Chapter 7

Chapter 7: The Eldest Miss Lacks Decorum

Chapter 7: The Eldest Miss Lacks Decorum

The birth of twins brought joy and dispelled some of the gloom that had befallen the Qin family in their time of misfortune.

Old Madam Qin, looking at her twin grandsons, had eyes filled with joy, yet tinged with worry, tears dripping continuously.

If only the twins had been born a year earlier, it would have been so much better. Now, being premature and frail, it was uncertain if they would survive.

"Mother, you've been laboring all day and night. Please rest, the daughters-in-law can take over here," Wang Shi gently comforted.

Old Madam Qin nodded, instructing to hire two wet nurses.

Since Gu Shi's delivery was premature and difficult, costing her nearly her life, she needed careful nurturing and couldn't breastfeed, necessitating the need for wet nurses.

Before Wang Shi could speak, Xie Shi interjected, "Mother, where do we have the money to hire two wet nurses?"

The sudden confiscation of their property, coupled with malicious suppression from the Empress Dowager’s family, left them with barely any valuables, let alone enough money to hire two wet nurses.

"Can we not afford the monthly salaries of two wet nurses?" retorted Old Madam Qin with a cold expression.

Xie Shi, not wanting to provoke further, suggested, "Mother, in that case, let's hire some more maids and servants. We only have three servants for our entire household."

The old residence was already understaffed.

Old Madam Qin was exasperated at Xie Shi's naivety, thinking she still believed the Qin family to be as prosperous as before, surrounded by numerous servants.

"First, hire two wet nurses," Old Madam Qin instructed Wang Shi, ignoring Xie Shi. "These twins, being premature, require special care. Hire capable nurses, and your sister-in-law must also complete her postnatal recovery."

"Yes."

"As for the girl Xi..."

Old Madam Qin began to speak, but realized that Qin Liuxi had already left, leaving her momentarily stunned.

Qi Huang had already helped Gu Shi settle comfortably, and seeing this, mentioned, "Our young lady was busy all night and has gone to rest. Please, Old Madam, you should also rest."

Old Madam Qin was taken aback.

Xie Shi scoffed, "The elders are still here, having also toiled all night, yet she, a junior, leaves without a word. How impolite!"

Qi Huang calmly replied, "Our young lady exerted herself treating the Third Madam with acupuncture and massage, which is physically and mentally taxing. Moreover, her health isn't great, something Second Madam is well aware of. I trust you wouldn't begrudge our young lady for this minor matter." After all, the reason why the eldest miss was sent to live in the old residence was precisely because of her health issues.

Xie Shi, infuriated, found Qi Huang too sharp-tongued to handle.

Qi Huang bowed to Old Madam Qin and said, "Old Madam, I must follow my young lady’s instructions to prepare medicine for the Third Madam. Please excuse me."

Old Madam Qin waved her hand wearily.

As Qi Huang left with the midwife, Old Madam Qin’s scolding of Xie Shi echoed from the room, prompting a cold scoff from Qi Huang.

"Mother, please don’t be upset. Take care of yourself. Second sister-in-law, you should apologize and then accompany Mother to rest," Wang Shi said, frustrated with her sister-in-law’s actions at such a critical time.

Reluctantly, Xie Shi calmed down, saying a few placating words before helping Old Madam Qin to leave. However, Old Madam Qin suddenly collapsed after taking a step.

"Mother!"