"You’re such a grown person and still scared of this, feeling embarrassed to even mention it." Ms. Wang, seeing that she only talked without moving, quickly stepped forward and pulled out her arm.
Yang Chuxia was stunned by her mother’s roughness.
As soon as Uncle Cai’s fingers touched her pulse, Yang Chuxia noticed that Ms. Wang was particularly nervous, her eyes fixed intently on Uncle Cai.
"Hmm, two months along. You need to take extra care in the first three months, but other than that there’s not much, just try to keep your mind at ease. I’ve heard you have a nanny who knows a bit about medicinal dishes. I have two dietary prescriptions suitable for pregnancy. I’ll write them for you to let your nanny prepare according to the instructions."
"Oh, thank heavens!" While Yang Chuxia was still in a daze, Ms. Wang had already clasped her hands in prayer, thanking the heavens and ancestors, "This is such good news. We must send word to Brother An at once."
Uncle Cai also smiled and congratulated her, and Ms. Wang, overjoyed, gave Uncle Cai a big red envelope. Uncle Cai laughed and said, "This is indeed a joyous occasion. I will not stand on ceremony for the consultation fee, haha."
After sending Uncle Cai off, Yang Chuxia had not yet come to her senses when her family came up to congratulate her. Only then did she blink in disbelief. Was it really happening? She didn’t feel anything. They had joked about not having children for the time being, and unexpectedly, it had happened. Still, it was nice. Looking at how cute Yanzhu was, her child with Brother An would surely be just as adorable. Two months, then? That must have been after Brother An finished his exams and returned home.
"What are you standing there for?" Ms. Wang busily ordered, "Quick, pack Lady’s belongings, from today onward, you will stay at my place. I want to keep an eye on you."
"Mother, is that really necessary? It’s just, just pregnancy. I can take care of myself, and we have nanny Li, don’t we?"
"That won’t do," Ms. Wang waved her hand and said, "Nanny Li will come with you. I won’t be at ease if you’re not in front of me. This is your first child; I’ve been looking forward to this for several months."
Yang Chuxia tugged at the corner of her mouth upon hearing this, "Mother, we’ve only been married for just over three months."
"I know," Ms. Wang waved her hand again, "Speaking of which, Brother Lai’an is quite impressive."
Yang Chuxia looked speechlessly towards the heavens, not wanting to say anything further.
"Right, remember to send someone to inform Brother An that he’s going to be a father."
"Mother, let’s not tell him just yet, so he doesn’t worry while he’s away and let it affect his exams," Yang Chuxia said seriously.
Ms. Wang thought for a moment and then nodded, "That works, but you must obey and stay at my place. This is not up for discussion." After that, seeing Xiu’er still standing there in a daze, she urged again, "What are you waiting for? Hurry up and pack. Why are you dallying?"
"Mother, what’s there to pack? We live so close, it’s just a few steps away to come and get whatever is needed."
Ms. Wang slapped her forehead, "Right, right, right, I’ve been so happy I forgot." Seeing the servants also looking delighted, she then spoke robustly, "This month all of you will receive an extra two months’ pay, and I will cover it."
"Thank you, Lady, for the reward!"
The servants collectively thanked her, as such a time was the happiest for them, for they had a bonus to look forward to. After Ms. Wang, Yang Chuxia also rewarded each with two taels of silver, prompting another round of eager thank-yous.
"Your lady is still not three months along, so you mustn’t speak of this outside. It’s enough that our own people know, understand?"
"We all understand," the servants replied.
"Good, that settles it," Ms. Wang’s eyes crinkled with happiness as she called to nanny Li, saying, "Let’s head over to my place. Think about what soup to prepare for your Lady for lunch, and Xiu’er, help your Lady along."