Chapter 308: You Have to Be Mentally Prepared
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
She brought up this matter with Wang Zongsheng, but he flatly rejected it.
“Did you discuss this with Madam Qiao?”
“Not yet.”
“If you dare to bring it up, get out of the Wang family.”
“Why? Since she considers us one family, what does it matter if our son marries in her house?”
“Humph, people care about face and reputation. Even if our relationship is good, we’re still two separate families. She’s surnamed Qiao, and we’re surnamed Wang. Do we not have a house? Are we supposed to have our son marry in someone else’s home?”
“But we won’t be living in her home. We’ll return to Bichun Garden after the wedding.”
“Why bother with all this? It’ll just make people laugh. Don’t bite more than you can.”
“We only have this one son.” “Then let’s spend some money to buy a house.”
“But that’s a million taels of silver.
“You’re not without any!”
“After the betrothal gifts, there won’t be much left.”
“That shouldn’t be. We have over a million prepared. Where’s the money?”
“My maiden family borrowed half a million.”
“What? Borrowed?”
Wang Zongsheng stared at her. “Do you have a promissory note? This is not a small amount.”
“You don’t trust my family?”
“I just don’t trust them. They have never repaid any amount they borrowed.
They won’t refuse to repay again, right?”
“They won’t.” Madam Wang hurriedly waved her hand.
“When our daughter-in-law enters the family, let her handle the household accounts. From today onwards, if you lend money to your family again, even a small amount, we will separate. I won’t divorce you, but I can’t afford a woman whose heart is not with her husband’s family.”
Madam Wang was scared and immediately sat on the ground, then burst into tears.
“You heartless man! If it weren’t for me managing your business, could you earn so much silver?”
“I could. Those silvers are handled by my shopkeepers. They merely report accounts to you. Tell me, which silver coin did you earn?”
“I… I can’t live anymore. I gave birth to a son and a daughter for you. Our daughter is even a princess.”
“Look at the daughter you raised. Not only was she confined by others, but all she cared about was competing in extravagance. I dare not even come to the capital. Mentioning her, I feel like I’ve lost all face.”
“And our son? He’s a scholar, ranked second in the imperial exam.”
“You still have the nerve to mention our son? If it weren’t for you taking him to your family and him being pushed into the water by your eldest brother’s child, almost drowning, would he be mentally challenged? His second-place ranking is thanks to Madam Qiao’s efforts. If not for her medicine, how could our son recover? You’ve done your duty by giving birth to a son and a daughter. Every woman gives birth to children. Do you think you’re the only woman?”
“What about me? Did I not treat you well? For so many years, you have been the only woman in this family. I think you don’t appreciate what you have.”
Madam Wang couldn’t argue with Wang Zongsheng and was so angry that she wanted to throw something. Wang Zongsheng pointed at her.
“If you dare to smash something today, I’ll ensure you end up just like your daughter.”
Madam Wang timidly withdrew her hand, looking at Wang Zongsheng’s almost icy gaze. She was genuinely scared and refrained from uttering another word.
She obediently followed Wang Zongsheng back to Bichun Garden and began arranging for the renovation of the estate in preparation for their son’s grand wedding.
In mid-July, the Wang family sent the betrothal gifts, and the wedding was scheduled for May of the following year.
People in the capital preferred not to celebrate weddings in winter, considering it was too cold. The southern regions were several-fold colder in winter than the north.
At this time, Miss Mu’s belly was already quite large, nearing the expected delivery date.
Qiao Mai informed the public and stopped setting up her stall. She stayed at home daily, keeping a close eye on Miss Mu and ensuring she walked around the garden daily.
Qiao Mai also checked her pulse daily and controlled her diet.
Having enjoyed rich meals at her in-laws’ house, Miss Mu’s baby was chubby. Qiao Mai was concerned about her ability to give birth. Miss Mu cooperated well.
