With Plum Fragrance Courtyard going into labor, as the household’s principal wife, Jia Min naturally needed to come check on the situation. Given the Lin family’s thin bloodline, her keeping watch wasn’t unusual.

However, watching this scene of Concubine Mei giving birth, Jia Min inevitably felt somewhat stifled.

The midwives and wet nurses had all been prepared by the Old Madam. Now with Concubine Mei in labor, everything was being directed by the Old Madam. From start to finish, there was no room for her to intervene.

Moreover, looking carefully at these personnel, forget about anyone from her dowry—there wasn’t even anyone married to or connected with her dowry servants.

They were either Lin family household-born servants or those who came as part of the Old Madam’s dowry.

For just a concubine giving birth, not only had all four midwives in the residence been summoned, but Concubine Mei’s birth mother and Nanny Wu were also inside helping. Outside stood Doctor Zhou, as well as the Old Madam. If she were giving birth herself, it would probably be just like this.

However, uncomfortable as she felt, watching the Old Madam anxiously and expectantly staring at the delivery room, unwilling even to go inside, wanting to know the result at the first moment—Jia Min didn’t intend to dampen the Old Madam’s spirits.

She simply had people bring over tables, chairs, and tea.

Lin Ruhai’s government office wasn’t far from the Lin residence. As soon as Concubine Mei went into labor, he received word from a servant and immediately couldn’t sit still.

His colleagues and subordinates all understood: “Your Excellency, there’s nothing urgent today. You should return home.”

“Your Excellency has joyous news today. We’ll be waiting to drink at your celebration banquet.”

“Your Excellency has great fortune today and will surely have your heart’s desires fulfilled.”

…

Lin Ruhai had no mood to deal with them. After exchanging brief pleasantries, unable even to wait for a sedan chair, he mounted a horse and rode back himself.

—Among the six arts of a gentleman, while he couldn’t claim mastery of all, his horsemanship was presentable.

Upon returning home, Lin Ruhai immediately headed for Plum Fragrance Courtyard.

Inside Plum Fragrance Courtyard, everything was busy yet orderly and organized. Outside the delivery room, Mother, Min’er, and Doctor Zhou were waiting.

Mother couldn’t sit still and stood there with eyes tightly closed, hands continuously working prayer beads, murmuring under her breath.

“Mother, how is the situation now?”

The Old Madam opened her eyes and gently shook her head, looking toward the delivery room with some worry: “I’ve made all possible preparations. What happens next is up to them.” She had done everything she could. The rest could only depend on heaven’s will.

“Ah—”

“It hurts so much!”

“Mmph!”

Lin Ruhai heard Concubine Mei’s cries of pain from inside, his heartbeat involuntarily accelerating: “How long does it take to give birth?”

Doctor Zhou: “In response to Your Excellency, women’s labor is unpredictable. She went into labor not long ago, so it shouldn’t be that quick.”

Not that quick?!

Lin Ruhai frowned deeply at the delivery room: “…Is this sound normal?”

Doctor Zhou’s tone was definite: “Normal.”

Giving birth was never easy for women.

Someone wiped Lin Ruhai’s brow. Startled, Lin Ruhai looked over—it was Min’er.

Was he sweating? Lin Ruhai was momentarily stunned. He hadn’t even noticed.

Jia Min had someone serve tea: “Master, quench your thirst.”

Lin Ruhai took it and drank it all in one gulp. Now that it was mentioned, he really was thirsty.

He glanced up at the sun overhead. It was already noon.

This had just begun—who knew how long the labor would last, or whether mother and child would be safe.

Feeling his uneasy emotions, Lin Ruhai couldn’t help but smile bitterly.

He had imagined this scene many times and thought he could face it calmly. It turned out he had still overestimated himself.

Inside the delivery room, Concubine Mei was in complete disarray.

Both her hands were wrapped in soft cloth, gripping two cloth strips tightly to help her exert force.

Her concubine mother stood beside her, handkerchief in hand, wiping her sweat.

Four midwives surrounded her, each with their own duties. Behind them sat Nanny Wu, overseeing everything.

The personnel were complete.

But it hurt.

It hurt so much.

So this was how much childbirth hurt.

Concubine Mother, Concubine Mother, it hurts so much, save me, save me!

Tears welled in her eyes.

Apart from cries of pain and groans, her mouth couldn’t form any words.

Gao Shi could see it. Heartbroken yet powerless, she said: “Ruixue, Ruixue, you are Mother’s pride. You can do this. Hold on, listen to the midwives! The child will be out soon. Persevere a bit more, just a bit more!”

“Mmph—” Another wave of pain, and Concubine Mei’s eyes widened, staring fixedly at the bed canopy above. Blue veins bulged on her hands. She couldn’t hear anything. After quite a while, she finally recovered. Child, child, why haven’t you come out yet? Are you trying to torment your mother? Mother just wanted you to come out a bit earlier.

