Chapter 738 - 357: Gathering a Bunch_2
Zhu Sujin had hoped to save the Tan Clan Branch, but Emperor Qianwu disagreed, scolding him for his "womanly kindness, unfit for grand affairs" and said that sparing those six children was already a fortune accumulated for Zhu Sujin’s unborn child.
As the twelfth lunar month approached, Pan Yue and Qian Yixiu again began to worry for Zhu Sujin, because his three women were soon to give birth. Only after giving birth herself did Qian Yixiu realize how dangerous childbirth was for ancient women. At that time, caesarean sections were not an option; even in difficult labor, one had to endure a natural birth. Every now and then, she would prepare some snacks with extra ingredients to send over, and she even invited Pan Yue to visit the Eastern Palace with her once.
Qian Xiaolei, who used to be Zhu Sujin’s boy servant, was now not only freed from servitude but had also become an Eighth Rank Junior Official in charge of the palace gates of the Eastern Palace. Whenever Qian Yixiu sent things or messages to Zhu Sujin, she went through him, which was quite convenient.
This month, the Liang Family had two joyous events: Second Mistress Yang and Fourth Lady Fang were pregnant again. Both were daughters-in-law of Second Madam, Zhang, whose jealousy and eagerness for grandchildren turned into delight at the news.
On the ninth day, heavy snow swirled and fierce winds howled.
Qian Yixiu therefore did not bring the baby to Wanshou Hall. Although the old ancestor guessed that the child would not be able to come, she was still somewhat disappointed.
Qian Yixiu smiled and had three baby carriages wheeled in. She had drawn up designs and had two made for Brother Cheng and his siblings and also had a few extra made. Three were for the Eastern Palace, and one each for Lady Lin, Lady Yang, and Lady Fang.
All who saw them marveled at the novelty, and Lady Lin, Lady Yang, and Lady Fang smiled their thanks.
As dusk fell, all the men except for Liang Yiqian had come home. Liang Yiqian, however, had sent his attendant back to send word that he was socializing and would return later.
Liang Jinzhao and Qian Yixiu both knew that he had lost interest in Maternal Aunt Xi and most certainly stayed at his concubine Lady Lian’s place.
Qian Yixiu deeply disdained Liang Yiqian’s behavior. If in her previous life, her father-in-law dared to illegally keep a mistress outside, she, along with her mother-in-law and husband, would have gone to catch the adulterers already. But this was ancient times, where filial piety was paramount, and even though Liang Jinzhao was angry at his father, he couldn’t do anything.