At this juncture, Qiao Mai unintentionally checked the pulse of her second daughter-in-law and discovered that she was also pregnant. Upon hearing the news, Yun’er immediately took leave and returned home.
The family organized a small celebration that evening. Unexpectedly, while everyone was in high spirits, Miss Mu went into labor.
Amidst the hustle, they carried her back to Tingfen Pavilion. They hadn’t invited a midwife because Qiao Mai insisted on delivering the baby, expressing her distrust of others.
Thus, it was only Miss Mu, her maid, and the old nurse. Qiao Mai tidied up the miscellaneous items in the room.
With a wave of her hand, a set of tools appeared on the table, astonishing the old nurse and the maid.
Though surprised, Miss Mu remained emotionally stable.
Her mother-in-law is a capable person. As long as she agrees to something, she won’t fall short.
After the preparations were done, Qiao Mai sat by the heated brick bed. “Childbirth is painful; are you mentally prepared?”
“My sister-in-law gave birth once, and I waited outside. Hearing her screams, I was terrified.’
“With me here, you and the child will be safe.”
“Thank you, Mother. You’re the best mother-in-law in the world.” “Because I’m delivering your baby?”
“No. In all aspects, no other mother-in-law compares to you.”
Miss Mu concealed waves of pain as Qiao Mai checked her pulse. “The first childbirth will be painful, but it gets much better the second time. When your contractions come, it’s time to deliver. What would you like to eat?”
“It’s already August, and the weather is hot. I’d like something cool.”
Qiao Mai immersed her consciousness into the space, selecting a chocolate ice cream stick for her from the freezer.
Like performing magic, she transformed the ice cream stick into her hand and handed it to Miss Mu. “Go ahead. You can eat it now. After giving birth, avoid getting cold for the next six months. This period is crucial for your future health and lifespan.”
“I understand.”
Gulping, Miss Mu Mu reached out and took the ice cream stick, taking a bite. Her eyes lit up. “It’s delicious!”
“That’s natural. All my food must be delicious.”
While they talked, the Duke’s family arrived. Learning that the mother-in-law herself was delivering the baby, they were moved to tears.
While Miss Mu hadn’t started labor yet, Qiao Mai allowed them to enter. Seeing her eating strange things while enduring pain, their concerns were relieved.
“Father, Mother, why are you all here?”
“Your in-laws sent a message. How can we not come when you are giving birth?”
“Hehe, I’m fine.
Qiao Mai smiled. “Now that you’ve met her, all of you go out. After you finish the ice cream, we can start the delivery. Rest assured. With me here, I guarantee the safety of the mother and child.”
“Mother and child?”
“Yes, I diagnosed it; it’s a baby boy.”
“Haha, we’re going to have a grandson.”
The Duke’s family left, and Miss Mu finished the ice cream stick. Qiao Mai gave her a pill.
“Taking this will make your labor less painful.”
“Hehe, I knew Mother wouldn’t let her daughter-in-law suffer so much.”
“Talkative. When I say something, do it. As long as you cooperate, it will be over quickly.”
“Yes.”
At this moment, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law seemed more like chatting than preparing for childbirth. The old nurse and the maid couldn’t help but smile.
Half an hour later, a baby’s cry echoed from the room.
Everyone outside cheered with excitement. After another moment, Qiao Mai walked out.
“The baby has been born. He’s an eight-pound baby boy.”
“Haha, that’s great! Bring the prepared chicken soup, eggs, and red sugar water for Mu Rong.”
“Yes, you can go in to see her now. But even though it’s hot, the mother and child cannot be exposed to the wind with so many people around.”
“Yes.”
Yuan Jiaqi hurriedly walked over, helped Qiao Mai sit down, and poured her a cup of tea.
“Hard work, Wife. We are about to become grandparents.”
“Speaking of this status, I suddenly feel old.”
“Haha, you are not old. Many people have told me about you, saying you still look like a young lady in her twenties.”
“That’s true. I took good care of myself..”