Lan Tian counted on his fingers, then suddenly rapped Lan Yuan on the head and said gravely, "You fool. Judging by the timing, Wan'er is due to give birth this month. Why didn't you wait until the child was born before returning?"
"Uh... Mother said she would be watching over her and that there would be no problem. She said I should come back early to help Father—that was the proper thing to do. Wan'er also said she was fine..." Lan Yuan lowered his head awkwardly.
"Very well. With your mother looking after her, Wan'er should have no trouble delivering safely. Besides, Master Hua is there. Is the old gentleman still in good health?" Lan Tian stroked his beard and pressed further.
"Master Hua is vigorous and sharp; you truly can't tell that he is nearly eighty. I once asked him to take Wan'er's pulse, and he said the child was very healthy too. Besides..." Lan Yuan trailed off, hesitant to continue.
"Besides what?" Lan Tian asked curiously.
Lan Yuan said in a low voice, "Didn't you mention having Qingmei study medicine? Mother asked Master Hua to test her, and it turned out Qingmei could identify medicinal herbs with astonishing accuracy. Her hand was also exceptionally steady when holding silver needles. Master Hua was like a man who had found a rare treasure—he intends to pour all the knowledge of his life into teaching her."
Lan Tian broke into a bright smile. "I thought it wasn't that Qing'er had great natural talent, but because your mother had her practice martial arts these past two years. Naturally, her body is stronger than those of other children her age. You brothers would be the same if you tried."
"Zhongling and I aren't as calm as Qingmei. But do you really intend for