Chapter 7: The Eldest Miss Has No Manners

The newborn brought joy, and more importantly, it helped dispel some of the gloom surrounding the Qin family following their recent upheaval.

Looking at the pair of little grandsons, Old Mrs. Qin's eyes were filled with delight, yet tinged with worry, as tears fell steadily.

If only these twins had been born a year earlier; instead, they were premature "Seven-Star" children, so frail and tiny that it was uncertain if they could even be kept alive.

"Mother, you have been working hard for a day and a night. Please go down and rest; your daughters-in-law will handle things here," Mrs. Wang comforted her softly.

Old Mrs. Qin nodded and said, "Send someone to fetch two wet nurses."

Not only was Mrs. Gu's pregnancy premature, but it had also been a difficult labor. She had nearly lost her life bringing the children into the world and required careful recuperation. Relying on her to nurse them was out of the question; they had to hire wet nurses.

Before Mrs. Wang could speak, Mrs. Xie interjected, "Mother, where would we get the money to hire two wet nurses?"

The confiscation of their property had come suddenly, and with Consort Meng's family deliberately suppressing them, they hadn't been able to bring anything of value. Even the precious jewelry they wore had been largely stripped away. Where would the money come from to hire two wet nurses all at once?

"Could we be so destitute that we can't even afford the monthly wages for two wet nurses?" Old Mrs. Qin said with a cold face.

Not daring to provoke her further, Mrs. Xie said, "Mother, if that is the case, then let us just buy a few more maidservants and elderly women. Only three people from our household came with us. With this large family, there aren't enough people, young or old, to go around."

In this old residence, there were only a handful of servants coming and going.

Old Mrs. Qin nearly fell over in anger. This fool—did she think the Qin family was still what it used to be, surrounded by servants? How delusional.

"Go fetch the two wet nurses first." Old Mrs. Qin didn't bother arguing with the fool and turned to instruct her eldest daughter-in-law: "These children were premature, so they must be cared for meticulously. Hire two good wet nurses. Also, your third sister-in-law must be allowed to complete her full two-month postpartum confinement."

"Yes."

"Xi girl..."

Old Mrs. Qin spoke, but as she looked around, she realized Qin Liuxi was long gone, leaving her stunned.

Qi Huang had already finished tidying up Mrs. Gu with the midwife. Seeing this, she said, "My lady has been working all night and has gone to rest. We suggest the Old Lady also goes to rest."

Old Mrs. Qin: "!"

Mrs. Xie snorted, "The elders are still here and have all been up all night, yet this junior leaves without so much as a word of greeting. Truly no manners!"

Qi Huang said indifferently, "My lady spent great mental and physical effort administering acupuncture and massage to the Third Madam. Furthermore, her own health is not exactly robust; the Second Madam should be aware of this and surely wouldn't make things difficult for our lady over such a small matter." After all, the reason the Eldest Miss had been fostered in the old residence years ago was precisely because of this.

"You!" Mrs. Xie was furious; the girl was far too sharp-tongued.

Qi Huang bowed to Old Mrs. Qin and said, "Old Lady, I must follow the Eldest Miss's instructions to prepare medicine for the Third Madam. I shall take my leave."

Old Mrs. Qin waved her hand wearily.

Just as Qi Huang and the midwife stepped outside, the sound of Old Mrs. Qin scolding Mrs. Xie drifted from the room, prompting a cold snort.

"Mother, please do not let your anger affect your health. Second Sister-in-law, quickly apologize to Mother and accompany her down to rest." Mrs. Wang was extremely dissatisfied with her second sister-in-law; at a time like this, she was still looking for trouble. Mrs. Wang wasn't tired, but she herself was exhausted.

Mrs. Xie had no choice but to back down. She offered a few flattering words and tried to support the Old Lady to walk out, but after only one step, the Old Lady's body went limp, and she collapsed.

"Mother!"

(End of Chapter)