jdhmnovel Chapter 232 The Child's Concern, A Touching Moment
Chapter 232 The Child's Concern, A Touching Moment
Deep within the magnificent palace of the Nanzhao Kingdom, Gu Liuli, after overcoming numerous hardships, finally gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl. The news spread like wildfire throughout the palace. However, for the young Nan Yi and Nan Yao, this joyous occasion was accompanied by deep worry for their mother.
Xiao Nanyi, the second prince of the Nanzhao Kingdom, though still young, was already intelligent and sensible, his eyes often revealing a composure beyond his years. Xiao Nanyao, the lively and adorable little princess, was also filled with worry. Upon learning of their mother's childbirth, the two rushed towards her palace. Along the way, Xiao Nanyi held his sister's hand tightly, his steps hurried, his small figure standing out resolutely in the long palace corridor. His brow was furrowed, his eyes filled with anxiety, each step quick and steady, as if racing against time to reach his mother as soon as possible. Xiao Nanyao's eyes reddened, tears welling up. She ran to keep up with her brother, occasionally glancing up at him, seemingly seeking comfort.
"Brother, will it hurt a lot for Mother during childbirth?" Little Nanyao looked up, tears welling in her eyes, her voice trembling slightly. Her lips trembled slightly, her face filled with worry, as if she could already feel the pain her mother was enduring.
Xiao Nanyi frowned slightly, his eyes filled with heartache. He gently patted his sister's hand, comforting her, "Yaoyao, don't be afraid. Mother is so strong, she'll definitely be alright. But it must hurt a lot. Let's go see her and give her strength." His tone was firm yet gentle, his eyes revealing a maturity and responsibility beyond his years.
When they arrived at the palace gates, they saw several palace maids and eunuchs guarding the entrance, all with solemn expressions. Little Nan Yi stepped forward, his childish voice carrying an undeniable authority: "We want to go in and see Mother." He straightened his small body, his eyes fixed firmly on the maids, his hands unconsciously clenching into fists, as if declaring his resolve. The maids looked hesitant, about to stop him, when suddenly, the cry of a baby came from inside the palace. Little Nan Yao, upon hearing this, could no longer hold back; her eyes reddened, and tears streamed down her face: "Brother, the baby is crying, Mother must be in even more pain." Her shoulders trembled slightly, and she covered her mouth with her hands, suppressing her sobs, her heart filled with heartache for her mother.
Just then, the palace door slowly opened, and the midwife emerged carrying two tightly wrapped infants. Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao's eyes were immediately drawn to them, their curiosity fixed on the two newborn lives. But only for a moment, their thoughts returned to their mother. Xiao Nanyi asked eagerly, "Granny, how is my mother?" His eyes were fixed on the midwife, filled with expectation and worry, his body leaning slightly forward, as if wanting to hear her condition immediately. The midwife smiled and replied, "Your Highness, Princess, rest assured, Her Majesty the Empress is safe and sound, just a little weak."
Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao breathed a sigh of relief and cautiously entered the palace. They saw Gu Liuli lying weakly on the bed, her face pale, her hair soaked with sweat and clinging to her face in strands. Upon seeing this, Xiao Nanyao immediately ran to the bedside, knelt down beside it, and gently grasped Gu Liuli's hand, crying, "Mother, are you in pain? Yaoyao feels so sorry for you." Her little hand gripped Gu Liuli's tightly, as if trying to transfer her strength to her mother, her face streaked with tears, her eyes filled with heartache and concern. Looking at her adorable daughter, Gu Liuli felt a surge of warmth in her heart. She forced a smile, despite her weakness, and gently stroked Xiao Nanyao's head: "Yaoyao, be good. Mother isn't in pain. Seeing you and your younger siblings makes Mother feel better."
Xiao Nanyi walked to the bedside, his eyes slightly red, his voice choked with emotion: "Mother, you've suffered so much. From now on, Yi'er will definitely protect you and your younger siblings." His voice trembled slightly as he spoke, his eyes shining with unwavering determination, his hands gripping the bedside tightly, as if making a solemn promise to his mother. Gu Liuli looked at her sensible son, her eyes filled with pride: "Yi'er, I'm so happy you said that. You are all my precious treasures."
Just then, a palace maid entered carrying a steaming bowl of ginseng soup. Seeing this, Xiao Nanyi quickly took it, saying, "I'll feed Mother." He carefully sat on the edge of the bed, holding the bowl in one hand and a spoon in the other, gently scooping up a spoonful of ginseng soup, blowing on it to cool it, and then slowly bringing it to Gu Liuli's lips: "Mother, please drink some ginseng soup to nourish your body." His movements were gentle and focused, his eyes fixed on the soup in the spoon, as if afraid of scalding his mother; every action was filled with love for her. Gu Liuli, seeing her son's earnest expression, was deeply moved. She slightly opened her mouth and drank the spoonful of ginseng soup.
Watching from the side, Xiao Nanyao wasn't to be outdone. She picked up a towel and gently wiped the sweat from Gu Liuli's forehead. "Mother, please wipe your sweat." Her small hands held the towel, gently and carefully wiping Gu Liuli's forehead, her eyes full of concern, as if she wanted to wipe away all of her mother's fatigue. Looking at the two children, Gu Liuli's heart was filled with happiness. Although she was still weak, at this moment she felt that all the pain had been worthwhile.
