Chapter 562: The Head of the Household

Ever since Zhang Fu followed the emperor on his northern expedition, Lady Wang devoted herself entirely to taking care of her children at home. At most, she would visit the Zhang family in Wu’an Hou Hutong; otherwise, she spent most of her time at home. However, once news of the return from the northern campaign spread throughout the capital, she was soon plunged back into busyness. That night, Xi Yu began to give birth in pain, but she did not deliver until the next noon. Since it was just one of the concubines giving birth and Lady Gu was ill, it would not be proper for her to interfere rashly. With her two own sisters-in-law—one dead and the other ill—and no trust in the other concubines, if not for Bi Luo rushing over, she would have almost gone into the delivery room herself.

“Xi Yu has served me for so many years—she has good character and looks, and has always taken good care of our master. I had hoped she would give birth to a son and a daughter to keep Tian Ci and Tian Tian company. Who would have thought that at such a young age, she would face the same challenges I did back then! At least I had my aunt by my side then, but she has no parents… Enough. Bi Luo, since you want to stop me, go and see her. Tell her that after all these years, I only wish her the best. She must pull through on her own—don’t let anyone later ask me to protect her or the baby!”

Having gone years without having children, Lady Wang was truly terrified. Even now that she had sons and daughters, she still felt uneasy and did not want anything to go wrong while her husband was away. Seeing Lady Wang’s determination, Bi Luo bowed and left the main room, hurrying to the east wing.

By this time, the place was in chaos. Though not as crowded as during Lady Wang’s previous delivery, the two midwives were also sweating profusely from the strain. But compared to Lady Wang’s delivery, Xi Yu was younger and stronger. Though her face was pale from exhaustion, she continued to push as the midwives instructed, showing no signs of giving up. Standing behind, Bi Luo saw this and swallowed the words she had been about to say. She knew well that Xi Yu would understand those words even without her repeating them.

Yet even so, watching Xi Yu strive repeatedly in vain still filled her with uncontrollable worry, leaving her feeling rather gloomy. She had never wanted to be a concubine, so she gently expressed her feelings to Xi Yu and finally managed to get through this ordeal. Although Peng Shisan was a good man, the age difference of nearly twenty years was a concern; fortunately, he himself refused on behalf of the master and mistress, for which she was grateful. After much selection by Lady Wang, she finally got married at the beginning of last year, but because they still had no children, her mother-in-law had already started saying unpleasant things. In fact, such was the fate of women—in this regard, she really couldn’t compare to Xi Yu’s openness.

There was also Hupo, who was stubborn and likely still dwelling on the past. All the wealth and a perfect family were things from the past that could no longer be returned to—why dwell on them constantly? She had now come to understand that focusing on the present was the truth.

“She’s born! She’s born!”

Lost in her thoughts, she suddenly heard this joyful cry and immediately snapped back to reality. Before she could ask anything, a loud baby’s wail filled the room. A midwife examined the baby for a while before saying with a smile, “Great fortune! It’s a little lady!”

Xi Yu, who was almost exhausted, finally relaxed upon hearing it was a daughter. Muttering a few words incomprehensible to others, she let the maids help clean her up before turning her head with difficulty and softly asking to hold the baby to take a look. By then, Bilo had already taken the baby and crouched down in front of Xi Yu so she could see clearly. Then she said smilingly, “Auntie, look—she’s a beautiful little lady. When she grows up, she’ll surely be loved by everyone.”

“Born into such a family and being a little lady, as long as she can live safely, she’ll naturally be loved by everyone.” Xi Yu stared intently at the baby’s features, her face filled with unmistakable tenderness. “She will surely marry the best husband and live a happy life forever, without having to suffer as we did back then. My child, after all these hardships, I’ve finally given birth to you. I only hope you can marry well and live a happy life…”

Xi Yu, usually so sharp and capable, kept talking nonstop. Bilo understood the meaning behind her words and felt her nose sting; she quickly interrupted her. Just as she was about to take the baby away, she suddenly felt her wrist grabbed. Looking down, she saw Xi Yu staring at her intently, leaving her momentarily stunned.

