The Mute Wife Who Brings Prosperity-Chapter 630 - 593: Husband and Wife Keep Vigil (First Update)

Chapter 630: Chapter 593: Husband and Wife Keep Vigil (First Update)

Aunt Chang was not only beautiful, but also had a good temperament. Despite being in the mansion for many years without any offspring, she was still very liked by Xu Guangfu. She was also very favored by Mrs. Xu, and her return to the mansion undoubtedly caught Aunt Cao and Aunt Huo off guard.

The two of them usually vied against each other, wishing they could eliminate each other. Now, however, they were harmonious, joining forces to first dampen Aunt Chang’s spirit.

While the inner quarters of the Western Marquis Mansion were embroiled in fierce intrigue, the Song Mansion was also staging its own different roles.

Ever since Nanny Qin promised to stay in the mansion for a lifetime and help out, Nanny Qian had gotten especially close to her. Sometimes, in the middle of the night, when she thought Nanny Qin couldn’t hold on, she would come to switch with her, letting her nap for a while.

When the ten-day period was up, it was Nanny Qian’s turn for the night shift.

Nanny Qian was an honest person, usually polite to everyone. When the servants gathered to gossip, she never participated, and when others asked for her opinion, she would just smile and let it pass. In Nanny Zhou’s words, she was as honest as a fool.

Nanny Qian herself didn’t mind much. Before she entered the mansion, her older sister back home repeatedly warned her that there were many rules in big families and that speaking carelessly could lead to trouble. She was told to speak less and do more.

On the day she entered the mansion, she came with six or seven candidate nannies.

Not only did a doctor need to be consulted to check everyone’s health, but they also had to undress for the housekeeper to examine their bodies. Then, the housekeeper had to ask some questions, all targeted at potential emergencies with infants. Based on their previous experience, they had to answer. Those who answered well could stay, while those who didn’t were given a piece of Silver and sent away.

After a round of selection, three were eliminated, leaving five. The housekeeper reported to the mistress, who came to inspect them before picking three to keep.

However, just this wasn’t enough to qualify for service. The housekeeper had to lead them in learning the household rules for a few days. Only after mastering the basic rules could they serve the young master and nurse them.

From that moment on, Nanny Qian knew she wasn’t in an ordinary household.

She once had a cousin who worked as a nanny. It was said that on the first day of entering the mansion, she merely showed her face to the mistress, was asked a few questions, and was kept.

Yet, in this household, there were not only many nannies, but the monthly salary was higher and the rules were more numerous.

Only truly wealthy families could display such grandeur.

Knowing it was a big family, Nanny Qian became even more diligent, thinking to endure a few more months. Once the young master was weaned, she could take the Silver and generously help her family. Unexpectedly, Nanny Qin, who was on the same shift, offered her an irresistible lure.

To be honest, compared to working hard outside for a month only to earn a few coins, who wouldn’t want to stay in such a respectable household, earning a monthly salary that many could only dream of?

She also wanted that.

So she didn’t refuse Nanny Qin’s proposal.

Nanny Qian felt she now had a new direction to strive for. She needed to take extra good care of the young master to gain the mistress’s approval.

Tonight was her second night shift. Originally, she thought the young master would sleep through the night as she did last month and not cause any fuss. Who would have thought that in the middle of the night, she started crying incessantly, no matter how much Nanny Qian tried to soothe her? The young master just wouldn’t settle down and would spit up after just a few sips of milk.

Nanny Qian lit the lamp, picked the young master up from the cradle, and held her in her arms, gently patting her to lull her to sleep.

The lamp was still lit in the main room, and even though Qi Bao’s cries weren’t loud, they were clear enough for Song Wei to hear.

Afraid of disturbing Wen Wan’s sleep, Song Wei didn’t call her but came to the West Wing himself.

Before entering, he knocked.

Nanny Qian didn’t need to think to know that she surely alarmed the master and mistress. She was so anxious that sweat beaded on her forehead, and she hurriedly put the young master back and rushed to open the door.

Seeing Song Wei standing outside, Nanny Qian stammered, "Mas-master."

"What’s wrong with Qi Bao?" Song Wei asked while stepping inside, heading to the crib.

The little baby was crying terribly, her face flushed red.

Nanny Qian said, "Perhaps it’s a nightmare from the night. I will try to soothe her, and she’ll be fine."

Song Wei was silent for a moment, preparing to leave and call for a doctor. Just as he reached the door, he saw Nanny Qin hurrying over, barely managing to stop in time before bumping into him.

Song Wei looked at her, "Why are you here?"

Nanny Qin explained, "Sister Qian hasn’t done the night shift for a long time, and I was worried she wasn’t used to it, so I agreed to come and relieve her in the latter half of the night. As soon as I entered the courtyard, I heard the young lady crying, and in my haste, I ran over, accidentally offending you, master. I hope you can forgive me."