The midwives’ expressions were grave.

This concubine’s fetal position was fine, but the labor presentation… wasn’t very good.

The four gathered together and discussed in low voices for a moment.

“Can’t drag this out. The longer it takes, the less strength she’ll have.”

“Bring up the medicine.”

“Let’s help her. Don’t hold back.”

All four midwives had been hired by the Lin residence at great expense and had been invited to stay at the prefect’s residence beforehand. Having received their payment, they needed to do their job properly, or their reputations would suffer.

They were all well-known midwives, each with their own special techniques.

Concubine Mei’s labor presentation wasn’t great, but it wasn’t terrible either.

Before long, medicine was brought. In her daze, Concubine Mei was fed the medicine. Soon the medicine took effect, and she had strength again. The midwife also pressed certain acupoints on her body, and she began pushing again…

“The head! I can see the head!”

“Push harder, Concubine Mei! The child is about to come out!”

“Quickly, quickly!”

“Mmph—” Biting down on soft cloth, Concubine Mei used her last bit of strength. Something left her body, her vision went black, and she lost consciousness.

Before sinking into darkness, she heard the midwife’s joyful voice: “The child is out!”

Out was good, out was good.

This child… was it a son?

She didn’t hear the midwife say: “It’s a young lady.”

Immediately after came a midwife’s panicked shout: “Not good—she’s hemorrhaging!”

Then her concubine mother’s crying voice: “Stop the bleeding quickly!”

“Medicine, quickly! The prepared medicine, bring it!”

Chaos erupted inside the delivery room.

None of this could Concubine Mei hear or see. Fortunately, the delivery room’s preparations were adequate. For this, they had to thank the Old Madam’s foresight—she had prepared for the worst.

Gao Shi couldn’t help clasping her hands together and bowing to Buddha.

Heaven protect her daughter’s safety!

The four midwives deployed all their skills, and with Doctor Zhou’s guidance from outside the door, administered gold needles, finally stopping the bleeding.

Though her body was damaged, with proper care, she could still recover.

The Lin residence certainly wouldn’t lack money for her medicine.

Seeing her daughter walk through death’s door and return to the world of the living, Concubine Mother Gao wiped the tears from her eyes. Her daughter had truly frightened her. Thank heaven!

If there was regret, it wasn’t absent. Her daughter had gone through a thousand hardships and ten thousand difficulties, yet what came out was a girl, not a son.

If it had been a son, he would definitely be the eldest illegitimate son—that wouldn’t have been in vain for her daughter’s suffering.

Unfortunately, the eldest illegitimate son had become the eldest illegitimate daughter.

Before the child was carried out to report the good news to the Old Madam and others, Gao Shi looked once. Thin and small, with a cry that wasn’t very strong—like a cat’s mewing.

Not only a girl, but not very healthy in body either.

Her daughter’s body couldn’t handle another pregnancy for several years. To say there was no disappointment would be an absolute lie.

Gao Shi momentarily couldn’t speak. Fortunately, at this moment she heard the Old Madam’s joyful command from outside: “Rewards!”

Only then did Gao Shi’s mood improve somewhat.

Reconsidering, now that the child was born, raising her shouldn’t be a problem given the prefect’s family’s resources. With this child, once her daughter’s health recovered, she could use this granddaughter to attract the prefect’s visits. As long as he came often, wouldn’t the next child follow?

As for the title of eldest illegitimate son, they should fight for it if possible, but her daughter still had no son yet—no need to rush.

In the future… there was still much time.

Gao Shi’s heart slowly returned to its original calm.

Gao Shi was disappointed, but she wasn’t the only one disappointed.

When the midwife carried the child out saying, “Congratulations, congratulations! A young lady is born!” both the Old Madam and Lin Ruhai were disappointed.

It wasn’t that a girl wasn’t good, but right now their family needed a boy more.

Lin Ruhai was still alright. After Old Madam Lin learned the news, she staggered. She had an inexpressible worry—in her dream, the Lin family had no sons and became extinct. Could it be that even now, having done this much, the Lin family still couldn’t have a male heir?

Disappointed as they were, when the baby wrapped in red silk was brought before her, the Old Madam’s gaze inevitably softened.

This was her granddaughter.

This was a granddaughter who hadn’t appeared in the previous life.

Her appearance was iron proof that this world differed from the dream. She should feel at ease.

Reluctantly withdrawing her gaze, she looked at Doctor Zhou: “Please examine the child, Doctor.”

She had heard her granddaughter’s cry—it truly couldn’t be called vigorous. She couldn’t help worrying the child might not survive.

