Grass and mustard reign supreme

Chapter 139 The Story of the Entwined Branches and Pregnancy
Around the pond in the backyard of the Yang residence, a circle of gray-tiled houses is enclosed by a newly built bamboo fence.

Unmelted snowflakes still clung to the bamboo branches, shimmering with tiny white light under the cold sun.

The fence was Deacon Yang's idea; he had looked at the layout of the pavilions in the courtyard and was not entirely satisfied.

This is also his fault. At that time, he was still handling general affairs in Feng'an Village and did not pay much attention to it. Now that he feels that it is not to his liking, he wants to take advantage of the fact that it has just been built to do some demolition and alteration.

However, with the heavy snow and freezing winter, bricks and stones were difficult to dig, and the wood was frozen and brittle, so it was really not the right time to start construction.

Left with no other choice, they had to first erect a fence to separate the area, and then slowly work on the indoor tasks that could be done manually.

As for external tasks such as renovating pavilions and relaiding paths, those can only be done after the snow melts in spring and the ground warms up.

The servants in the Yang residence naturally didn't say a word about their master's decision.

But no one noticed that the secluded room by the pond, bathed in the setting sun, in the secluded spot enclosed by the bamboo fence, had already been quietly tidied up.

Two layers of thick wool felt were placed over the cotton paper used to cover the windows, so that not even a sound could get through when the wind blew.

The corner was piled with tightly packed hay, which had absorbed all the moisture.

Even the grout between the floor tiles was carefully filled with fine mud, and the soundproofing was flawless, keeping the cold and noise out of the door.

The room was warm and cozy, with a copper lamp casting a soft glow.

A cradle covered with soft felt was placed next to a low couch by the window. The baby boy in the swaddling clothes was sleeping soundly, his little face rosy. He was the child that Yang Can had taken from the Ruo family.

Zhu Sha sat on a stool beside the cradle, a small gourd the size of a palm tied to her chest with a red rope. Inside was freshly warmed goat milk, which was so warm it clung to her clothes.

She gently pulled out the cork from the gourd's mouth, tilted her wrist slightly, and first dripped two drops of milk onto the back of her hand to test the temperature. It was neither too hot nor too cold, just right.

Then she took a small wooden spoon, poured out half a spoonful of goat milk, and with a steady wrist, patiently fed it into the baby's slightly open mouth little by little.

The milk slid down the edge of the spoon, the little one smacked his lips, his eyelashes fluttered, and he continued to sleep soundly while drinking his tea.

"Tsk tsk tsk, look at you, you really do look like a doting young lady."

A mischievous chuckle suddenly came from the doorway, with a hint of mockery at the end.

Rouge covered her mouth, giggled, and lifted the curtain to come in, her gaze falling on the gourd-shaped breast on her younger sister's chest.

Seeing how carefully she was feeding the baby, I couldn't hold back my smile any longer.

Zhu Sha's earlobes flushed red instantly. She gave Yan Zhi a coquettish glare and said in a low voice:
"Get out of here! If you keep talking nonsense, I'll go tell the master that you're bullying me."

"Huh? So you're using your husband to pressure your older sister now?"

Rouge sat down next to Vermilion, gently touching the wooden edge of the cradle, her eyes scanning her younger sister up and down:

"What's this? You and the master have become so close after just a few days?"

"Hmph!" Zhu Sha pouted, revealing a touch of girlish arrogance.

During those days down the mountain, when the master came and spoke to her, his voice was so gentle.

But do I need to tell you?
Zhu Sha turned her face away, but continued to feed the baby steadily with the wooden spoon in her hand.

Seeing her like this, Rouge didn't make a fuss, but just chuckled and said, "Alright, alright, you can feed her properly."

Honestly, you really need to learn this; you might find it useful when you have your own children in the future.

Why would I need this thing? I already have one myself. Wait a minute!
Zhu Sha lowered her eyes and glanced at her chest, feeling both ashamed and angry: How old is she? Isn't it normal for her to be a little younger?

Moreover……

Zhu Sha secretly dabbed some rouge at the corner of her eye and slightly pursed her lips.

We're twin sisters, we look and act like we were cut from the same mold, how dare you say that to me?
Rouge immediately understood that disdainful look in his eyes.

She looked down at herself, then pinched Zhu Sha's arm angrily, but not hard.

……

On the eve of the Lunar New Year, the mountain road leading to Phoenix Mountain Villa was already immersed in the festive atmosphere.

Mountain villagers carrying baskets full of persimmons and walnuts hurried to the New Year's market, their bamboo baskets clattering against the stone steps, occasionally bumping into the purchasing manager sent by the mountain resort.

