The old woman had initially felt a touch of annoyance when she saw people coming to disturb her daughter who was in confinement, but only felt a degree of satisfaction after seeing the things Yang Shi and Luo Qing had brought.

“Mother, Sister-in-law, you’ve come too,” Yang Shi greeted.

The old woman and Tian Shi responded, but Wang Guifang, lying on the heated brick bed, called out, “Second Sister-in-law!”

“Ah, Little Aunt, how are you feeling today?” Yang Shi asked with a smile.

Wang Guifang nodded, “I am perfectly fine. I trouble all of you for coming to visit and bringing so many things.”

“You just gave birth, your body is still weak, you certainly need proper nourishment. These things are just a small token from Second Sister-in-law, please accept them!” Yang Shi stated.

Hearing Yang Shi’s words, the old woman nodded in satisfaction and said to her daughter, “Yes, your Second Sister-in-law is your sister-in-law; naturally, she must take your childbirth to heart.”

As soon as the old woman finished speaking, Tian Shi, standing behind her, pursed her lips, thinking, Isn't this just blatant favoritism towards her daughter? This Second Daughter-in-law is really something, showing up with so many gifts now, isn't it just to outshine what I brought?

The reason Tian Shi had come was because after Wang Guifang gave birth, the old woman had paid extraordinary attention, visiting daily and even sending several old hens. The old woman’s actions naturally caused dissatisfaction in Tian Shi, considering that all the chickens raised by the main household eventually ended up in the mouths of those in the main household. Now, the old woman, doting on her daughter, was keeping the good things for her, effectively forgetting the others in the main household.

Tian Shi could not tolerate her own interests being harmed, but facing the old woman, she had no recourse, so she could only let out a few disgruntled hums daily to express her displeasure. However, Tian Shi’s humming was overheard by the old woman. This enraged the old woman, who thought to herself that these were her things, and she could give them to whomever she pleased; Tian Shi, as a daughter-in-law, had no right to interfere, nor should she. Yet, given Tian Shi’s current demeanor, she was clearly unhappy about the gifts being given to her daughter. The old woman hadn’t even reprimanded her for being a latecomer as the eldest sister-in-law in showing proper consideration, and here Tian Shi was, bringing gloom upon her first. How could the old woman endure this? Thus, the old woman directly called Tian Shi over and told her that since Wang Guifang had given birth, she, as the eldest sister-in-law, ought to make some gesture, wasn't that right?

With the old woman stating things so bluntly, Tian Shi couldn't even try to deflect with playful banter, but she dared not directly oppose the old woman. Consequently, she reluctantly brought some things and accompanied the old woman over.

Tian Shi had initially been discontented that among the three sisters-in-law, she was the only one who brought gifts. Seeing that the Second Daughter-in-law had also brought gifts, and quite a few at that, she felt much more balanced. But after a moment, she became somewhat disdainful, thinking the Second Daughter-in-law was truly foolish. After all, the Second Daughter-in-law didn’t live with the old woman, so the old woman couldn't control her daily life. Moreover, since the Second Daughter-in-law’s son was now a Juren (successful provincial graduate), the old woman had even less power over her. To think that even with such advantages, the Second Daughter-in-law was still so fearful of the old woman’s authority that she voluntarily brought gifts over!

Thinking this, Tian Shi looked regretful, finding the other woman utterly thick-headed. If she had possessed such advantages, why would she ever fear the old woman? Truly, no one could control her then.

Tian Shi grew happier the more she thought about it, but finally, a bucket of cold water was doused over her spirits—she didn't have the good fortune of Yang Shi, having a son who was a Juren scholar. Of course, she herself had once had a chance, but it had been ruined by the old man. If he hadn't agreed to let Qing Tong open a shop, perhaps she would be even more glorious than Yang Shi right now!

Luo Qing, watching Tian Shi’s expression shift from fierce to cheerful to regretful, felt a vague sense of unease. She quietly moved further away from Tian Shi and sat down again, only letting out a sigh of relief once she had distanced herself.

The old woman naturally couldn't see Tian Shi’s expression, but Yang Shi noticed it. However, Yang Shi didn’t say much; after all, Tian Shi couldn't scheme against her successfully. With her son being a Juren, if Tian Shi wanted to plot against her, she’d have to think twice.

Since Wang Guifang needed ample rest during her confinement, Yang Shi and the others left shortly after sitting for a while.

Meanwhile, Wang Qingchen, after several days in the carriage, arrived in the county town when it was already very dark. Because Wang Qingchen had a lot of luggage, he negotiated with the driver, asking him to help deliver his things to his lodging.

