Chapter 31 (Combined Chapter)
On New Year's Eve that year, the second wife of the second branch, the eldest daughter and the fifth young master were all at their posts. The eldest master went to Henan at the end of the year and took Aunt Fang and another concubine with him, so the whole Cheng family seemed a bit deserted.
The third wife did come out, but because of what happened last time, she had offended the old lady and the old lady of the West Mansion, so she had to be careful.
As usual, Miaozhen went with Madam Ji to have her pulse checked first. Madam Ji kept asking her if it was a boy or a girl, but Miaozhen shook her head: "I can't tell."
Even if there are signs, she won't say anything.
Madam Ji was somewhat disappointed, but then she saw her daughter Qinfang coming over and immediately adopted a motherly demeanor. Miaozhen quietly withdrew and bumped into the concubine who had knelt down last time.
She probably remembered that I had given her some liniment before, and she smiled at me.
When she returned to her lodgings, Sister Ji Zhen had already gone home. Knowing how hard it was for her to work the night shift alone, she had left her a steamer of plum blossom buns. Miao Zhen wasn't picky, so she wrapped half of the buns in a handkerchief and had Xiao Tao take them to Aunt Gu for a treat, while she ate the rest herself.
She once saw a description of a type of cave-shaped plum blossom bun in the book "Dongjing Menghualu" (The Eastern Capital: A Dream of Splendor). Some experts analyzed that it might be a soup dumpling. However, the plum blossom buns she is eating now are not soup dumplings, but pure red bean paste buns.
Unfortunately, although the sweet buns were delicious, she still preferred the big meat buns, the fragrant and juicy ones.
Sometimes Miaozhen even thinks she's really a steamed bun brain, never getting tired of eating all kinds of steamed buns.
Xiao Xi brewed some fragrant tea: "Miss, have some tea, it will help to cleanse your palate from the sweetness."
"That's exactly what I was thinking. By the way, do you think the Third Madam will target us again?" Miaozhen looked at Xiaoxi.
Xiao Xi sighed, "That's hard to say."
Miao Zhen thought it was safer for her to go home. If it weren't for the Third Madam, she would be better off here. To be honest, her father had found her such a good marriage, and he would probably prepare a larger dowry. Her family was already poor, so if she could save more money, she could also ease the burden on her family.
The snow finally fell on New Year's Eve this year. It was quiet and not a heavy snowfall, but Miaozhen, who had been busy all day, went to sleep after dinner.
For working people like them, being able to get a good night's sleep is more important than anything else.
On the first and second days of the Lunar New Year, the Cheng family members still had to visit relatives and friends, while Miaozhen and the other marginalized members stayed in their own rooms. She simply kicked off her shoes and snuggled into the quilt, her hair looking like a bird's nest, but she still felt comfortable.
But it's not good to let her lie down all day; it's best to let her steal a moment of leisure when she's busy.
"Grandma is fine, and I haven't heard of any illness among the other ladies either. Let's sleep in today." Miaozhen yawned, stretched, and prepared to go back to sleep.
Little did she know that just as she lay down, she heard a maidservant from the First Madam's side come over and say, "Miss Xu, our First Madam says you should hurry and go see the wife of the Prefect of Yingtian."
"Okay, I'm coming right now." Miaozhen wailed and had no choice but to get up.
Leaving her warm bed, Miaozhen quickly washed up and dressed, but when she went out, she was told that there were no more carriages available. If she wanted a carriage to be arranged, she would have to inform Third Grandmother in advance before any arrangements could be made.
"What should we do? Third Grandmother went to another house for a banquet today." Mother Gu was also anxious.
Miaozhen said, "The First Madam went to the Minister of Rites' house, and the Third Madam went to another house. We can't go out even if we want to."
Mother Gu also has a family waiting for her to return home for the New Year, unlike Miaozhen and the others who are all alone here. So she said, "In my opinion, since there are no carriages or sedan chairs to go out now, why don't we all wait a little while until they come back?"
