At this point, she couldn’t care less about anything else. "Give me the baby, I’ll try feeding them first…"
Huo Tingzhou carefully placed the child in her arms.
This was Jiang Si’s first time breastfeeding, and she had no experience whatsoever.
Fortunately, the little one quickly found their source of nourishment by instinct.
But when the first attempt yielded no milk, the baby grew impatient and took another eager gulp.
Teacher Hu had once mentioned that babies suckle with surprising strength.
At the time, Jiang Si hadn’t taken it seriously.
How much force could such a tiny child possibly have?
Now, experiencing it firsthand, Jiang Si finally understood the bittersweet sensation.
In short, one suck was enough.
The little mouth felt like a pencil sharpener, sending tingles of pain all the way to her fingertips.
Thankfully, after a few tries, the baby finally latched on properly.
Being so small, the child was full after just a couple of sucks.
But by the time the feeding was over, Jiang Si was already drenched in sweat.
Glancing at the two little ones,
one was now clutching a tiny fist, while the other had their delicate fingers curled like an orchid.
Satisfied and content, they didn’t need any coaxing—they simply drifted off to sleep on their own.
The first day passed in a flurry of chaos, but by the second day, Jiang Si had noticeably settled into a rhythm.
In the morning, Doctor Jiang came by for rounds and personally pressed down on her abdomen.
Perhaps because they were familiar, Huo Tingzhou couldn’t help but speak up before the procedure.
"Doctor Jiang, take it easy—my wife is sensitive to pain."
"Then why don’t you do it instead?" Doctor Jiang teased, giving him an amused look.
She’d heard from the nurses on duty that every time they came to press Jiang Si’s abdomen,
Regiment Commander Huo’s gaze was so full of heartache it was almost comical.
If men could give birth, he’d probably have volunteered to take her place.
Huo Tingzhou fell silent and quietly stepped aside.
If it were up to him, he’d likely be even more heavy-handed.
Doctor Jiang didn’t tease him further. After checking Jiang Si’s abdomen and applying gentle pressure a few times, she reassured him.
"Relax, your wife is recovering well."
Then, clicking her tongue, she added, "Youth really is an advantage—her body’s resilience is remarkable. It’s only the second day, and most of the postpartum bleeding has already cleared."
Jiang Si naturally didn’t mention the effects of the spiritual spring water, instead crediting Mother Huo’s medicinal meals and attentive care with a smile.
Doctor Jiang was well aware of Mother Huo’s dedication to preparing daily medicinal meals for Jiang Si.
After all, Mother Huo had been a frequent visitor to the hospital even during the late stages of pregnancy,
consulting Doctor Jiang every other day.
Rumor had it that to ensure her daughter-in-law had a smooth postpartum recovery, Mother Huo had even secured two months’ worth of medicinal recipes from Elder Li in advance.
The first week focused on expelling lochia,
the second on replenishing blood and energy,
the third on regulating digestion,
and the fourth on fortifying the liver and kidneys to consolidate vitality.
This wasn’t just common knowledge to Doctor Jiang—the entire military compound had heard about it.
If anyone in the compound was the subject of envy these days, Jiang Si undoubtedly topped the list.
Beautiful, married well,
talented in her own right, and doted on by her in-laws as if she were the most precious treasure.
And now, she’d even given birth to a pair of twins—a boy and a girl.
Who wouldn’t be envious?
Just then, a voice interrupted her thoughts. "Doctor Jiang, the Dean wants to see you in his office."
Frowning, Doctor Jiang replied, "Alright, I’ll be right there."
After a few final instructions to Jiang Si, she hurried off.
Judging by Doctor Jiang’s expression, something must have happened, but Jiang Si wasn’t particularly interested.
Right now, she was too absorbed in the joy of admiring her babies.
Thankfully, she’d had a natural delivery,
so she could move around freely.
If the hospital bed weren’t so small, she’d have happily tucked both children in beside her.
"Do you think our babies are good-looking?"
Jiang Si wondered if her maternal bias was too strong—she simply couldn’t get enough of them!
Huo Tingzhou: "Of course they are."
That was beyond doubt.
Especially their daughter.
After a moment’s thought, Jiang Si said, "Then why don’t you go back later and bring over a cradle?"
That way, the babies could stay in the room, and she could see them whenever she wanted.
Huo Tingzhou didn’t want her shuttling between rooms either, so he agreed immediately.
"Sure, I’ll go once Mother Huo arrives."
He could also take the chance to shower and change—his current state probably wasn’t doing the air quality any favors for the three of them.
Speak of the devil.
No sooner had Huo Tingzhou spoken than Mother Huo walked in, carrying a thermal lunchbox.
Accompanying her were Regimental Commander Xiao’s family and Deputy Regiment Commander Lei and his wife.
They’d actually received news of the twins’ birth the day before,
but to avoid disturbing Jiang Si’s rest, they’d deliberately waited until today to visit.
Before even stepping inside,
Hu Meili was already admonishing her two boys.
"Keep your voices down—don’t wake the little ones."
Eldest Boy and Little Second Son paused. "Mom, we weren’t saying anything!"
"I know, but I’m reminding you in advance."
"Oh."
Once the boys were properly briefed, the group finally knocked lightly on the door.
Huo Tingzhou got up to let them in.
A moment later, they tiptoed inside.
Both families had come bearing gifts—
eggs, brown sugar,
and even red envelopes for each of the newborns.
Their visit was brief, lasting only about ten minutes before they took their leave.
Huo Tingzhou left with them.
Roughly half an hour later, he returned,
a cradle balanced on each shoulder.
Jiang Si blinked in surprise.
"Why did you bring both cradles?"
The babies were so small—one would’ve been more than enough!
"One for each—they’ll sleep more comfortably this way."
With that, he carefully settled each baby into their respective cradle,
even adjusting their heads to prevent flattening.
Mother Huo set out the meal she’d prepared. "Let him be—he’s got the strength to spare. Jiang Si, eat up."
Since the birth, Mother Huo had been preparing six meals a day.
Jiang Si seemed to be either eating or on the verge of eating at all times.
Huo Tingzhou wasn’t idle either. While Jiang Si ate,
he retrieved a nail clipper from the maternity bag and began trimming the babies’ nails.
Given his sharp eyesight and steady hands,
Jiang Si had no worries about him nicking their skin.
Mother Huo, however, hovered nearby, scrutinizing his every move.
Each time he finished a finger, she’d immediately lean in for inspection.
Once all five were done, she slipped soft cotton mittens onto the babies’ hands.
Both children had inherited their mother’s delicate complexion—
rosy and plump, so adorable it was hard to resist kissing them.
But Mother Huo restrained herself. The babies were still too young and vulnerable.
There’d be plenty of time for affection later.
The thought made her smile.
Though she couldn’t shake the feeling she’d forgotten something.
Just then, Jiang Si’s voice broke the silence.
"Mom, have you told Grandparents about the babies’ arrival yet?"
