Chapter 187: The Third Generation of the Deng Family is Born!
In front of the courtyard, Deng Shirong was smoking a cigarette while chatting with the security guard.
The security guard, a man in his fifties named Zhang Guoan, was from Bobai New Village. When Deng Shirong had bought his house and needed renovations, he had approached Zhang Guoan for help in finding workers.
Over time, Deng Shirong had gotten to know Zhang Guoan well. He would often come by to light a cigarette and chat, and the two had become quite familiar.
From their previous conversations, Deng Shirong learned that Zhang Guoan had six children—three sons and three daughters—all of whom were already married.
Deng Shirong put out his cigarette and asked, "Brother Zhang, how many children do you have?"
Zhang Guoan replied, "I have six children—three sons and three daughters."
Deng Shirong nodded. "All married, I assume?"
Zhang Guoan confirmed, "Yes, they're all married."
Deng Shirong smiled. "You're fortunate. I have seven children. My eldest just got married last year, and the other five are still studying."
Zhang Guoan looked surprised. "Five still studying? The oldest must be in college, right?"
Deng Shirong nodded proudly. "Yes, the oldest started college this year."
Zhang Guoan's eyes widened. "Which university?"
Deng Shirong couldn't hide his smile. "Peking University."
Zhang Guoan's expression turned to one of admiration. "Uncle Jiu, you're truly remarkable to have raised a Peking University student. With a son like that, you'll have nothing to worry about for the rest of your life. You can just sit back and enjoy your golden years."
Deng Shirong chuckled. "It's too early to talk about enjoying life. I'll wait until all my children have started their own families and I've fulfilled my responsibilities as a parent."
Zhang Guoan agreed. "That's true. As parents, we can't truly rest until our children are settled."
Deng Shirong sighed. "So, I still have a long way to go. Unlike you, Brother Zhang, who's free of such burdens."
The two chatted for a while longer before Deng Shirong headed back for lunch.
After living in the county town for two weeks, Zhang Xiuping finally went into labor.
The family quickly gathered the necessary items, including diapers, and rushed Zhang Xiuping to the maternal and child health care center.
In the early days after liberation, maternal and child health care in the county was managed by the obstetrics and gynecology department of the county health center. It wasn't until May 1956 that the county established a dedicated maternal and child health care station. Over the years, the new methods of delivery had achieved excellent results.
In later generations, most people, whether from rural areas or the county town, would rush to county hospitals to give birth. As a result, the obstetrics departments of these hospitals were always overcrowded, with midwives often having to deliver multiple babies simultaneously.
But in 1981, 99.9% of rural women still gave birth at home. Very few came to the maternal and child health care center, so when Zhang Xiuping arrived, she was immediately welcomed into the delivery room by the available midwives.
This stark contrast to the future made Deng Shirong reflect on how different things were. In later years, women would only be admitted to the delivery room when their cervix was fully dilated. Before that, they weren't even allowed to reserve a spot. But now, Zhang Xiuping was taken straight to the delivery room as soon as she arrived.
The difference between eras was truly striking.
While waiting, Deng Shirong and Mrs. Zhang, both experienced in such matters, remained calm.
But for Deng Yuntai, this was his first time becoming a father, and his inexperience showed. Less than ten minutes after his wife entered the delivery room, he could no longer sit still. He paced back and forth outside the delivery room, his eyes fixed on the door, his hands constantly fidgeting.
Deng Shirong couldn't help but say, "Yuntai, don't be nervous. The first birth usually takes a while. It could be several hours, or even until tomorrow."
Mrs. Zhang added with a smile, "Your father's right. When I had my first child, I was in labor for over ten hours. Xiuping's labor has just started, so it'll take some time."
Deng Yuntai looked surprised. "Why does it take so long?"
Though he was about to become a father, no one had ever explained the process to him, so he was completely in the dark.
In contrast, his younger sister, Deng Yunzhen, knew a bit more.
As friends with Guan Yongying, Deng Yunzhen had heard some details about childbirth and was slightly more informed than her brother.
Deng Shirong explained, "When your mother gave birth to you, her labor started after dinner in the afternoon, and you weren't born until the next morning."
Deng Yunzhen added, "When Yongying had her twins, she was in labor for over six hours."
Hearing this, Deng Yuntai felt slightly reassured. He sat back down and prepared to wait patiently.
The wait lasted several hours. Zhang Xiuping had arrived at the maternal and child health care center around two in the afternoon. It wasn't until around nine in the evening that the sound of a baby's cry finally came from the delivery room.
Hearing the cry, Deng Shirong and the others stood up excitedly.
Soon, the door opened, and the midwife came out to announce, "Congratulations to the family! The mother has given birth to a baby girl. Both mother and daughter are healthy."
The midwife, aware of the local preference for sons, was prepared to offer some comforting words. But to her surprise, the family members were all visibly happy and thanked her warmly.
This reaction pleased the midwife. She thought to herself that this little girl was truly fortunate to be born into such a loving family.
On October 11, 1981, at 8:58 in the evening, the third generation of the Deng family was born!
(End of this chapter)