Chapter 12

  Winter arrived, and Wen Jiuniang gave birth to a son. The Shang family was overjoyed, and many people came to congratulate them. Jiang Wanting didn't like crowds, so she took advantage of the quiet morning hours before guests arrived to sneak into the study and copy books. After most of the guests left in the afternoon, she hurried back home. She continued this busy schedule for many days, advancing Shang Dafu's original plan by several days. He looked at the papers in his hand, smiled, and said, "Little lazy one, Wen Jiuniang gave birth to a son safely, you're delighted, and it shows in your writing."

  Jiang Wanru had been recovering under the care of Shang Dafu's food therapy, and her complexion gradually became rosier. Her belly was slightly bulging when looked at closely. Shang Dafu would take her pulse every ten days, while on ordinary days it was Shang Wudai who took her pulse. Although Shang Wudai was young, he seemed to be born with a mature and steady temperament, often facing his patients with a serious expression. Jiang Wanru had previously heard Wen Jiuniang mention their old stories, and every time she saw this young doctor's wooden face, she felt that Wen Jiuniang had beautified her own husband and misremembered the old stories of their childhood.

  Jiang Wanru had the intention of startling them, so she walked over with light footsteps, but was still seen by the sharp-eyed Mugen. He pulled a smile and welcomed her, saying: "Sister, your sister-in-law told me that this year's New Year's celebration should be grand and lively. She said that every door should have red couplets posted on it, and our courtyard entrance should hang big red festive lanterns." Mugen spoke while sizing up her expression, and Jiyuan also carefully observed her demeanor. She smiled and said: "Xiaolan, brother and sister-in-law won't be back for New Year's, sister-in-law told me before she left that we should make the New Year's celebration lively, add more festive atmosphere to ensure peace."

  Mokuren and Kigen hastily withdrew their outstretched hands, Mokuren's face turned red. After getting married, Kigen's skin had become thicker, she smiled and said from the side: "Xiao Lan, you don't like it, we won't do this." Then her hand stretched out again, gently holding Jiang Wanru's hand, smiling and saying to her: "It snowed lightly this morning, now it's drizzling. No wonder when we went out and saw the women walking on the street, they all looked as if made of water, must be because of too many rainy days. The tone and expression of their speech, just looking at them is much softer and more elegant than the women in the capital."

  Before the New Year's festival, Jiang Wanru took the copied papers and personally delivered them to Shang Dafu's clinic. Shang Dafu opened the door and sat upright inside, beckoning Jiang Wanru over. Jiang Wanru rushed towards him and paid her respects, saying: "The New Year's festival is approaching, my family says we should have a few days of celebration, I want to ask for a few days off." Shang Dafu nodded after listening, saying: "Alright, you take a few days off." He gestured for Jiang Wanru to sit down, and she obediently sat down, placing her hands flat on the table in front of Shang Dafu.

  It has been confirmed today that you are indeed carrying twins, but don't be alarmed. Although your situation is not common, it's also not unprecedented. The two midwives who assisted Nine Madam in childbirth are quite famous in the Central Plains region and have safely delivered countless newborns. Nine Madam has already spoken to them about your delivery, and they have both agreed to come. During the New Year's festival, send someone from your household with three gifts to finalize the date with them. When you speak with them, be sure to schedule the date a bit earlier, as twins tend to arrive slightly ahead of time."

  Shang Wu's husband listened to Jiang Wanru's words, glanced at Shang Daifu's expression, and said: "Your body is in good condition according to our diagnosis, and the chances of a safe delivery are quite high. This child is your previous husband's son, why don't you think of a way to contact him..." Shang Wu's kind words were lost in Shang Daifu's sharp gaze, Jiang Wanru smiled wryly and said: "A child without his own mother's care can go anywhere, but there is one place he absolutely cannot go again, and that is the home of his biological father."

  For five days and nights, Lian Ang didn't have a good day. He got up at midnight to see the candlelight in Lian Hua's room still lit, and in the morning, he stared blankly as his eyes were bloodshot from lack of sleep. However, during the daytime, Lian Hua would stand guard in the courtyard early on, and upon hearing the sound of wind hitting the door, he would jump up to open it, rushing out with hope, only to often sit back down in disappointment. For the first two days, he occasionally cursed Jiang Wanru for being heartless, but for the last three days, he was completely silent, staring at the courtyard gate.

  Lian Ang's face showed an indescribable expression when he heard this. The two elder brothers didn't take action, knowing that their younger brother Lian Hao had a impulsive personality and might personally search the entire city for the woman. Lian Ang had been guarding here every day, worried that Lian Hao would impulsively take matters into his own hands. Yesterday, Lian Xuan came to the other courtyard again and told Lian Hao in front of Lian Ang: "Wooden head, I've investigated her two families' relatives. One couple left Beijing half a year ago to visit their hometown. Another family left a month ago for the same reason. And that young couple, the owner of the fabric store said they went out of town to purchase goods ten days ago and won't return until several months later."

  Lian Xuan's heart ached for his little brother, and he opened his mouth several times but couldn't make a sound. Lian Ang gritted his teeth and told Lian Hua the truth: "Wooden head, she's a magnanimous person, how could she let you be relegated to a side room? Never mind, you two are husband and wife, and you've also taken care of her with all your heart. As for her future good or bad fortune, don't worry too much about it either. With this kind of temperament, it seems like she's someone who can survive on her own." Lian Hua had tears in his eyes, and he shook his head at his two older brothers: "I never thought of making her my concubine, I know the three-year period is set in stone, and I definitely can't change it. I just wanted to first settle her in a different courtyard, and after some time has passed, go find Big Princess Aunt to see if there's a way to arrange for us to be married again."

  Today is busy, rushing to update a chapter, tomorrow strive for 50 more updates of little pink. Thank you: Tian Tian did not go offline and voted 1 pink vote, A Bao Ma gave a gift of 100 starting points, a drowning fish voted 1 pink vote, Tu Yan voted 1 pink vote, the rabbit who can't swim in 2006 voted 1 evaluation vote. If you like this work, welcome to subscribe, reward on Qidian Mobile Web (m.qidian.com), your support is my greatest motivation.

  By Cat Pounce Chinese