Grass and mustard reign supreme

Chapter 141 Good News from the Delivery Room

After giving birth, Suo Chanzhi lay limply on the canopy couch covered with thick plush mattresses, as if all her bones and muscles had been pulled out at once.

The wisps of hair on her forehead were soaked with sticky sweat, clinging to her slightly flushed cheeks.

Her chest heaved violently with heavy breathing, each breath carrying a postpartum weakness and sluggishness.

Tao, the woman who had just given birth, and Rouge, Qingmei's personal maid, were squatting beside a copper basin, using a wooden ladle to scoop warm water and carefully wash the newborn baby.

The water in the copper basin shimmered with tiny lights. Tao cradled the small body in her palm, her fingertips avoiding the delicate skin, only gently circling the folds of skin.

"Rouge" then took a soft cloth and gently absorbed the moisture from the child's body, her movements so light it was as if she were afraid of melting the little bundle of flesh.

The little guy initially frowned and whimpered a couple of times, his tiny voice as weak as a mosquito's buzz, but once he was soaked in warm water, his tense little body relaxed.

The warm water environment was similar to his environment in the womb.

So he pursed his pink lips, clenched his little fists, and quietly let people do as they pleased.

Tao meticulously cleaned even the bloodstains between his fingers and toes.

"Rouge" took the prepared soft satin swaddle, and the two of them passed it to each other, quickly wrapping the baby into a small swaddle.

"Young Madam, look, isn't the child adorable?"

"Rouge" carried the swaddled baby and quickly walked to the bedside. She bent down and lowered the child so that Suo Chanzhi could see him, speaking very softly.

Tao also straightened up, wiped the sweat from her forehead with her sleeve, and smiled sincerely: "Young Madam, look how energetic this child is. His crying was so loud just now."

Suo Chanzhi's eyelids felt as heavy as if they were made of lead. It took a lot of effort to open them a crack, and her gaze fell on the warm swaddling clothes.

When she finally saw the baby in the swaddling clothes, her heart suddenly clenched.

At this point, she couldn't tell whether the child was her own.

During childbirth, she was overwhelmed by excruciating pain. She only remembered clutching the quilt tightly, her nails almost digging into her palms, and enduring the tearing pain with her eyes closed.

When she came to her senses, Tao and the others were already washing the child.

But she couldn't think about that at the moment. This tiny life was lying right in front of her, its little face wrinkled and its lips slightly pursed, as if it was still searching for its mother's milk.

A complex mix of emotions welled up in Suo Chanzhi's throat: the relief of having lifted a heavy burden, the joy of surviving a disaster, and the bewilderment and satisfaction of becoming a new mother.

Tears welled up in her eyes without her realizing it, sliding down her temples and into the pillow.

Standing in the corner, Ms. Li saw everything clearly.

As soon as the midwife, Liu, delivered the baby, Tao and Yanzhi immediately caught it. Liu quickly and efficiently cut the umbilical cord.

Hmm, this is a smokescreen...

Again, shadowy figures moved about, again, steam rose, and again, the green plum dragged her along...

The young Li, who had just entered, couldn't quite place her gaze accurately; she assumed she had seen everything.

Then the midwife, the midwife, and the maidservant helped bathe and swaddle the baby. The whole process was quick and efficient, and in the blink of an eye, the baby was handed over to Suo Chanzhi.

Madam Li had long wanted to go and see, not because she suspected anything, but because everyone in the household had been looking forward to this child for a long time, and the excitement of this newborn was enough to make her eager to go.

But her childhood sweetheart was squeamish about blood. She held onto her wrist tightly the whole time, her knuckles turning white, her body trembling like a leaf in the autumn wind, looking like she was about to fall over.

The delivery room was already cramped, and if Xiao Li were to drag Qingmei forward, it would only make things worse.

Only after the baby was properly swaddled and lying peacefully beside her mother did Xiao Qingmei slowly look away, and her grip on Xiao Li's hand gradually loosened.

Taking advantage of the moment, Madam Li pulled her wrist back and walked briskly to the bedside, her voice filled with laughter: "Young Madam, you've finally made it through this ordeal. Feeling much better now, right?"

