Jinyi Spring

Chapter 141 She Won

The two female doctors in charge of the delivery opened their mouths, wanting to say that the infant was already dead and even a miracle worker couldn't save him; the most important thing now was to save the mother.

They all chose to remain silent.

Doctor Fan's fiancé is a relative of the Xue family. Although young, he is domineering and powerful, and has the favor of the Imperial Concubine. Since this is the Xue family, they dare not question her actions.

There were two old women from the Xue family in the delivery room. They didn't have a chance to go up and examine the baby closely, so they didn't know if the baby was already dead or had suffocated. They had no doubts about why Doctor Fan told Doctor Feng to light the incense first.

Peony placed the incense burner on the table and lit the incense sticks. She harbored resentment towards the Xue family, but her actions were far from swift.

Feng Chuchen took out a tinderbox and tried to light it several times but failed. He could only shake his head regretfully and sigh.

She walked to the woman in labor, and just as she took out the silver needles, the woman had already stopped breathing.

Several sighs were heard.

Doctor Fan burst into tears, heartbroken. "Seventh Grandmother's life is so hard, and the children are so pitiful. I tried everything I could, but I still couldn't save you..."

Her already long face looked even longer and narrower from crying, making her look particularly repulsive.

Feng Chuchen scoffed inwardly. Fan Ru was even worse than she had imagined. She was willing to harm her fiancé's family for her own selfish desires. Moreover, she was incredibly audacious. Her fiancé was merely a distant relative, while this Seventh Grandmother Xue was the daughter-in-law of the main branch of the Xue family and the third master of the Xue family.

With a personality like that, if she were a female doctor, who knows how many people she would harm, whether intentionally or unintentionally? The Fan family might even be wiped out because of her.

Upon hearing that his son and daughter-in-law had both died, Master Xue broke down in tears.

The women of the Xue family, including Madam Xue, who were waiting outside, also took out handkerchiefs to wipe away their tears. Madam Xue, upon hearing that it was a big, fat grandson, cried even more bitterly.

Doctor Fan went out and said, "Third Madam, I'm sorry, we did our best but we couldn't save him."

Before she could finish speaking, she burst into tears again, looking extremely remorseful.

Madam Xue asked in a shrill voice, "Didn't you say you invited Doctor Feng? Why didn't she use the Yin Spirit Needle?"

The female doctor said regretfully, "The incense of this life has not yet been lit..."

Xue Yan'er walked over quickly with tears streaming down her face, her voice filled with grief and indignation: "Everyone says that Feng Chuchen is a miracle doctor, didn't she do her best to save Seventh Sister-in-law and her nephew?"

Dr. Fan shook her head awkwardly, unsure how to answer.

Actually, she really wanted to say a few harsh words to Feng Chuchen, but she was afraid that Feng Chuchen would insist that the child was already dead, and that taking care of the child first would delay the time to save Grandma Xue and cause unnecessary trouble.

As long as Feng Chuchen doesn't steal the spotlight here and doesn't gain the Xue family's approval, she has won.

These words were clearly heard into the delivery room, and while others didn't know how to respond, Feng Chuchen had no choice but to speak up. She straightened her clothes and slowly walked out.

He curtsied to the ladies of the Xue family before calmly saying, "Before the incense could be lit, the infant could not be saved. By the time I went to save the master, he was already gone. Everyone in the room saw it clearly."

Xue Yan'er snorted coldly, "Can't you save my seventh sister-in-law first?"

Feng Chuchen said calmly, "Doctor Fan instructed me to light 'This Life Incense' first."

She used the word "令".

Doctor Fan hurriedly said, "Of course we should light this incense to save the child first, but who knew... alas."

Xue Yan'er's eyes grew increasingly contemptuous, "Can't even light an incense stick, yet he calls himself a miracle doctor. Hmph, all talk and no action, nothing special..."

