Chapter 489: Childbirth
Editor: Atlas Studios
Qi Haoran was so angry that he scolded, “Liu Dahei deceived me!”
At that time, he had conveyed the Imperial Court’s intention to make peace. Both sides had temporarily reached a truce, but now, they were actually launching a surprise attack on them.
“Are you sure it’s Liu Dahei’s men?”
The scout nodded. “Other than the 8,000 people led by Liu Dahei, Lin Man, who is 20 miles away from here, has also brought his men here.”
“General, we only have 3,000 people. Even if we occupy an advantageous terrain, if the other party joins forces, I’m afraid we won’t be able to resist them,” Deputy General Zhong said anxiously.
Although Qi Haoran was furious, he did not think that they would besiege them for no reason. This was because Liu Dahei and Lin Man were ordinary people. Even though they were bandits now, they still respected the Imperial Court and the soldiers. Therefore, something must have happened to force them to do this.
Qi Haoran got someone to investigate. As long as they knew the reason, they could still negotiate when they arrived. At the very least, they could buy some time.
After arranging this, Qi Haoran calmed down and went to arrange the defense. 1,500 people stood in front to resist Liu Dahei’s group, who was attacking. 500 people stood at the back to prevent anyone from taking a detour to the left and launching a sneak attack. The remaining 1,000 people quickly built the fortifications.
Thankfully, Qi Haoran had chosen an excellent location that was easy to defend and difficult to attack when he was stationed here previously. On the back was a large area of steep rocks. Not to mention bandits, even flying birds would find it difficult to stand on it. Therefore, they just had to guard against the front and left. On the right was a dense forest with very steep terrain. Qi Haoran only sent 50 people to keep an eye on that place. If someone really attacked from there, Qi Haoran would definitely laugh three times to celebrate. This was because it was a piece of cake to shoot down the attacker from that direction. If someone poked him with a stick, he would probably fall down right away.
Although Qi Haoran only had 3,000 men, he was certain that he could defend this high ground for half a month even if the Jin soldiers came, let alone a group of peasant soldiers who had never fought a war and only knew how to charge forward or retreat.
Although he was confident that he could hold his ground, he had to send out news so that reinforcements would come and save him quickly. Therefore, before the enemy surrounded him, Qi Haoran and Deputy General Zhong immediately sent out five teams of scouts and asked them to return from various places to get reinforcements.
However, this was not the north. Here, Qi Haoran didn’t have an older brother who was the commander-in-chief to back him up. Hence, not everyone hoped that Qi Haoran would be able to escape danger and return. Also, not everyone was anxious about their situation.
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On the tenth day after receiving the distress letter, the Imperial Court was still arguing non-stop. They were not sure if they should start a war or continue negotiating. And if they did decide to negotiate, what conditions should they raise?
If not for the fact that Fan Zijin did not have the right to go to court, he would definitely shout in court. The southwest and northwest troops had already arrived at Jinghu, so why did they stop?
Just because of some bullsh*t benefits, just because Qi Haoran only had 3,000 troops, they could give up him at will?
However, he had nowhere to vent his anger. When facing Mu Yangling, he still had to act like nothing had happened, almost suffocating him to death.
Previously, Mu Yangling would help him come up with ideas from time to time, but now that Mu Yangling was about to give birth, even if Li Jinghua did not remind him, he did not dare to tell Mu Yangling about this.
At this moment, Fan Zijin finally realized how important it was to have the right to stand in the Imperial Court.
“Second Master, bad news, Second Master…” Yanmo shouted as he rushed in.
Fan Zijin opened his eyes and glanced at him. “Tell me, what else can be worse?”
Yanmo said anxiously, “Fourth Madam is about to give birth.”
Fan Zijin’s expression changed slightly. “Isn’t there still more than half a month?”
Wiping away his cold sweat, Yanmo said, “Yes, but a maidservant revealed to Fourth Madam that Fourth Master is being surrounded. Fourth Madam got anxious, and she… Second Master, quickly go and take a look.”
Fan Zijin’s expression darkened as he ran to the Qi Residence. Outside the Zhaode Hall, Madam Wu, Madam Xu, and Little Madam Wu were standing outside and arguing with Mama Wang.
Fan Zijin came over with a cold expression and reluctantly bowed to Madam Wu and the others. He asked, “Why are Madam and the two cousins-in-law here?”
The corners of Madam Wu’s mouth twitched as she said, “Isn’t Haoran’s wife about to give birth? We were anxious so we came over to take a look, but this slave is actually bold enough to stop us outside.”
Fan Zijin forced a smile and said, “The smell of blood is heavy inside. It’s not good for Madam and the two cousins-in-law to stay here. Why don’t you go back to the main courtyard and wait? Once there’s news here, I’ll send someone to inform you.”
Frowning, Madam Wu was a little hesitant when she heard a loud cry in the courtyard. Madam Wu was stunned for a moment before heaving a sigh of relief. She smiled and said, “Looks like the child has been born. I wonder if it’s a boy or a girl.”
Fan Zijin was also slightly stunned. Seeing that Madam Wu’s expression did not seem to be fake, he glanced at Madam Xu and Little Madam Wu. Madam Xu clearly heaved a sigh of relief. Little Madam Wu only pursed her lips in disdain. Fan Zijin lowered his eyes and already knew what was going on.
As his mind raced, Spring had already come out to inform them, “Congratulations, Madam, Second Madam, Third Madam. Fourth Madam has given birth to a young master. The mother and son are safe!”
Looking up, Spring saw Fan Zijin. She turned to Madam Wu and smiled. “Madam, do you want to go in and take a look at the child?”
Madam Wu was unwilling to go forward at this moment. Otherwise, who would be responsible if anything happened to the child?
Previously, she had rushed into the courtyard to prove their innocence, that the maidservant who had offended Mu Yangling was not one of them. Since Mu Yangling was fine, she naturally would not approach her anymore. Hence, she waved her hand and said a few empty words, “Rest well and recuperate well.” Then, she left with her two daughters-in-law.
Spring heaved a sigh of relief and hurriedly bowed to invite Fan Zijin in.
Fan Zijin asked, “How did your Fourth Madam give birth so quickly?”
At that time, Li Jinghua had given birth to Little Treasure for almost a day and night.
Mu Yangling did not expect to give birth so quickly either. It took less than an hour to give birth after her stomach started hurting. She drank a bowl of chicken soup and turned to look at the child lying at the side. It was wrinkled, red, and ugly, but Mu Yangling’s heart had never been so gentle.
She gently touched his face with her fingertips and smiled.
Li Jinghua went forward and pressed the thin blanket on her. She said in a low voice, “This kid’s cries are loud and clear. One look and you can tell that he’s in good health. Are you relieved now? Hurry up and sleep. Rest well.”
Mu Yangling nodded slightly. “I’ll have to trouble you with the matters in the residence. You must interrogate that maidservant thoroughly. If she refuses to speak, let Zijin handle the matter.”
Li Jinghua smiled and nodded. Only then did Mu Yangling fall asleep in peace. Although this pregnancy was very easy in the eyes of others, she had also been in extreme pain and had consumed a lot of energy. Only then did she feel relieved and fall asleep.
Expression darkening as she went out, Li Jinghua looked at the person kneeling in the courtyard gloomily.