She got up and ran out the door when everything was over. Bao looked at me and the babies in confusion and disbelief. She obviously knew about their birth defects and that I was much better than I should be after all her botches. "I... I don't understand." she said as she held a hand to her head. "Don't think too hard. You really did a good enough job with the delivery. I was able to fix the complications on my own. I'm a skilled doctor on my own right. I just could not reach everything myself while in labor." I said. It was partly the truth. It did really hurt at the time. "And the children!? They are demon children with red armor!" she said as she took a bold step closer. Both of the children were sleeping peacefully. The children in the game were pretty docile and pleasant unless they inherited or caught an illness trait. They then would loudly cry or be troubled in someway. I was an angel and even if they did have something, I would just instantly cure them. "Bao. If you keep all this a secret from the others, I'll make sure the Emperor visits you next. You might even bear him a child." I said.
Bao looked at me for a moment and crossed her arms. "You're not a demon or a witch are you?" she demanded. I shook my head. She sighed and said "Fine then. I'll be quiet for now, but I will be watching you." Bao then left the room. I looked at my new children and sighed. I then thought about the other children I had. All of them were certainly strong enough to survive in the world I left them. If they wanted to, they could become generals for the elves in the settlements. I hoped these two would be able to grow up strong and able to study and learn nice things. In the meantime, I was going to be spending most of my time hiding them from the other concubines. There is obviously a danger to the safety to the children if they were discovered too soon. People might try to have them banished or killed. It made me laugh. "I'd like to see them try to do it." I said to myself as I put them down and walked around the room. I locked the door to make sure that I was not disturbed. Time moved on and it was a couple days before my next visitors. All of my housemates kept me company in the meantime.
A visit from the three Empresses, the Crowned Consort and the other Consorts was a serious matter. I had the babies swaddled tightly. Empress Hua Mei was already a few weeks pregnant. The eight were all in my room as I laid down. The jealously on the face of the consorts were clear. I took a breath to greet them. "Yawen greets my seniors. Welcome Empress Hua Mei; Holy Mother, Empress Dowager Wang Wuying; Mother Empress, Empress Dowager Ai; Crowned Consort Long Xinyue; and all my noble Consorts Huli Yijun, Mao Gengxin, Tang Xinyi and Chuan Min." They muttered greetings back. Ai looked upset. With new heirs, the line of succession was now a secure legacy for her enemies. Her husband's reign was gone and nothing could change it. Wang Wuying was pleased. She was not a fool. Her son's position was very fragile and having two spare sons at hands will give her some options to better to help Wang Jing. Hua Min was cautious. No doubt she was already told about the deal I made with Wang Jing. She knew she can not ignore such a favor without knowing more.
I nodded and listened to them as they talked at me. They outranked me, so they were well in their rights to do that. I looked at Mao Gengxin and said "I am really looking forward to the match between us at the martial arts tournament, Consort Mao. It will probably be just before the archery competition." She looked at me and said "I don't think it would be much of a match if you used a bow against my weapons." I nodded and said "I believe that it will be even if I use my sword." She smiled and said "I will be sure to go easy on you. A mother should be there for their children. It would not do for you to be too disfigured." I simply nodded my head. "You're going to fight in the tournament? I'm impressed with women like you are so sturdy." Chuan Min said. Wang Wuying and Ai were also impressed. I guessed that they would be impressed for different reasons. Ai nodded her head and said "The new era is on the horizon. If that is what you all think is for the best, that is up to you. I am leaving." "Farewell for now, Mother Empress, Empress Dowager Ai." I said. There was a moment before the tension left.
