TIPS – Chapter 84

_{Hey, everyone! 🌟 I know there’s been some inconsistent updates lately, and here’s the culprit: Unruly Phoenix Xiaoyao – More Like Unruly Disappointment. I got so wrapped up in finishing it because I HAD to know what happens between the ML and FL. Spoiler alert: it was… well, let’s just say, meh. Disappointing? Yes. The end of the world? Nah, I’ll survive. 😅}

_{Thanks for being patient—I promise I’ll get back to my usual rhythm soon (without diving headfirst into another potential disappointment, haha). Let’s keep the vibes strong! 💪}

“You should eat more.” Shen Junxi gestured, sitting quietly to the side and watching him eat.

Song Jingwei glanced at him from the corner of his eye without saying anything and simply picked up his bowl to eat.

As the New Year approached, the weather grew colder by the day. Everyone in the Shen family’s main household wore thick cotton-padded jackets. Song Jingwei, in particular, was the focus of their efforts to keep warm. Yang Shi and the others were constantly afraid he’d catch a chill and made sure Shen Junxi kept a close eye on him, never allowing him to take off the plush cloak he wore over his shoulders.

Song Jingwei wanted to tell them that being pregnant made him feel anything but cold. But seeing their obvious concern, he couldn’t bring himself to say it. The only thing he could do was obediently wrap himself up like a fluffy ball, making even walking feel like rolling.

The day before New Year’s, a light snowfall began.

On New Year’s Eve, as they stayed up to welcome the new year, Shen Dongming laughed heartily, “A timely snow promises a good harvest. Next year will be a prosperous one!”

For farmers like them, their livelihood depended on the weather. A bountiful harvest was the greatest joy.

“Yes! Our daughter-in-law’s fields will be planted next year too. Looks like a good omen,” Yang Shi said happily.

Shen Junxi and Song Jingwei sat together, warming themselves by the fire, both smiling.

Seeing how the couple’s relationship had grown increasingly close, Yang Shi felt relieved and said, “Jingwei, if you’re tired, go rest. Your father and I can keep watch.”

Song Jingwei nodded, “Alright, I’m not tired yet. I’ll sit for a little longer.”

Yang Shi then turned to Shen Junxi, “Xi’er, accompany your wife back later. You’ll have to wake up early tomorrow, don’t forget.”

“Mm.” Shen Junxi looked at his mother and nodded seriously.

The snow continued through the night and only stopped on New Year’s morning, just as the Shen family’s main household got up to make offerings to the gods. Wanting to be the first to burn incense, Shen Dongming and Shen Junxi woke up especially early.

Yang Shi, however, was up even earlier than the men. Before dawn, she had already prepared a large rooster, pork, incense, candles, and firecrackers.

On the way to the shrine, they met many villagers, exchanging New Year’s greetings with one another.

Shen Dongming grinned as he warmly greeted everyone he met, “Good morning! Happy New Year!”

In return, everyone smiled back, “Happy New Year!”

When they returned from making offerings, Yang Shi had already prepared a hearty breakfast. She called out to them, “Come inside and warm up by the fire. It must be freezing out there!”

“It wasn’t too bad while walking, but once we stopped, the cold really set in,” Shen Dongming said, rubbing his hands together as he hurried inside to warm up by the fire.

Shen Junxi also set down his things, took off his soft leather gloves, and went straight to the brazier. He had left the house in the morning dew, and his body carried a chill, with moisture clinging to his hair. Once he had warmed up enough, he signed to his parents, “I’ll go call my wife for breakfast.”

“Go ahead,” Yang Shi said with a smile, her gentle face looking even more kind in the firelight.

The sky was still dim. In the depths of winter, the thick clouds blocked the sun, refusing to let its light through. At this hour, Song Jingwei was usually still fast asleep.

Shen Junxi stepped in lightly and approached the bed, placing his warm hand on his wife’s cheek.

Even though he had just warmed his hands by the fire, they still felt cold to Song Jingwei, who had been sleeping snugly under thick blankets.

“…?” Jolted awake, Song Jingwei blinked his drowsy eyes and asked in a hoarse voice, “What time is it?”

