In the dyeing workshop, Yang Cuiniang was inspecting the dyed fabric when she saw Xichun coming over, and she hurried to greet her.
"Madam, the color of this fabric is the same as what you described, and the pattern is also the same. Do you think it would fetch a good price if we sold it?"
"Hmm, not bad. Trust me, I think this can fetch a good price. In a few days, professionals will come and evaluate these fabrics to determine the price. Don't worry, just continue making them according to the pattern I gave you before."
"That would be wonderful. In the past, we only used our own fabrics. Others would not even look at ours if they wanted to buy them. If we can really make money, then you will bring a good income to the women of Shaoming County."
"Madam, no one saw who left this child outside the door. I looked at her, and she's a girl. Presumably, someone didn't want her anymore, so they secretly left her at the door." Xiaoyue walked in. She had just asked around, but no one had seen who left the child at the door.
"Was this child left at the entrance of the dye shop? We didn't see her when we came in. Sigh, in this world, it's already hard for women to survive, and many people think that daughters are a waste of money and just throw them away."
In the past, there was a small mountain in my hometown that was called Baby Mountain. Many baby girls were thrown onto that mountain. Some were still clinging to life, while others were smothered or drowned by their elders before being thrown onto the mountain.
Every night, no one dared to go to that place. Everyone said it was haunted by evil spirits, and some children, if they accidentally went there to play, would get minor illnesses at night. The elders would then burn some paper money to calm things down.
When Yang Cuiniang saw the baby girl they were holding, she guessed what was going on. But these days, who isn't short of money? And who has time to care about someone else's child? The child's parents must be trying to get the madam's help.
"Has this happened frequently before?" Upon hearing this, Xichun couldn't help but sigh.
"Many people abandon their children, but not many abandon them at other people's doorsteps. I think they've probably targeted you, Madam, hoping you'll give them a way out."
"I understand, Xiaoyue. In a little while, take the child to the county government office and report the case to see if you can find the child's biological parents. Tell them that you can raise the child, but he needs to sign a contract of servitude. He will be our servant from now on and will have to do things for us when he grows up."
Xi Chun didn't want to set a precedent. If she really raised the child, others would probably follow suit. That's why she resorted to this desperate measure to force the child's parents to come out.
"Oh, Madam, you are so kind-hearted. You have given this child a way out. Whether she becomes a servant or a maid, following you is much better than following her heartless parents."
Hearing this, Xichun felt bad. Such a young child had been abandoned by his parents. She needed to find a way to stop these people from doing this again.
When Fu Changfeng returned home, he saw Xichun looking troubled and lost in thought, so he quietly walked to the side and waited for her to come to her senses before speaking to her.
“I already know that you asked Xiaoyue to report the case. This matter cannot be handled so simply. If everyone follows suit, it will become even more disorderly. Don’t worry, I have already asked Li Cheng to draft another notice. From now on, no one can abandon their own child. Anyone who violates this rule will be convicted of abandonment.”
The parents had to pay more money and take the child back. The root of the problem was that people here didn't earn much money, and their families were large with many expenses.
Therefore, if we want to do this well, we also need to develop the local economy. These days I've been keeping an eye on spring planting, and I think I need to set aside some time and energy to focus on how to increase their income.
“I was just thinking about how to solve this, but I didn’t expect that we were on the same page and thought of the same thing. So go ahead and do it. I’ll support you from home.”
When Xichun heard what he said, a smile appeared on her face.
"There's another good news for you. Your parents will be arriving in three days. They sent someone by express horse to let you know in advance. The children have all arrived as well. Your mother said she'll wait until after you give birth before going back."
“Really? That’s wonderful! I haven’t seen my parents and children in so long. I’ve thought about it so many times, and I even dream about my two children coming over. This is truly a dream come true.”
"So cheer up. You're pregnant now, so don't worry about those things. I'll take care of everything. You just need to look after your parents and the children."
"Well then, thank you for your trouble, my husband." Xichun looked forward to their arrival with great anticipation.
Three days later, they learned that their parents had arrived at the city gate, Fu Changfeng had met them, and Xichun was also outside the gate, eagerly awaiting their arrival.
Xichun finally met Azhao and Azheng. Azhao was older, and when she saw Xichun, she ran over from beside the carriage. Seeing that Xichun's belly had grown bigger, Azhao carefully hugged Xichun's leg and kept calling her "Mother".
"Ah Zhao, your mother misses you all so much. Do you miss your mother?" The moment Xi Chun saw them, tears streamed down her face.
"Mother, I miss you so much. Grandmother said you have important business to attend to and will come to see you in a few days, but I've counted several days and still haven't seen you."
"Hehe, this child asks me every day when I'm coming to see you. I tell him that we can meet when the snow melts and spring arrives. He stares at the icicles on the eaves every day, telling me to make sure they melt soon."
After Fu Changfeng became an official, the servants changed their address for Madam Fu from "Madam" to "Old Madam." She walked over, carrying A-Zheng, who wouldn't let go of her.
"Ah Zheng, your mother is right here. Why don't you go and hug her? Look, your brother has already gone and hugged her." Old Madam Fu looked at her little grandson, who only dared to stare at Xichun and didn't dare to go down, and teased him with a smile.
"A-Zheng, come here, let Mom hug you." Xi Chun also felt sorry for her youngest son, who had been separated from her since he was a few months old. She opened her arms, but A-Zheng did not go over.
"Mom is pregnant with a little sister, so I don't want Mom to hold me. I'm afraid Mom will get tired." He was a little embarrassed and whispered to Old Madam Fu.
"Hehe, our Zheng is so sensible." Madam Fu said this to everyone, and everyone laughed.
Fu Changfeng came out from behind, holding a child in one arm. The two children suddenly rushed into their father's arms, looking both surprised and shy.
"Father, Mother, let's go inside and talk. You must be tired from your trip. I've already ordered some hot water to be boiled. Let's rest for a bit before you wash your faces."
"Okay, we've taken it slow this way, so we're not too tired. It's just that these two kids are traveling far from home for the first time, and they're having some trouble adjusting."
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