Author's note: I have decided to write this while I was on vacation but I have not completed it till I got home. So while I was at work, most of my imaginations ran wild while I was at my desk so I just typed away. Enjoy this chapter!

A Day of Labor & Curtain Dresses

Lady Bian was at the fullest of her pregnancy. She was forty-one weeks pregnant and was as ripe as a melon. She was getting tired of her pregnancy and did not want to carry it any longer. She wished for the baby to be born.

She sighed. "I am never going to give birth am I?"

Qin was preparing her tea and murmured, "Why don't you ask the midwife for some medicine to induce the labor?"

Lady Bian shook her head. "The only remedy is hot and spicy food and…sex."

Qin nodded and then sighed. There was no hope especially with Mengde gone for a couple of months. She was desperate and needed him to come home. She wasn't going to spend another time without him not being there for the birth of their second child. He was there for Lady Hou and Lady Liu.

"I will get a practitioner. Lady Bian I promise the baby will be here soon!" said Qin as she smiled and ran up to write a letter.

Lady Bian walked up to the windows and noticed the fine light green embroidery along the dark green tree-colored curtains. She let her hand slid along the cloth and it was cool and soft. She moved her fingers along the windows and looked out. There were a couple of men shivering in the cold winter and she quickly called them to come inside. Even with the battle of Hu Lao Gate, there was no chance any army can stand the freezing temperatures.

She walked back into the room near the fireplace that kept the room warm and lit. There was no lighting needed but the warmth she needed. She draped herself with a warm fuzzy blanket and gently patted her belly with her eyes looking onward to the furnace. She quietly read a poem

Winter's a blue

You're still you

Every day passes and not a single pain

I've begin to lose my battle

And hope that

One day,

You can come

Swiftly

While I'm in vain

Her troubles seem to disappear as she closed her eyes and napped near the fire place. The warm cozy blanket wrapped up tight around her body.

The news was approaching that Mengde would be home in two more days. Every one rejoiced and the manor became filled with happiness. The Lady Ding yelled at all the servants to tidy up the place and make sure everything was in the right order. She put her skirts down and yelled for the seamstress who came in all smiley and fat.

"I need new robes! Made from the greatest silks we have here in Chenliu!" she yelled.

The seamstress sighed and put down a smile. "I'm sorry, Madame. However, it is winter. The silk worms stopped producing silk till spring. I can only make cloth for you from sheep's' wool."

"What do I look like to you? A cave woman! No! You go find me my silks and make me my dresses! Pink, blue, green, and yellow! So when he comes, I will dress in beautiful yellow attire to bright his heart up!" She obnoxiously stated as she pointed her fingers to a maid to clean the vases.

Lady Bian smiled. Mengde was coming home. He would be here to witness his child's birth. Her heart lighten and she was emotionally jolly. "Qin. Quickly get our room organized for the baby and my love" she whispered to her best friend.

Lady Bian quietly walked her way behind Qin and thought to herself, "if you can make a dress or a couple, I can to."

As she appeared in her rooms, she saw Qin and Tou-li cleaning every bit of the room with Hua directing them where to put things. The baby crib was coming in made from bamboo stalks and fluffed with warm goose feathers. The guards helped brought it in when Lady Bian was sitting in her arm chair.

She watched them reorganized and cleaned while she sipped on a tea the practitioner gave her. She remembered her visit from the doctor. The doctor was skinny old man who had a very long goatee. He knew what she wanted and since she was overdue, he instantly prescribed her the awful distasteful tea. However, he said in a day's time, the baby will be here. She sipped more as she held her breath, trying not to suck any of the awful scent through her nose. After she finished drinking, she ate a biscuit to stop herself from being unconscious.

She felt the baby kick and her back ached after a while. Then, she felt the pain she remembered from Pi's birth. She screamed and breathed heavily. Everyone stopped what they were doing. A guard, quickly but gently, picked up Lady Bian onto the bed. He ran to summon for the midwife and the doctor.