She asked Suo Chanzhi, but her eyes were fixed on the swaddled baby. When she bent down, she deliberately moved gently and carefully lifted a corner of the swaddled baby's lower edge.

Once she confirmed it again, the crow's feet at the corners of her eyes instantly smoothed out, revealing wrinkles full of joy.

She quickly wrapped the baby back up in the swaddling clothes, her voice brimming with undisguised joy: "Congratulations, young mistress! It's a little gentleman, a real, healthy, chubby boy!"

Little Green Plum also came over and grabbed the hand that was wrapped around the branch.

Suo Chanzhi's palms were covered in cold sweat, sticky and slightly cool, but Xiao Qingmei's palms weren't much better, covered in a thin layer of sweat and trembling slightly.

Two sweaty hands clasped together, and they both saw relief in each other's eyes, and smiled in unison.

Liu and Tao were still busy. Although the child had been born, it would take some time for the placenta to be delivered.

The water in the copper basin had been changed twice, and the filth on the ground was being covered with wood ash.

Madam Li couldn't wait any longer. She patted Xiao Qingmei's hand and whispered, "Madam Qing, please stay with the young mistress. I'm going to tell the master and the old lady the good news."

After saying that, she hurriedly walked out.

As soon as they arrived at the Moon Gate, they saw the old nanny surnamed Qi from the Suo family blocking the way, her eyes fixed on the delivery room.

Little Li didn't stop walking, and casually said, "Old Qi, please make way."

The term "old prayer woman" sounds like a polite address, but it actually carries the insulting connotation of "old shrew."

Unfortunately, the old woman's surname was indeed Qi, and no one could find fault with that.

The old woman snorted heavily through her nose and moved to the side with a resentful expression.

Without turning her head, Ms. Li brushed past her and hurriedly walked away.

……

The atmosphere in the corridor outside the delivery room was even more tense than inside the delivery room, ever since the first cry of a newborn baby was heard.

The crying was like a pebble thrown into a lake, creating only a ripple before falling silent, leaving only the hearts of the people in the corridor hanging in suspense.

Even the sound of the wind rustling through the lanterns under the eaves seemed exceptionally clear at this moment.

Yang Can stood by the pillar, his blue cloth robe cuffs crumpled from being gripped so tightly.

He wasn't sure if the baby inside was a boy or a girl, and he was even less certain whether the baby-switching plan had been carried out, or if it had gone smoothly.
Every thought felt like a fine needle, pricking his heart and making it feel like it was about to jump out of his chest.

He unconsciously stroked the jade pendant at his waist, his fingertips rubbing it repeatedly.

Time passed slowly, and there was still no major movement in the delivery room, so Yang Can's tense back finally relaxed.

If the plan had been discovered, there would have been chaos by now. The fact that it's so quiet suggests that nothing went wrong.

Eight-year-old Yu Chenglin, the second young master of the Yu family, was like a little sparrow with a burning ember in its hand, hopping and jumping around in the corridor.

He would sometimes tiptoe to peek through the crack in the delivery room door, and other times he would pace back and forth like an ant on a hot plate.

Suddenly, he stopped, grabbed Yang Can's clothes, and said urgently, "Deacon Yang, why hasn't my sister-in-law come out yet?"

My nephew has definitely been born! I even heard him cry!

There were four or five maids and servants waiting in the corridor. Normally, they would have had the time to tease the second young master, but at this moment, everyone's attention was focused on the delivery room.

Suddenly, with a soft creak, the delivery room door was pulled open from the inside.

Madam Li lifted the blue cloth curtain and strode out, beaming with joy, announcing loudly, "Young Madam has given birth! Mother and child are safe and sound, it's a big, healthy boy!"

She deliberately raised her voice for the last sentence, the ending note rising high like a female opera singer's triumphant voice, then settling down steadily.

Just like that line from the Spring Festival Gala, "Let's make dumplings together!"

The stage effects were truly impressive. Although there was no enthusiastic applause, the low cheers created a powerful wave of sound.