Seeing that Gu's mother wanted to go home for the New Year's Eve dinner, and hearing that her relatives were coming today, Miaozhen shrugged and said, "That's just how it is."
Although Madam Gu had left, Miao Zhen knew the First Madam's temperament, so she said to Xiao Xi and Xiao Tao, "We absolutely have to stay with the First Madam, otherwise if she comes back and finds out we didn't go, I don't know how she'll scold me, and we'll be in trouble for no reason."
However, they were not allowed to enter the main house of the First Madam, and the maids also kept an eye on the side rooms, so Miaozhen had no choice but to wait in a side room.
Here's the situation on Miaozhen's side: The First Madam was talking to Cheng Yuan, saying, "Didn't that Physician Xu cure your sister-in-law's infertility last time? If she can cure the wife of the Prefect of Yingtian as well, then the wife of the Prefect of Yingtian is a cousin of Commander Lu. If you can marry Commander Lu, then our mother and I will have a good life."
Previously, Madam Zeng trusted the eldest master very much, thinking that he would prepare to choose a good husband for his daughter. However, after the incident with Concubine Fang, he was busy with the New Year and promotion. Now he has gone to Henan to take up his post, and she has to worry about her daughter's marriage.
Cheng Yuan was very pleased with Zeng's words. Commander Lu was the Emperor's childhood friend and the most popular and sought-after person at the moment.
However, she also said to her mother, "Since you're asking them to make house calls, you should give them more tips during the holidays."
“We’ve already given her a monthly allowance, so we can just give her a few taels of silver as a reward.” The First Madam was very dismissive, and even said, “She’s always running to your sister-in-law’s place, but she’s very perfunctory with the rest of us. It’s time to make her do some work.”
Cheng Yuan disagreed: "You order people around, but you don't pay them? Our servants get tips for running errands, let alone those who provide for us."
She knew that her mother only cared about having everyone revolve around her, but Xu Miaozhen was, after all, the doctor of the entire household, and besides, Madam Ji was now pregnant with the eldest son and grandson, so she naturally paid attention to her as well.
After much persuasion from her daughter, Ms. Zeng finally agreed.
The snow was falling heavier than before, and there was no brazier in the outhouse, so Miaozhen and her two servants had to stomp their feet and warm each other's hands. When the First Madam finally returned, she was so stiff that she could hardly stand it. She quickly went up to her and explained what had happened.
Madam Zeng glanced at her and said lightly, "In that case, you should go back first, and go to your third grandmother's place tomorrow."
Miaozhen quickly agreed.
Back in her room, she wouldn't let Xiao Xi and Xiao Tao serve her, but instead told them to snuggle up in bed together and warm up first. They couldn't even complain, for fear that someone might be listening in at this time, and if it reached the ears of the First Madam, they would be finished.
The next morning, Miaozhen and the others went to the wife of the prefect of Yingtian Prefecture again. After reviewing the previous medical records, they saw that her feet were ulcerated. Miaozhen shook her head and said, "This is probably not a woman's disease, but diabetes. I'm afraid I can't cure it. You'll have to find another expert."
Amputation due to diabetes is not something she can perform now, but Miaozhen knows that surgery to treat carbuncles already existed in the Ming Dynasty, so she doesn't try to do it in this situation.
If you can't cure yourself, don't try to be a hero; just tell the truth.
This was perfectly normal, but Madam Zeng felt that Miaozhen had disrupted her plans. The same thing happened with Aunt Fang last time, and now it was the same with the matter of the Prefect's wife in Yingtian Prefecture.
But Miaozhen was not a servant in her household, so although she could scold her a few times, she was still unhappy.
"I'm starting to suspect you did it on purpose. Look at you, you can even cure poison for others, but you can't cure the illness I ask you to treat."
Miaozhen didn't bother to argue; the more she argued, the more people would say she was in the wrong. Only when she walked out did she realize she was crying, tears welling up in her eyes. She quickly wiped them away and went back without looking back.
