At this time, Erina's house was crowded with people. In front of the house, behind it, inside and outside the doors, even in the trees and on the roof, many gathered to watch. Boss Hayes came over, and everyone greeted him respectfully.
Erina's midwife servant came forward. Boss Hayes said, "This Miss Minnie has helped deliver many babies. Let her take care of the second wife."
Hearing this, the man's face brightened with joy. He bowed deeply to Minnie: "Miss Minnie, you are truly a timely help. Although Kane went down the mountain to find a midwife, we don't know if she will return. We are all anxious... After the wife gives birth smoothly, we will reward you greatly."
"No need, no need." Minnie shook her hands repeatedly.
This man personally escorted Minnie to the door. He thanked her again and again, then through the curtain asked Erina about her condition before turning away.
"Boss Hayes is good, just a bit talkative," Erina said.
Inside the room were two women. One looked about thirty, the other older. She warmly held Minnie's hand and spoke, making Minnie realize that Kane was her child.
"Second Mistress, you really don't know how lucky you are," said the woman about thirty years old. "The six best men in the village all married you. What do you have to complain about?"
"Third Master is still single. You can try with him." Erina smiled, looking energetic, not showing she was about to give birth.
The woman curled her lips: "Third Master has high standards and doesn't like us. I won't bother trying."
While Erina chatted with the woman, Minnie asked in detail about what Li Daniu had prepared. Hot water, clothes, a new pair of scissors, and food were all ready. Both women had experience with childbirth.
Minnie taught Erina the Lamaze breathing method. She told her to eat a little first to keep her strength and went over the important things to watch for during labor.
"Sister, you really are a midwife!" Erina was surprised at how clearly Minnie spoke.
"I'm not really a midwife..." Minnie was about to explain when Erina suddenly cried out. Outside, several people asked quickly, "What's wrong, Erina? Are you okay?"
"The water broke," Minnie said, knowing at once. "Don't worry, this is normal. After the water breaks, labor will speed up. Be prepared."
"Sister, we still need a midwife on Phoenix Mountain. You should stay," Erina said while eating brown sugar water and boiled eggs.
Minnie smiled but did not answer.
"I mean it. You aren't married yet. Why not settle here? Phoenix Mountain isn't rich, but there's enough to eat and drink. If your husband is capable, you'd be better off than any lady! Third Master likes you. Give him a chance to be the main husband. The other men can be yours to choose. Marry as many as you want." Erina said enthusiastically.
Minnie blushed and shook her head. This woman was really strong. She could marry many men. It was like the special matriarchal society of Lugu Lake.
"That's right, Miss Minnie. You should stay," Yiying joined in persuading. "My Kane is young but handsome and smart. If you don't mind, why not decide now?" Yiying cared a lot about her son's future.
Minnie's face grew even redder. She was shy around strangers, and the topic was so bold she didn't know what to say. Fortunately, soon Erina's pain grew stronger in waves. Minnie took the chance to leave, cleaned her hands carefully, and soaked them in strong liquor for disinfection.
"Why are you sighing?" Sanruwi looked at Jax beside him. They had left the house and were in the open space outside.
"This Miss Minnie is so young. I'm worried. When my mother gave birth to my eldest brother, she hired the most famous midwife in the prefecture. It took almost the whole night. What if..."
"Are you worried something will go wrong and your future brother-in-law won't handle it?" Sanruwi sneered.
Jax looked at him helplessly. "It's not just about him. Two lives are at stake! Sanruwi, I tricked you into coming. I'm sorry, but are you really not interested in this poison? Boss Hayes's wife won't be like the Sixth Princess..." Though Jax didn't say what he meant exactly, his teasing expression said it all.
"If you want me to help, shut up!" Sanruwi said angrily.
Jax laughed but suddenly changed expression, happily saying, "She gave birth." He had good hearing and already heard the baby crying inside. The loud cries clearly reached everyone's ears. The crowd cheered, and even Sanruwi smiled a little.
"Who exactly is this Minnie?" Sanruwi suddenly asked.
"I met her on the way up the mountain. Her name is Minnie. I don't know how she ended up on Phoenix Mountain. She doesn't seem like a bad person. I want to take her down the mountain with me later. By the way, she isn't married and no one is arranged for her."
"Who asked you that..." Sanruwi interrupted angrily.
"You rarely ask about girls, so I have to say more." Jax teased.
"Don't you think she's strange? You're brave to bring anyone here."
"She is a little strange, but she can't fight," Jax shrugged. "If she really is from a good family, she won't be able to leave Phoenix Mountain once she's here. What can I do if I don't bring her?"
Sanruwi snorted.
