The Good Concubine of the Qing Dynasty [Red Mansion]

In this year, the 35th year of Kangxi’s reign, the twins, who were born in the 28th year, were now seven years old.

With a boy and a girl, the differences between them were becoming more apparent.

Soon, the three of them would be separated to attend different classes.

Now, with this new development, Lin Hu couldn’t help but sigh.

For so many years, these three little ones were the only children in the household.

He had once thought there wouldn’t be any more children, and even if there were, he never expected that it would be the lady of the house, who hadn’t conceived in years, who would be the one to become pregnant.

This was a surprise for Lin Hu, but for others, it was like a thunderclap from a clear sky.

It left everyone dizzy and in disbelief.

Jia Min still felt like she was floating, as if she were walking on clouds.

Was she happy?

Of course, she was happy, but she was also scared.

Scared that the clouds beneath her feet were insubstantial and that a single misstep would cause her to fall from the clouds, shattering into pieces.

She placed her hands on her lower abdomen, her eyes fixed intently on her flat belly as if she were trying to see some kind of truth hidden within.

She hadn’t felt anything at first, but then she fainted.

Earlier that day, while she was in the garden admiring flowers with Sister Yin, she suddenly passed out, causing a stir among everyone.

Doctor Zhou was called, and by the time he arrived, she had regained consciousness. Then she heard Doctor Zhou’s words of congratulations.

Doctor Zhou had taken her pulse for a long time, and then he spoke with certainty, “Congratulations, Madam!”

She was pregnant.

Just over a month.

Jia Min didn’t hear much of what Doctor Zhou said after that. It was as if her brain had been struck hard, making it impossible for her to think.

Suddenly, a familiar presence drew close, and she was embraced tightly.

Looking up, she saw Lin Ruhai. She had so much she wanted to say, but not a single word could escape her lips. Her eyes slowly turned red.

Lin Ruhai sighed, “I understand, Min’er. Our child is on the way. This is a joyful occasion, don’t cry.”

Jia Min’s tears finally fell. “Yes, he’s finally here. Why did he come so late? I thought he wasn’t coming at all.”

She had been on the verge of despair, believing that she might never have a child of her own.

Jia Min cried her heart out.

As she vented her years of grievances and joy through tears, the entire main courtyard was enveloped in a state of euphoria.

Everyone was smiling, no matter what they were doing, and the atmosphere was filled with happiness.

The old madam received the good news and rushed over immediately. Looking at her daughter-in-law, she closed her eyes briefly.

Indeed, ever since she learned that Lady Jia of the second branch was pregnant and actually gave birth to that laughingstock, Baoyu, she knew her granddaughter would soon arrive.

Thinking of that delicate and talented yet unfortunate child who died before marriage, the old madam sighed in her heart.

“From now on, take good care of your health. When you go out, bring more people with you. Don’t let something like this happen again.”

When Jia Min fell, if Zhaoyin hadn’t noticed something was wrong and caught her in time, who knows what might have happened if she had fallen directly.

Jia Min obediently listened, feeling a bit frightened herself. “I’ve worried you, Mother. I won’t let it happen again.”

She was determined to take good care of herself and ensure her child arrived in this world safely!

No matter what she faced, she would endure it!

The news quickly reached Concubine Mei and Yun Shuyao.

Concubine Mei had regained her health and had been hoping to bear another son, but there hadn’t been any good news.

She never imagined that Jia Min could still conceive!

How old was she already!

She couldn’t help but feel a bit troubled. Jia Min was pregnant, but no one knew yet if it was a boy or a girl.

Regardless of the gender, Concubine Mei couldn’t see how this would benefit her or her daughter.

If it were a daughter, even if Yingyu held the status of the eldest daughter, she would still be inferior to a legitimate daughter. If it were a son… she glanced over at Yun Concubine’s side.

In that case, the Yun family would no longer receive the same level of attention as they do now; they would be relegated to their original position.

With a legitimate son, who would care about an illegitimate one?

But on the other hand, the main courtyard would become more influential.

After thinking about it, Concubine Mei wasn’t sure if she preferred a boy or a girl. If… it were best if the child wasn’t born at all.

Jia Min’s health wasn’t that great to begin with. If something were to happen… Just as she was thinking this, Nanny Wu, standing beside her, casually remarked, “With the madam expecting, the old madam and the master will surely be overjoyed. Today was really a close call. If she had fallen, it would have been disastrous. In the future, the madam will probably be surrounded by people, and if the Rongguo Mansion hears this good news, they might even send people over.”

