Chapter 107

Chapter 107

As Yao Niang was in labor, she suddenly heard Mama Gu shout: "Miss, Madam has come, your mother is here."

She hadn't expected her mother to arrive just as she was giving birth. Compared to before, Lady Jie had gained some weight. Neither of them had anticipated meeting under such circumstances.

"Yao Niang, Mother is here, don't worry," Lady Jie said, seeing her daughter lying in bed, her face contorted with pain, and hurriedly comforted her.

Unexpectedly, after Yao Niang endured the pain for a while, it subsided, and she smiled, saying, "Mother, as soon as you came, my stomach stopped hurting."

Lady Jie stroked her daughter's hair: "This is intermittent pain. I arrived at the inn late last night. For some reason, I thought of your pregnancy, so I let them go back first and decided to come and see you. I didn't expect you to be in labor right now."

"Having Mother by my side, I'm not afraid of anything," Yao Niang took a deep breath.

Lady Jie, with her rich experience in childbirth, had hot water prepared for a bath. She told Yao Niang, "Take advantage of the time before the baby comes to clean yourself up; it will make you feel much better."

...

The Yan family returned to the capital, and Yan Yingqi had already gone to the palace to meet the emperor. Li Shi stayed at home with her younger brother-in-law and her son, two little boys. Her return was now with pride, unlike the last time when she returned home in tears. This time, she had won a decisive victory.

Her younger brother-in-law was only a month or two older than her son, and since she returned to Jin Ling, he often helped take care of the children. Her mother-in-law had always treated her well. To be honest, the Yan family's situation was quite unique. It was common knowledge that her father-in-law favored his wife, but as Lady Jie's daughter-in-law, she benefited from this and couldn't say much about it.

However, if she had such a formidable rival, she would probably have lost sleep over it.

"First, tidy up our courtyard so that Fifth Master and Little Master can take a nap. Then I'll personally go to the front yard and ask them to clean up the main courtyard. Mother just sent someone to inform us that Sister is in labor and staying at the Shen residence to look after her. If the child is born, we must visit and congratulate them," Li Shi said.

"Madam, Third Miss has been married to the Shen family for three years and is finally having a child. This is indeed good news. But Elder Miss also came to the capital this time. I wonder if she will envy Third Miss when she sees her situation," one of Li Shi's servants worried.

Lady Jie was also discussing this matter with Yao Niang: "After the mourning period, many changes occurred in our Yan family. Jingwen's marriage cannot be delayed any longer, so we first arranged his wedding. Ying Niang's marriage to the Xu family is also imminent. However, we didn't expect your father to be reinstated so quickly, so no one paid attention to your elder sister. We only discovered she was hiding in a trunk halfway through our journey."

Yao Niang stroked her belly and looked at Lady Jie, saying, "Perhaps it was the doing of the head of the main house..."

"Yes, I suspect it was her too. I was busy with Jingci and concerned about you. I bet on your father's reinstatement and comforted him during his low times. Lady Zhen lost favor, and your father distanced himself from her. She was anxious, and I felt confident. How could I have known that Yan Ningxin would secretly board the ship? Given her strict management of the household, how could she not know about a person on the ship? It must have been intentional, to upset you and me," Lady Jie guessed.

By noon, Yao Niang had experienced two or three rounds of labor pains. After bathing, she saw the silver-thread noodles being delivered. As she ate, she said, "She can't upset me. Do you know she once asked me for a painting, which she claimed was for the Prince Qi's heir, but actually passed it to Gongding. Now that Gongding is part of the cabinet, I hope he behaves well. If he causes trouble, Father will surely deal with her. I am already in a secure position, why should I rush to confront her? I am not like Ying Niang."

It must be said that after three years of marriage, Yao Niang had cultivated a remarkable composure, no longer the same as before.

After finishing her meal, Yao Niang felt somewhat tired and was about to rest when the pain started again, indicating that she was truly going into labor. In the past, she often found menstrual cramps extremely painful, but now, giving birth made her realize that compared to menstrual pain, this was ten times worse.

Lady Jie hoped Yao Niang would give birth smoothly, regardless of whether it was a boy or a girl, as long as she was safe. After all, as long as there was life, there was hope. She wished all her children well.

