A few days later, the palace was decked with lights and lanterns, and a grand victory banquet was held.
Xuan Yuan City straightened his clothes and crown, went to the palace for the banquet, while Yu Yao stayed at the prince's mansion.
Firstly, as a secondary concubine, she had limited status and did not have the qualifications to attend.
Secondly, she was heavily pregnant, her belly swollen and movement difficult, it would be more convenient for her to stay at home rather than attend the event.
Yu Yao, however, was calm and at ease, with no trace of melancholy. She was curled up on the couch making tiny clothes for the child about to be born.
After traversing so many realms, her embroidery skills had reached its peak, mastering the art of embroidery to an exquisite level.
Xiangling and Xiangju watched in awe and disbelief, amazed and stunned.
"Master, even a seasoned tailor of several decades couldn't match your embroidery skills."
Xiangling exclaimed.
"You have the sweetest mouth."
Yu Yao gave a glance to Xiangling, uttering a faint smile, then bent her head back to continue stitching the little outfit with full concentration.
That night, moonlight was like silk, and within the imperial city, the lights were brilliant. A grand victory banquet slowly began to unfold in the Hall of Supreme Tranquility, marking its start.
Xuan Yuan Zan, dressed in a dragon robe, sat regally on the throne, his face beaming with smiles, and his eyes brimming with approval for Xuan Yuan City.
"Today is a day of great joy for our Jing State, as the Western Regions have turned their hearts towards us and our territory has expanded. These achievements are all thanks to King Qin!"
Xuan Yuan Zan's voice was loud and resounded throughout the grand hall.
Upon hearing this, all the officials stood up and bowed in unison, shouting: "Your Majesty is wise, King Qin is mighty!"
At the banquet, the melodious sounds of silk and bamboo instruments filled the air, with dancers spinning gracefully in light skirts that bloomed like flowers, showcasing a harmonious and prosperous melody.
Xuan Yuan Zan lifted his cup, facing the assembled ministers: "My heart is greatly reassured. I am specially granting wine and meat to the three armies to comfort their hard work; all officers who have achieved merit will be promoted and rewarded to recognize their contributions!"
After saying this, eunuchs scurried through the crowd, distributing rewards, and the hall was filled with joy.
Suddenly, Xuan Yuan Zan's gaze turned to Xuan Yuan City, his expression solemn as he declared: "King Qin has achieved towering achievements and I am greatly pleased. Today, I bestow upon you the title of Iron-Crowned Prince, an inheritance that will never be abdicated. In addition, I grant you a talisman of invincibility to ensure your safety and that of your descendants for all generations."
This matter was known to Xuan Yuan City long ago, even from the day of his return to the capital. Now, it was merely his elder brother officially issuing the decree.
He rose from his seat, gracefully sweeping his robe aside, and then kneeling respectfully, his voice steady and authoritative: "My brother Xuan Yuan City, humbly thanks the imperial favor. However, I am well aware of the fear of being too distinguished in front of the sovereign. To relieve your Majesty's worries, I wish to voluntarily surrender my military command and only wish to be a leisurely prince who enjoys familial happiness."
Upon hearing these words, the entire assembly was taken aback, and there was an outcry of surprise.
Xuan Yuan Zan raised his eyebrows, somewhat surprised but very delighted in his heart, yet pretending to hesitate on his face: "King Qin, your words are incorrect. The Western Regions have only recently been pacified, and they still need you to maintain order in one area. Simply being a leisurely prince is not sufficient."
Xuan Yuan City bowed again, his words heartfelt: "Your Majesty's wisdom is unsurpassed, yet the stability of the world cannot be achieved by one man alone. I wish to demonstrate my loyalty through this act and earnestly hope that Your Majesty will open up broader paths for talents, allowing heroes from around the world to have their own space to prove themselves."
The common folk cried out, "Long live King Qin!" With his numerous military achievements and a far-reaching reputation, his elder brother must have held him in deep jealousy for a long time now.
In order to prevent any unnecessary troubles in the future, he made this decision decisively.
Xuan Yuan City was never someone who craved power, and moreover, by shedding this heavy burden, he would be able to wander the mountains and rivers with Yu Yao in the future, leading a carefree life.
Seeing that Xuan Yuan City's resolve was unwavering, Xuan Yuan Zan finally nodded in agreement, taking the military token offered by Xuan Yuan City in his hand with a complex look in his eyes: "City brother, you have loyal and brave heart. I consent."
The banquet continued, but the atmosphere had already subtly changed.
The empress narrowed her eyes slightly, her gaze falling on King Qin's face, her expression solemn, her fingers lightly twirling the Buddha beads, gently turning them.
She did not utter a word regarding King Qin's voluntary surrender of his military command.
"Well then, being a leisurely prince is also good. Life of luxury and wealth will never be lacking, and it will not be so exhausting."
Whispers among the officials continued, with everyone discussing King Qin's actions, some admiring his high morals and integrity, while others speculated on the deeper meaning behind his actions.
Xuan Yuan City, however, seemed as if he had not heard a word, feeling completely at ease in his heart. He drank his wine with a composed demeanor, his expression calm and as though all the commotion had nothing to do with him.