Doctor Zhou examined her carefully before saying: “Your residence’s young lady is somewhat weak in body, but she’s still young—no need to rush. I’ll prescribe two formulas for the wet nurses. Pay attention to what she ingests as well. After taking them for a while, we’ll see.”

“Doctor Zhou, prescribe whatever is needed.” Lin Ruhai, who had only just managed to shift his gaze from his daughter, didn’t hesitate. After a pause: “Doctor, my daughter’s body—is it serious…”

Doctor Zhou considered for a moment: “Your Excellency, rest assured. The young lady’s constitution is somewhat weak. Be careful not to let her catch a draft. Raise her carefully, and she should be fine.”

The body was indeed not very robust, but with meticulous care, good food and drink, and good medicine, the possibility of raising her was quite high.

As for guarantees, he didn’t have that ability. Even healthy children could suddenly fall ill and die—let alone one with a poor foundation.

Hearing this, both Old Madam Lin and Lin Ruhai breathed a sigh of relief.

They didn’t lack people, much less the time and energy to carefully raise their daughter. They just worried the child couldn’t be raised.

The Old Madam’s face broke into a smile: “That’s good then. Someone come! Everyone worked hard today—all shall be rewarded!”

Those around all smiled and congratulations filled the air.

Joy was everywhere.

Jia Min looked at this red-faced little old man, stunned for a long while, then also showed a smile.

Inevitably, upon hearing it was a young lady, she had breathed a sigh of relief.

An eldest illegitimate daughter and an eldest illegitimate son were different. At least it was a daughter.

Unfortunately… her hand touched her own belly. Even if it were a daughter, she wanted one too. Why wouldn’t the Goddess of Childbirth look her way?

The Old Madam: “Wet nurse, take the child back to the room. Don’t let her catch a draft.”

Jia Min was the first to pay attention to the situation inside the delivery room.

She asked the midwife: “How is it inside now?”

This reminded the Old Madam and Lin Ruhai.

After the child was brought out, their attention had been on the child. But by now, why hadn’t the other midwives come out?

Nanny Wu was still inside too.

This midwife had specifically come out after cleaning up the child and didn’t know much about the situation inside. But with her colleagues not coming out, she had a premonition, so even though she received a large red envelope, she didn’t smile much.

Just then, a maid came out: “Reporting to the Old Madam, Concubine Mei is hemorrhaging. They’re stopping the bleeding inside.”

Upon hearing this, the Old Madam’s expression turned stern. Defying fate—it truly wasn’t so easy.

The others also grew solemn, no longer daring to smile.

The Old Madam said gravely: “Whatever is needed, just say it. Use every effort to save Concubine Mei!”

“Yes!”

Soon someone else came out: “The medicine was used, but the bleeding won’t stop. Does the doctor have any other remedies?”

They had prepared medicine for hemorrhaging in advance, but feeding it to her had no effect.

Doctor Zhou opened the medicine box he carried and took out a small porcelain bottle: “Give her this to take. Also, which of you knows acupuncture?”

Three midwives all looked at one person. That midwife stepped forward steadily: “I do.”

Doctor Zhou nodded with satisfaction: “I’ll direct, you perform.”

Working together, they finally stopped the bleeding.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Looking at the sky, lamps had been lit at some point. It was getting late.

It was also at this moment that they felt hunger in their bellies.

Jia Min immediately had people bring up the hot noodle soup that had been prepared long ago.

The Old Madam ate two bites, then looked at the exhausted Gao Shi who had emerged, nodding with approval: “You’ve worked hard. Thank you for caring for Concubine Mei.”

Although Concubine Mei was her daughter, Concubine Mei was now a Lin family member.

Since Concubine Mei’s pregnancy began, she had spent most of her time here caring for her. Now Concubine Mei had borne a daughter for the Lin family. By merit and reward, she too was a meritorious contributor.

Gao Shi was somewhat overwhelmed: “I don’t deserve it, I don’t deserve it, Old Madam. This is what I should do.”

The Old Madam smiled faintly: “You deserve it. Doctor Zhou, we’ll have to trouble you to pay more attention here.”

Doctor Zhou nodded: “This is my duty.”

The Old Madam stood up: “It’s getting late. Everyone return and rest.”

Everyone was tired.

Before leaving, the Old Madam went to look once more at her sleeping little granddaughter, instructing the two wet nurses to serve her carefully. After admonishing them and leaving people to watch, she finally returned to Pine and Cypress Courtyard.

The Old Madam had just returned to her courtyard and lain down when someone came to report: “Old Madam, Concubine Yun has gone into labor!”

The Old Madam’s eyes flew open: “Help me up!”

On the other end, Lin Ruhai and Jia Min were at Azure Wave Courtyard. When someone came to report, Lin Ruhai was still somewhat impatient—he was considering which name from those he’d thought of to give his eldest daughter, when someone came to disturb him.

