Chapter 42: Do You Like Boys?

Li Jia absolutely refused to return to her mother's home; she had struggled so hard to marry out. If her husband's family hadn't seen her diligence and filial piety, given the mess of people and affairs at her parental home, there’s no way she could have married here. After marrying in, she proved herself worthy—two daughters in three years. But if the child in her belly now turned out to be another girl, her days would become difficult.

The villagers whispered that the young lady was blessed with great fortune. Li Jia thought that staying close to her might bring some luck, perhaps enough to give birth to a son for security.

Bai Xi was unaware of such rumors in the village. If she knew, she’d no doubt roll her eyes and say, “What does it matter to me whether someone bears a son or daughter?” To understand Li Jia’s unwavering determination, one must speak of how some fortuitous events in the village were coincidentally attributed to Bai Xi.

Li Jia could recount these stories as if they were treasures. Once, Old Li fell ill; the young lady heard and stopped by to visit. Within two days, Old Li recovered. Another time, Old Aunt Chen suffered from back pain and had been bedridden for half a month. The young lady visited, and a few days later, Aunt Chen was able to get up.

Then there was the time Li Qingmei’s hunting dog had a difficult birth. That dog was the best in the ten-mile radius, envied by all. The family grew frantic as the situation worsened. The young lady happened to be next door, came over upon hearing the news, and mentioned she’d like a little black pup. Miraculously, the dog struggled through and delivered several puppies, one of which was black. Both mother and pups were safe. The young lady, knowing Old Li often hunted and needed a good dog, didn’t take the black pup home. Old Li had intended to train the pup and give it to her, but to everyone’s surprise, the young lady soon returned with a tiger cub to raise.

Bai Xi knew nothing of Li Jia’s thoughts. Seeing her work despite her swollen belly, cheerful and smiling, she paid little mind. While Bai Xi ate, Li Jia swiftly washed the clothes Bai Xi had worn the day before—just a set of summer garments, washed and dried quickly. She then tidied up the dishes, swept, and wiped the floor.

As she busied herself, she glanced at Little Black several times. When she first arrived, Little Black circled her twice, sniffed, and bared his teeth in warning. Now, he no longer followed her but napped close to the young lady. Li Jia sighed in relief; Chen Zhaodi was right, Little Black was not difficult to get along with.

She glanced at the little child playing with a knotted cord on the couch. Not rambunctious at all for his age. Earlier, Bai Xi had told Li Jia to rest, warming her heart.

When her mother-in-law learned she was going to cook for the young lady, her attitude improved noticeably, even letting her eat an egg first to nourish herself before heading over. Of course, her mother-in-law also reminded her that while cooking for the young lady, she must harbor no ill intentions.

Li Jia understood perfectly. She wasn’t one to covet what didn’t belong to her. Six years married, she could count on one hand her visits to the young lady’s house. The first time she came to pay respects, the Bai ancestors were still present, and she knew the young lady’s household was the best of the best. She felt envy, certainly, but never dared to be greedy or take advantage.

Even when the young lady invited her to eat together after she finished cooking, Li Jia politely declined.

The next day, when it was time to cook, Li Jia returned, this time bringing some pumpkin seeds for Bai Xi. Bai Xi didn’t care for them; her teeth were still tender, and cracking the seeds was a chore. But seeing Li Jia’s enthusiasm, Bai Xi accepted them graciously, thinking she’d give them to Xiao Shun and the others.

After the meal, with the sun blazing outside, Bai Xi felt too lazy to go out. She lounged on the couch, watching Li Jia sew. Bai Xi had torn her clothes earlier in the day without noticing. Now, Li Jia was mending them. Her skill was excellent; the tear was closed quickly and adorned with little embroidered flowers, cleverly hiding the stitches. Bai Xi praised her handiwork, and Li Jia beamed with joy.

“How many months along are you?” Bai Xi asked, bored and making idle conversation.

Li Jia smiled, “Young lady, it’s been over eight months now. Just one more month to go.”

Bai Xi nodded; no wonder her belly was so large.

Li Jia looked at her with anticipation, which Bai Xi found odd. Why stare at me? It seemed the villagers liked to seek her opinion, even though she was just a little child and unlikely to have much advice—like Chen Daliu, who habitually consulted her before doing anything.

Thinking of this, Bai Xi asked, “Is there something you want?”

Li Jia shook her head.

But Bai Xi noticed Li Jia sighing more often while working, glancing at her, then quickly looking away whenever Bai Xi’s eyes met hers.

Despite her efficiency, Bai Xi felt a bit frustrated by this behavior.

“Is there something you want to say to me?” she finally asked.

Li Jia nodded and shook her head, hesitating. Seeing Bai Xi waiting, Li Jia stammered, “Young lady, may I ask if you prefer boys or girls?”

“Me?” Bai Xi was taken aback by the unexpected question. She looked at Li Jia, puzzled. Why ask me this?

Li Jia, sensing Bai Xi’s confusion, smiled sheepishly, “No reason, young lady, I was just curious.”

Bai Xi didn’t bother to think deeply—the child wasn’t hers, after all.

“I think both are good,” she said. Among the immortal foxes, offspring were cherished equally, regardless of gender. In the human world, though, she knew it was different; most favored boys over girls, something she didn’t agree with.

Li Jia’s face betrayed a hint of disappointment. Bai Xi glanced at the pumpkin seeds on the table and beckoned Li Jia over.

“Have some pumpkin seeds.”

Li Jia shook her head, “No need, young lady. I brought these especially for you.”

She felt embarrassed to call it filial piety; after all, it was just a handful of pumpkin seeds, hardly anything special.

“Eat them,” Bai Xi urged. “You said there’s only a month left, right? Eat more, it’s good for you.”

A pregnant woman coming to cook for her deserved recognition, if not reward. Bai Xi thought for a moment, then comforted her, “Your pregnancy looks good. The child inside is surely well-behaved and sensible, boy or girl. Don’t worry.”

She really was sensible—Li Jia could even cook fish without getting nauseous.

If Li Jia had gotten sick on the first day, Bai Xi would have sent her away immediately and asked Chen Daliu to find someone else to cook for her.

(Hey there, do you all like Bai Xi?)