Chapter 68

Chapter 68

The donkey cart sped along the country road, jolting the two elderly passengers until their faces turned ashen. Lu Lin drove another cart behind them, with Hu Chunrong and Little Stone in tow.

Wang Youtian didn't dare to slow down; he was deeply worried that something might happen to Lu Yun.

Lu Guangsheng and Lu's mother sat in the cart, their expressions grave. They had been fretting about Lu Yun having a difficult labor for days, and now their fears had come true.

"At what time did it start yesterday? Did you call for a midwife?"

"It started after the second hour of the night. My mother invited all the midwives from the village."

"Did his waters break?"

"They did, but not much came out, just enough to wet his pants."

"That's good, that's good." Lu's mother covered her chest and silently prayed. She remembered hearing from the elders that if the waters didn't completely break, there was still hope; otherwise, the child would suffocate inside.

Half an hour later, they arrived at Willow Village. As soon as they entered the courtyard, they heard Lu Yun's cries from inside the house.

"Mama... Mama, I can't take it anymore... It hurts so much..."

Lu's mother burst into tears instantly, "Yun, Mama is here, don't be afraid, Mama is here!"

Upon entering the room, they saw six or seven old women and men standing around. Lu Yun lay on the bed, his face pale as paper, gripping the quilt tightly, his lips bitten until they bled.

Lu's mother pushed through the crowd and grabbed Lu Yun's hand, "Mama is here. Just focus on giving birth, everything will be fine."

Seeing her, Lu Yun started crying uncontrollably, "Mama..."

Lu's mother wiped away his tears, "No more crying. You'll use up all your strength. How will you give birth to the baby then?"

"Okay." Lu Yun nodded and held back his tears.

"Auntie!" Hu Chunrong called out.

"Yes, I'm here." Wang's grandmother hurried forward to ask what she needed.

"Please cook a bowl of egg soup with lots of sugar. He needs to eat before continuing!"

"Of course, I'll do it right away." Wang's grandmother ran out of the house, and others quickly followed.

"How is Lu Yun doing?"

"How is my husband doing?"

"Don't block the way. I'll make a sweet soup for Xiao Yun! The eldest daughter-in-law, come help me with the fire!"

While Wang's grandmother was busy, Wang's second daughter-in-law stood aside, munching on sunflower seeds and watching. She disliked Lu Yun deeply, especially since she had been scolded last time for gossiping. Although her mother-in-law hadn't reported it to her husband, she still harbored resentment.

Soon, Wang's grandmother returned with a large bowl of sweet egg soup. Wang's eldest daughter-in-law approached, and they began whispering.

"After such a long time, even elixirs won't help now."

"You're right. When I gave birth to my eldest, it was hard too, but it only took three hours. He's been at it for almost five hours now."

"He might end up dead along with the baby. He looks like someone without any luck."

By chance, Wang Youtian overheard this. Already anxious, he became furious upon hearing his sisters-in-law curse his husband. He grabbed a hoe nearby and lunged at them.

"I'll kill you two wicked-tongued women!"

"Oh no, murder!" The two women screamed and scattered.

Others quickly intervened, and Wang's eldest brother angrily said, "Your husband can't give birth, why are you hitting my wife?"

"Ask your wife what she said! What does 'dead along with the baby' mean? No luck?!"

Wang's second brother pulled them apart, "Did she really say that?"

Wang Youtian wiped away his tears and shouted, "Do you think I'd lie? Your whole family dares to say such vicious things. If anything happens to Lu Yun, I won't let them live!"

Wang's eldest and second brothers fell silent, knowing further argument would hurt family ties.

By noon, the midwives in the house asked for hot water, and Lu Yun's cries resumed.

"You little brat, you're going to kill your mother! Come out already!" Lu Yun gritted his teeth and cursed, while Lu's mother helped him focus on pushing.

About twenty minutes later, Lu Yun suddenly felt something slip out below.

"It's coming, it's coming!"

The baby didn't cry immediately. The midwives quickly cut the umbilical cord and slapped the baby's bottom. Soon, a loud cry echoed through the room.