“Mm?” Shen Junxi gave him a puzzled look.

“Never mind, I meant—what hour is it now?” Song Jingwei corrected himself after a brief pause. He noticed that the sky outside was still dim.

“It’s time to eat.” Shen Junxi gestured, then added, “The snow just stopped. It’s an overcast day.” Maybe the sun would come out later—who knew?

“Oh…” Song Jingwei nodded and got up to dress.

Shen Junxi handed him his clothes in an orderly manner and helped him put on thick cotton shoes when he got out of bed. He noticed that his wife’s feet, once slender and elegant, had swollen significantly. Gently squeezing the chubby foot in his hand, he signed, “Does it hurt?”

“It doesn’t really feel like anything,” Song Jingwei said as he stood up, habitually stretching his limbs. “We should hurry. Let’s not dawdle.”

“Mm.” Shen Junxi brought over warm water for him to wash up and helped him comb his hair.

Sitting quietly in front of the bronze mirror, watching the young man skillfully comb his hair, Song Jingwei felt momentarily dazed.

There was a time when he hated being touched by others. But now, this young man had become an inseparable part of his life. From morning to night, from meals to sleep, no matter where he looked, he could see traces of him.

Habit was a terrifying thing.

On the first day of the New Year, the family gathered around the warm brazier for a lavish breakfast, chatting about cheerful things in a lively and warm atmosphere.

Because life now held anticipation. And with anticipation, there was flavor. With flavor, there was joy.

“I reckon Jingwei will give birth this month,” Yang Shi said. “Should we arrange for the midwife to stay at home in advance?”

Shen Dongming suggested, “Jingwei is a man. Wouldn’t it be better to find a male midwife for him?”

Shen Junxi signed, “Find a man.”

Since the whole family agreed, and even their daughter-in-law nodded in approval, Yang Shi said, “Alright, alright, we’ll do as you all say. Once these few days pass, I’ll go find someone.”

“Isn’t Physician Hu able to deliver babies? Why not just ask him?” Shen Dongming suggested, recalling that their daughter-in-law had always sought treatment from Hu Chengchun.

“He’s a doctor, of course he can,” Yang Shi said, “but… I’m afraid he won’t be willing to stay at our home for the delivery.” Everyone knew that childbirth was like walking through the gates of death—many didn’t make it. Shen Dongqi’s first wife had died giving birth, losing both mother and child.

Thinking of this, Yang Shi quickly spat to ward off bad luck, not wanting to dwell on such ominous thoughts.

“Maybe he’ll agree. If not, we can just offer more silver,” Shen Dongming said. After all, everyone knew that Physician Hu loved money.

“Alright then, I’ll visit him in a few days and have a proper talk with him,” Yang Shi decided.

While the elders discussed their plans, Song Jingwei listened quietly, a faint smile on his lips. The young man beside him did the same, clearly enjoying listening to his parents talk about their child. When the conversation turned to the soon-to-be-born baby, his gaze was full of love and tenderness. The way he looked at his beloved was just the same—like a pot of tea at the perfect temperature, neither too strong nor too light, refreshingly pleasant.

In past years, the Shen family’s main household always had a quiet New Year. Since they had few relatives, they didn’t need to visit anyone, making them the most secluded household in the village. This year, they still didn’t visit relatives, but the atmosphere was completely different—it was lively and filled with warmth, making everyone feel at ease and content.

Pei Hongxuan and Wu Xi came to visit for the New Year. Yang Shi invited them to stay for lunch, making the house even more lively.

With Pei Hongxuan pregnant and Song Jingwei about to give birth soon, the mood was especially joyous, and discussions about children kept coming up.

Pei Hongxuan turned to Shen Junxi and asked, “Your child is arriving soon. Have you thought about what name to give them?”

Everyone turned to look at the soon-to-be father. Shen Junxi pressed his lips together and smiled before signing, “I’ve thought about it, but I need to ask my wife’s opinion first.” He turned to Song Jingwei, looking rather obedient.

