Chapter 76
Shen Qi was brought here personally by the Prince of Yongle, and he was in no hurry to leave. After Yongle told him about the things in Shu after the court session, he was delighted. However, when he knew about so many princes, he was inevitably hesitant. Who would have thought that Shen Qi suddenly sent someone to ask him to go to Prince Rui's mansion. Yongle thought that Prince Rui had some instructions, so he urged him to go there.
When he arrived, he found out that it was not Prince Rui who came to see him, but Princess Rui. Prince Rui also told Princess Rui about the matter. Although Princess Rui did not know anything about the war, she asked who had requested the mission, and then asked for the list of names. After Prince Rui finished speaking, Princess Rui felt something was wrong, because although there were military officers who requested the mission this time, none of those who had actually been on the battlefield stood up. Princess Rui did not know how to lead troops, but she knew that if there were too many people speaking in the army, who would they listen to?
Can the general appointed by Emperor Cheng suppress these princes and sons of noble families? Princess Rui asked Chu Xiuming's expression again. King Rui only said that Chu Xiuming did not speak. Princess Rui immediately asked Shen Qi to call back the Yongle Marquis's son, and then asked Shen Qi to send a letter to Shen Jin. Although Emperor Cheng said that no one should disturb Chu Xiuming's rest, Shen Qi and Shen Jin were sisters, and the two were not outsiders. If they were close, even Emperor Cheng would have nothing to say.
When King Rui saw Princess Rui's expression, he asked, "Do you think something is wrong?"
Princess Rui shook her head and said, "It's just that this is my son-in-law's first time going out. Swords and knives have no eyes, so it's better to ask my third son-in-law."
King Rui said, "That's right."
Princess Rui smiled and said a few more words, and the King of Rui stopped caring and went to the study. Shen Qi then looked at Princess Rui and asked, "Mother, is there something wrong?"
"I don't know either." Princess Rui said, "It would be better for you to go with your son-in-law and ask him for advice."
Shen Qi pursed her lips and nodded in response. Princess Rui said, "Go down and get ready. When your son-in-law comes, you can go out directly."
"Yes." Shen Qi held the maid's hand and went down.
Cui Xi brought a glass of water to Princess Rui and said, "Princess, you are definitely wrong?"
"I just hope I'm overthinking it." Princess Rui sighed slowly.
Because of Princess Rui's words, the Yongle Marquis's son and Shen Qi made this trip. Because of Chu Xiuming's words, the Yongle Marquis's son was led directly to Chu Xiuming's study, while Shen Qi and Shen Jin sat together and talked.
Yongle Hou Shizi also heard Shen Qi's words on the way, and he couldn't help feeling a little uneasy, so he asked directly, "Brother-in-law, is this trip to Shuzhong inappropriate?"
Chu Xiuming said, "Brother-in-law, do you know the situation in Shuzhong?"
Yongle Hou Shizi shook his head and said, "I don't know much."
Chu Xiuming asked, "Does my brother-in-law have to go?"
Yongle Hou's son said, "His Majesty has already called my name. If I don't go... I think I have to give an explanation to my father."
Chu Xiuming also understood and said, "If you go, brother-in-law, remember not to speak, not to compete for credit, and not to get ahead."
Yongle Hou's son frowned and asked, "But will it be dangerous? Didn't they say that there were less than a thousand rebels over there?"
"How many officials and soldiers were there in Shu at the time?" Chu Xiuming asked, "What is the result now?"
Yongle Hou's heart tightened, and he asked, "Didn't they say that 50,000 people were sent this time?"
Chu Xiuming said nothing more. After all, most of what he said were just his guesses. It was not that he did not trust the prince of Yongle Marquis, but he would definitely tell these words to Princess Rui and Yongle Marquis when he returned. Not to mention whether they would be misunderstood, even the relatives of Yongle Marquis and Rui Marquis, these powerful people were closely related by marriage. If some of his words were said too clearly, it would be bad if they were spread out.
