The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure-Chapter 1645 - 1639: Urging for a Child

This journey was full of splendor.

There were soldiers paving the way in front, and merchant ships in tow at the back. Moreover, the well-informed already knew that among the convoy was none other than the highest-ranked Lady Dingguo, the youngest First-Rank Enjoin Lady of Great Chu Country!

At each stop along the way for rest and supplies, the local officials couldn’t make an appearance, but their household women would send invitations and bring gifts, hoping for a meeting.

Wang Yongzhu had no patience for this, especially with so many eyes watching her? Who knows how many were envious, and if she accepted those gifts from the visiting ladies, it might give people something to gossip about.

So she simply refused them, claiming seasickness and poor health, and declined outside visitors.

Originally, Gu Changque wanted to come along too, after all, opening up trade routes is a great opportunity.

But considering he was newly married, Old Lady Gu was still hoping for a grandchild. How could she agree to let Gu Changque leave his new bride and step out of the Capital City?

The journey was long, taking months for a round trip, and a slight delay could easily turn into a year or more.

What a waste of time that would be!

Therefore, she threatened him with death, saying that if Gu Changque didn’t get Zhuo Die pregnant, he shouldn’t think of leaving the Capital City.

What else could Gu Changque do?

Moreover, this Gentle Village is the hero’s tomb.

By his side was a gentle and lovely young bride, with whom he shared tender affection daily.

Truly, he found it hard to part with this new bride.

Furthermore, although Zhuo Die didn’t oppose it verbally, it was clear her heart was reluctant at his departure.

No matter how resilient a man’s heart, under such circumstances, it turns soft, with no ambition left to pursue.

Now, he was nearing fifty, while his young bride was still in her prime. If something were to happen to him away from home, what would she do for the rest of her life?

So, he sighed deeply and dismissed the thought.

He had numerous properties under his name and was also helping manage enterprises for Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin, enough to cover all expenses.

Even if they had children in the future, there was no worry about livelihood.

As for their future, if their child had an aptitude for study, the Gu Family certainly wouldn’t hinder him.

If business was his calling, with Wang Yongzhu’s help, he wouldn’t be mistreated either.

With this in mind, Gu Changque was soon at ease.

So this time, when Wang Yongzhu and Old Granny Zhang returned to Chicheng City, apart from the two teams that originally followed them to the Capital City, there were only people from the Imperial Court.

At this moment, it was the transition from spring to summer, with green river waters and a gentle, cool breeze.

The fragrance of grass and flowers from both banks was carried by the wind, refreshing and soothing.

It was a hurried departure, but now they returned with calm and leisure.

The official ship wasn’t fast, with nothing much happening along the way.

Wang Yongzhu and Old Granny Zhang, seeing the clear weather, opened the window, sat by it, sipping tea and chatting casually.

Somehow, the topic veered to Gu Changque.

Old Granny Zhang was happy that Gu Changque had finally settled down, no longer a lonely bachelor.

Yet she felt a bit uncomfortable. Before his marriage, he talked about how his sister and niece were the most important to him.

But a few days after the wedding, his new wife was his top priority.

Wang Yongzhu couldn’t help but laugh seeing Old Granny Zhang’s awkwardness; it was probably the universal sentiment of mothers and sisters-in-law everywhere.

If their son didn’t learn how to cherish his wife, they’d be worried, wanting to find him a wife even if they had to bring some home themselves.

But once their son did figure it out, treasuring his wife as his life, they’d watch, feeling like everything had been turned upside down.

After all that effort in raising him, and now all he sees is his wife?

Those who understand clearly might be awkward briefly but would eventually accept it.

Those who don’t would stir up trouble between the wife and the son.

Old Granny Zhang had always been clear-headed with her own son, and was merely grumbling a bit now.

Seeing Wang Yongzhu stifling laughter, she mockingly scolded, "You girl, are you enjoying laughing at your mother’s expense?"

Wang Yongzhu quickly begged for mercy: "I’m not laughing at you, Mother. I know you’re joking! You truly care for Uncle, that’s why you feel this way! All mothers in the world feel similarly! If I ever have a son, after he gets married, after the joy, I’d surely feel a bit sad too."

Old Granny Zhang scolded her jokingly, "Shameless girl, there are others around, yet you talk so carelessly!"

Her thoughts then shifted: "But you’ve reminded me. In the eyes of the people, you and Chongjin have been married for several years now and haven’t had a child yet. You used to say that having a child when a woman is too young isn’t good for her body because she hasn’t fully matured yet."

"Now that you’re nearly twenty by the end of the year, and Chongjin is twenty-four or twenty-five, people your age often already have children. When you return, don’t delay any longer, you should consider having a child."

"I’m still in good health and can help take care of the child for a few more years. Don’t wait until I’m too old to move, wanting to help but unable to."

Wang Yongzhu never thought she’d end up being prodded to have a child.

She couldn’t help but grumble to herself: Uncle, you have no idea the sacrifices your niece has made for you.

Smiling awkwardly, she replied, "Let’s talk about it when I get back! It’s not just my decision, and besides, there’s so much to do, opening a trade route, building a market—"

"Don’t try to fool your old mother! Don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to, trying to delay as much as you can, right? You child, looking so clever, yet doing such foolish things! While you’re still young, have a couple of kids quickly; the recovery is faster! The older you get, the harder it is on the mother. Would I, as your mother, ever wish harm upon you?"

Old Granny Zhang furrowed her brows; her own daughter, of course, she could see. By the looks of it, she hadn’t really thought it through!

Her daughter used to be right that having children too young wasn’t good for her health.

But now, the age is just right, so what else is there to avoid? Moreover, if she waits another few years, it’s not just about what people in the Capital City think, but how Song Chongjin feels.

Most importantly, having children at an older age means slower recovery, less energy.

In the countryside, if women had children when young, late-life children would come smoothly even when they’re older.

But if they hadn’t had any when young and started having kids in their older years, it would be much more difficult. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

I care for my daughter dearly and don’t want Wang Yongzhu to suffer like that.

Upon hearing this, Wang Yongzhu was moved.

She seriously considered Old Granny Zhang’s words.

Although she currently had no intention of having a child, given the life expectancy of this era, having a child at around twenty was appropriate. Any delay would make her an ’older mother.’

If the trade route establishment succeeded, it’d take about a year or two.

Once the trade route was established, Song Chongjin and she would have to find a way to visit the King of the Grasslands.

In the next couple of years, though they’d be busy, they’d remain around Chicheng County, living a stable life.

Having a child, giving birth, and weaning would align perfectly, not disrupting future plans and arrangements.

However, she hadn’t mentally prepared herself for motherhood yet.

And from what she observed, Song Chongjin hadn’t expressed a strong desire to be a father either.

This time returning, they should have a good discussion about this matter.