After Marrying the Disabled, I Became the Prime Minister’s Wife

Chapter 428

The Cold Palace.

Chief Physician Zhang knelt as soon as he finished taking her pulse. Your Majesty, Her Grace has suffered severe emotional distress and a severe deficiency of vital energy and blood. She is currently showing signs of a miscarriage. This humble official's medical skills are inadequate; I can only temporarily prevent Her Grace's condition from worsening. But to truly cure her, we must ask the old divine doctor to step in!

Yun Lang turned and left without a word. Yan Zheng held her hand and asked in a deep voice, If we do not keep the children, how certain are you of saving her?

Everyone in the palace knelt in unison. Your Majesty, please reconsider!

Chief Physician Zhang also looked horrified. Your Majesty! The imperial heirs in Her Grace's womb are already over six months along and have taken form. If she miscarries now, not only will the imperial heirs not survive, but Her Grace's life will also be in grave danger!

Only then did Yan Zheng dispel the thought. He took a cloth offered by a servant and gently wiped the sweat from her forehead, bit by bit.

In less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Yun Lang carried Qin Yiru in on his shoulder.

The old man was still shouting, Have you gone mad? Do you not want your left hand anymore? Put me down right now so I can treat it!

However, Yun Lang forcibly dragged him to the sickbed.

As soon as Qin Yiru saw the person lying there, his expression changed instantly. What happened? Did I not say she must avoid extreme joy or sorrow? As he spoke, he went to check her pulse, and shuddered the moment his fingers touched her wrist.

What is it? Is the situation bad? Yan Zheng felt as if his heart had been seized.

Qin Yiru examined her body with a tense face. After a long while, he slowly uttered a sentence, You need to be prepared.

As soon as these words came out, everyone's hearts sank.

Yun Lang grabbed him by the collar and roared, Stop talking nonsense! Save her!

Qin Yiru immediately took out his silver needles and swiftly applied a circle of them around her lower abdomen like a gust of wind. He then massaged several acupoints. His execution was so exquisite and precise that Chief Physician Zhang and the others stared unblinkingly.

Yet even so, one breath, two breaths...

After ten breaths, the Empress's complexion still showed no improvement. In fact, all the color had drained from her face, leaving her as deathly pale as a thin sheet of paper.

Qin Yiru fell silent for a moment before slowly saying, Her heart meridian is weak, and she has exhausted herself too much. The fetuses cannot be kept, and the person—

Before he could finish, a pair of eyes as cold as a deep, dark pool stared straight at him, carrying a bone-chilling frost.

And the person?

Qin Yiru had no doubt that if he said a single bad word, the Emperor before him would violently kill him on the spot.

But a healer speaks the truth, without taboos: She will also hardly survive.

These words were like a sharp knife piercing the Emperor's fatal spot. Just then, a faint voice sounded, Old man, the children... can the children truly not be saved?

The Emperor jolted and turned around. Ayan, you are awake?

Chu Ruoyan nodded slightly, her eyes fixed unblinkingly on Qin Yiru.

The old divine doctor pointed a finger at her and said, You, you little girl, what am I supposed to say to you! Did I not warn you before that carrying twins is difficult, and you must absolutely avoid intense emotional fluctuations? Did my words just go in one ear and out the other?

Speak of the main matter!

Yan Zheng interrupted sharply. Qin Yiru trembled with anger. What main matter? With her condition, labor must be induced immediately. But once the needles and medicine are administered at such an advanced stage of pregnancy, it will be fine if they come out safely. If they do not, it will be two lives lost with one body. Do you dare to gamble?

Yan Zheng clenched his fists, the veins on his arms bulging.

Chu Ruoyan pressed on, The children... can the children live?

Qin Yiru sneered and flicked his sleeves. Over six months, it is not even enough time for a premature birth. Do you think they can live?

Her face paled. Then if we do not induce...

