Sunlight filtered through the gaps between the leaves, scattering patches of shifting light and shadow beneath the towering pagoda tree.
A gentle autumn breeze swept through the branches, causing the lush green leaves overhead to rustle softly.
With a warm smile on her face, Mu Yuqing allowed the village women to pull her into the center of their gathering.
She quietly listened as they chatted enthusiastically about everyday matters.
Some complained about mischievous children causing trouble at home.
Others proudly praised their daughters in law for their excellent cooking.
A few shared bits of local gossip, immediately sparking laughter from the surrounding crowd.
The atmosphere was lively and harmonious, filled with warmth and cheerful conversation.
While listening, Mu Yuqing silently observed everyone around her.
She saw genuine smiles reaching the corners of their eyes, heads nodding sympathetically during heartfelt stories, and occasional teasing remarks that made the group burst into laughter again.
From those small details, she could clearly feel their sincerity.
These villagers truly welcomed her.
There was no trace of caution or rejection in their eyes, only kindness and warmth.
The feeling of being accepted so naturally made Mu Yuqing’s heart feel unexpectedly warm.
At the same time, she found herself admiring the foresight of the original owner’s mother even more.
To purchase an estate in such a peaceful village filled with honest and simple people, and to earn their sincere respect as well, clearly showed remarkable judgment and character.
At that moment, a kind faced auntie with a slightly plump figure suddenly spoke up.
“Have you all heard? Tie Niu’s wife is about to give birth any day now, but they still haven’t found a midwife. I reckon the whole family is panicking like ants on a hot pan right now.”
As soon as she finished speaking, another woman immediately sighed and joined in.
“Exactly! And it’s not just their family either. Several households are facing the same problem.”
She lowered her voice slightly before continuing.
“In the past, everyone would ask Old Midwife Wu for help. But who could’ve known… some time ago, she went into town to deliver the landlord’s wife’s baby. The labor turned difficult, and in the end both mother and child died.”
The surrounding women all sighed heavily at the tragic news.
“That landlord was furious with grief,” another woman added quietly. “He immediately ordered his men to deal with Midwife Wu on the spot. Ever since then, nobody around here has dared to work as a midwife anymore.”
Hearing this, Mu Yuqing nearly wanted to laugh from delight.
This truly was a case of getting exactly what she needed at the perfect moment.
She had been worrying about how to find pregnant women, yet now an opportunity had practically delivered itself to her doorstep.
Suppressing the excitement in her heart, Mu Yuqing lightly cleared her throat before speaking gently.
“Aunties, to be honest, I have studied medicine under a highly skilled old physician since childhood. Over the years, I’ve learned quite a bit.”
She smiled modestly.
“If everyone trusts me, perhaps I could accompany you to Tie Niu’s house and take a look. Maybe I’ll be able to help.”
The moment those words fell, the women’s eyes lit up instantly.
Expressions of surprise and joy spread across their faces like blooming flowers.
Everyone nodded enthusiastically, looking so excited that it was as if they had stumbled upon a great blessing.
From that moment onward, the aunties became even more careful and affectionate toward Mu Yuqing.
To them, she already looked like a fairy descended from heaven. Now that they learned she also knew medicine, they practically treated her like a precious treasure.
After all, nobody could guarantee they would never fall ill in life.
Having a physician living within the village was like finally gaining a dependable pillar to lean on.
Naturally, the villagers felt endless gratitude and respect toward her.
Soon, amid lively chatter and laughter, the group arrived at Tie Niu’s house.
Inside the courtyard, Tie Niu’s mother, Madam Lin, had been busy with household chores.
When she heard noisy voices approaching from outside, she immediately became puzzled.
What’s happening?
She quickly put down her work and hurried toward the entrance.
The moment she saw a large crowd approaching her home, led by the plump auntie from earlier, she froze in surprise.
Before she could even ask, the auntie impatiently spoke first.
“Sister Lin, we’ve brought wonderful news for your family today!”
The women behind her nodded repeatedly in agreement.
Madam Lin looked completely confused.
Still, seeing everyone so excited made her heart leap slightly with hope.
She quickly invited everyone inside, poured tea for the guests, then cautiously asked,
“What happened? Why does everyone seem so happy?”
One of the women immediately laughed.
“Sister Lin, weren’t you worrying day and night because your daughter in law is about to give birth and there’s no midwife available?”
She pointed toward Mu Yuqing.
“This is Miss Mu from the estate at the edge of the village. She’s a physician!”
The moment Madam Lin heard this, she froze.
Then overwhelming joy exploded across her face.
Her eyes immediately filled with disbelief and gratitude as she turned toward Mu Yuqing.
Emotion hit her so hard that her legs nearly gave out beneath her.
Fortunately, someone beside her quickly reached out to support her before she collapsed.
“Thank you, Miss Mu! Thank you so much!”
Madam Lin tightly gripped Mu Yuqing’s hands, her voice trembling emotionally.
“If not for you, I truly wouldn’t know what would happen to my daughter in law and grandchild. You’re our family’s savior!”
The huge burden pressing upon her heart for days finally seemed to disappear completely.
Mu Yuqing quickly comforted her gently.
“It’s alright, Auntie. Please don’t get too emotional.”
Then she directly asked,
“Where is your daughter in law? Let me examine her first.”
Just as the words left her mouth, a young woman slowly walked out from the inner room.
She wore a simple light colored linen dress that made her appear especially fresh and graceful.
Her features were delicate and beautiful, and her eyes carried a naturally gentle warmth.
With just a single glance, one could tell she possessed a kind temperament.
The young woman smiled softly upon seeing everyone gathered in the courtyard.
“Mother, Aunties, good afternoon.”
Her voice was clear and pleasant, as melodious as a songbird hidden within the mountains.
The moment she spoke, the atmosphere throughout the courtyard seemed to grow even warmer and more peaceful.