Killer Queen: Tyrant, prepare to die!

The eighth day of the third month in the sixth year of Jinghe.

The Awakening of Insects has passed, and the Spring Equinox is approaching.

In the courtyard of Kunning Palace, the snow lotus that Bao'er planted herself quietly bloomed in this untimely season.

Snow-white petals sway gently in the spring breeze.

It was as if the sacred beasts on Xiling Snow Mountain were also offering their blessings from afar.

-

The third quarter of the hour of Zi (11:45 PM).

Shen Qingci suddenly opened her eyes.

"Ah Ye".

At the sound, Nangong Ye, who was sleeping next to him, jumped up.

"What's wrong? What's wrong? Are you going into labor?!"

These days, he sleeps in his clothes, afraid of missing the slightest sound.

Shen Qingci looked at his pale face and couldn't help but laugh.

"Yes," she said, "we should call her midwife now."

Nangong Ye was stunned for a moment.

Then--

"Someone come here!! Summon the midwife!! Summon the imperial physician!! Quickly!!!"

He rushed out, not even bothering to put on his shoes.

Shen Qingci leaned against the headboard, watching the barefoot figure running wildly in the yard, and the corners of her mouth curved slightly.

This man was genuinely nervous.

-

The delivery room was already prepared.

Everything is going as expected.

But when Shen Qingci was helped inside, Nangong Ye still panicked.

He grasped Physician Chen's hand: "May I...may I go in?"

Imperial Physician Chen shook his head: "Your Majesty, the delivery room is bloody, you cannot..."

"I don't care!" Nangong Ye was about to rush inside.

A hand pressed him down.

Shen Qingci stood at the door, looking at him.

"Ah Ye," she said calmly, "wait outside."

"But……"

"Believe me."

She looked at him, her gaze gentle yet firm.

Nangong Ye took a deep breath and released his grip.

"Alright," he said. "I'll be waiting for you."

"Waiting for you."

-

The delivery room door was closed.

Nangong Ye stood outside the door, motionless.

Xuan Ying brought over a chair, but he didn't sit down.

Jinshu brought him tea, but he didn't drink it.

He just stood there, staring at the door, as if trying to see right through it with his gaze.

One hour.

Two hours.

Three hours.

Occasionally, suppressed groans could be heard from inside, each one making Nangong Ye's heart clench.

He paced back and forth at the door, muttering to himself:

"It's okay...it's okay...Qingci is so amazing...she'll be alright..."

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps approached.

Nangong Ye looked up.

Xiao Jue, covered in dust, stood in the courtyard.

"Your Majesty," he bowed respectfully, "I heard that Her Majesty was about to give birth, so I rushed back from the northern border..."

When Nangong Ye saw him, his eyes lit up, and he rushed over and grabbed his hand:

"Xiao Jue! Have you ever given birth?!"

Xiao Jue: "...?"

"Give birth! Have you ever given birth before? How long does it take? Will there be any problems?!"

Xiao Jue stared expressionlessly at his emperor—this once decisive and ruthless ruler, whose eyes were now red-rimmed, hair disheveled, and who was clutching him like a lifeline.

He was silent for a moment.

"Your Majesty..." he began with difficulty, "I have never given birth."

Nangong Ye released his grip and continued pacing back and forth.

Xiao Jue stood there, looking at the tightly closed door, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes, but he quickly concealed it.

He stepped aside and stood quietly.

Like a silent mountain.

-

It's almost dawn.

The east was beginning to lighten with the first light of dawn.

suddenly--

"Wow--!!!"

A loud baby cry pierced the dawn!

Nangong Ye froze!

Then, another sound!

"Wow--!!!"

Two cries, one after the other, equally loud!

The delivery room door finally opened.

The midwife rushed out, carrying two swaddled babies, her face beaming with joy:

"Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations! Her Majesty has given birth! It's a prince and a princess! Mother and children are safe and sound! Auspiciousness abounds!"

Nangong Ye stared blankly at the two tiny swaddled babies.

The one in red is the princess.

The one in blue is the prince.

