Chapter 223: Eldest Legitimate Son, Golden Saber, Li Shizhao
Starting from that late night when Xiao Yanyan first felt the pain in her abdomen, it wasn’t until the third day that she truly began to give birth.
At this moment, she was tightly gripping the bedpost railing, her knuckles white, wood chips mixing with sweat falling rustling onto the brocade quilt.
“Ah—!”
A new wave of contractions hit, and she suddenly arched her back, veins bulging on her forehead.
“Li Xiao. Li Xiao!”
Her shouting voice carried a sobbing tone, echoing in the orderly chaos of the room.
At this moment, Li Xiao was standing outside the door, unfastening the buttons at his collar, revealing bulging veins on his neck, pacing back and forth in front of the door like a trapped beast.
The blue brick ground rang with thumping sounds under his feet, sweat from his palms soaking his cuffs, his emotions clearly fluctuating intensely.
The Great Protector, who could face thousands of troops with calm composure on ordinary days, now resembled a young wolf stripped of its spine, anxious and helpless.
He could only shout into the room: “Xiao Yanyan, you hold on for me.”
“You and the child, neither of you is allowed to have any problems.”
Having lived two lives, this was his first time experiencing something like this, and he felt extremely uneasy inside.
Because medical conditions in this era were limited, maternal mortality during childbirth was very high, often resulting in one corpse and two lives lost.
Although Li Xiao had already summoned the best midwife from Jin Prefecture, Qin Dani was personally overseeing the delivery room, and many maidservants and maidservants were bustling about changing hot water.
But all these preparations could not calm Li Xiao’s mind.
His mind kept thinking, what if something really happened to Xiao Yanyan.
“Ah—!”
Another shrill cry came.
Xiao Yanyan, giving birth for the first time, had no experience at all.
The midwife beside her hurriedly told her: “Madam, don’t shout loudly, it’s not good for the child, you must save your strength.”
“If it hurts too much, take deep breaths and then exhale…”
Upon hearing that shouting was bad for the child, Xiao Yanyan immediately held back and stopped calling out!
Right now, no one was more important than the child in her belly, not even Li Xiao.
“Inhale—exhale—”
“Inhale—exhale—”
In the courtyard at this time, besides Li Xiao, Han Ying’er, Sorghaghtani, and others were all standing quietly.
“Giving, giving birth hurts this much?”
Hearing the cries from the delivery room continuously rising, Han Ying’er subconsciously clenched her fists.
Her face slightly pale, appearing at a loss.
Xiao Yanyan’s shouts had indeed scared her.
After all, in her impression, Xiao Yanyan had always been a very strong and domineering woman who could even go to the battlefield to kill the enemy.
Such a woman wouldn’t feel pain from being cut by a knife, but giving birth to a child hurt her to the point of life and death.
This made Han Ying’er involuntarily worry about when she gave birth, wondering if she would be pained to death.
Panic visibly began to appear on her face.
Tajiguli wasn’t much better off, but Sorghaghtani beside her was the most carefree.
She even comforted Han Ying’er: “It’s okay, giving birth hurts a lot, but as long as you endure this moment, it will pass.”
“You haven’t given birth, how do you know?”
“Although I haven’t given birth, I’ve seen others give birth, and back in the Kereit Tribe, I often helped our family’s mares give birth.” Sorghaghtani said with an innocent look.
Soon, Li Xiao also noticed Han Ying’er’s appearance, but he had no mood to comfort her.
So he said to San Feng, whose little face was pale with fear but whose eyes couldn’t hide her curiosity: “There are enough people here, San Feng, you take Ying’er back to the old residence and wait for a while.”
The little girl was only twelve this year, and he couldn’t let her get scared.
With that, San Feng nodded lightly, supported Han Ying’er, and went to the old residence with Tajiguli.
There was also a saying that pregnant women seeing blood was unlucky.
Li Xiao was kept outside the delivery room, and there were many such sayings in this era.
After they left, Li Xiao continued pacing in the courtyard, and every cry from the room made his mood worse by a degree.
The Old Lady stood in the center of the courtyard, hands clasped together, muttering softly, surely praying to heaven and the ancestors for blessings.
The Old Master sat steadily to the side, his face grave but without the slightest panic.
Upon learning the news that Xiao Yanyan was about to give birth, he had rushed back to Hexi Fort at full gallop.
Just to see his great-grandson be born at the first moment.
But seeing Li Xiao’s anxious appearance, he couldn’t help but reprimand.
“Look at what you look like now? Do you think this is your battlefield for charging and breaking through?”