An old man lifted the curtain, revealing his toothless smile, and announced, "Mother and son are safe, it's a boy!"

Wang Youtian collapsed to the ground, laughing and crying with joy.

Lu's father also relaxed, "A boy is good, he won't have to serve in the military!"

Wang's grandfather quickly ordered someone to buy wine and meat for a celebration!

Inside the house, Lu's grandmother cleaned Lu Yun's wounds. Giving birth was always painful for men, often requiring tearing to deliver the baby, causing more suffering than for women.

Lu Yun held the baby, panting heavily, "I never thought it would be so difficult... I've been listening to you and not eating too much, walking around frequently..."

Lu's mother replaced the bloodstained quilt with a clean one, "Don't talk anymore, rest for a bit."

Lu Yun suddenly remembered something and turned his head, "Mama, how will I feed the baby if I don't have milk?"

"Feed them gruel or sheep's milk and egg custard, they'll survive somehow. Do you think every woman has milk? When I gave birth to you all, only Xiao Miao got a few mouthfuls of milk. The rest of you were raised on gruel."

Back then, we were so poor we couldn't even afford a decent meal, there was no fat in our diet, where would the milk come from?

"That's good, I was afraid I wouldn't be able to feed it."

"Don't talk nonsense." Lu's mother took the child from him. "The fields have just been harvested these past few days. I'll help you through your confinement before I go back."

"That's great!" Having his own mother around made everything easier; he didn't want Wang Youtian helping him with personal care.

By the time they finished, the sun had already set. Old Man Wang had his son kill three chickens and cook a large pot. Everyone else went to the courtyard for dinner, while Old Lady Wang brought over a large bowl of chicken and two bowls of porridge.

"Sister-in-law, come eat. Let me hold the baby for a bit."

Lu's mother didn't refuse, handing the child over and feeding Lu Yun first. This bowl of chicken was specially prepared with little salt, as new mothers need to avoid too much salt after giving birth to prevent sore throats.

After eating a couple of bites, Lu Yun couldn't eat anymore. He finished the porridge and fell asleep.

Lu's mother finished the chicken and rice, wiped her hands clean, and took the child back.

"This baby is beautiful, with eyes like Lu Yun's and nose and mouth like You Tian's. It's taken the best features from both parents."

Lu's mother smiled and nodded, pleased with the compliment. "It looks more like You Tian, but the skin color will definitely follow the Lu family's traits. Lu Yun was also born deep red and grew paler over time."

"It's good for a boy to be fair-skinned. This is their first child, so we must take good care of it. I've sent You Tian to the village to buy a ewe that just had lambs. We'll give him sheep's milk every day."

"Mm." Lu's mother felt relieved. Although the sisters-in-law weren't very helpful, the in-laws were kind.

On the other side, Wang Youtian had a bowl of wine with his father-in-law and then hurriedly went into the room to see the baby. He hadn't seen what his child looked like yet.

As soon as he entered, he smelled a strong scent of blood, which made his heart ache, feeling sorry for Lu Yun. Earlier, he heard Lu Yun's painful cries and wished he could have taken his place.

"Mother, Yun."

Lu Yun opened his eyes. "I've eaten."

Seeing him enter, Lu's mother put the child down on the bed. "Stay with Lu Yun for a while. I'll get some food for the little one."

"Okay." Wang Youtian looked at his child, touching its small face. "Little one, you've really worn out your mother. When you grow up, I'll spank your bottom."

The baby seemed to understand and started crying with a wrinkled face.

Lu Yun quickly patted the baby to soothe it. "Shh, shh, don't cry. Don't scare him. A baby this young doesn't understand anything."

Wang Youtian scratched his head and laughed foolishly. "My son is so handsome."

"Wrinkled like an old man."

"No, I've seen newborns in my brother's house, none are as pretty as ours."

Lu Yun laughed, but accidentally moved his wound, causing him to gasp in pain.

Wang Youtian quickly held his hand. "How are you feeling? Is it very painful?"

"It hurts so much." Lu Yun said, sounding pitiful.