Xiao Xi and Xiao Tao comforted her, but Miao Zhen advised them: "Xiao Xi, I asked Sister Chunxian to teach you needlework. You should learn from her properly, as she is the manager of the Cheng family's needlework workshop. Xiao Tao, you should learn to comb hair from Banxia Chunxian, and stop being so silly all the time."
These two will be part of her dowry; they are her right-hand women and cannot be underestimated.
Xiao Xi smiled and said, "Don't worry, my embroidery skills are getting better and better." She then comforted Miao Zhen, saying, "We'll be fine once we get home, then we won't have to listen to anyone's nagging."
"Wherever there are people, there is a world of intrigue; there is no peace anywhere. Let's be patient for now, for in the future, even ants may not be able to shake a tree," Miaozhen sneered.
The fifteenth day of the first lunar month is her birthday. If she were at home, her parents would definitely hold a coming-of-age ceremony for her. But now she can only ask the kitchen to cook a bowl of noodles and eat it herself as a way of celebrating her birthday.
Xiao Tao used her newly learned hair-combing skills to help Miao Zhen put on a silver-threaded cloud-shaped bun. Miao Zhen also changed into new clothes, which were gifts from the Cheng family for the festival, consisting of two sets of clothes.
She wore a white silk cross-collar jacket, a pale yellow skirt, and an outer satin long jacket with a pale yellow background and chrysanthemum patterns. The jade pendant given to her by Chunxian was hanging on her. After taking a few steps, both maids praised her for looking good.
"You should all take a rest. You've been keeping me company all year round." Miaozhen gestured for them to sit down and stop working.
Miss Cheng's marriage was still unsettled by the Lantern Festival, which made Aunt Zhu laugh behind her back. She even said, "Next year will be another widow's year. I don't know if she'll be able to find a husband the year after next."
Today is the Lantern Festival, a day for family reunion. Xu Erpeng took his wife and children to see the lantern festival early in the morning. Jian Ge'er is already seven years old on the eighth day of the first lunar month. He has been studying at the community school for two years. Xu Erpeng saw that although he was not a genius, he had some talent. So he hired a tutor for him at home to start his education. Kun Ge'er is still young, so there is no need to worry about that.
The lantern festival was bustling with activity. Mei didn't have any particular hobbies, but she loved watching Spring Festival operas, especially "The Tale of the White Rabbit," which she never tired of watching.
She was saying to Xu Erpeng, "You have to come with me to see the Spring Stage Opera!"
"Don't worry, I'll make time for it that day, even if I have to." Xu Erpeng still liked Mei very much, and except for matters of principle, he was almost always obedient to his wife.
Jian Ge'er carried two lanterns by himself and wanted more, but Xu Erpeng said, "If you buy them all at once, what will you do next year? You should leave some room for next year."
Madam Mei was worried that the sparks from the lantern might burn her son, so she asked the servants to keep a close eye on him.
As he walked nearby, he saw a group of women walking around, and he actually ran into some acquaintances. Actually, Xu Erpeng sometimes didn't like to greet people all the time, so he would quickly slip away if people didn't see him. This time, he encountered the women of the Xiao family.
Mrs. Xiao was a very petite woman with wide-set eyes and a high nose. She looked very light and agile. Even though she should be in her forties now, she still looked very young. She enthusiastically left everyone else to talk to her.
"Mrs. Xu, how are you? Did you try the roasted rice I had someone send over last time? It was a gift from a friend of mine in Guangdong. I thought it was something new, so I sent it over."
Madam Xiao wore a gold-threaded bun adorned with gold and jade ornaments, and a dark cloak over which a corner of a scarlet satin jacket peeked out—a picture of immense wealth and status. In comparison, Madam Mei paled in comparison; she wore only a simple bun, adorned with a light-colored flower and a pomegranate blossom on one side, appearing clean and simple.
But she didn't seem ashamed at all, and just smiled and said, "I ate a small plateful, but my two naughty boys snatched it all up. Thank you for remembering us."
“What are you saying? We’re all family, don’t talk like that,” said Mrs. Xiao.
