The Mute Wife Who Brings Prosperity-Chapter 497 - 464: All the Bad Traits, None of the Good Ones
Song Wei used his connections to invite Dean Wang from the Imperial Hospital to examine Granny Song.
Dean Wang took her pulse and reviewed the prescription written by Doctor Li. There was nothing wrong with the prescription, but the main issue was how serious the patient’s condition was, making it difficult to recover in a short time.
Avoiding strong medicine due to her old age, Dean Wang performed moxibustion on her, reduced the medicine’s dosage, and added two herbs with milder effects.
This extended the recovery time further, and it was only after five days that she began to show some improvement; her cough lessened, she began to regain her strength, and her appetite noticeably increased.
Granny Song had been bedridden for several days and longed to go outside for some sunshine, but Second Lang’s wife wouldn’t allow it, saying the wind was strong outside and she’d start coughing again if she went out.
On a sunny day, Granny Song took advantage of Second Lang’s wife going to the restroom and, ignoring the maids’ persuasion, ran out to stand under the porch.
Seeing the sun, she took a deep breath, her face expressing indescribable satisfaction.
When Wen Wan came over and saw her, she asked why she wasn’t resting inside.
"If I lie down any longer, these old bones of mine will really fall apart," Granny Song said, becoming reflective. "Back in the old days in my hometown, no matter how hard or tiring, I never fell so ill. At most, I’d sneeze a few times, drink a bowl of ginger soup, and everything would be fine. But now, at the slightest sign, we have to call a doctor. When people have nothing to do, it’s easy to pamper their bodies; they can’t bear the cold, nor the heat."
Wen Wan laughed, "Mother, you say that, but now that Third Son holds an official position, he can’t have you and Father go back to farming, can he? Besides, people eat grains and cereals, so it’s normal to catch a cold or get a fever occasionally. You’re overthinking it."
"I know my own body." Granny Song wasn’t confused. Having idled for years in the Capital, she’d gained some weight, and her health wasn’t as good as before, all of which she felt acutely. "Who knows what the old place is like now. According to what your Second Brother and Sister-in-law said, our old house might have already collapsed. If it were still there, your father and I would want to go back and live there for a few years."
Suddenly, Wen Wan somewhat understood her mother-in-law’s homesickness. No matter how good the city is, it’s ultimately not the place where she was born and raised, lacking a sense of belonging. "If, Mother, you feel the hustle and bustle of the city is unappealing, I can arrange for you to stay on the estate for a while. It’s peaceful there. If you and Father feel idle, you can even join the tenants in the fields and exercise. As for going back to your hometown, you might as well forget it; neither I nor Third Son would consent to it."
Granny Song wasn’t stubborn; there wasn’t even a house in her hometown now. Going back without a place to settle means she can’t impose on others for long. Staying as a guest for a few days is fine, but not for an extended period.
Nodding, she replied, "Alright, let’s do that. Once I’m well, you can make arrangements for me to stay at the estate for a month or so and see if I can regain some health."
Wen Wan nodded, "Since you’ve decided, Mother, just focus on recuperating these days. By the time you’re feeling well, I should have everything arranged, and we’ll send you and Father there."
Granny Song caught sight of Wen Wan’s belly, "I might leave without worries, but what about you carrying that little one inside? Can you manage alone?"
"Of course I can. How could I not? Aren’t there maids to serve me? Don’t worry, Mother. I wouldn’t neglect myself. Besides, if there’s any issue, I’d know in advance, ensuring your grandchild is born safely. Surely now you’re reassured?"
Second Lang’s wife returned from the restroom and saw her mother-in-law and sister-in-law standing outside conversing, asking why they didn’t go inside.
Granny Song stretched her neck, "I’ve been lying down for so long I’m almost forgetting how to walk. I was just discussing with Third Lang’s wife, planning to stay at the estate for a month or so once I’m fully recovered."
Second Lang’s wife said nothing, her eyes turning to Wen Wan. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚
Wen Wan said, "I’ve already agreed."
Second Lang’s wife, "But... Mother, now that you have a title, why go to the estate?"
"So what if I have a title? I’m still a mere mortal with arms and legs. Enough about me—your father-in-law’s also been restless, wanting to return to the hometown to pay respects to the ancestors and maybe fix the house and stay for a while. He’s even more eager than I am."
Second Lang’s wife understood—it seemed her parents-in-law were getting restless, wanting to return to work the land.
Since the elderly couple didn’t live with them, she was uncertain about making decisions and looked to Wen Wan again.
