Chapter 55 - 055 Ji Wenpo and Aunt Zhu
Chapter 55: Chapter 055: Ji Wenpo and Aunt Zhu
Chapter 55 -055: Ji Wenpo and Aunt Zhu
Bai Ruozhu wore an apologetic expression, stepping forward to stand in front of Ji Wenpo again.
Once more, Ji Wenpo placed her hand on Ruozhu’s belly, her touch wasn’t particularly gentle or rough.
After examining for a while, Ji Wenpo nodded and said, “The baby is in the correct position, and you’ve taken good care of yourself.
From my experience, it’s likely a boy, and he doesn’t seem too big, it should be a smooth delivery.”
As a medical practitioner, Bai Ruozhu knew how to take care of her nutrition and leisure activities, ensuring not to end up like many women who made their pregnant bellies exceptionally bigger, increasing the risks during childbirth.
Upon hearing the prediction, Lin Ping’er’s face flushed with excitement.
“Is it really a boy?” she asked excitedly.
With an incredulous glare, Ji Wenpo replied, “Almost certain.”
Overwhelmed with joy, Lin Ping’er grabbed Bai Ruozhu’s hand, exclaiming, “Ruozhu, did you hear that?
It’s a boy, it’s a boy!”
Bai Ruozhu was sweating, she patted her mother’s hand gently, “Mom, don’t be so thrilled, whether it’s a boy or a girl, does it matter?”
But one could not deny that in this era, people often favored male children over female ones, and families like the Bai family, who cherished their daughters, were incredibly rare.
Despite Lin Ping’er cherishing her daughter, she could not change her deep-seated preference for a male child.
Ji Wenpo had kept a straight face, but on hearing this, she looked up at Bai Ruozhu.
She found that Bai Ruozhu appeared calm and unconcerned, unlike the typical excitement that other women expressed on knowing they were carrying a boy.
This made Ji Wenpo look at Ruozhu closely, noticing her extraordinary beauty and an air of sophistication beyond the rural women of their village.
“You are from the Scholar Bai’s family in Back Mountain Village?” Ji Wenpo asked, recalling the information her grandson had provided.
Lin Ping’er nodded hurriedly, calming herself, “Indeed, my husband is the second son of Scholar Bai, and my daughter is married to him.
Therefore, we live together.” She felt the need to explain further, as it was uncommon to see a mother bringing her pregnant daughter to a midwife — normally, it was the mother-in-law accompanying her daughter-in-law.
This wasn’t to say that mothers of this time didn’t care for their daughters; however, the common belief was that “married daughters are like poured-out water,” and excessive interference from their families could cause tension with the in-laws.
Ji Wenpo sighed thoughtfully, “You indeed love your daughter dearly.”
Lin Ping’er chuckled, “She’s my only daughter, so I do dote on her.
Now that she’s due soon, could we ask you to assist with the delivery?”
Ji Wenpo assessed the situation, “Of course.” She actually looked forward to interacting with a family like them more often, as there might be a chance that Ruozhu’s baby could be a scholar like his grandfather, bestowing honor upon her as their midwife.
Lin Ping’er was enthusiastic again, bowing in respect to Ji Wenpo, “That’s wonderful!
Thank you.”
Bai Ruozhu also joined in with the bow, expressing her gratitude.
She genuinely admired Ji Wenpo as she had proven her reputation by touching Ruozhu’s belly with expertise, and her prediction about the baby gender was accurate, by her own sense.
However, during her medical training, Bai Ruozhu had little contact with pregnant women and therefore dared not make a casual conclusion.
“That’s enough, no need for more gratitude.
Prepare the money when it’s time,” Ji Wenpo said in a strictly professional tone.
Bai Ruozhu preferred Ji Wenpo’s straightforward approach.
After bowing to Ji Wenpo again, she left the Ji house with her mother.
On the way home, Lin Ping’er raved and repeated her elation about the prediction that Ruozhu was carrying a boy.
It was a mix of laughter and tears for Bai Ruozhu.
Upon arriving home, Lin Ping’er rushed excitedly into the main hall, recounting Ji Wenpo’s prediction to the family – which brought out a joyous atmosphere in the house.
As strange as it was for Bai Ruozuh, she was fully aware that although her family cherished a boy, they would love the baby just as much were it a girl.
As Bai Ruozhu grew weary due to the progressing pregnancy, she didn’t have the energy to think about earning money anymore.
With a considerable amount of savings in the house for the time being, and her eldest brother’s marriage arranged, the Bai Family and the Wan Family had selected an auspicious date for their union, that would take place after the autumn harvest.
News from Du Zhongshu indicated that the toothpaste sales were impressive and Bai Ruozhu’s method was indeed very effective.
She was content with the monthly bonuses they brought in to make ends meet.
Several days later, it was time to audit and collect bonus according to the agreement with Du Zhongshu.
Bai Ruozhu accompanied by her eldest brother, again traveled to the town.
After a quick look at the account book, Bai Ruozhu realized that the revenues weren’t significant since toothpaste was a new product on the market.
Her share for this month came to only a dozen ounces of silver.
Even so, it excited Bai Zehao immensely.
Silver worth a dozen ounces could support a rural family for several months.
“This month, we mainly gave out free samples and spent money to hire people for advertising.
So, the expenses were slightly high, resulting in less profit.
However, I am hopeful that the earnings will improve next month,” Du Zhongshu explained to Bai Ruozhu, slightly worrying that she might consider the bonus inadequate.
Bai Ruozhu saw right through Du Zhongshu’s concern and smiled, “Getting started is always the hardest part.
The initial stage of the business is already impressive, which is because you and Shopkeeper Zhou have done a good job.
If it were someone else, they might have been at a loss for several months before breaking even.”
Being praised by Bai Ruozhu thrilled Du Zhongshu.
It was his first time seriously undertaking a job outside of his family-arranged duties.
Even though it granted him a sense of achievement, he realized that it did not feel as exciting as receiving commendation from Bai Ruozhu.
“It was your excellent idea.” Du Zhongshu said modestly.
After receiving the silver, Bai Ruozhu considered leaving.
She thought for a moment and said, “I am due soon and will have to rest after delivery.
I probably won’t be able to come here next month, you could have Zhou Fu deliver the profits to me then.”
Du Zhongshu agreed promptly, “Of course, we’ll take care of it.
Please take good care of yourself and here’s hoping you give birth to a healthy boy.”
Bai Zehao, excited about the conversation, chipped-in: “The most esteemed midwife in our village has already examined Ruozhu and she says it’s very likely to be a boy.”
Hearing this, Du Zhongshu smiled, “In that case, let me congratulate you in advance.
If there’s anything you need, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
“Thank you, I appreciate that.” After bowing to Du Zhongshu, Bai Ruozhu along with her brother left the town.
They took the ox cart back to Back Mountain Village.
As they were walking towards their house after entering the village, they saw Ji Wenpo being seen off by an individual from afar.
Bai Ruozhu stopped in her tracks, who could it be?
It was none other than Ji Wenpo, who Bai Ruozhu and her mother had just visited not long ago!
Zhu Jiapozi and Ji Wenpo seemed to be having an amicable conversation, as they walked towards the entrance of the village, laughing and chatting.
Bai Ruozhu stared at them rather intently, catching the attention of Zhu Jiapozi.
Noticing Bai Ruozhu, she turned around and cast an arrogant, satisfied smirk towards her…