Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
As the year neared its end, Qin Zhenzhen stood on the brink of giving birth.
Su Bin couldnât shake off his concerns. In ancient times, medical advancements were limited, and the process of childbirth was akin to navigating the gates of hell. Despite Qin Zhenzhenâs reassurances, asserting her expertise as a doctor and her commitment to ensuring her safety, Su Bin remained anxious.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
He turned to the elderly woman attending to Qin Zhenzhen and said, âIf
Madam shows any signs of going into labor, inform me immediately.â
His desire was to remain by his wifeâs side throughout the process.
The midwife explained, âWhile we can estimate the due date, itâs not an exact science. Some deliveries happen one to ten days early, while others are delayed by the same margin.â
Therefore, in the ten days leading up to the expected delivery date, Su Bin felt on edge every day.
Contrarily, Qin Zhenzhen remained unfazed. Being a doctor herself, she meticulously managed her nutrition during pregnancy to ensure the babyâs health. The fetal position was normal, making a straightforward delivery likely. Additionally, she had access to spirit water to alleviate the pain, making the birthing process comparatively more manageable.
Despite this, Qin Zhenzhen did not object to Su Binâs insistence on being present during her delivery. However, she couldnât help but wonder if Su Bin might consider expanding their family further, having witnessed how smoothly she navigated childbirth.
This seemed like an easy task. When the time arrived, Qin Zhenzhen planned to feign cries of pain.
Imitating the agonizing screams of TV childbirth scenes wasnât a daunting challenge for her.
Amused by the thought, Qin Zhenzhen felt a smile tugging at her lips.
Su Bin inquired, âWife, whatâs bringing you such joy?â
Qin Zhenzhen countered, âI am on the verge of becoming a mother. Isnât that cause for celebration?â
Su Bin embraced her tenderly. âIâm happy too.â
Indeed, he was happy, but beneath the surface, worry lingered.
Yet, he refrained from voicing his concerns. His priority was shielding his wife from any burdens or apprehensions.
But Qin Zhenzhen, perceptive as ever, didnât let his facade go unnoticed. She maintained a gentle smile and asked, âI wonder if our child will arrive earlier or later?â
She had already deduced the likely birth date before the auction, predicting it to be around the end of the first month, just past the 15th Lantern Festival.
Su Bin gazed at her affectionately. âI hope our little one will be punctual and not keep us waiting.â
In this way, they could adorn the courtyard with lanterns and engage in lantern riddles together.
His wifeâs riddles were unique, often requiring his thoughtful contemplation despite his sharp intellect. Conversely, Su Binâs riddles werenât simple either, occasionally leaving his astute wife stumped.
This year, as in the past, they would engage in a friendly competition. They would determine who could outwit the other with clever riddles.
However, when the moment arrived, Su Bin intended to devise simpler riddles. It wouldnât be apparent that he was intentionally making it easy for his wife to claim victory.
If, by chance, the child arrived before the Lantern Festival, Su Bin would accept it. During that time, his wife would be in confinement, unable to leave her room. He would join her, spending the Lantern Festival within the confines of their room.
âBy the way, wife, I just received a letter from my fourth brother and the others. They mentioned planning to join us to celebrate the new year.â
âMy fourth, fifth, and third brothers.â
âWhile my second brother and your fourth brother are nearby, they are bound by military rules, preventing them from taking leave to visit family. Otherwise, weâd have even more company.â
Initially, their eldest sister and brother-in-law expressed a desire to join the celebration, but considering the pregnancy of their eldest sister and the tender age of their child, Su Bin convinced them to reconsider the long journey.
Given that Shanglin Prefecture had recently found its footing, there would be ample opportunities for reunions in the future.
Qin Zhenzhen, wearing a smile, remarked, âTraveling long distances with children can be a bit challenging. Even my eldest brother and second brother contemplated coming but eventually abandoned the idea.â
âOnly Third Brother, who remains unmarried, can easily make the journey..â