Chapter 454 - The Reason
Fortunately, this world observed a ten-month pregnancy term. All the necessary preparations had been made.
When his mother showed signs of labor, the female servants got busy boiling water and the midwife did her best. In the evening, Shen Lian was finally born.
Perhaps it was because of his incomplete development, Shen Lian was small in size. His mother too suffered tremendously in the process.
With her remaining strength, she spoke weakly, "Let me see my daughter."
Shen Lian found it strange, he thought, "Why is she so sure that I'm a daughter?"
The midwife had since washed Shen Lian up and handed him over with her trembling hands.
His mother hugged him and looked at him lovingly. Shen Lian felt unwell and shut his eyes.
His mother smiled and spoke, "She has such beautiful eyes, just like the stars in the sky."
The midwife smiled reluctantly.
His mother looked at the midwife and queried in confusion, "Grandmother, what is wrong?"
The midwife looked at Shen Lian and stuttered.
His mother looked down. Her gaze fell onto the lower part of Shen Lian's body that was not fully covered. After brushing away the cloth, her already pale face lost all hint of blood. She was in disbelief and roared at the midwife, "My child, where is my child?"
The midwife knelt down and replied, "Lady, this is your child. All of them can be my witnesses."
The mother looked at the surrounding female servants and was met with their hesitant gaze. She was starting to believe in the midwife's words now. However, she could not imagine how she managed to give birth to a 'boy'.
Even with his eyes shut, Shen Lian could feel his surroundings clearly. However, he could not understand why the 'mother' of his body lost her composure after finding out about his gender. The same applied to everyone else too.
His mother regained her composure and sighed, "Is he really my child?"
The midwife replied, "Yes, he is of your blood and flesh."
His mother spoke, "However, I drank the water of Zimu River. How is it possible that I gave birth to a boy?"
The midwife who knelt down was trembling. If this incident was made known to the public, it would be a massive scandal. If that happened, they would be held responsible too.
She spoke bravely, "Perhaps, the young lady that you gave birth to was unlucky, and had died the moment she was born."
His mother glared at her coldly, "And with that, all of you would be able to escape liabilities?"
The midwife replied grudgingly, "The Master of the city is not back yet, and there is still time to send the young master away. The water of Zimu River will always run, lady, you will still get to have a child in the future. However, if the Master of the city found out that you gave birth to a boy, this boy will not live."
Shen Lian's mother caressed his face gently and landed a kiss on his forehead. She sighed, "Even though I am not sure how did I give birth to you, but you are of my blood and flesh after all. Unfortunately, I do not have the power to protect you. Please do not blame me."
She stared out of the window and spoke, "Han Ying, I know you are here. Bring this child away. Bring him out of the city and go as far as possible."
A shadow appeared in the house. The woman was clothed fully in black. Her speed was so fast that she almost could not be perceived with n.a.k.e.d human eyes.
Shen Lian knew that Han Ying was his mother's secret guardian. However, he did not think that his mother was aware of it judging from her usual reaction.
At the same time, he heard his mother mentioning about 'Zimu River'. He had heard about this before. The river water from this river would i.m.p.r.e.g.n.a.t.e a woman. However, he did not think that he was conceived because his mother drank the water from 'Zimu River'. No wonder he developed female characteristics when he was a fetus.
This was why he never met his father, because he did not have one.
Moreover, not even a single man had appeared around his mother, and even the doctors were females. Initially, he thought that maybe they paid more attention to these details due to their social status, but now, he thought maybe this place did not even have any man.
Being born in the Kingdom of Women was probably a pleasant turn of events for most men, but Shen Lian was unamused. Because of this, he almost became a woman.
Moreover, his act of changing his gender by force may have even left behind complications.
Also, he was not completely developed yet. His innate physical body was suffering from deficiencies, and he probably had to spend time to work on that. In short, his reincarnation process was extremely rough.
It was as though he had used up all of his good luck from his past life.
Fortunately, he could still feel his Primordial Spirit at the depths of his bier. The enormous energy was his only source of reassurance. As long as his physical body grew, he would be able to recombine his spirit and body, legally be able to use the force of the Primordial Spirit that he had amassed in his past life.
Even now, he could still tap into the force of his Primordial Spirit - he just had to pay the price.
Now that he was no longer rejected by this world, he considered himself to have accomplished his goal.
However, Shen Lian decided to observe quietly for a period of time. After all, there were plenty of things that he need to learn again in this world. For now, Shen Lian need to make it through this difficult situation. He would engage force if he needed to.
Before Han Ying replied, there were shouts outside. She frowned, "Gao Jie probably plotted a rebellion."
His mother replied in anger, "How dare she."
Han Ying replied, "Last night, her dark warrior tried to abduct you. I managed to defeat her and I have reported to the Master of the city. She told me to come back and protect you. Maybe it was because of the Gao Jie incident that the Master of the city still has not visited you yet. The commotion is getting louder, and the city is probably in chaos now. Lady, let me escort you out and we shall decide on our next course of action after this."
Shen Lian almost rolled his eyes. After the series of unfortunate events, to think that he was faced with a rebellion now!
Before his mother gave a reply, Han Ying helped her up and directed both of them outside.
The midwife and the female servants were at a loss and followed Han Ying, Shen Lian, and his mother. However, Han Ying's physical capabilities were beyond that of normal humans. With just a gentle leap, she brought Shen Lian and his mother out of the inner wall. The female servants and the midwife were left behind.
The breeze whizzed past Shen Lian. His tiny face was painful.
Even with that, he paid close attention to his surroundings. Indeed, everyone he saw was a woman. There were two teams of female soldiers. One team had red scarves tied to their right arms, and the other did not. They were dressed in similar fashion and donned light armor.
Form what he had seen, the team without red scarves were losing.
If Shen Lian was truly a kind person, he would have released his Primordial Spirit and overcome this rebellion without caring about the consequences.
Even though he might be a righteous person, but he was not ready to make such a huge sacrifice. Especially in an unclear situation as such, he decided to observe in silence.
Perhaps it was due to the injuries she sustained last night, Han Ying started slowing down as she protected Shen Lian and his mother.
Shen Lian had sensitive hearing that was superior to normal humans. He could hear her blood vessels rupturing and her old wounds splitting open.
His nose was filled with the tangy scent of women's blood.
Before they got close enough to the city gate, they were forced behind by rain of arrows.
Ten over female soldiers rushed out from both sides. They seemed to have recognized Shen Lian's mother.
Shen Lian sighed, he thought, "Guess I have to do something to overcome the situation."