Chapter 303: Onset
Gu Jinzhao also eagerly anticipated the arrival of the child in her womb. As the months passed and her belly grew larger, her movements became increasingly cumbersome. As the time of delivery drew near, she struggled to sleep well each night, frequently needing to use the restroom. The constant trips to the privy left her somewhat haggard.
Third Master Chen, distressed by her discomfort, suggested having the maids bring a chamber pot into the inner chamber.
Gu Jinzhao was deeply embarrassed. Having the chamber pot nearby was one thing, but to use it in front of him—how could that be acceptable?
Third Master Chen chuckled and reassured her, "Between husband and wife, we must inevitably witness each other's most awkward and unflattering moments. Why should you mind this?" He held her close, letting her recline against him, and murmured softly, "In the future, when I grow old and can no longer move easily, and you must attend to my needs... will you disdain me?"
Gu Jinzhao shook her head. How could she ever disdain him?
He gazed down at her solemnly and said, "I am more than twelve years your senior. By the time you are still young, I will surely have white hair and wrinkles. I can only accompany you in your youth for a few more years..."
Gu Jinzhao instinctively grasped his hand. In their past life, he had indeed grayed prematurely—by thirty-five, though still young, silver strands already streaked his temples. The burdens he carried were far too heavy, layer upon layer pressing down on his shoulders.
The last time she saw him was during Qingming, when Chen Yanyun went to pay respects at Jiang Shi's grave. She, too, had gone to offer her prayers.
Clad in a black overcoat, he stood before Jiang Shi's tombstone as a cold spring drizzle fell around him, the chill lingering in the air.
Chen Yi held an umbrella over him as he stood there silently for a long while. She had no idea what thoughts occupied Third Master Chen's mind.
A gust of wind, carrying icy raindrops, swept past. Third Master Chen raised a fist to his lips, suppressing a few low coughs.
Only when he finished paying his respects and turned to leave did Gu Jinzhao catch sight of his slightly gaunt face, his expression utterly indifferent.
At that time, she had not understood him—nor had she wanted to.
All she saw was the tall, receding figure, thinner than before.
What burdens Third Master Chen carried—what did it matter to her? Not only did she watch from afar without a word, but she also went out of her way to add to his troubles. Whether it was some mishap in household affairs or an issue with Chen Xuanlin that required his attention, she made sure to complicate things further.
Back then, Madam Chen's health had also been poor, adding to Third Master Chen's worries. He was overwhelmed with responsibilities.
Now, hearing him say he could only accompany her in her youth for a few more years, she felt her nose sting with emotion. The way she had treated him before, the hardships he had endured—none of that should ever happen again. All she wanted was to be with him properly. Even if trials lay ahead, she would stay by his side through them all.
She wrapped her arms around Third Master Chen's waist and buried her face against his chest, silent.
Why had she suddenly become so sentimental?
Was it true what they said—that pregnant women were more sensitive?
Third Master Chen couldn't help but laugh. "Jinzhao, what's wrong?" he whispered in her ear. "I was teasing you. I'll have a folding screen brought in later—I won't see a thing."
Gu Jinzhao refused to answer, secretly vexed. She pinched his arm in retaliation but found it unyielding.
Third Master Chen laughed heartily at this.
Not long after the screen was installed, it was time for Sun Shi's child's hundred-day celebration.
Yu Wanxue came early to pay her respects to Gu Jinzhao, and the two set off together for the second branch's residence.She wore a goose-yellow plain-fronted zhuanghua jacket adorned with the Four Happinesses and Ruyi patterns. Her hair was styled in a Fallen Horse Bun, adorned with kingfisher feather ornaments. Her fair complexion and gentle demeanor made the goose-yellow hue particularly flattering on her. Approaching to attend to Jinchao's hair, she said with a smile, "When I was at home, I often helped my mother with her hair. I can style any kind of bun—though not perfectly, at least evenly."
She styled Gu Jinzhao's hair into a Parted Hair Bun, which indeed looked dignified and elegant, lending a classical air to Jinzhao's otherwise delicate features. Jinzhao praised her with a smile, "Don’t be modest—your skill is truly excellent! Even my personal hairdresser isn’t as good as you... You seem to be good at everything."
Yu Wanxue was destined to become Chen Xuanqing’s principal wife, and the Yu family had invested considerable effort in her upbringing.
Yu Wanxue continued, "Since the Seventh Young Master has left for his post, I’ve had little to do. Fortunately, I can keep Mother company. If you like it, I’ll come often to style your hair."
She considered herself fortunate to have a mother-in-law like Gu Jinzhao.
Had she encountered someone like Madam Qin, she would have had to endure half a year of strict rules upon entering the household, with additional punishments for any disobedience—truly exhausting. She had a close friend who married the son of a prefect. Not only did she have to serve her mother-in-law daily, but also her husband. If her husband showed the slightest dissatisfaction, her mother-in-law would enforce the rules, making her stand motionless for hours until her back and knees ached, barely able to stand the next day.
A daughter-in-law’s suffering only ends when she becomes a mother-in-law herself. Thus, when a new bride enters the household, the mother-in-law naturally seizes the opportunity to enjoy herself, imposing all the hardships she once endured onto her daughter-in-law. Often, it’s women who make life difficult for other women, believing that bearing a son grants them the right to privilege and ease.
Gu Jinzhao knew that since Chen Xuanqing’s departure, Shuyage had become much quieter.
"If you feel too lonely, you could invite your mother to visit," Jinzhao suggested.
After Yu Wanxue’s marriage, her mother had yet to visit the Chen family.