The stewards rode tall, gleaming horses, their mule carts rolling over the frozen ground behind them, carrying tightly bound New Year's goods, red ribbons fluttering in the wind with a festive air.

Even more people are returning to the village to celebrate the New Year.

A light carriage with green curtains moved slowly and steadily, with three or five guards beside it wearing short swords at their waists, and the New Year's goods tied to the back of the carriage piled up to the brim.

Li Youcai lifted a corner of the carriage curtain, and the familiar green mountain silhouette was already close at hand, the mountain breeze carrying the unique pine resin scent of the mountain resort.

Pan Xiaowan, who was standing next to him, was wrapped in a silver-gray fox fur coat, the fur collar making her skin look as warm as jade.

On the narrow boards to the left and right in front, Zao Ya and Qiao She sat properly.

As an external affairs officer, Li Youcai did not need to return to the mountain for the New Year.

He's quite a prominent figure now, with a vast network of connections during holidays and festivals.

But this is his first year in charge of external affairs. He should return to the manor to pay respects to the clan lord and show his loyalty that "his body is in the court but his heart is in the manor." Only in this way can he make the clan lord like him more.
Although the Spring Festival at that time did not have as many established rules and customs as in later generations, Phoenix Mountain Villa was still decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations everywhere.

Upon entering the mountain gate, one can see rows of red lanterns on both sides, and the servants coming and going are all dressed in new clothes, their footsteps filled with a sense of busyness.

The busiest place right now is the courtyard with the intertwined branches.

With the young mistress about to give birth, the trivial matters of the New Year became secondary.

The mistress of the powerful family sent her most capable servant, Xiao Li, to help.

This old woman was a distant niece of the lady and had served in the main courtyard for over twenty years.

He was so skilled at serving tea and water and understanding people's thoughts that he was the most favored person in the lady's eyes.

The affairs of the young mistress's courtyard were originally managed by the head steward, Xiao Qingmei.

After the people from the main courtyard arrived, she made proper and thoughtful arrangements for Xiao Li's food, lodging and daily life, not daring to be negligent in the slightest.

Under the guise of delivering New Year's gifts, Xiao Qingmei selected two bolts of soft, delicate velvet cloth and sent them, along with a box of sweet and sour candied fruits, to Xiao Li's room.

The gifts weren't expensive, so as not to make the recipient hesitate to accept them, but they were exquisitely chosen, just enough to warm Ms. Li's heart.

Madam Li sent her niece over simply to fulfill her duty as a mother-in-law and avoid gossip; she had no other intentions whatsoever.

She truly hadn't considered the possibility of exchanging children. Little Li, of course, couldn't fathom the deeper implications either, and she genuinely appreciated Xiao Qingmei's tactful and considerate gesture.

At this moment, Xiao Qingmei had just finished some work in the inner quarters and was having tea with Xiao Li in the flower hall.

The two were more than twenty years apart in age, but they got along very well.

From the morning and evening routines of the main courtyard to the damp and cold climate of Tianshui City, even trivial matters like the winter plum blossoms in the courtyard blooming earlier than in previous years, they could chatter on for half a day.

Suddenly, a maid's voice came from outside the courtyard: "Madam Pan has come to see the young mistress with New Year's gifts."

Pan Xiaowan returned to the manor for the New Year, and naturally she had to prepare a small gift for the young mistress who was about to give birth.

However, Suo Chanzhi has shown signs of labor several times in the past few days, and the doctor has advised her to rest and avoid visitors.

She then handed the baby swaddling clothes embroidered with pine and crane patterns and several boxes of prenatal supplements to Xiao Qingmei, thus fulfilling her duty of courtesy.

Xiao Qingmei was always gentle and considerate in her dealings with people. Her few words of greeting were neither humble nor arrogant, making Pan Xiaowan feel as if she were basking in a spring breeze.

Little Li, standing to the side, paid little attention to the gifts; her gaze fell upon the silver-tongued woman who had accompanied Pan Xiaowan, and a smile spread across her face.

"Qiao'er has grown taller and more beautiful in just a few months."

These words sounded grating to the ears of a glib tongue.

When she was a lowly maid in the main courtyard, Madam Li wouldn't even bother to look at her properly.

Now she has become a close confidante of Madam Pan, whose husband is a powerful foreign affairs deacon.

Everyone guessed that in two years, she might become the head housekeeper of the Li family.

This is Mrs. Li making an early investment in her relationship, since no one can say for sure whether they'll need her help in the future.