The young maids covered their mouths and laughed, while the older women exchanged joyful greetings, their wrinkles crinkling with laughter.

Yang Can's tense shoulders suddenly slumped, his clenched sleeves loosened, and his brows relaxed.

Yu Chenglin was so happy that he jumped up and down, his short legs bouncing as if they were made of springs: "I'm an uncle! I have a little nephew!"

He said, about to rush inside, "I'm going to see my nephew, I'm going to give him some sweets!"

"Oh dear, my second young master, slow down!"

Madam Li reacted quickly and stopped him, saying, "The delivery room isn't quiet yet, it's crowded and noisy, you'll scare the young master again."

Second Young Master, please wait a little longer. Once the Young Madam has recovered, I will personally come to invite you so we can go see your little nephew. Otherwise, he will be so frightened that he will cry.”

Yu Chenglin pouted, looking very unwilling, but as soon as he heard "the little nephew will cry," he stopped.

He nodded emphatically: "Then you'd better keep your word! Come and call me right now!"

As he spoke, he seemed to remember something, turned around and ran towards the flower hall, his short legs moving incredibly fast: "I'm going to tell my dad! My dad will definitely be even happier than me!"

Madam Li was already eager to share the good news with her husband and wife, so she quickly lifted her skirt and chased after him, her voice echoing back from afar: "Second Young Master, slow down, wait for me!"

At this moment, the door to the side room opened, and Pan Xiaowan came out, supported by her maid, Qiaoshe.

She glanced at the entrance to the delivery room, her envy barely concealed.

"That's great,"

Pan Xiaowan sighed softly, a gentle smile on her lips: "Young Madam is truly blessed."

The silver tongue rolled its eyes, and it wanted to say something like, "Madam, you are still young, you will have plenty of opportunities in the future," but the words stuck in its throat.

She remembered what Zao Ya had said: her master was like Sima Yi, standing at the city gate watching, afraid that there might be an ambush in the barbican.

This... is difficult to comment on.

She looked again at the handsome Yang Can in front of her, but he wasn't the city lord.

The clever tongue wasted its good name; despite having a bellyful of witty remarks, it was now stuck and could only force a smile and remain silent.

Yang Can regained his composure and instructed the people in the corridor, "Everyone, disperse. You're blocking the doorway and getting in the way."

Leave two old women here to be at your service; the rest of you, go and do what you're supposed to do.

The crowd had no reason to stay any longer, and now that they had received the Grand Steward's words, they felt as if they had been granted a pardon. They smiled and dispersed, eager to spread the good news.

Yang Can then turned to Pan Xiaowan and nodded slightly: "Sister-in-law, you should also go back to your room and rest first."

Later, you and Brother Youcai will come over, and we'll have dinner together.

I have some things to attend to right now, so please excuse me.

Without waiting for Pan Xiaowan's response, he turned and walked out, his steps hurried and somewhat anxious.

He can't go into the delivery room now, so he can't see Suo Chanzhi at all.

Moreover, he felt at ease knowing that his childhood sweetheart was taking care of him inside.

He doesn't even know whether the boy lying next to Suo Chanzhi is Suo Chanzhi's biological son.

Did Suo Chanzhi really give birth to a boy, or... did the scheme to switch the baby successfully?

If the baby had been switched, then Zhu Sha would never have entered the delivery room; she would have already gone back with the "backup plan."

If the switch was successful, then his own flesh and blood is currently hidden in his house.

With that thought in mind, Yang Can quickened his pace, wishing he could fly back immediately to take a look.

……

In the flower hall of the eldest son's residence, the stove was burning brightly, but the atmosphere inside was somewhat stagnant.

The patriarch Yu Xinglong, his wife Li, the second master of the Suo family Suo Hong, and the third master of the Yu family Yu Xiaobao chatted casually.

Gradually, everyone ran out of things to talk about, and their attention was all focused on the delivery room.

"We've been going on for most of the day, why haven't we got any definite news yet?"

Li could no longer contain herself, her voice tinged with barely perceptible anxiety.

