Transmigrated to the Northern Song Dynasty as a County Magistrate (GL) - Chapter 69

69: Choosing to Conceal the Truth

Jiufang Xin, who cared only for the family’s prosperity and continuation, had yearned for a plump grandson. Despite pampering Li Yan with the finest foods and hiring numerous midwives and wet nurses, she had given birth to a daughter—not the anticipated male heir. How could he possibly maintain a pleasant demeanor?

When Li Yan’s pregnancy was first confirmed, Jiufang Xin had been overjoyed, even emotionally moved. Given his failing health, he had thought he would never live to see the next generation. Yet heaven had been kind to him.

Convinced of divine favor, Jiufang Xin had never considered the possibility of a granddaughter. The greater his expectations, the deeper his disappointment—ultimately costing him his composure.

Tian Qingyi’s spontaneous rewards were equally unforeseen. Privately, he blamed Fan Zhuzhu for corrupting his second son, making him oblivious to the “critical fact” that daughters couldn’t continue the family line—and worse, squandering money on pointless gifts.

Once the room was tidied, Fan Zhuzhu and Yun Jingchu went in to see Li Yan. The wrinkly, sparse-haired newborn bore little resemblance to Yun Jingchu’s mental image of a baby, yet she still offered comforting words with a smile.

Fan Zhuzhu, the most experienced among them, clasped Li Yan’s hands and meticulously listed postpartum precautions, fearing negligence during the confinement period would lead to lifelong ailments.

Tian Qingyi had wanted to join them but was barred by Fan Zhuzhu citing “propriety,” leaving her to stare wistfully at the door.

Having promised rewards but lacking control over household funds, she instructed Qingyu to distribute portions from her newly received monthly allowance. Midwives and external hires received standard market rates, while servants were given 100 to 1,000 coins based on rank—each receiving their share.

Clutching their unexpected windfall, the Jiufang servants’ delight was unmistakable even under lantern light. This marked their first non-festival bonus in years—far exceeding past occasions like the Second Young Master’s wedding (mere dozens of coins) or holidays (token sums for auspiciousness).

Despite the Master’s obvious displeasure, the Second Young Master’s open fondness for his niece—defying paternal disapproval—surprised them. Then again, given the Eldest Young Master’s reputation, their preference was understandable.

Tangible benefits now tied to Yun Jingchu’s womb, interest in her fertility mysteriously multiplied—an outcome Tian Qingyi never anticipated.

Unlike Jiufang Xin’s son-preference, she favored daughters. In her modern life, when her sister became pregnant, she had fervently hoped for a niece—only to discover her sister shared the wish. She wondered now if that prayer had been answered.

May heaven grant my sister and me our shared desire!

Regardless of her sister’s fate, Tian Qingyi was thrilled with her unexpected niece. Though biologically unrelated, society viewed them as uncle and niece—a bond second only to parent-child.

This free niece delighted her so much that generous rewards were mandatory: first, genuine joy; second, preventing midwives from looking down on the child; third, ensuring servants wouldn’t mistreat the girl based on the Master’s disdain.

After bidding Li Yan farewell and escorting Fan Zhuzhu partway, the couple returned to Yuzhu Residence. Post-bath and dismissing attendants, Yun Jingchu asked where Tian Qingyi had gotten the reward money. Learning it came from personal funds, she offered to contribute—Li Yan had taught her much, after all—but Tian Qingyi dissuaded her. One reward sufficed; more would be wasteful without guaranteed goodwill. Besides, their money didn’t grow on trees.

They debated past midnight, resolving to buy gifts for Li Yan and the baby the next day.

Morning saw not just Tian Qingyi and Yun Jingchu rise early—Fan Zhuzhu was up earlier still. As acting housekeeper, she prepared congratulatory gifts for Li Yan’s family and arranged messengers to Minquan County for Jiufang Qiyu. Though she doubted he’d rejoice, protocol demanded all relatives be notified.

Traditionally, the father should inform the maternal grandparents before breakfast on the second day. But with Jiufang Qiyu away and Li Yan’s father stationed elsewhere (only her mother present, though the household was managed by her brother and sister-in-law), Fan Zhuzhu spared Tian Qingyi this chore—assigning it to Steward Liu instead.

With Jiufang Qiyu’s absence of common knowledge, Steward Liu’s representation was appropriate.

Unaware of these customs, Tian Qingyi had breakfast lightly with Yun Jingchu before heading out by carriage. By the time the sun grew fierce, they sought refuge in a teahouse.

An exuberant tea master enthusiastically listed their dozens of chilled beverages—a capital luxury. Opting out of hot tea in this heat, Tian Qingyi ordered ice cheese, deer pear syrup, and preserved plum drink on his recommendation, while Yun Jingchu chose agarwood water and lychee jelly drink.

Noting Tian Qingyi’s sweat-drenched fanning, the less-affected Yun Jingchu redirected her round fan toward her. “It’s not even noon—why don’t we lunch at home and resume shopping when it’s cooler?”

Though they’d bought tonics and fine fabrics for Li Yan, baby gifts remained. Originally planning a restaurant lunch followed by more shopping, Yun Jingchu reconsidered at Tian Qingyi’s discomfort.

Unlike home, most establishments lacked ice for cooling. Coupled with their napping habits, returning home seemed optimal.

“Agreed. This mugginess feels like rain. A proper nap after lunch sounds perfect.” Tian Qingyi stowed her handkerchief but kept fanning.

When the drinks arrived, Tian Qingyi devoured the ice cheese—reminiscent of ice cream—like a starved ghost. Between gulps, Yun Jingchu admonished, “Slow down. It won’t vanish.”

Mouth full, Tian Qingyi nodded absently. Modern ice cream cravings had made this approximation irresistible. Soon scraping the bowl clean, she sighed contentedly—only to spot Liu Zhuo approaching.

Three years had bloated him, but his face remained recognizable. After obligatory greetings, Liu Zhuo requested a private word.

Reluctant yet wary of provoking his pettiness—especially with Yun Jingchu present—Tian Qingyi acquiesced.

Alone in a private room, Liu Zhuo simpered, “Now that Brother Jiufang has returned, it’s time I return that little lady to you.”

Find her a good match? Impossible. Bought to curry favor, she’d been kept idle for three years rather than repurposed.

Having heard of Jiufang Xiyan’s return but lacking an excuse to visit, this chance encounter was serendipitous.

The statement struck like lightning. Tian Qingyi had assumed the matter would be resolved—only for Liu Zhuo to resurrect it.

Masking internal turmoil, she countered, “Brother Liu mistakes me. With no feud between us, why insist on this?”

Liu Zhuo smirked. “Accept her, and our past grievances vanish—we’re just classmates again. Refuse, and the brothels await her. Our friendship ends.”

“My heart belongs solely to my wife. Even if I took her, she’d only be a maid.” Classmate or not meant little, but she couldn’t condemn an innocent girl to prostitution over pettiness. Liu Zhuo’s vindictiveness ran deep.

“Once given, she’s yours to handle. I won’t interfere.” His smile warmed at her concession.

After setting a nighttime handoff, they rejoined the others. Liu Zhuo departed cheerfully, resuming his table’s boisterous debate.

Watching his hulking retreat, Yun Jingchu arched a brow—Who was that?

Tian Qingyi hesitated. Under that guileless gaze, she confessed, “Liu Zhuo—a classmate. We never got along.”

“What did you discuss?”

“He sought reconciliation. No major grudges—better allies than enemies.” Stirring her deer pear syrup, she chose omission.

After finishing their drinks and resting, they rode home.