This matter hadn’t even been fully resolved when the Lunar New Year arrived. Everyone celebrated joyfully at the Duke’s estate for three days before returning to their respective roles.
By late February, Tong Yao was preparing to leave for S Country. As soon as this trip beca official, the entire family grew anxious.
In the end, Tong Yao discussed it with Madam Jing Ya and Yan Zi. The plan was for Tong Yao and Long Che to go during the first ten days, Madam Jing Ya and Prince Charles to take the middle ten days, and Yan Zi and Mi Xiaotian to handle the last ten days. This way, no one would stay in S Country too long, and Long Che wouldn’t have much to complain about.
When the day of departure finally ca, Long Che refused to get into the car, staring at his grandchildren with reluctance. Yi Luowa, seeing how pitiful her father looked, gently consoled him: "Dad, you and Mom go ahead first. Once Ai Ni gives birth, I’ll bring the kids over. Then you’ll get to see them both."
After much persuasion, they finally managed to get Long Che into the car. Everyone watched as the vehicle carrying him, Tong Yao, and Ni Lu rolled out of the gates before returning to the living room.
"Luowa, hand the baby to and go upstairs to pack so things for the kids. If Ai Ni delivers, we’ll need to grab the bags and leave quickly," Yan Zi said, taking Sangyu from Yi Luowa’s arms.
Yi Luowa scratched her head, "Aunt, what should I pack?"
"Just pack a few clothes; let the nanny handle the rest. They know what to bring."
"Oh, okay." Yi Luowa responded and dashed upstairs.
Watching her leave, Connie turned to Tong Aino and said, "Let’s pack so things too."
Tong Aino didn’t move. "What are you packing for? There’s no need."
"I’m fine. I’m only a few months along."
Madam Jing Ya smiled and said, "The earlier the pregnancy, the more you need to be cautious. If you don’t go, Ai Ni will have one less thing to worry about."
Connie pouted as everyone else got busy, leaving her alone at ho, feeling bored.
Tong Aino glanced at her. "I’ll look around and co back soon to keep you company."
"I’m a grown-up; you don’t need to babysit . Once Ai Ni gives birth and things settle down over there, you can co back," Connie said as she sat down.
Tong Aino placed a hand on her shoulder. "If you feel up to it these next few days, help review the proposal for setting up the Haotian branch. My mind’s been on edge lately, and I can’t seem to focus."
Tong Airui glanced up at him. "I thought I was the only one like this. Turns out you’re the sa."
Tong Aino sighed, "With both of us like this, Ai Ni must be feeling even worse."
"Your sister-in-law called Ai Ni last night. Ai Ni said she’s been more scared as the due date approaches and hasn’t had a decent night’s sleep for days."
"Giving birth is terrifying for won," Tong Aino murmured, glancing at Connie’s belly. "Maybe everyone should just go for C-sections."
"If you can deliver naturally, it’s better. C-section babies..." Yan Zi hadn’t finished speaking when Yi Luowa shouted from upstairs, "Honey, Ai Ni called. She says she’s in pain and on her way to the hospital!"
Tong Airui frowned slightly. "Isn’t the due date still a few days away?"
"These things aren’t always precise," Madam Jing Ya said, leaping to her feet in agitation. "Quick, call your dad and ask where they are. We should head over too."
Tong Airui shook his head. "Let’s not delay Dad and the others. What if Ai Ni delivers, and no one from our family is there? She’ll cry her eyes out. Let my dad go ahead. I’ll arrange another plane, and everyone can pack quickly. We’ll leave in half an hour."
With the family split into two groups, they hurried to S Country. By the ti Long Che and Tong Yao arrived, Teng Ai Ni was already in the delivery room. They barely had ti to exchange a few words with her before the rest of the family arrived.
Teng Ai Ni’s eyes welled up as she looked at everyone one by one. She even called the two kids over to kiss them repeatedly.
The two little ones looked silently at their aunt. They couldn’t rember ever seeing her before, but since she resembled their grandmother, they didn’t find her unfamiliar.
"I can’t take it anymore; it hurts again. You all... leave..." Teng Ai Ni grabbed onto You Jia’s arm but nearly cried out in pain.
Tong Yao stayed behind while the others left the delivery room.
Yi Luowa glanced at the ti and turned to Madam Jing Ya. "Grandma, how much longer do you think Ai Ni will need?"
"About two or three hours," ca her asured response.
Yi Luowa frowned. "This is bad news. If the baby is born today, he’ll only be able to celebrate his birthday every four years."
"What?! How so?" Yan Zi looked at Yi Luowa, puzzled.
Tong Airui chuckled helplessly, "Today is February 29th."
"Quick, tell Ai Ni she’s got to hold on! Just a few more hours!" Grandpa Teng declared.
Long Che glanced at his father-in-law. "Since when was this up to us?"
Grandpa Teng snorted but shifted his gaze to Sangyu’s little face. "Sangyu, let great-grandpa hold you."
