Chapter 133: Daughter-in-law is Pregnant

Chapter 133: Daughter-in-law is Pregnant

Early spring is the perfect time for planting, and farmers across the Double Prosperity area are busy sowing crops. In Thatchfield Village, many families have also allocated manpower to cultivate orchards, making their schedules even more packed.

Deng Shirong has been no exception. While Lychee Mountain primarily grows Cinnamon Flavor lychees, he has also reserved space for other fruit trees, such as longan, jackfruit, mango, star fruit, bayberry, three-flowers plum, and persimmon. By the time all the common fruit trees of Bobai County were planted, it was already the end of the first lunar month.

After dinner that evening, Jiang Dehu said, "Uncle, it's about time. Should I go back tomorrow and bring back the five puppies from my sixteenth uncle?"

Deng Shirong nodded. "Yes, go ahead and bring them back." He then took out five yuan and handed it to his nephew-in-law.

Jiang Dehu quickly protested, "Uncle, you don't need to give so much. A few cents as a token of appreciation would be enough!"

In Double Prosperity Territory, it's customary to pay for puppies, especially those brought from the mother's home. Failing to do so is considered bad luck, as it's said to "bite off the way to the mother's home." However, even a small payment, like one cent, suffices to show the puppy was bought, not taken for free.

Deng Shirong insisted, stuffing the money into Jiang Dehu's hand. "Even though we're relatives, we can't let them suffer a loss. Your sixteenth uncle has been caring for these puppies for over two months. One yuan per puppy is fair."

Since it wasn't his own puppy, Jiang Dehu didn't refuse and accepted the money.

The next morning, Jiang Dehu rode the Forever bicycle back to his uncle's house and returned with the five puppies. Deng Shirong kept two at home and sent the remaining three to Lychee Mountain with Jiang Dehu.

The first day of the second lunar month marked Jingzhe, the third solar term among the twenty-four solar terms. On this day, a joyous event occurred in Deng Shirong's household: his eldest daughter-in-law was pregnant!

"Good! Good! Good!" Deng Shirong exclaimed, overjoyed.

"That's wonderful! Congratulations, sister-in-law!" Deng Yunzhen chimed in, her face lit up with excitement.

Zhang Xiuping smiled and reminded her, "Ah Zhen, keep your voice down. Don't let outsiders hear!"

In both this era and the future, it's customary to keep pregnancy news private during the first three months, as the fetus is still unstable. Only after three months, when the pregnancy is more secure, is the news shared more widely.

Deng Yunzhen nodded sheepishly, sticking out her tongue in embarrassment.

Deng Shirong, beaming, said, "Ah Ping, from now on, don't overexert yourself. Take care of your health, avoid catching a cold, and don't get too excited. Let Zhen accompany you for a walk every morning. When Yuntai comes back in the afternoon, he can join you too..."

He didn't mention going to bed early and waking up early, as in the countryside, without electricity, everyone already followed that routine. As for diet, he left it to himself as the head of the household to decide daily meals.

Zhang Xiuping felt deeply touched by her father-in-law's concern. "I understand, Dad," she replied with a smile.

In this era, rural families often had multiple children, so pregnancy wasn't considered a big deal. Women typically only took extra care during the first three months, after which they resumed their usual tasks. It was even common for women to give birth while working in the fields.

However, Deng Shirong, having experienced the future, had a different perspective. After giving some instructions, he began planning a nutritious meal for his daughter-in-law. Pregnant women need balanced nutrition, so he decided to prepare a variety of dishes, reducing the portion sizes to ensure she could try a bit of everything.

After some thought, Deng Shirong took out five yuan and handed it to his eldest daughter. "Ah Zhen, go to Changwang's house and buy a chicken. We'll make soup for your sister-in-law this afternoon. Chicken soup is very nutritious."

"Alright!" Deng Yunzhen took the money and prepared to buy the chicken.

Since last year, the number of chickens raised in the village had increased significantly. Every household raised at least a dozen chickens, making it easy to purchase one.

Zhang Xiuping quickly interjected, "Dad, we already have good food at home. There's no need to buy a chicken for soup."

Deng Shirong smiled. "From now on, you're not eating for just yourself. The little one in your belly needs nourishment too. I'll make soup for you every day. Even if your appetite isn't great, try to eat a little of everything. A balanced diet is essential for your child's growth and development."

Zhang Xiuping was deeply moved. She knew how her elder sister-in-law and younger sister-in-law were treated during their pregnancies. Other young wives in the village also received minimal special treatment, at most doing less work in the first three months but eating the same as usual.

But her father-in-law's promise to make soup for her every day was extraordinary. In this era, pregnant women might only have soup three times from conception to birth, but she would have it daily. Even city wives likely didn't receive such care.

Tears welled up in Zhang Xiuping's eyes as she said, "Thank you, Dad!"

In the afternoon, when Deng Yuntai returned from work, his wife pulled him into their room for a private conversation.

Deng Yuntai smiled and asked, "Pingmei, what's this mysterious talk about?"

After closing the door, Zhang Xiuping smiled and said, "Brother Tai, I have some good news."

"What good news?"

"I'm pregnant!"

Deng Yuntai was so excited he nearly jumped. "Pingmei, is this true? Are you sure?"

Zhang Xiuping gently touched her belly. "The doctor confirmed it, and my period is over a week late. It's most likely true."

Deng Yuntai grew concerned. "You went to the doctor? Is something wrong?"

Seeing his worry, Zhang Xiuping chuckled. "Don't worry. I just felt a bit nauseous earlier, so I went to see the doctor. After checking my pulse, he said I'm pregnant."

Relieved, Deng Yuntai said, "Pingmei, now that you're pregnant, don't do any housework. Let Azhen handle it."

"Dad already mentioned that. He also said you should take a walk with me after dinner every day."

"Alright, then I'll walk with you after dinner!"

(End of Chapter)