1 JIN(Catty) = 600 gram(1.32277 pound)
...
As soon as Felix heard that Wei Wei had gone into labor, he dropped his pen without a second thought and rushed out of his study.
The study was just a short distance from the master bedroom, so he was the first to arrive. When Felix reached her, Wei Wei had only just made it to the door of the lady's chamber and was about to go in.
Supported by two maids, her always neat and tidy hair was now damp with sweat, even in the mild spring weather. It was cold sweat from the pain. This should have been a painful moment, yet the dark-haired pregnant woman showed no sign of panic. If not for her furrowed brow and the beads of sweat occasionally slipping down her cheeks, one might not believe she was about to give birth at all.
In contrast, the man who had come running looked far more anxious and flustered than she did.
"My love, how are you?" he asked, pushing past one of the maids to personally support his wife as they entered the chamber. He couldn't help but curse, "Damn it, where's the doctor?"
He immediately regretted going to work that day. He should have canceled everything and stayed with her.
He had known she was due around this time, but since there had been no signs of labor in the past few days, and after some gentle persuasion from Wei Wei to handle some urgent paperwork, he had left her side. But no sooner had he gone than labor began—and now, he felt like he'd made a terrible mistake.
This was the first time Wei Wei had ever seen him in such a state. Still, his appearance did give her a strong sense of comfort—a kind of emotional reassurance. Seeing Felix so anxious on her behalf made her even calmer.
She didn't bother correcting him that what she needed right now was a midwife, not a doctor. Instead, she gently patted his arm to comfort him. "Don't worry, it's not happening that fast. This is just the beginning. There's still a long way to go before the baby is born."
She knew her condition well. Childbirth, even when everything goes smoothly, is rarely quick. The process could take hours or even a whole day—it certainly wasn't happening immediately. Though the contractions had begun, her baby didn't seem in any hurry, remaining quiet and calm, giving everyone time to get properly prepared.
Her calm demeanor helped ease Felix's panic. He supported Wei Wei as she declined to lie down, instead asking him to help her slowly walk in circles around the master bedroom, which had already been cleared and disinfected for labor. She said moving around like this would help with the birth.
At this moment, Wei Wei was extremely grateful she wasn't living in ancient China, where men weren't allowed in the delivery room. Otherwise, she wouldn't be able to have Felix by her side. Having her husband present was an immense comfort for any woman in labor.
It was hard for her to walk. Wei Wei's senses were far sharper than most people's, and unfortunately, that extended to her perception of pain. Every pang was vivid and intense. Still, she was grateful for her enhanced physical resilience—her strength and endurance far exceeded the average woman's. Though her legs trembled and she was barely able to stand, leaning heavily on Felix and shuffling like a turtle, she didn't cry out much. Even the occasional soft hisses of pain escaping her lips made Felix's heart seize up.
To distract herself from the growing pain, she forced a pale smile and joked, "You look more nervous than I am. Don't pass out on me, okay?"
It wasn't uncommon for husbands to faint while accompanying their wives during childbirth. Although Wei Wei didn't plan to have Felix stay with her the entire time, she still teased him to lighten the mood.
She expected him to retort, but instead, he gave her a strained smile and said, "I'll try my best not to."
Looking at his pale face, Wei Wei felt he truly might be the one to collapse.
But when someone else was more nervous than her, she somehow became even calmer. As they walked slowly, she had the presence of mind to bring up baby names. "I think it's time you seriously consider a name. We'll be needing it soon."
Felix had been thinking about names for months. He'd already made his decision but hadn't told anyone. It was a tradition in the Pradi Empire to reveal a child's name only at the naming ceremony. Though Pradians weren't deeply religious, they still followed some church customs, including baptisms for newborns.
A baby's name would be formally announced during the baptism, also called the naming ceremony. Until then, parents would only use nicknames. This practice originated from old superstitions—infant mortality was high, and people feared that calling a baby by their name before baptism might attract demons. If a demon heard the name, it could call the child away. Baptism was believed to provide divine protection, making the child immune to such threats.
Of course, in religious nations, baptism meant formal initiation into the faith. But in Pradi, this idea was watered down. People accepted it as a tradition tied to divine blessings, but whether or not the child truly joined the faith would be up to them when they grew up. Most Pradians didn't take religion very seriously and only saw baptism as a customary, meaningful ritual.
Felix said, "I've already picked a name, but as you know, it can't be revealed until the naming ceremony."
Wei Wei smiled. "Then what about a nickname?"
"That, I haven't decided yet. And I shouldn't say it now either."
Most nicknames were derived from formal names, and to prevent demons from guessing the real one, many parents avoided revealing even a nickname before birth.
While modern people didn't take these old superstitions as seriously anymore, and some did share nicknames before birth, Felix still preferred to be cautious.
Wei Wei wasn't genuinely trying to learn the baby's name right now—she just wanted to shift their focus away from the pain and anxiety. So she quickly changed the subject again.