Seeing this, Yongle Hou Shizi stopped asking questions and nodded, saying, "I understand."
Chu Xiuming responded, his expression unchanged. Yongle Hou Shizi said, "I still have a lot of nourishing herbs. I'll have someone send them to my brother-in-law later. My brother-in-law should take care of his health."
"Okay." Chu Xiuming nodded.
The prince of Yongle had something on his mind, so he didn't stay any longer and said, "I'll take my leave first."
Chu Xiuming stood up and sent Yongle Houzi away. Shen Qi was talking to Shen Jin about the Zheng Mansion, but he didn't expect Yongle Houzi to leave so quickly. He was stunned for a moment and said, "I'll come back to talk to my sister another day."
Shen Jin held An Ping's hand and stood up and said, "Sister is in poor health now. If we are just talking, it would be better to let someone in the mansion deliver the letter."
"Okay." Shen Qi smiled and said, and the two of them walked out. The maid put a cloak on Shen Qi and tidied it up before going out.
Yongle Hou's son was waiting outside, and he looked worried. He greeted Shen Qi and left. On the carriage back to Rui Wangfu, he couldn't help but tell Shen Qi what Chu Xiuming had just said. Shen Qi looked at Yongle Hou's son's expression and asked, "Does my husband not believe it?"
"No." Yongle Houzi said hesitantly, "I always feel... maybe it's..."
Shen Qi lowered her eyes slightly, gently stroked her belly with both hands and said, "Could it be that my brother-in-law said this on purpose because he can't lead the troops?"
The Yongle Marquis's face was somewhat awkward, but Shen Qi looked at him and said in a deep voice, "If my husband really thinks so, then he underestimates the Yongning Earl, the Chu family, and my mother."
"That's not what I meant." This was the first time that Yongle Hou's son saw Shen Qi with such an expression, and he quickly said, "I just think that maybe my brother-in-law is being too cautious?"
Shen Qi asked sternly, "My husband, how old was the Earl of Yongning when he started leading troops? The Chu family has always been guarding the borders, and how many wars have they experienced? If we only talk about military merits, the title you have now is unfair."
Yongle Hou's face became serious, and he understood and said, "Just now I was jealous of the gentleman's belly with a villain's heart."
Shen Qi shook his head and said, "My mother asked my husband to ask for advice from Lord Yongning. I think she felt something was wrong."
When Prince Yongle heard Shen Qi mention Princess Rui, and thought of how Princess Rui had taken care of him at that time, he said, "I'll take you back to the palace to meet my mother-in-law first."
Shen Qi nodded and said nothing more. The Prince of Yongle Hou gently coaxed, "Madam, please don't be angry. I was a little petty just now. I wanted to get some credit and make you look good."
"It's because I was too impatient." Shen Qi softened his voice and said, "My brother-in-law is in an awkward position in the capital. He hasn't even gone to the battle yet. I'm taking responsibility for telling you this. If it gets out, I'm afraid my brother-in-law will be blamed..."
"I will go back and prepare gifts to apologize to my brother-in-law." said the Prince of Yongle.
Shen Qi leaned into the arms of the Yongle Marquis and said, "Well, it just so happens that the farm delivered a lot of fresh ingredients today. I will give them to my brother-in-law when the time comes."
In the Yongning Marquis's mansion, Shen Jin looked at the Yongle Marquis's son and Shen Qi who left in a hurry, then glanced at Chu Xiuming and asked, "What happened?"
Chu Xiuming did not hide his intention from Shen Jin, "There are rebels in Shu, and His Majesty wants to use troops, and has selected some sons of powerful nobles and princes to go."
Shen Jin frowned and asked, "Who is leading the troops?"
Chu Xiuming mentioned a name and official title, which made Shen Jin even more confused. "So... who do the soldiers listen to?"
"I don't know." Chu Xiuming said.
Even though Shen Jin knew that Chu Xiuming would not joke about such things, he still couldn't help but look at Chu Xiuming's expression. He also understood why Chu Xiuming was so suppressed and angry when he came back. He opened his mouth but didn't know what to say.
