Chapter 45: Giving Birth

Xu Xiao Min said, “Ah, Lan jie, this… the duck egg is ruined.”

Xu Jun Ya gave Xu Xiao Min a glance, “Little sister.”

Xu Xia wan tugged at her sleeve, and in the candlelight, Zhuang Yu Lan’s cheeks were flushed, a clear sign of embarrassment. However, in this light, it gave her an unexpectedly alluring look.

Xu Xia Min caught Xu Jun Ya’s slightly reproachful gaze and stopped speaking, letting out a soft breath as she lowered her head.

Grandmother Xu looked at the teacup on the table and calmly said, “Lan’er has always been the best at pouring tea, but this time she missed it. I think it’s because the candlelight is dim at night, and it’s hard to see, or perhaps the weather is too cold, and the tea didn’t have enough heat…”

Xu Jun Ying said, “It must be Meinang’s fault. When pouring tea, one must stay focused. Meinang, lacking knowledge, stirred the tea leaves and the teapot. If we redo it, it will be fine. Lan’er’s tea pouring skill is truly superb, I’ve never seen anyone better than her.”

Zhuang Yu Lan’s eyes lit up with joy, and the embarrassment on her face disappeared without a trace. She regained her confidence and calmly waved for Rui Yu to come over and help clean the tea set. She was about to start making tea again.

Meinang wanted to say something, but seeing Xu grandmother’s enthusiasm, she held back. Xu Jun Ying, however, leaned in and softly said to her, “If you’re getting impatient, find an excuse to leave, and don’t speak too much.”

Meinang’s heart suddenly flared, and she felt a reckless, daring sensation rise. She opened her mouth to say something, but when her gaze fell on Xu Jun Xuan, who was smiling, she closed her mouth.

No, it wasn’t the time to act impulsively and seek pleasure. Her brother Qin Bo Qing still had the protection of his supporters as he traveled from Yue Zhou to the capital. After the New Year, he would join Xu Jun Xuan to take the imperial exam. In this world, where wealth, status, and power dictated everything, the Qin family couldn’t afford to fall from grace. Even if her brother couldn’t win the top honors, a decent position would suffice. Then they could find a way to ask Xu Jun Ying for help to secure a better position. Once he became an official, the Qin family would no longer be looked down upon.

Meinang’s mind worked quickly, and a sweet smile bloomed on her face. She scanned the room and slowly said, “Pouring tea is often tricky, and this is nothing. It’s also my fault for not knowing tea ceremonies and stirring the leaves… This time, Lan cousin will definitely succeed.”

Her words were an apology to Zhuang Yu Lan, and also a response to Xu Jun Ying’s implied approval, as he looked at Mei Niang with a hint of appreciation in his eyes.

Meinang felt a twinge of frustration. Ning Rulan smiled and said, “Elder sister in law doesn’t not understand tea ceremonies, it’s just that after being ill, she forgot. Do you remember when we competed in tea ceremonies at Qing Hua Courtyard? Elder sister in law’s tea flowers lasted longer than mine.”

Huh? Really?

Mrs. Gan suddenly added quietly, “Yes, I was passing by the door and heard there was a tea ceremony competition inside, so I went in to watch, and indeed, elder sister in law won over third sister in law.”

Meinang felt a bit touched and looked at her two younger sisters in law. She didn’t know what to say, but just nodded slightly.

Xu Jun Xuan chuckled and said, “Elder sister in law was just too frail, but the Qin family is a prestigious family. How could they not have studied tea ceremonies? It’s hard to believe! My father in law and I are the same age. In the spring, he’ll also take the imperial exam. When I spoke with my father in law, it truly felt like I had met a kindred spirit. He is a man of great dignity and knowledge, well-read, scholarly in all aspects, and without a doubt, an ideal candidate for the top honors.”

Meinang felt pleased inside but showed humility on the outside. “Sixth Lord, you are just speaking out of kindness. We are just joking privately. Outside, we cannot say such things. My brother from my maternal family is also frail and sickly. Though he studies hard, he never claims to be a scholar, nor dares to dream of the top honors.”

Grandmother Xu nodded and said, “Don’t worry, those are just compliments from the Sixth. Many scholars in the country are vying for the top position, it’s not something easily won. Your uncle is also taking the imperial exam? That’s good! Striving for improvement is important. Let Sixth son take good care of him. Ying’er has recommended many famous teachers for him to meet, which will be very beneficial. Success comes from hard work and luck. If Uncle is diligent enough and has some luck, he should be able to make it.”