But hearing that Orchid Heart Courtyard had gone into labor, he couldn’t care about anything else: “Someone come! Dress me!”

—

Yun Shuyao had felt it early, but the children didn’t seem anxious to come out and meet her. It came in waves.

After the initial panic when she first felt it, her mentality stabilized afterward.

She already knew the process of childbirth and knew this couldn’t be rushed. She might as well use this time to prepare properly.

She seized the time to bathe and wash her hair, then sterilized all utensils with boiling water and the high-proof alcohol she had finally distilled. She ate a good meal, went to the toilet… Only when the sensations intensified did she tell Nanny Wang and the others that she was giving birth.

Before the Old Madam and others arrived, Yun Shuyao had already prepared everything and was lying in bed, her expression serene.

She wasn’t nervous, but Hong Xiu and Yu Shan standing beside her had sweat all over their foreheads.

When the concubine had them running errands earlier, they hadn’t thought anything of it. Now in retrospect, those were clearly premonitions.

How could the concubine still maintain such composure?

Each of them was sweating in their palms.

The midwives rushed over. They had been pulled from bed, their clothing somewhat disheveled, panting heavily.

Before entering the delivery room, they drank ginseng soup to boost their spirits and were required to change into clothes prepared by Orchid Heart Courtyard and wear caps.

They: “?”

What kind of operation was this?

Nanny Wang wouldn’t oppose Concubine Yun over such small matters. After having them change clothes and wash their hands, they entered the delivery room.

The four midwives didn’t say anything and complied one by one.

Entering the delivery room, they expected to see a panicked scene. The result… was somewhat different from what they’d imagined.

Most importantly, the laboring woman’s attitude—she could actually smile at them and ask: “Are you tired? Do you want to sit and rest a bit? I feel it’s not that soon yet.”

The four midwives: “…”

Childbirth indeed wasn’t instantaneous. After examination, they confirmed it wasn’t imminent. But sitting and resting wasn’t necessary either. Once the birth was over, they’d have plenty of time to rest.

The midwives hadn’t been in the delivery room long when the Old Madam, Lin Ruhai, and Jia Min arrived one after the other.

They had kept watch at Plum Fragrance Courtyard all day and were tired, but in this situation, tired as they were, their spirits were stimulated.

However, since it was now deep night, their waiting place moved from the courtyard outside the delivery room to inside a room.

Doctor Zhou kept pouring himself strong tea to stay alert. If things went smoothly, he wouldn’t be needed. If not, he couldn’t lack energy.

While drinking tea, he observed the situation in the room.

As a doctor, he had seen many scenes.

For instance, the current situation with the prefect’s household—in his view, it wasn’t different from what he’d seen at other houses.

The prefect and the Old Madam’s faces showed tension and anticipation. They couldn’t sit still, pacing in place. Doctor Zhou understood—they hoped for a male heir. In contrast, the prefect’s wife, who had no legitimate son, had a more superficial expression and could still stand there calmly.

This was perfectly normal.

Speaking of which, Doctor Zhou was quite moved. In inner quarters, he had seen plenty of unseemly dark schemes. He had been amazed in his heart. In comparison, the prefect’s household was unexpectedly clean.

However… not completely clean.

Thinking of the slight irregularity he had vaguely sensed when taking Concubine Mei’s pulse earlier, Doctor Zhou decided that less trouble was better than more.

She had given birth and survived. He had fulfilled his responsibility. He knew nothing about anything else.

Hopefully there would be no messy situations here.

Nanny Wang came out once and was immediately stopped by the Old Madam: “How is the situation?”

She bowed: “Concubine Yun’s current state is quite good.”

Thinking of Concubine Yun’s state inside, Nanny Wang’s words weren’t false.

The Old Madam breathed a sigh of relief: “That’s good.”

Lin Ruhai was puzzled: “Why isn’t she crying out?”

He didn’t hope she was in pain, but Concubine Mei’s impressive cries earlier still remained fresh in his memory.

Nanny Wang hesitated: “Everyone’s labor situation is different.”

The Old Madam felt some regret: “How are the midwives?”

She had hired four midwives, originally planning two per person. But during Concubine Mei’s labor, because the situation was precarious, all had been sent over. Who knew they would so coincidentally go into labor one after the other? Now hiring others wasn’t realistic—without thorough vetting, their safety was uncertain. Better not to hire than risk it.

Now Concubine Mei had safely delivered. Concubine Yun’s health was better, so it should be fine, right?

Nanny Wang: “The midwives all drank ginseng tea and are alert.”

The Old Madam nodded: “Go on with your work.”

She thought of many things, primarily the two children.

Before the two concubines gave birth, she had made vows before Buddha and drawn fortune sticks.