Chu Xiuming looked down at Shen Jin and asked, "What do you think, Madam?"
Shen Jin shook her head. She didn't know what to say. Seeing Shen Jin's expression, Chu Xiuming's eyes flashed and asked, "Madam, do you think we will lose this battle?"
"A lot of people will die." Shen Jin pursed his lips and said with some melancholy.
Chu Xiuming felt that Emperor Cheng and his men were not as clear-sighted as his wife. In fact, his wife might be quite talented in military affairs. Looking at Shen Jin's expression, could this be the intuition of small animals about danger?
"Why?" Chu Xiuming asked casually as he supported Shen Jin and walked into the house.
Shen Jin said, "Which is more hurtful, a nail or a pile of loose sand?"
"Even if the number of nails is less than a thousand? But there are 50,000 scattered sands? And they have sufficient food and supplies?" Chu Xiuming asked.
Shen Jin thought for a moment and said, "I don't know, but if it were me, I wouldn't want to go."
Chu Xiuming and Shen Jin went into the study, found the unfinished portrait that day and continued to color it, and asked, "Why?"
Shen Jin looked at Chu Xiuming strangely. Although she felt that he had too many questions today, she still said, "For example, we can only make one casserole today. You want to eat clear soup, and I want to eat spicy. Neither of us can decide. Who should Zhao listen to? If we haven't solved this problem by the time we eat, then no one will be able to eat."
Chu Xiuming exhaled slowly and said, "Yes."
Shen Jin came close to Chu Xiuming, watching the portrait being colored bit by bit, and suddenly said, "I don't like fighting."
"I don't like it either." Chu Xiuming said, "I'm afraid no one likes it.
After Yongle Hou Shizi and Shen Qi returned to the Rui Wang Mansion, Shen Qi did not care about resting, and went to see Rui Wang Fei with Yongle Hou Shizi. At this time, Rui Wang was not in the room, only Rui Wang Fei was there. Rui Wang Fei sent everyone out of the room, leaving only Cui Xi to serve, and asked, "But what did you say?"
Yongle Hou Shizi then told the story in detail. Because he was scolded by Shen Qi in the carriage, he no longer had that idea. He asked sincerely, "Mother-in-law, what do you think of your son-in-law?"
Princess Rui sighed slowly and said, "If Qi'er and Jin'er were not so close, I'm afraid Earl Yongning wouldn't have told you this."
When Prince Yongle thought of Shen Qi's words, he couldn't help but blush and lowered his head without saying anything. Shen Qi looked at her mother in surprise, but she saw that Princess Rui seemed not to notice and continued, "Go and invite the prince."
"Yes." Cui Xi responded respectfully.
Since Chu Xiuming said so, some things cannot be hidden from Prince Rui. Prince Rui was in the concubine's room. When he heard the maid's message, he didn't care about appreciating the concubine's dance and hurried to the main room. He knew that the princess would never do this if she was fine.
After Prince Rui came over, Princess Rui said, "Your Highness, do you remember that I just asked you who requested the mission for this trip to Shu?"
"I remember." Prince Rui looked at Princess Rui with some doubt, "Didn't you say that there was nothing wrong?"
Princess Rui shook her head and said, "I'm just not sure. After all, I don't know much about foreign affairs."
After looking at the Yongle Marquis's son, Prince Rui looked at Princess Rui and asked, "What's wrong? What did the third son-in-law say?"
Yongle Hou Shizi glanced at Princess Rui and repeated Chu Xiuming's words. Even if Prince Rui was ignorant, he felt that Chu Xiuming's words might have a hidden meaning. He said hesitantly, "It can't be... that the third son-in-law feels that there will be danger, right?"
Princess Rui said, "Your Highness, among the people you mentioned who are asking for battle this time, who are the military commanders? And who among them have actually led troops on the battlefield?"
King Rui thought about it carefully and said, "There is no one here. Could it be that he doesn't like them?"