The driver knew Wang Qingchen was a scholar, and people in those days held great respect for scholars. Therefore, the driver didn't refuse much and took Wang Qingchen to the address he provided.

Wang Qingchen’s return to the county town made Li Yuntai, Liu Hao, and Zhao Cheng extremely happy. When Wang Qingchen was away, they always felt something was missing in the town; now that he was back, they felt those voids had been filled.

Wang Qingchen accepted their enthusiastic welcome, feeling quite pleased with himself; he realized how important he was to them.

After the belongings were set down, Huang Shi quickly prepared hot dishes and rice for Wang Qingchen so he could eat something warm.

Once Wang Qingchen had quickly devoured his meal, Zhao Cheng and the others informed him about Xia Wentao’s return to the capital.

Wang Qingchen listened and nodded. Xia Wentao had mentioned this to him before he left the county town, and he had anticipated that by the time he returned, Xia Wentao might already be back in the capital. Therefore, he wasn't particularly surprised to hear the news now.

“They’ve returned to the capital, and I didn’t go to see them off,” Wang Qingchen said as if speaking to himself.

Zhao Cheng, thinking Wang Qingchen was feeling melancholy, quickly comforted him, “It’s fine, I believe he won’t blame you.”

Hearing Zhao Cheng say that, Wang Qingchen knew he had misunderstood, but he didn’t explain further, instead telling them all to go back to sleep, as it was already very late.

Soon, Wang Qingchen was alone again in the room. He looked at the bundles he brought from home and resignedly began to unpack and sort them. Once everything was put away, Wang Qingchen endured the chill and quickly took a bath. After all, he hadn't properly washed during the tiring journey, and now that he was in town, he couldn't bear it any longer. So, despite the cold night, he bathed without hesitation. He had originally thought that if he washed quickly, nothing would happen, but Wang Qingchen had unfortunately overestimated his own body. When he woke up the next morning, he first noticed an odd sensation in his throat, followed by a general lack of strength throughout his body. Wang Qingchen didn't overthink it; it must have been caused by the bath last night. He didn't realize when his body had become so frail. However, feeling so unwell now wasn't the time for contemplation; he needed to find a doctor.

So, Wang Qingchen endured his discomfort, dressed, and walked out weakly.

Wang Qingchen was usually full of energy, so any abnormality was easily noticed. Thus, without him needing to say anything, Huang Shi was the first to inquire.

“Qingchen, what’s wrong with you? Are you feeling unwell?” Huang Shi asked with concern.

Wang Qingchen nodded weakly, “I took a bath last night, maybe I caught a chill then.”

“Heavens, in such cold weather last night, you actually did that in your room…” Liu Hao looked incredulous.

Wang Qingchen nodded, “Alas, how was I to know my body was so unreliable? If I had known I’d feel like this today, I certainly wouldn't have done that last night.”

“Now is not the time to talk about that. Cheng’er, hurry and go invite a doctor for Qingchen. It’s safer to have a physician examine you now,” Huang Shi instructed.

Hearing Huang Shi’s words, Zhao Cheng skipped breakfast and hurried off to fetch a doctor for Wang Qingchen. Wang Qingchen watched Zhao Cheng run off, wanting to say something, but ultimately kept it in.

Seeing Wang Qingchen hesitate to speak, Huang Shi said, “Qingchen, don't feel awkward about it. You’ve helped us mother and son immensely! Asking Cheng’er to fetch a doctor for you just once is nothing; rest assured and wait for the doctor here! Come, drink some porridge first, and then I’ll help you back to bed later.” Then, Huang Shi spoke to Li Yuntai and the others, “After you finish eating, head to the County School first. Don’t worry about Qingchen; I will take good care of him.”

Huang Shi’s words stopped Li Yuntai and Liu Hao, who had been preparing to stay, mid-sentence. Furthermore, Wang Qingchen added, “Don’t worry about me, just go to the County School. It’s nothing serious; it looks worse than it is.”

Since Wang Qingchen himself had said so, it became even more awkward for Li Yuntai and Liu Hao to insist on staying.

Seeing he had persuaded them, Wang Qingchen began to drink the porridge Huang Shi had served him. As the warm porridge went down, a wave of heat spread through his body, and his throat and nose felt much better.

Wang Qingchen finished the porridge quickly and, following Huang Shi’s instruction, returned to lie down, as he genuinely lacked strength and lying down felt more comfortable.

Not long after Wang Qingchen lay down, Zhao Cheng rushed back with the doctor. Once the doctor arrived, Huang Shi quickly led him to Wang Qingchen’s room. (To be continued)