Lu Gu’s anxious heart finally settled. He sent Shen Yan to fetch good tea leaves from Wei Lanxiang’s room, the midwife would be served tea later. He and Chen Xinlian busied themselves in the kitchen, preparing a hearty meal for her as well.
Wei Lanxiang gave red envelopes, five copper coins each, to the women who had assisted. This was the customary amount in nearby villages. They’d be invited back for the full-month celebration with plenty of food and drink.
Overjoyed at her first grandchild being a healthy boy, Wei Lanxiang seemed to have boundless energy as she and Zhou Xiangjun cleaned the room. The midwife, having washed her hands, sat down to enjoy the tea. Recognizing its quality, she was further pleased with the family’s hospitality.
Lu Gu worked in the kitchen. The birth had taken at least four hours. While boiling water earlier, he had also steamed rice and kept it warm. He stir-fried one meat and one vegetable dish, then made an egg drop soup for the midwife. The meal, a bowl of rice, egg drop soup, stir-fried spring greens, and bamboo shoots with pork slices, was fit for a wealthy household.
By the time she finished eating, dusk had fallen. Shen Yaoqing borrowed a donkey to escort the midwife home. While she was present, the family hadn’t eaten, only she was served, a sign of respect. Once she left, Lu Gu quickly stir-fried the prepped meat and vegetables.
Ji Qiuyue, resting in bed, had already been given steamed egg custard and a bowl of noodle soup to regain her strength.
"You all eat. I’ll go to Granny Ajin’s to buy two old hens for your sister-in-law, to nourish her and help with milk," Wei Lanxiang said, eating quickly before hurrying out. Her own hens were too young; old hens made the best soup.
When Shen Yaoqing returned, beaming, Lu Gu served him the reserved meal. Shen Yan washed the others’ bowls while Lu Gu checked on Ji Qiuyue, helping her with the chamber pot and admiring his little nephew.
By candlelight, the slightly wrinkled baby lay with closed eyes, his mouth twitching occasionally, adorable to behold. "He’s so soft, I’m afraid to hold him. Mother had to help me position him for feeding," Ji Qiuyue said with a tired but radiant smile.
"I wouldn’t dare hold him either," Lu Gu whispered, careful not to wake the baby.
"Mother can teach you later," Ji Qiuyue replied.
After watching the baby, Lu Gu asked, "Sister-in-law, what would you like to eat? You didn’t finish the egg custard earlier."
Ji Qiuyue thought for a moment. "A bowl of sour noodle soup, just a little vinegar."
"Alright, rest now. I’ll bring it in when it’s ready," Lu Gu promised before leaving.
Shen Xuanqing sat in the main room, keeping Shen Yaoqing company during his meal. When Lu Gu passed by, he hesitated but followed him into the kitchen. "How’s the baby?" he asked quietly.
Lu Gu scooped noodles from the basin. "He’s been fed and is sleeping now." He smiled. "Even in sleep, his little mouth moves. Maybe he’s dreaming of milk. Just born, and already dreaming!"
"The little baby captivated Lu Gu, his tiny head turns and squirms mesmerizing. Noticing Shen Xuanqing's hesitation, he asked, "Would you like to hold him?""
Shen Yan and he had already seen the baby. Only Shen Xuanqing hadn’t, as a man, it wasn’t entirely proper. When Shen Xuanqing nodded hesitantly, Lu Gu grinned. "Wait until I finish the noodles for Sister-in-law. You can come in with me."
"Alright," Shen Xuanqing agreed, finally smiling. He also wanted to see his own nephew.
When they entered together, Shen Yaoqing, having finished eating, rushed in to see his wife and son. He longed to hold the baby but didn’t dare, scratching his head and deciding against it, better not risk waking him.
Ji Qiuyue, propped against the headboard, noticed Shen Xuanqing towering by the bed. "You’ll strain your neck staring like that. Daqing, fetch a chair so Second Brother can sit and see his nephew properly."
Lu Gu’s eyes crinkled in silent amusement at Shen Xuanqing’s awkwardness. But before his smile faded, Shen Xuanqing caught his gaze.
Shen Yaoqing laughed heartily and brought a chair, though Shen Xuanqing remained standing. "Sister-in-law, rest well," Shen Xuanqing said after a final glance at his nephew, then left with Lu Gu. Night had fallen, and Ji Qiuyue needed sleep.
With the dogs guarding the new house and the village small enough to hear any commotion, no one needed to stay there overnight. As darkness deepened and the gate was secured, Lu Gu and Shen Xuanqing lay in bed.
The entire household was in high spirits, Lu Gu included. But as they settled into each other’s arms, Shen Xuanqing suddenly whispered accusingly, "Were you laughing at me earlier?"
Caught off guard, Lu Gu stammered, "N-no…" His guilty stutter betrayed him.
Shen Xuanqing pinched his waist lightly, sparking playful retaliation, nibbled earlobes and cheeks, before finally relenting.
No one had done much work today, even entrusting the livestock feeding to Shen Yuping. Thankfully, Ji Qiuyue had given birth during the day, night would’ve been far more inconvenient.
After the laughter faded, Lu Gu nestled contentedly against Shen Xuanqing. The new addition to the family filled him with happiness, a chubby baby to dote on.
Shen Xuanqing closed his eyes, pleased about his nephew. But his thoughts drifted to Ji Qiuyue’s agonized screams and the basins of blood. He’d always heard that childbirth was "one foot in the grave." Only today did he truly understand. Tightening his arms around Lu Gu, he held him close.
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