“You can strategize with tens of thousands of troops, but now guarding one door, you’ve lost your composure? A Man trusts you to protect her completely, not to see you like an ant on a hot pan!”
“I~”
Hearing the Old Master’s reprimand, Li Xiao smiled wryly and slowly sat down on the stone bench.
The aged hand heavily patted his back: “Remember, you’re not just a man now, you’re a father who must hold up the sky for your wife and children.”
The Old Lady beside him also comforted Li Xiao, comforting herself as well.
“A Man’s body is very strong, she eats and drinks well every day, nothing wrong at all.”
“She will surely give birth safely.”
“Besides, giving birth can take several hours in a row.”
“She’s only just started a quarter of an hour…”
But just as the Old Lady finished speaking, a loud cry suddenly came from the room.
“Wah… wah wah wah wah~”
The instant they heard the sound, Li Xiao and the Old Master both stood up abruptly.
“Born, born~”
Li Xiao shouted excitedly, all his worries instantly dispelled.
Generally, a woman’s labor lasting an hour is considered normal, but Xiao Yanyan gave birth in just a quarter of an hour.
Efficiency too high, truly a woman’s strong body is better.
Soon after, a Khitan maidservant came out with a smiling face.
“Congratulations, Great Protector, Madam has given birth to a little young master.”
“Strong like a little calf, his little arms and legs are full of strength.”
“When he grows up, he will surely be as brave as the Great Protector…”
Listening to the maidservant’s words, Li Xiao’s face was full of smiles, the corners of his mouth cracked open, nodding continuously.
“Good, good~”
“Rewards, rewards for all.”
From now on, he, Li Xiao, also had a son.
And it was the legitimate eldest son.
In the room, Qin Dani held the newborn baby, extremely excited.
She didn’t even mind the amniotic fluid on him and kissed him directly, happily muttering.
“My dear grandson, I have a grandson~”
“Husband, did you see, we have a grandson.”
Then she held the little one in her arms and cried excitedly.
Beside her, Xiao Yanyan’s forehead was covered in sweat, as if exhausted, but much better than other pregnant women.
Her eyes full of maternal love looked at the little one, the corners of her eyes slightly upturned, sincerely feeling joy and excitement.
She had a son.
At this moment, she exuded endless maternal radiance.
……
Soon after, Li Xiao saw the little one in the room, already wrapped up, all wrinkly and very ugly.
But he knew newborns were all like this and would gradually improve after drinking breast milk.
At the same time, Li Xiao took on another important task: expressing milk.
Not tasty, especially fishy.
Bandit Li instantly decided that in the future, he would only rob children’s granaries, not grain.
“Da Long, what name do you think this child should have?”
The Old Master frowned, asking with a contorted expression.
This was the first child of the Li Family’s sixth generation, the eldest son and grandson.
Moreover, with Li Xiao’s current status being extraordinary, as Li Xiao’s legitimate eldest son, his identity was precious.
The name had to be chosen carefully, not casually like rivers, lakes, dragons, tigers, and leopards as before.
But coming up with a good name was truly difficult for the Old Master, so he handed this heavy responsibility to Li Xiao.
“A Man has already given him a nickname, called Golden Saber!”
Li Xiao said to the Old Master.
Among Khitan nobles, there was a unique custom: when a daughter of the family married, the family would solemnly hand her a golden saber as dowry.
In Khitan people’s view, the golden saber symbolized courage and strength, implying that the daughter could cut through thorns and difficulties ahead with blade-like toughness in her future life; with the nobility and weight of gold, protect her family and happiness.
When Xiao Yanyan’s mother Yelü Pusuwan married, Yelü Dashi gave her a golden saber.
Later it fell into Geluolu people’s hands, was captured by Li Xiao, and given to Xiao Yanyan.
It could also be considered their token of love.
And when Xiao Yanyan married, Xiao Simo also gave her a golden saber.
The golden saber held extraordinary significance for Xiao Yanyan.
So, she hoped her son would be like the golden saber, both noble as gold and honed with sharp edge.
Hearing this name, the Old Master nodded slightly: “Golden Saber? Good meaning.”
The Old Lady beside him muttered: “Won’t it be too murderous?”
In the elderly’s traditional view, cheap names were easier to raise, the tall jade easily broken!
Li Xiao smiled lightly and shook his head: “Ordinary families can still use cheap names, but our Li Family doesn’t need that.”
“The name Golden Saber, my son Li Xiao deserves it.”
“As for his formal name, it will be Li Shizhao!”
“Zhao” means bright and prominent.
Meaning hope he lives brightly and upright, acts openly like the sun and moon in broad daylight, all his deeds bringing glory to family and state, renowned between heaven and earth.
