Autumn doesn't last long in Beijing; snow falls quickly after the start of winter.
With her large pregnant belly, Changning was leaning against the super-large soft cushion that Yuxia had made, reading the reply written by Yinzhen.
His business there is already mostly done, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, he should be able to return to Beijing around the Laba Festival.
Yinzhen expressed his desire to take Changning on a trip to see the local customs and culture of Jiangnan, but this mission was quite important and he didn't have much time. In addition, Changning was pregnant, so there was no opportunity this time. He hoped to bring her and the child next time.
He also expressed his deepest condolences to the child in Changning's womb. Ever since the Bai family physician diagnosed her with twins last month, Yinzhen had been extremely worried.
He didn't see it as an unparalleled honor; he just felt sorry for Changning. She was only seventeen years old this year, and it was her first pregnancy. Having to give birth to twins at once must have been incredibly difficult for her.
Therefore, he also mentioned in his letter that he had already written to the Fucha family, hoping that Lady Fucha could come to the capital to accompany Changning, and that he had also spoken to the Fujin (the wife of the deceased). Judging by the days, it should be here in the next couple of days.
Seeing this, Changning was truly happy.
Mother is coming!
"Granny Zhang, Chuixue, Zhuiyu! Hurry, hurry! Quickly tidy up that room next to ours, Mother is coming to see me!"
Upon hearing this news, everyone in Qingzhi Courtyard was astonished. The old lady was coming—this was truly wonderful news.
Speaking of the backyard of the Fourth Prince's mansion, things are indeed peaceful now.
Honghui had been ill since winter began, with a fever every three days and a cough every two days. His wife was busy taking care of her son all day and excused herself from everyone's greetings.
Changning sometimes felt sorry for the Fujin. The Fujin wasn't that old, but she spent most of her time taking care of her son. If it weren't for her strong will, she would look no different from a woman in her thirties or forties.
The Li family had long been driven to the estate.
Among the princesses, Song Gege was always well-behaved. Since her daughter was sent to the main courtyard of the Fujin (Prince's wife), she did not get too close to her. She only did some handicrafts in her room every day and brought them to the eldest princess, Yierha, when she paid her respects.
Geng Gege is known for causing trouble, but now that the Fujin is taking care of her son and Changning is pregnant, the only one who argues with her is Wu Gege.
Liu Gege was old and had long since fallen out of favor. She was merely Yinzhen's first woman, and relied on her respectability to act as a kind and amiable elder sister.
Tang Gege was also young and loved to visit other people's homes, but she kept her distance from Changning.
Not to mention the concubines.
Therefore, Changning's life is now very stable and peaceful, without any treacherous power struggles or backstabbing within the family. Apart from not being able to see her husbands, there's nothing else to do.
Now that my mother is coming too, I am truly content.
Lady Fucha was a woman from the Suochuoluo clan, also from a high-ranking family. She had a strong personality and had also learned some Northeastern customs. At home, she always had the final say and kept Boder firmly under her control.
Sochoro had three sons and one daughter.
The eldest son, Changhua, was renowned for his talent, possessed a steady and composed nature, and had a profound understanding of the world.
He followed the path of a scholar-official, studying diligently for over ten years and earning his official rank; he is now a fourth-rank Hanlin Academy Reader. Unfortunately, his elder brother is an official in the capital, and he has never been able to meet Changhua.
The second son, Changrong, possessed great strength and was quite similar in temperament to Boder. He was currently undergoing rigorous training in the army and was now the deputy commissioner of the Pacification Commissioner's Office, holding the rank of fifth grade.
The third son, Changxing, was neither fond of literature nor martial arts. He enjoyed dabbling in reselling things, and many of the rare treasures in Changning's dowry were acquired by his third brother.
He not only enjoys buying and selling, but also loves traveling all over the country to experience different customs and cultures. He's also very shrewd, able to quickly find business opportunities from local customs. In Changning's words, this is a natural money-making mind, something others can only envy.
Sochoro, who was able to raise three sons and one daughter so well, was certainly no ordinary person.
When Lady Suochuoluo first arrived at the Fourth Prince's residence, she greeted the Princess Consort and chatted for a while. Before long, she became close to the Princess Consort.
The Fujin also gave a lot of things to Suochuoluo, and told her that she hoped that Ulanara and Suochuoluo Fucha could visit each other more often.
Hearing this, Changning was shocked. "My God, Mother, I knew you were outgoing, but I never expected you to be so... you've even managed to win over the Fujin (Prince's wife)."
While eating tangerines, Suochuoluo chatted with Changning, "That's for sure. Just looking at the way the Fujin (wife) is, I know she must be exhausted, raising such a troublesome child. It's heartbreaking to see. I chatted with her about how they raised children back in Heilongjiang, and even gave her a box of useful medicinal herbs. I must say, the children there are all very strong and healthy."
"Yeah, that's true. I think it's because people from Northeast China are tough and can do anything without any problems. Raising children here is really hard work these days."
Hearing the mother and daughter speak in Northeastern dialect, Granny Zhang and Zhuiyu remained unfazed, while Chuixue, Wangyue, Tingfeng, Pinhua, Zhao Fuhai, and the others were dumbfounded.
How could their master be like this?
So, in order to please their masters, should they also speak like this in the future?
It's not really Changning's fault. She usually speaks Mandarin, after all, she was raised as a woman from a prominent family and was not allowed to speak dialects.
However, Bodel was a rough and unrefined man. He had spent several years in Northeast China and spoke fluent Northeastern dialect. He felt that the dialect suited his temperament better, giving him a masculine and powerful aura. Therefore, he usually spoke with a strong Northeastern accent.
When her father first spoke like that, he was severely criticized by Sochoro.
The eldest son is going to take the imperial examination and become a civil official in the capital. Are you suggesting that he go to court and ask the emperor, "Your Majesty, what are you doing?"
Then there's his daughter, Changning. A woman raised in a prestigious family, her virtues, appearance, speech, and skills are all paramount. Although Boder dotes on his daughter, she can't neglect her studies. What noblewoman speaks with such a strong regional accent?
Putting everything else aside, when you're being affectionate with your husband and he's speaking in a soft, gentle Wu dialect, you suddenly say something like, "Hurry up, what are you waiting for!"
Which husband will still love you?
But the Northeastern dialect has this magic; it's extremely contagious.
Bodell hasn't changed his ways yet, but everyone else in the manor is already talking about it.
Even now, when Suochuoluo curses her husband, she calls him a tiger head.
So the family just gave up.
However, Lady Suochuoluo was still quite shrewd. She made her children learn Mandarin every day so that they would remember their accent when they went to the capital.
Changning thought she remembered things quite well; after being in the capital for so long, no one had noticed her Northeastern accent. But when her mother arrived, her composure was completely shattered.
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