If we do not induce, you will undoubtedly die! Qin Yiru stated categorically. However, Chief Physician Zhang's apprentice, Imperial Physician Hu, spoke up, Old divine doctor, that is not necessarily true, right? If Her Grace the Empress can hold on until the eighth month, these two little imperial heirs could survive...

Hope ignited in Chu Ruoyan's eyes, but Qin Yiru flew into a rage. Absolute nonsense! Are you the divine doctor or am I? You cannot even read a pulse properly and you dare to blather here? Do you want to taste my needles?

Imperial Physician Hu shrank his neck and dared not speak. Chu Ruoyan, however, noticed something and struggled to look up at Chief Physician Zhang. Is what Imperial Physician Hu said... true?

Ayan! Yan Zheng interrupted, but she stubbornly stared at Chief Physician Zhang.

The latter remained silent for a long time before, withstanding the old divine doctor's threatening gaze, he couldn't bear but speak. Replying to Her Grace the Empress, it is true... But your heart meridian is failing. If you hold on for another two months, the little imperial heirs could live, but you will inevitably die of exhaustion...

This meant there were only two choices. Either she dies to save the children.

Or they abort the fetuses, and she still might not survive.

Chu Ruoyan lowered her eyes in silence, and the entire Cold Palace fell quiet.

Yun Lang said, Induce labor immediately. Second Brother will gather all the miraculous elixirs in the world for you; we will surely save you!

Yan Zheng also said, Do as Yun Lang says. Nanny Zhou, prepare the delivery room. Meng Yang, go fetch the midwives. Old divine doctor, I entrust Ayan to you...

Wait! Chu Ruoyan interrupted. Yan Zheng... I want to speak with you alone for a moment...

The Emperor raised his hand. All of you, step down for now.

Everyone retreated out of the palace doors one by one. Yun Lang paused for a moment before finally leaving as well.

Only the husband and wife were left in the Cold Palace. Chu Ruoyan looked at him with tears in her eyes. I am sorry...

Yan Zheng smiled and held her shoulders. What silly things are you saying? Anyone would be emotional seeing your eldest brother in that state. It is just that we are not fated to have these two children...

But what if I want to keep these two children?

The woman looked at him with burning eyes. The Emperor was silent for a moment before saying calmly, Then I will die with you.

Yan Zheng! You know this is the best way. I can live for two more months, and I can save our children...

I would rather not have this way. Yan Zheng looked into her eyes and said, Ayan, I only exist because of you. If you are not here, then nothing has any meaning. I know what you are worried about. You are afraid that you will not survive this, afraid that your body will be too damaged to conceive again, and you might even worry that I won't remarry, thus ending my bloodline and leaving this vast empire with no heir. But I will only tell you one thing: without you, there will be no Yan Zheng in this world.

Every word was spoken with firm resolve.

Chu Ruoyan had already cried too many times today, but at this moment, a myriad of emotions surged into her heart, and she still could not help but shed tears.

The Emperor reached out and gently wiped them away with utmost tenderness. Ayan, you and I have walked this path together and overcome so many difficulties. This time will be no exception. The Murong family has fallen, and Yun Zihao has been captured. Once you pull through this, the days ahead will be peaceful.

Stepping out of the Cold Palace, facing Yun Lang's inquiring look, Yan Zheng gave a slight nod.

Yun Lang breathed a sigh of relief. Thank goodness. I was afraid Miaomiao would not think straight and insist on keeping the children... Saying this, he turned around, looking at Qin Yiru with an incredibly solemn expression. Old man, we are counting on you this time!

Qin Yiru muttered, I must have owed your Yun family in my past life! He then quickly walked inside.

Yun Lang also wanted to follow inside to help, but was grabbed by Yan Zheng's hand.

What is it? Is there something else? He raised an eyebrow at his brother-in-law, only to hear him say calmly, Come with me for a moment.

The Hall of Mental Cultivation.