"It's my fault, my fault. After this one, we won't have any more." The thought of having another child scared him to death.

Lu Yun nodded with a smile, the couple cuddled together, playing with their adorable child, deepening their bond.

*

Lu Yao received the news on the third day, learning that Lu Yun had given birth.

Just as the shop's goods were almost sold out, he decided to visit Willow Village immediately.

Lu Miao and Xiaonian wanted to see the baby, so Lu Yao asked Zhao Beichuan to drive the carriage.

He took out the silver lock he had prepared, which cost one tael and two mace. On the front, it was engraved with "Longevity and Happiness," and on the back, the baby's zodiac sign, a monkey. The silversmith did a good job, making the monkey look lively and worth the price.

They collected fifty eggs from home, packed them in a basket for Lu Yun to replenish his strength.

Lu Miao and Xiaonian brought the clothes they had sewn in advance, and Lu Yao helped pack them. Outside, Zhao Beichuan called out, and everyone hurriedly got into the carriage.

Xiaodou couldn't join them because he had school. Passing by the school, Lu Yao gave him ten coins to buy noodles for lunch, promising to return in the afternoon.

Xiaodou looked envious but prioritized his studies. "Sister, please say hello to my nephew for me."

"Of course, I will."

They all sat in the donkey cart and headed towards Willow Village.

Xiaonian asked, "Sister, is Fourth Brother's baby a boy or a girl?"

"It's a boy."

"Wow, he must be as handsome as Fourth Brother."

Lu Yao pinched her cheek affectionately. His Xiaonian always knew how to make people happy with her sweet words.

Lu Miao clutched his robe, feeling excited and worried. These past few days, he had been anxious about Fourth Brother's impending birth. He even had a nightmare a few days ago, dreaming that Lu Yun was covered in blood, unable to speak.

He woke up in a cold sweat, fearing the dream was bad luck and didn't mention it. Today, hearing that both mother and child were safe, his heart finally settled.

Half an hour later, they arrived at Willow Village. As soon as they reached the gate, they heard loud noises, as if someone was arguing.

Lu Yao quickly jumped off the carriage and ran into the courtyard. He saw Wang's eldest daughter-in-law sitting on the ground, wailing loudly. "I can't live anymore! Your Wang family is too cruel. Just a few words, and you want to beat me to death. Haven't I served your father diligently all these years..."

Wang's eldest son scowled angrily. "Get up and go inside!"

"I won't go. If I go in, you'll hit me again. My face is swollen from your slaps. I can't live anymore."

"Stop hitting you, go in quickly. Third Younger Brother's wife is still recovering from childbirth; don't wake the baby."

As soon as he said this, Wang's eldest daughter-in-law raised her voice even higher. "Oh my, how dare I disturb them? They're made of gold, unlike us common folks! She wants everyone to know about giving birth, as if it's such a grand feat. Her parents revolve around her, and now you've all been bewitched too? You neglect your own child and run over to your brother-in-law's room every day, without any shame..."

"Smack!" Lu Yao ran over and slapped her across the face. "Shut your filthy mouth! If you upset my brother, I'll kill you!"

Wang's eldest daughter-in-law covered her face, startled. She didn't expect Lu Yao to be there, but she couldn't let the slap go unpunished. She got up to retaliate.

Although Lu Yao was thin, he had strength from daily labor. He grabbed her hair and slapped her again.

Zhao Beichuan, Lu Miao, and Xiaonian rushed over to pull them apart. Wang's eldest son angrily asked, "What are you doing? Coming here to cause trouble?"

Lu Yao spat at him, "You can't control your own wife, so I'll do it for you! Tie her mouth shut with your belt and stop spewing filth. Don't make people look down on your family for bullying a new mother."

The commotion outside drew Lu's mother out. Seeing Lu Yao, she waved him inside, urging him not to argue with them anymore.

"Pah!" Xiaonian and Lu Miao spat at the couple before rushing into the house.

Inside, Lu Yun sat on the kang bed, where the baby was sleeping. His eyes sparkled when they arrived.