The prayer beads in her hand spun even faster: "This is Chengye's first pregnancy, I hope nothing goes wrong."

Yu Xiaobao was already quite pleased with his elder brother's promise, so he was only saying auspicious things, since it didn't cost him any money anyway.

He laughed loudly and said, "Sister-in-law, don't worry!"
My niece-in-law is a lucky person; good people are always protected by heaven, she's sure to be safe and sound! Just wait to hold your big, healthy grandson!

No sooner had Yu Xiaobao finished speaking than a loud voice rang out from outside the flower hall: "Great news! We have good news for the master and madam!"

Before she finished speaking, Madam Li had already strode into the flower hall, her face beaming with joy.

As for the second young master, Yu Chenglin, he would stop anyone he met along the way to "share the good news," thus falling behind Little Li.

"Master! Madam! What wonderful news! The young mistress and her baby are safe and sound; she has given birth to a healthy baby boy!"

Little Li ran into the hall, not even having time to perform the proper greetings, her voice filled with joy.

"Really?" Mrs. Li suddenly jumped up from her chair.

She hurried forward, grabbed Little Li's wrist, and eagerly asked:
"Is the baby crying loud? Is he healthy? How is the young mistress? Is she hurt?"

"All is well! All is well!"

Little Li nodded repeatedly, beaming with joy: "The young master's cries are so loud they could lift the roof off, and his little arms and legs are so strong!"
The young mistress was exhausted and is resting now. When I came out, she was already able to speak.

Yu Xiaobao laughed loudly: "See, I told you so! My mouth is always right!"

Brother, are you completely relieved now?

"Our Yu family has gained its eldest grandson; this is a joyous occasion that brings honor to our ancestors!"

Suo Hong also quickly stood up, cupped his hands in a gesture of respect to Xinglong, and said with a big smile, "Congratulations, Master Yu! Congratulations, Master Yu!"
This is not only a joyous occasion for your Yu family, but also a great blessing for both the Suo and Yu families. From now on, the friendship between our two families will be even stronger!

Yu Xinglong put down the cup of herbal tea, stood up, and smiled. He cupped his hands in return to Suo Hong, saying, "Congratulations, congratulations!"

Yu Xinglong smiled with relief, but he was still somewhat conflicted inside.

That thought that had been lingering for days, like a rat in a gutter, quietly resurfaced.

Is this child really my son Chengye's biological child?

The Suo family is a respectable family; they shouldn't let their daughter do anything outrageous...

Perhaps... I'm being paranoid. "Father! Father!" A series of hurried footsteps came, and Yu Chenglin rushed into the flower hall with his short legs.

As soon as he entered the room, he threw himself at Yu Xinglong's knees and grabbed his robe, shaking him violently.

"Dad, I have a little nephew! I'm an uncle now! My little nephew is so handsome, um... he must be so handsome!"

He tilted his little face up, his eyes filled with pure joy, and chattered about what he had seen and heard outside the delivery room.

Seeing his youngest son's joyful expression and hearing his brother and Suo Hong's enthusiastic congratulations, Yu Xinglong's doubts gradually faded.

Regardless, the child has been born, and he is now the rightful eldest grandson of the Yu family.

Those doubts were ultimately just baseless speculations. He reached out and stroked his son's head, and the smile on his face finally became genuine.

Yu Xinglong looked at Madam Li and said loudly, "It is the New Year's Day, and the young mistress has given birth to a son. This is a double celebration for the Yu family!"

The order is issued: everyone in the entire household will receive double their monthly allowance; those who served in the delivery room will each receive five silver coins and a bolt of brocade!
Starting today, we will hold a three-day banquet for the whole family to enjoy together!

"On behalf of the entire household, this servant thanks Master for his kindness!"

Little Li immediately knelt down and curtsied, her mouth practically stretched to her ears in a wide grin.

She was already the highest-paid of all the nannies, and now her monthly salary has doubled. In addition, there's the special reward for taking care of her in the delivery room. Once the young mistress recovers, she'll undoubtedly receive a hefty bonus...

