Labor

In the mountainous region of Tianze, the early autumn was a sight to behold. The mountains were covered in a blanket of lush green trees that had started turning into a vibrant palette of gold, red, and orange hues. The crisp air was filled with the sweet fragrance of blooming wildflowers and the chirping of birds.

Amid this picturesque landscape stood a small village. The thatched-roof houses were nestled in the valley surrounded by the towering mountains, and smoke rose from their chimneys. The villagers were busy with their daily chores, tending to their fields and livestock.

Further down the mountains, in the big city of Purple Lotus, the autumn had brought with it a different kind of charm. The city was bustling with people, merchants, and travelers who had come from all over the country. The streets were lined with vendors selling a variety of goods, from exotic spices to fine silk fabrics.

The city's architecture was a mix of traditional Chinese and foreign influences, with pagoda-style roofs and intricate carvings. The Wang Palace was an imposing structure that towered over the city on the hilltop, surrounded by a moat and towering walls.

The autumn wind blew, bringing along with it the drifting fallen leaves and flowers as the farmers prepared for the harvest of the wobbling crops, preparing for the bitterly cold winter.

The autumn wind certainly also brought with it a sense of melancholy, a sense of inevitable change, and a transition to a new time.

The day was joyous, In the Wang Family's estate, a group of women gathered in the courtyard for a tea party. Lady Wang, heavily pregnant and due any day, was hosting the event. The sun was shining and a light breeze blew through the garden, carrying with it the sweet scent of blooming flowers.

Li Yan, also pregnant and due any day, was enjoying the warm tea and conversation with the other women. They chatted about their families, the latest fashions, and the upcoming festivals. Suddenly, Li Yan gasped and clutched her belly.

"Lady Yan!" The women all exclaimed with concern.

"I- I think it's the time!" Li Yan said with a hint of anxiety in her voice as she gulped down a lump of saliva.

Hearing this, the army of ladies, much experienced in the matter of childbirth, immediately sprung into action, supporting Li Yan as they helped her to get up.

Sensing the sudden commotion, Yao Wuhan and Fan Weijin—one of Li Junwei's most trusted aides who were standing outside the courtyard with the Wang guards, immediately entered.

"Quickly, help her get to the prepared delivery chambers! And inform everyone!" Lady Wang ordered calmly.

Both knights nodded as they stepped forward to offer additional support for Li Yan. While the Wang family guards left to spread the news.

Propped up and carefully escorted by the group of women, handmaids, and the two Li family knights, Li Yan soon arrived at the readied delivery chambers.

Since there were two pregnant ladies due to deliver on any day, a special room was prepared beforehand where the child would be delivered.

Amidst her agonizing groans, Li Yan was brought into the room while the handmaids quickly began fetching various necessary things such as a basin of hot water, calming incense sticks, and clean linens.

At this moment, the Wang Family's physician who had been nearby also arrived and entered the room directly. Finally, the curtains were slid and the doors closed as painful screams and wails of Li Yan sounded from the room.

Hearing such painful screams, Lady Wang only felt pity and sympathy for Li Yan. In this time of urgency, what Li Yan needed was for her husband to clasp her hands and reassure her that everything would be fine. But unfortunately, it was impossible.

At the same time, Lady Wang thought that Li Yan wouldn't be Li Yan if she were to give up on just this. And she was right. Inside the room, as Li Yan struggled to put up with the agonizing pains in her abdomen, only one thought dominated her mind driven by her maternal instinct—and that was to bring her child into the world safely.

Outside the chambers, Old Man Huo and Wang Fang also arrived, wearing nervous faces as they paced back and forth in the hallway.

This experience was nothing new to Wang Fang as he already had one son with Lady Wang. He was worried of something unfortunate would occur on his watch. Even though this was something beyond his control, he felt that it was his responsibility as he had promised Lord Li.

As time passed, Li Yan's screams turned into screeches, giving everyone a massive fright outside. She was completely soaked in sweat and the maids were constantly tipping the sweat off of her forehead with cotton cloth, constantly saying words of encouragement.

Suddenly, the door opened and the physician came out with a grave expression on his face. Standing close to Wang Fang and Lady Wang beside him, he said in a low murmur, "My Liege, The child is entangled in the umbilical cord. Dare I ask, did the lady do any strenuous activities in the recent months by any chance?"

Hearing this, all the colors left Wang Fang's face, and softly he said with a hit threatening tone, "WIll… I don't care. You must save her and the child at any cost. Do you understand?"

The physician was quite experienced and knew how tense the situation was. He said, "I cannot save both without an operation. But there will be a significant risk in that. The lady has agreed to it but I must confirm with you, my lord."

Without hesitation, he said, "Do it if Lady Li has agreed. It should be her choice no matter the consequences."

Nodding, the physician left and the doors closed once again. Leaving everyone else hanging over the edge once again.

As the cries and screams of Li Yan intensified even more, Old Man Huo, who had been looking after the Young Miss who had grown up to be a fine woman about to give birth, felt his heart being pierced by a thousand needles as he heard the agonizing cries from within. He couldn't imagine how painful it must be and could only hope for the best.

"Sir Huo, everything will be fine." Wang Fang reassured with a smile.

Old Huo nodded with a bitter expression on his face. He knew that this was not the first time Li Yan was going through this kind of pain. But the pain that came after that was always much, much worse. He didn't know if Li Yan could handle that kind of agony again. The pain of losing her child. At this moment, he hated Li Junwei for not being there with her.

A/N - The MC is on his way...