The air in the palace was thick with anticipation. Everyone knew the Crown Princess's child would arrive soon, but when the moment finally came, it felt sudden and overwhelming. Yang Ning, in the final stages of her pregnancy, had been resting in the peaceful confines of her bed in the Dragon Pavilion. Lady Yu Ling, the head of the court ladies, remained by her side, overseeing everything with her experienced eye.
Gu Lan, the head of Zheng Liang's royal troops and his most trusted guard, had been stationed outside the chamber at the Crown Prince's orders. Despite his usual role on the battlefield, today he was tasked with a much more delicate responsibility: ensuring the safety of the Crown Princess during this crucial moment.
Inside her chamber, Yang Ning lay on the bed, her hand gently resting on her belly. The baby had been moving frequently, but today, the air felt different. She knew the time had come.
