As the contractions grew more frequent, Qi Zhenzhen felt an urge to knock herself unconscious.
Why did she have to give birth?
Why did childbirth have to be so painful?
Why was there no epidural?
Qi Zhenzhen gritted her teeth, wishing she could just die from the pain.
Seeing Qi Zhenzhen's features contorted in pain, Madam Yun was both anxious and heartbroken. "Doctor, is there any way to alleviate Zhenzhen's pain? She's in so much pain even before labor, how will she endure it when it's time to give birth?"
"Well... although there are painkillers, all medicine has some toxicity. I don't recommend using them unless it's absolutely necessary, as it's not good for both the mother and the child," the doctor hesitated before saying.
"No medicine, no medicine," Qi Zhenzhen quickly said. "Mother, don't worry, I can endure it."
"If you can't stand it, just shout out. Don't hold it in like this," Madam Yun said.
"You absolutely must not listen to Madam..." the midwife hurriedly interjected. "You need to conserve your strength! Otherwise, when it's time for the actual delivery, you'll have no strength left."
She had seen too many women who, due to extreme pain before labor, had shouted themselves hoarse and used up all their strength, only to find themselves lacking the necessary power during delivery. This would not only lead to more suffering but also danger. The顾府 (Gu Mansion) paid very well, and Madam Gu's delivery was taken very seriously. If she ensured a safe delivery, she was sure to receive a substantial reward.
For the sake of the reward, nothing could go wrong.
That was why the midwife was so urgent in her objection. Otherwise, if the elders of the main family spoke, she wouldn't say much.
"Exactly, you must listen to the midwife. Zhenzhen, if you're in pain, just curse someone! There's no one else here anyway," Madam Xiao Qin said.
Curse someone? Qi Zhenzhen was a little stunned.
Madam Xiao Qin continued on her own, "Curse whoever you dislike, or whoever is causing you suffering!"
Who was causing her suffering? The baby! Although it hurt, Qi Zhenzhen felt she couldn't bring herself to curse the baby!
"Just curse the son-in-law a couple of times, it's nothing. Sister Qin feels sorry for you, she won't mind if you curse him a bit," Madam Xiao Qin said. "Listen to me, cursing helps. Back then, when I couldn't bear the pain, I cursed the Marquis, and then I felt the pain lessen!"
Qi Zhenzhen felt a bit awkward. Madam Xiao Qin was unconcerned. "Your father wasn't here at the time, and no one in my room dared to speak out of turn. Besides, I'm risking my life to give him a child, what's wrong with cursing him a couple of times? Is it excessive? Not at all!"
Madam Da Qin did not seem displeased. "If it truly alleviates the pain, then cursing anyone is fine."
Qi Zhenzhen opened her mouth, but couldn't bring herself to curse!
If Gu Sinian were someone who ignored her, she would have no psychological burden to curse him. But on the contrary, Gu Sinian wished he could give birth for her. He attended to every detail, and stayed by her side whenever she felt unwell. How could she curse him?
"Mother, I can endure it," Qi Zhenzhen said.
It was just pain. Although it was more painful than her injuries during missions, she could bear it.
"How about we play a game of Yezi Pai (leaf cards)? When I felt uncomfortable, playing Yezi Pai also helped alleviate the discomfort," Madam Xiao Qin offered another suggestion.
Play cards?
It seemed like a good idea.
The midwife was dumbfounded!
She had never seen a woman in labor playing Yezi Pai while experiencing contractions.
Qi Zhenzhen found Madam Xiao Qin's method to be truly effective, especially when she kept winning hands, seeing the piles of gold ingots grow larger, she barely noticed the pain anymore.
Madam Xiao Qin, who had suggested playing Yezi Pai, frowned as her bag of gold ingots was emptied.
"My future granddaughter must be a little girl who attracts wealth!" Madam Xiao Qin mumbled.