Chapter 52 (Combined Chapter)

Amidst such excitement, Miaozhen was also very happy for Xiao Jingshi. After more than ten years of hard study, he had finally achieved success. How could she not be happy? Ren Shi then presented her with a set of twelve gold-inlaid jade and gemstone jewelry, all made of gold filigree and inlaid with the finest white jade and gemstones. Miaozhen declined to accept them.

She already had three sets of hair buns and three pieces of jewelry; she really didn't need anything so expensive.

Madam Ren smiled and waved her hand, saying, "As the saying goes, everything should be put to good use. You are now the wife of a scholar, and although I can't say for sure what the future holds, I'm sure it will be even better. This title is perfect for you."

Chao Shi persuaded Miaozhen, saying, "Nephew's wife, please accept it. It's a token of your mother-in-law's good intentions."

Only then did Miaozhen accept it, and she had her maid help her to bow.

Some people around her were envious, some were flattering, and some were jealous—all sorts of reactions. Although Miaozhen was surrounded by people, she became even more humble. When she returned to her courtyard, she gave the servants double the amount of money as a reward.

The Xiao family is currently inviting guests, waiting for Xiao Jingshi to return so they can hold a grand banquet and invite an opera troupe. Xia Xianjie and Han Yueyao will naturally handle all of this.

Xia Xianjie said to Linglong, "It's not like no one in our family has ever passed the imperial examinations. Why are we making such a fuss? Let the Han family handle their own business. What does it have to do with me?"

Linglong also helped her put on the hairpin: "That's right, let Second Madam handle this. They're from the same household and are usually very close."

"Alright, alright, I'll just consider it a roll call." Sister Xia Xian came over to the second house.

She came over to manage the household with Han Yueyao. While Han Yueyao was quite considerate of people's feelings, Xia Xianjie felt that Han Yueyao lacked manners and was taking the lead, causing the servants to complain endlessly.

Miaozhen has been staying with Madam Ren for the past few days. Xiaoxi told her about this on the way, but she said instead, "Without rules, there can be no order. Actually, there's nothing wrong with what Madam is doing. It's just that everyone has different rules."

Xia Xianjie hid behind the artificial hill, originally thinking that Miaozhen would gossip about her, but she never expected that Miaozhen would be so fair.

In reality, Miaozhen disliked Xia Xianjie's spreading rumors, but she would quietly learn from anyone who did things well.

Xiao Jingshi returned on September 22nd. He had already attended the Deer Cry Banquet in Southern Zhili and was returning home for this purpose. Cen Yuan also returned with him. Of course, the Cen family would not hold a banquet at the Xiao family's residence, so Xiao Suyin hurried back to prepare.

As soon as he returned, he went to pay his respects to Master Xiao and Madam Ren. Miaozhen had already heard the message and immediately had the bed and blankets remade, but she was still a little uneasy.

Although the couple parted with great reluctance, when they met again, he was already a scholar who had passed the imperial examinations, and his status had changed. No matter how celestial you are, if you cannot bring practical benefits, you will likely be quite repulsive.

Has Xiao Jingshi changed?

She was worried when she looked up again and saw a figure dart in like an arrow. It was none other than Xiao Jingshi. She was about to stand up when Xiao Jingshi said, "Oh, why are you standing up? Just sit down. I have so much to tell you!"

Miaozhen was unfazed by his fiery enthusiasm and simply smiled, saying, "I went to my mother-in-law's every day for the past few days, but I wasn't feeling well this morning, so I didn't go. I just happened to see you back, and I have so much to say, but I don't know what to say right now. Anyway, I wish you all the best in the provincial examination. You've already become a Juren at such a young age, and even I, as your wife, am honored."

These words filled Xiao Jingshi with joy and pride: "My wife, what are you saying? What kind of man doesn't bring honor to his wife and children?"

"Then tell me what happened during this time, so I can at least hear some of the fuss," Miaozhen said with a smile.

Xiao Jingshi held her hand and began to speak, and Miaozhen listened attentively, filling the room with warmth.

Xiao Jingshi was clearly excited, even though he had repeated it two or three times without realizing it. Miaozhen, however, knew how difficult it was for a scholar to advance to the level of a successful candidate in the provincial examination. Just look at Fan Jin, who passed the provincial examination at the age of fifty-four, while Xiao Jingshi passed it at the age of twenty.

She was also very happy for him, because when her father passed the imperial examination, her grandfather and third uncle always flattered her eldest uncle, which made her father lose the desire to share in the success.