"I thought a day's time," she said softly as she screamed with the pain. She pulled the sheets.

"There's no time for that, Tai hou! Hua get the water going!" Qin said. For once, she stated Lady Bian by her full name. it was like a friendly gesture especially in time of need.

Hua ran out the door as the midwife propped open.

"Silly girl!" The midwife yelled as she went to examine Lady Bian. "You have quickly come to your senses in needing this child out. Well, let's get along with the deal."

Lady Bian felt one more strain of pain and screamed loudly.

Back in the harem's quarters, Lady Bian's screams of pain tortured them all. Lady Ding, who was getting herself measured, screamed. "I can't take any more of this nonsense. My boy, Ang, does not need this!"

Ang quietly answered, "I don't mind."

Lady Liu looked at him and shook her head. She knew she might be in due for the trouble with what Lady Bian was having, especially, if it was a boy. Lady Liu sipped on her tea but when she heard Lady Bian screamed forcefully, she dropped her teacup and stood. "Oh dear!" she stated as she went to grab for a rag to wipe the hot tea off the ground.

Lady Huan trembled with every scream she heard. "I best go help them." She wrapped herself gently with a pink-patterned flower shawl and walked out the door.

Lady Ding ignored everything and said, "You must make my dresses lovely. I have to look beautiful that day! Not even that bastard child of Lady Bian can excel me!"

The seamstress nodded and measured her length.

Lady Huan entered Lady Bian's quarters and noticed all the bloody rags and water spilled all over the floor. She gulped at the sight but went in next to her. She had one glance of the fallen beauty and came as a comfort zone. She noticed Lady Bian sweating and she quickly grabbed her hand. Her hands were warm and fragile. She led a reassuring smile.

"Listen, Lady Huan! I…. need… "Lady Bian let out a scream. "A favor. Take the robes hanging…. Over the windows! Make me a dress!" She finally sighed and let all the tension building inside her in a final roar.

"What about measurements, Lady Bian? Surely you can't use my measurements!" Lady Huan quickly stated as Lady Bian gripped her hands.

"Oh yes you will! Please do… it! – I really need this!" Lady Bian yelled and then said, "Don't let any lady other than you and me know!"

Lady Huan nodded and quickly let go of Lady Bian's hand as she ran to the windows. She tore the curtains down. She did not know what to think of this crazy proposal but whatever she wanted, Lady Huan would do. Silly Lady Ding, she did not know where she would be taking her silks from. However, Lady Huan gave one last look as Lady Bian and smiled. She ran out the door to Lady Bian's nursery. There, she asked her ladies-in-waiting to measure her.

Quickly, she had her measurements down and worked her way through the curtains. She made a lovely formation of the gown. She cut them apart and knitted them. Then she held one piece of silk to the knitted fabric to make a nice drapery of the inner gown. She loved the fabric and most definitely, loved the color. It would be a sight to see Lady Bian in this, especially after the baby. She reminded herself to make everything just a little taller. Lady Bian was taller than her by a couple of inches. Lady Huan knitted more and more pieces of fabric together. She made Lady Bian's neckline into a perfectly shaped heart and embroidered it with gems that were found in one of the cabinets. She made it glossy and flashy. She put the scissors down as she knitted the fine silk along the middle of the torso and let the opening of the arms wide. She made sure that it was layered well enough to keep Lady Bian warm especially in this weather.

Returning back to the harem, Lady Ding was finished with her measurements and continued out to see how the cleaning was going. She heard Lady Bian's trembles and all her ladies-in-waiting were going out and in the room. She huffed and tripped one of the girls with the hot water. "Oh my lord! You are such a clumsy girl! Why must you be so stupid! Hurry and clean this mess!" Lady Ding said with a smirk.

"My lady! Lady Bian is need of my help. I simply cannot put down what I need to do!" Ren said as she breathed heavily.

Lady Ding grabbed her arm and shot a glare. "Listen you ignorant whore! I am the Grand Lady of the house! Am I not? Have you all believed that the Lady Bian is now that she has bore a second child? I have treated you all well and you must listen to my command. Clean… This… Mess… Up or GO HOME!"

