Zhang Caiyun’s character is straightforward, yet after childbirth, she seems to have undergone some subtle changes. Lian Manman thought that it wasn’t because Zhang Caiyun had become a bit plumper, but because there was something new about her.

Motherhood, Zhang Caiyun was now fully enveloped in the glow of motherhood, warm and gentle.

An infant’s babbling sound from the bed diverted Lian Manman’s attention away from Zhang Caiyun. Lian Manman bent down, leaned closer, and studied.

Xiao Shuanzhu’s entire body was wrapped in a blanket, with a baby hat perched on his head, showing only a small, red, round face. With Zhang Caiyun and Lu Bingwu both having good looks, naturally, their child wouldn’t be any different. His big eyes blinked twice and then closed, his small mouth moving.

The baby was still too young. Since everyone was close relatives and lived particularly close, that’s why everyone was allowed to come in and see the baby. Even so, Lian Manman dared not get too familiar with this little treasure, only touched the small blanket, and then reached in to feel Xiao Shuanzhu’s chubby little hand.

Xiao Shuanzhu’s body moved slightly in the blanket, his eyes half-closed, his small mouth twitched twice more, seemingly impatient, Lian Manman thought with a hidden smile.

Once everyone had seen Xiao Shuanzhu, they all sat on the bed. Xiao Shuanzhu was left behind the bed screen, while Zhang Caiyun was allowed to join the group.

A room full of women, young and old, began to chat casually. Naturally, the first topic was Zhang Caiyun’s childbirth. They talked about how Zhang Caiyun endured pain for half a day and a night before giving birth to Shuanzhu.

"The pain made me almost wish for death," Zhang Caiyun said, yet her face still bore a smile. Clearly, even though it was painful then, it was now past, and the little treasure lying in the blanket made her forget all that suffering.

"You have the same method as your mother," Lady Zhang remarked.

Lian Manman listened from the side, holding back her laughter. It turned out that having a baby also involved some "method."

Lady Zhang and Lady Li began recounting how Lady Zhang Wang suffered greatly when she had her first child, Zhang Caiyun.

"Your mother started earlier than you, and she endured pain for a whole night and day," Lady Li said, "But when she had Xiao Long, it wasn’t like that. She didn’t even tell me she was going into labor, only when she was about to give birth did she inform me. By the time I prepared the things, Xiao Long was born."

All things considered, Zhang Caiyun’s experience was relatively good for a first child, following her mother Lady Zhang Wang’s robust constitution.

"When I gave birth to Dabao, I endured pain even longer than you," Lian Zhizhi added.

Speaking of strong constitution, Zhang Caiyun was even stronger than Lian Zhizhi. However, when talking about Lian Zhizhi, although she had suffered quite a bit as a child, she now bore no signs of it. Naturally, it was because the Lian family’s life later improved. Furthermore, Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang were both sturdy and healthy, and they had Lian Zhizhi when they were young. Lian Zhizhi had good inherent conditions.

During their conversation, they brought up the gifts everyone had brought for nurturing.

Lian Manman then brought out the longevity lock, small bracelets, and anklets for Shuanzhu to show Zhang Caiyun.

One box contained items from Lady Zhang and Lian Shouxin, a complete set of a collar, longevity lock, bracelets, and anklets. Another box contained items from Lian Manman, Wu Lang, and Xiao Qi for the newborn nephew, which included a pair of bracelets and anklets differing in style, some adorned with jingling bells, others with small silver locks or little pumpkins, all crafted exquisitely for infants.

Zhang Caiyun looked pleased and immediately went over to dress Shuanzhu with them.

"Did all the gifts for nurturing get moved into Caiyun’s room?" Lady Zhang glanced around at the cabinets and floor, asking quietly.

"Quite a few were placed in the Upper Room," Lady Zhang Wang said, "Caiyun’s in-laws treat her well; whenever someone sends gifts, they are received in the Upper Room, but they usually end up being brought into this room. We’ve returned quite a few."

"They handle things properly, and we’re not ignorant. With items placed on both sides, visitors see everyone has them, but eventually, they’re divided among her in-laws. I’ve told Caiyun this. I don’t mean to boast about our child, but all the etiquette and reasons behind these customs, she understands without me having to explain. And besides, Caiyun is generous and not one to fuss over every detail, not the type to cling to possessions, so these things don’t weigh on her mind," Lady Zhang continued.

"... They are very considerate, and they handle things with great care, they really care for Caiyun and Shuanzhu. Even when heating the bed, worried about the smoke and dirt from burning firewood bothering them, they use charcoal indoors, and coal outdoors. They prepare four or five meals a day, each delicately made, and even cook red sugar eggs at night... The gifts that were sent are mostly Caiyun’s to consume, even when we’re here, they treat us like guests," Lady Li added.

"Her sister-in-law is nice," Lady Zhang Wang remarked, "She helps take care of Caiyun without a single complaint, tends to everything thoroughly, truly fulfilling the duty of a sister-in-law."

"It’s mutual harmony and kindness," Lady Wu Wang added from the side, "We live nearby, and see clearly. Since Caiyun married into their family, her conduct and the way she handles matters have been impeccable. Over time, relationships deepened, and now it’s truly evident."

"Caiyun, this child, has a sharp tongue, but she’s genuinely good-hearted, letting things go, always warm-hearted," Lady Li praised her granddaughter.

Zhang Caiyun indeed possessed these virtues, and moreover, she was generous and hardworking. The Lu family insisted on Lu Bingwu marrying Zhang Caiyun, not just because of their friendship with Zhang Qingshan and trust in the Zhang family’s upbringing, but because they sincerely cherished Zhang Caiyun.

...

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