Chapter 32: Fetal Movement

Zhuzi calmly took the bowl of buns from the basket.

“Grandma, Sister said these buns are soft and fluffy after steaming. They’re perfect for you and Grandpa.”

Mother Lin was dubious.

“Did your sister really say that?”

Zhuzi nodded seriously. “Yes.”

Mother Lin looked relieved. “Although she’s a little crazy, she still has a conscience.” She looked at Zhuzi and Zhuangzi. “Tell Tang’er to be more restrained. Being too fierce is bad for a girl’s reputation.”

The brothers nodded obediently.

“Okay.”

…

In the evening, the father and sons returned from work.

Smelling the medicine in the courtyard, they looked worried.

“Is someone sick? Why such a strong smell of medicine?” Song Jinbao asked.

“Second Aunt came to make trouble earlier. Mother was bumped by her and hit the kitchen counter. Tang’er made medicine for Mother to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis.”

Liu Shi, who had been in the kitchen with Song Yuntang, replied.

“Is Mother alright?” Song Jinsheng and Song Jinyuan asked simultaneously.

Zhao Qiao’e, hearing them, came out, supporting her waist. “I’m fine. Tang’er applied ointment, and it doesn’t hurt anymore.”

Song Jinbao frowned and walked towards her.

“Why did she suddenly go crazy again?”

Zhuangzi said, “Second Aunt went straight to the kitchen and wanted to take all our buns. Mother was at the kitchen door. When Sister scared Second Aunt, she bumped into Mother running out of the kitchen.”

Song Jinbao sighed helplessly.

“If she comes again, don’t open the door. Pretend she’s not your sister-in-law.” He asked, “Is Tang’er alright?”

Zhao Qiao’e shook her head. “Tang’er is fine, but Second Sister-in-law looked pretty awful when she left.”

Song Yuntang’s voice came from the kitchen.

“She deserved it.”

That bruise on Ma Zhaolan’s forehead would probably make her eyes swell shut tomorrow.

It wouldn’t heal for ten days or so.

Zhao Qiao’e looked helplessly at the kitchen. “Tang’er, it’s fine to say that to us, but be careful with your words outside.”

Song Yuntang looked indifferent. “I’m not stupid.”

Zhao Qiao’e’s expression softened. “I know our Tang’er is smart. I’ve been looking for matchmakers to find you a husband, I’m afraid your actions will affect your marriage.”

Song Yuntang pursed her lips.

Marriage again!

She was only sixteen. Wasn’t she too young?

After entering the courtyard, Song Jinsheng directly carried his things to Song Yuntang’s room. “Tang’er, look at the good things I brought you.”

Song Yuntang was puzzled when Zhuzi came to her side.

“Sister, go take a look. I’ll do the cooking.”

Zhuzi and Zhuangzi had rarely called the original owner ‘Sister’ in front of her, and she didn’t pay much attention to them.

Perhaps her recent changes had shifted their attitude. They started calling her Sister.

Song Yuntang nodded and stood up from the stove.

“Be careful.”

Zhuzi scratched his head. “I’ve been cooking since I was five.”

Song Yuntang nodded oddly. She had forgotten about this and said nothing more, leaving the kitchen and walking to her room.

Song Jinsheng, seeing Song Yuntang, said expectantly, “Here, I made you a dressing table while I was working with Ma’zi Ge. What do you think, Tang’er?”

It had four legs, two drawers side by side, and a space for a mirror on top. Although simple, every detail was smooth, showing care.

“It looks pretty good.”

Song Jinsheng chuckled. “The copper mirror is too expensive; otherwise, I would have gotten a complete set for Tang’er.”

“No rush. We can get it when we have more money.” Song Yuntang smiled at him. “Thank you, Second Brother.”

She rarely smiled; her expression was usually calm.

Seeing her bright smile, Song Jinsheng was momentarily stunned, then patted her head.

“Don’t be so polite with your own brother. Is there anything else you want? I can make it while I’m still working with Ma’zi Ge.”

“There is one thing.” Song Yuntang didn’t hesitate, pulling out a piece of paper from under her pillow. “Can Second Brother make this? I was going to ask Ma’zi Ge to custom-make it.”

Song Jinsheng examined the drawing, looking at Song Yuntang.

“Is this a medicine box?”

“Yes.” Song Yuntang nodded.

Song Jinsheng took the paper, patting his chest. “Don’t worry, leave it to me.”

Song Yuntang smiled knowingly.

“Looking forward to Second Brother’s good news.”

Dinner was plentiful, with meat buns and congee.

Since there were only six buns, Song Jinsheng and Song Yuntang, who had eaten half a bun at noon, shared one. Song Jinbao and Song Jinyuan shared one, and the others had one each.

Even half a bun with congee was much more satisfying than just congee.

After dinner, Song Yuntang filled a basin with warm water, washed the sweat from her body, and changed into clean clothes.

At such times, she longed for the showers and bathtubs of her previous life.

There were no bathrooms here. Even going to the toilet was precarious, let alone after.

The leaves were giving her PTSD.

Putting her clothes in the basin, she opened the door and saw Liu Shi standing outside.

Seeing someone suddenly, Song Yuntang was startled but quickly calmed down.

“Big Sister-in-law, what are you doing at my door?”

Liu Shi awkwardly took the basin, putting it aside, then pulled Song Yuntang into the room.

“Tang’er, I have a question.”

Song Yuntang nodded. “Ask.”

Liu Shi gently touched her belly. Perhaps due to the better food lately, it wasn’t as flat as before.

“I heard from Tian shi next door that her child kicked when she was four months pregnant. I’m four and a half months, but there’s no movement.”

Song Yuntang reached out. “Give me your hand.”

Liu Shi obediently gave her hand.

Song Yuntang felt her pulse, then withdrew her hand.

“You’re healthy, and the baby is healthy. There’s nothing wrong.”

Liu Shi was still worried. “Why isn’t it moving?”

“It’ll happen eventually.” Song Yuntang looked at Liu Shi, then placed her hand on Liu Shi’s belly, gently stroking it. “Little sleepyhead, if you don’t move, your mother will worry herself sick.”

As soon as she finished speaking, she felt something bump her palm.

It was light but clear.