Zhu Xian: They've all been reborn

Several months slipped by silently amidst the bamboo shadows and laughter of Qiyun Peak.

As Tian Ling'er's belly grew larger each day, her movements became increasingly difficult, yet her face always radiated a gentle, contented glow, adding a touch of maternal warmth to her appearance.

She spent most of her time sitting quietly on the veranda, making small clothes or watching the children play. Occasionally, she would stroke her belly and whisper to the little one inside.

Finally, on a clear morning before the dew had dried, the baby's clear cry rang out again from the bamboo house.

Lu Xueqi and Linglong were delivered this time, and everything went smoothly.

It was a girl, tiny and rosy-cheeked, but her cries were full of energy, just like Tian Ling'er's lively personality.

Tian Ling'er was a little tired after giving birth, but she was in good spirits. Leaning against the headboard, she looked at the tiny swaddled baby that Linglong had brought to her, her eyes filled with tenderness and a hint of relieved joy.

She looked up at Jiang Xiaochuan, who was guarding the bedside, as well as Biyao, Xiaobai, Jin Ping'er, who had gathered around, and Jiang Liu, Jiang Nian, Jiang Xin, and Jiang An, who were curiously peeking in.

"Let's give her a name," Linglong said softly, gently placing the child next to Tian Ling'er.

All eyes turned to Tian Ling'er.

Tian Ling'er reached out her finger and gently touched her daughter's delicate, flower-petal-like cheek, her gaze distant yet filled with complete satisfaction.

She was silent for a moment before speaking softly:

"Let's call her... Jiang Meng."

"A dream?" Biyao blinked.

"Mm." Tian Ling'er nodded, looked up at Jiang Xiaochuan, then at the sisters and children around her, and her lips curved into an extremely soft smile.

"My life now, with you all, with the children, with this Qiyun Peak... is like the most beautiful dream. I'm so afraid that the dream will end as soon as I open my eyes. That's why I call her Jiang Meng (Jiang Dream). It's a reminder to myself, and also to her, to cherish this wonderful, dreamlike life."

The room fell silent for a moment.

"Okay. Jiang Meng. It sounds good."

……

Several months later, Xiao Jiangmeng grew up a bit. Her eyebrows and eyes resembled Tian Ling'er's. She loved to laugh, and when she laughed, her eyes curved into crescent moons.

Tian Ling'er carried her daughter and returned to Dazhu Peak.

Su Ru and Tian Buyi were overjoyed to see their granddaughter, hugging her tightly and refusing to let go, kissing and teasing her. Even the usually serious Tian Buyi had a wide smile on his face.

After lingering at her parents' place until the afternoon, Tian Ling'er returned home carrying Jiang Meng.

The setting sun cast her long shadow on the bluestone path of Qiyun Peak.

Jiang Xiaochuan greeted her in front of the bamboo house, somewhat surprised: "Why don't you stay a few more days? Your master's wife must be reluctant to part with Meng'er."

Tian Ling'er handed her sleeping daughter to Linglong, who came to greet her, and then naturally took Jiang Xiaochuan's arm, leaning most of her weight on him. She looked up at him and glared at him, her cheeks slightly flushed: "It's just... I missed you."

Jiang Xiaochuan felt a surge of sweetness in his heart, put his arm around her waist, and kissed the top of her head: "I missed you all too."

Back inside, after settling Jiang Meng in, Tian Ling'er leaned against the soft couch, watching Jiang Xiaochuan pour her water. She bit her lip, her face flushing even more, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes, her voice barely audible: "Xiaochuan..."

"Hmm?" Jiang Xiaochuan walked over with a water glass and sat down next to her.

"I...I feel a little uncomfortable down there," Tian Ling'er's voice was even softer, her head almost buried in her chest, "It feels bloated and painful...Could you...help me?"

Jiang Xiaochuan was stunned for a moment, then he understood.

Having the experience of taking care of Lu Xueqi, Xiaobai, and Jin Ping'er, he was quite adept at this task.

But… remembering the dizziness and overwhelming fullness he experienced after “helping” a few times before, a slight unease crept into his stomach. He really didn’t want to “drink” anymore…

But looking at Tian Ling'er's blushing face, her dependent eyes, and her slightly furrowed brows due to discomfort, how could he bring himself to refuse?