“Biluo, when you go outside to report to the lady, kowtow on my behalf and tell her that I will never forget her kindness and cherish Xi Yu forever.” Hearing this, Biluo promptly agreed. She went outside, where the two older maids who had been waiting there quickly rewrapped the baby. She washed her hands in a copper basin before carrying the child out. Upon arriving in the main hall, Lady Wang, who had already been informed, stood up as soon as she saw the baby. She stepped forward quickly, looked into the swaddling with joy, but seeing the baby’s eyes squinted and face wrinkled, she couldn’t help shaking her head. “Though I’ve given birth twice, I really can’t stand seeing a baby with such a wrinkled face. But since it’s a girl, she should grow up as pretty as Xi Yu. Ah, I wish I could have another son—after all, he’s still so tiny; I’m worried something might happen… But Xi Yu is still young, and I’m still able to bear children. Who knows, she might give birth to two more in the future…” Having listened to Xi Yu’s chatter earlier and now hearing Lady Wang’s endless rambling, Biluo was stunned. Only after Lady Wang took the baby did she remember Xi Yu’s instructions and quickly knelt down to kowtow three times. Seeing this, Lady Wang was momentarily stunned. After hearing the explanation, she shook her head irritably: “I favored her back then because not only was she beautiful, but she was also capable and knew her place. Over the years, she’s taken good care of the master and spared me a lot of worry with household affairs. Now she’s even given the master a daughter—she’s truly a great contributor to our family! Tell her to take good care of the baby. The master has already thought of a name for her—Zhang Yue, which is both pleasant to hear and auspicious.” Since a nurse had already been chosen for the family, Lady Wang quickly handed over the baby, gave some instructions, and gave detailed orders to the two selected maids. She also sent people to inform the relatives. As she was about to send someone to the Yangwu Bo’s residence, she suddenly remembered something Peng Shisan mentioned during his previous visit and smiled at Biluo.

“When Peng Shisan came to see me, that bold and hearty man actually seemed a bit shy. At first I was just puzzled, but when he said he was going to ask Lingxi from the Yangwu Bo’s residence for her hand in marriage, I was shocked. I thought she must be someone sent by my aunt for Zhang Yue, but after asking, I found out that the young couple had already agreed, and it seemed Lingxi was also willing. Those two are being reckless, and Lingxi is too bold—I really need to talk to my aunt about this. Even if they intend to make it work, as the elders, things can’t just end up in chaos. With this happy occasion at home, it’s the perfect time for me to go; you should come with me.”

Bi Luo heard clearly Peng Shisan’s earnest request and couldn’t help widening her eyes, feeling relieved at the same time. Although it was Peng Shisan who had initially refused the kindness of the master and his wife, she wasn’t very happy about this marriage either. Who would have thought such a thing would arise now? She had met Lingxi a few times and remembered her as the most capable maid of the old lady there, later given to Zhang Yue. How could these two end up together?

“Let’s go. For that loyal and stubborn donkey mentioned by the master, I’ll even lower my pride and earnestly ask my aunt!”

Ever since the order to return was issued, Zhang Yue had received an imperial decree from the crown prince. Now that the attempt on his life at Jiming Post Station had become widely known, thanks to this decree from the crown prince, he could finally stay at home for a few days. He had still held out some hope regarding Gu Shi’s illness, but after meeting Feng Yuanming in person and learning from him that his grandmother’s condition was hopeless, he almost tried to wait for the chief physician from the Imperial Medical Academy to return from the north to seek another opinion, before finally having to accept reality.

During his absence, his uncle Zhang Xin had gone to great lengths, summoning all the famous doctors in the capital, but the result was the same as before—her condition was critical, and she could only hold on.

That afternoon, Gu Shi felt somewhat better and ordered to be moved to a couch in the outer room, leaning back with a pillow, covered with thick blankets, while Zhang Jing used her small fists to massage her legs. Though a six-year-old child had only weak strength, she didn’t mind at all, often glancing over at her grandson and daughter-in-law. Soon, the door curtain moved, and Zhang Yue and Du Wan entered, followed by Lingxi, Hupo, and Qiuhen. Seeing all five of them together, she was momentarily stunned. When they bowed, she quickly asked Bai Fang to help Du Wan up, then sternly set a serious expression.