Princess Rui's voice was gentle, "Who would complain about having too many military achievements?"
Prince Rui did not speak, and Princess Rui continued, "Your Highness, how can a fourth-rank military officer suppress the prince and those noble families? Who will those soldiers listen to then?"
"But... there are less than a thousand rebels, but this time they brought 50,000 people." King Rui said hesitantly.
Princess Rui said, "But with just these 1,000 people, so many officials and soldiers in Shu are helpless."
Yongle Hou Shizi was already convinced at this point, and said, "Mother-in-law, what should I do then?"
Princess Rui sighed and said, "Now you have to go. Remember the three words that Earl Yongning said to you, and your life will be safe."
“It can’t be that serious.” Prince Rui said weakly.
Princess Rui did not say anything. Prince Rui thought for a long time and asked, "Princess, do you think I should remind His Majesty?"
"Your Highness, why do you think the Earl of Yongning did not speak up in the court?" Princess Rui asked back.
Thinking of Emperor Cheng's temper, Prince Rui opened his mouth and finally closed it. Emperor Cheng was in a very high mood at the moment. If Prince Rui poured cold water on him, he would be in trouble. And what if, not just what if, it was certain that Emperor Cheng would not listen to him. However, if Shu really made Emperor Cheng suffer a great loss, he would be hated instead.
Princess Rui looked at the Yongle Marquis and said, "This matter...if they are not close, and they ask about it on their own initiative, it is best not to take the initiative to speak before seeing the situation in Shuzhong."
The Prince of Yongle looked at Princess Rui and said, "Please give me some advice, mother-in-law."
Princess Rui said gently, "It's nothing else. I'm just afraid that if the news gets to His Majesty's ears, you won't end up well. Besides, we can't be the only smart people. Observe carefully on the way and carefully choose a circle to blend into. Once you see the situation in Shu, I'm afraid someone will come to you for advice."
Yongle Hou Shizi understood what Princess Rui meant and nodded, "Yes."
Shen Qi looked at the Yongle Marquis's son with some worry, then looked at his mother and asked, "Why not let the son report his illness?"
Princess Rui shook her head and said, "If my son-in-law doesn't make this trip, then if something really happens... he will be implicated."
Yongle Hou's face changed, and he said respectfully, "Don't worry, mother-in-law, I know."
Princess Rui nodded and said nothing more, "Let Qi'er accompany you back home to pack your things today."
Yongle Houzi nodded and said, "Then the son-in-law will send Madam back the day after tomorrow at the latest."
Princess Rui agreed. After Prince Yongle and Shen Qi paid their respects to Prince Rui and Princess Rui, they left.
"Husband, are you going to tell your father-in-law?" Shen Qi asked the Prince of Yongle.
Yongle Hou Shizi thought for a moment and said, "Don't tell anyone about this."
Shen Qi looked at the Yongle Marquis with some doubts. The Yongle Marquis did not explain anything, but just said, "Madam, just listen to me."
"Okay." Shen Qi agreed.
The matter of quelling the rebellion in Shu was a big deal to the people in the capital, not because it was a serious matter. Instead, it attracted people's attention because those who went were princes and sons of noble families. Some people wondered why Earl Yongning was not chosen, and gradually, the news spread that Earl Yongning was suffering from an old illness.
By the time the army was actually launched, it was already early February. The three princes chosen by Emperor Cheng that day were in high spirits. No matter how strong those sons of noble families were, they all looked extremely handsome when they were wearing special silver armor and riding on horses, and many people cheered. Unlike when Chu Xiuming left the capital, this time Emperor Cheng went to see him off in person, and the momentum was huge.
However, these have nothing to do with Chu Xiuming. He is currently recuperating in seclusion as requested by Emperor Cheng.