For the rest of the time, Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao stayed by Gu Liuli's bedside, unwilling to leave for even a moment. Xiao Nanyi told Gu Liuli interesting stories he had learned at school, hoping to cheer his mother up. He told them vividly, glancing at Gu Liuli from time to time to observe her reactions. When he saw his mother smile even slightly, a happy smile would appear on his face. Xiao Nanyao, meanwhile, massaged Gu Liuli's arms from time to time. Although her little hands weren't very strong, each massage was filled with love for her mother. Her little hands gently massaged Gu Liuli's arms, and she would occasionally ask, "Mother, does this feel good?"
"Mother, today the teacher told us the story of Yu the Great taming the floods. Yu the Great passed his home three times without entering while trying to control the floods; he was so amazing! From now on, Yi'er wants to be like Yu the Great, a responsible person, protecting the Nanzhao Kingdom, and protecting you and my younger siblings." Little Nan Yi's eyes sparkled as he spoke earnestly. He sat ramrod straight, his gaze resolute, as if he could already see his future self.
Gu Liuli listened to her son's story with a smile, her eyes full of encouragement: "Yi'er, I'm very happy that you have such ambition. But you must also remember that no matter what, family is always the most important."
Little Nan Yao chimed in, "Mother, then I want to learn lots and lots of medical skills so I can cure all your ailments and keep you healthy forever!" Her eyes were wide open, her face full of longing, and her hands were clasped tightly together, as if she had already become a divine healer. Gu Liuli looked at her daughter's innocent expression and couldn't help but smile, "Yao Yao is so good. With you and Yi'er, I feel like the happiest person in the world."
Time passed slowly, and dusk fell. The candlelight flickered in the palace, illuminating this heartwarming scene. Although Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao were somewhat tired, they remained steadfastly by Gu Liuli's side. Xiao Nanyi's eyelids began to droop, but he forced himself to stay awake, his eyes frequently glancing at Gu Liuli, afraid of missing anything. Xiao Nanyao leaned against the bedside, her little hand still tightly gripping Gu Liuli's. She was already somewhat drowsy, but still mumbled, "Mother, it doesn't hurt..." Gu Liuli looked at her two sensible children, her heart filled with reluctance. "Yi'er, Yaoyao, it's getting late. You should go back to your rooms and rest. Come and keep your mother company again tomorrow."
Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao said in unison, "No, we want to stay with Mother." Their voices were weary, but filled with determination. Gu Liuli had no choice but to let them rest on the small couch beside the bed. Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao lay on the couch, their eyes fixed on Gu Liuli, until drowsiness overcame them and they gradually fell asleep.
In his sleep, Xiao Nanyi dreamt that he had grown up, riding a tall horse, leading the soldiers of Nanzhao Kingdom to protect his country, while Gu Liuli and his younger siblings lived happily in the palace. A smile appeared on his face, as if he had already realized his dream. Xiao Nanyao, on the other hand, dreamt that she had become a highly skilled physician, curing all of Gu Liuli's ailments, and that the family was playing happily in the garden. A slight smile played on her lips, and she let out a soft laugh.
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the windows into the palace. Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao woke up early and immediately looked towards Gu Liu Li's bed. Gu Liu Li was already awake, and her complexion looked better. Seeing the children awake, she smiled and said, "Yi'er, Yao Yao, you're awake."
Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao rushed to the bedside. Xiao Nan Yao asked with concern, "Mother, how are you feeling today? Are you still in pain?" Her eyes carefully observed Gu Liu Li's complexion, filled with concern. Gu Liu Li shook her head: "Mother is much better, the pain is gone. It's all thanks to you two staying with me yesterday that I recovered so quickly."
At this moment, the palace maids brought in breakfast, and Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao vied to feed Gu Liuli. Xiao Nanyi quickly grabbed a spoon, scooped up a spoonful of porridge, blew on it, and then fed it to Gu Liuli, saying, "Mother, try this." Xiao Nanyao wasn't to be outdone, picking up a piece of pastry and saying, "Mother, eat this, it's so sweet!" Under their attentive care, Gu Liuli slowly ate her breakfast. After breakfast, Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao chatted with Gu Liuli for a while.
Suddenly, as if remembering something, Xiao Nanyao took out a small paper flower from her pocket and handed it to Gu Liuli: "Mother, I folded this last night. I'm giving it to you, hoping it will make you happy." Her face was full of anticipation, her eyes fixed on Gu Liuli. Gu Liuli took the flower, her eyes filled with emotion: "Yaoyao, you're so thoughtful. Mother likes it very much."
Not to be outdone, Xiao Nanyi ran to his room and retrieved a painting he had drawn. It depicted his family strolling hand-in-hand in the garden. He handed the painting to Gu Liuli: "Mother, this is what I painted. I hope our family can always be this happy." A hint of nervousness crossed his face as he awaited his mother's reaction. Looking at the painting, Gu Liuli couldn't help but shed tears: "Yi'er, Yaoyao, with you two, I am the happiest person in the world."
In the days that followed, Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao visited Gu Liuli's palace every day to keep her company and her newborn siblings. They would make the babies laugh, tell them stories, and teach them simple actions. In this loving palace, the new life thrived, and with the children's company, Gu Liuli gradually recovered her health.