...

As evening approached and the sky was filled with dense clouds, resembling a fiery sunset, Shen Linfeng stood outside the door, waiting anxiously for good news.

Suddenly, the sound of a baby's cry broke through the silence, and Shen Linfeng immediately stood up and rushed inside. He saw his wife, drenched in sweat, her hair matted to her forehead, her face pale, but her expression relieved.

Lady Jie stood up and said, "Son-in-law, it's a girl."

"Is that so? That's wonderful, wonderful. I must thank my mother-in-law for taking care of my wife. I don't know how to express my gratitude. I'll send someone to escort you back," Shen Linfeng knew that Lady Jie had traveled a long distance and spent the whole day caring for Yao Niang, so he was very considerate.

Lady Jie smiled and shook her head, "This is a great joy. Yao Niang suffered greatly, but fortunately, the delivery went smoothly. Otherwise, I wouldn't know what to say."

Shen Linfeng personally asked the steward to escort Lady Jie back. He then went in to see his wife and daughter. The newborn looked wrinkled and red, covered in fine hair, resembling a little monkey. Both he and Yao Niang were exceptionally beautiful, so how could they have an ugly daughter?

But it was truly amazing; despite being so small, her nose functioned just like an adult's, and her heart beat steadily. Looking at Yao Niang, who had exhausted herself in childbirth and was now asleep, Shen Linfeng felt immense tenderness.

The main house had a daughter, and Shen Er's wife laughed, "Mama Qian, I'll go and see them tomorrow."

Having only one daughter is almost the same as having none at all. She then asked Mama Qian, "Wang Shi has been quite active lately, often not staying at home, and she doesn’t even consider what she should be doing."

Papa Qian replied, "This old servant doesn’t know."

Madam Shen Er thought well of it; if her son passed the provincial examination, he would certainly take a second wife, and at that time, the Xinning Marquis’s mansion wouldn’t have much to say. They had only this one son; it couldn’t be that after several years of marriage, his knees would remain barren.

The eldest branch at least had a daughter, which showed they could still bear children, but Wang Shi was hard to predict.

Seeing how Madam Qing was, Governor Shen had already started to worry. He specially chose a woman with a clear family background to serve Shen Linqing in the mansion.

Madam Qing had to prepare for the arrival of the second wife these few days, and she didn’t show any displeasure at all.

Hearing that Yao Niang had safely given birth to a daughter, she couldn’t help but touch her own belly: “If I could have a daughter, it would be good too, better than an empty womb.”

Han Ruohua and Lady Shao were both present. Lady Shao, who usually spoke straightforwardly, first heard that the eldest branch had reported the birth of a daughter, and she was initially pleased. Then, knowing that Madam Qing’s household was about to take a second wife, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of sorrow for the loss of a companion.

Lady Shao, though lucky, recalled her own experiences and said, "Elder Sister, are you really going to welcome Chu Shi into your household? Although she is the daughter of a fallen scholar, whose father passed away early, she is a beautiful lady."

"Since it’s Father-in-law’s arrangement, and he specifically sent her to the capital, as a junior, I can only follow the elders' arrangements. To be honest, it’s also my own fault," Madam Qing said without any reluctance.

Madam Qing had been in the household for six years, and Lady Shao for five. Initially, they didn’t get along well, but after the division of the household, they grew closer. Lady Shao was worried about Madam Qing and, seeing her so virtuous, felt even more anxious on her behalf: "Ultimately, the status in the inner chambers is decided by men. Since she is sent by Father-in-law, and she is knowledgeable and beautiful, I’m afraid she might overshadow you in the future. Don’t be careless."

Madam Qing, hearing Lady Shao’s words, was somewhat moved. She knew that although Lady Shao had some ulterior motives, she wasn’t a truly bad person. Han Ruohua, however, remained completely silent, observing everything with a calm demeanor. She simply said, "Let’s think about what to send for the eldest branch’s third-day ceremony. We don’t want to send something that’s already been given."

"It’s nothing more than sending some gold and silver ingots," Han Ruohua said.