Combining the hardness of the golden saber to guard Northern Frontier mountains and rivers; the weight of the golden saber to shoulder family and country responsibilities.
As for the origin of “Shi”, it was because not long ago, Jin Prefecture Li Clan finally compiled a genealogy, determining the generational sequence.
The Great Way opens to the East, generations blessed forever;
Worthy and good inherit ancestral teachings, China eternally renowned;
Civil virtue stabilizes state and society, military might sets heavenly order;
Clan lineage prospers for a thousand autumns, foundation eternal boundless.
These forty characters were jointly decided by Li Xiao, the Old Master, other Li Family elders, and Han Jiuyuan and other Han scholars.
Of course, this could also be seen as the Li Clan’s family precepts.
The Great Way, in Daoist meaning, can refer to all things; heaven and earth can be called “Way”, mountains and rivers “Way”, human order and law “Way”.
Even you, me, him, all things can be called “Way”.
It is not a word with fixed meaning, but a placeholder.
Here, Great Way refers to Jin Prefecture Li Clan.
The following characters are easy to understand, mainly admonishing Jin Prefecture Li Clan’s descendants that the Li Family originated from the East, from the Central Plains Han homeland.
Even if Jin Prefecture Li Clan lasts hundred generations with enduring blessings, later worthy descendants must never forget Yan-Huang ancestors, always remembering they are Chinese people.
And generation after generation practice civil and martial arts, stabilize state and society, protect home and country, thus Jin Prefecture Li Clan inheritance will last ten thousand generations, foundation boundless.
……
The first character of this generation marker is “Da”, the Li Family ancestor, a military commander who followed Yelü Dashi on the western expedition, named Li Da.
Dao is the Li Family second-generation patriarch, the Old Master’s father, named Li Dao, changed to the homophone “Dao”.
Qi is the Old Master’s generation.
The Old Master was originally named Li Dahei, but later after his face was slashed, more people called him “Li Dashala”, forgetting his original name.
Taking this opportunity, Li Xiao gave the Old Master a new name, Li Qiming.
Inheriting the past and ushering the future, sun and moon as brightness.
Dong is Li Xiao’s father’s generation.
Li Dahai, now formally named Li Donghai.
Li Erjiang, changed to Li Dongjiang.
Li Sanhe, changed to Li Donghe.
Li Dashan, changed to Li Dongshan.
Sounds much more prestigious than before.
As for Li Xiao’s generation, the marker is “Fang”.
Li Xiao can also be called Li Fangxiao.
But he found this name too awkward, so he decided to stick with his original name, Li Xiao.
Simple and generous, easy to pronounce.
But on the genealogy, Li Xiao’s formal name became Li Fangxiao.
At the same time, Da Hu, Er Hu, and others also got formal names.
Da Hu named Li Xiang, Er Hu named Li Ao, Er Bao named Li Si, San Bao named Li Jun.
Children of other branches followed suit, all named with horse radicals.
Because Jin Prefecture Li Family rose to prominence initially by iron cavalry dominating the battlefield.
Ancestors led elite cavalry following Yelü Dashi on western expedition, and established foothold in Jin Prefecture with iron cavalry.
By Li Xiao’s generation, Jin Prefecture Li Family’s iron cavalry developed to a new height.
Wherever hooves reached, banners darkened the sky, dust rolled across the land, Li Xiao and brothers relied on their mighty swift war horses to carve out a foundation in chaotic times.
Thus, this generation’s Li Family descendants all named after war horses, inheriting ancestors’ riding and archery sharpness.
And Li Xiao’s next generation is the “Shi” marker.
According to Li Xiao’s idea, his line, that is his sons, when naming must add sun radical.
Bright as the great sun, majestic heavenly might.
Li Xiao’s legitimate eldest son is called Li Shizhao.
……
Yili, southeast direction, Nalatele Ridge.
A massive cavalry army was advancing slowly.
They raised high the crimson sun and moon battle flag, all wearing crimson cotton armor, holding hooked scythe spears, cavalry sabers at waists, horsebacks loaded with bow and crossbows and full quivers of arrows.
They were precisely the Second Town Cavalry Myriad Household under Er Hu.
Totaling three thousand, originally stationed in Yili.
Not long ago, Er Hu led them to sweep the Hot Sea area, routing the royal court army.
Finally forcing Yelü Zhilugu with no choice but to hand over all Geluolu people who fled to Hot Sea.
Thus, Er Hu became famous in one battle at the royal court, everyone knew Li Xiao had an invincible brave younger brother named Li Erhu.
