Unfortunate Circumstances
The Zhoos, for the most part, share a common ancestor.
Although Zhou Huo has no biological brothers, he does have cousins. His father's circumstances are somewhat better than those of Zhou Jin, and in such situations, it is customary for close relatives to lend a helping hand.
Unfortunately, relations among the three families are not great. The previous generation had a bitter falling-out during the division of assets. Therefore, last night, Zhou Huo was accompanied by Mrs. Xiao Qian, his neighbor's wife who gets along well with his family, and the wife of the village chief's son.
Additionally, there was a midwife brought over from Dali Village.
However, the midwife stayed in Dali Village since early morning and did not accompany them to the county seat. Mrs. Xiao Qian and the others worked tirelessly through the night and were exhausted. Zhou Huo's wife couldn't be left alone at the moment, so she stayed in the county seat.
When Zhou Erlang and the others returned, their priority was not only to rest but also to find substitutes to relieve them.
Mrs. Qian understood immediately and thought for a moment before saying, "I'll go inform Zhou Huo's aunt." Even if their relationship is strained, blood ties are hard to sever completely. If they refuse to help, those close to Zhou Huo's wife should step in.
In a village, if any family faces an emergency, others will typically lend a hand.
After Zhou Erlang finished speaking, he whispered, "Father gave two hundred wen, but Zhou Huo said he'll repay when he returns."
Mrs. Qian responded with a nonchalant "Mm," not particularly concerned.
Although Zhou Huo's aunt was reluctant, she still allowed one of her daughters-in-law to go to the county seat to assist.
Zhou Huo's wife gave birth at the old doctor's house after a difficult delivery that barely corrected the fetal position. Upon birth, the child was frail, almost like a mouse, with a slightly bluish complexion—an obvious sign of severe distress. The elderly doctor was unable to confirm whether the child had brain damage or if the child would even survive.
At that moment, Zhou Huo had no attention to spare for the child. His wife's condition was dire; she experienced heavy bleeding immediately after giving birth. Thus, the old doctor advised them to take her to the county seat.
The child was taken along as well.
He believed that if the child survived, that would be good; if not, at least they had tried their best.
However, the young child was unable to take medicine, and his wife, in her current condition, clearly couldn't breastfeed after taking medication. Whether the child would survive now depended entirely on fate.
Ming Bao had initially thought about taking a break and going to the county seat to check on Zhou Huo's wife. After all, she and Zhou Huo's second son, Er Lu, were quite close.
They were similar in age, although their seniority in the village varied. Yet, Ming Bao was one of the few friends Er Lu had in the village.
As a friend, when a friend's mother and younger brother fall ill, shouldn't you go and visit?
But before she could mention it, Zhou Huo and his family were already brought back by cart the next day.
Mrs. Qian immediately prepared some eggs to take to the patients, while Ming Bao followed behind her. Being small, she trailed a bit behind, and Mrs. Qian didn't notice her.
There were quite a few people at Zhou's house, but the maternity room was relatively quiet. The courtyard, however, was bustling, with Zhou Huo's mother-in-law assisting in receiving guests.
Da Fu, almost as old as Er Tou, was already sensible enough. At this moment, he stood silently by Er Lu's side, watching everyone come and go.
Ming Bao could tell they weren't in good spirits and softly asked, "What's wrong with you guys?"
Da Fu looked at Ming Bao, pursed his lips as if he was about to cry.
He knew Ming Bao and understood her to be formidable because she could read, a skill for which she was often praised by Er Tou and Er Lu. When Ming Bao asked, he felt a bit uncomfortable and quite wronged inside.
Since the evening before yesterday, when his mother was about to give birth to his younger brother, they had not received any attention. They were sent directly to the neighbor's house for care, and their parents did not return at all yesterday.
Someone told them that if their mother died, they would have no mother left.
So Da Fu and Er Lu cried for a day and a night. They only felt a little better today when they saw their parents return.
But he could see that his mother was still unwell. At almost eight years old, he was mature enough to understand the conversation.
Someone even asked his father to prepare a coffin for his mother just now, and his grandmother unexpectedly agreed.
Da Fu wiped away tears and asked Ming Bao, "Little Miss, since you're educated, can you tell me if my mother will get better?"
Ming Bao hesitated and asked, "Didn't she get better already?"
If she didn't, why bring her back?
Da Fu shook his head sadly, "No, she's still in pain, and my little brother, they say he's going to die too."
Ming Bao was shocked speechless.
The three children stood silently, and after a while, Bai Shan Bao peeked in from the doorway. Seeing them standing face to face, red-eyed, she couldn't help but ask, "Why are you crying?" "Who has been bullying you?"
The three children remained silent, continuing to wipe their tears.
Bai Shan Bao scratched her head and asked, "Didn't they say a baby was born?" I haven't seen the newborn yet. "Can I take a look?"
Ming Bao couldn't remember seeing one either, but it seemed that when she had memories, even the youngest, Si Tou, would be able to sit up with his buttocks.
She looked at Da Fu.
Da Fu wiped his tears and choked out, "Come with me."
The two brothers sneakily led Bai Shan Bao and Ming Bao into the main room.
It was quieter inside, with only five older women, including Mrs. Qian.
In fact, there wasn't much they could do; they were simply comforting Zhou Huo's wife and advising her to rest well.
Zhou Huo's mother-in-law walked in, forcing a smile, "I've made sweet wine in the kitchen. Let's all have a drink later." We'll start cooking lunch soon. Thanks to all of you for helping my eldest daughter.
Zhou Huo's wife's maiden name is Chen. She is from a small village on the other side of Baima Pass Town, which is quite far from Qili Village. Therefore, they received the news last.
Mrs. Qian knew that Zhou Huo's family was small. With both the husband and wife absent, she assumed the remaining family member would be overwhelmed and wouldn't stay for lunch, surely?
She said, "We just came to visit." We'll have a bowl of sweet wine and leave. "We won't eat, lest it go to waste."
When Mrs. Qian said this, others naturally agreed, saying, "After his wife recovers, they can invite us again."
It's a blessing to say, but everyone knew the possibility was slim.
Chen lay in bed, her eyes half-closed, too weak to speak due to the pain.
The four children tiptoed past the six adults who were speaking and quietly approached the bedside.
Beside Chen lay a cradle with a red and wrinkled baby, the newborn son she had just given birth to.
Bai Shan Bao found it a bit disgusting, thinking it was too ugly, while Ming Bao felt pity and found it very cute. She carefully pressed the edge of the swaddle, examining the delicate figure more closely.