As the couple paced the room, the maids completed all of Wei Wei's earlier instructions with practiced efficiency. The midwives—who had been on standby—were brought in, along with a doctor experienced in childbirth. He had attended the winter medical training sessions, already had solid medical skills compared to his peers, and had recently gained even more practical experience during community clinics. After examining Wei Wei and comparing notes with her self-assessment, he confirmed her condition was excellent.
"Don't worry too much, my lord. The countess is in very good health. Everything should go smoothly," said the doctor. With his white beard and robe, he looked more like a wizard than a physician, but he was certainly skilled—and he knew exactly how to reassure anxious family members.
His calm confidence helped Felix relax a little. He knew Wei Wei was the better doctor between them, but when it concerned a loved one, reason often went out the window. He had been secretly afraid she might hide something from him, but clearly, he'd been worrying needlessly.
Once the doctor confirmed that everything looked fine, he left the room to wait on standby. The actual birth would be handled by the three experienced midwives. They were the best in Sardinson County, each with their own set of techniques. Though they hadn't had much direct interaction with the countess, they'd heard plenty from Kama, her maid—scientific knowledge far beyond their experiential learning. It was all so well-reasoned that they had come to fully trust the countess's judgment.
Wei Wei, under everyone's watchful care, walked and rested in turns. She even managed to finish a bowl of egg noodles despite the pain. Once she felt full and ready, she let Felix help her onto the bed to begin labor in earnest.
"You should go now. Wait for me outside. They can handle the rest," she told Felix, urging him to leave. The next part wasn't something a man should see. Even if he was her husband, she didn't want him to witness her at her most vulnerable. What if it scarred him?
The midwives, though nervous, were relieved. While it wasn't unheard of for men to be present during childbirth in Europe, it certainly wasn't common. Having him in the room earlier was one thing—but now that it was time, they hoped he would leave.
After all, he was taking up too much space—right in the worst possible spot.
Under their veiled glances, Felix reluctantly stepped out.
The main bedroom doors were left open so the maids could move in and out easily, but everyone was worried that the Count might barge back in if he got too emotional. So they politely invited him into the adjacent lord's bedroom and asked him to wait there without disturbing the birth.
The heavy door closed behind him, blocking most of the sounds but not all. Pressing his ear to the wood, Felix could still hear the bustle of the maids, the midwives instructing Wei Wei to breathe steadily and conserve her strength—and most wrenching of all, the faint, pained moans that escaped Wei Wei's lips, even though she tried to suppress them.
At first, they were low and quiet, but soon they grew more frequent. Even muffled, they were like hammers beating against his heart, making him want to rush back in.
"Brother, how is Wei Wei?"
A soft voice pulled him out of his trance.
He turned and realized that several people had gathered behind him. Butler Barton stood silently a step away, fulfilling his duty to stay close. Dolores had come in from outside, carrying little Caroline in her arms. Aunt and niece both looked at him with wide blue eyes—one filled with anxious expectation, the other too young to understand what was happening.
Madam Nancy was not there. She had gone next door to help.
"The doctor said she's doing well. Everything should go smoothly," Felix replied, unsure if he was comforting them or himself.
Hearing that, Dolores forced a smile and stood beside her brother, joining him in his vigil.
A closer look would reveal that she was trembling all over. Though she was happy and excited about the baby, she was also deeply afraid—her mother and sister-in-law had both died during childbirth. So ever since Wei Wei became pregnant, a shadow had lingered in her heart, fearing that the castle would lose its lady once again.
Still, she knew her brother must be even more anxious than she was, so she said nothing, choosing instead to hide her fear so it wouldn't affect him.
Not long after, Father Matthew also arrived. He stood quietly in the lord's bedroom, offering prayers for Wei Wei's safe delivery. Whether or not it made a difference, Felix still looked at him with heartfelt gratitude.
They waited for a long time—so long that they completely missed dinner. Not that anyone cared. A few light snacks were brought in to tide them over, but no one left. Even little Caroline, after eating, leaned against her aunt and dozed off. Yet if a maid tried to carry her away, she would immediately start crying. Though still very young, she instinctively sensed something was happening—and that staying with her family was the only way to feel safe.
Felix, who had stood at the door motionless and without touching any food, turned to look at her. "Let her stay. If she's sleepy, she can lie down on the bed."
He knew Wei Wei would stay in the adjacent room for the first few days after giving birth, and he had no intention of resting. So there was no harm in letting Caroline sleep in his room for now.
Labor dragged on from the afternoon until well past 10 p.m. By then, even Dolores and Father Matthew—both accustomed to early bedtimes—were struggling to stay awake. Still, no one wanted to leave.
Then, suddenly, a hoarse cry rang out from the other room.
It was a familiar voice, filled with exhaustion and pain, but also a faint note of relief.
Without thinking, Felix rushed to the door. But the women had anticipated this—they'd locked it from the inside.
"Vivi! Are you okay?" he shouted, rattling the door. When it didn't budge, he began banging on it with force. The noise startled little Caroline, who woke up and started to cry in confusion. A maid rushed to soothe her, but instead of calming down, her cries only grew louder.
Except... it wasn't just her crying anymore.
A different sound had joined in—a tiny, distinct, newborn wail.
