“Isn't this great? You just had a baby, you need to rest. I think this is Heaven’s blessing.” Adrian Night poured a cup of hot water, took a sip, and said.
"That's right, darling, don't worry so much. If we can't move forward, that means the enemy can't attack us either. Let's take this rare break and enjoy some family time with the baby, isn't that nice?" Butterfly Rogue smiled.
"For once, the flower thief actually makes sense." Suddenly, a teasing voice came from outside the tent.
Right after, everyone shook the snow off their clothes and walked in one by one.
"Feeling cold? Hot tea’s ready." Liam Willow tucked Ivy Shen’s tail under a blanket, then headed to the corner where white rice porridge was bubbling away.
He ladled out a bowl for each person, then came to Ivy Shen’s side and carefully fed her.
Everyone dug in without hesitation.
"Ivy, you really don’t need to worry. This snow is a gift from Heaven. Otherwise, we’d be forced to keep moving these next few days, and you’re really not up for that right now." Eli Crane said hurriedly.
"Did you find out anything? Has the enemy stopped too?" Ivy Shen still couldn’t help worrying about the military situation.
"The snow’s way too heavy. All the roads are blocked, no way to get through," Ethan Chu said, glancing down at his waist—clearly, the deepest drifts reached above his thighs.
At that depth, forget fighting—even walking was a struggle. And horses, the most crucial part of battle, couldn’t move at all.
"Just focus on resting, Ivy. We’ll handle the rest," Caleb Miles brushed the last snowflakes off his hair and smiled.
"Yeah, this snow came out of nowhere, but honestly, it’s great news for us. First, the wounded can rest and recover. Second, we’ve got more time to tame that bull." Ethan Chu grinned.
"You’ve spotted his tracks?" Ivy Shen was surprised. Could even this much snow not hold him back?
"Not yet, but I bet he’ll show up in two or three days. Copper Staff is the type who gets bolder the more dangerous it gets. With snow this deep, he’ll definitely sneak out to scout." Ethan Chu finished, raising his eyebrows at his brothers.
Everyone chimed in together: "Waiting to catch him in the trap!"
Ivy Shen frowned slightly, unsure what scheme they were plotting. Her gaze drifted to the tent flap, left slightly open—outside, it was a vast, snowy dreamscape.
"Don’t worry, we’ve got you!" Eli Crane gave her a gentle smile, shrugged off his outer robe, and swapped places with Butterfly Rogue so he could eat.
"Cold?" Eli Crane hugged her, chin resting on her hair with endless tenderness.
"Not cold!" Ivy looked up and flashed a bright smile. Yeah, they knew she was worried—so all she had to do was relax.
Seeing this, Ivy Shen nodded slightly. Yes, since Heaven itself has granted her time to rest, why should she keep overthinking everything? Besides, with her husbands here, what does she have to be afraid of!
Just then, a voice called out from outside the door, polite and formal: “Your Majesty, may this humble servant come in?” It was Madam Jin speaking.
“Come on in,” Ethan Chu set down his bowl and wiped his mouth, calling out.
Madam Jin entered, bringing Madam Yin and Madam Bao along with her.
“Long live the Emperor, and may the Princess live a thousand years!” The three midwives knelt and bowed in greeting.
“Rise,” Ethan Chu waved his hand dismissively.
At his words, the three midwives bustled forward to check on the serpent egg and Ivy Shen’s condition.
“Sis, can you get up yet?” Right on cue, Nina Xu called out from just outside the door.
Ivy Shen heard her and immediately called back, “Sis, come on in!”
“Wow, this snow is seriously something else. Sis, I’ve never seen it pile up this high before!” Nina Xu smiled as she spoke, then entered with Yvonne Li and the others right behind her.
“Hey, where’s Little Blue and Little Pink?” Not seeing her two little tail-ends, Ivy couldn’t help but ask curiously.
“Them? Oh, they’re outside building snowmen!” Nina Xu grinned, plopping down beside Ivy Shen.
“How are you feeling, sweetheart?” Yvonne Li hurried over, her face full of worry. The way Ivy had screamed last night had seriously freaked her out—how could having a baby be that terrifying?!
“I’m fine now, really.”
“Seems like this baby is totally blessed by the gods. Look at that—the moment he shows up, the snow comes down so hard, it’s basically a sign from Heaven giving you a break!” Nina Xu helped Ivy tuck in her blanket as she spoke.
“Young Master, sorry to trouble you, but could you please let Madam Yin take your spot?” Madam Jin gestured to Eli Crane.
“Huh? What’s up?” Eli Crane looked confused. Was there something he needed to do?
“Young Master, we need to open the milk for Her Highness,” Madam Jin said directly.
“Open the milk?” Ivy Shen blinked in confusion. Wait, you have to do that before the baby hatches?
Seeing Ivy’s baffled look, Madam Jin explained patiently, “It’s tradition, Your Highness. Every new mother needs her milk opened within eight hours of giving birth, so the baby can nurse right away once it’s out.”