The Second Master of the Red Chamber

Chapter 876 Butler Arrangements
When Madam Wang relayed the news back to the other side of the screen, everyone was in an uproar.

"Great!"

The three sisters, Xiangyun, and others clapped their hands happily.

They have been grateful for Sister Feng's care over the years, and when they learned that Sister Feng was pregnant again, they were genuinely happy for her.

Even at the table of grandmothers and young mistresses, Li Wan, You Shi, Qin Keqing, and others had smiles on their faces.

Knowing that Sister Feng's long-cherished wish had come true, and that if this pregnancy resulted in a son, her life would be completely fulfilled.

Grandmother Jia couldn't stop smiling.

Aunt Xue, standing beside her, naturally smiled and complimented her.

However, while forcing a smile, he turned to look at his daughter, a fleeting hint of regret in his eyes.

Baochai, however, remained calm and composed.

But only she herself knew that her heart was not without turmoil.

She quickly dismissed those pointless thoughts, thinking to herself: This is for the best, I won't have to worry about myself anymore.

Madam Xing stood up happily and suggested, "Grandma, shouldn't we go in and see Feng'er?"

Grandmother Jia was somewhat tempted, but still shook her head and said, "With so many of us, going in all at once would only disturb her peace."

"Let's wait until Physician Zhang arrives and confirms that she's pregnant before we go in to congratulate her."

Madam Xing dared not object and had no choice but to sit down.

As the crowd's initial excitement turned into quiet, and their growing impatience, Physician Zhang finally arrived.

He didn't even go through the front gate, but was led in by Jia Yun from the north gate of the Grand View Garden.

Because the north gate is much closer to the main hall.

With Physician Zhang's arrival, everyone could no longer contain their impatience and left their seats to follow him.

Grandmother Jia did not stop her any further, because she herself was also eager to know the result as soon as possible.

Therefore, he led a large group of people to escort Physician Zhang into the palace, and finally waited in the inner hall.

At this moment, Jia Lian came out and led Physician Zhang into the inner chamber.

Physician Zhang was originally at home preparing to go to sleep.

He's getting old and goes to bed early.

He was initially quite displeased that Jia Yun had come to visit and disturb him.

Hearing that it was Jia Lian who had invited him, and seeing how anxious the Jia family was, he hurriedly packed his medicine box and followed.

She initially suspected that something might have happened to Grandmother Jia's health.

Now that he knew that Sister Feng was suspected of being pregnant, he felt no more displeasure.

As a physician with close ties to the Jia family, he knew perfectly well that Jia Lian had no male heirs.

If this pregnancy results in a son, he will become the future heir apparent.

As the first imperial physician to come and diagnose the patient, he gained another layer of goodwill.

Therefore, he dared not delay for the slightest and immediately followed Jia Lian to Feng Jie's bedside, asking Feng Jie to extend her hand to take her pulse.

At this time, Feng Jie had been forced by Jia Lian to lie down and rest in bed. Although she was a little unhappy, she did not dare to throw a tantrum.

She obediently extended her hand for Physician Zhang to take her pulse, while her nervousness and anxiety reached their peak.

Fortunately, after taking her pulse for a long time with furrowed brows, Physician Zhang revealed a smile that made her feel relieved.

Physician Zhang withdrew his hand, stood up, and smiled at Jia Lian, saying, "Congratulations, Lord Rong. Judging from the lady's pulse, it is indeed a pregnancy pulse."

Upon hearing this, the maids serving in the room burst into joyful voices.

Hearing the noise, Grandmother Jia, who was outside, couldn't help but come in, leaning on her cane, to inquire.

Physician Zhang often dealt with wealthy families like this. He patiently waited for Jia Lian to explain the situation to Grandmother Jia and for the Jia family to finish their celebration.

"but……"

Physician Zhang uttered those two words at just the right moment.

Seeing that everyone was looking at him, he slowly explained, "Although it is certain that the lady is pregnant, and she is already about a month pregnant."

However, the lady was deficient in qi and blood, and her pulse was weak.

If proper care is not taken in the future, there is a risk that the fetus may have congenital deficiencies.

Physician Zhang has already been very subtle in his words.

But it still surprised everyone.

Even Sister Feng couldn't stay still any longer. Through the gauze curtain, she asked in a panic, "What do you mean by that, Doctor Zhang? I feel perfectly fine, and I don't feel uncomfortable at all..."

Physician Zhang said, "The reason why the lady did not notice is because she believed she was young and healthy."

It must be because the lady has been taking care of the household chores for many years, which is mentally and physically exhausting, and she lacks enough sleep, which has led to her deficiency of qi and blood.

However, Madam need not worry too much. As long as she takes good care of herself from now on, she should be fine.

"But……"

Before Sister Feng could ask any more questions, Grandmother Jia had already understood.

She immediately scolded, "Feng girl, don't talk nonsense, listen to what Doctor Zhang has to say."

After scolding Sister Feng, Grandmother Jia respectfully asked Physician Zhang, "May I ask Physician Zhang, how should my maid's health be treated?"

Physician Zhang smiled and said, "The old lady has no reason to worry. I will prescribe a formula to nourish her qi and blood, and another to calm her mind and nourish the fetus. After that, you only need to let the lady rest at home and not worry about external affairs."

