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Upon hearing this, grandma Chen wiped away her tears. Holding Chen Shi’s hand, she said, “Among the three brothers, you are the most intelligent and capable. Your thoughtfulness will be remembered by the eldest. Alright, I’ll have the eldest buy the courtyard on Back West Street. Hu has no shame, being too close to the restaurant isn’t ideal…”
Chen Shi responded, “I dare not expect them to remember my gestures, I only hope that you refrain from making any more requests in the future. Remember, this is the final time. I have two sons, and I need to support my family.”
As Chen Shi left the room, he noticed Chen Aman standing outside with red eyes. Seeing him come out, Chen Aman huffed and walked away.
Initially intending to keep this from his wife, Chen Shi couldn’t hide it any longer after his daughter discovered it. Later, he disclosed the situation to his wife that night.
His wife was incensed and burst into tears once more.
Chen Shi explained, “I had no other choice. Second Brother and Sister-in-law want to wait until Feng gives birth before returning to the countryside. They won’t buy a house and plan to stay at their son-in-law’s place. But you and Eldest Brother and Sister-in-law will remain at our home. While you and Eldest Brother get along well, would you want Mrs. Hu around daily? By offering twenty taels, they can buy a house and move out. They will be further away and won’t visit us as frequently. I told Mother it’s the last time we’ll give them money, and she agreed…”
His wife, still upset, quietly informed Mrs. Wang about Chen Ming secretly giving funds to Chen Ye, which led to Mrs. Wang getting emotional as well.
Mrs. Wang wasn’t upset about the money; she was distressed that Chen Ming started to hide things from her. Chen Ming reassured her with kind words, promising that it was a one-time occurrence and that he had bought them a house, making them hesitant to ask for more.
Subsequently, Chen Ye purchased the courtyard on Back West Street. Since Chen Ming had initially expressed affordability issues, he postponed his purchase, stating that his daughter had already given him too much, feeling awkward to ask for more money. He planned to buy once there were enough funds from the grain store.
Mrs. Wang, upset but hesitant to share these worries with Chen Feng, prioritized her daughter’s well-being.
By mid-September, Chen Feng and her entourage grew increasingly tense, even accommodating two midwives at the mansion. Mrs. Wang frequented the General’s Mansion daily, and Chen residence sent a maid to inquire daily.
Chen Feng retrieved a small piece of green agarwood incense, intending to burn it in a few days. Once it was consumed, she would replace it with another piece.
Though it seemed she was using the green agarwood incense, in reality, she intended to use this fragrance to mask the scent of the green swallow’s nest. The Golden Swallow had gifted her a large green swallow’s nest, advising her to consume it during childbirth to boost her body’s resistance.
The handkerchief containing the green swallow’s nest was always kept close to her, ready for immediate use. In ancient times, childbirth was challenging, especially with the birth of such large twins.
Chu Lingxuan refrained from going out and returned home promptly every day. He had an urgent matter that required a trip to Yong City in the west, concerning Wang Cheng’s uncle. Reluctantly, he entrusted General Qin Jian to handle it.
General Qin and Chu Lingxuan shared a deep bond, and it was through Chu Lingxuan’s recommendation that Qin Jian secured a position in Dingzhou Prefecture. This task could only be entrusted to him with confidence.
As a result, Chen Feng had little time for herself, even in her private chamber, she needed company. She rarely had moments alone to retreat to her inner space. During the day, she passed the time walking in the corridor, watching the children play, and engaging in conversation with Mrs. Wang and others. However, nights were more challenging; unable to lie flat, she had to sleep on her side. After lying still for a while, discomfort set in, her legs ached, and she needed to shift positions. Unable to do so alone, she relied on Chu Lingxuan for assistance in turning over and massaging her legs.
Her sleep was disturbed, requiring her to turn over a dozen times a night. Her restlessness affected Chu Lingxuan’s sleep as well.
Observing Chu Lingxuan being pushed to the edge of the bed by her bulging belly, Chen Feng suggested, “You won’t rest well here; you’ll be tired for court tomorrow. Why don’t you sleep in the adjacent room and have a maid keep me company?”
Chu Lingxuan, gently touching her large belly, sympathetically remarked, “I may not rest well, but you are enduring so much suffering. Initially, I was happy about the twins, but now I realize that it would have been better to give birth one at a time, easing your burden.”
Before reaching seven months of pregnancy, Chu Lingxuan delighted in seeing Chen Feng’s growing belly, especially feeling the babies move. However, as her belly expanded and her skin stretched, his worries deepened.
Chen Feng sighed, “We can’t control how many we bear; having to deliver both at once leaves us no choice.” She added with a smile, “But I still prefer twins, despite the hardships. Instantly having two more children is wonderful. I love having many children; it brings liveliness to the home.”
Chu Lingxuan agreed, “Having many children is great, and I enjoy it too. But seeing you suffer pains my heart.”
In the darkness, Chu Lingxuan heard Chen Feng’s soft hum and asked, “Is the little one moving again?”
“Mm.” Chen Feng whispered. Currently, the fetal movements in her belly were causing her immense discomfort.
Chu Lingxuan gently caressed the swollen bump, feeling a surge of excitement upon touching it, now wishing he could flatten it.
To distract Chen Feng, Chu Lingxuan softly conversed with her. He then mentioned, “Oh, I forgot to tell you, Father has sent a letter. He has already named the children. For boys, he hopes they embody the martial prowess of Guan Yu and the literary genius of Zhu Geming, naming them Chu Siyu and Chu Siming. For girls, as the Chu family’s girls are as precious as jade and pearls, they will be called Chu Hanyu and Chu Hanzhu.”
“Si” denotes the generational rank in the Chu family, while “Han” was chosen to match the name of Chu Hanyan from the previous generation.
Chen Feng was touched, appreciating the thoughtfulness of Marquis Chu. The comparison to jade and pearls indicated his fondness for girls and how they were treasured. With such a doting grandfather, even if she bore girls, she felt less burdened.
Since Chen Feng’s pregnancy began, old Marqui Chu would often talk about his great-grandsons, firmly believing that she carried two boys. When he noticed the bright colors of the children’s clothes, he would grumble, “Clearly they’re boys, why dress them in such attire? Too extravagant, not pleasing to the eye…”
Although the patriarch may not have intended it, his remarks inadvertently added to the pressure Chen Feng felt.
On the 29th, after a midday break, Mrs. Wang left early to see their new house. Finally alone, Chen Feng managed to dismiss the maids and entered her inner space.
Upon seeing Chen Feng, Golden Swallow was startled, covering his small pointed beak with his wings. His eyes widened as he exclaimed, “Haven’t seen you in a few days, and Mommy’s belly has grown again. Oh my, it’s gotten so big, it’s scary.”
Sitting in a chair, Chen Feng chuckled, “Can the baby tell if it’s a little brother or sister now?”