The Eastern Sea Dragon King reappointed a group of loyal servants as his ministers, restoring peace and harmony throughout the Eastern Sea Palace once again. At the celebration banquet, the Eastern Sea Dragon King raised his cup to Gao Liang and said, "Gao Liang! Thank you for rescuing me and my beloved daughter at a time of crisis—your bravery has once again brought new brilliance to the Eastern Sea Palace!" the Dragon King said to Gao Liang. "Gao Liang! I'm truly grateful. If you'd like to stay in the palace, please do—stay as long as you'd like!" said Xiao Longnü. Gao Liang smiled and replied, "In truth, the God of Light was there precisely to bring light to all of us!" Throughout the banquet, the Dragon King repeatedly invited his daughters to serve Gao Liang wine, and Xiao Longnü continuously filled his cup to the brim. The Dragon King himself had an exceptional drinking capacity, and although Gao Liang generally didn't enjoy drinking much (Zei8.com), today was different—it was a joyful occasion!
This was a special arrangement by the Dragon King of the East Sea, made to express his gratitude—bringing an array of sea and mountain delicacies, pearls, fine wines, and a large number of young dragon maidens to entertain. They performed graceful dances while feasting and drinking. Gao Liang, by chance, drank too much. He stumbled and wavered, and a young dragon maiden steadied him, guiding him into a room and closing the door behind them. Gao Liang, half-dazed, saw the delicate, blossoming figure of the young dragon maiden and immediately called out, "Ying'er! Ying'er!" The young maiden didn't respond; instead, she felt a touch of bashfulness. For Gao Liang had already firmly held her hand, not letting go. "Stay with me! Stay with me!" he said, deeply moved. The maiden struggled weakly, but was eventually drawn onto the bed. Her heart raced, and she felt quite nervous. At this moment, Gao Liang did not touch her or move toward her at all. Instead, he murmured softly, "Ying'er! Rest well now. Take care of your health and ease your pregnancy. I've promised you that I will make
After speaking, Gao Liang fell asleep immediately. Xiao Longnü was completely convinced that Gao Liang was Ying'er. Throughout the entire night, Gao Liang never moved from her side—this made Xiao Longnü deeply admire his character. With her beauty, no man in the world would fail to be moved by her. Yet here was this God of Light, who not only saved her but also saved her father and the entire Eastern Sea Dragon Palace—so brave and heroic—yet he asked for nothing in return. When Gao Liang awoke, he had just recovered from his drunken sleep. After waking, he bid farewell to the Dragon King of the Eastern Sea. Xiao Longnü accompanied him all the way, saying, "Gao Liang! Thank you so much! Thank you!" Gao Liang replied, "It's nothing! This is what I should have done." After leaving the Eastern Sea Dragon Palace, Gao Liang still longed for Ying'er. So, riding on the Fire Qilin, he soared through the clouds toward the second Eden he had founded—the Yongle Palace.
Ying'er was indeed in great danger now, as her belly grew larger and larger. Though there were many maids attending to her, the moment of childbirth was something she simply couldn't escape.
"Ah!" she suddenly cried out, and several maids were startled, quickly rushing to say, "Majesty! We're right here! Please tell us what you need!"
Ying'er replied, "I'm in so much pain! Let me lie down!"
The maids laid her gently on her back and said, "Majesty, please hold on!"
"Hmm," Ying'er said firmly.
At that moment, she truly longed to be alone with someone who could share her struggle.
"Ah! I can't hold on anymore! I'm truly going into labor!" Ying'er cried, her eyes brimming with tears.
"Ma'am, just hold on! Push with all your strength!" one midwife urged.
Ying'er began to sweat; she gritted her teeth and strained, but still failed.
"I can't do it! I'm so afraid!" Ying'er was now extremely anxious.
"Husband! Don't be afraid!"
"I'm here. Don't be afraid of anything!" A very familiar voice reached Ying'er's ears. She saw it was her husband, her master, Gao Liang, arriving. "Husband! I never thought you'd return just now!" Ying'er cried out, for these days, since Gao Liang had left her, she had felt as though something very important in her life had been missing—like having lost a precious treasure. Though Ying'er had encouraged her husband not to settle into this comfortable, carefree life, she truly couldn't bear the thought of him leaving her to pursue his own path. "Husband, please don't leave me! Okay? Ying'er really needs you!" Ying'er wept. Gao Liang held her jade hand tightly and said, "Wife, believe me! I'll always be by your side!" Ying'er was deeply moved. At that moment, Gao Liang added, "Wife! For our happiness! I've made you suffer!"