Yan Zheng dismissed everyone, leaving only Meng Yang by his side.

He did not say a word, picking up a brush and writing something on the desk.

Yun Lang waited with some impatience and urged, Just say what you have to say. With Miaomiao in this condition, I am in no mood to care about anything else.

Yan Zheng remained silent. It was only after he finished the final stroke that he rolled up the imperial edict and handed it, along with the imperial jade seal, to Yun Lang. If anything happens to Ayan, you shall sit on the throne and rule this empire.

Yun Lang's eyes instantly widened. Are you insane?

Yan Zheng did not answer. He merely turned his gaze to Meng Yang. You are the witness. Did you hear everything clearly?

Meng Yang shuddered and fell to his knees. Your Majesty, Her Ladyship will be fine. You must not harbor such reckless thoughts!

The way he was acting right now, he was clearly making arrangements for after his death.

Yun Lang stared at him for a moment before suddenly letting out a cold laugh and slamming the items back onto the desk. If you want to be the emperor, be it yourself. I have no interest in it!

He turned and walked toward the door. Yan Zheng suddenly spoke up, Back then, your Yun family suffered that tragic disaster because you were betrayed by an insider. Don't you want to know who it was?

Yun Lang whipped his head around. You know?

Over the years, the Baixiao Pavilion had gathered information from all over the world, yet they had never managed to track down the traitor's whereabouts. Old Du and the others had been burning with anxiety day and night over this.

Yan Zheng pointed to the box holding the jade seal and said, Inside is a letter. It was written by the traitor to Murong Feng, revealing the Regent's itinerary...

Before he could even finish, Yun Lang lunged forward to grab it. Yan Zheng raised a hand to press down on the seal box, watching him quietly. If you agree, you may open this box when you ascend the throne.

Yun Lang stared at him unblinkingly. For a moment, he truly felt that his brother-in-law had lost his mind.

If anything were to happen to Miaomiao, he actually wanted to follow her in death. To think there was such a foolish person in this world!

Fine, I agree!

A heavy burden lifted from Yan Zheng's heart, and he let out a long breath.

Just then, a palace servant came to report that the old divine physician Qin was ready. The two men immediately rushed to the Cold Palace.

A crowd had gathered outside the Cold Palace.

Among them were Chu Jing and Cao Yang, who had hurried over upon hearing the news. Seeing the Emperor, they immediately prepared to bow.

Yan Zheng raised his hand to stop them. Where is Ayan? Why are the palace doors closed?

Cao Yang explained, Your Majesty, before you arrived, Her Majesty the Empress had already ordered them to begin.

Yan Zheng froze. Chu Jing said, I have seen Her Majesty. She said she did not want you to worry over her any longer, so she asked the old divine physician to start early. She also requested that you wait outside.

As soon as she finished speaking, a heart-wrenching scream echoed from inside.

Yan Zheng's expression changed drastically. Chu Jing hurriedly added, Childbirth is always like this for women, let alone the fact that Her Majesty's labor is being induced. She will naturally suffer more torment than others. You...

Before she could finish, Yan Zheng dashed forward and burst through the doors.

Instantly, the heavy stench of blood rushed to his head.

He gritted his teeth and bypassed the folding screen. When he appeared inside, the midwives were so frightened that they fell to their knees. Your Majesty, how can your precious royal self enter such an unclean place?

However, Yan Zheng ignored them completely, walking straight to the edge of the bed and crouching down. Ayan, it's me.

Chu Ruoyan had a white cloth over her forehead, her entire body drenched in cold sweat. The waves of agonizing pain from her lower body felt like a knife carving into her flesh. Hearing his voice, she instantly burst into tears. Yan Zheng, it hurts so much!!

Yan Zheng immediately grasped her hand. I'm here, Ayan. I'm right here!

The old divine physician had initially wanted to scold him and chase him out, but seeing the woman on the bed gripping his hand and seemingly regaining some strength, he shouted, Quick, push! Breathe in, try again!