Xuan Yuan Zan's mood seemed to have improved significantly, his smile becoming more genuine, and the worry in his eyes dispersing. He was chatting with the officials beside him, laughing and joking, looking pleased.
Since the celebration banquet, Xuan Yuan City officially surrendered his military command and began living as a leisurely prince.
Upon hearing about this, Yu Yao said nothing.
If Xuan Yuan City did not relinquish his military command, he might not be able to sleep well in the future.
Voluntarily surrendering military command is the only way to ensure the stability and tranquility of the Qin Mansion.
With his days growing more leisurely, Xuan Yuan City spent his time at the mansion, accompanying her.
Looking at her belly growing larger and larger, Xuan Yuan City's anticipation for the arrival of their child only grew stronger.
Life at the mansion was peaceful and warm. They often played chess, strolled around, or together admired flowers and moonlight, sharing their heartfelt thoughts with each other, making their relationship even closer.
They were almost inseparable, never leaving each other's side.
It is worth mentioning that all the unserviced women in the palace were dismissed by Xuan Yuan City.
Each of them was given a generous amount of silver. They were free to go back to their hometowns or remarry as they wished.
For those with no place to go, they were arranged to retire in a manor outside the capital.
In this way, the Qin Mansion became exceptionally peaceful.
In the vast mansion, just the two principals—her and Xuan Yuan City.
The mansion was quieter and more peaceful, with fewer disturbances and more tranquility and harmony.
In the morning, sunlight poured into the corners of the courtyard, peaceful and beautiful.
Finally, the day for Yu Yao to give birth arrived.
On that day, the atmosphere in the mansion was tense and busy, as if time had stood still.
Yu Yao was carefully carried into the maternity room that had been prepared in advance, with great care and attention.
Xiangling and Xiangju were running around preparing various things needed.
Several midwives stood ready, carefully checking her position.
Yu Yao lying on the bed, quietly swallowed a painless childbirth pill.
Even though most of the pain was dispelled by the pill, those fine threads of faint discomfort still lingered.
She lightly furrowed her brow, pretending to moan a few times to make it seem more realistic.
Even so, those few moans made Xuan Yuan City outside the door panic and tremble with anxiety.
Several times, he wanted to rush in, but he feared it might affect her labor.
He paced back and forth outside the delivery room, listening to the heart-wrenching screams inside, tears filling his eyes.
Inside the delivery room.
Yu Yao's hair was damp, her face flushed red, and she was biting her teeth tightly, trying to follow the midwives' instructions.
However, the first child was born smoothly in just a moment.
"Here it comes, it's a young prince!" The midwife exclaimed in surprise, her face filled with disbelief.
The second child also arrived soon after.
"Another young prince!"
The midwife's voice was becoming more and more excited, her hands trembling slightly with excitement.
Before everyone could recover from the surprise of the consecutive deliveries, the third child was swiftly born.
"This... this is still a young prince!"
The midwife was amazed, "I have been delivering babies for many years, and I've never seen anyone give birth so quickly. To have three sons in a row is such a blessing."
Xiangling and Xiangju were also overjoyed, and they eagerly went to take a look, finding that the three little princes all looked different from each other.
The eldest son looked very much like the King, the second son looked identical to the Master, and the third son looked exactly like the Empress.
Although they were triplets, they looked different from each other, and the children were not small either. They were about the size of a normal child, with small arms and legs flailing around energetically. From their appearance alone, it was clear that they were healthy.
Both were both shocked and overjoyed, and they eagerly took the children to Yu Yao, offering them for her to see.
"Master, look, the three little princes all have different appearances."
Xiangling, holding the child, excitedly approached Yu Yao, saying.
Yu Yao, weary but managing to open her eyes, looked and indeed found that to be the case.
"These three little guys are quite handsome," she smiled weakly.
Outside the delivery room.
Upon hearing the crying of the child, Xuan Yuan City knew that the child had been born.
Relieved in his heart, he was about to go in.
Just then, several midwives rushed out to report the good news.
He casually pointed to one of them and asked, "How is Consort Yu?"
The midwives looked at each other in confusion. In ancient times, lineage was highly valued, especially in the absence of an heir for the Qin Mansion.
King Qin had actually asked first about the woman's condition.
Seeing that King Qin was about to get angry, one of the more resourceful ones quickly smiled and said, "Congratulations, Your Highness! Best wishes, Your Highness! The mother and child are safe, Consort Yu has given birth to three healthy little princes."
"Good, good, rewards shall be given generously! Everyone in the mansion shall receive a reward!"
Xuan Yuan City laughed loudly and heartily, extremely pleased. To have three sons all at once, how could he not be happy?
He pushed open the door and walked into the delivery room, where Xiangling and Xiangju bowed respectfully: "Servants, we have met Your Highness."
Xuan Yuan City waved his hand, about to continue walking in, when Xiangling spoke up: "Your Highness, with your noble body…"
Xuan Yuan City's face darkened, and he glared at her.
Xiangling's face turned pale, and she couldn't say anything more. She tactfully retreated to the side.
Xuan Yuan Chè sneered coldly and flung his sleeves, entering the inner room.