The stick she drew was upper-middle auspicious. When she found a master to interpret it, he said her wishes would be fulfilled.

One boy was fulfillment, three boys was also fulfillment, but from this upper-middle stick, it probably wouldn’t be as perfect as three boys.

Concubine Mei’s pregnancy was a granddaughter, proving this point.

There were still two children here, representing two chances.

The Old Madam closed her eyes, her murmuring barely audible: “Buddha protect me—as long as one of them is male, this believer will abstain from meat for the rest of her life!”

Yun Shuyao’s situation was quite good.

Childbirth was naturally painful, but her pain tolerance was relatively high.

The apocalypse hadn’t been endured for nothing. Moreover, though her wood-type ability’s level was currently low, it wasn’t completely useless.

Plus she had always paid attention to her condition, controlled her diet to prevent an oversized fetus, and given herself adequate exercise, maintaining sufficient strength for delivery.

Combined with the direction of four experienced midwives, her labor went smoothly.

Though smooth, it still wasn’t instantaneous.

Having been through Concubine Mei’s ordeal, Jia Min knew how long labor could take. Seeing the Old Madam’s exhaustion: “Old Madam, why not sit for a while?” She didn’t suggest she return.

No need to suggest—she knew the Old Madam wouldn’t agree.

Lin Ruhai also urged: “Mother, sit and rest a while.”

The Old Madam shook her head: “No need to persuade me. When I’m tired, I’ll sit.”

She couldn’t sit still.

Lin Ruhai, seeing he couldn’t persuade her, stopped talking.

Right now, even asking him to sit, he couldn’t.

Looking toward the adjacent room, pacing back and forth.

Would Madam Yun give him two sons or two daughters?

Or perhaps one son and one daughter?

Lin Ruhai hoped for a male heir.

The mountain of being childless had weighed on him since marriage, ten years now.

This mountain could be removed, couldn’t it?

Then his thoughts turned to the children’s names.

When he learned of their pregnancies, he had thought of many names, both male and female. But now Lin Ruhai was dissatisfied again, feeling the names needed reconsideration.

Neither of them would sit, so Jia Min could only stand there too.

Beside her, Nanny Liu supported her, allowing her to stand with minimal effort.

Jia Min also looked toward the delivery room.

An illegitimate daughter already existed. What about an illegitimate son? Whether boy or girl, children born to concubines were her children. She was the legitimate mother.

They could only address their birth mother as “concubine mother”—this was the rule.

Thinking of this, Jia Min’s heart settled somewhat.

Who knew how much time passed when a baby’s cry reached their ears: “Waaah—”

The Old Madam and Lin Ruhai both rushed toward the door, desperately wanting to know the result.

Before long, a midwife emerged, holding a tightly wrapped red swaddling bundle: “Congratulations, Your Excellency! A young lady is born!”

A young lady.

Another daughter.

At the forefront, the Old Madam’s hand trembled. Disappointedly lowering her eyes, she saw the baby girl waving her little arms and legs, using her loud voice to vent her dissatisfaction.

From this vigorous cry, one could tell she had a robust constitution.

The Old Madam couldn’t help but smile: “This child is good.”

One look and you knew she could be raised.

Setting aside her disappointment, she carefully examined the infant’s features: “Hai’er, this child resembles you.”

Lin Ruhai stood beside her, also restraining his disappointment as he looked over. Looking carefully, he couldn’t tell. The corners of his mouth lifted as he watched: “Your son is foolish.”

The Old Madam was very certain: “You looked just like this when you were first born.”

Jia Min craned her neck to look. She also couldn’t tell.

However, this child looked pleasing—rarely white and tender for a newborn.

The Old Madam: “You’ve worked hard. What about the other child?”

The midwife covered the swaddling properly, tucking in the little arms and legs: “Not yet born.”

Speak of the devil.

“Waaah—”

Another small life was born.

“Congratulations, Your Excellency! A precious son is born!”

This time the midwife reporting the good news spoke more than twice as loudly.

And she looked at the rising sun: “The sun is rising! These siblings’ birth times are auspicious!”

From hearing the four words “precious son is born,” the Old Madam’s body began to tremble. She wanted to step forward but couldn’t move her legs.

That midwife was also clever and actively came forward, opening the swaddling to reveal the baby’s lower half, letting her confirm the child’s gender.

The Old Madam stared at the infant’s genitals for a long while before smiling: “Buddha is merciful! Heaven be praised! Ancestors be praised!”

“Waaah—” Having changed environments, the baby boy cried again. His loud voice made his sister next door cry too.

Their voices competed in volume, one more resounding than the other.

Lin Ruhai stood beside his mother, both hands tucked in his sleeves—otherwise everyone would see his hands trembling.

