You can count on me

26 May 1746

[Fuk'anggan 's POV]

"A thousand blessings Mother Empress"

"A thousand blessings Aunt"

Yongqi and I greeted the Empress together. The Empress is the crown jewel of the Fuca family clan. Related to my father by the same birth parents. She is my closest aunt. Yongqi calls her Mother Empress wholeheartedly as she treats him as his own, always thinking of him and showering him with gifts and handmade snacks.

Upon learning that the Empress has been feeling unwell for the past 3 days, Yongqi has prepared a team of Imperial Physicians to be on standby round the clock while mother has been by her side without leaving a step away from the Palace of Everlasting Spring. * Father, on the other hand, has been taking extra time off from court duties to visit his sister as much as possible.

The Empress has given the Emperor the eldest daughter, 2nd prince and the 3rd Princess. Now, she is due for another child. The palace is bursting with speculations of the gender of the baby. A Prince could potentially change the political scene of the empire drastically.

It is the most intense time for the Fuca clan as I recalled horror stories from senior nannies about poisoning and assasination attempts on a pregnant palace concubine. The wellbeing and safety of the Empress is placed at the highest priority as any mishaps could cost the Fuca clan dearly.

The Empress looks pale underneath the extra makeup that she has asked her servants to splash on her face. My heart tightened into a squeeze at the forced smile she plasters on her face. It is obvious that she is in much pain and discomfort and she doesn't want any of us to worry about her.

With a look of concern hanging on his face, Yongqi asked. "Mother Empress, is there something that I can do to take your pain away?"

"Yes, Aunt. I am a big man now. You can count on me to do anything for you." I added.

Letting out a soft chuckle, she placed her hands on both of our faces. "My silly boys, just having the both of you with me, is sufficient to take all my pain away. This is something that all mothers go through. I will be fine."

"Really?" I shot her a look of doubt.

"Really, really." she caressed my cheeks.

"Sister in law," she called out suddenly for my mother.

I took her hands into my hands as I saw her wince with beads of sweat trickling down her forehead.

With sudden rapid breathing, she said. "Please take the boys to Noble Consort Yu."

"Boys, you have to leave now. The Empress's water broke." Mother pushed us out through the door in a hurry.

"I'll call for the midwife." I nodded at mother.

"Yes, please. While I take care of things here. The Empress will be fine."

29 May 1995

[Elizabeth's POV]

My mind wandered off about the events surrounding school today. Studying at St. Antonio's is a lot more intense than Pearson's. Most of the time, I had trouble understanding what was going on in school and frequently find myself having to ask my classmates for help.

I got off the school bus that dropped me in front of the apartment block that I live in.

"Mew!" A cat's cry for help brought my mind back into the familiar surroundings of the neighborhood.

"Mew mew!"

Following the piteous sound of a cat, I located a chonky cat with orange and white stripes trapped under the covers of the drain. She reminded me very much of Garfield from the comics that I read in the newspapers that are delivered to my apartment.

Using all the strength I have, I lifted the heavy metal grills to free the cat.

"Ouch!" I blew air into my fingers. The scorching weather has heated the metal grills into a burning iron. I wondered with irritation, who could be so cruel to trap a cat under such a tiny place that is directly under the blazing afternoon sun.

"Meow!" the cat purred and rubbed herself against my ankles.

"Stop it! It's itchy!" I giggled, picking the cat up with my arms.

"Let's go get you some water!" I said to the cat.

"Elizabeth! New pet, eh?" a neighbor asked as she passed by me.

"No, ma'am! I just rescued her from the drain."

"Do you want a bowl for the cat? I have some extras."

"Yes, please. Thank you!"

I brought the cat up a quiet stairs and sat the bowl in front of the cat. Opening my water bottle, I said: "We shall name you Garfield." while I poured some water into the bowl.

"Meow!"

"I take that as a yes!" I scratched her head. Garfield rolled onto her back exposing her belly.

"The cat likes you." Yongqi chuckled.

"You seem to be in an excellent mood!" I said, looking around to ensure that no one else is around.

"I've checked the surroundings. There is no one else."

"Great! Tell me about your day."

"Well, Mother Empress gave birth to a Prince."

"That's great news! Congratulations!"

"It was a near death experience. The birth was difficult. Madame Fu (Fuk'anggan's mother) came out of the birthing room looking absolutely distressed." he changed to a more solemn tone.

"According to Madame Fu, there were times when the Empress fainted and Physicians would try to wake her up with insertion of needles at critical acupuncture points."

Thankfully, by the time the strike of noon on the 27 May 1746, the birth of the 7th Prince was announced and the Emperor conferred the baby with the title of the Crown Prince.

To the Emperor, having a Crown Prince would keep the court silent over their incessant hounding for a successor. Instead of passing the throne to someone whose motives are not clear, why not groom someone from birth? With proper control, the baby can grow up with the right motivations and the right attitudes.

Yongqi was genuinely happy that all is well with the Empress. However, with the baby now crowned as the Crown Prince, it puts the baby at a forefront of political battles.

"Yes, to answer your question. I feel a huge burden off my shoulders." he said to me. "I no longer have to fight for the position of Crown Prince in order to protect my Mother Consort. I now have a younger brother that I can fight alongside with, to protect both Mother Empress and Mother Consort."

"And you can finally be yourself." I said.

"Exactly! I can now enjoy studying in the Imperial College for the sake of learning." Yongqi beamed at me.

"Then I am happy for you too!" I grinned.