Dusk had settled in, and night crept slowly through the windows. The lingering heat of the day hadn’t fully faded, but the house had already grown quiet.
Xie Yushu and Su Chi weren’t used to having attendants wait on them at night. They let the servants put out the lanterns, close the doors and windows along the corridor, and retire to their own rooms.
Xie Yushu took the basin of warm water mixed with cool from Xie Jiu, helped Su Chi pin up his long hair, undressed him, and wrung out a cloth to wipe him down carefully.
The warm cloth traced over his skin. He’d always been fair-skinned, and after being so tenderly cared for all this time—plus the pregnancy—his skin had grown even more luminous, like a peeled lychee, white with a hint of pink. Xie Yushu was so gentle she barely dared to press, treating him like a precious treasure.
Su Chi hummed in contentment, eyes half-closed, letting her do as she pleased.
After she finished, she dressed him in clean, soft underclothes—light and breathable against his skin.
Once Xie Yushu had tidied herself up and climbed into bed, she blew out all but the single candle by the headboard. She saw Su Chi with one hand resting on his gently rounded belly, a soft smile at the corners of his mouth. The candlelight warmed his profile, peaceful and serene—pregnancy had given him an indescribable, subtle beauty.
She reached out and wrapped her arms around him, her palm naturally covering the back of his hand, and asked softly: “What’s wrong? Is the baby starting to bother you?”
At just over five months, could there already be movement? It was Xie Yushu’s first time being a mother, and she wasn’t sure about such things. Her voice carried a hint of nervousness, mixed with an anticipation she didn’t even realize.
She thought to herself—would there be parenting books in this world? She’d go to the bookstore tomorrow and ask. If they had any, she’d buy a set.
She trusted that her baby would be the best little one, and that Su Chi would teach them well. But she wanted to do her part as a mother too—she wanted to be a good one.
“Mm, just a little.” Su Chi moved her hand to his belly and looked up at her expectantly. “Feel.”
Xie Yushu concentrated, sensing the faint movement beneath her palm. At just over five months, the little one was still so small—nothing like the strong kicks at eight or nine months. Just the gentlest ripple, there and gone in a moment.
Xie Yushu froze, as if a tiny bundle the size of a palm had bumped softly against her chest. It was in that moment that she truly, viscerally realized—she was going to be a mother.
“It moved…” Her voice trembled.
Su Chi smiled down at his belly, coaxing the little one: “You know that’s your mother, don’t you?”
“It’s never moved before. But today, after we visited Wanxue and saw his baby, I felt the little one stir on the way back.” There was wonder in his voice, the joy of a new father.
“Wanxue’s baby was so adorable—just a tiny little bundle.”
Xie Yushu nodded, understanding—seeing Jiang Wanxue’s child had awakened Su Chi’s fatherly love.
She stroked his rounded belly gently: “In just over four months, this little one will come out to meet its mother and father.”
Su Chi was looking forward to it too. He took her hand and asked: “Yushu, do you think it’ll be a boy or a girl?”
Xie Yushu didn’t hesitate: “Boy or girl, either is fine—as long as they look like you.”
If they looked like you, I’d be soft-hearted, never able to scold them or speak a harsh word. I’d never be a strict mother.
Su Chi melted into her arms, but shook his head: “It’s better if they look like their mother. You’re so beautiful.”
His wife was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. If their child looked like her, he’d be more than satisfied.
Xie Yushu couldn’t help smiling and tapped his nose: “Looking like their father is beautiful too.”
Those gentle, warm eyes—she needed nothing more than to have them look at her quietly, and her heart would be completely in their grasp.
She hoped that if their child had even half of her fulang’s gentle gaze, she’d be content.
·
As Su Chi’s belly grew and the little one settled in steadily, Xie Yushu eased up on keeping him cooped up. As long as he didn’t overexert himself, she allowed him to visit the shop now and then with Xiuwei.
Xiuwei adored Su Chi, but he never forgot Xie Yushu’s order to protect him. He’d keep his little face tense, alertly scanning their surroundings, and when it was time, he’d urge his fulang to head home before the boss worried.
One day, Xie Yushu came home earlier than usual.
Ever since they’d gotten a carriage, Xie Jiu had been driving her to and from the workshop every day.
To Xie Yushu’s surprise, Xie Jiu was quite skilled at handling the carriage—fast and steady, even on uneven roads.
The horse had been sent by the Jiangzhou Xie family—a fine red-maned steed with excellent stamina, able to run a full day and night without tiring.
