Several days after Shen Xingzhi's grabbing ceremony came to an end, Su Zhiruan, following the advice of Emperor Shen Qi and the Empress Dowager, reduced her activities. Midwives and elderly nannies were always on standby at Kunning Palace.
The Imperial Physician still came daily to check for a peaceful pulse. The palace was quiet, everyone dreading any accidents that might disturb Su Zhiruan.
One ordinary morning, Su Zhiruan felt waves of pain in her belly, a warning ache that ebbed after a while, then the sensation gradually weakened considerably.
This was her second childbirth, and she was familiar with the process. By her side, Shen Qi almost instantly noticed her discomfort, seeing her look toward her belly he immediately grew tense, "Ruanruan, is it time to give birth?"
"Yes, could you please ask the midwives to come?" Su Zhiruan lay on her side on the bed, her voice seemingly steady, but Shen Qi perceived it as her feigning composure.