According to Shen Jin's month, Shen Jin should have gone into labor in mid-March, but Nanny Zhao had already prepared the delivery room and put a charcoal basin in to keep it warm every day. Princess Rui and Concubine Chen even came to see her once. Who knew that the next day, Princess Rui sent two maids over. Cui Xi personally sent them and said, "The princess said that these two maids' horoscopes are more auspicious for the Third Princess. It's better to have more people in the delivery room, and these two were personally selected by Concubine Chen."
Shen Jin looked at the two maids and saw that they didn't look reluctant. Then he nodded and said, "Thank my mother for me."
Cui Xi smiled and said, "Yes, the princess said that they will be sent back after the princess gives birth."
Shen Jin asked, "Well?"
Cui Xi explained, "Then you will go to Concubine Chen's courtyard to serve her."
Shen Jin nodded and said nothing more.
After leaving behind two little maids who looked about thirteen or fourteen and Shen Qi's letter, Cui Xi left. Shen Jin said, "An Ning took red envelopes to them."
"Yes." An Ning responded respectfully. The two little maids were very well taken care of. After coming in, their eyes were steady and they didn't look around randomly.
Shen Jin said, "I will give you a big red envelope when the time comes."
The two men knelt down and expressed their gratitude. An Ning handed over the red envelope. After the two men took it, they kowtowed to Shen Jin again.
Madam Zhao said, "It was my fault for neglecting it."
Shen Jin shook his head and said, "It's just that there are no such rules in the border town."
Madam Zhao smiled and said nothing. Shen Jin is now more than eight months pregnant. She will give birth in mid-March. "By the way, is the nurse's room ready?"
"It's ready." Nanny Zhao said, "Madam, do you really want to feed it yourself?"
"Yeah." Shen Jin said while touching the baby in her belly.
Madam Zhao said, "I have selected two stable maids for the nurse to serve."
In fact, it was more about keeping an eye on the two nurses than to order them around. Shen Jin narrowed his eyes and said, "Send someone to keep an eye on the two little maids."
It’s not that Shen Jin doesn’t trust Princess Rui and Concubine Chen, but Shen Jin has to be careful. She can’t afford any accidents.
Madam Zhao responded respectfully, and Shen Jin continued, "When you send them off, give them a first-class envelope, a piece of satin each, and ask someone to bring them a few sets of clothes to change into."
"Yes." Nanny Zhao wrote it all down, and when she saw that Shen Jin had no other instructions, she went downstairs to make the arrangements.
Shen Jin then opened the letter Shen Qi had written to her. It didn't have many words, but she said that she was a little worried about Yongle Hou Shizi, and that she now knew how difficult Shen Jin's time was. Shen Jin saw that Shen Qi's worry was not because she really liked Yongle Hou Shizi... After thinking for a moment, she replied, "Just think more about the baby in your belly."
In fact, Shen Jin didn't know how to tell Shen Qi. The relationship between them was different from that between her and her husband. She believed what her husband said that he would come back safely, and she was able to hold on because of the baby in her belly. But she couldn't say this to Shen Qi.
That night, Shen Jin just felt her stomach throbbing with pain. Before she could reach out to grab Chu Xiuming, she saw Chu Xiuming had already stood up. She glanced at Shen Jin and saw that she opened her eyes a little weakly, her face was pale, and she groaned, "It hurts a little."
Chu Xiuming reached out and touched Shen Jin's forehead, which was covered with sweat, and asked, "Does your stomach hurt?"
"Yeah." Shen Jin listened to Chu Xiuming's words and felt his stomach twitch and hurt even more. "I feel a little uncomfortable..."
Chu Xiuming shouted directly, "An Ning, go call Aunt Zhao, and call the midwife as well."
Although Shen Jin was still some time away from giving birth, Nanny Zhao was already prepared. Not long after she heard the sound, she came out while buttoning her clothes. Even the midwife came out. When they arrived at the main room, they saw Chu Xiuming wiping Shen Jin's sweat. Nanny Zhao looked a little nervous and asked, "Is she going to give birth?"
The midwife came forward and touched Shen Jin's belly, then apologized, and reached into the quilt to feel around, saying, "It's true that she's about to give birth, but her water hasn't broken yet. Carry Madam to the delivery room."
