Chapter 112: Mrs. Zhao’s Pregnancy

To Zhao, Miao Suwen’s words sounded more beautiful than celestial music. Her eyes widened, and she scrambled up from the kang, grabbing Miao Suwen’s hand. "Sister, what did you say? Are you saying I’m... pregnant?"

Zhao felt her whole body trembling, her voice quivering as she spoke. Ever since Wenxi was born, she had longed and prayed to conceive again. Yet, for five years, there had been no sign, and she had all but given up hope. Hearing Miao Suwen confirm her pregnancy now left her in a state of indescribable emotion.

Seeing Zhao’s agitation, Miao Suwen quickly helped her lie back down. "Third Sister-in-law, you must lie down and rest. Your body was already weakened and hasn't fully recovered yet. This pregnancy has come quickly, and your body is struggling to keep up. You must take care of yourself now; you cannot afford to overexert. The child has only been conceived for about a month—this is the most critical time."

"Third Sister-in-law, in your current state, it’s best to rest on the kang for a while and ensure you eat well. Your pulse is quite unstable; you truly need to consume nourishing food," Miao Suwen advised.

In the Gu household, Zhao was never valued, and Li took every opportunity to oppress her. Even recently, though Li dared not bully Zhao’s family openly due to the pressure from Great-Uncle Seven, she still resorted to underhanded tactics. Li controlled the household’s food, and the portions she allotted to Zhao and her daughter were never enough.

Zhao, doting on her daughter, would always save a portion of her own food for the child, leaving her malnourished. This was why her reaction to the pregnancy had been so severe, nearly causing her to faint. Miao Suwen was well aware of the situation in the Gu house, though she found it difficult to speak plainly about it.

"Sister-in-law, you heard what Sister Miao said. Remember, you must listen and rest properly. You aren't young anymore, and it took so much effort to conceive this time—you absolutely must take care of yourself. If you can give birth to a boy this time, you’ll have someone to rely on for the rest of your life," Zhao’s sister-in-law said, her eyes welling with tears.

"I’m going back to tell Mother so she can come and see you. This is wonderful news!" The Gu family had treated Zhao poorly for years, and while her natal family knew of it, the fact that Zhao had given birth to four daughters in a row made it difficult for them to intervene. Now that they knew she was pregnant again, her sister-in-law was overjoyed.

After speaking, Zhao’s sister-in-law turned to leave but paused after two steps. "Wenfang, Wenfei, you are the older sisters and your mother’s helpers. From today on, you must look after her. Help with the chores so she can rest. I’m going to tell your grandmother not to assign your mother any work for now."

As she spoke, she took a small pouch from her pocket. "Wenfang, take this money and use it to buy something nourishing for your mother." She pressed the pouch into Wenfang’s hand.

"Sister-in-law, I can’t take your money! Wenfang, give it back to your aunt," Zhao said, panic rising as she tried to sit up again. "I have a little bit left; I can’t take your money."

Her sister-in-law waved her off. "Just lie down and don't talk nonsense. Consider this money from Mother; I’ll settle it with her when I get back. She’ll be so happy to hear the news. I won’t stay; I’m going to inform your mother-in-law and then head home." With that, she departed.

Wenfang clutched the pouch, knowing there was no money at home. Her mother’s poor health was clearly due to a lack of nutrition, and she needed good food to ensure the baby’s health.

Wenfei, clever and sharp, followed her aunt to the East Wing. She intended to secure some concessions for her mother, hoping to get some proper food. With her mother pregnant, they couldn't go on as they had before.

Entering the main room of the East Wing, Zhao’s sister-in-law smiled brightly. "Auntie, congratulations! The Gu family is about to welcome a new member. My sister-in-law isn't ill; she is with child. This is a joyous occasion for the Gu family!"

The others in the room were stunned. Second Aunt Gu clapped her hands, laughing, "Wonderful! A double blessing—the eldest daughter is getting married, and now the third daughter-in-law is pregnant!"

Everyone else chimed in with praise. Li, sitting on the kang, was dazed. The third daughter-in-law hadn't been pregnant for five years—was this real? She didn't think Zhao had the guts to lie, so it must be true.

In truth, Li didn't care if Zhao was pregnant. It was easier to bully a woman without a son. If Zhao had a son, Li wouldn't be able to boss her around as easily. However, Li dared not show this. She forced a smile, "This is truly wonderful news. I never expected it."

Zhao’s sister-in-law, sensing Li’s discomfort, kept her own composure. "Auntie, the doctor said my sister-in-law is severely weakened and needs nourishing food. She needs to rest on the kang for a month or two. We can't risk this pregnancy."

"Auntie, you’ve always been kind. I’m going to be bold and ask—could you provide some eggs and meat for her? Surely the child in her belly is a descendant of the Gu family too?" Zhao’s sister-in-law wasn't someone to be trifled with. By speaking up now, she made it impossible for Li to refuse without confirming her reputation as a cruel mother-in-law.

Li’s face darkened with suppressed anger. She wanted to argue, but with the various relatives and neighbors present, she had no choice but to yield. "Of course, that’s only right. Third daughter-in-law is part of the Gu family. Eldest daughter-in-law, go get twenty eggs and two catties of white flour for her. She has a stove in her room; let her cook what she needs to maintain her health."

"Also," Li added, "she is not to do any work for now. You sisters-in-law must help out."

The crowd praised Li for her benevolence. Though Li inwardly lamented the cost of the eggs and flour, she kept a smiling face.

Wenfei, fearing the grandmother might change her mind, took the eggs and flour, thanked her sweetly, and hurried back to her mother.

Li’s frustration simmered, but she could not express it. "Eldest daughter-in-law, is dinner ready? Let’s eat."

Second Aunt Gu, seeing that Zhao would be safe for the time being, stood up. "Sister-in-law, we won't stay for dinner. We have menfolk at home waiting. We’ll be off now."

As she led her daughters-in-law out, Second Aunt Gu whispered to Feng, "If you ever have time, come visit us. Honestly, I don't like coming here; if not for the wedding, I wouldn't have stepped through that door."

Feng smiled, appreciating the directness. She watched them leave, feeling a sense of relief for Zhao.