While exchanging pleasantries with Madam Xiao, Madam Mei harbored a slight worry in her heart. She had met her future son-in-law once before the New Year. The boy was tall and broad-shouldered with a slender waist. He wore a simple scholar's robe with remarkable poise. When he came over to pay his respects, he appeared as if walking on clouds and mist.
Everything about him was fine, but he was somewhat cold towards her and her husband. Mei secretly wondered if he disliked the marriage.
You know, my daughter is a very proud and ambitious person. What if she does something rash?
After Mrs. Xiao returned home from her illness-curing ritual, she first asked her daughter-in-law, Han, to take her youngest daughter back to her room. Just then, she saw her second son coming over and asked, "Why is Shi-ge here?"
Xiao Jingshi took out a stack of matchmaking invitations and said, "Among them is the Tong family, who were promoted from the Suzhou Prefecture to the Jiangzhou Prefectural Governor, and the Gong family, the daughter of the Wu County Magistrate. Mother didn't approve of these people, but instead chose a small merchant family? Mother, tell me why?"
He didn't necessarily want to marry these people, but he wondered why his parents were acting this way. Did they not value him enough?
Madam Xiao said, “Don’t just look at the surface. I have my reasons for doing this. Don’t be fooled by the fact that the Tong family has been demoted. Previously, the Suzhou Prefecture was in debt, and the prefect was arrested by the Embroidered Uniform Guard. The subordinates were ordered to make up the deficit, and the Tong family used all their assets to fill the gap. They sold off all their land and only have two hectares left. They are just maintaining their old facade. As for the Gong family, that girl is from a concubine’s wife.”
“But isn’t there also the Zhao family’s carriage and horse trading business here? And the Zhao family also has shares in a shipping company, doesn’t they?” Xiao Jingshi’s words were sharp and pointed.
Madam Xiao said again, "If you really marry the Zhao family girl, wouldn't you be just like your eldest cousin, marrying the daughter of a nouveau riche? She can't even read a few words. Besides, Miss Xu's maternal family are also scholars, and her father is a government-subsidized student of this prefecture. Although they are not a wealthy family, they are still quite well-off, and they have a close relationship with the Cheng family of Jinling."
Hearing this, Xiao Jingshi stood up and said, "Mother, you have been completely bewitched by that old nun Mochou, who said that Miss Xu's birth chart is auspicious for you. I told you long ago to avoid associating with gossipy relatives. I hate those kinds of people the most in my life. It would be good if we destroyed that brothel sooner or later."
Mrs. Xiao comforted her, "Good child, it's not just me who agrees, your father agrees too."
"Father still listens to you." Xiao Jingshi knew this very well.
Mrs. Xiao said, "Miss Xu has excellent medical skills—"
“The female doctor is even worse. You've forgotten that my aunt was killed by a female doctor who randomly pricked her with needles. In short, this marriage is unsuitable in every way. You must break off the engagement. I do not agree to this marriage, and even when we are engaged, I will say the same thing to Miss Xu.” Xiao Jingshi said this and left.
Mrs. Xiao was a little troubled. Her son was exceptionally intelligent from a young age, but he was also unruly and had a strange temperament. Miss Xu's birth chart was also auspicious, bringing good fortune to the family. What was wrong with that?
**
On the second day of the second lunar month, the Dragon Raises Its Head, the third daughter of the Cheng family invited Miaozhen to have tea. To be honest, the first wife was a person who wore her heart on her sleeve and was often unfriendly to people, but the third daughter treated her very well.
Sometimes she would invite her for a snack, and sometimes she would go out for tea. In reality, Miaozhen felt that she and Cheng San were not compatible in temperament, because she could not tell what kind of temperament Cheng San was. So even if they chatted for a whole morning, she had no idea what they talked about and had no impression of it at all.
Today was no different. After having tea, Miaozhen quickly took her leave.