Qiaoshe still remembered that it was Xiaoli who, on the orders of the head of the household, sent her to the young mistress's side.

Later, after being thoroughly humiliated by Xiao Qingmei, she returned to the main courtyard seeking help, only to be met with Xiao Lishi's cold shoulder, who scolded her for "not knowing the rules."

That hatred had long been buried deep in her heart, but after following Pan Xiaowan for the past few months, she had learned to be sensible and never showed it on her face.

Hearing Li Shi's praise, Qiao She smiled sweetly and said, "If you said that elsewhere, I would be so happy that I couldn't sleep."

But with such beauties as Madam Xiaoqing and my wife sitting right in front of me, if Granny Li were to praise me again, wouldn't she be mortified?

"You little rascal, you really are a silver-tongued girl!"

Little Li laughed, "With such a clever tongue, she can praise people in two ways, leaving no one out."

A burst of laughter suddenly filled the flower hall, enveloping the festive atmosphere in a warm and cozy ambiance.

"Madam Xiaoqing, Madam Xiaoqing, it seems the young mistress is about to give birth."

A young maidservant rushed over, and the people who were chatting and laughing in the flower hall immediately jumped up.

Little Green Plum lifted her skirt and ran back, hurriedly instructing, "Quickly go and invite Madam Liu and Madam Tao!"

……

The winding mountain road leading to Phoenix Mountain Villa is full of twists and turns, and every sharp turn is adorned with a brand-new bright red ribbon tied to the welcoming pine tree.

The wind rustles through the trees, giving the entire mountain a flamboyant air.

Master Yu reined in his horse, his gaze sweeping over the dazzling red silks, and he let out a muffled snort of disdain.

"A fool who squanders money, isn't he afraid that the poor men in the mountains will sneak in and steal it at night?"

"We've never been this extravagant on New Year's Eve before! Bah!"

He didn't utter the curse aloud, but he repeated it to himself several times.

Now that Master Yu has established his own lineage, he shouldn't need to go back to the mountain for the New Year at all.

The various branches of the Yu family had long since separated, with each descendant managing their own territory.

These days, the Spring Festival doesn't emphasize "family reunion" as much.

But he couldn't not come, since he was practically penniless these days.

In the past, when he frequented brothels and squandered money like water, he never imagined that money could be so easily spent. Now, having suddenly realized that he needed to build a career, he was shocked to find that money was flowing out like water, while the only income coming in was the fixed annual dividend, with no other sources of income.

Even though he had a rudimentary understanding of mathematics, he couldn't understand why he had fallen into such a predicament of not making ends meet. Was running a business really that expensive?

Master Yu always spent money as he pleased. When his wife handed him the account book, he threw it away without even looking at it.

The accountant tried his best to persuade him to cut back on spending, but was instead scolded by him for being "petty".

Now, things have turned out much worse. The madam has completely abandoned all responsibility, and the accountant has simply given up, pushing the empty money box in front of him and leaving him to fend for himself.

Master Yu is currently short of money, and after thinking it over, he has no choice but to ask his elder brother for money.

So, this Third Master, who always loved to put on airs, shamelessly went up the mountain empty-handed.

He didn't even bother to prepare a decent New Year's gift; he simply gave up entirely.

Having passed through the mountain gate with practiced ease, Third Master Yu was urging his horse toward the main courtyard when he caught a glimpse of a noisy commotion on the empty grassy area to the west of the villa.

Several teams of strong servants were carrying a sturdy wooden frame and laboriously setting up a felt tent as large as an ordinary house.

The blue tent fabric billowed in the cold wind, giving it a somewhat strange appearance.

"Hey, why are there tents pitched here?"

Third Master Leopard reined in his horse and shouted in that direction.

Chen Youchu, the concubine of Master Suo, was wrapped in a heavy black fox fur cloak, her hands tucked into a gilded brazier, and followed by two maids as she walked gracefully over.

She was extremely young, with delicate features like an unopened peach blossom. Standing in the bleak cold wind, she shone even brighter than the red silks.

When Master Yu heard that the young woman was actually the new wife of Suo Hong, that half-bald old man, he felt a pang of jealousy.

That old bastard Suo Er is practically buried in the ground, yet he's still trying to take concubines like a young man?
Even I, Third Master Leopard, am no longer capable; only his old bones can hold on.

Upon learning that the visitor was the Third Master of the Yu family, Chen Youchu quickly curtsied and bowed.

A maidservant standing nearby explained with pride, "Our young mistress is pregnant with the master's child!"