This year, I'm going to have a really big and fulfilling New Year.

……

Yang Can hurried back to his house, and because he was walking so fast, a thin layer of sweat appeared on his back.

As soon as he stepped into the courtyard, he saw a group of maids and servants waiting in a row under the eaves. They stood with their hands at their sides, but their eyes were all glancing at him, clearly they were waiting impatiently.

These people all belonged to the eldest branch of the family, and they knew better than anyone whether the young mistress's child was a boy or a girl, as it concerned the future of the entire mansion and their own future prospects.

However, given the difference in rank, no one dared to step forward and inquire. Upon seeing the master enter, they all bowed and greeted him, "Greetings, Steward Master."

Yang Can glanced at everyone, understood, and announced loudly, "The young mistress has given birth, and both mother and child are safe."

The master will surely reward you; everyone disperse and wait patiently for news.

As soon as he finished speaking, a low cheer erupted from the corridor.

Yang Can had no interest in their jubilant expressions. He simply turned to a servant and ordered, "Have the kitchen prepare a banquet. I want to drink with Steward Li and his wife."

After saying that, he went straight to the back of the house.

It was well past the usual time for dinner, but everyone in the Yu household was worried about the young mistress's childbirth, so they even postponed dinner.

As the year draws to a close, red lanterns are hung everywhere in the Yu residence. Although Yang Can's residence is not as lively as the main residence, there is still a lantern hanging every few steps under the corridor.

The back courtyard was very quiet. Few people came in winter, and Yang Can had specially set up a bamboo fence to create a restricted area, making it even more tranquil.

He walked along the corridor to a bamboo fence, and his fingertips gripped the fence, revealing a gap just wide enough for one person to pass through.

Passing through the fence, the greenhouse by the pond came into view. Lifting the curtain, the scene inside the greenhouse came into his view.

"Zhu Sha" sat on a stool, holding a small swaddled baby in her arms.

She was bending down, using a spoon to dip into goat milk, gently feeding it to the baby's mouth, while humming an off-key lullaby.

Hearing the noise, she quickly stood up, holding the child, and curtsied, saying, "Master."

Yang Can's gaze instantly fell on the swaddled baby. He wanted to move forward, but his feet seemed to be rooted to the spot, and he couldn't take a single step.

His Adam's apple bobbed, and he said in a hoarse voice, "This...this is?"

Yang Can felt a mix of emotions: he hoped the baby was his own flesh and blood, but he also feared it was the baby boy who had been returned after the switch had failed. He felt inexplicably nervous.

Rouge held the child forward and handed her over, glancing furtively at his face, afraid that he might show disgust because it was a daughter.

Rouge said softly, "Master, this is the young mistress's own child. She's a very cute little lady."

"my daughter?"

Yang Can snapped back to reality, and those four words were almost trembling as he spoke them.

He immediately strode forward, his eyes fixed on the baby's face in the swaddling clothes. He reached out to take the baby, but his fingers froze in mid-air as he looked at the tiny body.

He was afraid of hurting the child if he used too much force, and he was also afraid of not being able to hold her if he used too little force, so he was at a loss for what to do.

"Master, please give her a hug. My little lady is so well-behaved; she just had some milk."

Seeing his helpless expression, Rouge felt relieved and couldn't help but chuckle to herself.

This usually imposing butler was now acting like a young girl learning needlework for the first time.

She had personally witnessed Madam Liu holding the baby upside down by its tiny feet and slapping the sole of its foot.

The little one's cries were so loud back then, it was nothing like how delicate she was.

Yang Can quickly bent down, cupped his hands in a cradling motion, and carefully took the swaddled baby.

His movements were extremely clumsy; his arms were taut and he didn't even dare to straighten his back, as if he were holding a handful of fragile moonlight.

The baby in the swaddling clothes hadn't been thoroughly washed yet; a thin layer of vernix caseosa clung to his face. His eyes were tightly closed, and his mouth was smacking unconsciously, as if searching for milk.

Her tiny hand, sticking out of her swaddling clothes, was barely bigger than Yang Can's thumb. It was curled into a small, pink fist with pale pink fingernails.

