Chapter 29: Two Chapters Combined
A Joyous Occurrence at Home
“Isn’t Nan Hong your younger sister?” Xie Xinlian reminded her kindly.
Only then did Zhu Yanyi recall that Zhu Nan Hong was the eldest daughter of her second uncle, Zhu Xiangyao. She was two years younger than her and currently three years old. In her previous life, Nan Hong had actually had a quite good personality—generous and open-minded. However, after the two families separated, they had little contact. She had once heard from her older sister that Nan Hong was living well; after marriage, she had only one daughter, but both the daughter and her husband were very filial toward her.
“It’s different. She’s not a blood relative, and Nan Hong is a sister, whereas this one is a brother.” For some reason, Zhu Yanyi found himself able to sense the aura of life. Although the child in Xie Xinlian’s womb had not yet fully formed, he could feel it was a boy. His heart stirred slightly. Could this be one of the principles taught at Azure Sovereign Qingdi Middle School—clear distinction between yin and yang, where male is yang and female is yin? Thus, he could distinctly perceive the yang characteristics of the child in Xie Xinlian’s womb.
Xie Xinlian’s eyes lit up. Although she loved having daughters, she hoped to bear a son for Zhu Shunyao. This way, Zhu Shunyao would at least not be blamed by her parents-in-law or the Zhu family for being a “lineage ender” due to having only two daughters. “Is it really a brother?”
“Yes, it’s a brother.” Seeing Xie Xinlian’s expression, Zhu Yanyi knew exactly what she was thinking. He didn’t hesitate to share this news with her.
Xie Zhong smiled from the side. “Children have bright eyes. Since An’ni says it’s a brother, there’s a high chance this pregnancy is a boy. Don’t blame your father for favoring sons over daughters. You’ve already had two daughters; having a boy would mean you have both sons and daughters, completing your family and bringing fulfillment to your life.”
Xie Xinlian smiled. “Last night, Shunyao told me that if I were pregnant, we would do everything possible to ensure the baby was born safely. Actually, this timing is quite good. An’nan is already ten, and An’ni is five. With this child coming, the age gap between them is just right.”
Xie Zhong nodded. “Indeed, the timing is perfect. An’nan and An’ni are at an age where they no longer require your constant care. This child has arrived, showing that fate cares for you.”
“Having a boy is indeed wonderful.” Qi Qiao’er came out, handing a cup of honey water to Xie Xinlian. “This honey was obtained by A-Sheng last time she went into the mountains to deliver furniture. Take some back with you later and drink a cup every day. It will help nourish the baby. We can’t afford to repeat the past mistakes.” Qi Qiao’er sighed.
Zhu Yanyi looked curiously between Qi Qiao’er and Xie Xinlian. It seemed there was a story behind this that she didn’t know about.
Xie Xinlian finished the honey water in one gulp. “Mother, rest assured. This time, I will protect this child with my life. The previous loss happened because I didn’t realize I was pregnant, and An’nan was only two and very restless, so I didn’t pay enough attention. This time, everything will be fine.”
The loss of her previous child left a deep scar on Xie Xinlian’s heart. But the past was past. No matter how fiery her temper, she couldn’t turn back time. Therefore, she was determined to protect this child with all her might.
Zhu Yanyi didn’t know what had happened before. Although she had returned to the age of five, she remembered very little from her previous life before that age. Moreover, judging by the context, this incident had occurred even before she was born. However, one thing Zhu Yanyi could be certain of was that her mother must have had another child after giving birth to Zhu Yanli and before giving birth to her, but that child had been lost. Thinking about it, she could understand why Xie Xinlian in her previous life sometimes became hysterical when it came to matters concerning children. Losing two children was an incredibly painful experience for any mother. Fortunately, she had been reborn. This time, as long as they were careful, they could ensure the safe birth of this child.