Chapter 177
The pain of childbirth was the most difficult and agonizing experience Lu Gu had ever endured. Yet, he was exceptionally good at enduring. After that indescribable pain passed, hearing the baby’s cries made him feel for the first time that the suffering had been worth it, especially when he saw Shen Xuanqing afterward.
Leaning against several soft pillows, he exchanged a few words with Shen Xuanqing before closing his eyes to rest. The doctor and midwife had both instructed that he shouldn’t lie down immediately after giving birth, he needed to sit propped up for a while, or it would hinder his recovery later.
Seeing his exhaustion, Shen Xuanqing didn’t speak further. He dipped a cloth in hot water and gently wiped Lu Gu’s face.
Before long, Wei Lanxiang pushed the door open, carrying a basin of hot water. Noticing Lu Gu resting with his eyes closed, she instinctively softened her steps and whispered, “You go out. I’ll clean Guzi down there to make him more comfortable.”
The swaddled baby, Lingjun, stirred slightly. Shen Xuanqing checked that he wasn’t crying before standing up to leave. He closed the door quietly behind him and turned to see a bamboo basket on the table in the main room, inside were the ten milk fruits he had picked from the mountains a few days earlier.
Ji Qiuyue was in the yard, washing the wooden basins that had held bloody water during the birth. She turned them upside down on the firewood pile to dry. These basins were reserved for childbirth and would be stored away once dry for future use. When she entered, she saw Shen Xuanqing take one of the milk fruits and said with a smile, “Take one, wash it, and wipe it clean. You can feed the baby soon.”
She had brought the basket out earlier, preparing in advance. Seeing how devoted Shen Xuanqing was to Lu Gu and the child, she thought it best for the parents to handle feeding the milk fruit themselves.
“Mm.” Shen Xuanqing picked two milk fruits and headed to the kitchen.
Shen Yan was chopping vegetables. The midwife had already eaten, but the family hadn’t yet. After the birth, everyone was hungry, and Lu Gu would need something light later. Seeing him with the milk fruits, she said, “Second Brother, there’s hot water in the pot. Add some cold water to make it warm.”
“Got it.” Shen Xuanqing carefully washed the two white milk fruits with warm water. Their skins were smooth and round, not dirty at all, but since they were for a newborn, he took extra care.
Milk fruits grew in the mountains and ripened year-round, unaffected by heat or cold. They flourished near clear mountain streams, never in murky waters. The nearby villages all knew of a hidden stream in the valley, its banks lined with over a dozen milk fruit trees that had provided generations.
Not only could fulangs and wives pick milk fruits after childbirth, but mothers with insufficient milk due to weakness or poverty also relied on them. Without these fruits, many babies would have gone hungry. Even Shen Xuanqing’s great-grandfather had been raised on them.
Children were banned from the milk fruit valley, as damaging the trees was considered a grave offense. The trees were revered, and even overripe fruits on the ground were left untouched for wildlife. No one dared step on or dirty them.
Shen Yan, still chopping vegetables, hadn’t seen the baby yet. Unmarried girls weren’t allowed near childbirth, and she’d been busy cooking. Curious, she asked, “Second Brother, what’s my nephew’s name?”
Shen Xuanqing looked up, smiling brightly. “Lingjun. Shen Lingjun.”
Shen Yan repeated the name, her almond-shaped eyes crinkling at the corners. “It’s lovely.”
“Sister-in-law, please bring me a long needle,” Shen Xuanqing called after washing the fruits. He’d been scatterbrained all day and had forgotten to grab one earlier.
Ji Qiuyue quickly brought the needle. Holding it over the fire to sterilize it, Shen Xuanqing pierced the nipple-like protrusion on the fruit. A gentle squeeze released the milky juice.
“Perfect,” Ji Qiuyue said approvingly.
Shen Xuanqing smiled. “One should be enough for now. I’ll prepare the other tonight.”
There was a knock at the door. Wei Lanxiang had finished cleaning Lu Gu and helped him under the covers before allowing Shen Xuanqing to enter.
The baby in the swaddle, eyes closed, was nuzzling and mouthing hungrily. Wei Lanxiang chuckled. “Perfect timing. Xiao Ling seems hungry.”
This was Lu Gu’s first child, and he was too exhausted to handle the fragile newborn. Shen Xuanqing, equally nervous, hesitated until Wei Lanxiang took charge, sitting on the bed to feed the baby the milk fruit.
Little Lingjun latched on eagerly. Wei Lanxiang instructed, “Gently squeeze the fruit if he struggles to suck, but not too hard or fast. Babies can choke easily.”
Shen Xuanqing nodded, memorizing her words.
Outside, Ji Qiuyue’s voice drifted in: “Granny Li, have you eaten enough? Have some more tea.”
The midwife wiped her mouth, her wrinkled eyes crinkled further. “No, no. It’s getting late, time for me to head back.”
With that, Shen Xuanqing bid farewell to Lu Gu and Wei Lanxiang, then drove the midwife home in the mule cart. By the time he returned, Lu Gu had eaten a bowl of noodle soup and fallen asleep with the baby. Standing by the bed, Shen Xuanqing gazed at them a while before tucking Lu Gu in, his smile brimming with joy.
The dogs - Guaizi, Da Hui, and the others, met the baby the next day. The family’s dogs were clever, but Da Hui and Guaizi were especially perceptive.
Shen Xuanqing’s logic was simple: since Xiao Lingjun had arrived, the dogs ought to meet him. He called all six into the room, cradled the baby by the bed, and bent slightly so the dogs could get a good look.
They gathered around, sniffing the swaddle cautiously. Sensing something significant, none barked, remaining quiet.
Once introductions were over, Shen Xuanqing shooed them out - except Guaizi, who lingered, craning his neck to peer at the baby. Lu Gu, half-reclining on the bed, smiled and said, “This is your little brother, Lingjun. Xiao Ling.”
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