Lady Shao laughed, "I’m afraid the eldest branch will invite Elder Sister to preside over the third-day ceremony. The eldest son’s wife is a clever person, but now that she has just given birth and her family has returned, and the eldest son was recently appointed as the Right Middle Censor of the Right Spring Pavilion, there will surely be more people coming. Someone needs to entertain them."

Madam Qing responded seriously, "Not necessarily. Their household managers must have everything arranged."

Last time, when she got close to the Fan family, she deliberately didn’t go to the eldest branch. Given Yan’s pride, she would never tolerate others causing trouble in her household.

She was definitely not someone easy to approach, and once she suspected someone, they would never meet her approval. Moreover, Madam Qing understood that two tigers cannot coexist on the same mountain, especially since she was no longer in the mood. Chu Shi was about to enter the household soon.

It was said that Wen Qilang, upon learning from Shen Linfeng that Yan Yingqi had returned to the capital, hurried back. This time, Concubine Yin didn’t come along. Because Yan Jingzhang was required to study at home until he passed the scholar examination, Concubine Yin was now helping to take care of the Old Lady, enjoying the pleasures of grandparenthood, and didn’t need to stand on ceremony with Lady Zhen, which suited her just fine.

As for Concubine Feng, Yan Yingqi, considering her youth and not wanting to waste her prime, sought her opinion before leaving and had Lady Zhen cancel her slave status, arranging for her to marry a man serving as a judge in Jin Ling as a second wife.

Qian Niang first went to pay respects to Lady Zhen. Seeing that Lady Zhen had a few more white hairs, she didn’t dare say much, only expressing her longing for them and mentioning Ying Niang’s marriage.

Lady Zhen smiled, "This time, I came back to arrange your sister’s marriage. The Xu family has been waiting for three years. Your sister is sixteen this year, and the wedding date is set for the twelfth month of this year."

"That’s wonderful. I’ve been thinking about this matter all along." Since her father-in-law retired and her husband only held a nominal position, the people who used to surround them had long dispersed.

Fortunately, her father was now a chancellor again, though only one of the four assistants, but still a cabinet member. Qian Niang indeed felt that her luck was good, and hearing that Yao Niang had also given birth to a daughter made her even happier.

Of course, this news came from Ying Niang, who was three years older and had grown up considerably. She wore a rose-purple silk robe with narrow sleeves and a vermilion skirt, adorned with pearls and jade, looking very elegant.

"Before we knew it, Second Sister and Third Sister each had their own children. In the past, we didn’t notice anything when we were all together, but being alone at home is rather dull," Ying Niang, who always got along well with Qian Niang, remarked.

Qian Niang sighed, "I feel the same way. After you get married, we must visit each other often. You know, I don’t usually interact much with Yao Niang."

Ying Niang tilted her head in confusion, "Why is that?"

"I often send invitations to her, but she rarely comes. Recently, I heard that her sisters-in-law in the Shen family also don’t interact with her much," Qian Niang thought that Yao Niang really didn’t know how to get along with people.

Ying Niang covered her mouth, "Third Sister’s personality is indeed hard to deal with. I see her getting along with no one. Now that Eldest Sister has come to the capital, who knows what strange things might happen next."

Qian Niang was incredulous, "What? Eldest Sister has come to the capital? Did Father send her?"

Ying Niang was about to speak when someone outside announced that Third Madam had arrived, and she stopped herself. After Yan Jingwen's marriage, his cousin from the Zhen family returned to Jiujiang Prefecture and was betrothed by her father.

Xin Wan now dressed as a married woman, still appearing slender and graceful. She said, "Second Lady, Third Miss, the banquet at home is ready. Lady has sent me to invite you over."

Qian Niang never thought Xin Wan would end up marrying Jingwen; it really seemed unbelievable. She always thought Xin Wan could never become their Yan family’s daughter-in-law.

In the end, she got up and called out, "Third Sister-in-Law."

Xin Wan had grown up in the Yan household and was very familiar with Qian Niang and Ying Niang. She didn’t need to get used to her new family like others, which was one of the benefits.

Now hearing Qian Niang call her, she responded somewhat shyly, "Let's go."