A few days ago, we invited the blind fortune teller Qiao Tiezui to interpret my fate. He said that my young mistress has the noble destiny of "a phoenix holding a pearl in its nest".

The first three months are a crucial time for the fetal spirit to settle in its proper place, and the old houses in the mountain resort are considered particularly inauspicious as they harbor negative energy.

Another maid chimed in, "Qiao Tiezui also said, 'The fetal spirit dwells outside, not inside.' In the first three months, the fetal energy is unstable and needs to absorb some of the vital energy of heaven and earth to stabilize."

Therefore, our master specially brought a tent up the mountain and ordered it to be set up here for the young mistress to stay in and rest during her pregnancy.”

"what?"

Master Yu stared in surprise, his gaze involuntarily falling on Chen Youchu's lower abdomen.

Chen Youchu seemed to notice his gaze, and shyly lowered her eyes, gently raising her hand to stroke her lower abdomen.

A natural blush rose on her cheeks, making her look like she was pregnant.

Master Yu gasped, inwardly marveling: Old Suo is amazing! At his age, how could he get such a young woman pregnant?
The more Master Yu looked, the more envious he became; his jealousy sprouted up like weeds.

He both resented Old Suo's robust health and lamented his own lack of strength.

He glared at the tent that was being erected, turned his horse around, kicked its belly indignantly, and headed towards the main courtyard.

As soon as that sour-faced figure walked away, from the tightly sealed ebony carriage deep in the grassy slope, came a few faint cries of a baby, like the meows of a kitten.

A thick curtain hung inside the carriage, effectively blocking out the cold air.

An elderly woman with graying temples was sitting on a soft couch, holding a brocade swaddle in her arms.

The charcoal stove in front of her was burning brightly, and the orange-red flames illuminated the deep lines on her face.

She gently patted the swaddled baby, humming a tuneless old melody: "Good boy, my little darling, don't cry, don't cry..."

The swaddling clothes were kept very warm by her. The baby boy inside, perhaps soothed by the singing, gradually stopped crying and fell asleep with his little chest heaving.

The old nanny stretched out a hand, lifted the curtain a crack, and peered outside, wondering when the Second Master would be able to contact Steward Yang.

Although this place is secluded and there's no fear of others hearing the child's cries, it's still best to get him to Suo Chanzhi's hands as soon as possible; that would put everyone at ease.

At this moment, in the main hall of Phoenix Villa, Yu Xinglong, the head of the Yu family, was enjoying tea with his old relative by marriage, Suo Hong.

Exquisite tea snacks were laid out on the table, and the tea in the celadon teacups was clear and bright, with a lingering fragrance.

"Hehe, it's the New Year, and instead of returning to Jincheng, you, Second Master Suo, have condescended to come to my Phoenix Mountain. I am truly flattered."

Yu Xinglong picked up his teacup and offered a perfunctory toast, his tone carrying a hint of politeness, yet it was unclear whether he was genuinely being polite or mocking him.

Suo Hong smiled and put down his teacup, then sighed, "I had originally planned to return to Jincheng."

But then I thought, that girl, Chanzhi, is about to give birth.

If I, as an elder, were already thousands of miles away, that would be fine.

Since we happen to be nearby, we should come and keep watch over them, to fulfill the wishes of our elders.

Once the baby is safely delivered, I'll send a letter back to her parents as soon as possible to share the good news and put their minds at ease.

"Hehehe, what Master Suo said is true."

Yu Xinglong sighed, his tone tinged with emotion: "This child, Chanzhi, has had a tough time."

I only hope that her pregnancy will be safe and healthy, and that she will add a new member to our family; that would be the greatest blessing for our Yu family.

Yu Xinglong was awakened by his wife's words a few days ago.

Just because Suo Chanzhi is a member of the Suo family, unless you have irrefutable proof, you have to accept the child no matter what, and you absolutely cannot break off relations.

Moreover, his lineage is small, and the addition of a male member would undoubtedly boost the morale of the clan.

As for the child's origins, the position of Yu Chenglin, the adopted son of the Yu family, has already been decided, and the one who will take charge of the family business in the future will inevitably be his own son.

If this child is a boy, then it's good to have him as a helper for Chenglin.

Thinking about it this way, Yu Xinglong felt much more at ease.

"To be honest,"

Yu Xinglong picked up his teacup, took a sip, and looked on with anticipation.
“My family is truly depleted. If Chanzhi could give birth to a son for my Yu family, it would be a great service to my family.”

Suo Hong smiled slightly, his tone full of certainty: "Chanzhi, that child, looks like a lucky person, with the air of prosperity in his eyes and brows."