Listening to this “noisy” crying, the corners of his mouth rose higher and higher. His eyes never left the two children, extremely eager yet not daring to reach out and touch.

The children looked so small.

He feared breaking them.

The Old Madam: “Don’t let the children catch cold. Wrap them up quickly.”

The midwife said nothing and quickly wrapped them up.

Even though this weather couldn’t possibly give them colds, she still complied.

The midwife skillfully soothed them, and before long, both infants fell asleep.

Sleeping just like that.

The Old Madam leaned close to her grandson, watching him sleep.

That face—she could never tire of looking at it.

While watching, she quietly discussed with her son: “Have you thought of what to name him? What should my precious grandson be called?”

Lin Ruhai: “Currently, I haven’t decided yet.”

The Old Madam was displeased: “You started thinking about it long ago—still haven’t decided?”

Lin Ruhai: “I need to think more. Names are used for a lifetime—can’t be careless.”

The Old Madam: “Fine then. Don’t drag it out too long. If nothing else, think of nicknames first to use temporarily.”

Hearing their words, Jia Min couldn’t help reaching out to pinch herself, staring blankly at the two children in their swaddling.

Madam Yun truly had good fortune. Entering the household, immediately pregnant. Pregnant, and giving birth to a son.

A midwife nearby seized the opportunity to speak auspicious words: “Congratulations, Prefect! Dragon and phoenix together—this is great joy!”

“Born at sunrise too—an excellent omen!”

Lin Ruhai smiled, and a young servant beside him immediately presented large red envelopes.

This reminded the Old Madam. She happily commanded: “The Lin family has joyous news—everyone shares the joy! Distribute three months’ reward money!”

When Concubine Mei gave birth, she had distributed three months’ rewards. Now distributing another three months—that was six months total. Receiving extra money for nothing, who wouldn’t be happy? The surrounding servants couldn’t restrain the joy on their faces.

Beyond reward money, with the main family having heirs, these Lin family servants had another reason to rejoice. The Lin family having descendants meant this great ship could continue sailing, and their children and grandchildren could continue progressing smoothly on the Lin family ship.

During the delivery process, Yun Shuyao’s consciousness remained clear throughout. When the children were born, she looked at them once before letting the midwives carry them out.

After both children were born and she had been cleaned up, only then did she allow herself to sink into deep sleep. When she woke, it was already the next day at noon.

Opening her eyes, she saw Hong Xiu keeping watch by the bed.

“Hong Xiu…” she called softly.

Hong Xiu immediately looked over, full of joy: “Concubine, you’re awake! Are you hungry? What would you like to eat?”

Yun Shuyao didn’t answer, only asking: “Where are the children?”

At this moment, Nanny Wang came in holding a swaddling bundle, smiling so widely her mouth couldn’t close: “The children are here. Concubine, look—this is our Second Young Miss.”

Behind Nanny Wang followed another nanny—one Yun Shuyao had seen beside the Old Madam, a confidante the Old Madam relied on heavily. She revealed the swaddling in her arms: “This is the Young Master.”

Yun Shuyao looked over. Second Young Miss wore all-red fabric. Both hands were exposed, fists clenched tight, face somewhat red, thick fetal hair, eyes closed, sleeping deeply.

The Young Master’s swaddling had blue stripes. His hands and feet obediently stayed inside the bundle, fetal hair also thick, skin appearing redder than his sister’s. He resembled his sister but wasn’t identical. He was awake.

A pair of dark eyes seemed to be looking at her.

Yun Shuyao couldn’t help reaching out to touch the swaddling.

She knew that at this stage, most infants couldn’t see clearly.

“I’m your concubine mother, understand? Why aren’t you sleeping? Your sister is sleeping.”

Once the words left her mouth, even Yun Shuyao was surprised by the gentleness in her tone.

Nanny Wang and Nanny Xie weren’t surprised at all. Women who became mothers, upon seeing their children, rarely didn’t become soft as silk.

The little infant indicated incomprehension and showed no reaction, continuing to keep his eyes open and look. However, infants need sleep—before long, those eyes closed and, like his sister, he sank into slumber.

Yun Shuyao’s voice became even softer: “Will talking wake them?”

Nanny Wang: “Control the volume and it won’t.”

Yun Shuyao: “Then let them sleep right here.”

She wanted to be closer.

Nanny Wang had people bring over two wicker baskets and placed them right beside Yun Shuyao’s bed.

Hong Xiu brought hot towels and warm water to help Yun Shuyao wash up, then her meal. Hong Xiu insisted on not letting her do it herself.

Yun Shuyao wasn’t immobile, but seeing her insistent appearance, she let her do it.

After eating simply, Yun Shuyao asked: “Nanny Wang, Nanny Xie, this is…”

Nanny Xie bowed: “By the Old Madam’s order, this old servant will henceforth be the Young Master’s education nanny.”