Cheng Yuan was actually just trying to be considerate of her mother. With Zeng Shi's way of dealing with people, those under her would only seek to avoid mistakes rather than make contributions, because if anyone made even the slightest mistake, she would scold and berate them. Those who did well might not receive generous rewards. She was so bad at managing her subordinates that she was not even as good as the shrewish sister-in-law from Hedong.
After leaving Cheng Yuan, Miao Zhen went to Ji Shi's place. Ji Shi was eight months pregnant and was complaining to Miao Zhen, "It feels so cumbersome to even turn over, and my legs are so sore."
"Then let me give you a little massage, that will make you feel more comfortable," Miaozhen said with a smile.
Because Lady Ji was pregnant, the eldest son did not go to the capital to re-select an official, but stayed in Jinling. Logically speaking, this should have been a happy thing for Lady Ji, but the couple were wary of each other.
Miaozhen remembered that although her family was not so wealthy, her parents had a very good relationship.
After massaging Madam Ji for a while, Madam Ji felt much better, and then she said, "I heard you've gotten engaged?"
I don't know how Madam Ji found out, but Miao Zhen nodded slightly: "My father originally wanted to take me back as soon as possible for the purpose of our engagement, but thinking of the child in your belly, I decided to stay here for now."
"If you weren't already engaged, I really wanted to take you to the capital," said Madam Ji with some regret.
Miao Zhen thought, "She really dares to think like that. She'll take me to the capital and make me a servant for life, with no chance of advancement. In a way, I'm no different from a servant born into her family."
But Miaozhen still had to agree: "Thank you for your kindness and for helping my father and me so much. In the future, no matter where you are, if you are not feeling well, you can send someone to find me. I will come over no matter how far away you are."
These were words that Ji wanted to hear. She smiled and said, "No need for that. Look at me, my biggest wish right now is for the child in my belly."
"Don't worry, I will do my best," Miaozhen said.
When Miaozhen returned, Ji's foster mother brought over a lot of things: "Miss Xu, this is the dowry our eldest mistress gave you. Don't be shy, just accept it. You've worked hard these past few days."
Miaozhen went straight to the foster mother and said, "I really don't know how to repay the kindness of the eldest mistress. Please help me convey that I will go and kowtow tomorrow."
The foster mother was both apprehensive and grateful to Miao Zhen, and developed a fondness for her.
This kind of girl truly knows how to be grateful, unlike others who take everything for granted.
She was due to give birth in less than a month. The gifts from Madam Ji were very generous: a black crepe gauze hairpin with silver threads, a pair of gold hairpins with phoenixes and flowers, gold and silver bees chasing honey and picking hearts, four flower and insect hairpins, a gold and jade peony hairpin, a gold peony hair ornament, and a pair of gold and jade gourd earrings.
In addition to the jewelry, there was also a set of clothes made of brocade and gold.
Miao Zhen actually has two sets of buns, while even her aunt, Mrs. Qiao, only has one.
She hid herself away and began to study medicine again.
When Ji was about forty weeks pregnant, Miaozhen calculated that it was about nine months and ten days, and she was about to give birth. Fortunately, the midwives and wet nurses were already in place, and they were generously rewarded. It was said that the wet nurses received about eight taels of silver a month.
Miaozhen has been staying here almost all these days. In addition, she asked Mrs. Qin to buy some famous products from Nanjing so that she could take them home as gifts for her family.
Ji Shi hadn't started labor yet today when Sister Ji Zhen came over. She was cracking open rose-flavored melon seeds, spitting out the shells as she asked, "Why hasn't she started labor yet? What did the midwife say?"
"The midwife secretly told me that the baby's position is a little breech," Miaozhen said with some worry.
Sister Ji Zhen asked anxiously, "What should we do?"
If the traditional Chinese medicine practitioner is like a doctor, then the midwife is like a midwife. An experienced midwife can actually feel the difference almost perfectly. There are some things a midwife can't say to the expectant mother, but it's good to discuss them with Miaozhen beforehand.
Miaozhen shrugged: "I'll just have to prepare the medicine first."