Nanny Wu noticed that Concubine Mei’s expression wasn’t right and quickly warned her.

If you want to get yourself killed, don’t drag us down with you.

Nanny Wu couldn’t help but feel a bit regretful. She would have to wait until the young lady turned ten before she could move out into her own courtyard. For now, she still lived with Concubine Mei.

If it were a son, though, he could move out earlier.

The eldest young master moved out to his own courtyard as soon as he turned five.

If she weren’t bound to the eldest young lady, she really wouldn’t want to deal with this Madam Mei.

From time to time, she would get scared by her. It’s unclear how Madam Mei has such nerve.

Madam Mei, having been doused with a bucket of cold water, calmed her previously agitated mind.

Over the years, she had taken care of her health, hoping to have another child, but without any success. Frustrated, she had thought about gaining some power and developing her own influence, but reality gave her a harsh slap.

There was no room for her to meddle in the affairs of the Lin household.

At most, she could only have control over her own small courtyard.

However, life for Jia Min wasn’t going to be that easy either. It’s true that the old lady no longer managed things, but the people under her command weren’t just sitting around doing nothing.

Madam Mei felt a mix of emotions like a pot of five flavors had been overturned in her heart. Meanwhile, Yun Shuyao, upon hearing the news, immediately realized something.

This must mean that the protagonist of *Dream of the Red Chamber* was about to be born. Her name should be Lin Daiyu, and from that name alone, you can see the Lin family’s tradition of naming. They all had “Yu” in their names.

As for how she felt… Yun Shuyao noticed some of the servants in her courtyard were cautiously watching her expression, and she felt a bit helpless.

She had known for a long time that Jia Min would get pregnant, so there was no need to worry about anything else.

She accepted it well and didn’t need to be concerned that she might do something sinister.

She had her principles.

As for whether the two children would feel psychologically unbalanced, Yun Shuyao had already prepared them. They were young, but they had social interactions and their own small circles. Many of their friends were either legitimate or illegitimate children, and observing how they lived and the limitations they faced helped make them understand their own situation and foster a spirit of self-reliance.

Yun Shuyao often pointed this out to them deliberately.

They were able to enjoy their current good life only because there were no legitimate heirs, so what they enjoyed was half of what a legitimate heir would have.

This was treatment given out of necessity, not because of who they were.

What others give, they can also take away.

What would be the most immediate changes with the arrival of legitimate younger siblings?

If it’s a legitimate son, Chen Yu will largely lose the support and help from his father and the family, as resources will shift towards the legitimate son.

If it’s a legitimate daughter, it won’t significantly affect Chen Yu, but it will have some impact on Luo Yu, though not as much.

She is already seven years old.

By the time the legitimate younger sister grows up, Luo Yu might already be married, but the role of their father, who is very important to them, might change.

Scholars naturally place great importance on legitimate heirs.

The father who once cherished them might shift his attention and affection to another after the birth of legitimate children. Yun Shuyao believes this disparity is the most crucial issue.

She taught them to understand that they still have their mother, the concubine.

And they have their mother’s family.

As well as themselves.

What they learn and hold in their hands can’t be taken away by anyone.

The same goes for affection. It’s not that they won’t love or respect their father in the future, but rather that before loving others, they should first take care of themselves.

If the undesirable situation does happen, they should still maintain their sense of self.

Upon hearing this news, Luo Yu and Chen Yu were initially stunned, but then they quickly understood.

This situation had been discussed many times by their mother, so their expressions remained calm as they even smiled and said, “Then we must congratulate Madam and Father. We’re going to have another younger brother.”

Nanny Wang, witnessing this, couldn’t help but smile as well. “Indeed, congratulations are in order.”

She had been worried they might get stuck in a negative mindset and struggle to come to terms with the situation, which would have been troublesome. But seeing their reactions now, after her initial smile, she started to worry again.

Could it be that they were underestimating the significance of this event? Were they too naive, not realizing that their future would be affected?

Nanny Xie looked at Chen Yu with pride in her eyes.

She knew well how much the old madam valued the eldest young master. Seeing his calm and composed attitude now, she was certain the old madam would be pleased.