A woman about forty hurried past them. Soon Boss Hayes rushed out, looking happy. Seeing Sanruwi, he said quickly, "Divine doctor, my wife woke up. Can you come see her? Her illness is like this — she sleeps more and wakes less. Who knows when she will wake next?"
Boss Hayes looked very anxious. Jax said, "Sanruwi, this is a rare chance. If you miss it, you'll have to wait several days."
Sanruwi nodded slowly. Boss Hayes was very pleased. "Divine doctor, please."
Boss Hayes wanted to rush back quickly but could not be rude to Sanruwi. Sanruwi had no martial arts and could not move as fast as Boss Hayes. Boss Hayes took a few steps, then had to stop and wait. Jax said, "Boss Hayes, go first. Let this lady take us there."
Boss Hayes was glad to go and did not hesitate. In a blink, he was gone.
Lady? Sanruwi looked at the woman nearby who could be Jax's mother. He felt embarrassed to call her that. But Jax's calling made the woman happy. Along the way, she praised Jax and talked about Boss Hayes's wife's illness. She had been sick for over half a year. Mysteriously, she would just fall asleep. They invited hundreds of doctors, but no one could help.
Sanruwi showed no expression but was full of doubt. Could it really be the poison his master warned about? But how could Boss Hayes's wife have caught this poison?
The woman led Jax and Sanruwi into the gathering hall. They entered through a small door in the back and walked a short distance to the bedroom of Boss Hayes's wife.
Boss Hayes was holding a bowl and carefully feeding the woman sitting on the bed with a spoon. He had hidden his roughness and fed her with almost a reverent attitude.
As soon as Jax and Sanruwi entered, Boss Hayes saw them. He hesitated and moved slightly. Sanruwi waved his hand and said, "It's okay. Let her finish drinking the ginseng soup first. She should eat more."
Sanruwi recognized the smell of the medicine immediately. It was ginseng over a hundred years old. He thought the woman's life must be very hard to keep.
Boss Hayes nodded and continued bringing the spoon with ginseng soup to the woman's lips. His movements were steady. The woman drank with difficulty. After finishing the ginseng soup, Boss Hayes switched to a bowl of porridge.
The woman frowned. Boss Hayes spoke softly, "A Qing, drink the porridge. I've already sent someone to get your favorite thorn fruit." The woman's eyes brightened slightly. Boss Hayes's voice became even gentler, "It's hot now, so I put the thorn fruit in a cool place. Sister He has gone to get it. Eat some porridge first."
Jax glanced at Boss Hayes's wife, then looked away. He dared not look again. He had lived long in the Jianghu and seen many fierce and ugly people. But he had never seen anyone like Boss Hayes's wife.
The woman on the bed was like a skeleton in human skin. She was so thin that her shape was lost. Her face was pale. Because her skin was just bones, her eyes looked huge, empty, and lifeless. Jax felt a chill just looking at her. Sanruwi, however, showed no surprise. He looked at her carefully several times, thinking deeply.
Soon, Jax smelled a foul odor. He was puzzled. Sanruwi frowned and asked, "What is that smell?"
"It's probably the thorn fruit," Jax smiled helplessly. "The little sister likes to eat it. It smells bad, but only she can eat it. She even says it tastes good."
The smell grew stronger. Sanruwi frowned more. A woman came in holding a cloth bag. It looked heavy.
She put the bag on the table and took out what was inside. Sanruwi saw it was large, yellow skin with thick sharp thorns. The name thorn fruit was well chosen. The fruit had a split, showing golden flesh inside.
Boss Hayes came over with a sharp dagger. He cut open the thorn fruit and took out a piece. Sanruwi frowned deeply, then covered his nose and quickly left. Jax smiled faintly and followed him out.
"You always mess with stuff that smells bad. But I never saw you like this."
"How is it the same?" Sanruwi immediately protested. After a moment, he added, "Women are really hard to understand, eating something this smelly!"
Jax knew Sanruwi's temper and couldn't help but smile.
They didn't stand outside long before Boss Hayes came out.
Jax was surprised. Why would Boss Hayes leave his wife behind? Would he really?
Just now Jax saw Boss Hayes carefully caring for his wife. He knew Boss Hayes was devoted to her. Otherwise, he wouldn't have gone to such lengths to get medicine and doctors.
"Only the time of a stick of incense," Sanruwi whispered.
Jax understood. Boss Hayes's wife probably fell asleep again.
Boss Hayes looked troubled but forced a smile. "It's late. You two must be hungry. The meal is ready. Sister He will take you to eat. I... I won't go. I've called Third Brother to keep you company. Please excuse me for being a poor host."
Jax knew Boss Hayes worried about his wife. He said it was fine many times and followed Sister He out with Sanruwi.