Yang Can held his breath, looked down at the little life in his arms, and an unprecedented tenderness instantly swept over his entire body.

All the previous tension, doubts, and anxieties vanished at this moment, leaving only joy and appreciation.

He didn't even dare to breathe too hard, afraid of disturbing the little one in his arms, but the corners of his mouth involuntarily turned up, and his eyes gradually reddened.

Zhu Sha stood aside, watching Yang Can's cautious yet overjoyed appearance, and sighed inwardly, thinking how envious she was.

How wonderful it would be if I could be held and cherished like that by my master.

She suddenly remembered what her twin sister, Rouge, had said: "Deacon Yang may look stern, but he is actually a very gentle person at heart."

Looking at Yang Can's gentle profile as he lowered his head, the light cast a warm glow on his features.

Zhu Sha's heart skipped a beat, and an idea popped into her head uncontrollably:

If the master could be as gentle to me as he is to the young lady, it wouldn't be impossible for others to call you... call you that thing.

The moment the thought crossed her mind, she hurriedly lowered her head, her ears turning bright red as if they had been burned by hot coals.

……

On the open grassy slope of Phoenix Mountain Villa, sheltered from the wind, a gray-blue felt tent is firmly tied in the cold wind, the edges of the canvas rustling loudly in the wind.

Master Suo Hong strode across the withered grass, the biting north wind making his goatee tremble wildly, and his face, hidden under the brim of his mink hat, was even more gloomy than the cold winter.

He waved to stop his entourage and yanked open the heavy felt curtain.

Inside the tent, the stove was burning brightly, and Chen Youchu sat on a low stool covered with a thick woolen felt, holding a swaddled baby in her arms.

Her fingertips gently touched the baby's pink cheeks, teasing the little one who had just finished drinking goat's milk.

Although she was only seventeen years old and still had the naivety of a young girl in her eyes, the way she held the child was exceptionally gentle.

It was a woman's nature that made her love this little guy so much.

Hearing the noise, Chen Youchu quickly stood up with the child in her arms, curtsied, and said, "Master is back."

Her gaze swept over Suo Hong's gloomy face, and her heart skipped a beat. She tightened her grip on the swaddled baby: "Master, is there any news from the Yu family?"

Suo Hong slumped onto the couch covered with a leather rug and snorted heavily, "This child is useless."

He glanced sideways at the baby boy in Chen Youchu's arms, his eyes icy: "Have someone throw him into the ravine behind the mountain. Wild beasts will come and clean it up overnight."

"master!"

Chen Youchu trembled with fright, taking a half-step back while holding the child: "You mustn't, sir! This child is so young, his eyes aren't even open yet..."

Meeting Suo Hong's suddenly angry gaze, Chen Youchu's heart tightened, and she quickly changed her words.

She pleaded in a low voice, "Since you don't need him, just send a servant to return him."

"I'm hoping to bear you children, my lord. We can't do such a sinful thing. It's good to accumulate some good karma."

Suo Hong was initially annoyed by Yang Can's disobedience, but upon hearing that Chen Youchu was eager to have a child for him, he became somewhat pleased.

He stroked his beard, pondered for a moment, then waved his hand: "Very well, it's your way, Zhao San!"

Steady footsteps sounded outside the tent, and a burly man lifted the curtain and entered, kneeling on one knee: "What are your orders, sir?"

This Zhao San was the one who had been ordered to steal the baby.

"Let's send this child back to Hu's Grain Shop."

Suo Hong raised his chin at the swaddled baby in Chen Youchu's arms, his tone indifferent: "I don't need it anymore, sir."

Zhao San was immediately delighted, for the owner of Hu's Grain Shop was quite wealthy.

By making this trip through the freezing cold, I can easily extort a sum of money, enough to live a prosperous New Year.

He readily agreed and happily took the child from Chen Youchu's arms.

Not feeling at ease, Chen Youchu pulled another thick sheepskin rug from beside the bed and carefully wrapped the child in it until the swaddling clothes became round and plump before letting go.

