Planting lotus roots is perfectly suited for this kind of weather. The more water in the fields and the deeper the mud, the better their harvest.
So, for these past few days, you could tell whether they were planting lotus roots or grain just by looking at the expressions on the farmers' faces.
Truly, one side rejoices while the other grieves.
"How is that possible? Isn't Miss Feng San the same as our young lady, both raised in the inner quarters? Let alone going into the fields, she probably can't even distinguish between different vegetables in the kitchen. How could she possibly calculate all this?"
Ali retorted, stepping forward to support Yue Jian and help her sit down. As usual, he began to massage her aching back, looking like a devoted husband.
"You, you're just too idle. I've seen you make quite a few bellybands. If you're really that bored, why not make something else? I saw those tiger-head hats that children wear outside; they look nice. Could you make a couple for our son when you have time?"
Yue Jian rolled her eyes at him. "Son, son, your mind is solely on our son these days. If it were a daughter, would you still discard her?"
"How could I? If it were a daughter, that would be good too. She could help you out in the future and take care of her younger siblings."
"What are you thinking? If it's a daughter, I'll naturally teach her well. Don't forget, it's been quite some time since the young lady and the young master got married. If she gets pregnant, whether it's a young master or a young lady, they'll need trusted confidantes to serve them. Wouldn't our daughter be perfect for that?"
After Yue Jian finished speaking, Ali found her reasoning quite sound.
Thus, he abandoned his patriarchal thoughts and said to Yue Jian,
"It's still you who thinks things through completely. That way, our family can return to the manor to serve, saving us the hardship here on the estate."
Saying they were tired was a lie.
They had come here essentially as estate managers. Who would dare assign them manual labor?
However, compared to the manor in the capital, it wasn't prestigious enough!
Therefore, they thought it would be better to return sooner!
When the news of Wei Lanxuan's pregnancy spread, Yue Jian and Ali were overjoyed. They eagerly awaited the birth of their own child, hoping it would help them return to the Liang Manor sooner.
As for the matter of the lotus roots, they didn't give it much thought.
While both were pregnant, Wei Lanxuan's belly had yet to show, but Feng family's eldest madam, Madam Wen, was nearing her due date.
After this period of recuperation, she had recovered considerably.
She had gained weight, her complexion had improved, and most importantly, her belly didn't look excessively large.
Madam Wen and Meng Jie'er spent their days accompanying her on walks in the back garden, massaging her legs when she grew tired.
Perhaps it was because her family was by her side, but Madam Wen not only had a good mood but also became much more cheerful and open-minded than usual, often laughing heartily at Meng Jie'er's playful teasing.
Upon returning from his official duties, Feng Jinxu happened upon this scene.
It was as if he had returned to many years ago, seeing Madam Wen as she was then, innocent, lively, and carefree.
Madam Wen sensed someone watching her from behind and turned to see Feng Jinxu.
With the tenderness and joy still lingering on her face, she walked towards him, her belly protruding.
"My lord, you're back?"
"Mm."
Feng Jinxu stepped forward and supported her waist, easing some of the pressure, then said to Madam Wen, "Your son-in-law greets Mother-in-law."
"Good, good. You've been returning early these past few days."
"There isn't much work at the Dali Temple currently, and Madam is nearing childbirth, so I've returned early."
Madam Wen smiled, quite satisfied with her son-in-law's performance recently.
She recalled that when Madam Wen gave birth to Yun He, he had rushed back from the Dali Temple only after she had been in labor for half a day. Fortunately, mother and son were safe, otherwise, he might not have even seen them alive.
The more Feng Jinxu recalled the past, the more ashamed he felt.
While his wife was battling for her life, he was still preoccupied with the criminals and case files at the Dali Temple. It was truly excessive!
Therefore, he was now consciously trying to compensate Madam Wen, hoping that this pregnancy would be safe and smooth.
Madam Wen understood his intentions and spoke to comfort him.
"My husband, please rest assured. I am doing well now. I am just waiting for the child to be born, and then our family will live happily together."
"Good."
The tender affection brought joy to Meng Jie'er and Madam Wen.
While the Feng family's eldest branch was harmonious, the Feng family's second branch, thousands of miles away, was once again in distress.
The Feng family's mine had collapsed.
This had never happened in hundreds of years!
When Feng Shan heard this news, he, who was already recuperating, spat out a mouthful of blood and collapsed onto the bed as if his soul had been snatched away.
Madam Hua cried out, "Master!"
Then she immediately went to help him breathe.
Feng Jinhua didn't stand idly by either; she quickly ran out to find a doctor.
Meanwhile, Feng Jincheng and Feng Jinyue, standing nearby, were crying profusely, fearing that their father would pass away, which would mean their family would collapse!
Feng Shan held Madam Hua's hand, his eyes filled with anxiety.
Madam Hua knew what he wanted to say and preemptively replied with reassurance.
"Master, please don't worry. I will take Hua'er to see the situation. Cheng'er and Yue'er will stay here to take care of you. You must take care of yourself and wait for my return!"
Feng Shan nodded with difficulty. He was a man who had weathered many storms; such a piece of bad news wouldn't break him!
After Feng Jinhua found the doctor, the man looked at Feng Shan's ashen face and said,
"The family head has suffered from extreme anger and has vomited blood?"
"Yes, there have been some problems at the mine, and we need to go and see. We will trouble the doctor to take good care of him here."
As the matriarch of the Feng family, Madam Hua remained calm and composed in this crisis. After making proper arrangements, she left with Feng Jinhua.
After leaving the Feng family, the two did not head directly to the mine but went to the Northwest Army camp to consult with Xiao Ji.
In the general's tent, Madam Hua's expression was grave. "This matter must be related to an inside traitor. They are trying to suppress our Feng family by causing trouble at the mine. But who is behind this? I suspect the Ninth Prince is involved. Therefore, I have come to ask the General if he could allow the Young General to lead some troops with us. If there are indeed malicious individuals at play, I hope the Young General can assist us."
"Madam Feng is too kind. Brother Feng has shown great righteousness and has done so much for Liangzhou City; I have seen it all. The Feng family's mine is also related to the foundation of our Great Jin. I will not stand by and do nothing."
After saying this, Xiao Ji gave an order to Xiao Muqian beside him.
"You, select three thousand elite soldiers to escort Madam Feng and the young nephew. Bring along army doctors and medical supplies. Prioritize saving lives, and then follow Madam Feng's orders for everything else."
"Yes! General!"
"Thank you, General Xiao!"
Madam Hua bowed deeply to Xiao Ji, then, accompanied by Xiao Muqian, three thousand elite soldiers, and other supplies, headed straight for the mine!