Chapter 486 - 426: Pregnant
Chapter 486: Chapter 426: Pregnant
The next day, the 29th of the twelfth lunar month, Tang Qingshan and Ai Wenli returned from Gongdao Village in G Province.
They brought back another large pile of local produce from the countryside. Grandma Tang was just thinking about how to divide some of it among their relatives and friends when she noticed Ai Wenli’s face was pale. Ai Wenli dropped her purse, covered her mouth, and rushed straight to the bathroom. Tang Qingshan quickly ran after her, gently patting her back and muttering something unintelligibly.
Grandma Tang quickly asked, "What’s wrong? Are you airsick? There’s hot water in the kitchen. Let me prepare an herbal bath for you. I guarantee you’ll feel better in no time!"
Without pausing, she followed them into the bathroom. A moment later, all three emerged, but now it was Grandma Tang supporting Ai Wenli. Her face was wreathed in smiles as she shouted to everyone in the room, "Old man! Manman, Hao Hao, Qingyun! Wenli’s pregnant! Our family is about to get bigger!"
Xiao Man was ecstatic. She rushed over to help Grandma support Mrs. Ai. Hao Hao sidled up too, asking with a grin, "Auntie, are there two? We agreed, one for me and one for my sister!"
Tang Qingshan pulled him over and gave him a light tap on the back of his head. "We’ll be lucky to have one. What do you think this is, picking fruit off a tree? You can’t just have as many as you want!"
Grandpa Tang roared with laughter, repeating "Wonderful!" several times, then walked toward the telephone. "I have to share the good news! I’ll call them right now!"
Grandma Tang quickly stopped him. "Hey, what do you think you’re doing? You stay put and don’t move a muscle! It hasn’t even been three months. We can’t tell anyone outside the family yet!"
"Why are you still hung up on that? Don’t be so superstitious." Grandpa Tang frowned, looking at Grandma Tang with hesitation. ’A new addition to the family is a momentous occasion,’ he thought. ’Why can’t I announce it?’
"I don’t care if it’s superstition or not! This concerns my grandchild’s well-being, so you’ll listen to me!" Grandma Tang declared with an authoritative wave of her hand. Grandpa Tang had no choice but to put down the phone. He was still overjoyed, though, and turned to ask Ai Wenli how she was feeling, what she wanted to eat, and whether she wanted Qingshan to take her to her room to rest. His fussing was even more meticulous than Grandma Tang’s.
Ai Wenli basked in the family’s devoted attention. She felt a little embarrassed, but the feeling was just too wonderful. She leaned back on the sofa, nibbling on the diced fresh, sweet fruit Xiao Man had just cut and served. Moments later, Grandma Tang brought over a bowl of fragrant millet congee, accompanied by two small saucers of savory pickled greens and appetizing sour beans. The aroma alone made her mouth water. Beside her, Hao Hao chattered away, his eyes sparkling, promising that when his little brother or sister was born, he would be the best teacher. A little farther away sat her husband and brother-in-law. Both were smokers, but for her sake, they refrained, talking quietly and laughing amongst themselves. Her husband glanced at her from time to time, his eyes filled with gentle concern... Ai Wenli felt a wave of happiness and sweetness. She wouldn’t trade this moment even for the title of Empress. The fatigue from her journey had long been tossed to the winds; her spirits were exceptionally high. Smiling, she began telling Grandpa and Grandma Tang, Xiao Man, and Hao Hao about their experiences in Gongdao Village in G Province, relaying greetings from Grandpa and Grandma, Mo Jiabao and his wife and their four children, and all the other villagers.
Over on the other side, Tang Qingyun congratulated Tang Qingshan. A new addition to the family, a sign of prosperity, was something to celebrate, and he was happy for them too. The two discussed the recent situation in Gongdao Village for a bit. Seizing an opportunity, Tang Qingyun probed, "Brother, I know there’s the national policy, but it hasn’t been enforced too strictly these past couple of years. You and Sister-in-law could find a way to have a couple more kids. Our family has always felt we have too few children. Two more would make things livelier, and Father and Mother would be even happier."