Ren shivered and cried, "Yes, my lady!" She hurriedly ran to get a rag.

Lady Ding smiled and walked to the Great Hall where Lady Bian's screams were apart and distant. She sat herself on the main lady's throne. As long as she is still prominent wife, not a single baby will overthrow her. She tapped her fingers lightly against the pane and thought. Thoughts of a baby boy raced in her mind. She worried herself and thought of how Mengde would replace her if she did not bear a child. Lady Ding knew she couldn't have children. Sbe knew that Lady Liu bore their first born child and she worried that she might lose the position. Their marriage was of political stance and of their parent's requests. Lady Ding needed another child, just another to win the Lady Bian. She can't keep having all the heirs. She slammed her fist towards the arm of the throne and yelled. "Fuck this!" She said aloud.

Lady Liu heard the cries of the Grand Lady and quickly ran to her. "Is everything alright, my lady?"

"You tell me. I am first wife, am i? So why is it that I cannot conceive a child but must rely on you? I hate the fact that Lady Bian is ever so fruitful." Lady Ding sighed.

"You have to just keep hoping…"

"HOPING? I have tried everything from fertility teas, blessings, and even witchcraft. Not a single one of them worked! Am I destined to lose Mengde?"

Lady Liu shook her head. "Not in the slightest bit." Surprised by Lady Ding's sudden grasp on her hand, she looked down.

"When he returns, you must bear another child." Lady Ding whispered harshly.

"My lady, I simply cannot do this. I am forbidden to have another child. I will be gravely ill." Lady Liu said in a frightened tone.

Lady Ding remarked hoarsely, "Listen you need to do this. My life depends on this!"

Lady Liu nodded but inside her heart, she was worried.

All their talk was stopped by the news that the baby's head was out. Lady Ding growled and took her shawl to walk in the garden. It has been half a day and finally something. Mengde would be here anytime and the baby was making its appearance. Lady Ding quietly walked into the rooms of Lady Bian.

There she smelled blood and as gruesome as childbirth was, Lady Ding was quite calm. She went to Lady Bian's bedside and stated, "I hate you very much."

Lady Bian screamed at her. "Get the fuck out of her! I have no need for this! I am in labor and you just need to shut up!"

Quickly, Qin and Lady Liu ran to get Lady Ding out of the room. Lady Ding laughed hysterically as they bought her out. There Lady Huan came out from the next room and exclaimed, "I have finished it!"

The three ladies looked at her in shocked. "What?"

"I've- I have just finished a gift for the –" Before she could finished, her mind blanked.

"The baby! Why yes! She made a quilt for the baby's bringing. Didn't you Lady Huan?" Qin said.

"Yes! It's in my room. I just don't want to show it till the baby arrives."

Lady Ding looked at her curiously and snorted. "Whatever you are hiding, I will find it. The walls have eyes and ears."

Lady Huan let out a tough sigh and went to the harem chambers for dinner with Lady Ding and Lady Liu. It was awkward that it was just the three. Lady Bian was always there but since, she was in labor for quite some time, the three enjoyed dinner in silence. There was chicken, dumplings, and egg drop soup. There wasn't enough food since winter had made it tough on the chef to cook but it was still satisfying.

Lady Bian's cries got louder as the midwife screamed, "one more push!"

"I can't eat. The lady's cries are making me lose my apetite." Lady Liu said as she tried to engulf a dumpling.

"Pity," was the reply from Lady Ding who ate food like there was no tomorrow.

Lady Huan ate her share and thought of the dress. Hopefully it would please the Lady Bian.

