Chapter 1: The Birth of the Dragon and Phoenix
Xiao was generally aware of the schemes in Shen Mama's heart. Since she was his wet nurse and always considered his interests, he did not overly blame her. He simply said: "Mama, you must not act this way in the future. No matter what, the eldest daughter is still the master's daughter, and she should not be bullied by the servants."
Not long after she had fallen asleep, a maid named Qiushui came in to report that Concubine Zhu and Concubine Fang from the western courtyard had come to congratulate the madam
Mother Wang dared not bring up this topic again, so she could only pick up something to make the Wang family happy and talk about it
Upon hearing this, Judge Zhang immediately understood that the Lord Xie mentioned by this person must be Lord Xie Shuyuan, the governor of Yangzhou.
Originally unaware that Madam Xie had a twin, only one portion was prepared; however, the old servant has already arranged for another portion to be prepared.
She fainted directly from fright
After Xiao reluctantly drank a few sips of soup, he anxiously said, "Where is the child? Bring him to me so I can take a look."
Qiu Shui dismissed the two concubines and then went back to Xiao Shi. Seeing that Xiao Shi looked fairly well, Shen Momo took the opportunity while she was still awake to inform her of the events that had transpired in the residence over the past few days
Generally speaking, even if a lady is ill, the household would typically have the nurse or steward take care of her, rather than the concubine. The reason Jiang, the concubine, is in charge of the household is that she is the legitimate cousin of the master.
Please forgive me, my lady. I have noticed that you are about to take action in the coming days, and I do not wish to trouble you with these trivial matters. After all, Madam Shen is the wet nurse of the Xiao family. If this matter with Concubine Jiang reaches the master, it would bring her shame, and she would no longer dare to covet the position of housekeeper in the future
With that said, the Xiao family must truly be in high spirits now
When Xie Qingxi opened her eyes, she found everything before her to be a dull gray. Startled, she thought there was something wrong with her eyes. But then someone gave her a hard slap on the backside, and as she opened her mouth to shout, what came out instead was the sound of a baby's cry.
The beauty said while swaying: "Our little girl surely knows that it is her mother, how clever she is"
Because the doctor had already mentioned during the pulse diagnosis that the lady was expecting twins, preparations were made early on for two sets of small blankets and clothes. However, no one anticipated that it would be one boy and one girl.
The person distributing the eggs was beaming with joy, and those who were unaware might have thought that his wife had given birth to a son. He exclaimed loudly, "I suppose Lord Zhang is still unaware, but last night, Lady Xie gave birth to a pair of twins, a boy and a girl. This is indeed a rare and joyous occasion."
It must be said that Aunt Jiang is truly unreasonable. After all, the young lady is the legitimate daughter of the master. If she continues to impose such harshness on the young lady, the master would surely be displeased if he were to find out. There are still some words that Nurse Shen has yet to express; in her view, Jiang is indeed too petty. A single ginseng can be worth a few taels of silver. In her opinion, if Jiang truly knew how to conduct herself, she should have sent that decades-old ginseng to Concubine Fang's quarters when the young lady first fell ill, thus maintaining her dignity in front of the master.
The two maids, Hongyun and Yiyun, quickly went to the warm chamber beside Xiao's side and brought over the two young masters who had been sleeping.
After a while, the maid Qiuqing beside the Xiao family delivered two decades-old ginseng roots to Aunt Fang's courtyard, and Aunt Fang expressed her gratitude profusely.
Madam Zhang, of the Wang family, was reclining at the kang table, while a pretty young girl knelt at her feet, giving her a foot massage. Standing beside her was Mama Wang, a maid she had brought from her family home, who was considered her most trusted confidante in the household
The Xiao family has been able to maintain a loving relationship with Xie Shuyuan for such a long time, naturally understanding the temperament of their master, who is most cautious and self-restrained, fearing to give others a reason to tarnish the reputation of their elder. This is evident in how he can act in such a manner, indicating that he is indeed quite pleased.