Even if Madam were to give birth to a legitimate son, as long as the old madam was still around, she wouldn’t allow the eldest young master to be neglected.

Some things simply don’t need to be worried about.

Everyone had different thoughts. The old madam distributed rewards to everyone, and the entire Lin household was filled with joy. However, after the initial celebration, the atmosphere became a bit strange.

For instance, Zhao Xinghua in the sewing room—despite so much time passing, not only had she not gotten pregnant, but she was still a maiden. Listening to others’ congratulatory remarks, she felt as if she had fallen into an icy abyss.

As for the servants, over the years, there had only been three children in the household, with only one male heir among them.

To put it bluntly, many people have already regarded the eldest young master as their future master.

When the eldest young master was selecting servants, many influential housekeepers sent their suitable young relatives to compete for the positions.

Everyone was showcasing their own talents.

Some relationships need to be nurtured from a young age, just like how the current most trusted person of their master has been growing up with him since childhood.

To prevent their family from becoming increasingly marginalized, maintaining a good relationship with the eldest young master is essential. Now that Madam is pregnant, if this child turns out to be a son…

There’s still over half a year before the situation becomes clear, and people’s attitudes are already starting to shift.

After watching Jia Min fall asleep, Lin Ru Hai went to see his mother, as the old madam had specifically called for him.

“Hi’er,” the old madam said with a slight smile as she looked at her son. “Has she fallen asleep?”

“Yes, she has.”

The old madam nodded. “I know you’re happy about today’s news, but don’t neglect Chen Yu. He is our family’s eldest grandson!”

The old madam hadn’t mentioned her own dream and had no intention of telling him.

Unless she were to die, she would handle any loss of fortune and blessings on her own.

She couldn’t explain that she had “foreseen” the future and tell him that her daughter-in-law was carrying a granddaughter, not a grandson.

Since it’s a granddaughter, many troubles won’t exist.

She only has one grandson and must protect him tightly, not letting anyone exploit any gaps.

The old lady’s vigilance toward the Jia family members had heightened again.

When she visited Jia Min today, she saw how delighted they were.

Jia Min hadn’t been pregnant for a long time, so they had to keep their thoughts to themselves. Now that Jia Min is pregnant, those people are becoming restless.

According to the old lady’s understanding, normally people wouldn’t be too excited when the gender of the child is uncertain. However, for the Jia family, which lacks discipline, she didn’t have much hope.

If carelessness led to harm for her precious eldest grandson, even if the person responsible was punished severely, it wouldn’t reverse time.

Hearing his mother’s reminder, Lin Ruhai fell silent.

Thinking about how Jia Min had repeatedly caused trouble over her dowry, he sighed. “Don’t worry, Mother. I’ll be careful.”

He knew that being prepared was always better.

He also didn’t want any irreconcilable conflicts between the children, especially when the new child’s existence was just announced, and its gender and future were still uncertain.

Moreover, he thought that these three children would be all he had in his lifetime, and he had invested a lot of effort in them.

Compared to that, having not only a son but also two daughters made him very fortunate.

This was an unexpected joy.

Zhao Yin received a heavy thank-you gift.

Given Jia Min’s physical condition, if she had suffered a serious fall, who knows what might have happened. It was fortunate that Zhao Yin was there to help.

After Zhao Yin learned about the situation, she was also quite surprised but then smiled, feeling happy for Jia Min. She had finally gotten through a tough period.

If she could have a son, all the grievances endured over the years would no longer be an issue.

She immediately sent a message to the Lin residence.

Zhao Yin’s family was also in Guangzhou. After their mourning period ended, with Lin Ruhai’s assistance, they quickly secured a government position.

After their three-year term ended, knowing that Lin Ruhai and his family were nearby, they managed to transfer here with some effort, and now their families were very close, allowing them to visit and talk frequently.

However, when Zhao Yin arrived at Lin’s residence, she noticed something.

It was normal for everyone to be joyful, but Jia Min’s behavior seemed a bit excessive.

Seeing Jia Min lying in bed, Zhao Yin frowned. “Min, are you going to stay in bed all the time?”

Jia Min felt a bit embarrassed. “Sister Yin, I know this isn’t ideal, but I feel unsteady on my feet right now. Let me rest for a while.”

She only said this to Zhao Yin and was too shy to admit her anxious state.

However, she believed she would adjust soon.

