The Fifth Princess was annoyed for a good while, feeling she had to see Wei Yu immediately.
However, the Emperor wouldn't let her go out, so she had to send a trusted palace maid to find Wei Yu.
The Fifth Princess was extremely anxious. She no longer had any value, would Wei Yu still come to see her?
She paced back and forth in her room, worried. Not long after, someone came to report that Miss Wei had arrived.
Her heart leaped with joy, and she hurried to meet her.
Wei Yu's expression was complex. Although there was no trace of a smile in her eyes, her face bore a happy expression, making her look incredibly strange.
"Second Miss Wei," the Fifth Princess said, "I have something to tell you."
Wei Yu nodded, and the two entered the room, without a single attendant.
Wei Yu held her head high, showing no deference to the Fifth Princess, who was a princess. She didn't even bow—she hadn't married the Crown Prince yet, but she already displayed the demeanor of a Crown Princess.
The Fifth Princess didn't care at all.
She said urgently, "Miss Wei, I..." She gritted her teeth and said humbly, "I am willing to do things for you. I didn't handle this matter well, and I hope you can give me another chance."
Wei Yu's head was held even higher. The sight of a dignified princess begging beside her greatly satisfied her vanity.
Seeing that the Fifth Princess understood the situation, she revealed an innocent smile: "I came to see the Princess because there is something I need the Princess for."
The Fifth Princess breathed a sigh of relief. Having value meant not being abandoned, and not having to be married off for a political alliance.
"As long as I don't have to be married off, I am willing to do anything for you," she declared eagerly.
Wei Yu smiled: "Actually, I truly want to help you, but marrying Prince Ding'an is a bit difficult. If it were someone else, this matter would have been settled long ago."
The Fifth Princess showed a hint of hesitation, carefully observing Wei Yu's expression. After a moment, she said firmly, "I only want to marry Prince Ding'an. If I cannot marry Prince Ding'an, I would rather cut off my hair and become a nun in a temple."
Wei Yu was very satisfied.
"You can wait here for good news."
Wang Qingyao gave birth without incident. Furthermore, the two children were born on the Empress Dowager's birthday, sharing the same birthday as her. The Empress Dowager was extremely pleased, considering it a good omen. While Wang Qingyao was still in the palace, she bestowed numerous rewards.
Although Wang Qingyao's two children were smaller than other newborns, she had exercised diligently and maintained good nutrition. Despite appearing small, the children were all healthy, according to Imperial Physician Lu.
She was so exhausted after giving birth that she fainted and didn't want to move a finger. She didn't even get to see her children before falling into a deep sleep.
While she slept soundly, Xiao Yun, who was still immersed in the joy of having twins, was terrified when he saw her head tilt and her stillness, his hair standing on end.
"Yaoyao? Yaoyao!" His voice cracked, and his heart was shattered.
The palace maids serving in the room felt that Prince Ding'an was about to cry.
He tremblingly extended his index finger to check Wang Qingyao's breathing. The Old Imperial Concubine gave him a disdainful look and said, "Keep your voice down. Yaoyao is just sleeping; don't disturb her."
Xiao Yun finally relaxed, his face regaining its color, and he smiled sheepishly.
The Old Imperial Concubine then asked Imperial Physician Lu about Wang Qingyao's condition.
Imperial Physician Lu said, "The Princess Consort has a good constitution. Although the premature birth has depleted some of her vitality, she will be fine after a month or two of proper rest."
Xiao Yun had already sent someone back to Prince Ding'an's mansion with the news of Wang Qingyao giving birth to twins. Naturally, the finer details were omitted, so the mansion rejoiced, believing Wang Qingyao had gone into labor early.
Nanny Nian, along with several maids, had already prepared the rooms and arranged for two wet nurses to stay in Kangping Courtyard, awaiting Wang Qingyao's return.
Wang Qingyao slept until the next morning before waking up. The Old Imperial Concubine had initially wanted to take the children back, but Xiao Yun didn't want Wang Qingyao to wake up and not see her children, so he kept them there and specifically brought the two wet nurses into the palace to care for them.
He himself did not return, having spent the night in the delivery room.
As soon as Wang Qingyao opened her eyes, she asked about the children.
Having slept well, she had regained her energy and did not look as alarming as she had yesterday.
Xiao Yun ordered someone to bring the children over while he placed large pillows behind her and instructed someone to bring food.
Soon, the children were brought in.
The two children looked identical, though it was possible all newborns looked alike. Their skin was yellowish and wrinkled, but their hair was dark and thick. Both were sleeping, their eyes closed, their small hands tucked near their chests, looking incredibly adorable.
Wang Qingyao's maternal instincts instantly surged, her heart softening.
Xiao Yun pointed to the children and said, "This is the elder brother, and this is the younger sister."
Wang Qingyao looked at one, then the other, growing more fond of them with each glance.
"Have you named them?"
"Not so quickly?" Xiao Yun smiled. "But we can give them nicknames for now."
"Let the elder brother be called Pingping, and the younger sister An'an. I hope they will be safe and sound their entire lives," Wang Qingyao said the nicknames spontaneously. Though casual, they were filled with the heartfelt wishes of parents.
Having experienced Wang Qingyao's childbirth ordeal, Xiao Yun not only wished for the children's safety and peace but also for his and Wang Qingyao's. The names had good meaning, and he immediately nodded in agreement.
Thus, the nicknames for the two children were decided.