Two wrinkled little faces, exactly the same.

He reached out his hand, wanting to hug her, but then hesitated.

"May I...may I hold you?"

The midwife smiled and placed the two children in his arms.

Nangong Ye froze, holding the two light little things in his arms.

He looked down at those two small faces.

Looking at their tightly closed eyes, their slightly twitching little noses, and their occasional smacking of their lips.

Suddenly, tears welled up in her eyes.

"I...I'm pregnant again..." he murmured, "Qingci...Qingci has given me two children..."

Xiao Jue stood aside, watching this scene unfold.

Seeing that once fierce emperor now holding two children, crying like a fool.

The corners of his mouth curved slightly.

Then, he turned around and quietly slipped out.

He's no longer needed here.

-

When Shen Qingci woke up, it was already noon.

The room was filled with sunlight.

She lay on the soft bed, her body aching all over, yet she felt a sense of peace she had never experienced before.

"Mother!"

Bao'er's little face came closer, her bright eyes full of excitement.

"Mommy! My little brother and sister are so small! So soft! I don't dare to touch them!"

Shen Qingci smiled.

She raised her hand and patted Bao'er's head.

"My younger siblings will grow up eventually."

"Then Bao'er will play with them every day!"

"it is good."

Nangong Ye carried the two children over and sat down by the bed.

His eyes were still red, but his face was beaming with joy.

"Qingci," he gently placed the two children beside her, "look."

Shen Qingci lowered his head.

Two tiny swaddled babies lay side by side.

Two identical little faces, sleeping peacefully.

Her child.

She and his child.

She reached out and gently stroked those two small faces.

Beneath my fingertips, there was a warm, soft, and vibrant sensation.

"It's really ugly," she said softly.

Nangong Ye was taken aback: "Huh?"

"Newborn babies are all like this," Shen Qingci said, looking at him. "You were like this when you were born too."

Nangong Ye scratched his head: "Then...then it'll look better from now on, right?"

"Yes." Shen Qingci nodded, "As pretty as Bao'er."

Bao'er puffed out her little chest beside her and said, "Bao'er is the prettiest!"

Nangong Ye smiled.

He reached out and took Shen Qingci's hand in his.

"Qingci," he said softly, "thank you."

Shen Qingci looked at him.

"What are you thanking me for?"

"Thank you for giving me such a wonderful child." He looked at her, his eyes filled with tenderness that almost overflowed. "Thank you... for staying by my side."

Shen Qingci remained silent for a moment.

Then, she took his hand in return.

"Ah Ye".

"Um?"

"Thank you too."

Nangong Ye was taken aback: "Thank me for what?"

Shen Qingci did not answer.

She simply looked at the three children beside her—Bao'er was lying by the bed, curiously staring at her younger siblings; the two little ones were sleeping side by side, breathing evenly.

She looked again at the sunlight outside the window, at the blooming snow lotus in the courtyard, and at Jinshu, Eunuch Li, and Xuanying standing guard not far away...

Finally, she looked at the man in front of her.

This man, whom she once hated to the core, now brings her peace of mind.

She leaned gently on his shoulder.

"Thank you..." she whispered, "for giving me a home."

Nangong Ye was startled.

Then, he reached out and pulled her into his arms.

I held it very lightly.

It's like holding the most precious treasure in the world.

-

When the news spread, the whole country rejoiced.

The dragon and phoenix together symbolize good fortune, a very auspicious omen.

The people spontaneously hung red ribbons at their doors and set off firecrackers.

Court officials submitted congratulatory letters one after another, piling up the desk in the imperial study.

Qian Sihai presented a pair of pure gold longevity locks, engraved with the four characters "Dragon and Phoenix Bring Auspiciousness".

Mo Shisan delivered two shares of "Sihai Business Information" as a gift for the two young princes.

Shen Anbang was in tears, holding his grandson and granddaughter, his hands trembling.

Even Prince Su sent a congratulatory gift—though he didn't come in person, the gift list clearly stated "Congratulations to the Emperor and Empress."

-

Three days later.

The third-day washing ceremony.

The two children were officially named.