“Yan’er,” Madam Xue frowned and scolded softly, then turned to Feng Chuchen, “Yan’er is just being protective of her sister-in-law, Doctor Feng, please don’t take it to heart. We can trust the descendants of Doctor Feng.”

Madam Xue's gaze swept over Feng Chuchen. She was somewhat pretty, but not as beautiful as Shangguan Ruyu had described. She was thin and bony, like a young boy, lacking any of the gentleness and softness a young lady should have. She was far inferior to Yan'er.

That pretty boy Shangguan Ruyu is not only useless, but also has no taste. He's the one who has to marry his daughter to He Erlang…

Madam Xue, standing to the side, cried, "If Doctor Feng were still alive, my grandson wouldn't be gone... A so-called divine doctor? He's far inferior to Doctor Feng."

She first glared at the two imperial physicians standing under the eaves, then at Feng Chuchen, and shrieked, "What imperial physicians, female physicians, and you, this 'miracle doctor'? You're all useless, idiots, you all deserve to die! My perfectly healthy grandson and my perfectly good daughter-in-law are gone just like that, all because of your incompetence! Why don't you just die... Waaah..."

As she spoke, she burst into tears again, seemingly unsteady on her feet, and was supported by someone.

The two imperial physicians and the female physician who came out afterward quickly bowed and begged for forgiveness:

"This humble official is useless."

"I am ashamed."

Feng Chuchen remained silent, standing there with her head slightly lowered.

She had previously encountered unreasonable and powerful people who would vent their frustrations on the common folk when things didn't go their way.

At this time, as a common doctor whose status was much lower than that of the imperial physicians and female doctors, she could only remain silent, unable to argue or show any sign of resentment.

Madam Xue advised, "Sister-in-law, please accept my condolences." She then turned to the imperial physician and the female physician, and said in a calm tone, "Thank you all for your trouble. Please go back now."

The imperial physician clasped his hands in a fist salute, and the female physician knelt down; each carrying their medicine chest, they silently departed.

Feng Chuchen also left with them.

The imperial physicians and female doctors received salaries from the court, so there was no need to settle the consultation fees at this moment. If everyone was happy, the host would even give them a reward. In today's situation, naturally no one mentioned the reward.

Feng Chuchen charged a consultation fee, with a minimum of five taels of silver for each house call. He would pay this fee regardless of whether the patient was dead or alive.

However, the servants of the Xue family showed no intention of paying. Of course, they weren't short of money; they simply didn't take these folk doctors seriously.

Feng Chuchen didn't dare to ask for anything, and only hoped to leave as soon as possible.

You can still hear Xue Yan'er muttering behind you, "What kind of miracle doctor is he? He killed someone and then just left like that."

Seeing that straight back, a smile flashed across Dr. Fan's eyes—let's see what you're up to now pretending to be a miracle doctor!
Just as Feng Chuchen was about to reach the passageway, a male voice suddenly came from behind, "Dr. Feng, please wait."

She paused, her heart sinking slightly, fearing something might have gone wrong.

Master Xue stepped forward quickly, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, “It is said that the Green Reed Marsh is a blessed place for infants. Please ask Doctor Feng to take the child there for burial. If it is convenient, please recite the Rebirth Sutra for him a few more times.”

Xue Yan'er, wringing her handkerchief, muttered under her breath, "That sounds nice, but it's just a messy graveyard cleared up by some country bumpkin..."

Madam Xue glared at her, "No manners!"

"That's how it is..." Xue Yan'er reluctantly fell silent.

Madam Xue was already unwilling, and after hearing Xue Yan'er's words, her face darkened even more. "Our children are so precious, how can we bury them in such a desolate place?"

Master Xue insisted, “Mother, I have heard that it is indeed the resting place of infant spirits. This child has never seen the light of day, and I only wish that he can find peace there and be reborn soon.”

He took the small body wrapped in white cloth from the midwife and gently lifted a corner. The child weighed about seven pounds, was covered in purple and blue, had half-closed eyes, and was stiff and lifeless.

His tears rolled down his cheeks again, and he solemnly handed the child forward with both hands.