"Dragon and phoenix twins." At this moment, Judge Zhang could not help but be astonished. It is already quite rare to see twins, let alone dragon and phoenix twins. Such occurrences are considered auspicious everywhere. No wonder the usually cautious and reserved Lord Xie would make such a high-profile announcement of red eggs in the government office this time.
Wang inquired: "Is it possible to prepare the washing ceremony gifts for the two young masters of the Xie family?"
Last night, Xiao gave birth to a son and a daughter with all her strength, and now, in the afternoon, she has just woken up. As she awakens, the nurse beside her helps her sit up, and the nourishing soup that had been prepared earlier is now served to her.
With a single sentence, Xiao has already reduced Aunt Jiang to the dust; no matter that she is the legitimate cousin of the master, she is now nothing more than a servant.
Mother, although Xie Qingxi is somewhat aware of her current situation, she feels a bit embarrassed upon suddenly seeing such a young mother. However, this little infant's body is truly too fragile; after barely opening her eyes for a few minutes, she is already falling asleep again
The main residence of Madam Xie, the Xiao family, known as Zhilan Courtyard, has returned to its usual tranquility after the disturbances of last night, with even the maid sweeping silently attending to her own tasks
It was indeed Granny Shen who advised her: "It is said among the people that twins of dragon and phoenix are an auspicious sign. The master has ordered the distribution of porridge, which is also a way for the common folk to share in the joy of our children."
"What you are doing is rather too harsh, especially since these two children are still so young." Although her heart was filled with sweetness, Xiao still said this.
Xiao's affection grew stronger as she looked at them, and she naturally understood that the twins were an auspicious sign, wishing she could reach out and hold them. Beside her, Hongyun, who was always sweet-tongued, spoke up: "Madam, the master ordered the gates of the residence to be opened early this morning, and he is distributing porridge outside, saying it is to accumulate blessings for our two little masters."
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After Xiao gave birth, her once charming and lively demeanor became quite lethargic. A hint of displeasure appeared on her pale face as she said: "Tell them that I have fallen asleep again."
Old Madam Shen pointed decisively at the blue package and said it was the young master, while the young lady was wrapped in the purple blanket.
At this moment, Mrs. Zhang, being in her own home, wore not even a perfunctory smile on her face; instead, a sense of bitterness welled up from within her. The Xiao family, like her, also hailed from the capital. Although there was a slight age difference between them, they had only met a few times in the capital and were not well acquainted. Now that they had arrived in Suzhou, their families had become familiar due to the hierarchical relationship between their respective masters.
Mrs. Zhang has only two daughters, and now nearing forty, she has lost all hope of having a legitimate son. Now, seeing that the Xiao family not only has two legitimate sons but also has a pair of twins, it truly makes one envious.
Upon hearing this, Qiu Shui understood immediately; the madam was impatient to see the concubines. However, it is also understandable, even with the madam's good temperament, she would not want these concubines bouncing around her right after giving birth.
Xiao smiled slightly, but still said: "Madam, you too, since the young lady is unwell, you should have informed me."
However, given the status of Aunt Jiang, her inability to conduct herself properly actually benefits the Madam
At this moment, Aunt Zhu and Aunt Fang were sitting in the main hall outside. As Qiu Shui came out, she respectfully said: "Ladies, the madam has just woken up for a while, but she has eaten something and is now asleep again. If you would like, you may return for now. Once the madam wakes up, I will certainly inform you."
Due to Xiao's body still not having recovered and lacking strength, she did not dare to hold the child in her arms, and could only let the maid bring the child closer for her to take a few glances. The two wrinkled, rosy little ones, resembling little monkeys, had their eyes closed, making it impossible to discern their features.
Aunt Zhu has always been straightforward and candid. She tugged at the handkerchief in her hand and awkwardly smiled, saying, "Well, it seems we have come at an inopportune time."
Old Madam Shen looked at the somewhat pale-faced Madam Xiao with a hint of sympathy and said, "Madam, you have truly worked hard. It must be time for you to be hungry after sleeping for so long. This is the soup that I specially had them prepare for you; it is the most nourishing."
