The Red Mansion

Chapter 307 Medical Theory and Pulse Diagnosis: Is Yuan Chun Pregnant?
One day at the end of June, in the Huifang Garden of the Duke's Mansion, several pomegranate flowers had already withered.

However, within the inner quarters, there seemed to be signs of pomegranate blossoms blooming, and these blossoms appeared to be inside Yuan Chun's womb...

That morning, Yuan Chun invited Meng Xiong's wife, Li Yanmei, to her courtyard.

Yuan Chun sat upright on a rosewood chair inlaid with mother-of-pearl. When she saw Li Yanmei enter, she ordered Baoqin to serve tea and dismissed the other servants, leaving only Baoqin to serve her.

After Li Yanmei sat down, Yuan Chun smiled and said, "I invited you here today because I have a private matter to ask you."

Li Yanmei said respectfully, "Please speak freely, Madam."

Yuan Chun gently stroked her lower abdomen and whispered, "To be honest, my period didn't come this month. I'm wondering if I'm pregnant, but I'm also worried that I might have some symptoms."

Li Yanmei understood and said softly, "Madam, please don't be anxious. Let me ask you carefully."

After saying that, he carefully inquired about Yuan Chun's condition, asking if she experienced nausea, vomiting, cravings for sour foods, or fatigue...

Yuan Chun answered them one by one: "I have indeed felt nauseous these past few days, especially in the morning. I also feel tired and my mouth tastes bland. I would like to taste some sour plums."

Li Yanmei nodded and took out an embroidered pulse pillow: "Please extend your hand, Madam."

Yuan Chun did as she was told, extending her jade wrist, on which she wore a pair of jade bracelets, which made her skin appear even whiter.

Li Yanmei concentrated and calmed herself, gently placing three fingers on the cun, guan, and chi positions to carefully feel the pulse.

The room fell silent for a moment, except for the chirping of cicadas outside the window.

Baoqin watched nervously from the side, not daring to even breathe.

Li Yanmei sometimes frowned and sometimes relaxed, and after about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, she slowly withdrew her hand.

"How is it?" Yuan Chun asked anxiously.

Li Yanmei pondered for a moment and said, "Madam, this matter of the pregnancy pulse is extremely subtle. Medical classics say, 'When the yin pulse beats and the yang pulse is distinct, it is called pregnancy.' The key indicator of the pregnancy pulse is the appearance of a 'slippery pulse,' which is a smooth and flowing pulse, like pearls rolling on a plate."

Seeing that Yuan Chun was listening intently, she explained further: "The Pulse Classic clearly states: 'In the early stages of pregnancy, the pulse at the cun position is small and the respiration rate is five beats per breath. By the third month, the pulse at the chi position becomes rapid. If the pulse is slippery and rapid, and disperses when pressed firmly, it indicates that the pregnancy is already in the third month.' Pregnancy will cause changes in the pulse, but one must wait for the right time."

Yuan Chun pressed further, "And how am I now?"

Li Yanmei said, "Madam, don't be anxious. Even if an experienced doctor diagnoses pregnancy, it may take about one and a half to two months after menstruation stops before a slippery pulse can be detected. Moreover, the pulse may not be typical at this time and needs to be strictly differentiated from other pathological conditions that may cause a slippery pulse, such as phlegm retention or excessive heat."

She paused, then continued, "When menstruation stops for two to three months, as the pregnancy gradually stabilizes, the slippery pulse will become clearer and more typical, increasing the doctor's confidence in confirming pregnancy. This is why many medical books often use 'three months' as the key."

Yuan Chun sighed softly: "So, it's still uncertain at the moment?"

Li Yanmei said solemnly, "To make a relatively clear and reliable diagnosis, it usually takes two to three months after menopause. Moreover, a meticulous doctor will not hastily conclude that a woman is pregnant based solely on a 'slippery pulse.' The pulse, the history of menopause, and other systemic symptoms must be combined for a comprehensive assessment to avoid misdiagnosis."