"Your Excellency, rest assured, that child Chanzhi will definitely give your Yu family a healthy, chubby son!"

As Suo Hong spoke, he thought to himself that he needed to see Chan Zhi as soon as possible, persuade her first, and then force Yang Can to "change generals at the last minute".

Suo Hong put down his teacup, stood up and said, "Master, it's getting late. I'd like to visit my niece Chanzhi and see how she's doing. Is that convenient for you?"

"Second Master Suo, you're not an outsider, so of course you can do as I say."

Yu Xinglong quickly stood up and called out towards the door, "Someone! Take Second Master Suo to the young mistress..."

"Master! Master..."

Before he could finish speaking, a servant came running in from outside with incredible speed.

The servant shouted excitedly, "Young mistress! Young mistress is about to give birth! The midwife has already gone in; she sent me here to deliver the news!"

……

Does Yu Xiaobao need to be notified before entering the main hospital?
In any case, in Leopard Master's opinion, it was unnecessary.

He shoved aside the steward blocking his way and swaggered into the flower hall.

"Big brother! Big sister-in-law! I'm here to wish you a Happy New Year!"

Third Master Leopard had a loud voice and started shouting as soon as he entered the door, but after looking around, he couldn't help but widen his eyes: "Hey? Where is my eldest brother?"

The servant in the hall bowed immediately and said, "Reporting to Third Master, the young mistress is about to give birth."

Master, Madam, Young Master, and Second Master Suo all rushed to the Young Madam's courtyard.

Yu Xiaobao, who had just sat on the rosewood chair, jumped up again. He didn't care about asking any more questions and rushed out as fast as the wind.

If my brother has a precious grandson, it will be easier for me to ask him for money, right?
At this moment, the tranquility of Suo Chanzhi Courtyard was long gone. Voices and footsteps mingled together, creating a chaotic scene like a pot of boiling porridge.

The main hall of the eldest son's residence was relatively quiet, but there was a tense atmosphere in the quiet.

Yu Xinglong sat at the head of the table, with his wife, Madam Li, by his side, while the young master, Yu Chenglin, ran off to the delivery room to watch the commotion.

Suo Hong rubbed his hands restlessly, while the teacups in front of the three of them remained untouched, the tea already cold.

Suo Hong was very anxious. He never expected that it would be such a coincidence. He had just exchanged a few words with Yu Xinglong when his niece went into labor.

The baby boy in that carriage hasn't been used yet. If he waits for Suo Chanzhi to give birth on her own, his plans will all fall through.

The delivery room was already properly arranged. Xiao Qingmei, Liu Shi, Tao Shi, Xiao Li Shi, and Yan Zhi were busy taking care of Suo Chanzhi and carefully escorting her into the inner room.

Pan Xiaowan happened to witness this scene, so she and her maid, Qiaoshe, stood guard in the corridor outside the delivery room, peeking inside from time to time.

The caregiver that Sohong arranged was still hiding in the carriage on the grassy slope, holding the baby boy.

Suo Hong pondered to himself, "A newborn baby is small, but even if he is small, he can't just carry him into the delivery room in front of so many eyes. What should I do?"

"Oh, poor Chanzhi, it's her first time giving birth, I hope it goes smoothly and safely."

Suo Hong deliberately feigned concern and muttered to himself. Finally finding an excuse, he suddenly stood up:
"Lord and Madam, please forgive my rudeness. I am really worried and would like to go outside the delivery room to check and ask the head steward of the eldest branch to make sure there is no oversight."

Upon hearing this, Yu Xinglong also stood up: "I will accompany Second Master."

"No, no, no, you mustn't!"

Suo Hong quickly waved his hand to decline: "The clan leader is the old man of Chan Zhi, how can you go to the delivery room to guard him?"

It would be disgraceful if word got out. I'll go check on things and be right back.

Yu Xinglong thought it made sense. It would be improper for him, as the father-in-law, to stand outside the delivery room while his daughter-in-law was giving birth, so he stopped in his tracks.

Just then, Yu Xiaobao's signature loud voice rang out from outside the flower hall, calling out from afar, "Big brother! Big sister-in-law! Third brother is here to wish you a Happy New Year..."

Yu Xinglong felt a toothache upon hearing this, so he simply said to Suo Hong, "In that case, I will be impolite and trouble you, Second Master, to take care of things."

No sooner had he finished speaking than a loud bang was heard, and the door to the flower hall was pushed open from the outside, with Yu Xiaobao bursting in excitedly...

(End of this chapter)