Along with the horse came a load of hard-to-find ingredients and nourishing tonics for the expectant father—the kitchen was nearly overflowing.
Xie Yushu had kept in touch with the Xie family, letting the elders know about the new house in the county and Su Chi’s pregnancy. They were overjoyed and wrote back, telling her to take good care of her fulang—they’d come visit another time.
She was carrying an exquisite box as she walked back to the rear courtyard. She spotted Su Chi chatting with Xiuwei, both laughing. When they didn’t seem to notice her, she gave a soft cough, drawing their attention.
Seeing her back, Su Chi’s face lit up as he waddled over to greet her: “Why are you home so early today?”
She steadied him and said, “Youchun came this morning to deliver the accounts and a few batches of goods. The afternoon was lighter, so I came home early to be with you.”
Noticing no one behind her, Su Chi tugged her sleeve and complained: “Why didn’t you invite Youchun to stay the night? Have a meal, head back tomorrow—she could have.”
Xie Yushu took a sip of warm tea from Xiuwei and explained patiently: “I did ask, but she rushed off as soon as she finished—wouldn’t linger a moment longer.”
Before Su Chi could frown and ask why, Xie Yushu presented the box to him with a smile: “Open it and see.”
He’d noticed the box earlier but hadn’t had a chance to ask. Now she handed it to him directly.
He opened the lid to find several silk hair ribbons lying inside.
One pale green one embroidered with orchid patterns, one moon-white with cloud patterns, one with peach blossom petals—and a few in other colors. Every one was exquisitely crafted, and Su Chi’s eyes lit up. He couldn’t help reaching out to touch them, his fingers brushing against the smooth silk.
Seeing him so captivated, Xie Yushu knew she’d picked something he’d love. She coaxed softly: “Pick one and try it on.”
He did love them, but his fingers hovered hesitantly over the ribbons. He looked up at her with a hint of uncertainty: “I’m going to be a father soon—can I still wear these?”
These were things unmarried ge’er liked. He’d never seen such beautiful ribbons before and was instantly drawn to them. But now that he was a married fulang and soon-to-be father—would it be strange to wear such colorful, showy things? Would it be inappropriate?
“What nonsense are you thinking?” Xie Yushu pinched his cheek. “Why wouldn’t you be able to wear them? Which household made that rule?”
She picked out the moon-white cloud-pattern ribbon—the one that best matched his skin tone—and went behind him. This was her first time tying one, and she was a little clumsy, but in the end she managed to make it look right.
The finely crafted silk ribbon slipped through her fingers and settled into his soft, smooth hair.
A beautiful ribbon on a beautiful person—it added an extra layer of charm, making him even more gentle and lovely. Now it was Xie Yushu’s turn to stare.
“Beautiful. It suits you perfectly,” she murmured.
Su Chi lowered his eyes, cheeks flushed. He reached up to touch the ribbon lightly; as he tilted his head, the ribbon swayed gently with the motion.
His long hair flowed down his back, loosely bound with the ribbon. It framed his delicate face, softening his features—he seemed wrapped in a veil of mist, both gentle and radiant.
Before long, Su Chi was in her arms, their warm lips tangled together, soft sounds escaping him.
And beside them, no one remained.
Xiuwei, wise beyond his years, had fled the moment their eyes met.
·
When Su Chi’s belly grew so large that he couldn’t see his own toes, Xie Yushu sent Xie Jiu to bring Wang Wen from the village.
It was a long journey—six hours each way. Wang Wen arrived in the dead of night, laden with bags and bundles, travel-worn but safe.
Su Chi had been so anxious waiting that he couldn’t sleep—worried about an accident on the road, worried his father would freeze in the autumn cold, worried he wouldn’t handle such a long carriage ride. His mind raced.
Xie Yushu stayed by his side, amused and touched by his fretfulness.
She tried to reassure him: “Xie Jiu may seem simple, but she knows some martial arts. Father will be fine.”
Su Chi nodded but kept glancing toward the door. Only when he heard movement and a servant announced their arrival did he finally relax, the knot in his chest unwinding.
Xie Jiu and Wang Wen arrived safe and sound. Su Chi led them to the kitchen to warm up with some food.
He’d had Shan Ge’er prepare broth and noodles, kept warm in the pot so they could eat something hearty before bed.
“Xie Jiu, come eat something,” Su Chi called to her with a wave. “Thank you for this.”
“Don’t mention it, Fulang!” Xie Jiu grinned. “Bringing the old master back safe is the best thing.”
The two of them each had a large bowl of chicken-broth noodles, then went to their rooms.
