The woman was, in fact, Hua Niang.
"My Lord, with Er Niang at the sewing workshop, my presence on the manor is rather redundant.
Madam is also nearing her due date, and the maids in your household have no experience with children. Therefore, I wish to go and attend to her.
I request your permission."
Upon seeing Fang Er, Hua Niang proactively approached him to state her request.
"It's not that it's impossible, but if you leave, what about Old Ma Tou and Ma Yu?"
Fang Er asked with some concern.
Old Ma Tou had two sons; the elder son had died. Hua Niang was a widow, and their younger son, Ma Chao, had been sent to the Western Regions by him. All that remained at home were Hua Niang to serve them and a young son, Ma Yu, studying at the academy.
If Hua Niang were to go to Shenyang with him, only the old and young, Old Ma Tou and Ma Yu, would be left at home.
"Thank you for your concern, my Lord. I have already made proper arrangements.
Over the past two years, with my husband's and my wages, plus my uncle's stipend, we have saved quite a sum.
Before the year ended, I purchased a few servants, and I also assigned two of those Wō nú you brought back last time to our household.
Therefore, the household is well-cared for. I implore your grace to permit me to attend to Madam."
Hua Niang spoke with earnestness, as if afraid Fang Er would not allow her to go to Shenyang.
However, since her household arrangements were settled, Fang Er had no reason to refuse. Having someone he knew well to look after Yue'er was more reassuring than relying on others.
He summoned Qi Sui, inquired about matters on the manor, and then the helicopter took off directly, heading for Shenyang.
Upon returning to the County Duke's mansion in Shenyang, after disembarking the helicopter, Chai Shao and Li Xiaogong retired to their quarters. Hua Niang was led to the backyard, while Li Ke returned to the military camp on his own, still holding his position as company commander.
Fang Er, with Li Tai, was about to head to the workshop to take a look when Mo Ming came to meet them.
"Master, Foreman Tan visited this morning when you were out.
He said the alloy you requested has been produced."
Fang Er blinked in surprise. "The alloy has been produced?"
"Go, summon him and bring the sample of the produced alloy. I will be waiting for you in the study."
"Yes, Master."
Mo Ming acknowledged and departed.
Watching his retreating back, Li Tai asked curiously, "Master, is it the alloy for building the helicopter?"
Fang Er nodded. "Let's go, we'll wait for them in the study."
With that, he led Li Tai to the study.
About an hour later, Tan Zong was brought back by Mo Ming.
Tan Zong first saluted Fang Er, then took out a pile of small metal ingots from all the pockets on his person. Each was marked with a different serial number.
"My Lord, these are the properties of over a dozen alloys. I have recorded everything on paper."
After speaking, he took another sheet of paper from his pocket, spread it out, and presented it to Fang Er.
Fang Er glanced at the contents and then frowned.
The list contained only descriptions like "harder," "softer," "slightly harder," "slightly softer," which did not intuitively reflect the characteristics of the corresponding alloys.
He then took a sheet of paper from the desk and wrote down the methods for measuring Mohs hardness and density, handing it to Tan Zong.
"Your original records are too vague. In the future, use these methods."
Tan Zong took it curiously. After a brief look, he excitedly said to Fang Er, "My Lord is wise! I shall return and work on it immediately!"
With that, he carefully put away the paper and left.
"Master, what method is it?" Li Tai asked, puzzled.
"Methods for testing hardness and measuring density."
"Hmm? I know about density measurement, but how do you test hardness?"
"The scratching method. Take corundum, topaz, quartz, feldspar, apatite, fluorite, calcite, gypsum, and talc – nine materials. These nine materials, in order, correspond to values from 9 to 1.
By scratching the material to be tested on these nine items, you can determine if it leaves a mark. Fang Er explained patiently.
"Hmm? This is interesting! I'll go and get some materials too."
"Master, if there's nothing else, may I leave now?"
This was a new point of knowledge for him, and he was instantly captivated.
"Wait a moment. Take this book to read. Also, go to the iron mine and help Tan Zong when you have time."
Stopping Li Tai, who was about to leave, Fang Er pulled a book titled "Metallurgy" from the bookshelf and handed it to him.
Li Tai received the book as if it were a treasure, hugging it and smiling happily at Fang Er. "Master, rest assured, Qingque will study it diligently."
With that, he left with the book.
Watching his retreating back, Fang Er nodded with satisfaction, liking the boy's inquisitive nature.
Thinking that he still had some work to do, he sent word for the various heads of departments to come to the mansion for a meeting tomorrow.
After giving these instructions, he returned to the backyard.
Hua Niang had already settled into her role, embroidering small clothes for the baby's birth with Xing'er.
Chai Yue, supported by Xiao Qing, held her lower back with one hand and cradled her swollen belly with the other as she strolled in the courtyard.
"Has my Lord finished?" Seeing Fang Er return, Chai Yue asked with some joy.
"When is there ever a time when I'm finished? Today, my Lord is taking a break to accompany Yue'er at home." Fang Er stepped forward and supported Chai Yue's other arm, accompanying her as they walked around the courtyard.
"Pregnant women in this month must maintain moderate activity every day, as it is beneficial for childbirth.
Fang Er did not want Chai Yue to undergo surgery later. One reason was the high risk.
Another reason was that he had heard in his previous life that children born via C-section were prone to certain vestibular integration disorders, which manifested as poor balance, and their walking, running, and jumping would be delayed compared to children born naturally.
After about ten minutes of walking, Chai Yue felt extremely tired, so she asked Xiao Qing to help her back inside to rest.
After dinner, Fang Er called Li Baoju to his side and instructed him to prepare more ingredients, as the responsible persons from various workshops and departments would be dining at the mansion tomorrow.
Whether it was an illusion or not, as Li Baoju assured him that the task would be completed, Fang Er felt that Hua Niang nearby seemed a little unusual.