***
At this moment, the center of heated discussions in the city, the Xie family, remains remarkably calm. The maids and servants coming and going exhibit composure and restraint, showing not the slightest hint of restlessness
I heard that the Xie family has been distributing porridge since early morning. In the past, the Xiao family never provided porridge during the festivals, fearing it would attract criticism for trying to win the people's hearts. Now, however, they no longer have such concerns. Mrs. Zhang sighed and added, "All this fortune seems to have fallen upon her alone."
Upon seeing him, the person who was distributing red eggs said, "Lord Zhang has arrived, quickly bring some red eggs to share in the festive spirit"
Aunt Fang is a straightforward person. Currently, the master’s eldest daughter, whom she has raised, is only five years old. Originally, Aunt Zhu intended to come over, but she did not want to trouble the madam. However, the eldest daughter has been running a slight fever these past few days. Although a doctor has already been called to examine her, the doctor stated that the medicine requires ginseng as an ingredient. She sent her maid to fetch some from Aunt Jiang, the housekeeper, but to her surprise, what was brought back was merely a few coins' worth of residue. In the end, she used her own money to buy a packet of ginseng slices from outside. Although a doctor has already been called to examine her, the doctor stated that the medicine requires ginseng as an ingredient. She sent her maid to fetch some from Aunt Jiang, the housekeeper, but to her surprise, what was brought back was merely a few coins' worth of residue. In the end, she used her own money to buy a packet of ginseng slices from outside.
Suzhou is the location of the official government offices of Suzhou Prefecture, as well as the office of the Suzhou Governor-General. Therefore, in addition to the Governor of Suzhou, the two Governors-General on either side also work in Suzhou year-round. At this time, the Left Governor-General, Zhang, also received the news that the Xie family had given birth to a pair of twins, a boy and a girl.
Zhang, the magistrate, is a person who values propriety. After receiving the items, he did not forget to inquire: "May I ask which lady has been blessed with a son, so that I may send my wife to offer her congratulations"
Madam Shen was the wet nurse of the Xiao family. After the marriage of the Xiao family, she accompanied her and the children to the Xie family. When Xie Shuyuan was assigned to Suzhou, the Xiao family was concerned that the journey would be too exhausting for her, and initially intended for her to enjoy a life of ease in the capital. However, Madam Shen was resolutely unwilling and insisted on coming to Suzhou to take care of her, so the Xiao family had no choice but to comply with her wishes
Previously, the madam, due to her pregnancy with twins and her poor health, entrusted the household affairs to Aunt Jiang. However, with Aunt Jiang's domineering nature, the management was far from the fairness exhibited by the madam. Consequently, the lives of the concubines over the past six months have been considerably less comfortable than during the time of the madam's management.
If this were at Judge Zhang's home, he would probably have to set off two more firecrackers
When she opened her eyes again, she saw a plain face looking at her, with a pair of beautiful, water-like eyes that were truly stunning. She liked beautiful people, especially those as lively as this one.
Saying this, she no longer hesitated to reach out and embrace her, but she placed the child on the cotton blanket, carefully supporting her small body, and with a maid nearby constantly watching, she was not afraid of dropping her
In just one night, the people of Suzhou city learned that the wife of Governor Xie had given birth to a pair of twins, a dragon and a phoenix. Early in the morning, the servants of the Xie family were already distributing porridge at the door, claiming it was to accumulate good fortune for the two newly born young masters.
Inside the Suzhou Prefectural Yamen, as Judge Zhang entered, he saw red eggs being distributed everywhere. He found it strange, as he had not heard of any lady recently expecting a child.
Mother Wang naturally understood the thoughts in Wang's heart, but when it comes to this child's matters, one really has to believe in that saying: what is not meant to be will not come to pass.
Immediately afterward, she heard the beauty speak, pointing at her and saying to the person beside her: "Mother, look, our sister is watching me with her eyes open."
After looking for a long time, she finally asked: "Which one is the boy, and which one is the girl?"
Previously, the Xiao family had given birth twice, both times attended by Nurse Shen, and naturally, this time was no exception. However, this time, they gave birth to a pair of twins, a dragon and a phoenix, and the delivery process was even more difficult than the first time.