Grandmother Xu’s words covered everything. If Qin Bo Qing passed the exam in the future, it would be because of Xu family’s fortune. If he didn’t pass, it would be his own lack of diligence.

Meinang couldn’t be bothered to complain. She quickly stood up and bowed to Grandmother Xu, “Thank you for your blessings on my maternal brother. He will definitely achieve something this time.”

She then bowed to Xu Jun Ying, “Grandmother’s words are wise, please look after my maternal uncle more.”

Xu Jun Ying glanced at her, then looked at Xu Jun Xuan as if reproaching him for speaking too much. He said blandly, “The exam depends on scholars’ hard work and their accumulation of knowledge, as the Sixth said. Your uncle is a learned man, passing the exam should not be a problem.”

Meinang lowered her head, her gaze following Zhuang Yu Lan as she poured the hot tea into the cup. The tea foam spun and formed intricate flowers that bloomed for a split second before vanishing.

Everyone was focused on listening to Xu Jun Ying, and no one paid attention to the tea flowers. Meinang, however, noticed them and felt as if she was the only one who could see them, sensing something auspicious. Zhuang Yu Lan’s tea flowers looked like sweet-scented osmanthus flowers, with branches and leaves. Was this a sign of her brother’s victory in the imperial exam next spring?

Excitement surged in her heart. Meinang smiled and returned to Xu Jun Ying’s side, softly saying, “I believe my maternal uncle will certainly pass the exam and achieve his goal.”

Grandmother Xu’s face lit up with joy as a servant came in and bowed. “Grandmother, Miss Xiang Rui in the Second Master’s room has given birth. It’s a boy!”

Grandmother Xu beamed, “A boy? That’s wonderful! Wasn’t he due later? He came early?”

The servant lowered their head. “Miss Xiang Rui accidentally touched something, and the child came early.”

Xu Xia Min clapped her hands in joy, “Second Brother has a son now! Father must be so happy!”

Xu Xia wan shot a reproachful glance at her. Xu Xiao Min paused, turned, and saw Ning Rulan’s head lowered to her chest. She quickly covered her mouth.

Meinang smiled, “Congratulations, Grandmother. Another grandson, just in time. Tomorrow is the Winter Solstice, the most important day for ancestor worship. The child must have come to pay respects.”

Everyone laughed, and Grandmother Xu was even happier. “Yes, yes! This child is really lucky. Call for Jima to bring two gifts—one for Xiang Rui, and one for the baby.”

Meinang said, “Xiang Rui has given birth, and there should be gifts and money for her. I’ll go back and make arrangements.”

Grandmother Xu pondered for a moment, “Lang’er has only had one daughter all these years. Now, she has both a son and a daughter. You’re in charge of the house now, so you should personally go and check on the child. If it’s snowing and the road is slippery, have the servants bring a soft bridge.”

Meinang agreed and turned to look at Xu Jun Ying. Before she could speak, he nodded and said, “Go ahead, you should handle this.”

She wanted to say something about him being cautious on the slippery roads, but his cold words made her silent. She turned to leave, only to hear Ning Rulan call out.

“Elder sister in law, wait. Let me accompany you.”

Meinang waved her hand as she walked out. “It’s very cold outside. You don’t need to come… Third Master, please take Rulan back to the house.”

Mrs. Gan glanced at Fourth Master and then at Grandmother Xu, but didn’t dare speak.

Xu Jun Xuan stood up. “Grandmother, the snow outside is heavy, and the yard is dark. I’ll also head that way. Let me accompany elder sister in law.”

Grandmother Xu thought for a moment and said to Rui Xue, “I forgot. Sixth son came in covered in snow, and he has a cloak. Go to the cupboard and get that thick red embroidered cloak with gold peonies for your elder sister in law. She’s weak, and we don’t want her to catch a cold. Bring ten or twenty lanterns to prevent accidents. Let’s make sure we go together.”

Meinang bit her lip. “No need for such trouble, I’ll just wear my normal cloak.”

Grandmother Xu waved her hand. “You’re in charge now, don’t be modest.”

Thus, the wedding night ended with all preparations in place.