"Third Brother, Fifth Brother, Xiaonian, come sit on the kang."

Lu Yao was still fuming. "What's going on outside? Where are You Tian and your father-in-law?"

"They went to the Village Headman's place to discuss dividing the property."

"Why suddenly divide the property?"

Lu's mother spat, "Didn't you see that jinx in the courtyard? On the day Lu Yun gave birth, she told Wang's second daughter-in-law that Lu Yun wouldn't survive, predicting a double tragedy. Can you believe someone would say such things?"

Hearing this, Lu Yao's anger flared, and he was about to rush out again.

Lu's mother held him back. "Enough. You Tian already fought with them two days ago. If not for Lu Yun just having given birth, we would have divided the property right then."

"That's outrageous. Gossiping is one thing, but saying such vicious things is unforgivable!"

Lu Yun laughed it off. "Let them talk. Anyway, You Tian is determined to divide the property."

Usually, You Tian worked the hardest and most diligently. Wang's eldest son had injured his back and couldn't handle heavy labor for long, while the second son was cunning and always chose the easiest tasks. Now, with the division, they wouldn't have to worry about their foolish son working like an ox.

Lu's mother said, "Forget those scoundrels. Come see your nephew."

Only then did Lu Yao remember the main reason for his visit. He took out a silver lock and some clothes he had made for the baby.

"This is too much," Lu Yun said, waving his hand in refusal upon seeing the large silver lock.

Lu Yao slapped his hand lightly. "It's not for you; why are you refusing? This is for my nephew. Oh, has he been good?"

Lu Yao gently touched the baby's face. The baby seemed to sense it and frowned, about to cry. Lu Yao quickly withdrew his hand, afraid to touch the tiny infant.

Lu Yun chuckled. "Third Brother, if you love children so much, why don't you have one yourself?"

Lu Yao wasn't worried. He put his arm around Xiaonian's shoulder. "I have siblings; no need for more."

Lu's mother didn't push him this time. After witnessing her son's difficult childbirth, she knew the pain and didn't want Lu Yao to suffer similarly.

"Fourth Brother, check if the clothes I made fit!"

Lu Yun unfolded several small garments. Three were made by Lu Miao, and two by Xiaonian. The stitches were fine and neat, using soft fabric.

"Really beautiful, better than what I made."

Lu Yun placed the clothes on the baby. They were slightly big, but that was fine; the baby would grow into them soon.

Soon, Wang Youtian and the elders returned. Today's meeting at the Village Headman's was about dividing the land. The Wang family owned thirty-five acres of prime land, thirteen acres of medium land, and seven acres of poor land.

These lands made them one of the wealthiest families in the village. With the three brothers dividing the property, the patriarch had to ensure fairness to avoid future disputes.

Wang's eldest son opposed the division, hoping to pressure his parents into keeping the family together. That's why today's drama unfolded in the courtyard.

Unexpectedly, Lu Yao intervened and beat the eldest daughter-in-law badly.

Seeing Zhao Beichuan at the door, Wang Youtian hurried over with a smile. "Brother-in-law, you came!"

Zhao Beichuan nodded coldly. "Come here; I need to talk to you."

Confused, Wang Youtian followed Zhao Beichuan to a side room. "Your husband just gave birth, and you let your eldest brother's family cause trouble?"

"Did they start again?"

"I usually don't meddle, but they were being so loud. If they upset Lu Yun, your father won't spare you."

Wang Youtian turned red with embarrassment. "Ah, my parents and I went to the Village Headman's to address this. Let them rant for a few more days; we're dividing the property soon."

Zhao Beichuan felt relieved. "Good. I thought you didn't know."

"How could I not know? During Lu Yun's childbirth, you didn't hear what my sisters-in-law said. It was so vile."

Zhao Beichuan patted his shoulder. "Don't mention it. I understand your situation."

Wang Youtian's eyes welled up. "No more talk. Stay for lunch and have a drink with me."

Zhao Beichuan didn't refuse. As they left the side room, they saw Wang's eldest son standing nearby, seemingly waiting for them.