"Since this is what Third Sister hopes for, and she has no reluctance in her heart, I shall not try to dissuade further."
"However, childbirth is always a matter of risking one’s life. I can’t do much else but have so midwives and female doctors co over to help you take care of your body."
Upon hearing Ah Chen’s words, Ning Yutao finally understood what those people standing in the hall were there for, and her heart felt a warm comfort.
Father doesn’t care about the lives and deaths of daughters once they’re married off, only Ah Zhen would care so much.
She wishes to bear a son for her husband, who treats her exceptionally well, allowing her to experience the gentleness she never felt in Prince Ning Mansion. Childbirth indeed risks a woman’s life, and frequent births can deplete her strength, yet she is willing.
Ning Yutao understands that Ah Zhen cares deeply for her, but her husband holds just this one obsession, otherwise there’s nothing wrong.
"Ah Zhen..." Ning Yutao had countless words in her heart, but didn’t know how to express them when she opened her mouth. Perhaps Ah Zhen feels helpless seeing her so determined. Despite having the sa experience, she still walks the old path of Father, insisting on having a son.
But she swears to the heavens, even if it’s to fulfill her husband’s fixation, she will treat her daughters well and not let them suffer.
"Ah Zhen, you should let them return, I... can’t afford the expense," Ning Yutao said sowhat embarrassedly, "If there’s really any issue, I’ll send soone to invite them for a look."
Currently, her health is relatively good and doesn’t need much care, which is because she recuperated well after each childbirth, aided by in-laws who aren’t harsh people, which is one reason she made up her mind.
"Third Sister need not worry about this, they will settle down in the adjacent courtyard from now on and will co daily to help you nourish your body, all without troubling you. Consider it my concern for you; I don’t wish any harm to befall you," Ah Chen said, noticing Ning Yutao still wanted to say sothing, she added in a pleading tone, "I don’t want to lose you, my sister, to any accident. My heart will be at ease only when you sisters are well."
Ning Yutao couldn’t refuse this, thinking about the recent events, Ning Yutao felt touched. Facing Ah Chen’s gaze, she agreed almost involuntarily. It was only after nodding that she realized it, but having already agreed, it was hard to retract.
"I know you disapprove of such things, but since you’re willing, I can’t stop you much. Because of this, wherever you feel uncomfortable, express it promptly to the female doctor," Ah Chen warned, "Also, if soday you decide not to bear more, you can let know. Your courtyard in Prince Ning Mansion will always be reserved for you and you can return whenever you wish."
Ning Yutao was moved to tears, nodding repeatedly.
"And those three nieces, don’t overlook them, Third Sister," Ah Chen rembered, suddenly asking, "Given the current state of the Fan Mansion, raising children shouldn’t be a problem, right?"
Ning Yutao was montarily at a loss, quickly saying: "For now, it’s manageable."
Bringing up this topic, there was a hint of worry in her brow.
Now it’s okay, but as the children grow and new ones are born, life might get tight. Raising children aside, preparing for their future is also necessary. A daughter’s dowry, a son’s betrothal gift, none of these can be omitted. Thinking of these, Ning Yutao felt overwheld.
"So there might be problems in the future?" Ah Chen looked thoughtful, "That’s not acceptable. Adults can endure hardship, but the children shouldn’t have to."
Ning Yutao found herself speechless, for indeed, her three daughters are well-behaved and lovely. Her husband can’t be accused of not loving them, as he often teaches them to read and write, yet he is particularly fixated on having a son.
"Third Sister, this must be planned ahead of ti."
Ning Yutao felt sowhat bewildered, she doesn’t really have the skills, and although she was given a shop as part of her dowry from Prince Ning Mansion, its inco is quite modest, occasionally running at a loss. Even achieving a small profit is comndable. Lacking expertise, she simply rented out the shop later on. The household expenses are covered by her husband’s salary, but the shop’s rent right now is being saved, though it’s not enough for even one daughter’s dowry, let alone so occasional additional expense.
The more she thought about the future, the more anxious Ning Yutao beca.
"If you don’t mind, Third Sister, I do have a solution," Ah Chen smiled a little, "I noticed Old Madam Fan and Mr. Fan are still quite hale and hearty; they could engage in so work to save so Silver Coin."
"Moreover, Third Brother-in-law isn’t particularly busy; he rarely drinks and idles away, usually spending ti reading or writing at ho. Why not use that spare ti doing so work to supplent the household inco, which would also lay a financial foundation early for your children," Ah Chen lifted her eyes, then praised, "Third Brother-in-law is a person of integrity who’s unlikely to accept my charity, but earning Silver Tael through labor, he probably wouldn’t refuse."
If you’re going to have children, then raise them well and save a good amount for them, right?
Otherwise, why have so many children just to see them with empty bowls?
"Third Brother-in-law, Old Madam Fan, Mr. Fan, what do you think?" Ah Chen, being a doer, decided to wait and discuss the matter further with Fan Wenjue after proposing the idea, amidst Ning Yutao’s inner conflicts.
Hearing her words, the Fan Family remained silent.
"I’ve heard Mr. Fan and Old Madam Fan were once skilled farrs," Ah Chen complinted, "Coincidentally, there’s an estate at Prince Ning Mansion attempting to cultivate good seedlings; it’s just the right place for you two."
Today, having co here, Ah Chen had naturally investigated the Fan Family, and indeed, these two were exceptional in producing crops.
At only forty or fifty, why consider retiring already? Stand up and earn more for your grandchildren’s future!
Mr. Fan and Old Madam Fan were intrigued.
Since their son’s success as an official, they, being farrs by birth, had been brought to the Capital City to enjoy life, yet their bodies didn’t quite adjust. Only after tending the flowers and plants in the mansion had they found so comfort.
Mr. Fan rubbed his hands, moved closer to Old Madam Fan and whispered, "Wife, I think it’s feasible."
It was much better than those aningless social gatherings, surely farming was more satisfying.
"I also think it’s doable," Old Madam Fan whispered back, stealing a glance at their son, curious about his thoughts.
Prince Ning was right, there were many kids to take care of at ho. Instead of idling away all day at the mansion, wouldn’t it be better to do so work and save for their grandchildren? In their village, even octogenarians didn’t fully retire, and they were still young at forty or fifty, certainly able to work the fields.
"Besides that, Third Brother-in-law writes beautifully; Prince Ning Mansion has started several study houses, needing individuals like him to help transcribe books."
Beixia had introduced printing, but the technique at that ti was not as good as handwriting, especially when the writing was beautiful, the book’s value soared.
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