The departure is in two days.

Yu Tingwan was initially pulled along by Wei Zhao while walking. Half of her body leaned on Wei Zhao, so it wasn’t particularly strenuous.

"Yang Weiweng is getting married tomorrow. He doesn’t have many relatives, yet he’s valued by He Xuran, who didn’t forget to bring him along after being transferred to the Six Ministries."

After He Xuran left, the position was given to Ning Yunling. Meanwhile, Yang Weiweng’s position was taken over by the second legitimate son of the Lu Family.

Yu Tingwan gently said, "His status has risen significantly, and there will probably be many guests wanting to celebrate. I must attend the ceremony."

Wei Zhao: "Alright."

"But my condition isn’t convenient."

Wei Zhao supported her as they climbed the steps: "Don’t worry, with me around, nothing will happen."

Yu Tingwan thought so too.

"But..."

Yet for some reason,

she had a foreboding feeling.

It was a strong feeling.

So strong that she felt the baby’s movements were more pronounced.

It even seemed a bit painful.

Yu Tingwan carefully felt it, realizing the pain was probably just an illusion.

So, she didn’t take it seriously.

Soon she thought of something else.

"We’ve been receiving a letter from Ze County every two months, but this time, it’s been delayed."

Since last year when Ying Fuyan ascended the throne, Yu Tingwan intended to bring Hui Niang and the others to the Capital, even considering bringing the old teacher over for retirement.

Hui Niang and Wei Shouzhong had never traveled far and were afraid of being unaccustomed to the new place, yet they missed Yu Tingwan.

However, once there, if they lived with the Wei Family long-term, they might feel uneasy and burden Yu Tingwan. Moreover, being separated from their uncle and aunt would be hard to bear.

Additionally, the old teacher lived next door with the Zhao Family, and Mr. Zhao regarded him as a mentor.

The old teacher was getting old, and unless Mr. Zhao came to the Capital to visit, they might never see each other again.

Ze County and Shangjing were too far apart.

Understanding this, Yu Tingwan made arrangements early, deciding to bring them all together and found a courtyard in an alley in the Capital.

Initially, Mr. Zhao was reluctant, feeling it was inappropriate to take advantage.

But the old teacher scolded and persuaded him.

——"Now the Court is in need of people for reconstruction, and after the civil service exam, a decree was issued for another exam next year. Isn’t the new emperor’s intention clear? It’s to recruit new talents and eliminate the old, ousting mediocre officials."

——"I’m too old for exams, but you? Are you willing to stay in a small county like Ze for life as a teacher?"

——"Ze County is remote and isolated, with slow news, difficult to govern the new, and hard to reform the old. Haven’t you been delayed as well? That rebellious student clearly intends to support you."

——"Going there, we’d be like her extended family, and she’d be happy."

The layout of the alley was similar to Ze County, so after moving, they remained neighbors. It was quiet and conducive to study, with convenient transportation just outside the alley.

Yu Tingwan could often visit Hui Niang and the others and bring them to stay at the Wei Family for a while.

But at that time, cousin Zhao Yu from the Wei Family was preparing for the exams, and his wife was pregnant.

Yes. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

Zhao Yu ended up with Liu Yan, who lived in the same alley.

The last letter Hui Niang sent to Yu Tingwan said that Liu Yan had given birth to a baby boy.

Hui Niang and Wei Shouzhong were simple people who had never traveled far. After discussing with their uncle and aunt, they decided to stay in Ze County until Zhao Yu finished his exams before making any other decisions.

Zhao Yu did well in the county exam and achieved the status of a student scholar, with quite a good rank.

But Liu Yan was pregnant again, making the journey difficult.

So, they delayed, and delayed until now.

Wei Zhao: "On their way to Shangjing."

Yu Tingwan’s eyes lit up with surprise: "They’re coming? Why didn’t you tell me?"

Wei Zhao smiled.

"I was going to tell you the other day, but you were focused on sleeping and complained I was too noisy, even punched me. Do you remember?"

"I do."

Wei Zhao: "Anything you want to say about that?"

Since becoming pregnant, she had become quite spoiled.

Yu Tingwan thought for a moment, her tone uncertain: "You deserved it?"

Wei Zhao chuckled softly.

Yu Tingwan suddenly stopped in her tracks.

"What’s wrong?"

Yu Tingwan: "Something doesn’t feel right."

Wei Zhao’s expression turned serious: "Is there any discomfort?"

Yu Tingwan felt a little more and told him.

"I think... I’m just hungry."

There was a pavilion ahead, and Wei Zhao supported her to rest there, instructing Tan Jiang to fetch some food from the kitchen.

Ever since Yu Tingwan became pregnant, the kitchen always had snacks ready.

Thus, Tan Jiang acted quickly.

This time, the food box contained a plate of date paste cake and a serving of bird’s nest and snow frog soup.

Yu Tingwan picked up a piece of cake and ate it earnestly.

But after eating only half a piece, she put it down again.

This feeling...

Yu Tingwan looked up.

"Is it not to your taste?"

Instead of answering, Yu Tingwan asked: "Is the baby’s name settled yet?"

Wei Zhao had been flipping through ancient texts and poems for months but still hadn’t found the perfect word.

"Not yet."

Yu Tingwan urged: "Hurry up then."

She wasn’t pleased.

"Usually, you’re quick about everything. How is naming taking so long?"

When you went straight to the point, it wasn’t like this.

She had to remind him every now and then, but Wei Zhao didn’t find it strange.

"Allow me some more time to think."

"Then you might not have enough time."

Yu Tingwan informed him.

"My water just broke."

Wei Zhao was always composed, his brows not even twitching when faced with blades and swords.

But at this moment, he glanced down at the wet stain on Yu Tingwan’s dress and became suddenly frozen, as if his breath had momentarily stopped.

His fingertips barely trembled, but when touching her sleeve, they were steady like a rock.

Wei Zhao stood up.

He exceptionally calmly made arrangements.

"Someone, have the midwife and doctor wait in the birthing room, and ensure hands are soaked in herbal water upon entry. Burn blackgrass and mugwort in the room, prepare hot water, scissors, and white cloth... The water must be boiling, and all cloths thoroughly steamed. Prepare several extra buckets of water, and have someone by the well ready to draw fresh at any time."

"Yes."

"Quickly brew the medicine Elder Ge provided earlier."

"Yes."

Wei Zhao continued giving instructions as he quickly walked outside, his steps hurried.

"Inform Mother of the situation, and notify the Grand Tutor Mansion as well."

Yu Tingwan: ???

She was utterly amazed, watching Wei Zhao stride away.

Wait, are you really leaving your wife and child here unattended?

"Fetch the ginseng from the storeroom and have it brewed into longan and red date soup in the kitchen."

Ginseng boosts energy, and longan and red dates warm and revitalize blood, replenishing strength.

Yu Tingwan: ...

Look back here!

What else are you going to instruct!

Yu Tingwan couldn’t help but shake her shoulders and laugh as she rested on the stone table.

But soon after laughing, a wave of pain struck her abdomen.

"Ssss."

Just as she gasped, the man returned swiftly, his eyes deep, bringing a gust of wind along.

Wei Zhao gently picked her up, striding quickly towards the birthing room.

Even then, he reassured her.

"Don’t be nervous."

Yu Tingwan felt like laughing again.

She reached out and touched Wei Zhao’s tense jawline.

"Husband."

"Hmm?"

Yu Tingwan: "Were you just... planning to deliver the baby by yourself?"