NOVEL FROG Chapter 81
Youxia sat outside on the grass while the servants ran in and out of the chamber trying to help her father. She was hugging her knees, rocking back and forth as she chewed on her thumb. ‘How does he know? What did he mean when he said he’d make me regret it? What does he know? Why did he kill my father?’
Her eyes darted around frantically as she watched everything unfold.
The physician burst through the doors, rushing past her, making her frown. Youxian was already thirty minutes into labour and he only arrived now. The child was already halfway out while Youxian screamed his lungs out.
The crown princess walked in and saw Youxia sitting on the grass, staring at the chamber. Walking up to her, she asked, “Youxia, why do you look like that?”
Her gaze moved over to her as her words registered, “Why are you here?”
Haeun frowned. “Your father is giving birth. It’s common courtesy to be gathered here.”
She nodded her head and focussed on the servants. After a moment, she asked, “Why was he so late?”
Haeun looked down at her. She had to think first. “Who are you talking about?”
“The physician.”
“Oh… Yerim collapsed. He was seeing to her.”
“Yerim collapsed?” She repeated.
Haeun nodded, “Yes. She’s been so sickly recently.”
Youxia stood up slowly. Looking at her, she said, “I’ll go visit her.”
“Shouldn’t you wait for the baby?” Haeun asked, surprised.
Halting her steps, ‘What if she dies before the baby comes?’
Looking at her mother, she shook her head. “I don’t know.”
Turning to her lady-in-waiting, Haeun said, “Go get something to clean the princess up.”
She could tell that Youxia wasn’t in her right mind right now. Taking her by the hand. She led her to the pavilion and sat down with her. She took the cloth and bowl of water from the lady-in-waiting and started wiping her face. “How did you get like this?”
But Youxia didn’t answer, instead tears started welling in her eyes.
Sighing, she said, “Your father will be just fine. He’s strong.”
Focussing her eyes on the woman in front of her, she said, “I know he’ll be fine.”
“Then why are you crying?” She asked, confused.
“Because I feel bad.”
*
“Congratulations, your highness, it’s a boy,” the physician said as he took the baby from the nurse. He walked over to Youxian, who was beside himself from exhaustion and pain. They helped him to sit up in a leaning position.
Taking the infant from the physician, Youxian looked at his son through his tears. Smiling down at him, as he got a good look, he smiled, relieved. “I’ve waited for you for so long,” Youxian whispered and placed a kiss on his nose.
The physician smiled down at them and said, “I’m pleased to announce that he has the same birthmark as the emperor on the back of his shoulder.”
Youxian looked up at him and smiled. “Thank you, Mr Lee.”
Physician Lee bowed to him, “It was an honour. But I must warn you. Do not do anything that would be harmful for your health.”
He nodded his head. “Yes, I know.”
Turning to the servant beside him, he asked, “Where’s my daughter?”
“Outside with the Crown Princess, your highness.”
Youxian frowned and nodded. “Call them in.”
*
Youxian stared at his daughter, who looked worried, then looked at the Crown Princess who walked over and immediately looked at the child. She frowned. “I’m sure he’ll be handsome once he’s older.”
Youxian chuckled, “There’s a good chance he’ll look like his father.”
She stared at him and asked in almost a whisper, “Are you certain?”
Youxian chuckled, “Why are you suspicious?”
She shook her head. “Oh no, it’s nothing. It’s just that you’ve been with others before.”
“I see,” Youxian said. “Well, it would be great if I could leave with my children.”
“He won’t allow that,” she said.
Youxian gazed at her and smiled. “I’m a little tired. Can you send everyone off? I want to spend time with my children.”
She nodded her head and left. She looked at Youxia before she closed the door and could see that she was tense, as if waiting for something to happen.
Staring at his daughter, he placed his son down and asked, “So, are you going to tell me what you are up to?”
She shook her head, “I—I didn’t do anything.”
Youxian scoffed, “Do you think I don’t know you? Where did you hear about Wulin from?”
She shook her head, “No, I didn’...”
“You are so lucky that I am incapable of moving. It looks like living in the palace has taught you how to disrespect your parents. I hope you haven’t forgotten how I deal with disobedient children Xing Guang.”
She quickly fell to her knees and fisted her dress. Shaking her head, she said, “I—I overheard my father’s wives talking about it. It was just shortly after you were imprisoned.”
Staring at her, he asked, “What else did they say?”
She shook her head, “I, I stopped listening.”
Sighing inwardly, he didn’t believe her. “Very well. When you’re ready to speak then you can tell me the truth. As for Wulin, yes I did kill him but it was for our safety. I didn’t want your father holding Wulin over my head for the rest of my life.”
“But, you and my father, do you not love one another anymore?”
He looked down at his son and stroked his finger against his cheek. Shaking his head, he said, “It’s a complicated love story. I sometimes wish we never met, but then I wouldn’t have you or your brother. I’m glad we returned to the palace even though it came with heartbreak but, we’ll love one another even in the next lifetime.”
“In the next lifetime?” She repeated.