The two talked for about half an hour before stopping. Miaozhen then had someone bring water for him to wash up first, but Xiao Jingshi couldn't bear to be apart from her for a while and asked Miaozhen to come in and wash with him. Miaozhen laughed and said, "Aren't you ashamed? Hurry up and come out of the water. Take a rest. You'll be busy tonight."

Xiao Jingshi happily went into the bathhouse. Miaozhen took his clothes and put them outside the door. She could still hear him humming a song, so she covered her mouth and laughed.

In fact, after Xiao Jingshi passed the imperial examination, there were indeed many men who wanted to marry him off to someone else. Fortunately, he was already engaged, otherwise he would have been like a pig being bred, becoming someone else's son-in-law.

Now, there was a scholar named Lu in Suzhou Prefecture who had become the son-in-law of a high-ranking official. Although he was wealthy and powerful for a time, he was despised by others.

Fortunately, he was already engaged, and he didn't want to be at the mercy of others.

He also said that after he finished washing up, he saw Miaozhen lying on the bed with her hair down. He walked over with a smile and said, "I wanted to say something to you while I was taking a bath, but I forgot it all as soon as I came out."

Seeing that he was wearing a royal blue robe, with his hair loose and his features becoming more refined, Miaozhen teased him, "Are you saying that my lord is not only full of vigor, but also becoming more and more handsome?"

Xiao Jingshi, being a twenty-year-old young man, changed the subject but was secretly delighted. He then talked to Miaozhen about the imperial examinations. Miaozhen listened to it again and thought to herself that this silly husband was really very enthusiastic.

Miaozhen also mentioned that she had helped someone take care of a sick person and that the family had sent over a bolt of cotton wool, which Xiao Jingshi also appreciated.

The two said they were tired and lay down haphazardly. When the setting sun shone in, they both got up to dress up. Miaozhen changed into a brocade dress covered in gold, put on a bun, and applied powder before going out.

Previously, the wife of the magistrate of Wu County and she had a clear distinction of rank, but now the magistrate and Xiao Jingshi address each other as brothers, and she and Miaozhen also address each other as sisters. Miaozhen bowed slightly and said, "I dare not."

The magistrate's wife, who had just finished her postpartum confinement, was still somewhat plump. She smiled and took Miaozhen's hand, saying, "I say you are a lucky person. Scholar Xiao is still young. In a few years, when he passes the imperial examination, his potential will be limitless."

“My husband also said that he has received much care from the Prefect and the County Magistrate. Moreover, our hometown is a place of outstanding people and abundant resources. He will never forget the County Magistrate’s cultivation,” Miaozhen said with a smile.

After exchanging a few pleasantries with the county magistrate's wife, relatives from the Lou, Mei, and Wu families came over. Miaozhen stepped forward to speak. Although she didn't manage the household affairs, today was Xiao Jingshi's happy occasion, and she should do her part in making arrangements.

Madam Mei, standing beside her daughter, asked, "How are you? Can you handle it?"

"It's alright. I rested all afternoon today. Although I feel a bit heavy, I'll be fine as long as I'm careful. Look, my sixth sister-in-law is here too, isn't she?" Miaozhen raised her chin.

Madam Mei looked at her daughter with an air of grandeur and said, "You've truly married the right person now. Your father said it was right that you didn't associate with Miaolian. There wasn't much sisterly affection between you anyway. I was just afraid she might say something bad, and then it would be difficult to tear each other apart."

"That's what I think too. They don't care about me like you do. They probably just want me to make a fool of myself." Miaozhen knew this very well.

Mrs. Mei looked at her daughter's belly and said, "It's good that you understand."

As Liyin Pavilion was singing "The Tale of the White Rabbit," Miaozhen said to Mei, "I specially requested this performance for you."

It is probably only daughters who know what their mothers truly like. Madam Mei was very satisfied. After this performance, she sang several other plays about winning the moon and laurel. Madam Ren then held a banquet at the Pomegranate Flower Pavilion, and everyone stayed until late at night before returning home.

Xiao Jingshi was also very tired, and Miaozhen could understand her because she had felt the same way when she became Tan Yunxian's disciple. So no matter how many times he told her, she listened.

However, Xiao Jingshi didn't plan to go to the capital for the imperial examination this time. He was self-aware enough that even if he passed the provincial examination by chance, he might not pass the imperial examination, and he would have to study in seclusion for another three years. But Cen Yuan had already decided to go to the capital because the imperial examination was in February next year. This time, Xiao Suyin didn't return to the Xiao family but went to the capital with Cen Yuan. Even if she didn't pass this exam, she wouldn't have to come back for the next one; she could just take it in the capital.

