Switch Mode

FG Chapter 61

It's two babies.

“Hu Xiong, this is not fair at all. What secret plans are you guys plotting? Spit it out, let me have a good laugh,” The County Magistrate Hu glanced back and forth and then asked, “Bahu, what did he teach you that you dare call him a teacher?”

 

Bahu clenched his teeth and remained silent. He stood up and walked towards the door. The man at the door followed suit, waving to dismiss the inquisitive person inside, “Don’t pry into it. It’s none of your business.”

Once outside, the man handed the medical kit to Bahu. His eyes swept over Bahu’s bright red ears, and he said, “Don’t worry, I’m a doctor; I won’t reveal the patient’s privacy.” There was a playful tone in his words.

 

Bahu mumbled a response, his neck now also tinged with color. He hesitated and said vaguely, “Let’s not bring up the past. I feel uncomfortable whenever I see you. I wish we never had to meet again, but unfortunately, there’s a favor I need to ask.”

“Doctor, may I ask for your surname?”

 

“Huang.”

 

“Doctor Huang, when do you plan to leave? Are you going with us to Lingshan and then back to Yungu?”

 

“Well, if I plan to open a clinic in Lingshan?” Doctor Huang smiled.

 

Bahu choked for a moment and nodded, saying it would be great. Having a skilled doctor around made him feel more at ease about Mi Niang giving birth.

 

Doctor Huang chuckled, “Just kidding. There aren’t many people in Lingshan who seek medical help. The number of herders hasn’t surpassed those who migrated from the Central Plains yet, and not all herders trust doctors from the Central Plains. Some firmly believe in Mongolian medicine and won’t set foot in my clinic. If I come to open a clinic, I’ll have to wait until the Central Plains people who migrated here become prosperous.”

 

“So, are you going with us to Lingshan and then back to Yungu?” Bahu asked directly. “If you don’t have urgent matters, can you accompany me to Lingshan first? Once we reach Lingshan, I can send you back to Yungu. By mid-May, when we migrate to Lingshan, my family will be more than six months pregnant. We don’t have a reliable doctor here, and I’m afraid of accidents on the way.”

 

“I remember there’s a doctor in Xushui, and his medical skills are quite good.”

 

Bahu had considered this, but he was worried that someone would cause trouble for him. That’s why he reluctantly reached out to Doctor Huang for help.

 

“Not leaving together. We have over a thousand Central Plains people, and they don’t have carts or horses. So, we have to wait until the weather warms up a bit before setting out. If we travel with the people from Xushui, I can only start the journey with my family first. Without the protection of the County Magistrate Hu, I’m afraid of encountering trouble at night.”

“Alright, I’ll go with you. I originally planned to take a detour along the way.” As they spoke, they arrived at the last house on the west. Doctor Huang saw a large flock of white sheep wandering in the snowy fields. “You have quite a few sheep at your home. Are you able to manage the workload?”

 

“It’s okay, I have servants to help,” replied Bahu. He pushed the door open, and Da Huang and Alse Wolves went out to graze again. Bala, probably realizing that it couldn’t blend in, stayed alone in the doghouse and slept. When the door opened, it just lifted its head for a glance.

 

“Mi Niang, are you awake?” Bahu shouted before entering, “I’ve invited a doctor. Put on some clothes and come out for a pulse check.”

 

“Huang Doctor, please make yourself at home. There’s a lot of work in the house, and water buckets and tubs are placed haphazardly.” Bahu entered the kitchen, brought out a kettle of boiling water, and asked if they preferred butter tea or plain tea.

 

“No need to rush; I’m not thirsty,” Doctor Huang said, noticing a nearly finished box under the eaves, which looked familiar to him. “Is this a beehive?”

 

“Yes, did you recognize it?” At this moment, Mi Niang pushed the door open and took the water that Bahu handed to her. She pretended not to know that this person had once given instructions to Bahu.

 

“Are you planning to raise bees?” He had been in the northern desert for many years and had never seen any local people raising bees. He remembered this woman from the relief station, as she and a few other girls under her leadership were quite diligent.

 

Mi Niang nodded and took a stool, sitting across from the doctor. “Once the honey is ready for harvest, I’ll have Bahu bring you a jar.”

 

“That’s a deal.” Doctor Huang became serious when checking the pulse, and his face showed no trace of a smile. Bahu, anxious, took a deep breath and stared intently.

 

“Take off the wolf fur cloak, and let me see your belly.”

 

Mi Niang glanced at Bahu and obediently took off the cloak. She even rolled up the lamb’s wool jacket, exposing her belly clad only in an inner garment.

 

“Five months?” Doctor Huang muttered to himself, “Haven’t you noticed that your belly is bigger than other women at the same stage?”

 

“I haven’t seen many pregnant women, and even if I did, I wouldn’t know if they were five, six, or seven months pregnant,” Bahu said. He didn’t have a strong impression of his mother’s pregnancy with Sandan.

