The moment those words were spoken, Madam Du and the others turned their gaze to Du Jingxiang’s noticeably swollen belly. And Joy blossomed in their expressions, hinting at the happiness that awaited them with the arrival of the child.
Du Jingxiang was the first daughter of the Du couple, Master Du’s first child born after he turned thirty. Consequently, she was cherished and pampered beyond measure. Yet, she hadn’t grown into an unruly or willful child; instead, she possessed an exceptional gentleness and kindness. In Du Jingyi’s own words, her sister was like a delicate lamb born into a fox’s den, thus the entire family protected her fiercely.
Unexpectedly, at a banquet, Du Jingxiang fell deeply in love at first sight with the only son of the He family from Pingzhou. Initially, her parents were reluctant for her to marry so far away, but Du Jingxiang’s resolve was unshakeable. Furthermore, the He family proved to be genuinely trustworthy, and so, the marriage was agreed upon. Now, they were all reunited.
Madam. Du as her heart brimming with happiness, asked with a smile, “Why are you back so suddenly? You’re pregnant, aren’t you afraid of causing trouble?”
Du Jingxiang, seeing her mother’s concern, quickly interjected, eager to spare her husband any reprimand. “Shilin came here this time for the spring examinations next year. Your daughter realized she hadn’t seen her elders in a while, so she asked her parents-in-law for permission and came with Shilin. Unexpectedly, halfway here, I discovered I was almost two months pregnant! Shilin was so worried I’d be jostled that the journey, which should have taken two months, stretched to over four. Naturally, my belly grew as if it were simply inflating!”
Her explanation clarified everything for those present. But Madam Du, upon hearing her daughter’s words, grew agitated. “What nonsense are you saying ! You didn’t even know you were pregnant? How can you be a mother, running around with such a big belly? Seriously…” She raised her hand as if to strike, though it was merely a feigned gesture to scare Du Jingxiang.
Unexpectedly, He Shilin swiftly stepped forward, immediately positioning himself beside his wife, protecting her. “If Mother-in-law is angry with her son-in-law, please direct it at me. Don’t hurt Xiang Niang.”
“You…” He Shilin’s earnest demeanor brought smiles to everyone’s faces. It was often said that a mother-in-law grew fonder of her son-in-law with each passing day. Madam Du, usually a bit strict, was now beaming at her son-in-law’s words.
“Brother-in-law, don’t worry,” Du Jingyi chimed in playfully. “Now that my sister is pregnant, she’s like a Buddha in our house . Even if she hits me, she won’t be able to hit my sister!”
“What nonsense are you talking about!”
With Du Jingyi’s lighthearted interjection, the atmosphere grew even more harmonious. “Let’s go and sit down first. Mother will ask your father to send people to clean Quxi Courtyard, so you and your husband can be more comfortable.”
“Thank you, Mother,” Du Jingxiang replied.
Du Jingxiang, now in her early twenties, bore a striking contrast to Du Jingyi, despite being sisters. If Du Jingyi was a vibrant, delicate begonia, Du Jingxiang was an innocent, gentle daisy. Those with such a delicate temperament were like porcelain, easily moved to tears if touched carelessly. It seemed Du Jingyi was almost heartless by comparison. However, in Du Jingxiang’s case, the elder sister had always been remarkably thoughtful. Whatever good fortune came her way, she always thought of Du Jingyi first. Thus, the bond between the two sisters was truly strong, and Du Jingyi sincerely wished for her sister to live a comfortable life.
Madam . Du and Du Jingyi supported Du Jingxiang on either side, guiding her to a nanmu armchair. A soft pillow was placed behind her back, just in case she felt uncomfortable. “Let’s find a doctor to come and see you later. You’re quite far along this month. We need to prepare everything that’s needed for your delivery.” Though joy shone in Madam. Du’s eyes, worry flickered too. Life was not easy for women, especially with a first pregnancy. One misstep could easily lead to trouble. Madam Du had raised her two daughters with boundless love and was reluctant for them to suffer.
Seeing this, Du Jingyi came closer, smiling. “I’ve collected many tonics. I’ll send them to my sister when I get back. I absolutely demand that you give me a chubby nephew or niece!” These thoughtful words made Du Jingxiang laugh. Indeed, her pregnancy had not been easy. She had been married to He Shilin for over four years, yet her womb remained silent. Her mother-in-law was kind and never mentioned it, but Du Jingxiang still longed to bear a child, a son or a daughter, to deepen her bond with her husband and to bring joy to her in-laws. Naturally, she guarded this pregnancy with immense care.
So, she replied to her sister, “Okay, I’ll definitely enjoy the food you send me.” The two sisters exchanged smiles, as if transported back to their carefree youth. But now, both were married. They were no longer simply pretty daughters in their spring boudoirs.
While the three women talked, Master Du, standing nearby, was not idle. He looked at his son-in-law, He Shilin, with evident pleasure, pulling him aside to converse. “You are now have a fine prospect. As long as you study diligently for the first half of the year, you will surely become a Jinshi next spring and bring glory to the He family!”
His words struck a chord deep within He Shilin. Since his enlightenment at the age of four, he had studied day and night, harboring genuine ambitions. Now, with his wife pregnant – he would loved to have both sons and daughters equally – if he passed the examinations next year, his life would feel complete. Therefore, he immediately replied respectfully, “Thank you, Father-in-law, for your appreciation. I am where I am today thanks to the help of my two elders. I will work hard in the future and remain committed to Xiang Niang.”
Master Du nodded with a satisfied smile. Indeed, his wife had chosen a good son-in-law. After all, when it came to judging people, his wife’s instincts had never failed him. These words brought a mix of relief and embarrassment to Du Jingxiang, who smiled. “That’s what Shilin said.” Such a sweet exchange made Du Jingyi feel a little bewildered. She dared say these people were redundant; they were the only couple who truly had eyes for each other.
The Du family couple beamed at the sight. Their daughter and her husband shared a strong bond, and they enjoyed watching the affectionate display. Master Du couldn’t contain his happiness and burst into laughter. “Okay, Xiangxiang and her husband are harmonious, and Tangtang and the young master treat each other respectfully. I hope that both of you will bear children for your father. I’ve been looking forward to the stars and the moon for you two girls…” Master Du was about to launch into some touching words but was abruptly cut off by Du Jingyi.
“Dad, my sister and I were both born by our mother, so don’t just take all the credit.” Her playful remark instantly dissolved the somewhat melancholic mood. Poor Du Jingxiang, who had already brought her handkerchief to the corners of her eyes, was on the verge of crying again but forcefully held back her tears. It had to be said, Du Jingyi truly was the family’s joy.