At this point, Li Yanmei bowed and said, "Madam's period is late this month. At present, not only am I, with my limited medical skills, but even an experienced imperial physician cannot confirm whether she is pregnant."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Chun was somewhat disappointed, but she understood: "Thank you for your frankness."

Seeing the worry on Yuan Chun's face, Li Yanmei said in a low voice, "To be honest, Madam, my period hasn't come this month. My father has carefully examined my pulse, but he still can't tell." As she said this, a hint of girlish shyness appeared in her previously composed demeanor.

Yuan Chun smiled and said, "If you are happy, Meng Xiong will be very happy. It is already a blessing for him to marry you. If he can have another child, it will be an even greater blessing."

A blush rose to Li Yanmei's face. Although she didn't have the same pressure of raising children as Yuan Chun, she still longed to have children. Thinking of her husband, Meng Xiong, who, despite being a rough and boisterous military officer, often talked about wanting a child, a sweet feeling welled up in her heart. However, she ultimately remained dutiful and quickly said, "Let's not talk about me; my affairs are insignificant. The important thing is Madam."

Her expression turned serious, and she earnestly advised, "Although it is not yet certain whether Madam is pregnant, it would be best if Madam informed the Fourth Prince immediately. Firstly, so that the Fourth Prince would be aware of the situation, and secondly, so that the Fourth Prince could invite a highly skilled imperial physician to examine Madam carefully."

She paused slightly, then spoke even softer: "Please forgive my impertinence, Madam. If Madam is not pregnant but has some symptoms, early diagnosis would be beneficial for early treatment."

Yuan Chun hesitated. She wanted to tell Yuan Yi only after confirming her pregnancy, so as to give him a big surprise. Imagining her husband's joyful face at that time, her heart felt as sweet as honey. If she told him now, and Yuan Yi thought she was pregnant, only to find out it wasn't, wouldn't that make Yuan Yi happy for nothing? The feeling of false joy would probably be even more disappointing than not knowing at all.

However, upon further reflection, Li Yanmei's words made sense. Yuan Chun had grown up in the Rongguo Mansion since childhood and had served in the palace for several years. She had heard of or seen many women who, because they were reluctant to seek medical treatment, had allowed minor illnesses to develop into serious ones. If she herself truly had some kind of ailment, delaying diagnosis and treatment would only be undesirable.

After much deliberation, reason ultimately prevailed.

So, at noon that day, after Yuan Yi had finished lunch, Yuan Chun found an excuse to invite him to the east wing of Deben Hall, and dismissed all the servants, even her personal maid Baoqin, who only stood guard outside the door.

Seeing this commotion, Yuan Yi asked with a smile, "What's going on today? Why are you being so mysterious?"

Yuan Chun gently bit her red lips, carefully choosing her words, and recounted in detail the matter of her delayed menstruation and the consultation with Li Yanmei. By the end, her voice was barely audible, and even her ears turned red.

Upon hearing this, Yuan Yi's face lit up with joy, and he grasped Yuan Chun's hand: "If it's really good news, that would be wonderful!" His usually composed eyes shone with an astonishing brightness. "This is truly a joyous occasion!"

Seeing his joy, Yuan Chun felt both sweet and worried. She quickly said, "Fourth Master, don't be so happy yet. Meng Xiong's wife said that it's still early and the pulse hasn't shown any signs of pregnancy. Perhaps it's not true that you're pregnant." She lowered her eyes. "If it's just wishful thinking, it will disappoint you, Fourth Master."

Yuan Yi said softly, "Even if it's just wishful thinking, it's better than not knowing at all. You did the right thing; you should have told me about this sooner. I will immediately send someone with my name card to invite Su Tianshi from the Imperial Medical Academy to come to my residence to examine my pulse."

Yuan Chun said anxiously, "Why make such a fuss?"

Yuan Yi said solemnly, "If it is indeed a happy event, it is naturally a big deal. If it is not a happy event, but there are symptoms, that is also a big deal."