“Doctor, are you saying there’s more than one child in my belly?” Mi Niang reacted before Bahu but found it hard to believe. “Or is it because I’ve gained too much weight?”

 

Doctor Huang changed hands and continued examining for a while before confirming, “It’s two babies. Congratulations.” However, he muttered to himself, noting the lack of elders in their family. This young woman’s belly, at five months, was larger than that of ordinary women at seven months, and they hadn’t even realized it.

 

Bahu rushed over, first gripping Mi Niang’s hand and then shaking hands with Doctor Huang. “Thank you, thank you so much for making this trip today.” It was thanks to him going to invite the doctor today that they found out about the two children. “Will you join us on our journey to Língshan?” Bahu asked anxiously.

 

“Sure, don’t worry,” Doctor Huang said, seeing the young couple overwhelmed with excitement. He changed the topic, “As for the swelling in your legs, it’s caused by the pressure of the children and isn’t a significant problem. When lying down, elevate your legs, and the swelling should reduce by the next morning.”

 

“What else should we pay attention to? Please tell us more,” Bahu calmed down and asked.

 

“Stay active, don’t eat too much. Carrying two babies can lead to premature birth and difficulties during delivery. Remember, don’t overeat; you can drink more milk, but consume less meat,” Doctor Huang advised. Having encountered difficult births with twin pregnancies before, he took out a piece of paper and carefully recalled, listing all the precautions.

 

“Twin pregnancies usually result in delivery half a month to a month earlier than single pregnancies. Since you mentioned that people from Xushui are setting off earlier than you, for safety reasons, you should also start your journey earlier. Don’t delay and risk giving birth on the way,” he added.

 

Bahu now considered Doctor Huang’s words as a golden rule. In a flash, he decided to set off this year with the people from Xushui. With this decision, the urgency of time became apparent.

“Doctor Huang, there’s no need for excessive gratitude. I’ll roast a three-month-old lamb for you tonight as a token of appreciation. Please come for the lamb roast,” Bahu said. “I’ll also invite County Magistrate Hu, would you like to have some drinks? If you prefer, I can go buy a pot of fermented mare’s milk.”

 

“No need for alcohol, butter tea is fine,” Doctor Huang replied, lifting his medicine box and preparing to leave. “I’ll head back now, come over when the meal is ready.”

 

Bahu hesitated at the doorway for a moment but decided to accompany Doctor Huang back first. “Mi Niang, you go back to the house and wait; I’ll be back soon.”

 

Mi Niang draped herself in the wolf-fur cloak, listening to Bahu’s loud instructions to Uncle Chaolu outside to slaughter a young lamb. His voice sounded drifting as if he were intoxicated.

 

Doctor Huang glanced at Bahu; when he arrived, both of his ears were already bright red, and now his entire face was covered in a rosy hue.

 

“Is he feeling light-headed?” Walking seemed airy, and a gentle push might send him flying quite a distance.

Bahu looked at him puzzled, then gave his leg a slap, saying, “Not soft, quite firm.”

 

“You’re really fortunate,” having identical twins wasn’t something everyone could have.

 

Bahu couldn’t help but chuckle. He only started to have a connection with the phrase ‘fortunate’ after marrying Mi Niang. “Alright, we’re here. I won’t accompany you inside. Please pass a message to County MagistrateHu: the lamb will be ready, and I’ll come to invite both of you.”

 

Doctor Huang nodded and entered the house just as County Magistrate Hu and his wife were about to leave. Doctor Huang conveyed Bahu’s message, “Will you be free tonight? If not, I can go alone.”

 

“I’m free. I’ll be back in half an hour. Why do you seem so joyful? Anything good happening?” County Magistrate Hu asked.

 

“Something good indeed. Bahu’s wife is expecting twins,” Doctor Huang showed two fingers, proud that he had guided the couple through this, tutting.

 

“Wow, twins? That’s truly a cause for celebration,” The County Magistrate’s wife also wore a delighted expression; it had been a while since she last encountered someone expecting twins.

 

Granny Zhao, hearing Bahu’s name paused for a moment and then hearing this good news, immediately excused herself from Miss Hu, gathered a basket of items, and headed to Mi Niang’s house.

 

“Granny Zhao? You’ve come? Come inside and sit.” This was the first time Granny Zhao had visited her home.

 

“Don’t be in a hurry. I’ll sit and chat with you for a moment before leaving.” Granny Zhao placed the basket on the table, patted Mi Niang’s hand, and said, “I just realized it’s twins.I should have visited sooner. Your belly is much larger than with a single baby.”

 

“Winter has heavy snow, and with one in the east and one in the west, coming over isn’t easy.” Mi Niang patted her belly. “Even though I didn’t know there were two, both are doing well, and nothing has gone wrong.” She even had enough clothes prepared, including tiny outfits for the twins.

