Chapter 7: A person in joyous occasions feels invigorated

It has been quite a long time since the Zhao family welcomed a male heir, and the birth of Zhao Dezhiao is a momentous occasion for the entire Zhao clan

On both banks of the Bian River, the population is dense, with houses standing tall and close together, filled with tea houses, taverns, foot shops, silk stores, inns, butcher shops, temples, and public offices, among others. They are stacked at varying heights, and from time to time, one can see smoke rising from the chimneys of the houses, creating an intoxicating atmosphere of vitality. In the streets, merchants, scholars, officials, and travelers of all kinds weave through the bustling crowd. With farmers, artisans, and merchants, as well as representatives of various schools of thought, everything is present, making it a scene of extraordinary liveliness.

A few hours after Zhao Dezhiao was born, he seemed to awaken from a slumber that lasted for centuries, in fact, he was roused by the sound of the door being pushed open

It turns out that Uncle San and Uncle Xiao have arrived! The wind is strong outside, come in quickly," said He, who was lying in bed

Zhao Kuangyi tapped his fourth brother on the head and said, "You were also wrinkled when you were born... quite unattractive."

Zhao Kuangmei took the child from Xiang'er’s hands

Sigh, I wonder if Tokyo is aware of this? The He family hopes that the news will reach Tokyo sooner.

"You little monkey, saying the child is ugly, look how you've made the child cry..." At this moment, Zhao Kuangyi wished he could go up and give the little brother a beating, but since he was still holding the child in his arms, he handed the child over to the nearby maid, Xiang'er

"This is five taels of silver, no need for change." Zhao Kuangyin took out a piece of good-quality broken silver from the guard.

In ancient times, the speed at which news traveled from Luoyang to Tokyo was surprisingly fast

Then fine, just bring me the best one! That kite, the bamboo dragonfly... all the toys that children use, bring me one of each!

Zhao Kuangyi replied to his second sister-in-law, saying: "Sister-in-law and the librarian, the servants in the manor have already hastened their journey to the city of Dongjing. At this very moment, I believe that father and elder brother have already received the good news."

Spanning the Bian River is a grand wooden arch bridge, characterized by its intricate structure and elegant form. In the poet's words, it resembles a flying rainbow, hence it is called the "Rainbow Bridge"; it is perhaps the most iconic building in Tokyo.

"Who is speaking ill of me?" At this moment, Zhao Dezhang, who was in Zhao Kuangyi's arms, expressed strong protest upon hearing this and began to cry.

Seeing that the child in Xiang'er’s arms had stopped crying, Zhao Kuangmei opened her arms, wanting to go up and hold the child, "The baby is no longer crying, Second Sister-in-law, let me hold him for a moment..."

I remember I didn't fall from the cliff. Are they going to send me to the hospital? I'm not dead yet, but why do I feel so tired? Did I lose a lot of blood? I have no strength left in my body. How badly am I injured? Uh... Zhao Dezhao yawned, and then he continued to fall into a deep sleep under his heavy eyelids.

"This is a serious matter... Quickly go and inform the master and the second young master, the young mistress has... given birth..." Then those guards hurriedly ran towards the main hall

Hold me for a moment

"Keep your word, your sister-in-law has given birth to a son. You just got promoted to the position of the Imperial Guard's Deputy Commander. I was planning to inform you shortly, but as it happens, I have already notified Cao Bin and a few other brothers. Tonight, we will gather at my brother's residence for a drink, so the brothers can come together and have a lively time!" Zhao Kuangyin said with a smile.

Father, I am going to the city to take a stroll and see what items are suitable for children. Zhao Kuangyin left the residence, accompanied by two guards, heading towards the market

Sister-in-law, please do not mock Kuang Mei; I have not held a child yet! I also do not know if this is how one holds a child.

Then the younger brother will respectfully comply! Shi Shouxin cupped his hands, but even he found the pretense amusing.

Perhaps Zhao Kuangmei's movements while holding the child were too vigorous, causing the child in her arms to wake up, flailing its little arms and legs restlessly. At this moment, Zhao Dezhao could hear the voices of little boys around him, desperately trying to open his eyes, but everything was shrouded in darkness, and no matter how hard he tried, he could not succeed. His eyes remained closed, yet he could still faintly hear some sounds from his surroundings. Zhao Dezhao could hear the voices of little boys around him, desperately trying to open his eyes, but everything was shrouded in darkness, and no matter how hard he tried, he could not succeed. His eyes remained closed, yet he could still faintly hear some sounds from his surroundings

The wheels of the car rumble, the horses whinny...

"Good boy, nephew..." Zhao Kuangmei coaxed the child just like Xiang'er, gently patting the child's side with her small hand

Store, how much is this rattle?

As Zhao Kuangyin and the other two were about to prepare to return to their residence, a tall and sturdy man approached from the side

On the night before the birth, Zhao Kuangyi and Zhao Kuangmei wanted to see the newly born baby. In ancient times, men were held in high regard while women were considered inferior. During childbirth, it was believed that the presence of women brought a heavy atmosphere of impurity, and men were not allowed to enter the delivery room. Seeing the red blood was considered inauspicious, as ancient superstitions held that if a man entered the room, it could adversely affect the male members of the household, leading to potential calamities involving blood.

"Is the child hungry? Or is it wet?" Zhao Kuangyi asked the maid Xiang'er

Who has come outside

After wandering around the market, the three of them had their hands full with various children's items. However, Zhao Kuangyin originally intended to buy some more children's supplies, but his hands were simply too full to manage.