Realization struck Felix like a lightning bolt, and he froze mid-motion.
At the same time, joyful shouts erupted from the other side of the door.
"She's delivered! The Countess has delivered!"
Everyone in the room jumped to their feet and rushed to the door.
The doors closed for nearly ten hours and finally opened.
Before the maid could even speak, Felix had already barreled through. She turned to the others with a beaming smile. "The Countess has given birth to a baby boy—a perfectly healthy little heir!"
The news made everyone exhale in collective relief. Butler Barton broke into joyful tears, overcome with emotion at the birth of the family's heir. Dolores eagerly asked, "How is my sister-in-law?"
The maid relayed the midwives' report. "She's doing very well—just exhausted. She's fallen asleep."
"Thank the Lord," Father Matthew said as he crossed himself, a look of serenity on his face.
Hearing that Wei Wei was merely fatigued and nothing more, Dolores finally relaxed. Her knees gave out beneath her, and she nearly collapsed, only saved by a maid who quickly caught her.
Felix, meanwhile, had rushed to Wei Wei's bedside.
She had passed out from exhaustion immediately after delivery. Her body was soaked with sweat, hair was plastered to her cheeks in tangles. The bed was in a chaotic state—soaked in blood and amniotic fluid, with the air thick with the sharp tang of iron. She looked terrible.
But Felix saw none of that. All he saw was the woman he loved.
With trembling hands, he gently brushed the hair from her face and kissed her hand with tender affection. When he felt the steady rhythm of her breathing, a wave of relief flooded through him.
The maids opened the door to allow the doctor back in. After a quick examination confirmed that Wei Wei was only fatigued, Felix finally let go of his anxiety—and turned his attention to his child.
The baby had already been cleaned and wrapped in a soft cotton swaddle by the midwives and maids. He weighed over seven jin (about 3.5 kg), a chubby little boy. His skin was still red and wrinkled, not particularly cute by most standards, but he was undeniably healthy—so much so that even the doctor said he rarely saw babies this robust.
Having cried loudly earlier, the baby was now sniffling quietly. He had a head of dark hair, and though his eyes hadn't opened yet, faint traces of blue could be seen through the slits. A closer look revealed that his features bore traces of both his parents.
Dolores followed Felix into the room and gazed at her little nephew with wide eyes. "What a beautiful little thing," she breathed.
Though he still had that scrunched-up "old man" look typical of newborns, one could already imagine how handsome he would become—especially with such good-looking parents.
One of the midwives gently placed the baby into Felix's arms.
As a first-time father, Felix was completely at a loss. The child felt so small, so fragile, that he barely dared to breathe, let alone move.
The midwife, used to such reactions, stifled a chuckle and helped him adjust his grip so the baby could lie more comfortably.
After a while, Felix finally got used to the sensation. He carefully freed one hand and gently touched the baby's cheek—it was as soft and delicate as the tofu pudding Wei Wei loved so much.
He whispered, almost reverently, "He is an angel."
At that moment, he was every inch the doting father, convinced that his child was the most beautiful in the world—even if he was still wrinkled and red.
After holding him for a while, Felix handed the baby back to the midwives—he had to help prepare Wei Wei's bed.
Though Europeans didn't have a custom of postpartum confinement, Wei Wei had requested it, and all the necessary preparations had already been made. She would rest in this room for the duration, so the soiled bedding needed to be changed immediately.
Felix gently lifted the sleeping Wei Wei, blanket and all, into his arms. The maids quickly stripped the bed, replaced it with clean, disinfected sheets and quilts, and had him lay her down again.
Despite his careful movements, the change roused Wei Wei.
She blinked blearily, eyes unfocused, until her husband's handsome face came into view.
Childbirth had drained her completely. For a moment, she couldn't remember where she was. Then the dull ache in her body jolted her memory back.
Opening her dry, sore throat, she croaked, "Where's the baby?"
Her voice was so hoarse it startled even herself. Despite telling herself not to scream during labor to conserve strength, she had failed.
"Right here."
A midwife brought the baby over to the bedside. He wasn't asleep yet, occasionally wriggling under the loose swaddle. His tiny hand poked out, waving as if greeting his mother.
No matter how much pain she'd endured, it all felt worth it the moment she saw him. Smiling tenderly, she gently touched his little fingers. "He's so adorable."
"He is. You've done amazingly," Felix said softly, kissing her forehead. "You should rest now—you're exhausted."
But Wei Wei shook her head. "No, I want to nurse him first."
Newborns can usually feed about half an hour after birth. Since Wei Wei intended to breastfeed herself, there was no wet nurse. Everything had been planned accordingly.
Felix immediately shooed everyone out of the room—he didn't want anyone else to witness the moment, even if they were all women.
In the end, only their little family of three remained.
Wei Wei didn't mind Felix being present. She asked him to help adjust her posture, then loosened the front ties of her gown and guided the baby into position for his first feeding.
Felix sat beside her, watching in silence. At that moment, there wasn't a trace of desire or distraction in his heart—only reverence. It felt sacred, so much so that tears pricked the corners of his eyes.