"But it's not the due date yet..." Shen Jin bit her lip in pain, and said in confusion, "It's still more than a month away..."
"Don't worry, ma'am, it's okay." The midwife quickly comforted her.
Chu Xiuming directly wrapped Shen Jin in a blanket, carried her to the delivery room, and whispered to comfort her, "Don't be afraid."
Shen Jin was about to cry, "It's not the right time yet..."
"Don't worry, madam. The child is almost nine months old and he's fine." Nanny Zhao also said after hearing this.
The delivery room was not far from the main house, and they arrived there quickly. The charcoal basin inside was always on and was even hotter than the main house. Chu Xiuming placed Shen Jin in the **.
Madam Zhao asked, "Madam, do you need anything?"
"We have to wait a while. It would be better to let Madam eat something." The midwife advised.
Shen Jin's stomach didn't hurt anymore, so he asked, "Are you really okay?"
"I promise." said Nanny Zhao.
Shen Jin then said, "Give me a bowl of noodles."
Nanny Zhao agreed and hurried to the kitchen to prepare. Anping and Anning were also preparing things for the delivery room in an orderly manner. The midwife looked at Chu Xiuming and said, "General, you..."
"I'll stay." Chu Xiuming said. He took the towel from An Ning and wiped the sweat from Shen Jin's face and neck with his own hands, while holding Shen Jin's hand with his other hand.
The midwife wanted to say something, but looking at Chu Xiuming's expression, she said nothing in the end. Shen Jin felt relieved when she heard that. She suddenly remembered what the midwife had said to her. She was stunned for a moment and suddenly said, "No, you get out."
Chu Xiuming looked at Shen Jin and said softly, "Don't be afraid, I'm with you."
"No." Shen Jin not only said that, but also reached out to push Chu Xiuming, "Get out." That posture was too embarrassing, and...
Chu Xiuming saw that Shen Jin didn't seem to be faking it, so he comforted her, "I'll feed you and then leave."
Shen Jin then calmed down and said, "You must go out and don't peek."
"Okay." Chu Xiuming promised, "I'll be waiting for you outside. Just call me and I'll come in."
Shen Jin nodded, and Nanny Zhao quickly brought the noodles over. She also asked the kitchen to cook porridge and steam longan-sized buns. For a moment, the entire Yongning Marquis's Mansion became busy.
Nanny Zhao suddenly thought of the wet nurse in Prince Rui's mansion, and quickly sent someone to inform Princess Rui of what Shen Jin had done.
Chu Xiuming took over and fed Shen Jin with his own hands before he was driven out by Shen Jin. He did not go far. In the yard at the door, the Rui Palace got the news, and Princess Rui sent someone to call Concubine Chen. The two of them personally sent the wet nurse over, who was also staying inside. At dawn, Shen Jin asked for food again, and then fell asleep in a daze. Princess Rui and Concubine Chen came out and said a few words to Chu Xiuming, telling him about Shen Jin's situation. Chu Xiuming then went into the house to change his clothes, but came out soon, his eyes fixed on the door of the delivery room.
Shen Jin knew that Chu Xiuming was outside, and that he was accompanied by Princess Rui and Concubine Chen, so he was no longer afraid.
Princess Rui looked at Shen Jin who was eating and asked, "Is the ginseng soup ready?"
"Everything is ready." Nanny Zhao said, "The doctor is also waiting outside."
Shen Jin cried out in pain when he was halfway through eating, and An Ning quickly took the food aside...
Chu Xiuming stood at the door, clenching his fists. He seemed to have heard Shen Jin crying, and just now he almost couldn't help but rush in. At this time, An Ning ran out in a hurry and said, "General, the lady said you must not go in! If you go in, she will not give birth."
"I understand." Chu Xiuming's voice was a little low, "Tell my wife that I will be here with her."
Anping nodded and went into the delivery room again without caring about anything else.