Wen Wan thought carefully, "If you’re going to pay respects to ancestors, of course, the whole family should go back together. Given that I’m expecting, with a due date in September, even if we plan to return home, it won’t be until next year at the earliest. Can Mother and Father wait a little longer?"
Granny Song naturally put her grandchild first, "I’m just casually mentioning it, didn’t mean for you to go immediately. Ancestral rites are important, can’t be taken lightly. I’ll discuss it with your father and find an appropriate time."
After escorting Granny Song back to her room, Wen Wan told Second Lang’s wife, "Second Sister, you’ve been delayed for too long. Now that Mother is better, you should return. Second Brother can’t manage everything on his own; staying here like this isn’t practical."
Before Second Lang’s wife could say anything, Wen Wan continued, "From what I’ve heard, the Liang Family might already be setting a date. When the matchmaker arrives, preparation is essential."
Second Lang’s wife nodded.
Honestly, staying these days was far from relaxing. After all, this was someone else’s home, albeit a large mansion, lacking the comfort of her own space. Though the courtyard house was gifted by Third Son, having lived there for a long time, it naturally felt like home.
After lunch, Second Lang’s wife packed up and returned home with Song Qi and Song Duobao.
Song Jiao stayed behind at the Song Mansion.
As Wen Wan suggested, since the sisters didn’t get along, it was better to let them live separately. Once the Liang Family set the date, someone would arrange to send Song Jiao back for the customary gifts, and then she’d return to be prepared for marriage.
Second Lang’s wife naturally hoped for the best for her daughter, gratefully accepting her stay at the Song Mansion.
When the trio left, Jinbao found himself without playmates, lying listlessly on a small couch, unwilling to move.
Seeing this, Wen Wan asked him if he’d like to return to the estate for sheep herding.
At this, the little guy perked up, asking when they would go.
"In a few days, but this time I won’t be able to go with you. Your grandparents will accompany you."
"Why can’t you go, Mom?" the little guy pouted.
"I’m having a little baby, so I can’t travel much. If you want to go, I’ll have someone pack your things. If you don’t, there’s no pressure. But just one thing to keep in mind, after your fourth birthday on the 26th of next month, the family plans to hire a teacher to start your education. Most of your time will then be spent in lessons every day, meaning you can no longer play or sleep whenever you want. Understand?"
Jinbao hung his head, "Would it be like my brother, having almost no time to sleep?"
"There will still be time to sleep, just not freely as desired."
For Jinbao, not being able to eat treats or laze around was practically torment.
The little guy didn’t want to go to school, so he acted spoiled in front of Wen Wan, "Mom, can I start learning next year instead? I’m still young, only four."
Knowing he’d say this, Wen Wan raised an eyebrow and smiled at him, "Fine, you don’t have to start your education, but if you can complete your father’s assignments every day, then we’ll delay it until you’re five."
"..." Jinbao looked utterly hopeless.
Wen Wan told him, "Your father knew many characters by the time he was three, started writing articles at five, and could write his pieces by ten. Everyone back in Ningzhou said he was a genius, known to almost everyone. Wouldn’t you like to be an outstanding little genius like your father?"
"No," the little guy shook his head slowly, "Jinbao doesn’t want to be too famous; otherwise, too many people will pay attention, making it impossible to slack off."
Wen Wan playfully poked his forehead, "Are you possessed by a lazybug?"
In truth, she and Song Wei had so many virtues. Why couldn’t their son inherit any of them? Instead, he was lazy, gluttonous, miserly, and held grudges.
He embodied none of the good traits but all of the bad ones.
Jinbao hummed twice and found a comfortable position, leaning against her to fall asleep.
Unable to lift her son, Wen Wan asked Yun Cai to help move the young master to the soft couch.
Yun Cai, who was quite fond of Jinbao, mentioned that many children in the Capital start formal education at six. She hesitantly asked if the lady was sure about not letting him play for two more years?
Wen Wan was steadfast, "Those who start at six likely have noble titles to inherit. As Song Wei is an advanced scholar, no matter how high his future official position, Yuanbao and Jinbao must rely on their own merits for recognition. Jinbao is naturally lazy, and if delayed two more years, he’ll fall far behind."
Yun Cai said, "Actually, the young master is quite smart; every time Master teaches him something, he learns it quickly, but..."
"But he doesn’t like to make an effort," Wen Wan finished the thought, suspecting, "Could it be that my laziness when I was expecting him made him born a lazy fellow?"