The people of the Main House were dining together, but Qian Niang did not see Yan Ningxin. She knew that Yan Ningxin probably hadn't returned through normal channels. If her father had asked her to come back, it would have been done openly. The current situation clearly showed that First Lady did not want her to appear.

Just her return, if she made another mistake, all the reputation she had painstakingly accumulated would be lost. In her anxiety, she thought of Yao Niang, assuming she must be even more anxious.

In fact, Yao Niang didn't take it to heart at all. After giving birth to her daughter, within a few days, the wrinkled baby turned into a small, plump, and particularly adorable little ball.

Shen Linfeng smiled and said, "What name do you think we should give her? We can wait to choose a formal name, but let's decide on a nickname first."

"Give me a few options to hear," Yao Niang asked.

Shen Linfeng suggested a few names like "Xian" (Wise) and "Shu" (Virtuous), but Yao Niang rejected them all. She said, "In the 'Ode to the Luo River Goddess,' it says, 'When closely observed, she shines like a lotus emerging from green waves.' What do you think of 'Ru Fu'? Let's call her Fu'er for short, wishing our daughter to always be like a lotus emerging from water, remaining pure even in mire."

Hearing the name Yao Niang chose, he repeated it a few times, "Ru Fu, Ru Fu, good, let's use this name."

"The third-day washing ceremony is tomorrow, and I've already arranged it with the steward. For the women's side, I originally wanted to invite Lady Wang, but the thorn left by Second Lady was finally removed after much effort. It's easier to invite than to send away. With Third House's Qing Grand Lady marrying into Second House, there will likely be some competition. Lady Shao and us are only friendly on the surface, so I thought of inviting my cousin." Yao Niang said.

Shen Linfeng smiled, "I don't think we need to invite anyone. We've prepared everything anyway."

"True, but someone needs to preside over it. I've already sent someone to invite her. If she refuses, then so be it," Yao Niang was quite open-minded.

Actually, Han Ruohua was now like a younger sister to Qing Grand Lady and Lady Shao. She couldn't step forward herself, but now there was an opportunity to elevate her. If she dared not, then so be it. This would show that she was only good at playing small tricks and not capable of handling real matters.

Han Ruohua usually kept quiet among her sisters-in-law, but now she agreed and quickly came to the Main House. Qing Grand Lady sneered, "A dog that bites doesn't bark."

On the day of the third-day washing ceremony, Lady Jie brought Jingci and her grandson Runge over. Seeing Yao Niang's daughter Ru Fu, she was delighted, "This child is already snow-white after just a few days, with a nose like yours and a mouth like your husband's. She's truly beautiful."

"Mother, I can't tell who she looks like yet because she's too small. But I'm glad to have a daughter. My dolls fill a whole cabinet, and they can all play with her later," Yao Niang said.

Lady Jie and Lady Li exchanged glances and both laughed, "You're still so childish. How is your health?"

Yao Niang replied, "I'm still uncomfortable, and I need to rest for another month or two. Gradually, I'll recover. Now that you're all in the capital, I feel relieved. Moreover, my husband was recently promoted to reviser and then transferred to the Right Spring Pavilion as a Right Middle Censor. Although his career is thriving, there are still many shortcomings. Please advise him more, Father. He has always been broad-minded and can listen to others' opinions."

"A daughter, once married, thinks only of her husband. Look at you, sitting in confinement, yet worrying about your husband. You really are something," Lady Jie teased her daughter.

Yao Niang was smiling when she heard that Lady Zhen had brought Ying Niang over. Ying Niang looked well-nourished, white, and healthy, full of vitality, while Lady Zhen appeared more bloated and aged, looking ten years older than when she was in the capital.

"First Lady, Fourth Sister," Yao Niang nodded.

Lady Zhen maintained her composure, her level similar to that of Second Lady Shen. She always looked like a considerate and kind person. This time, she specifically glanced at Ru Fu and said, "This child is well-formed. Only you two could produce such a fine child."

Her words made everyone laugh. Yao Niang then asked Lady Li, "Does Wulang (Jingci) fight with Runge? I heard children of similar age often fight over toys."

