Chapter 33: The Struggle for Survival
The Xiao family gathered in the main hall of their mansion, tension thick in the air as they awaited the arrival of the Zhu Clan representatives. Xiao Feng stood at the head of the room, his expression grave, while Gong Qin sat beside him, her hand resting protectively on her swollen belly.
Moments later, the doors swung open, and Patriarch Zhu Rong entered, flanked by his six elders. Their presence loomed large, casting a shadow over the Xiao family.
"Greetings, Xiao Feng," Patriarch Zhu Rong said, his voice dripping with false civility. "I trust you are aware of the reason for our visit."
Xiao Feng squared his shoulders, his jaw set. "I am. You've come to discuss the spirit stone mine."
Patriarch Zhu Rong nodded, a predatory gleam in his eyes. "Indeed. As you know, the mine lies within our territory, and it has come to our attention that your family has been unlawfully extracting spirit stones from it."
Xiao Feng clenched his fists, his temper flaring. "Those spirit stones belong to no one but the land itself. We have as much right to them as you do."
One of the Zhu Clan elders stepped forward, his voice cold and calculating. "Be that as it may, Xiao Feng, the fact remains that the mine is within our territory. We cannot allow you to continue siphoning off our resources."
Gong Qin spoke up, her voice steady despite her nerves. "But what about our livelihoods? Without the spirit stones, we'll have no means of supporting our family."
Patriarch Zhu Rong regarded her with disdain. "That is not my concern, Gong Qin. You would do well to remember your place."
Xiao Feng stepped forward, his gaze challenging. "We will not relinquish the mine without a fight. We've worked hard to build our lives here, and we will not let you take everything from us."
Patriarch Zhu Rong's lips curled into a cruel smile. "Very well, Xiao Feng. If you insist on defying us, then prepare for the consequences."
With that, the Zhu Clan representatives turned and left the hall, leaving the Xiao family reeling with fear and uncertainty.
---
Days turned into weeks, and the pressure from the Zhu Clan continued to mount. Their patrols increased around the spirit stone mine, making it nearly impossible for the Xiao family to access it without being caught.
Gong Qin paced the halls of the mansion, her anxiety growing with each passing day. She knew that if the Zhu Clan succeeded in taking control of the mine, it would spell disaster for their family.
One evening, as Xiao Feng and Gong Qin sat in the quiet of their chambers, Gong Qin gasped, a sharp pain coursing through her abdomen.
Xiao Feng jumped to his feet, his eyes wide with alarm. "Gong Qin, what's wrong?"
Gong Qin clutched her belly, her breath coming in short gasps. "I think... I think the baby's coming."
Xiao Feng's heart raced as he helped Gong Qin to her feet, his mind racing with fear and excitement. "We need to get you to the healer," he said, his voice urgent.
---
Hours later, Gong Qin lay on a bed in the healer's chambers, her face contorted with pain as she struggled through labor. Xiao Feng stood by her side, his hand clasped tightly in hers, offering words of encouragement.
Suddenly, the door burst open, and a Zhu Clan elder strode into the room, his expression smug. "I'm afraid I can't allow this birth to proceed," he said, his voice dripping with malice.
Xiao Feng's eyes narrowed with fury. "What are you doing here? This is a private matter."
The Zhu Clan elder ignored him, his gaze fixed on Gong Qin. "You see, Xiao Feng, the birth of your child is a threat to our interests. We cannot allow another member of the Xiao family to exist."
Gong Qin cried out in pain as another contraction wracked her body. "Please," she pleaded, her voice weak. "Let us be."
But the Zhu Clan elder remained unmoved. "I'm afraid I can't do that. You leave me no choice."
With a wave of his hand, the Zhu Clan elder summoned a group of guards, who advanced on Xiao Feng and Gong Qin, their swords drawn.
Xiao Feng stood his ground, his eyes blazing with defiance. "You'll have to go through me first."
---
The sound of steel clashing filled the room as Xiao Feng and the Zhu Clan guards engaged in a fierce battle. Gong Qin lay on the bed, her strength waning with each passing moment.
But just as it seemed that all hope was lost, a sudden surge of power coursed through Gong Qin's body, and with one final push, she brought a baby boy into the world.
The Zhu Clan elder's eyes widened in shock as he witnessed the birth, his plans foiled in an instant.
Xiao Feng held his newborn son in his arms, tears streaming down his face as he gazed upon the miracle before him.
The Zhu Clan elder, defeated, slunk away, his influence waning in the face of the Xiao family's resilience.
As Gong Qin cradled her newborn son in her arms, she knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, united in love and determination. And as the first cries of their son echoed through the room, a sense of hope filled the air, banishing the shadows of fear and uncertainty once and for all.
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