After the revelry, Xiao Jingshi went out for drinks a few times, but he found it rather pointless. He complained to Miaozhen, "I just heard all sorts of compliments. People who didn't know better would think I had passed the imperial examination."

Miao Zhen laughed and said, "Back then, Governor Cheng helped me carve a monument, and I felt like I was about to become famous all over the world. I couldn't calm down for a long time, and slowly I became just another ordinary person. Let me tell you, once you stand out too much, many people will be waiting to find fault with you. It's better to be low-key and do great things quietly."

Xiao Jingshi thought that Zhenzhen, as a thirteen or fourteen-year-old girl, had medical skills far surpassing those of others, yet she was always so humble. In fact, she had many dealings with prominent families like the Cheng family, but she never mentioned it. He felt that he was indeed a bit impatient.

However, that was only in front of Zhenzhen. In reality, he still seemed quite disdainful in public, so he restrained himself a bit.

But Miaozhen actually liked this about him. She had studied medicine since elementary school and was a time traveler, so she was naturally calm and composed. She found his outgoing and unruly personality quite endearing.

September passed in the blink of an eye. Miaozhen was almost eight months pregnant and about a month away from giving birth. She took the initiative to stop her medical treatment, as her health was the most important thing at the moment.

Because the pregnant woman was eight months along, her physical strength decreased, she experienced frequent urination, leg cramps, and excessive sleepiness. She also felt short of breath in crowded places and her emotions were unstable. She needed to rest, but since she couldn't tell Madam Ren directly, she asked Xiao Jingshi to speak to Madam Ren on her behalf. Madam Ren naturally agreed and told her to take good care of herself during her pregnancy, and to bring her in-laws over in a few days, and so on.

Miaozhen then had Xiao Jingshi deliver her handwritten copy of the "Peacock King Buddha Mother Sutra" and some homemade dream-inducing incense to Ren Shi, who immediately developed a fondness for this daughter-in-law.

This made Xiao Jingshi realize that Miaozhen, who was usually unassuming and didn't fight for anything, was a thoughtful person. She kept a detailed record of every penny he spent on her, and it wasn't for her personal use at all.

Xiao Jingshi then entrusted his personal savings to Miaozhen for safekeeping, but Miaozhen refused, saying, "You are better at managing these things than I am, so why would you give them to me?"

"Just accept it. I'll exchange it with you when I need it. But I have a lot of it, so don't be scared." After saying that, he had two servants carry in five chests.

Miaozhen dismissed the outsiders and saw that the room was full of fine silver ingots. She counted them and found that there were actually ten thousand taels. She looked at him in bewilderment: "So much?"

No wonder Xiao Jingshi didn't think much of Xia Xianjie. Xia Xianjie's dowry was an astronomical figure for families like theirs, but it was only Xiao Jingshi's share of profits for two or three years.

Miaozhen had never managed so much money before, and she felt that Furongwu was not very safe. So she simply said, "I'm afraid I'll give birth next month, and I'm worried that someone will steal this much money."

Little did he know that Xiao Jingshi was that kind of person. If he didn't trust you in the first place, he wouldn't have entrusted you with anything. But once he trusted you, there was nothing to say. Now he was doing the same thing: "This is what we spend on each other. If you steal it, consider it a loss to avoid trouble. You don't need to give me that damn ledger. I trust you."

"Even though you say that, managing money is the most troublesome thing. Just let me have an easier time," Miaozhen said coquettishly.

Xiao Jingshi wasn't truly oblivious to subtle cues. Seeing her like this, he pressed down on her shoulder and said, "You're my wife, so you won't have it easy."

Miaozhen was somewhat at a loss when she suddenly received ten thousand taels of silver, but gradually she treated it as if the stone was in her own room, using only one box for its own purposes, and locking the others as if they didn't exist.

Miaozhen usually kept her consultation fees in a carved red box, and only told Xiao Jingshi, "If you need to use them, just take them from this box."

Xiao Jingshi reached out to tease her: "So I'm really taking it?"

Miaozhen pushed it in front of him: "What if you don't take it?"

Xiao Jingshi simply smiled.

A couple can only truly be considered one if they can agree on their finances. Only then can they feel at ease. Otherwise, if they have to be wary of even their spouse, life would be too exhausting.

