TSWRLM -Chapter 253 The Grand Tutor’s Mansion Also Hires Wet Nurses

Chun Xi had been feeling sleepy over the past couple of days, and when Cao Wu and Madam Qian arrived, she had just woken up.

Not wanting to keep them waiting, she immediately had someone bring them to the main courtyard.

As soon as they entered, they heard Chun Xi calling out: “Big Brother, Sister-in-law, here are some brown sugar buns and steamed eggs. Would you like a bit more?”

“No, we had breakfast before coming,” Cao Wu refused outright, then placed all the items they had brought in front of Chun Xi. “Aunt Li told us you’re pregnant, so we brought a few things along. They’re not worth much, but it’s a little token of our heart. Please don’t mind.”

“Big Brother, you flatter me. Just knowing you care makes me happy enough.”

Chun Xi handed a bowl of steamed eggs to Madam Qian so she could feed Zheng’er, and then collected the rest of what Cao Wu had brought. Only then did she explain, “The baby is still in the early months, so I was worried it might be unstable. I had planned to tell you after three months.”

Before coming, Cao Wu hadn’t given it much thought. Seeing Chun Xi now, he realized coming so suddenly might have been a bit abrupt. He had intended to just say a few words and leave, but hearing her explanation, a wide smile spread across his face.

A-Xi still recognized him as her big brother and didn’t treat him like an outsider.

Cao Wu scratched his head and said with a smile, “A-Xi, your health is good, and my brother-in-law looks healthy too. The baby will surely be fine—don’t worry so much.”

Madam Qian joined in comforting her, then carefully asked about Chun Xi’s recent condition.

Chun Xi replied while having breakfast, “These past two days, I’ve been a bit sleepy and haven’t been craving meat. My appetite is smaller, and I get full quickly.”

Madam Qian nodded. “That’s actually quite good. When I was pregnant with Zheng’er, I couldn’t eat anything without vomiting—it was miserable.”

Cao Wu immediately added, “Yes, at that time, your sister-in-law couldn’t eat anything and only liked those overly sour fruits. It’s winter now, so fresh fruits are rare. I brought you some dried fruit, and when the jujubes are ripe, I’ll pick some for you.”

Chun Xi nodded, accepting Cao Wu’s offerings. Seeing this, Madam Qian mustered the courage to speak: “A-Xi, when Zheng’er and my mother got into trouble earlier, I got overly anxious and said some unpleasant things to you. Please forgive me—don’t hold it against me.”

Her face flushed red from either nervousness or shame. Cao Wu also felt uneasy: “A-Xi, Big Brother wasn’t careful either. We didn’t take proper care of Mother and Zheng’er and panicked. We caused you trouble.”

For Chun Xi, that matter had long passed. She swallowed her food and said gently, “I’m going to be a mother myself now. I completely understand Sister-in-law’s anxiety at the time. I’ve never blamed either of you.”

Her tone was calm and sincere, without a hint of resentment. Madam Qian finally relaxed and tentatively said, “A-Xi, now that you’re pregnant, there are many things you might not know. You need someone experienced by your side. If you don’t mind, I could…”

Before she could finish, a strikingly elegant noblewoman burst in. Her attire was exquisite, and her hairpins sparkled brilliantly—her high status immediately obvious.

Madam Qian froze mid-sentence, instinctively holding Zheng’er and stepping back with Cao Wu.

It was Princess Hengyang, here to see Chun Xi. Curious, she asked, “A-Xi, who are these two?”

“They’re my big brother and sister-in-law. They heard I’m pregnant and came to visit me,” Chun Xi replied as she stood. She then introduced them: “Big Brother, Sister-in-law, this is Princess Hengyang.”

Having never met royalty before, the two immediately knelt, saying in unison, “Your humble servants greet the Princess.”

“Stand up,” Princess Hengyang waved casually. “I’m good friends with A-Xi—you needn’t be so afraid.”

Even so, they were terrified—this was a real princess, after all. Madam Qian’s legs went weak, and Cao Wu had to pull her up. Just as they regained their footing, Princess Hengyang continued: “Yesterday, I went to the palace and arranged for two very experienced maids to come. They used to serve Consort Xian and are skilled in meals, taking care of pregnant women, and raising children. A-Xi, now you won’t have Mother-in-law to help you—aren’t I giving you a big favor?”

Princess Hengyang winked at Chun Xi while speaking.

She hadn’t told her husband about the pregnancy yet, nor had she decided whether to keep the child. Asking for the maids under the guise of helping Chun Xi allowed her to quietly experience what pregnancy felt like.

Chun Xi didn’t expose the princess and thanked her sincerely: “Princess, you are too kind to your humble servant. I will remember this favor for life and never forget it.”

The princess was pleased and wanted to chat more with Chun Xi, but Cao Wu and Madam Qian were still there, so she held back.

Chun Xi turned to Madam Qian: “By the way, Sister-in-law, what were you about to say?”

Suddenly asked, Madam Qian went blank. Stammering, she said, “N-nothing… I just worried you didn’t have anyone to take care of you, but now that the Princess has sent help, there’s nothing to worry about.”

Cao Wu nodded respectfully. “We have things at home, so we’ll take our leave and won’t disturb the Princess.”

Chun Xi didn’t stop them; she had A-Li escort them out of the residence.

The two were greatly impressed. Back home, Cao Wu couldn’t stop grinning.

He had actually seen a princess! A-Xi was amazing!

It seemed the princess liked A-Xi very much—no one would dare bully her now.

Cao Wu was happy for Chun Xi and slept soundly that night, while Madam Qian tossed and turned, unable to rest.

She had long known A-Xi had married into the Marquis’s household, but A-Xi’s wedding had been simple, and she had faced many disputes, even getting Zheng’er and her mother-in-law involved.

Madam Qian had always thought A-Xi’s life wasn’t as glamorous as neighbors said—but seeing Princess Hengyang treat A-Xi so well made her suddenly realize that A-Xi had also become an untouchable noble.

The next day, Cao Wu went to work as usual. He had barely left when Aunt Li came to find them: “Well? Did A-Xi agree to let you both work in the house?”

“No.”

“Why is she like that? Anyway, she’s hiring help—why not take family instead of outsiders? You’re her own sister-in-law, and you even lowered yourself to ask her. Why won’t she bring family into it?”

Aunt Li was more agitated than Madam Qian.

Madam Qian quietly murmured, “Aunt Li, you’ve misunderstood—this isn’t A-Xi’s fault.”

She had overheard the Princess sending palace maids and felt ashamed to claim she could care better than them.

Aunt Li ignored her and said, “I know another good household is also hiring a wet nurse. I told the intermediary about your situation—they think you’re suitable. Want to give it a try?”

“Aunt Li, I can’t…”

Madam Qian shook her head firmly, refusing.

She was timid and hadn’t met many people. She was only swayed by Aunt Li because she was familiar with Chun Xi. Going to a stranger’s house was terrifying.

Aunt Li urged, “The lady hasn’t given birth yet. You don’t need to do anything—just eat well and nourish your milk for a month, and you’ll earn ten taels of silver. Jobs like this are rare, even if you had a lantern shining on them. You really don’t want it?”

“….”

Madam Qian bit her lip, wavering.

The next day, Aunt Li brought Madam Qian to the Grand Tutor’s Mansion.

They entered through a side gate and, led by the servants, passed through multiple doors, walked down a long corridor, and finally arrived at a quiet courtyard.

Inside, Yun Wantang sipped tea and gently asked, “I heard your son is only a few months old. Why didn’t you bring him along?”