On our wedding night, my wife acted strangely.

As the two were chatting, there was another knock on the door. Zhang Ma came in, bowing, carrying a red lacquered tray.

There were two bowls of white porridge on top, and two little girls followed behind, one carrying a food box and the other holding a bowl.

"Your Highness, Miss, the food is here."

Aunt Zhang placed the tray on the table and then laid out the bowls and plates one by one.

There weren't many dishes, but each one was exquisite: lotus root and pork rib soup, steamed mandarin fish, stir-fried cabbage with vinegar, braised pork knuckle (which Consort Hui usually liked), and a side dish of pickled radish.

Consort Hui sat on her dressing table, craning her neck to look, muttering to herself, "Why did they give me braised pork knuckle today?"

Zhang Ma smiled and said, "The princess knows you like to eat braised pork knuckle, but the doctor doesn't allow it, so she said she would let me secretly send you a portion, and she also told you not to eat too much, as it's too greasy."

"It's a wonder that the princess still remembers me..." Consort Hui smiled, supporting her back as she stood up, and Lin Yi quickly went to help her.

The two of them ate at the small square table in the room.

The table wasn't very big, not as luxurious as a banquet hall, but it was just right for two people to sit facing each other.

Consort Hui ate slowly, chewing in small bites, her belly pressing against the edge of the table, making it uncomfortable for her to sit in any position.

Seeing her squirming around, Lin Yi said, "Lean back a bit, don't push against me."

"If you lean on it, you won't be able to reach the vegetables."

"Tell me what you want to eat, and I'll get it for you."

Consort Hui pointed to the plate of mandarin fish: "That one, the belly part of the fish."

Hongcui was about to move when Consort Hui glared at her and stopped her.

You little brat, why are you so cheeky?

Lin Yi saw it, of course, and found it somewhat amusing.

Consort Hui actually enjoys watching him serve her food. What kind of fetish is this? So he got up, picked up a piece of fish, and put it in her bowl.

"Hehehe~" Consort Hui smiled sweetly, happy again.

Before they had eaten two bites, they suddenly heard the sound of many people's footsteps outside the courtyard.

Consort Hui was taken aback, her chopsticks hanging in mid-air. Logically speaking, not many people would come to her courtyard together.

Lin Yi didn't stop and continued eating.

Zhang Ma came in from outside, her face showing a hint of panic: "Your Highness, Miss, there are so many people outside!"

"I know," Lin Yi mumbled, his mouth full of meat. "Tell them to wait in the yard."

Consort Hui put down her chopsticks, looking puzzled. "Who are all these people who came?"

Lin Yi swallowed what was in his mouth, took another sip of soup, and said, "Doctor."

"doctor?"

"Yes, I've brought all the people who helped the princess during childbirth last time."

Consort Hui opened her mouth, but before she could say anything, Hongcui had already pushed the door open a crack and peeked into the courtyard.

Then he shrank back, his face full of shock.

"My goodness, girl, there are at least a dozen people outside!"

"A dozen or so?"

After wiping his hands, Lin Yi got up, walked to the door, pushed it open, and looked outside.

A line of people stood in the courtyard, arranged in two rows of varying lengths.

There were people dressed in green or gray robes, carrying medicine boxes or baskets, and several midwives with headscarves in between.

Lin Yi glanced around and asked Lin An, who was standing at the front, "Is everyone here?"

Lin An nodded: "Yes, Your Highness, they've all arrived. There are sixteen people in total: four imperial physicians, five folk doctors, four midwives, and three apprentice doctors."

"Sixteen..." Consort Hui leaned against the doorframe, peeking out halfway. Seeing the courtyard packed with so many people, she was completely stunned. "This...this is far too many!"

Lin Yi glanced back at her and said, "What do you mean 'too many'? You're carrying twins, I don't even think this many people are enough."

"But I'm not..."

"Stop talking and go finish your meal first." Lin Yi pushed her into the house, then turned to face the people in the yard, his hands behind his back.

Among these doctors were several who were frequently used by the Prince's residence. Li Jingtang stood at the very front, holding a hand warmer in his hand, looking completely calm.

He's seen it all before and has been to Beiyuan several times, so he's not flustered at all.

There were also a few folk doctors invited from the city. They had participated in Nangong Min's childbirth last time, so they didn't seem afraid at this moment.

Two more stood at the very back, wearing old imperial physician robes that had faded from washing, but the patterns on them were still visible.

These two men were not young, around fifty years old, one short and stout and the other tall and thin.

Lin Yi said, "Come in, everyone."

The group filed in, only to find that the main room was not that big. A dozen people were crammed together, and there was hardly any room to turn around.

Consort Hui stood by the bed, her hand resting on the bedpost, her expression somewhat uneasy.

Even though she had seen a lot in the palace, she had never seen so many doctors gathered together before.

It seems the emperor is about to die.

Aunt Zhang quickly cleared the dishes from the table to make room for the doctors.

Lin Yi stood in the middle and said, "You've all been staying in the next room these past few days, in a large communal room with simple conditions. You've suffered a bit these past few days. Once our girl gives birth smoothly, you'll naturally receive plenty of benefits."

Li Jingtang was the first to bow, saying, "Your Highness, rest assured, we will do our utmost."

The others followed suit, bowing in response.

Lin Yi added, "Our girl is pregnant with twins, and she's not young anymore, so we can't afford any mistakes this time. Dr. Li will arrange everything, from who's in charge of what to do. Just tell Zhang Ma what medicine or equipment you need; don't try to save money."

"Yes," everyone responded in unison.

Consort Hui stood there for a long time, her mind filled with doubt.

When she was pregnant with Nangong Jin in the palace, she only sent two imperial physicians and one midwife.

At that time, she felt that she was quite valued, after all, she was the emperor's child.

But now, looking up, I see... sixteen people!

There were four midwives alone!

Isn't this a bit too much?

She felt warm inside, but she couldn't help but say, "Your Highness, there's really no need for so many people. This isn't my first time giving birth; there's no need for such a fuss."

Lin Yi glanced at her: "How many years ago was the last time you had a child?"

Consort Hui choked.

"Besides, you're having twins this time, which is completely different from having one. If something happens, we won't be able to handle it with just a few people. Besides, I'm just hiring a few more people, not asking you to do anything. Just stay put."

Consort Hui remained silent.

The doctors nearby kept their heads down, not daring to look any longer.

Actually, they were all thinking about the same thing.

Who exactly is this "girl"?

Even a concubine in a royal household wouldn't need so many people to help with childbirth.

What's more, the prince himself was in charge, and the same team that delivered the princess's baby was also there.

This is almost on par with the Empress giving birth to the Crown Prince.

But no one dared to ask, and no one dared to say a word.

At this point, asking questions is pointless; it's not worth it.

Those who were imperial physicians, in particular, understood the reasoning behind it, as it had been the same when they served in the palace in their early years.

There are many things you have to pretend you don't see, even if you see them; the more you know, the faster you'll die.

Lin Yi naturally noticed everyone's expressions, but he was too lazy to explain and simply said, "Alright, you guys go and settle in first."

"Yes."