Chapter Seventy-Four: Fierce and Unyielding, Striking Straight at the Heart

Jiang’s request was merely to have her pulse taken, and Lin Qing did not refuse, agreeing readily. After feeling the pulse and asking a few questions, she withdrew her hand.

“Second Madam, it seems you have lingering blood stasis in your womb after a miscarriage, which has not yet cleared. This has resulted in irregular periods and, at times, a sensation of coldness and swelling pain in the womb,” Lin Qing said.

Jiang’s expression darkened slightly. “To be honest with you, Doctor Lin, I’ve already consulted Lady Liu, the renowned gynecologist from the Imperial Medical Bureau. I’ve taken many prescriptions, but nothing has changed.”

Lin Qing offered a gentle smile. “The arrival of a child is a matter of fate, but your health, on the other hand, must be properly tended. You are still young, but if things go on this way for a few more years, the coldness in your womb will only deepen, and your complexion will turn sallow.”

Jiang smiled. “That’s true. I already have a son by my side, so I have fulfilled my duty to the Song family and my husband. Yet, in my heart, I do wish for a daughter. I think to myself, if I am blessed with one, that is my fortune; if not, it is fate.”

“Take things as they come,” Lin Qing said, putting away the herbal pillow. “Second Madam, have someone send me the prescription Lady Liu gave you. I’ll look it over to see if it needs adjusting. Take a few more doses, and I’ll perform acupuncture for you a few times to see if we can clear the stagnant blood in your womb.”

“Thank you, Doctor Lin! If I really have a daughter, I’ll set up a longevity tablet for you and offer incense every day.” Jiang replied with delight.

Lin Qing laughed. “That won’t be necessary.”

Jiang turned to Lu. “Third Sister-in-law, would you like Doctor Lin to take a look at you?”

“Why not? When fighting tigers, you never go without your own brothers. Among Su’s generation, there are only four boys—hardly enough for a proper brawl,” Song Ci remarked.

In a country, the most important asset is its people. With people, the nation can function and flourish; without them, there would not even be enough men to fill the ranks of soldiers, and in the face of war, would they not be crushed by any enemy? Likewise, for a family to thrive and prosper, there must be an abundance of offspring. Heaven forbid anyone say that quality is more important than quantity—in these times, should a family have but one son, and some misfortune were to befall him, the entire household would be doomed.

So, as long as one can bear children, they should—after all, it’s not as if the family cannot support them. The prosperity of the family line is paramount.

Lu forced a smile. Even if her health were restored, of what use would it be? Her husband was not at her side. Alone, she could not conceive.

“Mother, must I?” Lu asked.

Song Ci remembered then that her husband was away, and said, “What’s the harm in some treatment? The key is to feel well. Besides, once Third Brother returns to the capital for his post, you two will be reunited. As they say, ‘an army is raised for a thousand days, and used in one.’ Opportunities favor the prepared. Only when you are ready can you seize the moment, isn’t that so? No one becomes pregnant the moment their health is restored. Lin Qing is not some goddess of fertility, waving a willow branch to send infants into your wombs.”

Pfft.

Lin Qing nearly burst out laughing.

The eldest Madam Song glanced calmly at her two blushing sisters-in-law, as if to say, “Do you feel it now? The old matron’s words are fierce, crude and forceful, yet they strike home.”

Song Ci might speak bluntly, but her reasoning was sound. For Lu to refuse now would be ungrateful, so she blushed and held out her hand for Lin Qing to take her pulse.

Her condition was actually better than her two sisters-in-law; she was younger, and her lack of pregnancy was merely a matter of fate.

Lu let out a sigh of relief—no problem, that was good. Yet she couldn’t help but feel a pang of sorrow at the thought of her lonely bed.

“Jiang, you’re so set on having a daughter? Let me give you a bit of advice,” Song Ci said, looking at Jiang.