Zhao Yin sighed in relief. “That’s good. As long as there’s no problem with your health, you can’t stay in bed all the time.”

“Sister Yin, I’m so grateful to you. I don’t even know what to do.”

There were some things she felt uncomfortable saying to Lin Ruhai.

Zhao Yin smiled. “Given our relationship, it feels too formal to talk about these things. Do you have any reactions now?”

Jia Min touched her lower abdomen and said, “I can’t eat much, I have no appetite, but other than that, I’m okay for now.”

Zhao Yin nodded. “That’s a common reaction. Let me tell you…” She began to share her experience with Jia Min.

Jia Min listened with great interest.

Although she had heard similar advice from Dr. Zhou, she still wanted to hear more.

Or rather, she found any topic related to the baby fascinating.

“By the way, have you informed your family?”

“I’ve already sent someone to deliver the news.” After confirming the good news, Jia Min wrote a letter to Jia Mu.

Over the years, she had had some disagreements with her mother, but they were not major issues. Her mother truly loved her, and both she and her mother had longed for this joy for many years. Now that it had come true, Jia Min couldn’t wait any longer.

She was about to become a mother herself and wished she could bury herself in her mother’s arms as she did when she was a child. Unfortunately, they were too far apart.

They could only communicate through letters.

She expressed her joy and her anxieties.

She didn’t have an experienced nanny with rich child-rearing experience by her side, and even if she did, taking care of a baby was something she hadn’t done for many years.

Her skills were rusty.

So, the purpose of her letter was not only to share the good news but also to ask for help.

In the early stages of pregnancy, it’s not advisable to tell outsiders as the fetus is still unstable, but the Rongguo Mansion isn’t considered an outsider.

Zhao Yin nodded. “I’m sure the Duchess will be very happy for you.”

The letter traveled quickly and reached the Rongguo Mansion, where it indeed caused a great celebration.

When Jia Mu saw the letter, she was truly delighted.

After so many years, her daughter had finally seen a glimmer of hope!

The letter requested additional help, and Jia Mu was more than willing. She immediately had preparations made to pack up and send someone south by boat.

In her joy, Jia Mu had many things prepared, which Lady Wang Er glanced at with a bit of disdain.

After all these years, there was finally a reason to be happy. Just look at how precious this is.

Watching the youngest son in the old lady’s arms, Lady Wang Er instinctively straightened her back. She had given the Jia family two sons and a daughter, and the youngest son was born with a gem in his mouth, destined to become a remarkable person in the future.

She had contributed so much to the Jia family, yet she didn’t see the wife being this pleased.

Moreover, that girl was already married off and was no longer part of the Jia family. It seemed unnecessary to send so many fine things…

Lady Wang Er was full of complaints, and some of it showed on her face. Jia Mu saw this and cursed inwardly, thinking how unlucky it was to see such a face on such a joyous occasion.

Was she afraid people wouldn’t know about her poor relationship with her younger sister-in-law?

It’s truly a pity.

Bringing up Baoyu herself was indeed the right choice; with her, who knows what kind of child she would raise!

…

The separation of male and female students into different classes had been planned for some time, and now it has become a reality.

Their curricula changed accordingly. Chen Yu’s schedule now included many classical texts such as the Four Books and Five Classics, while Ying Yu and Luo Yu’s classes added topics like needlework and other skills expected of young ladies.

Chen Yu’s tutor was primarily Lin Hu, with additional instruction in archery and horseback riding.

For Ying Yu and Luo Yu, an old nurse was added to their staff, a seasoned nurse from the palace hired by Lin Ru Hai.

She was particularly skilled in needlework.

Lin Hu would still teach the two girls but with a shift in focus.

For the three students, their separation into different classes meant an increase in the subjects they would study and a longer class schedule.

As children of a third-rank official, they were born with privileges that many people could only dream of achieving in their entire lives.

Likewise, if they wanted to stand out and excel beyond their peers of other ranks, they would need to put in equal or even greater effort.

Lin Youhai, now a third-rank official, holds the position of Daotai (commissioner).

His promotion was rapid, moving from a fourth-rank Prefect to a third-rank Daotai, thanks to his consistently excellent evaluations over two terms and other accomplishments.

For instance, he had eradicated several members and strongholds of the White Lotus Society and had acquired important intelligence.

The old lady was also satisfied with this outcome.

