Wave after wave of pain had already left Zhou Shaojin’s senses somewhat numb. When the midwife placed a piece of soft wood in her mouth and told her to push, she didn’t even know where she was directing her strength. But the room suddenly erupted in cheers: “Born! The baby’s born! It’s a young master!”
Zhou Shaojin had just breathed a sigh of relief when her heart rose again. She asked repeatedly: “Is the baby alright?”
“Fine!” The midwife laughed, followed by a sharp “smack,” and the baby burst into loud wails.
“Look at this child, crying so loudly!” Qiu Shi wiped the sweat-drenched Zhou Shaojin’s forehead with a warm cloth, unable to hide the smile on her face. “He’ll surely be a chubby boy who eats and sleeps well.”
Tears streamed down Zhou Shaojin’s face.
Living two lifetimes, she had finally safely and smoothly given birth to a child and become a mother.
She propped herself up halfway, smiling as she reached out toward the midwife: “Let me see him!”
The midwife smiled: “Madam, please wait a moment.” Then she deftly cleaned the baby.
Fan Liushi and the others weren’t idle either, beginning to help Zhou Shaojin wash and change clothes, wrap her head. Only after Zhou Shaojin was tidied up did they bring over the now clean and neatly dressed little baby.
The child was a red little bundle, eyes closed, with beautifully arching eyelids, a pert little nose, plump rosy lips, and glossy black hair—extremely beautiful.
Zhou Shaojin felt her heart melt.
Qiu Shi exclaimed: “Oh my! How can he be so beautiful! When he grows up, who knows whose daughter he’ll break the heart of!”
Zhou Shaojin couldn’t help but smile, gently touching her son’s soft hair as if stroking the most precious thing in the world, with light hands and bated breath.
A commotion came from outside.
Zhou Shaojin and Qiu Shi looked up to see the curtain lift as Old Lady Guo hurried in with quick steps.
“Where’s the child?” She couldn’t hide the joy between her brows. “Let me see, let me see quickly!”
Qiu Shi carefully picked up the baby and placed him in Old Lady Guo’s arms.
“This child is truly beautiful!” Old Lady Guo smiled until her eyes curved. “Just like Fourth Brother when he was small!”
“Really?” Zhou Shaojin looked up at the child.
It was still unclear who the baby resembled, but if he looked like Cheng Chi, he would surely be handsome.
“Like he was cast from the same mold as Fourth Brother.” Old Lady Guo said with certainty. “If you don’t believe me, just look. In a few days when his features develop, you’ll know.”
Zhou Shaojin smiled faintly.
A maid brought in fermented rice wine.
Qiu Shi personally fed it to her.
How could she trouble Qiu Shi like this!
Zhou Shaojin struggled to sit up.
Qiu Shi immediately supported her: “What’s wrong with it? In terms of seniority, I’m your second sister-in-law. In terms of age, you’re even younger than Ah Sheng. It’s proper for me to care for you.”
Hearing this, Old Lady Guo nodded slightly and said to Zhou Shaojin: “You needn’t be so polite with your second sister-in-law. Just remember her kindness, and in the future when Ah Sheng and the others need help, don’t hesitate to assist them.”
Zhou Shaojin took this to heart.
Old Lady Guo’s gaze fell smiling on the child’s face again. She asked Nanny Lü: “Has someone been sent to deliver the news to Fourth Brother?”
Cheng Chi wouldn’t be able to complete his duties and return to the capital until the end of June. He hadn’t been able to make it back for Zhou Shaojin’s delivery.
Nanny Lü quickly smiled: “As soon as the young master was born, we sent someone by urgent eight-hundred-li dispatch to Kaifeng Prefecture.”
Old Lady Guo nodded with satisfaction.
Nanny Lü was also busy announcing the good news to Zhou Chujin at Apricot Grove Lane, Twin Elm Lane, and Elm Tree Lane, as well as to Cheng Zheng’s in-laws the Xu family, Cheng Zhen’s in-laws the Yuan family, Cheng Sheng’s in-laws the Peng family, and other relatives and friends.
In less than an hour, Zhou Chujin arrived holding Guan Ge’er, and Cheng Sheng arrived holding Rui Ge’er, one after the other.
Shortly after, both Cheng Zheng and Cheng Xiao came with their children.
Aren even ran back and forth in the room with Guan Ge’er.
The room immediately became lively.
Zhou Shaojin could imagine everyone’s expressions even through the screen. Though somewhat noisy, it made her feel warm and close.
She kissed her son’s soft, tender little face. Content and satisfied, she fell asleep.
The days that followed were somewhat hectic.
Nursing for the first time, holding the baby for the first time, coaxing the baby to sleep for the first time… Though maids and servants helped, she worried about him in her heart and couldn’t completely let go.
After finally getting everything organized, Cheng Chi’s letter arrived.
He had chosen the name “Yun” for the child, but didn’t say when he would be able to return.
Zhou Shaojin worried secretly.
But Old Lady Guo nodded repeatedly: “This is an excellent name. ‘A mountain shines when jade is hidden within stone.’ Our Cheng family is precisely at a time when we should keep a low profile and bide our time.”
Zhou Shaojin also thought the name was well chosen.
This was her and Cheng Chi’s first child, and moreover the eldest son. If his temperament was gentle and he could be tolerant of his younger siblings, that would be even better.
Old Lady Guo discussed the full moon celebration with her: “…Why don’t we just invite the family to celebrate together, and when the child reaches his hundredth day, we’ll host relatives and friends. By that time, Fourth Brother will have completed his duties too.”
Zhou Shaojin nodded with a smile: “I’ll follow Mother’s arrangements!”