Chapter Sixty: Birth

Chen Xin left Zhangjia Village on the third day after Yan Chunhua departed.

Until her departure, Yan Chunhua had not called back, and no one knew exactly what her situation was. Every day, Brother Zhang worried incessantly, even more withdrawn than before.

Second Sister Zhang went into labor more than a week before her due date. Fortunately, her husband had just finished his work, applied for a tea tree research project at the institute, and moved up the mountain with her.

The old tea garden had been cleared, with three wooden cabins erected, and another gently sloping plot was being prepared and the foundation dug, ready for construction.

When Second Sister went into labor, her husband was out collecting specimens and analyzing plants and soil with two students from the professor. Upon hearing the news, he became weak-kneed; it was only with the help of the two students supporting him that he made it home safely.

In those days, many rural people gave birth at home, then obtained proof from the township clinic to register the child. Only difficult pregnancies were sent to the hospital.

Chen Xin chose to leave early with Zhang Zhang because she feared that if Second Sister gave birth at home, neither she nor her nephew would be of any help, and might only get in the way.

Originally, Second Sister’s mother-in-law wanted her to deliver at their place, but luck wasn’t with them. Early summer, Second Sister’s father-in-law slipped while fishing at the river to make her soup and fractured his kneecap. The family had to care for both him and the pregnant Second Sister, so busy they scarcely had time to breathe. Seeing things were not working out, Second Sister discussed with her mother-in-law and decided to return to her own family to give birth. Once her confinement was over and her father-in-law recovered, she would still need her mother-in-law’s help with the baby.

Her mother-in-law worried that if Second Sister delivered at her natal home, the child would not bond with their side of the family. Hearing Second Sister promise to bring the child to them for care, she was relieved and agreed readily.

Second Sister’s health was good, and the Zhang family’s fortune had improved this year; she ate well and suffered little, delivering her child smoothly.

“A big, healthy boy, seven pounds and two ounces. Looks just like his father.”

The phone call announcing the birth came from the village chief’s wife to Chen Xin. The Zhang family was so busy they’d nearly forgotten, and only when the chief’s mother reminded them did they remember to share the good news.

Moments after the call, as the chief’s wife was preparing to bring eggs to congratulate the Zhangs, she saw a motorcycle approaching.

“Isn’t that Teacher Yan?”

Because Yan Chunhua had come specifically to teach the Zhang family bamboo rat breeding, the villagers respectfully called her “Teacher.”

“Why didn’t Teacher Yan call ahead?” the chief’s wife greeted her. “I was just thinking to ask Second Sister Zhang to tell you the good news, and here you are! The Zhangs are hectic now; I’ve seen Brother Zhang’s eyes turn red from exhaustion these past days.”

“Second Sister gave birth?” Yan Chunhua quickened her steps at the sight of the chief’s wife’s basket, filled with eggs and a baby’s tiger-head cap.

She had hired the motorcycle from the town, indulging herself for once so she could bring her suitcase up the mountain.

“Yes, yesterday—a big boy, over seven pounds,” the chief’s wife exclaimed, genuinely happy for Second Sister Zhang, as if the child were her own grandchild.

“I think the Zhangs’ luck has turned. Their days will only get better. Teacher Yan, why don’t you stay? No need to go.”

The chief’s wife was a plainspoken woman, and though her words were already tactful, with others she’d be even more direct, perhaps suggesting Yan Chunhua marry into the family.

“I won’t be leaving soon. I’d like to see if the Zhangs will hire me as a permanent worker,” Yan Chunhua smiled, pretending not to catch the underlying meaning. Her return was indeed partly for personal reasons, but mostly to escape the heartbreak inflicted by her own family, seeking refuge in Zhangjia Village.

“My second son wants to set up a bamboo rat farm. We’ll need your help, Teacher Yan.”

Yan Chunhua nodded and smiled, saying nothing.

At the Zhangs’ door, she saw Zhang Debing carrying a hoe, his face surprised to see her.

“Heading up the mountain?” the chief’s wife, walking ahead, guessed from the hoe that he was going to dig.

“With so much going on these days, I might not be able to tend things at night, so I want to dig mud to seal the door and make some fences.”

“Let me go. Mud won’t keep the door sealed, and the fence only keeps out foxes and weasels. I’ll stay there tonight and keep watch.”

“No, no, it’s too remote at night; it’s not safe for a young woman alone. How about you help my mother take care of my second sister, and I won’t return tonight?”

Second Sister Zhang was fine after giving birth, but the baby cried easily and was restless at night, needing constant attention. The clinic doctor said the baby was healthy, probably sleeping too much during the day; they were told to keep him awake more in daylight so he’d sleep soundly at night.

Second Sister was older for a new mother, and though she seemed healthy, years of poor nutrition had left lingering issues. Though nothing serious, her energy wasn’t like that of a younger woman. Grandma Zhang doted on her daughter, forbidding her from chores, insisting she rest and recover fully during confinement, so she’d suffer less in old age.

Brother Zhang hurried off with his hoe, telling Yan Chunhua to stay in her usual room, assuring her nothing had been changed.

After settling her things, Yan Chunhua washed her hands and face, then went to check on Second Sister and the baby.

While she was washing in the courtyard, Second Sister, knowing she had returned, chatted with her through the window, as she couldn’t open it due to the draft.

“Don’t dwell on things. You’re upset now, and clashing with your family is easy. Stay here longer, calm down, then decide. But Chunhua, you should call home; your parents will worry.”

“They won’t worry about me,” Yan Chunhua replied, after washing her face and helping to wash and hang the baby’s diapers on the new wire in the yard.

“People say so, but how could they not worry?” Now a mother herself, Second Sister Zhang’s heart was full of her son, especially able to sense parental love. “I don’t know your family’s situation, so I can’t advise you. But if you need someone to talk to, why not seek out Xiao Xin? She’s seen a lot and will give better advice than me.”

“Let’s talk later. I need some time to settle myself,” Yan Chunhua shifted the topic, asking if she could help mix formula for the baby.

Second Sister’s milk was insufficient, so the baby needed formula morning and evening.

“Zhang Debing, your package has arrived. I brought back the receipt for you. Go to the post office in town when you have time,” came the voice of Er Niu, another villager, outside. Yan Chunhua dutifully wiped her hands, opened the door, and went out to collect the slip.