Lady Li laughed, "Uncle Wulang loves Runge so much that he shares all his new toys with his nephew."

"That's wonderful," Yao Niang looked at her young brother Jingci, finding him very well-behaved, much like Lady Jie's personality. He would surely be a refined person in the future.

He was two years old and, seeing Yao Niang in front, was urged by the adults to call her sister. He quickly hid behind Lady Jie.

Yao Niang smiled at him, "Would you like your brother-in-law to take you out to play later? He misses you so much."

"Brother-in-law?" Jing Cihai didn't understand these relationships.

Yao Niang patted her brother's head and then said to Jie Shi, "In the future, Mother can bring him over more often. It would be good for our daughter too. Gongding is often busy with official duties, leaving this vast mansion to house only our daughter. I see that Jing Ci is very well-behaved; if you have any matters, just send him to me."

Jie Shi trusted her daughter more than her daughter-in-law, which was true. No matter how good Li Shi was, she was still an outsider to her.

The Yan family exchanged some words, and then the midwife outside was about to take the child away for the third-day washing ceremony. Jie Shi and Li Shi let the wet nurse carry the children to the guest room. Ying Niang, being an unmarried young lady, should not stay long in the lying-in room, but she also wanted to see how her third sister was doing.

Everything seemed fine, even though it was a girl, her third sister showed no worry at all.

Today was the third-day washing ceremony, and many people came. Although Ying Niang was now the daughter of the Chancellor, proud and haughty, seeing the Prime Minister's daughter-in-law come over showed the importance they placed on her third sister.

The ceremony was presided over by Han Ruohua from the Shen family. In such a prominent occasion, the main branch had everything prepared, and she only needed to step forward to preside. She never thought this opportunity would fall to her. Perhaps it was because of the close ties between families, no matter what, the main branch and she were related, and they would think of her for any good fortune.

Shao Shi whispered to Qing Dama, "She didn't say a word, turns out she was here."

Qing Dama replied, "Say less." She glanced at Jie Shi, who was originally part of a joint lineage, essentially belonging to the second branch. Now standing beside Zhen Shi, she looked younger, and her children were more promising than those of Zhen Shi. She might end up the same way.

Chu Shi, despite her father's passing, was talented and beautiful, with a clear family background, literate, and of excellent character. Just after entering the mansion, Shen Linqing started coming back every day, completely ignoring the concubines at home.

Jie Shi, however, remained unaware, tossing a gold-inlaid jade longevity lock into the basin. Everyone praised, "No wonder you're the maternal grandmother, truly generous."

"This was worn by my husband when he was young. I was specially instructed to give it to my granddaughter," Jie Shi smiled.

No matter who spoke to Jie Shi, she responded gently, never slighting anyone. Shen Erfu found it strange; Yan Shi was a proud and fierce person, not getting along well with anyone in the clan, yet she had Shen Linfeng under her thumb. Her mother, however, was as gentle as water, completely different from her.

Ruo Fu's third-day washing ceremony was grand. Yao Niang had already prepared gifts for each guest, different from the traditional eggs. They returned with special gift boxes containing a tray of egg-shaped pastries, a handkerchief with zodiac signs, a jar of tea, a bottle of perfume, a pair of zodiac candles, and a tumbler with different meanings randomly placed in the box.

Shen Linfeng laughed, "There's a riddle inside this tumbler. If you guess it right before tomorrow, there will be a reward. Remember, I'll pay the prize money."

Many of the guests were scholars, loving such activities. Lin Long immediately opened his box, but he couldn't figure it out after thinking for a long time.

Yan Yingqi appeared calm but opened the paper strip inside the tumbler in the carriage, thinking for a moment before saying, "Isn't this just the character 'Qing'? Wait, I need to go back to the Shen family."

Jie Shi quickly pulled him back, "Don't embarrass yourself. If you want something to eat, won't your son-in-law invite you? Now, if you go back, there will only be young people or your son-in-law's peers there. What do you want to do?"

"I don't care, I'm going back now. You go home first, I'll be back soon," Yan Yingqi said, ready to slip away.

Jie Shi barely managed to keep from rolling her eyes. This man really had regressed, spending too much time with Jing Ci.