“The bigger the twins get, the more challenging the pregnancy becomes, mainly for the mother. You must be cautious about what you eat. Even if you have a good appetite, you cannot eat too much. Having eight meals a day is out of the question. You can have a small portion for each meal, but you can’t eat three full meals a day, each with two or three bowls,” Granny Zhao took out two sheets of paper from the basket. These were notes she had copied for Miss Hu about things to pay attention to during childbirth. “I originally planned to bring these to you after the snow melted, but take a look now. These are all things I learned from experienced midwives when I worked in wealthy households.”

 

“Thank you.” Mi Niang held Granny Zhao’s hand, grateful that she still cared for her.

 

Granny Zhao exchanged a glance with Mi Niang, seeing her sincere eyes. She lowered her eyelids to cover her eyes. “Live a good life; I’m happy if you’re happy.”

 

At this moment, there was talking outside the door. Granny Zhao stood up and said, “Miss Hu needs someone by her side; I should go back now. Take care of yourself.”

 

“Mi Niang, I’ve found some people… Granny Zhao?” Bahu squinted and recognized her. He saw the basket on the table. “Here to see Mi Niang? Will you stay for dinner tonight? County Magistrate Hu will be there too.”

 

“No, Miss Hu can’t be without assistance. I should return.” Granny Zhao declined. She was a servant in the Hu family; how could she sit at the same table as the master?

 

After leaving the house, Granny heard the conversation inside. She sighed, put on a smile again, and couldn’t help but admire Mi Niang’s good judgment. She married a good man, and the family’s conditions were excellent. Fate was also good; pregnant with twins right away.

 

Last year, Bahu’s reputation was worse than that of rats in a sewer. He was considered unfilial and violent. Now, looking again with clear eyes, who dared to say he wasn’t a good man capable of managing life?

 

Inside the house, Mi Niang walked around the courtyard, asking Bahu how many people he had found.

 

“Eight, as you said. I went to find Mu Xiang and the others first. They promised to come tomorrow. Then, I asked Mu Xiang to find two more honest women for me. We agreed on the time, and they will come tomorrow morning on time.” Bahu had just gone to the almshouse to hire people for milking and herding, so Uncle Chaolu and the others could focus on cleaning the sheep pen, making butter, and boiling milk dregs. He aimed to tidy up all the chores at home by the end of April.

 

“Master, the sheepskin has been peeled and is ready for roasting.” Uncle Chaolu brought in a lamb with a long leg.

 

“You make the fire; I’ll marinate the meat.” Bahu cut a small piece of leg meat and diced it. He mixed it with flour to make meat patties for Míniáng. Eating roasted lamb too often would lead to internal heat.

 

After County Magistrate Hu and Doctor Huang left in the evening, Bahu washed the dishes and cut radishes and mushrooms to simmer porridge on the stove. The plan was to prepare a small bowl for Mi Niang in case she felt hungry during the night.

 

“Ah, the treatment is indeed different when carrying two babies.” Mi Niang leaned against the stove door, snorting, “Before today, there was never a dinner.”

 

“You’re heartless for saying that. Every night, didn’t I get up to boil water for you? Who was it that woke me up in the middle of the night, craving roasted tofu, roasted chestnuts, and roasted hawthorns, insisting they couldn’t have broken skin?” Bahu checked the stove, lifted the water kettle, and brought in a basin for foot soaking, following Doctor Huang’s instructions to prepare warm water for her feet.

 

Having twins was undoubtedly a joy for him. Anyone would be happy. As for preparing dinner, it was Doctor Huang’s advice to reduce meal size and increase frequency.

 

“If I didn’t care about you, why would I find trouble for myself? Before I knew you were carrying two, did I mistreat you?” Bahu wiped Mi Niang’s feet, giving her a side-eye. “I’ve been wiping your feet and washing your hair regularly, and you’re still getting jealous.”

 

“It seems you’re quite resentful. I say a couple of words, and you grumble endlessly.” Mi Niang glanced at him with a smile.

 

“Look at how honest I am; you can bully me as much as you want.” Bahu soaked her feet with the water he prepared. Then, he poured some water into the basin, sat on the Kang, touched Mi Niang’s belly, and kissed it. “I’m happy because such good things can happen to me. It’s a blessing, a good sign. The days ahead will only get better.” No more going back.

 

“How about you? Why don’t I see you excited?”

 

“I’ve seen it before. My grandma had a twin brother, and I have two cousins who are also twins. It’s not that uncommon to have twins.”

Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Ads Blocker Image Powered by Code Help Pro

Ads Blocker Detected!!!

We have detected that you are using extensions to block ads. Please support us by disabling these ads blocker.

Powered By
Best Wordpress Adblock Detecting Plugin | CHP Adblock

Options

not work with dark mode
Reset