Seeing Yuan Chun's unease, he comforted her, "Don't worry. Even if this isn't a happy occasion, there's plenty of time in the future. Why dwell on temporary gains and losses? And even if you do develop symptoms, with Doctor Su's medical skills, he'll surely be able to cure you."

These words were like a gentle spring breeze, warming Yuan Chun's heart.

Yuan Chun nodded in agreement, then suddenly remembered something and smiled, saying, "Speaking of which, Meng Xiong's wife also missed her period this month. If we were both pregnant at the same time, it would be quite a story."

Yuan Yi laughed as well: "Then Meng Xiong must be even happier than ever."

Immediately, Yuan Yi ordered a master of ceremonies to take his name card to the home of Su Tianshi, the head of the Imperial Medical Academy.

The master of ceremonies accepted the order and left, returning to report that Physician Su had said he would come over at Shenshi (3-5 PM) today. Su Tianshi was now the head of the Imperial Medical Academy and the personal physician of the retired Emperor Jingning. He made time to come over at Shenshi today, both because of Yuan Yi's noble status and because of his close relationship with Yuan Yi.

That afternoon at Shenshi (3-5 PM), a blue-draped carriage arrived at the Duke's residence.

Su Tianshi, dressed in the robes of a sixth-rank official, arrived gracefully. Yuan Yi personally greeted him at the second gate, shaking his hand and saying, "Thank you for your help, sir."

Su Tianshi smiled and returned the greeting: "Fourth Master, you are too kind. It is only right that this old man serve you."

The two headed towards Lishenzhai.

Upon arriving at Lishenzhai, after the guests and hosts took their seats, the maid Xiangling served fragrant tea. Yuan Yi then explained in detail why he had invited Su Tianshi, saying that he was there to take the pulse of his wife, Yuanchun, to see if she was pregnant or if she had other symptoms.

Upon hearing this, Su Tianshi's expression immediately turned solemn: "I see. Such an important matter should be handled with utmost care by this old man."

He first explained his medical principles in detail, which were very similar to what Li Yanmei had said: "The pulse of pregnancy cannot be detected now. It will only be clear two to three months after menstruation stops. At present, I can only diagnose whether Madam has symptoms."

Yuan Yi nodded: "I'll leave it all to the old gentleman's diagnosis."

Immediately, Yuan Chun arrived at Li Shen Zhai. Yuan Yi didn't even have her sit behind the curtain; he directly had her sit opposite Su Tianshi. Su Tianshi first calmed his mind and took Yuan Chun's pulse, carefully examining her with his eyes closed for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. Yuan Chun's palms were sweaty with nervousness, and although Yuan Yi's expression remained calm, his heart was in turmoil.

After taking her pulse, Su Tianshi asked her in detail about her condition: how was her diet recently, whether she was sleeping well, and whether she had any discomfort... Yuan Chun answered him one by one.

Finally, Su Tianshi stroked his beard and pondered, "In my opinion, the lady's pulse is normal and her six pulses are in harmony, so there doesn't seem to be any illness. However... I dare not speak rashly about this pregnancy pulse. Although the pulse is slightly slippery, it is not yet well-formed. Perhaps I am just being paranoid."

Yuan Chun said, "Thank you for your trouble, sir."

Su Tianshi comforted her, "Madam, there is no need to worry. Here's what we'll do: if Fourth Master doesn't mind, I will come to your residence every ten days to check your pulse. If you are diagnosed with pregnancy, that would be wonderful; if it's just a symptom, it will be easy to treat it promptly."

Yuan Yi was extremely grateful: "How can we possibly accept such kindness from you, sir?"

Su Tianshi waved his hand and laughed, "Fourth Master, you're too kind. This is simply my duty."

Yuan Yi immediately ordered someone to bring a generous reward and personally presented it: "This is just a small gift, nothing more, but I hope you will accept it, sir."

Su Tianshi rose and declined, saying, "How can this be? My friendship with Fourth Master is not for such mundane matters."