"Okay, I'll help you." He put down the water glass, his voice very gentle.

Tian Ling'er breathed a sigh of relief, but was also a little embarrassed. She obediently lay down, closed her eyes, and her eyelashes trembled nervously.

The process was long and meticulous. When it ended, Tian Ling'er was completely relaxed, her face flushed with satisfaction, and she fell into a deep sleep, a smile still lingering on her lips.

Jiang Xiaochuan felt dizzy and his stomach felt heavy. A familiar, nauseating sensation mixed with sweetness, fishiness, and fullness washed over him.

He gently got up, covered Tian Ling'er with the blanket, looked at his wife and daughter sleeping soundly, smiled helplessly, rubbed his temples, and walked out with slightly unsteady steps.

He was really... dizzy, and so full. He staggered off to find Linglong.

Linglong was arranging newly dried herbs in the pharmacy when she saw him enter with a pale face and unsteady steps. She immediately understood, put down her work, helped him sit down, and placed her fingers on his wrist to check his pulse.

"Going to 'help out' again?" Linglong asked gently, a knowing smile in her eyes.

Jiang Xiaochuan nodded awkwardly.

Linglong shook her head, turned around and took a small porcelain bottle from the cabinet, poured out a bright green pill that emitted a delicate fragrance, and handed it to him.

"Hold it in your mouth, don't swallow. It's good for your energy, helps with digestion, calms the mind, and relieves dizziness. Next time... do what you can."

Jiang Xiaochuan did as instructed and put the pill in his mouth. A cool sensation slid down his throat and spread to his limbs and bones, which relieved the dizziness and bloating.

He let out a long sigh of relief, leaned back in his chair, and felt like he had "come back to life."

"Thank you, Sister Linglong."

"We're family, no need for formalities." Linglong sat back down beside him, picked up a palm-leaf fan, and gently fanned him, bringing with her the bitter fragrance of herbs and a calming breeze.

"Ling'er just gave birth, and her body needs recuperation. Her blood and energy are also very strong, so this is understandable. She'll be fine in a few days. You should also be careful not to spoil her too much."

"I know." Jiang Xiaochuan held Linglong's hand that was fanning herself, his fingertips gently caressing her cool palm. "Tonight... I'll stay here with you. And Ping'er too."

Linglong paused in her fanning motion, looked up at him, her eyes gentle, her cheeks slightly flushed, but she did not object, only softly humming in agreement.

That night, Jiang Xiaochuan indeed stayed in the exquisite house.

Jin Ping'er also came over, looking somewhat shy, but mostly quiet and obedient.

The charming room was simply furnished, yet clean and cozy, with a faint, comforting herbal scent in the air. The bed wasn't particularly spacious, but it was enough for three people.

Linglong slept on the left, Jin Ping'er on the right, and Jiang Xiaochuan in the middle. At first, the three of them lay side by side, able to hear each other's soft breathing.

In the darkness, no one spoke; the atmosphere was somewhat subtle, yet strangely peaceful.

After a while, Linglong gently turned over to face Jiang Xiaochuan, her arm naturally resting on his waist. Almost simultaneously, Jin Ping'er on the other side also moved, leaning closer and gently resting her forehead against his shoulder.

Jiang Xiaochuan stretched out his arms, one hand around Linglong's supple waist and the other around Jin Ping'er's slender shoulders, pulling them both closer to him.

Linglong exuded a reassuring warmth and the scent of medicine, while Jin Ping'er emanated a delicate fragrance and a hint of milk.

Two different kinds of warmth came from both sides of his body, enveloping him.

In the darkness, there seemed to be a very faint sigh, or perhaps a satisfied sigh.

Linglong's hand slid to his chest, pressing gently with a soothing rhythm. Jin Ping'er became even quieter, burying her face in his shoulder, her breathing gradually becoming even.

As for his hands, whether they ended up lying properly, or lingering unconsciously on some soft curve, or being gently held by someone, their fingers intertwined... the darkness of the night gently concealed all the details, leaving only a room full of silent tenderness and peace of mind.

Jiang Xin and Jiang An are both grown up and have long been used to sleeping alone. Tian Ling'er has to take care of little Jiang Meng. As for whether to go to Lu Xueqi's place tomorrow night or deal with the "struggle" between Bi Yao and Xiao Bai... that's a matter for tomorrow.