Yun Shuyao smiled politely: “I see.”

She had felt this level of attention.

“I wonder how the Old Madam and others are currently…”

Nanny Wang picked up the conversation: “The Old Madam and others only returned after everything was settled. They went an entire night without sleep and returned to rest. The Master also took leave from the government office.”

She had thought Concubine Yun wouldn’t wake until evening. Who knew she’d wake at noon?

Hong Xiu, joy filling her cheeks: “The Old Madam commanded that thanks to Second Young Miss and Young Master’s blessing, everyone received three months’ reward money.”

Second Young Miss, Young Master.

From these titles, she knew her colleague had given birth to a daughter.

“What about First Young Miss?”

Nanny Wang: “At Plum Fragrance Courtyard. Nanny Wu and the wet nurses are caring for her.”

She was also smiling, just more restrainedly than Hong Xiu and the others.

No helping it. Concubine Yun had safely delivered dragon and phoenix twins, adding a male heir to the Lin family.

She would henceforth be Second Young Miss’s education nanny, and Second Young Miss was born to Concubine Yun. Young Master was Second Young Miss’s brother from the same mother. Her future prospects looked bright.

Especially compared to Nanny Wu.

Originally they were roughly equal. Nanny Wu had even been more favored by the Old Madam. But fortune was unpredictable.

Now Nanny Wu was surely troubled about First Young Miss’s constitution.

As for Concubine Yun, as long as she didn’t cause trouble, with this son and daughter, everyone in the Lin household would show her respect!

Yun Shuyao’s heart settled. Moreover, childbirth had truly depleted her vitality. Before long she slept again, waking in the evening.

Hong Xiu: “Concubine, you’re awake. Are you hungry?”

Learning that the Old Madam, Master, and Madam had come to see Second Young Miss and Young Master, having just left, they’d also left many things behind.

Hong Xiu congratulated Yun Shuyao: “The Old Madam says the concubine has merit in bearing children. Henceforth your allowance will be supplemented by the Old Madam, doubled from the original amount. Additionally, the Old Madam sent two large trunks. The Master and Madam also sent a trunk. Concubine, you weren’t awake, so the trunks are all piled in the storeroom unopened.”

A bonus?

Still in blind box form.

“Hong Xiu, open the trunks tomorrow and inventory the contents. Where are the children?”

Hong Xiu: “They drank milk and then slept.”

Yun Shuyao couldn’t help looking down at her own chest.

She planned to breastfeed for a month or two herself.

She had heard from a colleague who resigned to have a child that breast milk supposedly had antibodies that could protect infants from illness for a period.

Uncertain whether true or false, but if true, this was important.

Infant survival rates couldn’t compare to modern times.

“When they wake, don’t have the wet nurses feed them first. Bring them to me.”

Hong Xiu was surprised: “Concubine, this isn’t proper.”

Yun Shuyao: “I heard breast milk can make children healthier. Even if the Old Madam and others know, they won’t object. I’m only feeding them for a while.”

Nanny Wang, hearing this, smiled bitterly: “Concubine, we can’t make this decision.”

Families like theirs never personally nursed.

Yun Shuyao: “Just ask the Old Madam.”

Nanny Wang hesitated before nodding.

Soon there was a reply. The Old Madam indeed hadn’t refused.

As long as it benefited the children, she didn’t mind trying. Besides, outsiders wouldn’t know about this.

Infants who understood nothing couldn’t express themselves. Whenever something displeased them, they only had one method—crying.

Yun Shuyao witnessed firsthand the scale of these two little people’s subordinates.

Though she’d known before—she still couldn’t help marveling.

These two newly born infants already had their own subordinates: one education nanny each, two wet nurses each, plus two first-class maids and two second-class maids each. That meant five people serving each child personally.

This was still because the children were small.

The personnel weren’t fully configured yet.

When the children grew, not counting others, there would be four first-class maids, eight second-class maids, with third-class maids and matrons calculated separately.

Excessive?

In Yun Shuyao’s view, yes. But in households at the Lin family’s level, it wasn’t unusual.

However, Yun Shuyao also knew these personnel might also serve to prevent people with ill intentions.

Yun Shuyao didn’t know she had hit upon the truth.

The Old Madam knew how chaotic the Jia family was. These people assigned to serve the young master and miss had all been screened by her repeatedly.

She had made thorough preparations to prevent accidents.

If something really happened, even cutting those people to pieces wouldn’t quell her rage.

The second day after Yun Shuyao gave birth was the third day after Concubine Mei’s delivery.

Their delivery dates actually differed by half a day, but counted as one day apart.

The third-day washing ceremonies were separate.

But because First Young Miss’s body was relatively weak, her washing ceremony was just a formality.

