The dawn of new life ushered in joy, dispersing a modicum of the gloom shrouding the Qin family amidst great upheaval.
Mrs. Qin gazed upon her twin grandsons, her eyes filled with delight tinged with a hint of concern, tears trickling down softly.
If only these twins had arrived a year later, how splendid it would have been. Yet, now they were premature, frail and delicate, their survival uncertain.
"Mother, you've toiled day and night. Please retire for some rest. The affairs here can be managed by the daughters-in-law," Mrs. Wang consoled softly.
Mrs. Qin nodded, remarking, "Have someone fetch two wet nurses."
This premature birth not only jeopardized the lives of the twins but also depleted much of Gu's vitality. Relying on her for nurturing was futile; wet nurses were imperative.
Before Mrs. Wang could speak, Mrs. Xie interjected, "Mother, where do we find the funds to hire two wet nurses?"
The sudden need to overhaul their finances, compounded by the deliberate suppression by the noble family, left them devoid of valuables. Even their precious jewelry had been pawned. How could they afford two wet nurses on such short notice?
"Do you think we can afford the monthly wages of two wet nurses?" Mrs. Qin retorted coldly.
Mrs. Xie, sensing the unfavorable turn of events, suggested, "Mother, in that case, let's hire more maidservants instead. With only three of us from the main household and a multitude of relatives, big and small, how can we manage?"
In this old mansion, there were only a handful of servants.
Mrs. Qin felt exasperated by this simpleton. Did she still perceive the Qin family as it once was, surrounded by servants, living in luxury?
"Go and hire two wet nurses," Mrs. Qin dismissed Mrs. Xie's impractical suggestion. Turning to her eldest daughter-in-law, she instructed, "These two children were born prematurely. They need meticulous care. Get two good wet nurses and make sure your younger siblings-in-law are taken care of during their confinement."
"Yes."
"Xi, where is..."
Before Mrs. Qin could finish, she realized that Qin Xixi had already left. She was taken aback.
With Gu's condition stabilized by the midwife, Qihuang, she suggested, "My lady has endured a restless night. She should rest. Let us accompany her."
Mrs. Qin: "!"
Mrs. Xie snorted lightly, "Even with the elders present, enduring a night's turmoil, she, a junior, leaves without a word. How uncouth!"
Qihuang calmly remarked, "My lady exerted herself greatly in assisting the Third Madam. This requires both mental and physical exertion. Besides, her health is not robust. Surely, the Second Madam is aware of this. She wouldn't inconvenience our lady over such trivial matters." After all, the reason the young mistress was fostered in the old mansion was precisely for this reason.
"You!" Mrs. Xie fumed, her servant's tongue sharp as a blade.
Qihuang respectfully bowed to Mrs. Qin, saying, "Madam, I must prepare the medicine as instructed by the young mistress for the Third Madam. I shall take my leave."
Mrs. Qin waved her hand wearily.
As Qihuang departed with the midwife, Mrs. Qin's reprimands of Mrs. Xie resounded within the room, her discontent evident in her cold snort.
"Mother, please don't be upset. Take care of yourself. Second Sister-in-law, could you kindly apologize to Mother and accompany her for some rest?" Mrs. Wang, harboring considerable dissatisfaction towards her second sister-in-law, found her actions unnecessary, especially at such a critical juncture. She was exhausted herself.
Mrs. Xie had no choice but to cease her provocations and uttered a few conciliatory words before assisting Mrs. Qin. However, as they took a step forward, Mrs. Qin's body gave way, collapsing.
"Mother!"