The prince's name was "Heng"—a precious gem of jade, a national treasure.

The princess's name was "Yao"—meaning "the brilliance of jade, the splendor of the moon."

Nangong Heng, Nangong Yao.

Bao'er was very unhappy with the name.

Why do my younger siblings all have the character "王" (Wang) in their names, but Bao'er's doesn't?

Shen Qingci explained, "Your character '玥' also has the '王' (king) radical."

Bao'er lowered her head and counted on her fingers.

"It seems...it really is!"

He was happy and ran to see his younger brother and sister.

At this moment, the two little ones are lying side by side in the cradle, their eyes open, looking around curiously.

Bao'er lay beside the cradle and said like a little adult:

"Little brother, little sister, I'm the older brother. If anyone bullies you in the future, tell me, and I'll fight back for you!"

Shen Qingci raised an eyebrow: "Bao'er, are you teaching your younger siblings how to fight?"

Bao'er declared confidently, "It's not fighting! It's protecting!"

Nangong Ye laughed from the side: "Yes, protect. Father will protect you too."

Bao'er glanced at him: "Father, you can protect Mother. As for my younger brother and sister, Bao'er will protect them."

Nangong Ye: "..."

He was disliked by his son.

-

The days passed by.

Heng'er and Yao'er grew up slowly.

At two months old, she started smiling.

At four months, she was able to roll over.

At six months, she could sit up.

Bao'er became the most dutiful older brother.

The first thing I do every morning is run to see my younger siblings.

"Good morning, Heng'er! Good morning, Yao'er! Your brother is here!"

The two little ones grinned and danced with joy when they saw him.

Bao'er would tell them stories—even though they couldn't understand them.

I'll sing for them—though I'm not quite in tune.

They would save the snacks sent from the imperial kitchen for them to eat when they grew up.

Jinshu laughed at him, "Your Highness, the two little princes are only six months old, they can't eat snacks yet."

Bao'er said earnestly, "Then let's keep it for now! Bao'er will take it out when they're old enough to eat it!"

Seeing this scene, Shen Qingci's heart melted completely.

-

The sixth year of Jinghe, the eighth day of the ninth month.

Heng'er and Yao'er are half a year old.

The sun was shining brightly that day.

Shen Qingci leaned against the soft couch in the courtyard, watching the scene before her—

Nangong Ye carried Yao'er as he walked slowly through the courtyard, muttering to himself, seemingly unsure of what he was saying.

Bao'er held Heng'er in her arms, sat on the stone bench, and earnestly taught him to recognize characters: "This one is pronounced 'one,' this one is pronounced 'two'..."

Heng'er stared wide-eyed, it was unclear whether she understood or not, but she politely made two "ah ah" sounds.

Bao'er exclaimed happily, "My little brother knows it! He's so smart!"

Jinshu was laughing so hard she couldn't stand up straight.

Old Master Li sat hunched over in the sun on the porch, his cloudy old eyes filled with a kind light.

Shen Qingci watched all of this.

Suddenly I remembered something from a long time ago—

The dilapidated courtyard of the Cold Palace, the leaky roof, the spoiled food, and myself, covered in wounds and filled with despair.

At that time, she thought she would die in that place.

At that time, she thought that all she had in her life was hatred.

But now...

The warm sunshine shone on my body.

The children's laughter echoed in my ears.

My beloved is right in front of me.

She looked down at her hands.

These hands were once stained with blood.

Today, these hands have held children, held lovers' hands, reviewed imperial edicts, and saved countless lives.

She clenched her fist slightly.

It loosened again.

It's warm.

My heart is warm.

"Mother!"

Bao'er ran over and stuffed a small flower into her hand.

"For Mom! It's the one that bloomed in the yard! The prettiest one!"

Shen Qingci looked down at the small wildflower.

The petals were still covered in dew, sparkling in the sunlight.

She smiled.

He reached out and pulled Bao'er into his arms.

"Thank you, Bao'er."

Bao'er snuggled against her and suddenly asked:

"Mother, are you happy now?"

Shen Qingci was taken aback.

