The son-in-law of a prosperous family

Fang Huai's eyes were full of surprise when he heard this, and he gently patted Zhao Yunchuan's shoulder: "Really? That's great! You are so busy every day, you should have a good rest a long time ago."

As he spoke, he pulled Zhao Yunchuan to sit on the stone bench in the yard.

"By the way, Huai'er, is there any place you want to go? I'll take you there."

Fang Huai looked at him tenderly, shook his head gently, and raised his hand to touch Zhao Yunchuan's slightly tired cheek: "I'm not going anywhere. You've been busy and tired for the court affairs. Just rest at home for the next two days."

Zhao Yunchuan felt warm in his heart, and he took Fang Huai's hand and pulled him to sit on the stone bench in the yard, jokingly saying, "Then I must enjoy this rare leisure time."

Before the Chinese New Year, Zhao Yunchuan worked hard day and night to promote potato cultivation.

Zhao Yunchuan recorded everything in detail, from the analysis of soil conditions suitable for potato planting, to the planning of planting times in different regions, and to the precautions for subsequent field management.

After countless days and nights of hard work, he finally built a general framework for promoting potato cultivation. He only needs to wait for the beginning of next spring to implement it in an orderly manner and let this high-yield crop benefit the people.

At this time, Fang Huai at home was almost due to give birth.

Because she was pregnant with twins, Fang Huai's body became heavier and it was extremely inconvenient for her to move.

Twin pregnancies usually result in premature birth. Zhao Yunchuan was filled with worry and just wanted to stay by Fang Huai's side all the time, not daring to slack off at all.

Finally, Zhao Yunchuan submitted a letter asking for leave to the emperor.

The emperor looked at the memorial with a puzzled look on his face. He summoned Zhao Yunchuan into the palace and asked, "What leave do you want?"

Zhao Yunchuan replied respectfully: "Your Majesty, I ask for maternity leave."

The emperor's eyes widened and he said in disbelief: "Your husband is giving birth, why are you asking for maternity leave?"

Zhao Yunchuan looked earnestly at the emperor and said, "Your Majesty, my husband is about to give birth to twins. Twins are usually born prematurely and the situation is complicated. I am really worried. I beg Your Majesty to grant me maternity leave so that I can take care of her."

The emperor's eyes widened, his face full of disbelief, the teacup in his hand almost slipped, after calming himself down, he said with a smile: "I have heard that it is not easy for women to give birth and they need someone to take care of them, but I have never heard of men being able to take maternity leave. Your action has set a precedent in our dynasty."

Zhao Yunchuan was resolute: "Your Majesty, I know this is a rare move, but Huai Ge'er is the most important person to me. He is facing a difficult birth. If I am not by his side, I will regret it for the rest of my life. The general framework for the potato promotion has been set up, and I have also made arrangements for the follow-up matters. I hope Your Majesty will help."

The emperor frowned and paced back and forth in the hall. After thinking for a long time, he stopped and sighed helplessly: "Forget it, look at your appearance. If I don't grant you leave, I'm afraid you won't be interested in the affairs of the court. I will grant you this period of leave. When your husband gives birth safely, return to the court as soon as possible, and don't delay state affairs."

Zhao Yunchuan was overjoyed and kowtowed heavily: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace! I will definitely live up to your trust. When the family affairs are settled, I will return to the court immediately to help your Majesty with his worries."

After getting the emperor's permission to leave, Zhao Yunchuan was eager to return home and rushed back to the palace without stopping.

As soon as I entered the house, I went straight to my room.

At this time, Fang Huai was half leaning against the head of the bed, with a look of fatigue that was unique to pregnancy. His belly was too big recently, and it was inconvenient for him to move. He spent most of the day lying in bed. Seeing Zhao Yunchuan coming back, Fang Huai's eyes flashed with surprise: "Husband, you came back so early today."

Zhao Yunchuan walked quickly to the bedside, gently held Fang Huai's hand, and rested his forehead against his: "Brother Huai, I have asked for leave. I will stay with you until the baby is born safely."

Fang Huai felt very anxious. To be honest, he always felt a little panicked if his husband was not there during the delivery.

On a snowy night, the cold wind was howling outside the window and snowflakes were hitting the window frames.

The house was as warm as spring. Zhao Yunchuan and Fang Huai slept in each other's arms. Zhao Yunchuan gently placed his hand on Fang Huai's bulging belly, as if he was guarding the new life that was about to be born.

Fang Huai suddenly felt a sharp pain in his stomach while sleeping. He frowned subconsciously and gently pushed Zhao Yunchuan beside him. His voice was filled with hidden pain: "Husband, I... my stomach hurts."

Zhao Yunchuan was suddenly awakened from his sleep, all sleepiness gone. In the dim candlelight, he saw beads of sweat oozing from Fang Huai's forehead and his face was a little pale.

He quickly stood up and looked at the mattress, where he saw a wet mark. His heart tightened as he realized that Fang Huai's water had broken and she was about to give birth.

"Did I wet the bed?"

"No, you're going to have a baby!"

Zhao Yunchuan didn't have time to think about it. He called out to the servants outside the house, his voice full of anxiety: "Someone! Hurry up and call the midwife and doctor!"

Fortunately, the midwife and the doctor had already been taken home by Zhao Yunchuan to stay in case of emergency. When they heard the call, they hurried over.

The midwife carefully checked Fang Huai's condition, straightened up, and looked at Zhao Yunchuan calmly: "My husband has just started to have an attack. Although the amniotic fluid has broken, it will take a long time before the birth. Now we need to let you eat something first to save your strength so that you can have enough strength for the birth later."

Zhao Yunchuan nodded hurriedly, turned around and looked at Fang Huai, his eyes full of concern: "Brother Huai, what do you want to eat? Just tell me, I'll get it for you right away."

Fang Huai was in so much pain that a thin layer of sweat appeared on his forehead again, but he still tried to force a smile: "I... I just want to eat the fermented glutinous rice and eggs you made."

Zhao Yunchuan kissed him on the forehead and said gently, "Okay, just wait patiently, I'll be there soon."

After saying that, he walked quickly towards the kitchen.

At the same time, Bai Guihua had already started working with Grandma Sun.

She asked Mrs. Sun to carry hot water to the delivery room again and again. Big and small buckets were placed on the floor, steaming.

She was preparing clean towels and quilts, and preparing all the items needed for the delivery.

In the kitchen, Zhao Yunchuan rolled up his sleeves and skillfully lit a fire and boiled water.

The flames licked the bottom of the pot, and soon the water boiled. He carefully cracked the eggs, and the egg liquid slid into the pot, instantly solidifying into golden egg flowers. Then, he scooped out a few spoonfuls of fermented glutinous rice and poured it into the pot, and the sweet aroma instantly spread.

Zhao Yunchuan looked at the fermented glutinous rice and eggs bubbling in the pot, and silently prayed in his heart that everything would be well for Fang Huai and the child.

Soon, a bowl of steaming glutinous rice wine and eggs was served to Fang Huai.

Zhao Yunchuan sat beside the bed, gently lifted Fang Huai up, and patiently fed him spoonful by spoonful.

As Fang Huai ate the familiar taste, the pain seemed to ease a little.

The midwife watched from the side and nodded slightly: "Husband, eat more. Only when you are full will you have strength."

The snow outside the window was falling heavier, but the house was filled with a tense and warm atmosphere.

Everyone was making final preparations for the arrival of a new life. Zhao Yunchuan stayed by Fang Huai's side, not daring to leave for a moment. He held Fang Huai's hand tightly, giving him strength and comfort.