Chu Xiuming felt like he had been standing there for a long time, from sunrise to sunset. He saw the maids coming in and out. Although they moved quickly, they did not look panicked. Chu Xiuming did not know that he could be so calm and observe so carefully at this moment. After an unknown amount of time, Zhao Ma ran out with a smile on her face and said, "Congratulations, General. Both mother and child are safe."
When Chu Xiuming heard the news, he was shocked and looked towards the delivery room. Aunt Zhao said, "General, please wait a moment. The room is being cleaned up."
The doctor also said with a smile on his face, "Congratulations, General." Since neither the doctor nor the ginseng soup was used, it seemed that there was nothing to worry about.
Chu Xiuming said nothing, and walked straight inside without caring about anything else. However, he was stopped by Madam Zhao, who refused to let him enter the inner room and said, "General, you should warm yourself up by the fire first to get rid of the coldness in your body."
"Okay." Chu Xiuming knew that he should listen to Madam Zhao at this time, so he stood beside the charcoal basin immediately, but his eyes were still facing the inner room, "The child is crying."
Zhao Ma smiled and said, "It's always true. The young master is very healthy, weighs 5.6 jin, and is handsome, like a fairy boy."
Who knew that just as Aunt Zhao finished speaking, Chu Xiuming heard Shen Jin's voice, "Why is Dongdong so ugly..."
The midwife in the room had already helped Shen Jin clean up. She lay on the bed and looked at the cleaned child in Concubine Chen's arms. Her eyes were a little tangled. Concubine Chen got angry when she heard it, "Nonsense, what a beautiful child."
Princess Rui also glared at Shen Jin and said, "Don't talk nonsense."
Shen Jin felt very aggrieved. Not only was the child's face red and wrinkled, but his nose was also flat. Although it was a little ugly, Shen Jin felt that she still liked the child very much. "I'll feed the child."
Princess Rui looked at Shen Jin in surprise after hearing this. Concubine Chen had no intention of stopping her. She asked An Ning to help Shen Jin sit up and undress her. Shen Jin held the child carefully. As soon as she put her mouth against the child's, the child opened his mouth and started eating with great strength.
When Chu Xiuming no longer had any trace of coldness on him, he came in. When Shen Jin saw Chu Xiuming, he said, "It's all your fault!"
"Blame me." Chu Xiuming didn't know what was going on, and quickly agreed when he heard it.
When Princess Rui and Concubine Chen saw Chu Xiuming coming in, they went out first. Chu Xiuming noticed it and was grateful in his heart, but he didn't say much, just nodded. Princess Rui smiled, and Concubine Chen felt relieved.
After Nanny Zhao and Anping escorted the two out, Princess Rui said, "Sister Chen, you stay and take care of Jin. I will go back to the palace and tell the prince the good news."
Concubine Chen did not refuse and said, "I will go back after Jin falls asleep."
"Please stay for a few more days." Princess Rui said, "I will take care of Xiao Si. I will have someone send your things to you later."
Although Concubine Chen knew that this was a bit rude, she still accepted the request respectfully since Shen Jin was her only daughter. Princess Rui then looked at Nanny Zhao and said, "You can tell Earl Yongning later."
Madam Zhao responded respectfully, and together with Concubine Chen, she escorted Princess Rui to the carriage. Concubine Chen asked for the location of the small kitchen and went to cook for her daughter herself. Madam Zhao wanted to stay, but Concubine Chen refused, "They are both young, and this is their first child, so Madam should go and look after them."
"Yes." Nanny Zhao agreed and left Anping to help Concubine Chen while she returned to the delivery room.
The midwife had left, but the wet nurse stayed inside. An Ning stood next to the wet nurse. The wet nurse was a woman in her twenties, with delicate features and looked clean and honest.
Shen Jin changed her arm and held Dongdong, letting him drink milk from the other side. Chu Xiuming walked over and looked at the red little guy in Shen Jin's arms. Shen Jin said, "Why is Dongdong a little ugly?" She really didn't dislike her son, but he seemed a little different from what she expected.