Feng Chuchen nodded, and Granny Feng stepped forward to take it.

Feng Chuchen was unwilling to bury the Xue family bloodline herself, much less take it to the Green Reed Marsh. But the current situation left her no choice.

He could only reply in a low voice, "Yes."

Master Xue said in a hoarse voice, "Give twenty taels of silver to Doctor Feng, ten taels to buy a top-quality coffin for the child, and the remaining ten taels to thank Doctor Feng for his hard work."

The maid behind Master Xue stepped forward and handed Shaoyao twenty taels of silver.

Feng Chuchen couldn't help but look up at him. The boy was at most seventeen or eighteen years old, and his sadness was tinged with peace.

The Xue family has produced such a person; it's truly a case of a bad bamboo producing a good shoot.

Feng Chuchen led a few people out of the side gate of the Xue residence.

Only after stepping out of that long alley did she let out a soft sigh of relief. Peony pointed ahead, "Look, Miss, Uncle Wu is over there."

Uncle Wu was sitting on a mule cart, which was parked under a big tree.

The group boarded the mule cart.

Upon arriving at the clinic, Sister Song went inside and retrieved the finest wooden box, known as the "child's coffin."

Peony took it and put the dead child inside.

Mu Jin brought out Da Tou again, and the group of people and the dog got onto the mule cart.

The mule cart arrived at the entrance of Baima Village. Feng Chuchen told Shaoyao and Uncle Wu to go home and pack up first, while she led Datou and Granny Feng to the Green Reed Marsh.

The reed marshes remained desolate and quiet, with only the rustling of the wind through the reeds.

Sometime later, a small mound appeared inside.

Feng Chuchen pointed to a spot, and Granny Feng dug a small pit.

Bury the child.

The child is innocent and has not yet been tainted by the Xue family's sins.

Feng Chuchen took out three incense sticks, lit them on the small grave, and recited the Rebirth Sutra three times.

As Feng Chuchen walked out of the reed marsh, he could vaguely see two figures moving in the woods in the distance.

She knew that it was the person secretly protecting her.

Ming Shanyue's words echoed in my ears again, "We will use the full strength of our clan to protect you..."

The voice was deep and solemn, each word clear, carrying a heavy warmth that quietly warded off the lingering chill and dazed feeling in my heart.

This kind of "protection" is neither ostentatious shelter nor condescending care. Rather, it is him standing at a distance where the storm is about to break, discerning the dangers she may face, and then, in his own way, quietly providing her with a sheltered roof.

So this is what it feels like to be silently watched over and protected.

The road ahead is long, but she will never walk alone, no matter when or where.

Feng Chuchen took a deep breath, her eyes welling up with tears. She nodded slightly in that direction before walking towards the old house.

After taking a bath and having dinner, I went to check on the vegetable garden in the backyard. The cucumbers, peppers, tender pumpkins, and bok choy were all growing very lushly.

Uncle Wu would occasionally come back to pick some of these vegetables, and when Feng Changfu went to Beijing, he would also pick some to take to Feng's residence.

Uncle Wu laughed and said, "When I came, Master Changfu had just finished watering the land."

Feng Chuchen said, "Uncle Wu went to the neighboring village to buy ten catties of meat, and gave eight catties to Uncle Changfu. Then invite him over, I have something to ask of him."

Feng Chuchen sat under the eaves, comfortably reading a book and gazing at the flowers and plants in the courtyard and the distant mountains, enjoying a rare moment of relaxation and ease.

She loves the vibrant life and tranquility here.

As dusk fell, Uncle Wu and Feng Changfu arrived together.

Feng Chuchen mentioned building a courtyard of the same size to the west, with identical rooms. The land had already been purchased, and she gave Feng Changfu fifty taels of silver.

"I don't have time, my younger brother is still small, please take care of him, Uncle."

Feng Fugui only accepted forty taels and pushed ten taels back, saying, "Forty taels is enough."