Yu Wanxue thanked Jinzhao for her kindness and brought out several hair ornaments for her to choose from. Jinzhao selected only a carved white jade hairpin.
Caifu helped her rise—moving had become increasingly difficult. Outside, a small green-curtained oil cart was prepared for her to move around the inner courtyard.
By the time she arrived at the second branch’s residence, the child had already been brought out.
The hundred-day celebration was well-attended. Aside from women from clans friendly with the Chen family, Sun Shi’s mother and two elder sisters were present, along with Madam Wu, a close friend of Madam Qin. The guests chatted animatedly in the banquet and rest area.
Upon hearing of Third Madam Chen’s arrival, the guests couldn’t help but glance at her curiously, greeting her respectfully.
All out of respect for Third Master Chen... Jinzhao smiled and returned their greetings one by one.
Sun Shi quickly instructed a maid to bring over a Grand Preceptor’s Chair, cushioned with a soft Luzhou silk pillow.
Soon, Madam Chen arrived.
The child was placed in her arms, and she chuckled while coaxing, "Baobao, give your great-grandmother a smile!" Baobao was the child’s milk name. His formal name would be given by Chen Xuanrang during the naming ceremony later that day.
The baby babbled as if responding, tiny hands clutching at Madam Chen’s bracelet, trying to bring it to his mouth.
Such is the way of infants—everything must be tasted.
Madam Chen kissed the child’s milky-scented cheek and took a gold anklet from a maid. Sun Shi’s eyes lit up, and she hurried forward with a smile to receive it.Although Madam Chen always gave gifts to her great-grandchildren during the Third-day celebration, this was the first time she was presenting one at the hundred-day banquet.
It seemed Madam Chen truly adored this great-granddaughter.
Sun Shi smiled and said, "The child clings to you and won't let go—she must like you too!"
Madam Chen handed the child to the wet nurse and sat down to drink tea. "I've also taken care of Xian Ge'er and Zheng Ge'er. Both are very lively. This child prefers quiet—she’ll likely grow up with a gentle temperament. I adore them all!"
Madam Qin happened to overhear this as she arrived. Madam Shen and Madam Zhuang also heard it as they entered with their children.
Xian Ge'er and Zheng Ge'er were seeing such a tiny baby for the first time and eagerly clamored to hold their little sister.
Sun Shi naturally refused, smiling as she said, "You're still too young—be careful not to hurt her."
Madam Qin’s expression darkened at once, thinking Sun Shi was being overly self-important. But in front of Madam Chen, she couldn’t show her displeasure. Instead, she smiled and said, "The banquet won’t start for a while yet. Why don’t we gather for a game of dominoes? I’ve just acquired a set made of ivory—perfect for a round."
Madam Chen declined with a smile, but Madam Wu pulled her into the game anyway. Soon, only the younger generation and the wife of Duke Zheng from the Chang family remained in the banquet and rest area.
Lady Jiang, the wife of Duke Zheng, rarely accompanied Madam Chang on social outings. Petite and soft-spoken, she didn’t seem fond of conversation.
With the prestige of Duke Zheng behind her, no one dared to slight her. Many had been engaging her in conversation earlier, but now that they had all followed Madam Chang to play dominoes, she seemed a little awkward. Noticing that Gu Jinzhao was around her age and status, she spoke softly to her, "Are you due soon, Third Madam?"
Gu Jinzhao hadn’t paid her much attention before. Lady Jiang was dressed in a deep purple cloud-patterned brocade gown with a sandalwood-colored skirt, her hair ornaments excessively lavish. The colors didn’t suit her—they made her look much older. Smiling, Gu Jinzhao stood to return the courtesy. "You’re too kind, Lady Jiang. Yes, it won’t be long now."
Her rank was two grades below Lady Jiang’s.
Lady Jiang quickly motioned for her to sit. "No need for formalities. Since Third Master Chen and the Duke are close, you shouldn’t be so distant with me!"
Seeing Gu Jinzhao speaking with Lady Jiang, Madam Qin’s heart skipped a beat. She approached with a smile. "Lady Jiang, it’s rare for you to visit. Why hide here chatting instead of joining the domino game?"
Lady Jiang shook her head. "I’m terrible at it—better not embarrass myself..."
Madam Qin laughed. "You’re too modest! Sitting here idly isn’t much fun. Why don’t we form a table? My skills are mediocre, but Third Sister-in-law is excellent. How about inviting her to join us for a few rounds?"
Gu Jinzhao waved her hands dismissively. "No, no, you go ahead."
With her large belly, she really couldn’t be bothered to move.
Lady Jiang looked at Gu Jinzhao in surprise. "You’re really good at dominoes? Then you could teach me—I always lose when I play with them..."
Gu Jinzhao hesitated, but Madam Qin took her hand. "Don’t worry, Third Sister-in-law. Just two rounds—it won’t tire you out!"
Gu Jinzhao had no choice but to agree. After all, two rounds wouldn’t hurt, and refusing Lady Jiang outright would be impolite.
Madam Chen had just drawn a winning tile, her luck running high.
Madam Chang, however, was losing badly, nervously shuffling her ivory dominoes without playing.Madam Chen smiled, "What are you hesitating for? Everyone's waiting!"
"Ah! Don't rush me, I'm all in a muddle here..." Chang Laofuren rearranged her tiles once more.
Madam Chen picked up her tea and sipped it slowly while waiting for her.
A maid hurried over and curtsied to Madam Chen.
Just as Chang Laofuren had finally sorted her tiles and was about to play, the maid interrupted. She frowned, "What is it? Why the rush?"
The maid quickly replied, "...It's Third Madam—she's gone into labor! Second Madam sent me to inform Tai Furen!"
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