Zhao Kuangyin picked up the items he needed to procure and asked, "How much silver do these items cost, shopkeeper?"

After struggling for a long time, I decided to give up.

"Sister-in-law, it is me and Kuang Mei; we have come to see the child," Zhao Kuangyi said from outside, while Zhao Kuangmei directly pushed the door open and entered.

When one encounters joyful events, the spirit is uplifted, this statement is indeed true

Li Yuanchang, quickly go and inform the servants at the residence to hurry and buy some gifts and dishes, as I want to host a proper dinner for relatives and friends tonight

Good class, military officer! In total, there are three taels and three coins

What a lovely child, he really resembles his brother and sister-in-law! Zhao Kuangyi picked up his nephew from the side maid and examined him closely. At this moment, Zhao Kuangyi was still a young boy, not yet the scheming man he would later become

Around noon, in the city of Tokyo, located a hundred miles to the east, after a night and a half of swift riding, Zhao Hongyin and Zhao Kuangyin from the Zhao residence in Tokyo finally received the news

With a chuckle, He Shi on the bed laughed at her little uncle's words

Zhao Kuangyin and his companions walked across the bridge, their eyes catching sight of the merchant ships traveling north and south along the Bian River. They listened to the bare-chested boatmen strenuously humming their songs as they pulled the tow ropes along the riverbank. However, such a scene has rarely been witnessed a thousand years later

In fact, you are also a child! Usually, He always jokes with his little uncle.

Who says I can't...

Where is this! Why are there men and women talking! What is this about brothers and sisters-in-law, and why do I feel like I'm being held in someone's arms? Whose embrace am I lying in? It feels so uncomfortable. Zhao Dezhiao expressed a series of sentiments, his mind inexplicably wandering.

The market is somewhat distant from the Zhao residence. Under normal circumstances, Zhao Kuangyin would never personally visit such places, but today the news is simply too delightful: Zhao He and his wife have had a son. No matter what, he must go in person this time.

The markets in the city of Tokyo are always the most bustling, with small vendors lining the streets

Xiang'er checked the child's condition; there was no wet diaper, and she had just fed him milk and water. She gently coaxed the child in her arms, "My little one, grow up quickly! Be good, oh oh oh!" Then, upon hearing a woman's voice, Zhao Dezhiao stopped crying.

You worthless rock! Zhao Kuangyin chuckled and said, Let's go to my brother's residence together now

Thus, the next morning, unable to contain their curiosity, the two of them got out of bed, quickly washed up, and after having a simple breakfast, hurried to the backyard

At this moment, Zhao Hongyin and Zhao Kuangyin were both in the hall, having just finished their lunch and engaged in conversation. Suddenly, a guard entered at the door to report.

Zhao Guangmei saw the baby in the arms of Third Brother and pouted, saying: "The child looks so ugly, not beautiful at all..."

"Brother Zhao, you are carrying so many bags, what is this for?" Then looking at Zhao Kuangyin and the guards beside him, all three were holding items meant for children. "Has sister-in-law given birth? Is it a boy or a girl?"

Is that so, sister-in-law! I... I feel embarrassed by what you said. Zhao Kuangmei smiled shyly, feeling a bit bashful.

... ...

Congratulations, brother! I, being a rough person, cannot be of much help. Please share some of the things with me!" said Shi Shouxin

For elderly individuals in their fifties, reaching old age and experiencing the joy of a grandson, being able to enjoy family life at home and share in the happiness of family is of utmost importance. This grandson is a delightful surprise for him; there was one before, but unfortunately, it did not last. However, now both mother and child are safe, and Zhao Hongyin hopes that his grandson will grow up safely and inherit the Zhao family's business at an early age

It is! My lord!

This military officer, this one costs three wen each, while that one over there, which has a nice design, costs ten wen each

"My lord, Erlang Jun, Zhao Xin has just rushed here from Luoyang, bringing great news! The young lady and her child are safe! Here is the family letter; I extend my congratulations to both of you!" After saying this, he handed the letter to Zhao Hongyin

When the guard at the Zhao residence saw Zhao Xin and the other guards before him, combined with the significant matters that the master and the second young master had been discussing in the residence over the past few days, he likely had an idea of what was happening

"Pfft, Uncle, how can you hold a child like that? Look, you've woken the child up!"

Meanwhile, Zhao Kuangmei, unable to contain her curiosity, also leaned over towards Zhao Kuangyi, saying, "Third Brother, I want to see the child that Second Sister-in-law gave birth to."

Therefore, on the night of childbirth, men are not allowed to enter the delivery room

"Kuang Mei, can you hold the child?" Next to her, San Ge Zhao Kuangyin expressed great confusion

"That's wonderful! Mother and child are safe. Quickly go to the steward with Zhao Xin and collect your reward!" Zhao Hongyin waved his hand, and the guard hurried off to receive his reward.

In the evening, the Zhao residence in Tokyo was bustling with excitement, as family and guests alike were all smiles, celebrating the arrival of a grandson in the old Zhao family. That day, Old Zhao and Young Zhao drank to the point of complete intoxication.

"Oh! Is that so? Then I can rest assured." The woman on the bed responded softly, perhaps recalling the past, remembering the child who had passed away too soon. He Shi coughed heavily, wishing that the child could grow up safely, unlike his elder brother.

Thank you, sir. We look forward to your next visit! The shopkeeper accepted it with a beaming smile.

Ultimately, it is the message that matters. Zhao Xin, accompanied by several guards, hurriedly made his way to the Zhao family residence in Tokyo, panting heavily, his face resembling that of a red-faced pig, akin to that of Guan Gong.