Serena Feng regained consciousness. Nolan’s earlier decision was no longer necessary, so the Valley Master and imperial physicians waited outside the door once again. After Serena took a slice of aged ginseng, her strength returned considerably.
A mother’s strength knows no bounds. Even though Serena was thoroughly exhausted, she was determined to persevere for her child.
Ignoring Nolan’s pleas, Serena insisted on giving birth to the child.
Although she had briefly lost consciousness midway, thanks to timely intervention, Serena’s blackout hadn’t lasted long. As long as everything went smoothly from here, the baby would still be healthy.
Nolan couldn’t win against Serena’s stubbornness, so he could only repeat his demand: if any danger appeared, they must prioritize saving the mother.
"We can have another child, but there’s only one you. You still have me and Little Dumpling—don’t you want us?" Nolan couldn’t stand the idea that Serena would risk her life for the baby and abandon him.
In his heart, he and Serena were irreplaceable to each other—even their own children couldn’t compare.
"Of course not," Serena replied, knowing her earlier blackout had frightened Nolan badly. To reassure him, she promised, "If any new danger appears, I accept prioritizing the adult—save me first."
Serena was well aware of her own condition. As long as her Smart Med-Pack didn’t malfunction again, she was confident she’d have the strength to deliver the baby.
Speaking of the Smart Med-Pack, Serena realized she couldn’t sense its presence at all. She frowned, but didn’t dwell on it, instead focusing on adjusting her breathing and following the midwife’s instructions to prepare for delivery…
Inside the birthing room, everyone was tense and busy. Outside, Little Dumpling, refusing to leave despite Jada Tang and Jada Yao’s persuasion, squatted beside Snow Wolf, plucking at his white fur. "Snow Wolf, do you think Mama will be okay?" he asked.
Before Snow Wolf could answer, Little Dumpling yanked out another tuft of white fur. "Snow Wolf, my little sister’s so naughty—when she grows up, can I spank her?" Another handful of fur was gone.
"Awoo…" Snow Wolf howled in misery, opening his mouth to cry out, but Zed slapped him mid-howl. "Don’t make a fuss, you’ll scare the baby sister."
"Right, Snow Wolf, be good. No noise, or you’ll worry big sister." Feng Jin decisively echoed, quelling Snow Wolf’s urge to rebel.
Little Dumpling, even more dissatisfied, patted Snow Wolf’s head. "Snow Wolf, you have to behave. Mama’s giving birth to my little sister, so you can’t cause trouble—Mama will worry." Those were Jada’s words to him before, promising to bring him only if he behaved. Now Little Dumpling was using them to scold Snow Wolf.
Snow Wolf was heartbroken…
Seriously, who’s the naughty one here?!
Just look at all the wolf fur scattered around—it could make a broom! If they keep pulling, I won’t survive this winter; I’ll freeze to death for sure.
Snow Wolf was full of grief, but at that moment all three children were craning their necks, waiting for news from the birthing room, completely ignoring his suffering. Whenever Serena cried out in pain inside, Little Dumpling would anxiously yank out another tuft of wolf fur. "Mama must really hurt—she’s the bravest when it comes to pain."
"Wuuu…" I’m hurting too!
Snow Wolf didn’t dare make another sound, only letting out a soft whimper for mercy.
I knew Snow Wolf was the best—he’s worried about Mama too." Little Dumpling hugged Snow Wolf’s head, rubbing his own small head against the wolf’s, his big grape-like eyes blinking adorably.
Snow Wolf instantly surrendered, nuzzling Little Dumpling in return and patting his back with a front paw, comforting him in his own way.
As for all the wolf fur on the ground?
Snow Wolf glanced at it and silently thought: I’ll just let Little Dumpling use it as wolf-hair brushes. With so much fur, he’ll have plenty to use for a long time!
Zed and Feng Jin also came over; Zed picked Little Dumpling up into his arms. "Don’t worry, your mama will be fine—she’s really strong, and so is your dad."
Zed’s right—big sister will be out soon, so don’t be scared, Little Dumpling.' Feng Jin also squeezed Little Dumpling’s hand tightly.
Outside the hall, the three children and Snow Wolf huddled together, quietly waiting for news about Serena.
Outside the palace, William Wang Jinling and Sean Xuan stood at the gate, but didn’t go in. From the moment they received the news, they rushed over but had no intention of entering.
Messages kept coming from inside the palace, but there was still no good news—nor any truly bad news. Serena’s earlier fainting wasn’t reported, so even Little Dumpling didn’t know.
From sunset to deep night, their fur cloaks froze into blocks of ice, but they still had no intention of leaving. They just wanted to hear at once that Serena was safe…
Normally, Nolan wouldn’t mind playing the good guy and inviting them into the palace—but today?
He really didn’t have the energy to care about Sean Xuan and William Wang Jinling. Forget inviting them in—he should count himself lucky not to have kicked them out.
Time crept by. Little Dumpling’s eyelids kept drooping, Feng Jin was getting sleepy too, but only Zed stayed alert, whispering now and then in Little Dumpling’s ear to keep him from nodding off.
"How’s Her Majesty?" A maid came out of the birthing room; Jada Tang hurried forward to ask, and Little Dumpling, ever the sprite, snapped awake, his big eyes fixed on the maid, waiting for her answer.
"Her Majesty is fine—she’s about to give birth." The maid’s face showed obvious relief and joy, proving that Serena’s situation wasn’t bad.
"That’s wonderful, that’s wonderful! Mama’s having my little sister—I’m going to have a little sister!" All sleep vanished for Little Dumpling; Feng Jin perked up too, blinking and waiting for more good news.
This time, no one had to wait long or worry. Amid Serena’s wrenching cries, the midwife’s delighted voice rang out: "She’s born, she’s born—it’s a little princess!"
"Serena, our daughter—our daughter is born." Nolan clutched Serena’s hand, tears glimmering in his eyes.
This daughter has come at a tremendous cost.