I believe our love will safely bring forth this precious child! I will surely treat you both well—whether now or in the future—I pledge it with my very life!
"Husband! You're so kind to Ying'er!" Ying'er's tears streamed down her face.
Labor is approaching.
"Ah!" Ying'er felt intense pain, yet with the encouraging gaze of Gaoliang and the presence of this exceptional man beside her, despite being in her first childbirth and enduring great discomfort, she found the strength and courage to overcome the pain—thanks to Gaoliang's support.
"Wife! Keep going! I believe you can deliver naturally!" Gaoliang was encouraging his wife.
"Of course, Husband! I will!" Ying'er began pushing with renewed strength.
Soon, the baby's head emerged. The midwife was working hard, her head drenched in sweat, using a large bathtub filled with warm water to assist in the delivery.
"Madam! Push harder! Push one more time, and she'll come out!" the midwife called out.
"Ying'er!"
My dearest wife! I truly believe you can do it—just like our love! After all the storms and trials, we finally reach this sweet, fulfilling peace! High-light's words gave Ying'er confidence and strength. Soon, the baby was born. "Congratulations! Congratulations! A healthy, robust boy! A healthy, robust boy! Wishing the King and the Queen well!" the midwife joyfully exclaimed. Ying'er's forehead glistened with sweat, as if she had just survived a life-or-death ordeal. High-light was deeply moved, watching her beautiful smile, gently wiping her clear forehead with a handkerchief, then kissing her cheek and saying to her, "My dear, you're absolutely amazing!" "Thank you so much for your encouragement, dear husband!" Ying'er replied. High-light then picked up the baby and placed him beside her. "May your mother and child remain safe and healthy," he said, "this is a divine blessing—we must cherish this precious, hard-won happiness!" "Rest well and take good care of yourselves."
After finishing her words, Gao Liang turned to the several maids and said, "You must take good care of the Princess and the little prince. If anything happens to either of them, I'll hold you personally accountable!" "Yes, Your Grace!" The maids responded and carried out the instructions. At that moment, Gao Liang's other wives—Zhang Yuping, Dong Jiao, Chen Yuting, Yudi, Mei Hide, Jing Zi, and Dai Mengna—also arrived to learn the news. Upon seeing Ying'er have delivered a healthy baby through natural childbirth, they were all delighted. Together, they gazed at the infant in the cradle and began to ponder a single question: what should the baby's name be? One by one, the sisters proposed their own names, but each of them shook her head in hesitation. "How about just calling him 'Gongxing'—'Happy and joyful'? Everyone will be happy! Hahaha!" Zhang Yuping, Gao Liang's first wife, made a face and suggested. "Agreed!" The sisters nodded in agreement. Gao Liang added, "That's excellent—'Gongxing'! I like it. Ying'er, what do you
I have nothing much to say—just happy, enthusiastic, excited to see my dream of becoming a god come to life, revival! Revival! Joy! Fulfillment!... Wonderful! I'm liking it more and more!" Ying'er gave a little pink palm clap. Gao Liang looked at Dong Qiao and said to her, "Thank you! For naming Xiao Bao such a beautiful name!" Dong Qiao replied, "What's there to thank? We're not strangers!" After saying that, she took advantage of the sisters' inattention and slipped something into Gao Liang's pocket. Then she made a silly face and hurried off. Gao Liang glanced at it and found it was a beautifully embroidered pouch—so lovely, and it even smelled fragrant. Wearing it made him feel fresh and refreshing. On closer inspection, he noticed a piece of paper tucked inside, with a single line of writing: "Come to my place tonight—I'll surprise you!" Wow! What kind of surprise? Gao Liang was completely at a loss. Well, he'd just go and find out tonight. Soon after, that evening, Gao Liang arrived at Dong Qiao's pavilion, known as Yu Yuan Palace.
The entire palace was lit up with lights—this used to be quite different.