Chapter 458

Here is the revised translation incorporating the expert suggestions:

Strategies of a Concubine's Daughter Chapter 465: Expanding the Family (Part 1)

Seeing that Lady Eleven and Zhenjie had only eaten half their meal, the Grand Madame stood up. "Since Young Master Jin has recovered, we can rest easy. You should take good care of yourself during your postpartum confinement." She then glanced at Xu Sizhun and Xu Sijie. "You two will come with me for lunch and a nap. Don't forget you have afternoon lessons!"

Xu Sizhun, relieved his grandmother wasn't pressing the matter, beamed and eagerly nodded while pulling Xu Sijie along.

Lady Eleven couldn't insist on keeping the Grand Madame, so she had Zhenjie escort them out.

A young maid scurried to Lady Wen's quarters. "Lady Wen! The Grand Madame has left!"

Inside sat both Lady Wen and Yang Shi.

Lady Wen had visited Lady Eleven's chambers early that morning but, hearing of Young Master Jin's illness, assumed her hostess wouldn't be receiving visitors and turned back.

On her return, she encountered Yang Shi.

"Sister, you're up early," Yang Shi greeted with a curtsy. "Returning from the main house already?"

Even without explanation, Yang Shi would learn the truth by visiting herself. No point in being unhelpful.

So Lady Wen explained the situation.

Yang Shi showed surprise.

A child refusing milk... suggesting something was wrong.

Visiting now would only distress the mistress.

She immediately looped her arm through Lady Wen's. "I've been so busy with needlework lately - mind if I join you for tea?"

Understanding her discretion, Lady Wen smiled and welcomed her in.

Yang Shi inquired about Zhenjie's marriage. "By my count, shouldn't Cangzhou's representatives have arrived?"

Lady Wen had premium Biluochun green tea served. "The mistress postponed it until after the eldest daughter's hair-pinning ceremony."

Yang Shi hesitated. "So she'll remain another two years?"

"It's better she stays longer," Lady Wen laughed. "She'll be more mature for marriage. A mother-in-law won't indulge you like family would."

Yang Shi sipped her tea and confided, "I've made needlework for the mistress and the sixth young master, but she never uses any. As the mistress values you most, might I ask what styles she prefers?"

"I'm hopeless with a needle," Lady Wen chuckled. "Ask me anything else! The mistress values me for my numbers, not embroidery."

Yang Shi mentally sighed at the flawless evasion. Strictly speaking, they were rivals.

She hadn't expected guidance, but Lady Wen's consistent neutrality toward her deference left her disheartened. Staying close to Lady Wen remained her best way to monitor household affairs.

Their trivial chatter continued until a maid announced the sixth young master's recovery.

Yang Shi's smile faded as indescribable emotions surfaced.

Noting the younger woman's delicate features, Lady Wen sighed inwardly. "At last, the storm has passed - first the difficult birth, then the young master's illness."

Quick-witted Yang Shi managed a smile. "Turning misfortune to blessing - the mistress's good fortune. We should offer our congratulations."

Arm in arm, they approached the main house where matrons and maids escorted the Grand Madame and Second Wife into Lady Eleven's chambers. Both senior women maintained polite distance, unlike Lady Eleven who was open about her preferences - a quality Yang Shi found more approachable.

Lady Wen didn’t wish to join the commotion and pulled Yang Shi back. "Let’s go later."

Yang Shi hesitated, but seeing Lady Wen already walking away, she pressed her lips together and followed her back to Lady Wen’s quarters.

They had just sat down for tea when a maid announced the Dowager had left. Only then did the two proceed to Lady Eleven’s chamber.

Zhenjie greeted Lady Wen and Yang Shi with a smile when they entered.

Having borne children herself, Lady Wen stepped forward and quietly inquired about the delivery. Lady Eleven brushed it off with brief answers, finding the topic awkward, while Yang Shi studied the child beside her.

Wrapped in a crimson swaddling cloth, the baby slept soundly with rosy cheeks, his high nose bridge bearing Lord Xu’s likeness.

Lowering her gaze, Yang Shi heard Lady Wen say, "Madam, you must regain your strength quickly. The household affairs still await your decisions."

Lady Eleven nodded, weariness etching her brow.

Noticing this, Lady Wen rose to take her leave. "Tomorrow is Jin Geer’s Thirdday Ceremony. You should rest early."

Lady Eleven, who had been preoccupied with the child, now felt exhaustion more keenly than usual. Zhuxiang held the curtain for Lady Wen and Yang Shi, and Zhenjie also excused herself. Lady Eleven kissed the baby’s cheek and sank into the pillow asleep.