Furthermore, with daily medication as prescribed, I am certain I will be out of danger within three months.

Upon hearing this, Grandmother Jia breathed a sigh of relief, but then suddenly scolded Jia Lian: "You're so careless. Not only did you not know your own wife was pregnant, but you also caused her so much worry and trouble."

I heard that she single-handedly organized tonight's housewarming party; you didn't lift a finger!"

Jia Lian was already somewhat regretful of his negligence, so when he was scolded by Grandmother Jia, he didn't get angry, but instead obediently lowered his head and accepted the scolding.

"The old lady is right, and the grandson knows he was wrong."

Given Jia Lian's good attitude, Grandmother Jia didn't say anything more.

In fact, she didn't have much standing to lecture Jia Lian.

Although it was Madam Wang's idea to put Sister Feng in charge of the household at first, she saw that Sister Feng was efficient in managing the household, so she strongly supported it, making it impossible for anyone else to shake Sister Feng's position as the housekeeper.

So after Jia Lian saw Physician Zhang off to write the prescription and have some tea, he said to Lady Wang:

"From now on, you don't need to trouble Feng'er with the housekeeping."

Either you manage it yourself, or you can have Zhu'er's wife help you.

In short, if anyone dares to trouble Feng Yatou again, I will personally hold her accountable.

Seeing that Sister Feng seemed to want to speak, Grandmother Jia sat down beside her and said in an unquestionable tone, "Sister Feng, you must listen to Grandmother on this matter."

Didn't you hear what the imperial physician said? You're only able to endure it because you're young.

But even if you don't think about yourself, do you want the child in your belly to suffer along with you?
"If something really bad happens, you'll regret it."

Upon hearing this, Sister Feng touched her belly and said nothing more.

Seeing this, Grandmother Jia clapped Fengjie's hands and sighed, "From today onwards, you can stay at home and take care of your health."

You no longer need to come to my place to pay your respects every day!
This is an order. If I find out you're coming here again so early in the morning, I'll give you a good scolding.

Sister Feng was both amused and touched, and finally nodded: "Thank you for your kindness, Ancestor!"

At this moment, Madam Wang said, "What the old lady said makes sense. We really shouldn't trouble Feng'er with the household affairs anymore."

However, I'm short on energy and don't have much stamina these days.

Perhaps we should leave the housekeeping duties to Zhu'er's wife from now on.

"Once Fengyatou has safely given birth, and if she recovers well, we can hand her over to take care of the child then."

Grandmother Jia was somewhat dissatisfied with Lady Wang's laziness.

Because she knew that Li Wan was weak-willed and unlikely to be able to control everyone in the household.

Especially now that the situation at home is somewhat complicated, Li Wan probably can't handle it.

However, in front of so many people, she couldn't very well blame Madam Wang for this, after all, she had let Madam Wang take charge of the household early on so she could enjoy a life of leisure.

Grandmother Jia had no idea what Lady Wang was thinking.

Madam Wang did not necessarily intend to evade responsibility.

Rather, she was aware that the situation at home was complicated.

Her side of the main courtyard is alright.

If Jia Lian and his group are involved, how will she manage it?

If one interferes too much, it is easy to be accused of overstepping boundaries and become annoying to others.

If they are indulged, people will question their poor management, saying they are not as good as Sister Feng.

Therefore, it would be better to let Li Wan take the lead and watch from behind, so that no matter what happens, she can mediate between the parties.

Therefore, it's not that she doesn't care, but rather that she needs Li Wan to act as her representative.

However, Li Wan was not a power-hungry person, and she knew that she was not as good at handling things as Sister Feng.

She used to watch coldly, observing the countless things this family did every day. She had no confidence in being as meticulous as Sister Feng.

Even someone like Sister Feng was often complained about by her servants in the past.

So he politely declined, saying that he was afraid he couldn't do it well.

Her statement served two purposes: firstly, it indicated that she had no intention of competing with Sister Feng for power, and secondly, it was a way of making things clear upfront.

If the housekeeper makes a mistake in the future, it's not good for anyone to blame her too much.

Jia Lian saw Physician Zhang off and gave him an extra large red envelope before returning.

Just then, I overheard Grandmother Jia and the others discussing the matter of managing the household, so I suggested:

"My sister-in-law is a quiet person and doesn't like to deal with these mundane matters."

I recommended a helper to my sister-in-law.

With her assistance, my sister-in-law will surely be able to manage the household with ease from now on.

Everyone was surprised to hear this, wondering who else in the family could receive such high praise from Jia Lian.

Even Sister Feng was curious, wondering if he was talking about Ping'er.
She was planning to lend Ping'er to Li Wan when Li Wan was short of money in the future.

The reason they didn't speak up now was because they were certain that Li Wan would not be able to manage this family.

This also shows everyone that being a housekeeper is not a job that just anyone can do well.

Then she would throw Ping'er out. As long as Ping'er could help Li Wan resolve the trouble, everyone would immediately know: this family really can't function without her.

If Jia Lian were to offer Ping'er up now, it would truly disrupt her plans.

However, facing everyone's gaze, Jia Lian looked around and finally fixed his eyes on a maid who was peeking out from behind.

"Third sister, come out here."

……

(End of this chapter)