Now should be called Li Ao.
After ending the conflict with the royal court, Er Hu’s army underwent short rest, then threw into war against Eastern Kara-Khanid Khaganate again.
After all, Er Hu still missed the princess of Eastern Kara-Khanid Khaganate.
Always wanting to take her as concubine.
Thus, Er Hu led three thousand cavalry preparing to go south to attack Eastern Kara-Khanid Khaganate.
From Yili to Kashgar, there were mainly three routes.
The closest was Wusun Ancient Road, connecting north and south of Tianshan Mountains, an important traffic route linking Wusun Kingdom and Kuzhi Kingdom in Han Dynasty.
But along the way passed snow mountains, grasslands, rivers, lakes and other terrains, path perilous, some sections only suitable for light cavalry or infantry.
In comparison, the second route was more suitable.
From Yili heading southeast, passing Nalatele Ridge to reach Kala Shar.
This route though passing some ridges and river valleys, compared to Wusun Ancient Road, more suitable for large-scale marching.
Previously Yelü Zhixin led Eastern Kara-Khanid Khaganate army via this road to Yili.
Later Qing army also passed this road, traversing Yili and Southern Xinjiang.
As for the last one, needing to detour to Great Desert, south to Gaochang, then west, too troublesome.
So Er Hu decided to go to Kala Shar via Nalatele Ridge river valley.
On the road, due to rugged terrain with many mountains, rivers, valleys, Er Hu’s marching speed was very slow.
It took six full days before the view ahead gradually opened up.
“Myriad Household, that is Kala Shar, which was Yanqi Kingdom, one of the thirty-six Western Regions kingdoms in Han Dynasty.”
On a high mountain, Er Hu with personal guards gazed far at a city in the distance, vaguely seeing only its outline.
But it was clear the city walls were not tall, and the city population not too large.
A guide introduced: “Kala Shar was originally Gaochang Kingdom’s territory, but two years ago, Gaochang Kingdom was destroyed.”
“Western towns like Kala Shar, Kuzhi refused to recognize the new king supported by Northern Frontier, so they submitted to Eastern Kara-Khanid Khaganate.”
After all, in their view, the new king was Northern Frontier’s puppet, Hami garrison commander Alkus was Gaochang’s biggest traitor.
If they recognized the new king, wouldn’t they become traitors?
In contrast, Eastern Kara-Khanid Khaganate’s upper nobles were also Uyghur people, same roots and origin.
So nobles of Kala Shar, Kuzhi etc. agreed with Eastern Kara-Khanid Khaganate.
They could submit to Eastern Kara-Khanid Khaganate, sole condition no change of faith, Gaochang people still followed Buddhism, not Allah.
Eastern Kara-Khanid Khaganate naturally agreed fully, after all faith could be slowly assimilated.
Hearing the guide’s introduction, Er Hu’s face full of contempt, coldly sneering: “A bunch of worms ignorant of heaven and earth.”
“Letting them submit to Gaochang’s new emperor was to let them continue living peacefully on this land.”
“But since they are so ungrateful, no need to keep them.”
“Within three days, wipe Kala Shar off the map.”
Hearing Er Hu’s cold roar, the personal guards behind him nodded heavily: “As Myriad Household commands.”
Then they turned horse swiftly to convey orders to each chiliarch.
Soon after, three thousand Jin Prefecture iron cavalry thundered forward, charging down Tianshan Mountains, the land trembling.
At this time in Kala Shar City, City Lord Ahmed was holding a wedding for his son.
The bride’s identity was not simple either, also a noble daughter of Gaochang Kingdom.
But two years ago, Gaochang City was breached by Jin Prefecture Army, King of Gaochang killed, most nobles in the city did not survive.
The bride luckily escaped to Kashar City under her brother’s protection.
Kashar City’s city lord was close friend of their father, so they settled in the city.
And developed mutual affection with the city lord’s son, finally tying the knot.
At this moment, seeing the bride and groom standing together, a perfect match, City Lord Ahmed felt full of relief.
It was as if his close friend’s figure appeared before him, slightly sadly saying: “Maihemuti, did you see?”
“We have finally become in-laws.”
“Aliya has also become my daughter, from now on I will surely take good care of this brother and sister.”
“Just pity, not sure if there will be a chance to avenge you and the king.”
Before, Yelü Zhixin led twenty thousand Eastern Kara-Khanid Khaganate troops attacking Yili, defeating five thousand Eastern Capital Army, giving Ahmed hope for revenge.
But in the end, all hopes turned to bubbles.
Northern Frontier stabilized again, now Ahmed’s heart only left with confusion and unease.
