Chapter 853: Chapter 853: Madam Song: My Mother-in-Law Is Too Forceful
Upon hearing that Madamâs childbirth would be a difficult one, her confidante, the housekeeper, felt a sudden jolt in her heart and instinctively looked towards Song Ci.
The concept of a difficult birth has always been considered ominous; such children, if they survive, are said to have a tough fate, as they are particularly taxing on the motherâs body.
She feared Song Ci might have taboos, and even the Madam herself probably harbors apprehensions about this child.
Worried too were Jiang Shi and Lu Shi, two sisters-in-law. Both felt uneasy, not to mention the toughness of fateânot knowing if they could endure the dangers of childbirth, which could lead to one...
"Phooey, phooey! Merciful Guanyin Bodhisattva, I swear I havenât thought of anything bad. Please donât take it seriously."
Song Ci does not sympathize with these superstitions. She simply instructed everyone to take their positions and prepare accordingly, reorganizing the birthing environment once more according to various ancient childbirth methods seen on television to ensure Madam could summon her strength.
The century-old ginseng slices were already cut. Madam was pricked awake by Lin Qing, heard that it was going to be a hard birth, and felt like passing out again to avoid waking; she was trembling and her face was indescribably pallid.
Song Ci ordered someone to bring over some ginger egg soup to feed her.
Madam originally didnât want to eat but was scolded by her mother-in-law.
"Youâre already exhausted from all this ordeal, and if you donât eat something to recover a bit, where will you find the strength? Even if you donât want to eat, you must eat for me. Later, youâll need all your strength for the big moment."
Madam reluctantly ate, but her heart settled slightly.
Song Ci added, "Whatâs the fuss about? Take out the dignity and grandeur of your usual role as the head of the household, concentrate all your energy on delivering a son. Lin Qing and Doctor Liu are here, they wonât let anything happen to you."
Madam finished a whole bowl of ginger egg soup, waiting for her strength to return, enduring the pain and said to Song Ci, "Mother, your daughter-in-law has a request for you."
Here it comes, the pre-labor instructions and final requests.
"I wonât listen. Whatever you want from me, save it until you produce my grandson." Song Ci immediately interrupted her.
Madam was in such pain she nearly arched her back, grasping her hand in desperation, "Mother..."
"I know what you want to say. Essentially, you fear you wonât make it, and then the eldest will remarry, making life hard for the kids, asking me to look after them."
Madam: "..."
"You are truly perceptive."
"Even if I promise you, you should know, how long can these old bones care for them? I am bound to die sooner than younger folk. You worry for them, then endure it yourself; relying on anyone isnât as secure as relying on yourself." Song Ci said, "Just think, if anything happens to you, someone else will be sleeping with your husband, mistreating your kids, becoming the Prime Ministerâs wife. Youâve longed for this position for most of your life, now itâs only been a few years, are you willing to let it go?"
Madam shook her head.
"If youâre unwilling, then just endure this. What is a difficult birth? I assure you, once heâs born, Iâll personally spank his bottom, and nobody can stop me!"
Madam was amused by Song Ciâs fierceness, laughing through tears, yet the pain in her belly left her face ghostly pale.
Everyone in the room was similarly caught between laughter and tears.
"Everyone who doesnât need to be here should leave; letâs bring in a few strong maids. Oh, before coming in, everyone must change into clean clothes, and wash their hands and faces thoroughly." Song Ci instructed the housekeeper.
The housekeeper nodded with a stern face.
Meanwhile, Lin Qing arranged her silver needles in a line, and Doctor Liu was respectfully ushered to wait in the side room.