Long Che held his granddaughter tightly.
Nesting in her grandfather’s arms, Sangyu peeked at her great-grandpa and quickly buried her face in her grandfather’s chest.
"Perfectly good kid, yet you’ve spoiled her!" Grandpa Teng grumbled irritably.
Just as Long Che was about to retort, his wife ca out in tears.
"What happened?!"
"She’s been taken to the delivery room. Watching her in pain—oh, I can’t bear it..."
Sangyu stared blankly at her grandmother for a mont, then stretched out her chubby little hand to wipe away the tears.
Tong Yao, touched, hugged her tightly.
Grandpa Teng turned away to hide his expression.
Two hours later, the sound of a newborn’s strong cry rang out. The little prince of S Country, Dylan, was born. Many years later, when Prince Dylan ascended the throne, S Country’s citizens would only get to celebrate their king’s birthday once every four years.
As the days grew warr, as soon as Teng Ai Ni had finished her postpartum recovery, she rushed back ho from S Country. Sangyu, Ziyan, and Pengpeng treated their tiny new brother like a toy, always hovering around him.
Dylan, who resembled his father with large, bright eyes, was undeniably handso. Yet, Long Che just couldn’t bring himself to like the boy. He rarely held him and considered even glancing at him a great indulgence.
Teng Ai Ni, disgruntled, complained to her mother.
Tong Yao smiled helplessly. "That’s just your father. Don’t take it personally."
"Mom, you’ve got to talk to Dad. Even I’m annoyed. If he acts like this when my fifth sister-in-law has her baby and still only has eyes for Sangyu and Ziyan, how could she possibly be happy?"
Tong Yao laughed, "Oh, don’t worry. Your dad wouldn’t act like that. Your fifth sister-in-law’s kids will have the Audridge surna—your dad’s not that senile yet!"
Teng Ai Ni pouted. "What’s wrong with the Carpenter surna?"
"Not a thing! Absolutely nothing!" Tong Yao smiled at her daughter and added, "Your sister-in-law will be heading to Haotian in a few days and staying there for a while. By then, your dad will have nothing to play with. If he wants to hold Dylan and you don’t let him, then you’ll feel balanced."
"Haha... Okay! I’ll listen to you!" Teng Ai Ni laughed, covering her mouth.
Speaking of Yi Luowa’s return to Haotian, this matter had been delayed ti and again. This ti, it couldn’t be postponed any longer, so Tong Airui finalized the date with the Queen of Haotian.
On April 15th, with her family accompanying her, Yi Luowa finally returned to her holand.
The princess’s first return to her holand prompted nationwide celebration in Haotian. Crowds of people lined the roads from the airport to the royal palace to welco her.
Sitting inside the car, Yi Luowa could not hold back her tears as she saw the throngs of people waving along the roadside.
"Why are you crying over such a happy occasion?" The Queen of Haotian smiled, holding her daughter close.
"Mom, it’s all so overwhelming, I..."
The Queen of Haotian smiled, "This grand reception isn’t just for you. They’re also welcoming your father and Airui. Without their help, the people of Haotian wouldn’t have the peace and prosperity they enjoy today."
"That makes feel a little better." Yi Luowa wiped her eyes with a smile. "How’s Dad liking the RV?"
The Haotian Emperor, who was chatting with Long Che, turned back to his daughter and said, "I’m delighted! Absolutely delighted! I specifically had this RV brought out today to pick you all up so everyone could see just how talented their princess is!"
With laughter and chatter, the group finally arrived at the royal palace. After stepping out, the Queen of Haotian held her daughter’s hand tightly and ushered everyone into the grand hall.
"It’s been a long day for everyone. After dinner, get so rest. Tomorrow morning, you’ll pay your respects to the ancestors at the Watching Temple. The day after, there’s a palace banquet. This ti, so of the guests aren’t just here out of respect for your father and . Many of them ca because of your father-in-law and Airui. The day after that..."
The Queen of Haotian laid out the itinerary for the next few days. Yi Luowa smiled, "Mom, you said so much, but I didn’t rember any of it."
The Queen of Haotian laughed, patting her daughter’s hand. "I’ll have soone send you the schedule later. Look it over so you’ll be prepared."
"Mom, I’ve already prepared everything for Luowa. There’s no need for a schedule," Tong Airui said with a smile. "Knowing her, she’d forget it the second she read it."
Yi Luowa pouted. "Am I really that forgetful?"
"Pregnancy makes you scattered for three years, and you’re still not over it!" Tong Airui teased, patting her on the head.
The Queen of Haotian smiled. "I think he’s right."
Danton ca running over with a smile. "Who said my sister is forgetful? She’s super smart!"
"Ah, my little brother knows best."
"Sis, where’s Second Sis? Why didn’t she co?"
Yi Luowa glanced at Tong Airui. It had been a while since Old Eight and Youyou had left; they should be back by now.
Tong Airui smiled. "They’ll be here tonight."
Reviews
All reviews (0)