Yuan Yi insisted on giving it to him: "If the old gentleman does not accept it, it would be too formal. We will be visiting each other often in the future, and we cannot let the old gentleman make a wasted trip every time."

Su Tianshi could not refuse, and knowing Yuan Yi's temperament, he knew that refusing again would only create distance, so he cupped his hands and accepted: "In that case, this old man is ashamed to accept."

……

……

Since it was uncertain whether she was pregnant, Yuan Chun intended to keep it a secret to avoid unfounded rumors. However, in this secluded mansion, many of the maids, servants, and old women were quick-witted and had loose tongues. Any slightest hint of trouble would spread like wildfire.

That day, Ying'er heard the news from somewhere and rushed back to her room to report it to Xue Baochai.

Xue Baochai was sitting by the window doing accounts when she heard Ying'er's report, and immediately lost all interest in doing the accounts.

Ying'er continued, "I'm thinking that the lady is most likely pregnant this time..."

Xue Baochai raised her hand to stop her from speaking: "Such an important matter should not be speculated on before it is settled." She paused and then said: "If it is indeed a happy occasion, it will be a great joy for the family. However, since it has not been confirmed yet, you must remember not to spread it outside, so as not to cause trouble."

Ying'er quickly replied, "Don't worry, Auntie, I understand."

Xue Baochai sighed softly, stood up by the window, and looked out. Although her expression was calm, her heart was filled with mixed feelings. She sighed to herself, "I wonder when I will be able to have a child?"

On the same day, Jing Qing also received the news. It turned out that the maid, Lü Yi, had overheard the rumors, secretly inquired about them, and then reported back to Jing Qing.

Jing Qing was practicing calligraphy when, upon hearing Lü Yi's report, she paused, adding an extra stroke to the character "家" (jia, meaning family/home) in "宜尔室家" (yi er shi jia, meaning "suitable family/home"). She put down her brush and scolded, "How dare you presume to guess such an important matter?"

Green Ripple leaned closer and whispered, "I've inquired carefully, and it seems that Madam is most likely pregnant."

Jing Qing paused for a moment, then gently stroked her flat stomach, feeling both envious of Yuan Chun and looking forward to the future.

She was a year older than Yuan Yi and was already of childbearing age, yet Yuan Yi had been deliberately guarding against it. She knew it was because Yuan Yi hoped that his wife, Yuan Chun, would conceive first. If Yuan Chun were indeed pregnant this time, Yuan Yi would no longer need to guard against her pregnancy.

That night, Yuan Chun sat in front of the dressing table, holding a zither to help her remove her makeup. Seeing that her brows were furrowed, she asked, "Why is Madam worried again?"

Yuan Chun looked at herself in the mirror and gently stroked her cheek: "Alas! In just two short hours, everyone in the mansion has their eyes on my belly. If it's not a happy pregnancy, they'll laugh at me."

Baoqin smiled and said, "Madam, you are overthinking it. Even if it is not a happy occasion, Fourth Master's feelings for you will not change. Besides, there is plenty of time in the future, and it will happen sooner or later."

As they were talking, they suddenly saw another person in the mirror; it was Yuan Yi, who had been standing behind them at some point.

Yuan Chun hurriedly tried to get up, but Yuan Yi gently pressed her shoulder down.

Yuan Yi laughed and said, "I just heard you talking. What jokes? In this mansion, who would dare to laugh at you?"

Yuan Chun lowered her head and said, "I was afraid of disappointing Fourth Master."

Yuan Yi chuckled: "Nonsense. Whether you're pregnant or not, you'll always be my wife." With that, he took the jade comb from Baoqin's hands and personally combed her long black hair.

Yuan Chun suddenly stood up and gave Bao Qin a wink. Bao Qin understood and quietly slipped out.

Yuan Chun then leaned on her husband's shoulder, her heart filled with warmth.

The mirror reflected the images of a perfect couple.

(End of this chapter)