In the dream world, her son’s promotion was equally swift, eventually becoming the Salt Commissioner of the Two Huai regions, a third-rank position. This role was highly specialized and not just any trusted advisor could hold it.

But from the old lady’s perspective, having a trusted advisor’s position was not essential.

What was the point of being favored by the emperor if it cost them their lives?

With the prince’s struggle for succession, the Lin family had lost everything.

Now, her son was far away in Guangfu, still a third-rank official, but his work was less dangerous.

In a few years, she hoped to secure exemptions from selection for her two granddaughters, find them good families, and arrange suitable marriages for her grandson with well-bred young ladies… Thus, the whole family could be together happily.

Moreover, being here meant she was also closer to her nephew.

Thinking of her nephew who had escaped his destined death, the old lady felt a sense of relief.

Now that Daiyu was on her way, the old lady couldn’t help but smile.

In this lifetime, Daiyu would not become an orphan or need to rely on her maternal grandparents. She would be the Lin family’s precious jewel, living a life of happiness and without worries.

Since she had that dream, Daiyu’s fate and the Lin family’s fate have been drifting further from the world of the dream.

While the future seemed bright, the old lady was troubled by how little food Jia Min was able to eat.

In her previous life, Daiyu had some congenital weaknesses and often needed medication.

Now, with examples like Yingyu, if not born into the Lin family, how could an ordinary family afford to support her?

Even if supported, her health would still be weaker than that of ordinary people.

This could affect her prospects for marriage in the future.

Jia Min knew she needed to eat more, but she couldn’t control herself.

Her reactions were not as severe as when Mei Yiniang was pregnant, but compared to most people, her reactions were still considerable.

Since realizing her pregnancy, it wasn’t long before she seemed to have flipped a switch, starting a life of morning sickness. The only thing she could keep down now was pickled radish.

Crisp and sweet, with this, she could barely manage a small bowl of rice porridge. Without pickled radish, it took her a long time just to swallow a single bite of porridge.

With so little food intake, she had no strength to do anything else.

Unfortunately, despite the kitchen’s efforts, they couldn’t find anything to stimulate her appetite.

Given her current condition, she not only didn’t need to pay respects to the old lady but also had the management of the household taken over by the old lady, allowing her to rest peacefully.

The children were not to disturb her and went straight to the old lady’s side.

Jia Min now spent most of her day sleeping.

One day, Chen Yu came from his own courtyard, and when Luo Yu arrived to go to the old lady’s place together, Yun Shuyou noticed the two children and added a vest to Luo Yu.

Luo Yu tugged at her clothes and lifted her face, which resembled Lin Ruhai’s, and said, “Auntie, I’m not cold.”

Yun Shuyou nodded, “I know you’re not cold.”

Luo Yu sighed maturely. Girls tend to grow faster than boys, and she was no longer as plump as she was when she was younger. Her food had gone into her vertical growth.

She was now half a head taller than her brother.

Chen Yu, on the other hand, had not yet started his growth spurt and looked rounder than his sister.

He wasn’t cold either, but because of last night’s rain, the nanny had added extra clothes for him, which he obediently wore.

There is a kind of cold that makes a grandmother think you’re cold.

If he didn’t wear an extra layer, the grandmother would think the servants were not attentive enough and would insist that they wear more. Since that was the case, it was better to wear an extra layer from the beginning and take it off later if needed.

Yun Shuyou laughed, finding the children’s adult-like behavior amusing, and said, “Alright, go now and don’t miss your time.”

After the two children and their entourage left, Yun Shuyou intended to practice for a while. She had been stuck at Level 4 for so long and had finally touched the threshold of Level 5. She wanted to push through, so she had been practicing diligently recently.

However, just as she entered her room, an unexpected guest arrived in the courtyard—Mei Yiniang.

Mei Yiniang’s visits to her side were rare and usually only occurred when there was something important to discuss.

Given the news of Jia Min’s pregnancy, Yun Shuyou raised an eyebrow, wondering if Mei Yiniang had been stewing in her courtyard for a few days and had come up with some “good idea” to drag her into trouble.

But no.

Mei Yiniang didn’t mention Jia Min during her visit, but after exchanging a few pleasantries, the matter she brought up made Yun Shuyou momentarily question if she was hearing things correctly.

Mei Yiniang was there to propose a marriage.

Yun Shuyou:?