“Oh…” The group chuckled, teasing him. Everyone knew how much Shen Junxi adored his wife and listened to everything he said, but this was a bit much.

Pei Hongxuan then looked to Shen Dongming and asked, “What about you, Uncle? What do you think?” He couldn’t believe Song Jingwei could have the final say in everything.

Unexpectedly, Shen Dongming chuckled and said, “I haven’t read many books. Let the daughter-in-law choose. He’s the educated one.”

Yang Shi nodded in agreement. “That’s right. We’ll go with whatever he decides.” Wasn’t that how it should be?

Pei Hongxuan looked at the family helplessly. They were really putting their daughter-in-law on a pedestal.

That afternoon, while resting in their room, Shen Junxi wrote down a few names with brush and ink and brought them to Song Jingwei. Seeing his wife’s puzzled expression, he smiled and signed, “These are name ideas.”

“Oh.” Understanding now, Song Jingwei went through them one by one, pausing on the characters 沈畅 (Shen Chang). It wasn’t that the name was particularly outstanding—it just felt right. He pointed at it and asked, “How about this one?”

Shen Junxi looked at the characters under his wife’s fingertip and immediately smiled, signing, “That’s the one I liked too.” It was the name he had been drawn to.

“Mm, we’ll also come up with a simple nickname later.” Song Jingwei suddenly gave him a sideways glance and said, “Isn’t it common here to have childhood nicknames? Like ‘Goudan’ (Dog Egg), ‘Tiedan’ (Iron Egg), or ‘Erwazi’ (Second Kid)?”

“…” Shen Junxi smiled sheepishly, feeling a bit embarrassed. Those names were indeed quite rustic.

“What was your childhood nickname? Was it something like ‘Gousheng’ (Dog Leftover)?” Song Jingwei asked curiously.

“Um…” Shen Junxi shook his head vigorously and signed, “I didn’t have a name like that.”

“Oh? Then what was it?” Song Jingwei pressed.

“…” Shen Junxi hesitated, his face turning red before he even answered. Under his wife’s gaze, he finally signed, “When I was little, they called me Benben (Silly). But they stopped using it when I got older.”

“Benben?” Song Jingwei wasn’t sure if he had understood correctly.

“Mm.” Hearing the name again, especially coming from his wife’s mouth, made Shen Junxi’s ears burn red.

“But you passed the scholar’s exam. How could you be silly?” Was it meant ironically? Like how giving a child a humble name was supposed to help them thrive?

“I was slow as a child. I didn’t start speaking until I was three,” Shen Junxi signed.

“Oh…” Song Jingwei nodded at the mention of speaking difficulties but didn’t dwell on it. Instead, he said, “Well, I think you’re quite smart now.”

“…” Being praised, Shen Junxi maintained a calm expression, but inside, he felt a subtle sweetness.

The first day of the New Year passed, and on the second and third, they visited relatives. By the fourth and fifth, the villagers began making social rounds.

This year, Yang Shi was especially proactive, bringing gifts from their household to various families. Since her daughter-in-law was now a notable figure in the village, people treated her with courtesy. That was exactly what Yang Shi wanted—to maintain good relationships so that her daughter-in-law would have fewer troubles in the future.

Upon hearing that the county magistrate had dined at the Shen family’s main house before the New Year and was friends with their daughter-in-law, the villagers no longer dared to gossip recklessly. Instead, they became more inclined to befriend the Shen family. As a result, wherever Yang Shi went, she was warmly welcomed.

Of course, this did not include those who had always been at odds with Yang Shi and the Shen family’s main house.

The Shen family was considered one household, but setting aside the elder members, Wang Shi, for one, never saw eye to eye with Yang Shi. Her discontent stemmed from various reasons, including an unspoken sense of jealousy.

On the morning of the sixth day of the new year, the Shen family’s main house received a letter from a neighboring town, sent specifically to Yang Shi.

Puzzled, Yang Shi opened it but struggled to read the characters. She handed it to Shen Dongming, asking him to read it aloud. However, his literacy was limited—he could barely write his own name. He suggested, “Why not let Xi’er read it?”