Lord Cao Cao appeared the next morning bright and early. His troops had taken a short cut through the hills and made it safely in time for brunch. When the news of his announcement came, everyone straighten their postures and outfits and was happier than ever. Lady Ding eventually got the yellow robe she wanted. The seamstress told one of the maids that she made it from one of her old curtains. However, it was just a sight to see. She wore it as mightier than ever. It was bright yellow with a faded gold trimmed lining on the edges but it was just beautifully adorned. Lady Liu stood beside Lady Ding and wore her precious jade necklace from Mengde decorated with her faded purple gown. She only wore that if she wanted to be seductive. Lady Huan had on a bright red robe and trimmed with silver linings and gems flown all over the gown. Everyone was present except for Lady Bian who was still in danger since the birth of the baby.

The great hero, Cao Cao, greeted all his courtiers and he gently placed kisses on all his ladies. He wondered for Lady Bian as he looked around. He wondered where she was but he decided to visit her after he finished his meeting with his advisors. He knew his father was sent to Xu Province to escape the falls of the Han Dynasty. He wished his father was safe. He continued his meeting with his advisors who asked him to gather more troops.

Lady Bian was resting on her bed. She had passed out after the birth of the baby and became delirious of the baby's gender. She wanted to know the baby's gender so much but Qin took the baby away to the nursery. She was alone and looked around the room. The maids definitely did their job well. There was no strain of blood or anything that showed she went through labor. As she got up on her bed, she smelled of cool honeysuckle flowers and vanilla. They must have cloth washed her. Her hair was smooth and her skin was still silky. It felt like she never experienced labor but when she tried to get up, she fell to the floor and she knew she was definitely in pain. She let out a groan and tried to reach for the bed but she was so sore from waist down.

Luckily, Lady Huan came in with the dress she ordered. Lady Huan gasped and hung her dress over the door as she helped Lady Bian up. "I see you've finished my dress. Would you mind helping me?"

"Certainly not. Your child is just so lovely. Qin and Hua are watching the baby along with Pi and Jie." Lady Huan said as she took Lady Bian's garments off.

Lady Bian shivered. "Mind if you move us closer to the fireplace. It's quite cold, is it not? What was-"

Before she could finish, Lady Huan grabbed her to move towards the furnace. "Mengde is here. He wishes to see you and the baby. Quickly, let's get you dress."

Then, without another word, Lady Huan put on the inner garment of a cloth white garment. Then she placed on the outer garment which was the lime green silk. Finally, Lady Huan put on the outer robe which was the tree green-colored fabric. She looked so lovely. Lady Huan tied the robe tightly behind her back and then she plopped her in front of the vanity.

"For your hair…" Lady Huan said as she thought to herself. Gently she took the side bangs and put them together. She quickly made a bun with the rest of her hair and then, she put the prettiest hair piece over the bun. It was circular to squeeze the bun in place but the headpiece had six spikes coming from the center and each one of them hold a dangly ornament. At last, Lady Huan gathered one last piece which was the dragonfly clip. She stuck it neatly in Lady Bian's hair. Lady Bian was a fine beauty , even after the birth of her second child.

They quickly walked to the meeting rooms of Mengde's manor. Lady Bian was helped by Tou-li and Ren, Lady Huan led them to the corridors and as they entered, she noticed Mengde already holding the new infant in his arms. Everyone was there to see the new baby and of course, when Lady Bian entered, everyone bowed. She wondered to herself why they were bowing.

Then Mengde appeared closer to her with the baby. He handed the baby gently to her and said, "Tai-Hou, you have given me another son."

Lady Bian gasped and held her little precious bundle. He looked her father. Everything about this baby reminded her of him. He had every feature of her side just Mengde's eyes. She snuggled him and said "I will call you Zhang."

Mengde gently kissed her on her forehead and stated to his comrades, "Another boy! Let's rejoice tonight!"

Lady Ding looked away and cried but she grabbed Ang's hand and ran out the corridors.

Lady Bian knew she had everything. Two boys, a daughter and a trustworthy companion. She was glad that Lady Huan was there for her. And the dress she wore made everything better. It was time that her old friend, Ma Shen, was invited to Court. Maybe then, she can build her own allies so that Pi will become heir. She thought to herself but as for now, she was happy that Zhang was finally here.