“It’s good that you can walk around now that you’re pregnant, but we can’t have everyone following you. Someone needs to stay at home to take care of things; otherwise, when we return, won’t there be no hot water or snacks?” Gu Shi gave Lingxi a reproachful look and was about to scold her further when she suddenly remembered something, her heart shifting instantly, and she swallowed the rest of her words. Seeing Zhang Yue and Du Wan sit down, she glanced at the other two daughters-in-law and Zhang Jiu, who was sitting beside Feng Shi, and couldn’t help but smile slightly. Just as she was about to speak again, a announcement came from outside. “Madam, the Duchess of Yingguo has arrived!” Hearing this, Gu Shi set aside all other thoughts and quickly instructed Feng Shi, the eldest wife, to go welcome her. Feng Shi left for a short while before returning with Lady Wang, followed by Biluo. After the proper greetings, Lady Wang sat down in the first chair to Gu Shi’s right. She began by mentioning that a new girl had been born in her family, prompting cheers of congratulations from everyone present. Gu Shi also smiled and ordered Feng Shi to prepare gifts, then sighed in satisfaction. “Though it’s twenty years late, your family is finally blessed with more children and good fortune—this is the result of your kindness and virtue over the years. Xi Yu is indeed capable, but it’s her luck to have you as her mistress. But since it’s a girl, you must take good care of this gift from heaven. Also, find suitable partners for A Fu. It’s not that I’m overthinking things, but although he’s your legitimate son, the Duke of Yingguo having only one heir isn’t entirely reliable. You’ve managed household affairs for so many years and are always good at judging people.” “Auntie is absolutely right; I’ll surely take care of it.” Lady Wang understood that Gu Shi’s words were all for her own good and quickly bowed in agreement. After exchanging a few more words, she noticed Lingxi standing behind Zhang Yue and Du Wan and grew hesitant. Not wanting to rush things, she chatted with Gu Shi for a while before gradually changing the subject. Zhang Yue, who was listening, was surprised by Peng Shisan’s quick action. Since his grandmother had already given her consent, he didn’t want Lady Wang to worry further. Just as he was about to speak, Gu Shi gently coughed.

“Wan Niang, since you’re here, I actually have a happy request to make of you. Peng Shisan taught Yue Geer martial arts for many years and risked his life for him time and again—being both his teacher and friend. Lingxi first followed me, and then stayed with Yue Geer for many years. I’ve always treated her as if she were my own daughter. Now that they both have feelings for each other, why not pick a time and have you, as the mistress of the household, take some effort to arrange the marriage while I’m still here?”
Bi Luo didn’t expect Lady Gu to speak first. She glanced at Lingxi, who was looking down with an unreadable expression, and sighed inwardly, feeling she couldn’t compare to her. Lady Wang, who was already worried about how to bring up this matter, was even more shocked. Seeing that this didn’t seem like a casual remark, she felt a huge weight lift from her heart and quickly stood up to bow.
“Thank you, auntie, for agreeing. I really didn’t expect that stubborn man to finally open his mind. So many people have tried to match him up, but he kept refusing, insisting on the one you took under your care. You’re truly kind. I was so anxious when I came today, fearing you’d blame me for trying to snatch someone away from you.”
Neither Lady Feng nor Li Yun or Zhao Fen, nor even the other maids in the room, had expected such good news, and they were too stunned to react at first. When Lady Gu started talking to Zhang Yue and Du Wan, they finally realized what was going on, and all their eyes turned to Lingxi.
Had Lingxi gone mad? Peng Shisan was already in his forties. Even if he was skilled, he was just a household soldier in the Duke of Ying’s mansion. If Lingxi married him, how could that compare to the prosperity and wealth in this household?
After agreeing on the wedding date with Lady Wang, Lady Gu called Lingxi forward. Seeing her kneel down and kowtow three times without saying a word, she didn’t immediately tell her to get up. Instead, she sighed and said, “You’ve served me for over a decade. Now that you’ve chosen your own path, I’ll fulfill your wish. I’ve already prepared your dowry. I’ll have them pack it up soon, so your service to me won’t be in vain.”
After saying this, she smiled at Lady Wang and said, “Wan Niang, you’re taking away the most capable maid in my household. I can’t let you go easy on me. Peng Shisan is still part of the Duke of Ying’s mansion. I won’t compete with A Fu for him, but I hope he’ll help Yue Geer more in the future. And Lingxi, I’ll often need people to come here. Will you agree?”

“Of course. That stubborn donkey, aside from Master, first thinks of Brother Yue before considering me. As for Lingxi, she was raised by you personally—how could I not keep her?” Lady Wang agreed readily, glanced at Zhang Yue, and then smiled again. “Brother Yue, since I’m taking your servant, how about I give you a pair in return? A few days ago, Gao Quan just bought a pair of young girls; they’re only thirteen, but both are well-behaved. I’ll send them to you later—what do you think?”