.

 

Although there weren't many people at the baby's three-day bath ceremony, it was still very lively.

 

At this age, the baby loved to sleep, and soon fell asleep after being held for a short while.

 

Xiao Shan took the baby away, leaving Xie Sui gazing longingly at the child, thinking he would have to wait until the baby grew a bit older.

 

Returning to the room, Xiao Shan suddenly remembered something. In his mix of worry and joy over the past few days, he had forgotten to write a letter to inform the Emperor about the birth.

 

He looked at Xie Zhui and said, "Why don't you give the baby a nickname?"

 

Without much thought, Xie Zhui looked at the sleeping baby and said, "Let's call him Mingming."

 

Xiao Shan blinked, suddenly reminded of the ubiquitous "Xiao Ming" from many math problems.

 

Xie Zhui didn't know about this association. He simply felt that in this society, being a ger was more challenging than being a man. He hoped that in the future, the child would be able to see clearly and think clearly, not to be bullied or wronged.

 

There was also another layer of meaning: that there was a divine will in the unseen, much like the fate that brought him and Xiao Shan together.

 

"Ming" also connects to fate.

 

He hoped the child would, like him, meet the best person in his life.

 

After Xie Zhui fell asleep, Xiao Shan wrote a letter to the Emperor. He first expressed his longing, then informed him of the birth of his child. He explained that he had been so overjoyed that it took him three days to write the letter. He mentioned that the child was a ger and asked the Emperor to bestow some gifts to bring good fortune to the child.

 

Finally, Xiao Shan mentioned that the child's nickname was Mingming. He also listed some names he had thought of, such as Xiao Bao (meaning "treasure" as the child was their precious one), Xiao Hao (meaning "to be a bold and strong person"), and Xiao Xiong (meaning "heroic and outstanding"). He hoped the Emperor would choose one, as it would be a blessing for the child.

 

After finishing this letter, Xiao Shan wrote another one to Xiao Jin.

 

He modified the salutation of the letter to the Emperor and removed the part about naming the child, then sent both letters back to the capital together.

 

Once Xiao Shan sent the letters, he put the matter out of his mind.

 

What he didn't expect was that the letters arrived at the palace at the same time. Xiao Jin happened to be with the Emperor when they were delivered, so they both read the letters together.

 

The Emperor's face darkened upon reading the beginning, and even Xiao Jin couldn't help but feel a twitch in his brow.

 

Xiao Shan always did things this way. Not informing the Emperor about such a significant event as the birth of a child could be seen as a serious offense, showing disrespect to the Emperor. If others found out, it could be used against him as a sign of insubordination.

 

Yet, he would brazenly mention it, leaving no room for others to find fault with him except for the Emperor himself.

 

Xiao Jin quickly read the letter. Noticing the Emperor's increasingly displeased expression, he smiled and said, "Third Brother has chosen a very nice nickname for the child. 'Xiao Ming' is quite interesting. I wonder what name Father Emperor plans to bestow upon Xiao Ming for the family register?"

 

The Emperor looked up at him with a blank expression and said, "Xiao Xiong?"

 

Xiao Jin's smile faltered slightly. The name "Xiao Xiong" was overly bold and somewhat unsophisticated, lacking any classical reference. It seemed the Emperor's naming skills had slipped.

 

"Xiao Bao?" the Emperor snorted again, his tone full of displeasure.

 

Xiao Jin instantly realized that these names must have been Xiao Shan's suggestions. He forced a couple of dry laughs but said nothing.

 

The Emperor slammed the letter onto the imperial desk in anger. "I told him to study properly back then, but he didn't. Now look at the names he's come up with! Do they have any elegance? 'Bold and strong'? I might as well name the child 'Xiao Bawang' (Little Overlord)!"

 

At this point, Xiao Jin dared not speak out of turn. The Emperor continued to fume, "The child's three-day bath ceremony has already passed, and only now does he write to Zhen. Does he even consider Zhen his Father Emperor anymore?"

 

Xiao Jin closed the letter in his hand and said, "Father Emperor, Third Brother is out there on his own, with only Xie Sui as an elder by his side. They are all rough men, and when faced with something as significant as childbirth, they must have been as frantic as headless flies. Xiao Shan and Xie Zhui have a deep bond, and in such a situation, he must have been scared and panicked. Please don't hold it against him."

 

The Emperor was still displeased. He noticed the letter in Xiao Jin's hand and raised his chin, asking, "Did he mention this to you as well?"

 

Xiao Jin nodded, then obediently handed the letter over with a smile, "He has this temperament; he can't keep anything to himself and has to say it out loud to feel at ease. You know him best, Father Emperor. Look at the handwriting; it's clearly written by him. Third Brother used to be too lazy to even pick up a pen, and his writing was always crooked. Now that he's a father, he's truly grown up, even taking the time to write two letters."

 

As he spoke, he noticed the Emperor's face growing even darker.

 

The Emperor noticed the familiar opening, except that his letter began with "Father Emperor, I hope this letter finds you well," while Xiao Jin's letter began with "Second Brother, I hope this letter finds you well..."

 

After reading Xiao Shan's letter to Xiao Jin, the Emperor felt as if he had a mouthful of blood he wanted to spit out.

 

If Xiao Shan were in front of him, he would have given him a good thrashing. Even writing a letter, he was so perfunctory.

 

So, after Xiao Jin finished speaking, the Emperor threw both letters onto the table and said, "See for yourself." Then he stormed out, his sleeves billowing.

 

Xiao Jin couldn't understand what the Emperor was so angry about until he picked up both letters...

 

Xiao Jin was utterly speechless.

 

How lazy must one be to write such perfunctory letters?