Lord Xu arrived, dusty from travel, and saw two faces side by side on the red pillow—one large, one small, both with jet-black hair and serene expressions. He couldn’t help but smile tenderly.

Zhuxiang hurried to greet him, but before she could speak, Lord Xu raised a finger to his lips and quietly withdrew.

"Why is the child with Madam? Where’s the Wet Nurse? Hasn’t one been chosen yet?" Lord Xu asked in the main room.

Zhuxiang replied quickly, "We’ve kept a Wet Nurse surnamed Gu. Madam said Jin Geer just had his dose and should stay close for observation." As she spoke, a maid brought in a basin of washing water.

After assisting Lord Xu with his grooming, she had food served. He wolfed down his meal before heading to the antechamber.

Hearing that Imperial Physician Wu was needed for the child, he went straight to the palace without hesitation.

While waiting for the emperor’s summons, he weighed his words for the audience—no matter whom Imperial Physician Wu was attending, he must bring him home.

Leaving the palace, he saw an anxious servant waiting at the gates. Lord Xu vividly recalled the sudden pang of apprehension he felt then...

Now, seeing those two faces safe and sound in bed, his heart swelled with profound peace. He reached out to gently touch his son’s cheek.

Lady Eleven’s eyes flew open.

"My lord!" she gasped, gazing at him with sparkling eyes. "When did you return? Why didn’t you wake me? I sent a servant with a message—did you meet him?" Sitting up, she added emphatically, "Jin Geer took Auntie Peng’s medicine and is out of danger now."

It was as if she had been waiting to share this relief with him.

For some reason, Lord Xu’s heart lightened at once.

He pressed her shoulder gently. "Don’t just think of the child—mind your own health too. Rest now." Then he added, "I met your messenger at the palace gates. Knowing Jin Geer was safe, I parted ways with Imperial Physician Wu there."

Lady Eleven turned her head—forgetting she was in the antechamber where no clock was visible—and chuckled softly. "What time is it now? Have you eaten, my lord?"

"I have." Lord Xu consulted his timepiece. "It’s half past three." Then he asked, "Why?"

Half past three... He had already eaten and changed clothes... Meaning he’d returned long ago. How had he spoken to the emperor? Had he been insistent?

Lady Eleven was brimming with unasked questions.

Her hand lightly rested on her son’s head, fingering his downy hair.

At dusk, Song Mama returned, bearing remedies with her.

"I should have returned earlier," she said with eyes curved like crescent moons upon hearing Jin Geer had recovered. "But Madam Yu detained me with detailed questions, which delayed my return." She then handed the medicinal herbs to Zhuxiang. "These are two fifty-year-old ginseng roots. Madam Yu, knowing you suffered blood deficiency from childbirth, specifically asked me to bring them for your nourishment. She also mentioned Changchun Temple outside Xuanwu Gate, whose abbot is skilled in treating pediatric ailments, and suggested taking the sixth young master there for a checkup. Now that he’s much better, we ought to send word to Madam Yu to reassure her." She added, "As for Madam Qian, Xin Geer is currently making offerings to the Smallpox Goddess, so she can’t attend the Thirdday Ceremony but promises to come early with Brother Xin for the full-month celebration."

Eleventh Miss nodded slightly, instructing Zhuxiang to arrange for one of the older women to deliver the news to Fourth Miss immediately. She inquired about Xin Geer’s condition and directed Amber to visit him personally the next day.

The following day, the ladies of the Huang family, the Yongchang Marquis' household, arrived first, followed by the neighboring Lin family of Weibei Marquis, Duke Dingguo’s Zheng family, and Marquis Zhongshan’s Tang family... all arriving in succession.

Upon entering, everyone first admired the baby. After maids served brown sugar water, they sat by the bed, sipping it and asking Eleventh Miss about her delivery. Initially, she answered selectively, but as the questions grew bolder, she simply claimed it had been a smooth birth. Even so, Madam Huang launched into vivid tales of her own childbirth experiences, leaving Eleventh Miss flushed with embarrassment, much to Lady Lin’s amusement.

By midday, the fifth wife finally ushered the lingering guests to the flower hall for lunch, after which one of the midwives from the palace conducted the Thirdday Ceremony.

The basin was filled with silver ingots of various shapes, while the elder madam, the second madam, and the fifth wife tossed in gold ones, delighting the two midwives, who showered the occasion with auspicious blessings, adding to the lively atmosphere.

When it came time to bathe Jin Geer, he neither cried nor fussed, his jet-black eyes darting around curiously—even the usually reserved Zheng Tai Jun was charmed, holding him for a long while after the ceremony.

Apologies for the late update—I was in meetings all day today.

The extra chapter will be posted quite late, so check back tomorrow morning.

Posting a draft first—will polish it later!