Yang Shi shook her head. “Better let our daughter-in-law read it.”

When Song Jingwei took the letter and read it, he said, “This is from your younger brother. He writes…” He paused briefly before continuing, “He says that your mother has fallen ill and asks you to visit her as soon as possible.”

“My mother is sick?” Yang Shi was shocked. In her mind, her mother had always been strong and energetic, never seeming to tire. Not long ago, Yang Shuangjiao had mentioned that their mother was in good health—how could she have suddenly fallen ill?

“Mm. It also says that they have spent a lot of money on medicine and treatment, and the family is struggling financially,” Song Jingwei added.

Yang Shi stood frozen in place for a long moment before blinking. “Didn’t my brother make quite a bit of money? How could one illness drain it all?”

“It’s possible that it’s a serious illness, which does require money,” Song Jingwei said. “It wouldn’t hurt to go and check on her. At the very least, you should show your concern.”

If Yang Shi’s mother was truly ill, not visiting her would make Yang Shi seem unfilial. If she wasn’t sick, at least Yang Shi would have peace of mind—or perhaps, closure.

“Jingwei is right. No matter what, we should go and see her,” Shen Dongming said. He understood his wife well and knew she truly wanted to visit.

“But… with Jingwei’s condition, how can we leave?” Yang Shi was tempted but worried about leaving home, feeling uneasy about everything.

“It’s fine. You two should go—it won’t be for long.” Song Jingwei glanced at Shen Junxi and said, “He’s here. There’s nothing to worry about.”

Shen Dongming tugged at his wife’s sleeve and reassured her, “Exactly. Xi’er will take good care of his wife. He’s even more attentive than we are!”

Yang Shi wasn’t slow to catch on. She nodded and said, “Alright then. You two take care of yourselves. Your father and I will be back in four or five days.”

Song Jingwei smiled. “No rush. Just be back before the Lantern Festival. Since you’re making the trip, you might as well enjoy it a little.”

The couple both nodded. If there was a real need for them to stay longer, they might not return as soon as planned.

That morning, Yang Shi started packing for the journey. Song Jingwei took out a pouch of silver from the drawer, selected about ten taels, and placed them in a small cloth bag for Shen Junxi to give to her mother.

“Why are you giving me more silver?” Yang Shi took the pouch from her son’s hand, saw the silver inside, and immediately tried to return it. “The money our daughter-in-law gives me each month is more than enough. There’s no need for this.”

Song Jingwei already provided her with a set amount of silver every month, and occasionally, he even gave extra. It all added up to quite a substantial sum.

Shen Junxi signed, “My wife said to take it just in case. If you need it, use it. If not, bring it back.”

“I understand that, but I already have enough. What I’m bringing is plenty,” Yang Shi insisted, still unwilling to accept it.

“Mother, take it.” Shen Junxi ignored her protests and pressed the pouch into her hands. “This is from my wife. It’s his token of care. How could you refuse?”

“…” How could Yang Shi not accept such a kind gesture? If Song Jingwei ignored her, that would be truly heartbreaking. She sighed and relented, “Alright, I’ll take it. If I don’t use it, I’ll return it to him.”

“Mm.” Shen Junxi smiled, though everyone knew the silver would never be returned—if it was, Song Jingwei would likely be upset.

“Alright then. Take good care of your wife while we’re away. You need to be extra vigilant and not let your guard down even for a moment, understand?” Yang Shi was reluctant to leave. If it weren’t for this situation with her family, she wouldn’t be going anywhere.

“Don’t worry, Mother. My wife will be well.” Shen Junxi’s expression was resolute and unwavering as he signed his response.

“Yes, everything will be fine.” Yang Shi spoke the words aloud and repeated them in her heart, hoping that when they returned, they would be in time to welcome their eldest grandchild into the world.

Feeling a growing sense of urgency, she and Shen Dongming set off as soon as they finished lunch. They hitched the ox cart and hurried toward her maternal home, two towns away. By the time they arrived, it would likely be late at night.

Those on the road worried about the family they left behind. Those at home worried about the loved ones traveling far away.