Seeing her meticulous appearance, Suo Hong wanted to scold her for being "too kind-hearted," but when he thought of the words "accumulating good deeds in secret," he swallowed the words back.

Zhao San wrapped the child in his arms and hurriedly went out.

……

Li Youcai and his wife Pan Xiaowan arrived at the Yang residence for the banquet.

The gatekeeper's servants hurriedly came forward and bowed respectfully: "Steward Li, Madam Pan, please come into the hall and have a seat. I will go and inform my master right away."

"Announce my ass!" Li Youcai laughed and cursed, "You're new here, aren't you? Do you know that your master and I are practically inseparable!"

Pan Xiaowan's eyes flickered, and she gave him a reproachful look: "Speak properly, don't scare people."

"Hey, I'm telling the truth!"

Li Youcai retorted, sticking out his neck, "This house used to belong to me as well, it's only been together for a short time."

Even so, his gaze had already swept across the new house, and the changes there truly surprised him.

"Get out of my way, my wife and I will go find your master ourselves." Li Youcai waved his hand to shoo away the servants and led Pan Xiaowan inside.

The servant knew that Li Youcai was the head of the Yu family's external affairs department, a position higher than his master's, so he quickly stepped aside.

Although the night was dark, a red lantern hung every few steps in the courtyard, its warm yellow light illuminating the scenery clearly.

Li Youcai kept marveling as he walked.

Pan Xiaowan was also full of surprise. If the outline of the main house hadn't remained unchanged, she would hardly have recognized the place.

On both sides of the original main building, several elegant side rooms and annex rooms have been added, with blue bricks and gray tiles arranged in a neat and grand manner.

The vegetable garden in Fangshantou that used to be full of chives is now paved with smooth bluestone slabs and has been surrounded by a bluestone railing that is half a person high.

The old apricot tree by the courtyard wall has disappeared, replaced by a row of neatly trimmed holly bushes, which, even covered by ice and snow, still show signs of careful trimming.

"This courtyard has been renovated really well."

Pan Xiaowan couldn't help but admire, her gaze sweeping over the exquisite carvings on the window lattice and the stone lantern in the corner of the wall:

"Although it is the dead of winter now and there are no flowers or plants to be seen, this yard will surely be full of spring colors after spring arrives."

Li Youcai nodded repeatedly, but refused to admit defeat: "Hmph, no matter how good it is, it's only under the patriarch's nose. How can it compare to the grandeur of our mansion in Tianshui?"

Despite saying that, he slowed his pace, clearly also captivated by the scenery.

The two walked along the pebble path beside the artificial hill toward the back of the house.

The further in you go, the more exquisite the scenery becomes; this rear residence is where the real construction and building took place.

A rockery was built in a rather interesting way, and a pond was dug at the foot of the rockery.

The bottom of the pool is still empty, covered with a thin layer of snow.

A new lakeside corridor has been built around the pond, connecting all the surrounding houses in a staggered and orderly manner, reminiscent of the charm of gardens in southern China.

"I didn't realize Yang Can had such good taste," Li Youcai said sourly.

Pan Xiaowan smiled and said, "After all, they are educated."

"What are you talking about? I can read too, okay?"

Li Youcai glanced at her defiantly, about to say something more, when a very faint cry suddenly drifted over on the cold wind.

The voice was soft and faint, like the meow of a newborn kitten, so faint that it could be easily missed if you weren't paying attention.

Pan Xiaowan's ears perked up instantly, and she abruptly stopped in her tracks.

She turned to the side to listen carefully, her face full of doubt: "Husband, did you hear that?"

It sounds like a child is crying.

Li Youcai also stopped and listened intently. Sure enough, a faint weeping could be heard in the wind, soft and delicate.

He and Pan Xiaowan exchanged a glance, both seeing surprise in each other's eyes.

Why is there a baby crying in Yang Can's house?

"The sound is coming from over there."

Li Youcai pointed towards a greenhouse at the end of the lakeside corridor and said curiously, "Let's go take a look."

(End of this chapter)