“Save the talking for tomorrow—let Father rest now.” Xie Yushu could tell Su Chi wanted to cling to his father, so she gently coaxed him.
Su Chi agreed, of course—his father was here to stay, so there’d be plenty of time to talk.
·
The days in Tang’an County passed one by one, and before they knew it, December was coming to an end. The New Year was just over a month away.
Su Chi’s belly was now over nine months along—round and heavy, hard to support even with both hands, and walking had become much slower.
Since his father had arrived, he’d been the one preparing all of Su Chi’s meals. The tonics and delicacies sent by the Jiangzhou Xie family were turned into something new and delicious every day.
Without fail, Wang Wen took Su Chi for two laps around the Xie residence at midday and again in the evening—saying that keeping active would make labor easier.
Su Chi was thriving. His complexion was rosy, and the baby was healthy—very active at night, often kicking cheerfully and keeping him awake.
Whenever that happened, Xie Yushu would sternly tell the baby not to kick their father’s belly.
Strangely, the baby seemed to understand—every time she said that, they’d settle right down, obedient and quiet.
Both of them were amazed, saying the child would surely be well-behaved.
Xie Yushu had the Sun family doctor visit regularly—the fee was high, but she never begrudged it.
That day, the usual check-up confirmed Su Chi and the baby were both healthy, with about half a month to go.
The whole household was preparing for the little master’s arrival.
Xie Yushu had left nothing to chance. She’d found the most reliable midwife near their home.
She’d wanted the midwife to stay at the Xie residence, but he’d laughed it off—they were just steps away, he’d be there in no time, so she needn’t worry.
The delivery room was ready—a warm, sunlit chamber, already stocked with silver charcoal. Swaddling cloth, diapers, a baby carriage, and a cradle had all been custom-made to her specifications by the main street carpenter, using the finest wood.
Su Chi and Xiuwei were inside, sorting through the baby’s clothes.
There were garments Tailor Tao had made—with even, beautiful stitches—and new clothes Xie Yushu had ordered, made of soft, precious fabric. The Tang family had sent little warm caps in all sorts of designs. Su Chi himself, too heavy to go anywhere, had also made several. They covered the entire bed—more than the little one could ever wear.
Xiuwei folded each piece carefully and placed them in the little master’s chest.
Looking at all those tiny clothes, Su Chi’s heart softened like a wad of sun-dried cotton. He could already imagine the little one in a warm cap, crawling toward him, a fuzzy head nuzzling into his chest, calling him “Father” in a sweet voice. A smile tugged at his lips.
“Father’s not around again?” Su Chi glanced out the window.
“Yes—the old master went to the shop,” Xiuwei replied.
Wang Wen couldn’t stay idle. Seeing the household so well-managed, he’d found his own work. After making sure Su Chi’s meals were all set, he’d head to the shop to help.
When he’d first arrived, he’d teased Su Chi: “With all these people waiting on you, why do you still need your father?”
Su Chi had just taken his arm and acted spoiled, saying he wanted his father to take care of him.
That evening, after the family had dinner, Su Chi went into labor.
“Xie Jiu!” Xie Yushu shouted frantically.
“On it!” Xie Jiu knew what her master needed—she shot out the door like a bolt, racing to fetch the midwife.
Xie Yushu scooped Su Chi up and strode to the delivery room. Su Chi was pale with pain, unable to speak, gripping her clothes tightly.
Xie Yushu held his hand, her voice trembling: “The midwife’s coming—it’ll be over soon, very soon.”
The midwife arrived as promised, lightning fast.
The moment he stepped in, he shooed Xie Yushu out of the room: “Master, go outside. You can’t help with labor—it’s not a pretty sight.”
He was a seasoned professional. He quickly ordered two people to stay and help while sending everyone else out—no one was to step foot inside.
The door slammed shut. The midwife swiftly washed his hands, rolled up his sleeves, and laid out scissors and clean cloth, sending for hot water.
Fortunately, the Xie household always kept water heated—the stove never went out. The servants brought several large buckets at once.
Xie Yushu stood outside, dazed. Her fingers gripped the doorframe, numb to the cold, deaf to Wang Wen’s reassurances.
All she could hear were Su Chi’s low, pained groans, his intermittent cries of pain, and the midwife’s steady commands: “Push now—the baby’s head is coming.”
A cold wind swept through the courtyard, and Xie Yushu shivered, only half returning to her senses—her face drenched in anxious sweat.
Su Chi’s body had been well-nourished, and even though it was his first time, labor didn’t take too long. In less than an hour, the baby arrived safely.
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