Lou Qiongyu was better off than Miaozhen. After Xiao Jingtang got married, he entrusted his personal savings to her to manage, which she took for granted. However, Xiao Jingtang was still a student at the academy, and he only received some reward money from his parents during festivals, totaling five hundred taels, which Lou Qiongyu had to carefully keep.

Now that I'm married, I pay for my food and clothing, but I have to pay for many social obligations myself.

Mrs. Lou brought over two packets of bird's nest and said, "Your father has endured thirty years of hardship and has finally become the registrar. It's just a pity that he's about to take office. Before he leaves, he'll transfer your brother to the Household Department as a clerk. It's a blessing in disguise."

Lou Qiongyu smiled and said, "That's a good thing, but bird's nest is expensive, so you can eat it yourself."

"What do you know? Bird's nest is a top-grade tonic for nourishing yin. It would be best if you had someone boil some with rock sugar and eat it every day. But don't be silly and give it away to others," Mrs. Lou said.

Lou Qiongyu nodded: "Mother, I understand. They might not even care."

Originally, Madam Lou had her eye on Xiao Jingshi, but the unknown Xu family beat her to it. To make matters worse, Xiao Jingshi passed the imperial examination, and Madam Xu became a Juren's wife. Who knows, she might even become a Jinshi's wife in the future. How could people not feel regret?

Therefore, she instructed her daughter, "You must give birth to a son to surpass her. I see that her belly is round, and it doesn't look like she's about to give birth to a son."

This Mrs. Lou appeared amiable and refined on the surface, but behind her back, she harbored jealousy and resentment towards others. Lou Qiongyu had grown up hearing these stories and knew that such a system had both advantages and disadvantages. The advantage was that it allowed her father, a mere scholar, to become a county clerk, while the disadvantage was that he had to be the first in everything.

From a young age, she was arranged to associate with daughters of officials of higher status, which can be described as a wholehearted effort to marry her into a wealthy family. However, she had to pretend to be proper. Lou Qiongyu knew that she was of average talent and had only a pretty face, without any outstanding qualities. She believed that things should be done step by step.

Moreover, she was quite successful. When Xia Xianjie from the first wife saw that they were pregnant, she was only dissatisfied with Xu Shi, and she was actually quite safe.

So Mrs. Lou just said it casually, and she just listened to it casually.

When she came out of Haitangxuan, she saw a young woman with several servants pushing two Jiangzhou carts at the entrance of Furongwu, carrying large and small bags, jars, and boxes.

As Xiao Xi came out, Mrs. Lou asked, "What is this?"

"Oh, these are from our girls' dowry fields. They all send some over." Xiao Xi didn't hide anything; what was there to be secretive about when it was their own stuff?

After hearing this, Mrs. Lou walked forward.

Miaozhen was delighted to see Xiaotao. "Why are you here at this time?"

"We just finished the autumn harvest, and we were thinking of sending over the first batch," Xiao Tao said with a smile.

The rice shop had been open for a year, but in reality, only two rooms were needed. Miaozhen had them open a cloth shop, which also served as a cotton cloth store. They would buy cotton cloth from individual weavers and then resell it. Miaozhen gave them forty bolts of silk and woven cloth from her own dowry as capital, and one hundred taels of silver to buy cloth for weaving. Xu Fang continued to manage both sides.

They adopted a profit-sharing model, with the couple splitting the profits into two shares.

Because many wealthy merchants in Suzhou had people buy cotton cloth and then resell it elsewhere, their shops earned the middleman's profit.

This time, Xiao Tao also sent a share of the profits. Miao Zhen didn't expect much. A shi of rice was only seven qian, and the cloth shop had only been open for a few months.

Xiao Tao brought fifty taels of silver, along with two forkfuls of flour, two forkfuls of white rice, a small bag of glutinous rice, six catties of honey harvested by the villagers, half a cooked pig's head, six old hens, six large fish, two baskets of eggs, a forkful of millet, and fried dough twists and sugar cakes made by herself.

Miaozhen then presented her with a large box of fine fruit and a set of clothes, saying, "I'm probably due to give birth next month, so if you need anything, please wait until the end of the year to get back to me."

"Miss, are you feeling alright?" Xiao Tao saw Miao Zhen leaning against the couch, always supporting her waist, and she felt sorry for her.

Miaozhen shook her head: "I can't sleep well, I can't eat well, I feel terribly uncomfortable. To be honest, the only thing I can do now is lean against this for some comfort."

Xiao Tao asked a few questions, then added, "Before the Lunar New Year, the farmers will send some livestock. Since you're in such a state, ask them to send more chickens to help you recover."