"It’s good that you’re here." Song Wei said, "Go inform the women at the second gate to call the household doctor as soon as possible."

To deal with any emergencies that might arise with Qi Bao, the Song family had specially employed a household doctor.

Nanny Qin hesitated for a moment, "Master, might I take a look at the young lady first? Perhaps there’s no need to trouble the doctor."

Song Wei glanced at her, "You know how to diagnose?"

Nanny Qin awkwardly said, "I certainly don’t know medicine, but I’ve gained some experience from nursing children before. Hopefully, it can be of use."

Seeing Song Wei somewhat skeptical, she further explained, "The young lady has had bloating issues before, which I managed to relieve. Perhaps it’s the same tonight. The young lady is already crying so hard. Master, please don’t waste time."

For the current situation, Song Wei could only respond and let her go in first.

Still feeling uneasy, he asked someone to call the household doctor from the outer courtyard.

Nanny Qin arrived in the inner chamber.

Nanny Qian was still holding Qi Bao and comforting him, but the little infant was not only not pacified, but cried even more intensely.

"Sister Qian, let me do it." Nanny Qin extended her hands.

Nanny Qian, knowing she had skills, could only hand the child over to her.

Nanny Qin placed Qi Bao on the small couch, quickly unwrapped the swaddling clothes, lifted the cotton jacket, and placed her hands on his little belly to feel. She muttered softly, "Sure enough, it’s gas again."

After speaking, she skillfully began to massage Qi Bao.

About a cup of tea’s time passed, and Qi Bao’s crying gradually stopped. With teardrops still clinging to his eyelashes, he had cried himself to sleep from exhaustion.

Nanny Qian, seeing this, felt as if a weight was lifted and let out a quiet sigh of relief.

When the household doctor arrived, Song Wei still let him go in to check on his daughter. The old doctor also diagnosed it as gas, but noted it had already been relieved by the nanny before his arrival.

Song Wei asked, "What causes the gas?"

"This is uncertain," the household doctor replied. "It could be due to abdominal cold, indigestion, or other reasons."

After the household doctor left, Song Wei paced over to the crib, sat down, and reached out to touch Qi Bao’s now fair and tender little face.

Nanny Qin poured a cup of tea and handed it over, "Master, please have some tea."

Song Wei did not take it, his eyes not leaving Qi Bao, "I don’t drink tea at night."

Nanny Qin quickly apologized, "It’s my negligence..."

Before she could finish, Song Wei interrupted, "You’ll take the night watch over Qi Bao in the latter half of the night."

Nanny Qin nodded, "Yes."

Not knowing the circumstances, Song Wei didn’t blame Nanny Qian for negligence, he simply told her to go rest first.

Once Nanny Qian left, only Nanny Qin, Song Wei, and Qi Bao remained in the room.

Seeing that Song Wei had no intention of leaving, Nanny Qin quietly asked, "Should I fetch your book from the main room, Master?"

Song Wei didn’t respond. His mature and upright figure appeared enchanting under the dim light.

Nanny Qin was momentarily dazed before pushing the door open and planning to head to the main room. As soon as she stepped out, she saw Wen Wan standing at the bottom of the steps, wrapped in a frayed cloak, holding the very book Song Wei hadn’t finished reading.

"Madam..."

Seemingly not expecting Wen Wan to appear suddenly, a flicker of twisted annoyance crossed Nanny Qin’s face in the dim light.

Wen Wan smiled warmly, "Why do you seem so surprised to see me?"

"No, I was just concerned about the young lady," Nanny Qin quickly covered for herself.

"Hasn’t the household doctor already been consulted?" Wen Wan asked.

"Yes, the household doctor just left." To avoid revealing her emotions, Nanny Qin deliberately lowered her head.

Wen Wan walked up the steps, and as she passed by Nanny Qin, she suddenly asked, "Did Master leave you to take over Nanny Qian’s night duty?"

"Yes."

Wen Wan freed up a hand and patted her shoulder, "You’ve worked hard."

"Serving the young lady is our duty; it makes no difference who watches over her."

"Come inside, it’s cold out," Wen Wan said as she headed directly into the room.

Hearing the commotion outside, Song Wei turned around, and upon seeing Wen Wan, his tense handsome face instantly softened, "Wanwan, why are you here?"

"Qi Bao was crying so distressingly, I couldn’t sleep," she said, handing the book to Song Wei, "It seems you can’t sleep either, why not read in the West Wing, and I’ll keep you company."

As Song Wei took the book, he naturally drew her into his arms.

Nanny Qin, who followed them in, saw this scene and quietly clenched her fists.