"It's a bit ugly." Chu Xiuming agreed with Shen Jin at this time.
Who knew that after these words came out, Shen Jin stared at Chu Xiuming with wide eyes, and tears began to fall, "You don't like Dongdong?"
Aunt Zhao came in and heard this. Seeing Shen Jin crying, she said anxiously, "My ancestor, you can't cry."
Chu Xiuming said, "I like it."
"You said he was ugly." Shen Jin felt even more aggrieved.
Aunt Zhao could no longer care about anything else. She glared at Chu Xiuming and quickly coaxed Shen Jin, saying, "He's not ugly. The young master is the most handsome."
Chu Xiuming didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He reached out to wipe away the tears on Shen Jin's face and said, "Don't cry. Dongdong is the son you worked so hard to give birth to for me. Naturally, I like him."
The child was full and fell asleep in Shen Jin's arms. Aunt Zhao quickly took the child to her arms. Chu Xiuming helped Shen Jin tidy up her clothes and said softly, "Does it hurt?"
"It hurts." Shen Jin stopped crying and said, "My whole body hurts, and I'm hungry."
Chu Xiuming looked at Madam Zhao, who said, "Concubine Chen is already in the kitchen. I'm afraid she will bring the food here soon."
Listening to Shen Jin's words, Chu Xiuming felt very distressed. Seeing the haggardness and fatigue on Shen Jin's face, he lowered his head and kissed her forehead, and said, "I like it very much." He didn't know whether he was talking about the child or Shen Jin.
Seeing that Shen Jin was coaxed, Madam Zhao said, "General, can you let the doctor check the young master?"
After all, the child was born before full term, so it would be more reassuring to have a check-up.
Chu Xiuming said, "Okay."
Zhao Ma Ma had the screen put up, and then called the doctor who had been waiting outside to come in. She took the child over to let the doctor check him. The doctor said respectfully, "General, Madam, don't worry, the young master is very healthy."
Chu Xiuming and Shen Jin finally breathed a sigh of relief. Chu Xiuming said, "Excuse me, doctor."
The doctor said respectfully that he dared not, and then retreated. Concubine Chen also brought something over. She made brown sugar millet porridge for Shen Jin, and beat eggs in it. She wanted to feed Shen Jin herself, but seeing Chu Xiuming next to her, she handed the bowl over. After Chu Xiuming thanked her, he fed Shen Jin mouthful by mouthful. Shen Jin felt much more comfortable. After eating a bowl of porridge, Shen Jin's eyes were a little hard to open. Chu Xiuming said, "Go to sleep."
"Let me take another look at the child." Shen Jin asked in a low voice.
Nanny Zhao brought the child over. Shen Jin took a look and felt that the child was becoming more and more pleasing to the eye. Then he yawned and was helped by Chu Xiuming to lie down again and close his eyes to sleep.
Chu Xiuming looked at Concubine Chen and said, "Mother-in-law, go and have a rest."
"How can a man like you know these things?" Concubine Chen said, "I can stay here."
Chu Xiuming shook his head, and Madam Zhao whispered, "Some time ago, Yongningbo specially found a midwife and the old slave has learned everything. Concubine, don't worry."
Concubine Chen didn't expect Chu Xiuming to have consulted with others about these matters, and said, "Okay."
Madam Zhao said, "Please ask Concubine to take care of the young master."
Concubine Chen was delighted when she heard this. This was her beloved grandson. If she hadn't been so careful, she would have been unable to resist and would have held the child in her arms. She nodded and said, "Okay."
Madam Zhao handed the child to Concubine Chen and led her to the next room, which was specially arranged for the child to live in. The wet nurse was naturally taken down as well, and An Ning followed. An Ping asked, "General, do you need anything?"
"Bring some steamed buns and some clean water." These two things had no taste, and Chu Xiuming was afraid that Shen Jin would smell the fragrance of the food and disturb his rest.
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