Chu Ruoyan pinched Yan Zheng's hand with all her might, her nails digging into his flesh. Yan Zheng did not utter a single sound of complaint, only comforting her softly, Ayan, listen to the old divine physician. Let's try one more time.

Chu Ruoyan gritted her teeth and nodded, but before she could exert any force, a violent contraction twisted her face in agony.

She felt as if a giant hand were ruthlessly crushing her internal organs. The pain made her instinctively try to arch her back...

Qin Yiru shouted, Hold her down, don't let her move!

Yan Zheng complied. The old divine physician hurriedly inserted a circle of silver needles around her abdomen and yelled, Ginseng soup!!

A midwife quickly brought it over, and Yan Zheng took it. I'll do it!

He fed it to Chu Ruoyan sip by sip. Watching her swallow with such difficulty, even throwing up after managing two mouthfuls, he felt an overwhelming wave of regret. Why hadn't he taken the contraceptive potion back then? He was the one who condemned her to suffer this torture of childbirth!

After she barely managed to drink more than half of it, the old divine physician removed the silver needles and said, One more time! The longer this drags on, the more dangerous it becomes!

Chu Ruoyan nodded through her tears, took a deep breath, and pushed with all her might.

It's out! The head is out!!

The midwife's delighted voice rang out, but Chu Ruoyan was already dizzy from the pain, entirely unable to spare a thought on whether the children were dead or alive.

She only had one thought in her mind: she had to live.

At the very least, she couldn't die in front of Yan Zheng, or else he would go mad...

Almost there! Push a little harder, Your Majesty! The feet, the feet are out too!

The first one is out, there's a second one!

The midwife's voice sounded as ethereal as if it were coming from the horizon. She gasped heavily for air, feeling a strong downward pressure, followed by Yan Zheng's ecstatic voice, It's done! They're out! They are all out!

She let out a long breath, and then her vision went black as she lost consciousness.

Yan Zheng panicked. Divine Physician! Divine Physician!

Qin Yiru quickly leaned in to take a look, his face darkening. This is bad, there are signs of a hemorrhage.

After he spoke, he began applying acupuncture to stop the bleeding. With his every movement, Yan Zheng felt as if his heart were being roasted over an open fire.

Right at this moment, a midwife leaned in. Your Majesty, the little princes...

Get lost!

Yan Zheng roared, his eyes not leaving Chu Ruoyan for even a second.

The midwife shuddered and hurriedly backed away. Yes, yes...

Fortunately, after the old divine physician finished the acupuncture and administered more medicine, the bleeding was finally stopped after a bout of frantic effort.

Qin Yiru wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. Phew... this girl nearly tormented me to death! But at least we managed to pull her back from the brink!

Yan ​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌‍Zheng's heart suddenly relaxed, and his long-tense nerves and stiff back finally loosened. Thank you, Divine Physician! Then what about Ayan?

Although she kept her life, she will need to rest quietly for several months. Moreover, I can see that her body has suffered a severe toll. It would be best... um... best if she does not go through childbirth again. Qin Yiru was a little hesitant when he said this. After all, could the emperor of a dynasty agree to not let his empress bear any more children?

But Yan Zheng acted as if he had expected this, replying solemnly, I will carefully remember your instructions, Divine Physician. I will absolutely never let her take such a risk again in the future!

Qin Yiru blew on his beard in surprise; to think this boy from the Yan family cares for Madam Chu to such an extent!

At this time, the midwife from earlier tremblingly approached again and said, Y-Your Majesty, the little princes...

Yan Zheng looked tenderly at the woman on the bed and waved his hand. Take the children out and find a place to bury them, lest the Empress feels heartbroken.

The midwife was stunned and hastily said, No, no, Your Majesty! The little princes are still alive!

Yan Zheng was astonished, and Qin Yiru jumped straight over. What? A child born at just over six months can actually survive?