Miaozhen smiled and said, "Our Xiaotao is now in charge of the household, which is very good."

The two chatted for a few minutes, and Miaozhen invited her to have lunch there before letting her go.

As for the half-portion of pork that was delivered, Miaozhen had Fengniang take it to the kitchen to make braised pork. At dinner, she sent a plate to her parents-in-law and her two sisters-in-law. She herself only ate one piece before getting tired of it.

Seeing that she was not sitting or lying down comfortably, Xiao Jingshi asked with concern, "Are you feeling very uncomfortable?"

"Yes, the first few months were fine, but I've been feeling unwell since August. It's really uncomfortable. Imagine a child sucking your blood and flesh, how can you possibly feel better? Even a mosquito bite will cause unbearable pain and itching." Miaozhen wouldn't be sensible at this time; the child she gave birth to wasn't just hers.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingshi hurriedly said, "How about I call a doctor to take a look?"

“Fool, I’m a doctor who specializes in gynecology. Where else would you go to find one? This isn’t an illness; it’s normal,” Miaozhen laughed.

Xiao Jingshi held her hand, unsure how to comfort her.

Miaozhen said, "Our child is about to be born, and we need to make a baby jacket and a baby shirt. Bring a tailor so we can make the baby's clothes first."

The next morning, Xiao Jingshi had a tailor come and made eight cotton-padded jackets, four lined jackets, four white silk blouses, and four bibs. These should have been prepared long ago, and Miaozhen thought the Xiao family would make them. However, Madam Ren thought Han Yueyao would make them. Han Yueyao herself had never given birth. It was Xiao Jingshi who brought it up with Madam Ren, who then complained about Han Yueyao: "Always so thoughtful but not considerate."

In addition to the children's clothes, there were also bedding that had been prepared beforehand. Miaozhen also prepared a lot of straw paper for patching, and Mei Shi also moved into the east wing in advance.

Only a mother knows what her child likes to eat. Madam Mei personally made Chunbulao steamed buns and even pan-fried them on both sides. Miaozhen ate them with great relish, finding them incredibly delicious.

Mei then asked Fengniang and Xiaoxi to fill in any gaps in their knowledge, adding, "Your father is asking me what kind of rocking chair I want to make?"

“You don’t need to do that yet. Your son-in-law asked me what kind I wanted, and I said I wanted one shaped like a goose and another with railings. When he’s a little smaller, he’ll sleep on the one in front, and when he rolls over, he’ll sleep on the one with railings,” Miaozhen laughed.

Madam Mei shook her head: "I can't stop your father either, let him be. It's good this way, my grandson will have several beds now."

Miaozhen just smiled, but Madam Mei asked, "Zhenzhen, I heard that doctors can tell the sex of a baby by taking a pulse. Is the baby in your belly a boy or a girl? That way, we can make preparations."

"It's hard to say. At first, my pulse was strong in my left hand and weak and large in my right hand. I thought I was having twins. But later, my pulse was normal in my left hand and weak and thin in my right hand. I wondered if it was a girl. Later, I simply stopped worrying about it." Miaozhen had a feeling that she was having twin daughters.

Time flies, and it's already the sixteenth of the eleventh lunar month. This day is Chao's birthday, and Xiao Jingshi and others are going to offer their congratulations. Miaozhen jokingly said, "You'd better have some fun today."

After Xiao Jingshi left, Miaozhen took a nap, but before she knew it, she started labor at 9:00 AM. Mei quickly sent someone to find Xiao Jingshi, who had already summoned the midwife, Granny Li.

The first thing she asked when she arrived was who was in labor. Miao Zhen told her, "I might be carrying twins. One will come out first, and you'll have to check on the other one."

Old Lady Li laughed and said, "Don't worry, I've been delivering babies for many years. I was the one who delivered the fifth daughter of your family."

Miaozhen nodded slightly and placed the medicines she had prepared by the bedside.

Chao's birthday celebration was cancelled, and she came over with Ren, Lou's wife, and Old Madam Han. When Ren saw Xiao Jingshi walking around, she smiled and said, "Your wife is very good at taking care of herself. She is also a doctor, so don't worry."

Madam Chao also said, "Yes, childbirth isn't that quick. When I gave birth to your older brother, it took almost a whole day and night. Even your mother gave birth to you after ten days of labor."