Tang Qingshan gave him a knowing smile. "And what way would that be? Do you have a suggestion?"
"Just take advantage of Sister-in-law’s status! She’s a famous author and screenwriter. She could just say she’s going on a writing retreat, go live abroad for a year or two, and have the baby there. No problems at all!"
"Oh? That’s quite a good idea, but we only plan on having one. You’re divorced now, a bachelor. Why don’t I have your sister-in-law find a female author for you? You two could get married and go have kids. It’s perfect—Manman and Hao Hao both want a little baby to play with. The one in Wenli’s belly can be for Manman, so you should hurry up, find a wife, and have one for Hao Hao!"
Tang Qingyun: "..."
’How did the conversation turn back to me?’ he fumed. ’I already have two kids, for crying out loud! You’re the ones who should be having more!’
"Brother, look," Tang Qingyun said, deciding to just get straight to the point. "You and Sister-in-law have your own baby now. So, Manman... can you just give her back to me?"
The smile vanished from Tang Qingshan’s face. He gave Tang Qingyun an icy glare. "Still haven’t given up? Where were you when you had the chance? Manman calls me Dad, and she’s not going to change that. It doesn’t matter whether Wenli and I have children or how many we have—Manman will always be our eldest daughter, our firstborn. Everything we own will go to her first, and only then to her younger siblings!"
"But..."
"Enough. There are no do-overs in this world. You need to accept it."
"Brother, Manman is my only daughter!"
"Shut up! Manman is my daughter! Didn’t you hear what I just said? You can get married! Go abroad and you can have as many daughters as you want!"
Grandma Tang had warned them again and again not to tell anyone about Ai Wenli’s pregnancy, but in the end, she was the one who let the cat out of the bag.
The next day, New Year’s Eve, they went to the Gu family’s home to deliver some of the local specialties from Gongdao Village. After much cajoling from Grandpa and Granny Gu, Grandpa and Grandma Tang agreed that the two families would have their New Year’s Eve reunion dinner together at the Gu residence. Then, on the evening of New Year’s Day, they would all go celebrate at the Tang residence.
At home, Ai Wenli could relax. Xiao Man would use water from the Spiritual Spring to make her drinks, and nearly all the snacks, diced fruit, and juices she ate came from her special ’space.’ As a result, she felt no discomfort and had no morning sickness. But things were different at the Gu Mansion. It was fine at first with Xiao Man by her side, but then Shaoying started clinging to her. Soon after, Zhou Hui Lan and Jiang Yuyan pulled Xiao Man away to ask about the menu and desserts, and she didn’t return. Ai Wenli began to feel unwell. She looked pale and listless. Granny Gu noticed and kept asking what was wrong, so Grandma Tang had no choice but to tell her the truth.
Delighted, Granny Gu ran to tell Grandpa Gu. The elderly couple had always been fond of Tang Qingshan, so they were naturally thrilled for him now that he was going to have a child. They gathered around Ai Wenli, peppering her with questions and pampering her like a national treasure. In an instant, the entire Gu household knew Ai Wenli was pregnant. Grandma Tang was a bit worried at first, but on second thought, she figured that as long as they took good care of her daughter-in-law, nothing should go wrong, and she relaxed.
A little after two in the afternoon, Gu Shaozheng returned, followed by Zheng Shaojin, who brought Zheng Shaolian home. The Gu Mansion erupted in celebration, with adults and children alike beaming with joy. But an unspoken anticipation hung in the air; everyone was secretly hoping for one more wish to come true, for one more surprise arrival.
As dusk approached, brilliant lanterns were lit, chasing away the twilight. Exquisite delicacies were brought to the table one after another, their rich, savory aromas mingling with the scent of wine and making the festive atmosphere even thicker. Everyone gathered around the table, and the New Year’s Eve banquet began.