Concubine Mei woke before her child was taken for the washing ceremony.

Having watched over her for two days, when Gao Shi saw her daughter open her eyes, her own eyes reddened.

When Concubine Mei opened her eyes, she was somewhat dazed. Where was she? What was she doing? Where was this?

For an instant, her mind went blank.

Until she heard her concubine mother’s voice.

“…Concubine Mother.” When she spoke, it was barely a whisper, so quiet that without concentrating, it couldn’t be heard.

Gao Shi wiped her eyes: “Ruixue, Concubine Mother is here. Wait a moment.” She first moistened her daughter’s throat before continuing to speak: “You finally woke up. Do you know you frightened Concubine Mother?”

Gao Shi couldn’t help crying and laughing. She didn’t know how she’d endured these two days, watching her daughter lie pallid in bed. Each day people had to help feed her liquid food and medicine to sustain her, while not far away, Orchid Heart Courtyard was full of joy.

Next door not only bore a son but had no complications, remaining healthy.

The comparison was truly too unfair.

She really feared that after waking, her daughter would see this contrast and damage her health from anger.

Gao Shi had also made a firm decision—never again. She would absolutely not indulge her doing things that harmed her body. This time had nearly scared her to death.

Concubine Mei struggled to smile: “Concubine Mother, what happened to me?”

Gao Shi: “Do you remember what happened? You gave birth.”

“Yes, the child!” Concubine Mei’s spirits lifted. “Where’s my child?!”

Concubine Mei remembered. “Is it a son?” She looked expectantly at her concubine mother.

Gao Shi knew her daughter would ask this. She slowly shook her head: “It’s a daughter.”

Concubine Mei fell silent, as if her soul had left, staring blankly at her. After a long while, she said hoarsely: “…Concubine Mother, you’re lying to me, aren’t you? I gave birth to a son, right?”

This appearance made Concubine Mother Gao’s heart ache: “Ruixue, daughters are also good. She’s the Lin family’s eldest daughter. The Old Madam and His Excellency both like her very much. As soon as she was born, the Old Madam saw her and commanded that all servants receive three months’ reward money. The Old Madam even gave her a safety lock—a rare treasure.”

Having said this, she asked: “Shall I have someone bring the child for you to see?”

With Gao Shi speaking thus, Concubine Mei momentarily said nothing. Concubine Mother Gao knew this meant tacit agreement.

She quickly had the wet nurse bring the child over.

Children change rapidly. In just two days, her skin had become somewhat whiter and more tender, though overall she still looked like a thin, small old person. However, her cry was more forceful than before.

This was earned through the wet nurses eating countless good things these two days.

Seeing her like this, Concubine Mei trembled.

This child… didn’t look very healthy.

Worry showed in her gaze.

Gao Shi: “Doctor Zhou examined her. The child just appeared weak at birth. With Doctor Zhou here, she’ll be raised well.”

Concubine Mei’s lips moved slightly, wanting to say something, but ultimately swallowed it back.

Gao Shi struck while the iron was hot: “During your labor, the Old Madam, Prefect, and Madam all kept watch outside your door.”

“When you hemorrhaged, they only left after you were safe.”

From this point, Gao Shi couldn’t fault them.

Not every master had such conscience. At that time, her daughter’s situation was dangerous. If not for the Old Madam’s advance preparations, she might have died right there in the delivery room. This made Gao Shi want to scold her for not taking care of her body, but seeing her daughter’s lips so pale they had no trace of blood, she swallowed back the reproachful words.

Concubine Mei showed no reaction. A daughter?

Why a daughter?

Why not a son!

She worked so hard to give birth, yet it was a daughter?!

Concubine Mei didn’t believe it. What she bore was definitely a son. How many times—when she called him, he responded from inside her belly. Where did her son go?

Suddenly, Concubine Mei thought of something and looked at Gao Shi: “Did Orchid Heart Courtyard give birth?”

Gao Shi: “…”

Concubine Mei: “If you don’t tell me, I’ll ask someone else.”

Gao Shi was helpless: “Concubine Mother will tell you. But first promise to stay calm, alright? First eat something.”

Watching her daughter suppress her temper and eat, Gao Shi sighed: “Orchid Heart Courtyard gave birth. The child was born a day later than yours.” From this perspective, her daughter giving birth slightly earlier was correct.

Seeing her concubine mother’s expression, Concubine Mei suddenly had an ominous premonition.

Gao Shi: “She bore a pair of dragon and phoenix twins.”

Dragon and phoenix twins?!

Concubine Mei flatly denied it, her expression furious: “That’s impossible!”

She urgently grasped Gao Shi’s sleeve: “Concubine Mother, that’s my son! My son must have been switched by her. I need to go get him back!”