The tension in the courtyard had almost solidified. Huohe continued pacing back and forth, his palms long since soaked with sweat. Every second of waiting left him burning with anxiety. Xifaman, Shiheng and his wife, and the others waited quietly, none daring to speak for fear of disturbing those in the delivery room.
Before long, a clear, strong infant's cry suddenly rang out from the delivery room, cutting through the courtyard's stifling tension and instantly breaking the silence.
The cry was loud and vigorous, brimming with health. Everyone present jolted, relief and delight appearing on their faces at once.
The child had finally been born!
A moment later, the wooden door of the delivery room was gently pushed open. Holding a tightly wrapped bundle, the midwife hurried up to Hogg, her face filled with genuine joy, and bowed repeatedly in congratulations. "Congratulations, my lord Earl! Congratulations! It's a fair, plump young master, with a strong cry and a healthy body. Your wife is safe and sound as well. Mother and son are both well-what wonderful news!"
Huohe froze on the spot, his mind going blank for a moment, as though he could not believe that the wish he had cherished for over a decade had finally come true. The next instant, overwhelming joy surged through his heart like a tide, filling every limb. Even his voice trembled as he swept out a hand and loudly instructed the servants beside him, "Generous rewards! Everyone will be richly rewarded! Rewards for the entire household!"
He reached out with trembling hands and took the bundle with the utmost care and gentleness, as though holding the most precious treasure in the world. His gaze remained fixed on the infant's tender face. He looked again and again, never getting enough, not daring to exert even