Feng Chuchen said, "These ten taels are a reward for your hard work."

Feng Changfu shook his head and said, "I'm only helping my niece and nephew with a little help, and I'm still receiving so much money. I have no face to see my ancestors."

Feng Chuchen had no choice but to withdraw.

The next day, after returning home to the capital, Feng Chuchen personally cooked a fruit double-skin milk pudding with Aunt Wu, which was refreshing and appetizing. She had four bowls sent to the Ming family, Princess Yanghe's residence, and the Hu family.

Some thanks don't need to be spoken; they are expressed in this way.

In the evening, Guo Hei arrived at the Feng residence and smiled at Feng Chuchen, saying, "The old Duke, the old lady, and the first wife all enjoyed the food and thanked Miss Feng."

Then they brought out the return gift from the Ming family: two braised chickens made by the Ming family's main kitchen.

Princess Yanghe's residence also sent a return gift: two boxes of pastries made in the residence.

Mu Jin asked, puzzled, "Didn't Master Guo go to the yamen with Lord Ming?"

Guo Heihei blushed, scratched his head, and said, "A few days ago, I didn't control my strength well and accidentally killed a prisoner. The old man was angry and kicked me a few times, and forbade me from going to the imperial prison with him for the time being."

Du Ruo said, "Lord Ming is truly considerate of his subordinates. He doesn't punish people by hitting them with a board, but by preventing them from going to the yamen."

Guo Hei frowned and said, "Look at what you're saying, I'd rather be beaten than not stay by Grandpa's side."

Mid-June was Ms. Bi's due date, but she continued to be busy as if nothing was wrong.

A room has been set aside for the mother and son.

On the evening of June 12, she was still helping someone give birth, and the next morning she went into labor.

Aunt Wang personally delivered the baby, and at noon she gave birth to a son weighing five pounds and six ounces.

The little guy was red and wrinkled, and cried loudly; he didn't have a cleft lip.

Aunt Wang laughed and said, "It's really because of your eldest sister's protection that you got a son, and a very handsome one at that."

Ms. Bi was so excited that she cried; she was able to give birth to a healthy child.

She looked earnestly at Feng Chuchen, "Please, young lady, give the child a name so that he can share in your good fortune."

Feng Chuchen took the soft swaddling clothes and smiled, "Let's name him Bi Qingze. Sister-in-law Bi had a wonderful encounter in the reed marshes, which is a blessing for the child."

He added, "When the child grows up, if he is willing, he can be freed from slavery."

Bi was forced into the role of a servant, and Feng Chuchen did not want to jeopardize her child's future.

This was considered a new addition to the Feng family, and Feng Chuchen was so happy that he had red eggs sent to all the neighbors—except for the Chai family.

When Granny Chai heard that Madam Bi had indeed given birth to a son, and that he didn't have a cleft lip, she hurriedly took two chickens to the Feng residence.

Uncle Wu wouldn't let her in.

She took out two silver coins, but Uncle Wu didn't even lift his eyelids.

Granny Chai started acting like a shrew, "That's my grandson, he belongs to our Chai family. If that bitch Bi dares to take him, I'll go to the authorities and sue her."

According to the laws of the time, the principle of "father-son relationship" was indeed paramount. However, the Feng family also had its own basis: the child was born into the Feng family, and according to the article "a child born to a maid follows the mother," he was born into the Feng family's slave status.

If the Chai family insists on having the child, they must first go through official procedures to redeem the child from servitude and remove him from the registered household.

The amount of the ransom is entirely up to the Feng family.

Uncle Wu said coldly, "Go ahead and sue. Let's see how the authorities decide. It's unreasonable for your family to just rob the servants of the Feng family. This is outrageous! If you're determined to take them, bring the money to redeem them."

Granny Chai slunk away.

Back home, her son said to his mother, "That woman's offspring won't be good. My wife is due to give birth in a few months, and I guarantee she'll give you a beautiful, big, healthy boy."

Granny Chai was finally having an easier time.