TSWPF -Chapter 425 Panic

“Sir, Madam is about to give birth.”

“What?!” When Liu Zhimou heard the guard’s words, he jumped to his feet in shock, knocking over the inkstone beside him. He didn’t even bother to wipe it up and rushed outside in a flurry. “How can she be giving birth already? Isn’t it still before the due date?”

The guard didn’t know how to answer. He didn’t understand such things either.

Liu Zhimou felt a surge of panic in his heart. As he walked, he gradually broke into a run.

The people of Ninghua County were stunned when they saw this scene. Their usually calm and composed magistrate was actually running!

“Sir, what’s wrong?”

“Judging by how panicked he looks, something must have happened at home.”

The townsfolk began discussing among themselves, guessing what could have happened in the magistrate’s household.

“Let’s go take a look.”

“Alright…”

Soon, a strange scene appeared on the streets of Ninghua County—Liu Zhimou running in front, with the townspeople chasing after him.

“Sir, the people are chasing you,” the guard reported after glancing back at the crowd. His mouth twitched slightly.

What were they gathering around for now?

Liu Zhimou turned his head and saw a large group following him. He had no choice but to stop and ask if something was wrong, and whether they needed his help.

When the people saw him stop, they stopped as well. They asked with concern what had happened and said they would think of ways to help him.

Moved, Liu Zhimou smiled and thanked them. He explained that his wife was about to give birth and that he needed to hurry home to accompany her.

Hearing this joyful news, the people happily congratulated him.

Liu Zhimou clasped his hands. “Thank you, everyone. When the child is born, I’ll treat you all to red eggs.”

“Alright, we’ll be waiting!”

He smiled again and told them to go about their business. Then, without waiting for a reply, he turned and ran off again.

His heart was flying home.

When he finally reached the house, he saw Mr. Luo and the others and asked breathlessly, “How is it? How is she?”

Mr. Luo, who had been forcing himself to stay calm, secretly let out a sigh of relief when he saw Liu Zhimou return. He pointed to the delivery room door. “She hasn’t come out yet.”

Liu Zhimou closed his eyes briefly to steady his breathing, then strode to the door and knocked.

“Wife, don’t be afraid. I’m back.” He didn’t know if she was scared inside. “Wife, I’ll come in and stay with you.” As he spoke, he reached for the door.

“No… no need to come in,” Li Qingling panted and called out. “Just wait outside.”

She had heard that a husband witnessing childbirth might affect their relationship. Whether true or not, she didn’t want to try. Besides, she didn’t want him to see her in such a disheveled state. She wanted to remain beautiful in his eyes.

Liu Zhimou froze.

“Wife, are you alright?” he called anxiously. Giving birth was like walking through the gates of hell. He was terrified.

No, no, no… She would be fine. She must be fine.

Enduring another wave of pain, Li Qingling gripped the bedsheet tightly and struggled to say, “I’m… fine.”

Nanny Jin couldn’t bear to watch anymore. She strode out, flung open the door, and glared at Liu Zhimou.

“Stop shouting and disturbing Madam while she’s giving birth!”

With that, she slammed the door shut.

Even if the Heavenly King himself came, she would still scold him.

Liu Zhimou: “…”

He had just been scolded?

“Mo’er, come sit down. Don’t disturb Xiaoling,” Mr. Luo said, pulling him aside and pressing him into a chair. “Come, let’s play chess.”

Liu Zhimou sat down absentmindedly. “Grandmaster, she’ll be fine, right?”

He desperately needed reassurance.

Mr. Luo nodded without hesitation. “She’ll be fine.”

He was comforting Liu Zhimou—and himself.

Liu Zhimou rubbed his hands and nodded, then looked at the nervous children. “You don’t have to stay here. Go do your own things.”

But Li Qingfeng and the others shook their heads firmly. They wouldn’t leave until Li Qingling came out safely.

Seeing their determination, Liu Zhimou stopped persuading them.

Mr. Luo urged him to play chess again.

“I’m not in the mood,” Liu Zhimou said weakly.

“Playing chess helps distract you,” Mr. Luo rolled his eyes. “Come, play a game with me.”

After hesitating, Liu Zhimou nodded reluctantly.

He had just placed a few pieces when Hu Juanjuan rushed in.

“Sir, how is Madam?”

“There’s no movement. I don’t know what’s going on inside,” Liu Zhimou said anxiously. “Madam Hu, could you go in and take a look?”

Hu Juanjuan nodded repeatedly and went inside.

She hurried to the bedside and held Li Qingling’s hand. “Madam, I’m here.”

Li Qingling forced a smile.

“Don’t talk. Save your strength,” Hu Juanjuan said gently, wiping her sweat. “Xichun, go bring something for Madam to eat.”

“Nianxia has gone.”

Just then, Nianxia came in with a bowl of egg noodles.

“Madam, eat some.”

With Hu Juanjuan’s support, Li Qingling slowly ate.

It took her half an hour to finish the bowl.

The pain made every bite difficult, but she forced herself to eat for the baby’s sake.

Hu Juanjuan helped her lie down again. “Rest. Don’t shout. Save your strength.”

Li Qingling nodded softly.

To distract her, Hu Juanjuan told her stories.

Outside, Liu Zhimou grew even more anxious.

“Grandmaster, why isn’t she making any sound?”

Mr. Luo cleared his throat. “Go ask.”

Liu Zhimou hurried to the door and knocked. “Wife, are you alright? Why aren’t you calling out?”

Inside, Hu Juanjuan smiled. “Sir is very worried about you.”

Li Qingling took a breath and answered loudly.

Hearing her voice, Liu Zhimou finally relaxed.

“Wife, don’t be afraid. I’ll stay with you.”

“Okay…”

Suddenly, Li Qingling bit her lip until it bled.

It hurt—so much it felt like her body was being torn apart.

“Bite this,” Hu Juanjuan quickly said, placing a handkerchief in her mouth.

“How dilated is she?” Nanny Jin asked.

The midwife replied calmly, “First births take time. Her position is good. She’ll be fine.”

“Nianxia, bring another bowl,” Nanny Jin ordered.

When Nianxia came out, Liu Zhimou rushed to ask.

“Madam is fine,” she replied and ran off.

She thought he looked worse than the patient.

Back at the door, Liu Zhimou strained to listen.

When Nianxia went back in, he followed her inside.

“Sir, what are you doing? Go out!” Nanny Yao frowned.

“It’s unlucky for men to be here.”

“I just want to see my wife,” Liu Zhimou said, walking toward the bed.

Nanny Yao tried to stop him, but Nanny Jin held her back and shook her head.

“If he doesn’t see her, he won’t be at ease.”

With a sigh, Nanny Yao stepped aside.