Then, nod gently.

"I'm happy," she said, her voice as gentle as a March breeze. "Mother is very happy now."

"Why are you happy?"

Shen Qingci looked at the scene before her—

Looking at Nangong Ye carrying Yao'er as he walked over, looking at Heng'er yawning in Bao'er's arms, looking at the smiling faces all over the courtyard, looking at the blue sky and white clouds above.

She said softly:

"Because everything Mother wanted has been given."

Bao'er seemed to understand but didn't quite, yet she nodded.

"Then, my darling, make your mother even happier!"

Shen Qingci smiled.

I kissed his forehead.

"it is good."

Nangong Ye walked over and sat down next to her.

Yao'er fell asleep in his arms, a smile still on her little face.

Bao'er yawned as well, leaning against Shen Qingci, her eyelids growing heavier and heavier.

Shen Qingci looked at the three children and then at her husband beside her.

Suddenly, my eyes felt hot.

She took a soft breath.

"Ah Ye".

"Um?"

"Thank you."

Nangong Ye turned to look at her.

Looking at the thin layer of tears in her eyes.

He reached out and pulled her into his arms.

"Fool," he said softly, "What are you thanking me for?"

Shen Qingci remained silent.

She simply leaned on his shoulder and closed her eyes.

The sun was shining warmly.

The wind was blowing gently.

Beside me are the people I love.

In my arms, there is the warmth of home.

Past lives and present lives, swords clashing, struggles between life and death...

Finally, it was all worth it.

-

In the distance, at the gate of the courtyard.

A figure stood quietly, watching for a long time.

Xiao Jue.

He had come to say goodbye—there was military business in the North, and he had to return.

But looking at the scene in the courtyard, he suddenly didn't want to disturb it.

He smiled.

He turned and left.

The sound of horses' hooves gradually faded into the distance.

Startled a flock of birds.

-

The sun is setting in the west.

When Shen Qingci woke up, she found herself asleep with her head on Nangong Ye's shoulder.

Bao'er was asleep too, lying on her lap, drooling all over her.

Heng'er and Yao'er were carried inside by Jinshu to sleep.

Only the three of them remained in the courtyard.

"Awake?" Nangong Ye asked softly.

"Hmm." Shen Qingci rubbed her eyes. "How long did I sleep?"

"One hour."

Why didn't you call me?

Nangong Ye smiled, reached out, and gently brushed the strands of hair from her face.

"Seeing you sleeping so soundly, I can't bear to part with you."

Shen Qingci looked at him.

The setting sun shone on his face, gilding it with a soft golden edge.

His eyes were filled with nothing but her.

She smiled softly.

She leaned back on his shoulder.

"Ah Ye".

"Um?"

"How about we stay like this for the rest of our lives?"

Nangong Ye held her hand tightly.

"Okay," he said, his voice low and solemn, "for a lifetime."

"May it be like this in my next life too."

Shen Qingci smiled slightly.

"greedy."

"Yes, I am greedy."

Neither of them spoke again.

I just quietly watched the sunset slowly sink below the horizon.

Watching the sky turn orange-red and then gradually darken.

Watching the first star quietly light up.

Bao'er smacked her lips in her dream, turned over, and continued sleeping.

In the distance, the faint cries of Heng'er and Yao'er could be heard—they were probably hungry.

The sound of Jinshu's hurried footsteps.

Eunuch Li's slow, deliberate voice: "Don't rush, don't rush, this old servant will handle it..."

As Shen Qingci listened to these sounds, the smile on her lips deepened.

She suddenly remembered a sentence.

I saw it in a book in my past life, but I didn't understand it then.

Now I understand.

The most precious things in the world are not what we cannot get or what we have lost.

"But right now, it's the people around me."

[End of this episode]

Next episode preview: In the seventh year of Jinghe, Heng'er and Yao'er turn one year old. At their first birthday celebration, Heng'er picked a wooden sword, and Yao'er picked a pen. The officials congratulated them, saying that the prince would surely become a great general and the princess a top scholar. Bao'er pouted: "I already know what my younger siblings picked!"