While the group was talking outside, Madam Mei ordered someone to boil water. Miaozhen then had Xiaoxi boil the scissors with herbs and fumigate them with vinegar. She also fumigated the cloth with sulfur. As for Granny Li, she had her wash her hands with Atractylodes lancea and pour wine over them.

Granny Li touched Miaozhen's belly, both sides, and said, "This grandmother looks just like two children."

Ms. Mei thought to herself that her daughter was really calm and hadn't said anything. Otherwise, people would definitely find it strange and would all want to come and visit. Moreover, twins are prone to accidents, and her husband's family thought that since it was twins, they would protect the younger one.

Just then, she had two more charcoal braziers added and covered them with screens, which made the inside much warmer.

"My daughter has always been in good health; she should be fine this time," Madam Mei prayed silently.

After a while of contractions, Miaozhen felt a little better. Once everything was prepared, it was noon. Granny Li said that she was starting to have contractions and told her to eat something. Miaozhen ate a banana and a bowl of white rice porridge.

Miaozhen smiled and said to Madam Mei, "Mother, please prepare some red ginseng water here for me. I'll drink it when I'm fully dilated and labor isn't going well. Oh, and honey water too. I'd like some now."

Granny Li said, "I have never seen Fourth Grandmother take such good care of herself."

Madam Mei said proudly, "Of course! My daughter is a very skilled female doctor. She can cure even the most difficult births with just one dose of her medicine."

Normally, childbirth takes about six hours, or twelve hours. Now that there was only a little spotting, Miaozhen had someone help her take a bath and wash her hair. Mei helped her dry her hair, saying, "You, it's lucky that I'm here. I'll do whatever you want."

Miaozhen smiled, feeling a bit hungry again. She had someone cook a bowl of vegetable porridge for her. After eating, she went to bed, supporting her stomach. It was already 3 PM. Madam Mei kept her company, talking to her and massaging her Hegu acupoint.

Half an hour later, when the cervix was fully dilated, Granny Li began to exert her strength, and Miaozhen began to give birth, which lasted for about half an hour.

Outside, Xiao Jingshi heard a baby cry. Someone came out and hung a red cloth. Madam Ren said, "A daughter has been born."

Xiao Jingshi breathed a sigh of relief: "I wonder how Zhenzhen is? I'm just glad that mother and daughter are safe."

Mrs. Lou was overjoyed and rushed to the Begonia Pavilion next door, but she didn't know that as soon as she went out, there was another baby crying inside, although the sound was weaker.

A quarter of an hour later, Granny Li and Madam Mei each came out carrying a child. Xiao Jingshi was stunned: "What happened?"

Seeing Xiao Jingshi, who was usually shrewd and capable, in this state, Madam Mei smiled and said, "Son-in-law, these are twins, a boy and a girl. The girl came out first, and the boy came out later. The girl weighs six jin, and the boy weighs five jin."

"How is Zhenzhen?" Xiao Jingshi didn't have time to look at the child before asking about Miaozhen.

Madam Mei nodded: "The placenta has been delivered, and she even drank red ginseng water. She seems to be doing well now."

Not to mention how happy everyone was, even Chao Shi said to Xiao Jingshi, "You should also go and inform everyone, this is a great joy for our clan."

Ren kept chanting "Amitabha" and then said to Mei, "My dear in-law, you're so happy."

Madam Mei smiled and said, "Congratulations to you both."

Xia Xianjie, who had been putting in a lot of effort to please her mother-in-law at the birthday banquet she had organized, stepped forward and said, "It's your birthday today, why don't you go back and celebrate first—"

Madam Chao felt that as the matriarch of the main branch of the family, and with Xiao Jingshi, the second son, being a scholar who had passed the imperial examinations, there would be countless people coming, and she would have to help. So she said, "Why bring that up? We're here now, and we need to come and help prepare for the baby's third-day celebration. Your second aunt is busy looking for a wet nurse to take care of her."

These words made Xia Xian so angry that she almost fell over backwards, and she cried for half the night afterward.

Miaozhen didn't know if it was because she drank the red ginseng water, but she was able to pass gas in half an hour and was able to get out of bed to urinate two hours later. When Ren and Chao came to visit her the next day, they said, "Your complexion is even better than your sister-in-law's."

Miaozhen touched her now-delivered belly and couldn't help but feel amazed. She had given birth to twins and become a mother so suddenly. She was overwhelmed with emotion. Perhaps this was the meaning of being a female doctor—it benefited not only herself but also women like her.

Now that she has experienced it firsthand, she knows better how to act if she encounters a woman with twins in the future. This is what it means to put it into practice!