Physician Han came to examine the progress of Xie Jianyu's pregnancy every week, but today was special.
Once the pregnancy completed its fifth month, it was customary for expecting mothers and fathers -- or in this case expecting mother-in-law -- to demand an early prediction for the baby's gender.
Although there was no guarantee for the baby's gender, the more experienced physicians could usually make accurate predictions based on various factors, such as the shape of the pregnant belly and the baby's heartbeat.
Xie Jianyu and Zhang Fengxi had conceived a son in their previous life, but this time around the baby was arriving two years earlier than expected. Understandably, the expecting parents were somewhat nervous about the upcoming prediction.
Zhang Fengxi took off Xie Jianyu's outer robe and helped his wife to lie on the bed.
"Excuse me, Your Majesty," the elder physician said.
Xie Jianyu gave a subtle nod of approval.