Because the child in Madam Ji's belly is very important, even the First Madam hasn't left the house these past few days and has been sending people over to check on her from time to time. The Third Madam has also been sending her tonics and supplements non-stop.
Miaozhen was often called over by the old lady for questioning. Sometimes, when the third wife was present, she would look at Miaozhen with some ill intent. However, since it was Ji Shi giving birth, she naturally did not dare to make any rash moves. But it was hard to say what would happen afterward.
Miao Zhen felt uneasy under the Third Madam's gaze. She knew that the Third Madam was wary of Madam Ji, but if Madam Ji gave birth safely, then she would be useless to Madam Ji, and Madam Ji would not protect her.
So, seeing that pile of jewelry and fabrics was like seeing poison wrapped in icing on sugar. Luckily, she was somewhat fortunate to have her parents with her.
Ji's pregnancy began one night. Miaozhen had made many contingency plans, such as how to treat qi reversal, which means that the baby would not give birth for a long time after the due date, as well as medicine for the fetus not opening properly. She also prepared medicine for the baby to come out first with its hands or feet. Finally, she made thick notes on what to do if the baby died in the womb.
She first cleared her bloating, then quickly carried her medicine kit to the delivery room. When the midwife saw her coming, she said anxiously, "This is really something, the baby seems to have come out on its hands and feet first."
Miaozhen first took out a packet of medicine, carefully examined the label, and then opened it to check. It was indeed the right medicine for the symptoms. So she said to Xiaoxi, "Hurry up and have Doukou, who came with me, decoct this 'Emergency Reversal Soup' in water. I'll come and take a look."
The first story in "Guwen Guanzhi" is about Duke Zheng defeating Duan at Yanli, which says that Duke Zheng was not liked by his mother because of Meisheng.
She stopped the people around her from making a fuss, took out a silver needle, and pricked the baby's little foot. This was to make the child pull his hands and feet back. After pricking him, she stared at the child's hands and feet almost without moving. Fortunately, he seemed to feel sorry for his mother and pulled them back.
Miaozhen said to the midwife, "You must not use your hands to scoop it out; just follow my instructions."
The midwife was afraid of losing both mother and child, or having to choose between saving the mother and the baby, as she herself might not survive. At this point, it would be best if someone could offer advice, so she nodded eagerly.
Madam Ji looked at Miaozhen with a faint smile and asked, "Miss Xu, am I...am I not quite right?"
Miaozhen smiled and wiped the sweat from her forehead, holding her hand to comfort her: "If you trust me, just listen to me, and I'll guarantee that you and the baby in your belly will be safe."
“You, you really look like Guanyin…” Madam Ji looked at the cinnabar mark between her eyebrows with complete trust.
In about a quarter of an hour, Doukou brought the medicine. Miaozhen asked Ji's wet nurse to feed it to her, and told Doukou to continue cooking and not to stop.
This herbal decoction contains ginseng to replenish qi and blood, and cimicifuga and achyranthes to warm and unblock the meridians inside and outside the body. Normally, one dose will turn the fetal position right, and two doses should be enough for a safe delivery. If that doesn't work, the only last resort is to use acupuncture at the Hegu acupoint of the mother.
After she drank the medicine, the midwife exclaimed in delight, "Doctor Xu, you are truly amazing!"
Miaozhen was speechless for a long time. She continued to have Doukou bring the medicine. After two doses, the midwife continued to guide Ji Shi in giving birth, and soon the sound of a baby crying could be heard.
When the door to the delivery room opened, the eldest son and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Cheng, who were outside, heard Ji's foster mother cry tears of joy: "Madam, sir, our young lady has given birth to a little prince."
Outside, everyone was cheering and celebrating. Miaozhen carefully took Ji's pulse and tucked her sweaty hair behind her ear, saying, "You're just a little weak. It's nothing serious. Everything will be alright in the future."
For some reason, tears streamed down Ji's face. She didn't know if it was because her dream had come true and she had finally given birth to a son, or because everyone else was concerned about the child and only Xu Miaozhen cared for her so gently.
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