On a rainy night, the light rain pattered outside, enshrouding the trees and flowers in a hazy mist, making the entire imperial city look like a beautiful painting.
In the incense burner, wisps of incense rose slowly, filling the room. There were several pots of blooming flowers in the corner. Although there were no expensive ornaments, the room looked elegant and serene.
Li Jingyun was nestled in her small room, eyes closed, in deep thought. Suddenly, a young eunuch burst in. Running in such a hurry, half of his body was soaked. He didn't dare to disturb Li Jingyun directly and secretly went to look for Manjing. "Miss, please go and tell the princess. Princess Changle caught her husband having a mistress outside. She got so agitated that she went into premature labor, and the delivery is extremely difficult."
"What?"
Manjing was jolted awake by this unexpected news.
She recognized this young eunuch. He was from the imperial city and was bestowed by the queen when Princess Changle was first pregnant. The little princess had privately asked him to come to her if anything went wrong with Princess Changle's pregnancy.
There had been no news for these nine months, but something happened at the last moment.
This son - in - law was really something. His wife was pregnant, especially at this crucial time when she was about to give birth. Why did he have to cheat?
"Princess, wake up quickly! Something has happened to Princess Changle!"
"Sister Lizhi!"
Li Jingyun suddenly sat up straight, gasping for breath. "What on earth is going on?"
"Princess Changle found out that her husband had a mistress outside, and she gave birth prematurely."
"I'm going to see her! Saddle the horses!"
Li Jingyun could ride a horse. She had learned from her fifth and sixth brothers for a long time this spring and summer, and now she could ride as well as Duan Jia.
"Princess, Princess Changle is not at the princess mansion or the Changsun family's residence. She is at the mistress's place in Yong'an Fang!"
The young eunuch quickly added.
The houses in Yong'an Fang were among the most expensive in Chang'an. Since Changsun Chong wanted to settle his mistress, of course, he had to find a decent place, which would cost dozens or even hundreds of taels of gold. It was truly a place where every inch of land was precious.
He really wanted to hide his beauty in a golden house.
Li Jingyun casually pulled up her hair and rode out on her horse. Before, it was Duan Jia who accompanied her. Now, she was leading Manjing. Behind them were Feng Feng and the young eunuch who had brought the news.
In less than two quarters of an hour, they arrived at the mansion. The rockeries and flowing water were all exquisitely designed. Who could tell that the person living here was just a mistress with no proper status?
One might even think it was the residence of some duke or marquis.
"Good! Good!" Li Jingyun was so angry that she wanted to curse but managed to hold back the swear words. She rushed in aggressively. There were only a few doctors, and not even a court physician.
The rain was pouring heavily, but even so, it couldn't cover up the strong smell of blood.
"Little princess? Why are you here?"
"Son - in - law! Princess Chengyang is here! Come and take a look!"
"Princess, this is the delivery room. You can't go in!"
A group of old women guarding outside came over, trying to drive Li Jingyun away and also called Changsun Chong out.
Changsun Chong couldn't understand how Li Jingyun got the news.
You should know that Princess Changle was worried that her situation would worry the emperor and the queen, so she didn't allow anyone to report to the palace.
That was why there were no court physicians on - site.
Coming out with Changsun Chong was a young woman of thirteen or fourteen, with a stunning appearance. She looked surprised. "Princess, why are you here?"
"Cousin, get out of the way. I have pills given by an immortal. They can save Sister Lizhi." Li Jingyun tried hard to speak calmly to Changsun Chong.
Even without the relationship of Sister Lizhi, he was the eldest son of Uncle Changsun and her direct cousin.
"This... You can't just say such things casually..."
Before Changsun Chong could finish his sentence, Li Jingyun slipped in.
At the same time, a loud cry came from inside.
"Sister!"
Li Jingyun didn't know when her face had become wet. She didn't know if it was rain or tears.
"Hongxuan!" Li Lizhi never expected that her little sister would appear here.
"Sister, take this pill. I specially begged it from the immortal!"
The lamp flickered. Li Jingyun's hand trembled as she poured out the pill. Finally, she managed to stuff the pill into Li Lizhi's mouth. Only then did Li Jingyun let out a sigh of relief and stood up straight, propping herself on the couch.
She was feeling dizzy now. Maybe she was angry at Changsun Chong's attitude, or maybe she had slept poorly. She was pulled out of bed in a hurry, caught in the rain on the way here, and caught a cold.
"Sister, why, why didn't you send someone to tell us? If it weren't for Wanxiang's quick thinking, I might not even have known about this!" Li Jingyun couldn't hold back her emotions anymore and burst into tears.
"Don't cry, Hongxuan. Don't cry. Ah!"
Li Lizhi felt bad seeing her little sister crying so bitterly.
The pill melted in her mouth. After a while, she felt strength returning to her body. The shouts of the midwives in her ears became louder and louder. She exerted all her strength.
The next second, she heard the midwife's congratulations. "Princess! The baby is born! It's a little boy!"
"Why isn't this little boy crying? His complexion is not right!"
"Did he stay inside for too long? What should we do?"
Li Jingyun still had a jade bottle in her hand. She took out another pill and stuffed it into the baby's mouth. The little baby, whose umbilical cord had just been cut, swallowed the pill in one gulp and waved at Li Jingyun with a smile.
"He's alive! He's alive!"
This was the last thing Li Lizhi heard before she fell asleep.
Li Jingyun also wanted to fall asleep like Sister Lizhi, but she couldn't. An old woman moved a chair for her to sit on and whispered, "Little princess, go and rest. It's only the third watch. It's still far from dawn."
"No need. I can hold on." Li Jingyun directly refused.
She had to stay by her sister's and nephew's side.
She couldn't do it alone, but who else could she call?
Father had just finished a day's political affairs, and Mother had just recovered from a serious illness. Sister - in - law was going to give birth in a few days. The person she invited had to be of high status and a member of the Li - Tang royal family to suppress her cousin.
These were the things Sister Lizhi had to think about and consider, and she was slowly learning.
But at this moment, to hell with it.
"Inform Father, Mother, Brother, Sister - in - law, and Uncle Changsun about this. I'd like to see what Uncle Changsun will do." Li Jingyun said.
She was only six years old! It was normal for her to do something inappropriate, right?
Several palace servants loyal to Princess Changle rushed out directly. When Changsun Chong wanted to go and see his son, Li Jingyun blocked him.
"Son - in - law, you're all cold. Don't disturb the baby. Even our princess is not convenient to go there, let alone you?" Eunuch Feng said bluntly.
"Please. Our princess has something to say to you and your mistress."
Eunuch Feng pointed to another room.
Changsun Chong's face looked bad, but since he was the one who had made a mistake, he didn't dare to say anything.
The delicate young woman beside him cast her charming eyes around, constantly looking at the newly - born baby. An old woman blocked her view, which made her pout in annoyance.