“Master, this wound is too deep. I hope the ointment from the palace won’t leave a scar.”
As Zhuxin applied medicine to Shen Lingshu’s wound, she felt heartache. Such a beautiful arm—it would be a pity if an ugly scar remained.
“It will definitely heal!”
Shen Lingshu was also feeling a lingering fear now. If she had known she was pregnant, she… would still have fought for it. The child was important, but occupying a corner in Prince Lin’s heart was even more important!
Otherwise, no matter how many children she had, it would all be in vain!
“Mhm.”
Zhuxin nodded emphatically. “It will definitely heal, Master. Nanny Hua is extremely vigilant in the courtyard. Every nook and cranny, even the slightest improper detail, she can spot!”
“She’s so amazing!” Zhuxin said with admiration. If she could be that capable, she could help her master too.
“Learn well from her.”
A faint smile touched Shen Lingshu’s lips as she thought: As Prince Lin’s wet nurse, the late Empress’s dowry maid, someone even the Emperor respects—how could she not be amazing?
October.
Under Nanny Hua’s meticulous care, Shen Lingshu’s body recovered very well. It had been a month since returning from the hunt, and the child in her womb had reached three months.
Clatter
Chayu dropped the tea she was carrying. Nanny Hua helped Shen Lingshu stand aside, ensuring she was unharmed before turning and scolding Chayu sharply, “Chayu, if you frighten the child in Concubine Shen’s womb, can you bear the responsibility?”
“Master, please forgive me.” Chayu quickly knelt down.
“Chayu, is something wrong? You’ve seemed unsettled lately.”
Shen Lingshu sat back in her chair, watching as Nanny Hua directed others to clean up the shattered teacup. She fixed her gaze on Chayu and said, “Since I am your master, if you encounter any difficulties, speak up.”
In the script, Chayu was forced by Side Consort Fang to act as an informant because of her gambling-addicted brother. If there was a chance to save her…
“No.”
Chayu lowered her head and spoke quickly. “Master, this servant will go to work.”
Shen Lingshu watched her retreating figure, a thoughtful gleam in her eyes.
Autumn Crabapple Courtyard.
This was Shen Lingshu’s first visit to pay respects since returning to the mansion to recuperate and nurture her pregnancy. Thanks to Nanny Hua’s careful care, her condition was excellent, like a delicate flower that stirred envy.
“Sister Shen truly has good fortune. In less than half a year since entering the mansion, you’ve already conceived a child.”
Concubine Li stared at Shen Lingshu’s belly, wishing she could bore a hole through it with her gaze. Her eyes shifted to Hai Jiaren beside her, and she said, “Sister Hai, you entered the mansion together, so why is there still no news from your belly?”
Hai Jiaren, who had been confined for a month and was unable to see the Prince, grew increasingly anxious. Hearing Concubine Li’s words, she immediately retorted, “Concubine Li entered the mansion the earliest, and your belly still shows no sign. Why should I be in a hurry?”
“You…”
Concubine Li’s face darkened with anger. She stood up and slapped Hai Jiaren across the face, cursing furiously, “Hai Jiaren, who do you think you are?”
“The first time you served the Prince, others received rewards, but you were confined. No wonder you’re not as fortunate as Sister Shen.” Concubine Li’s chest heaved with rage. How dare Hai Jiaren, who was neither favored by the Concubine nor the Prince, mock her?
“While both went hunting, she ends up pregnant, yet you get placed under house arrest? How laughable!” Concubine Li’s words were like needles piercing Hai Jiaren’s heart.
Hai Jiaren was stunned, and hearing Concubine Li bring up her house arrest by the Prince again, she trembled all over with rage. Just as she was about to strike, Side Consort Fang’s voice rang out.
“Stop! Look at the state of you both—no wonder the Prince dislikes seeing you!”
Side Consort Fang rebuked coldly, “Madam Li, you understand the rules of the Prince’s residence. Competing for favor is allowed, but if anyone resorts to underhanded tricks, do not blame this concubine for showing no mercy.”
“One month’s salary withheld—do you accept?” Side Consort Fang asked, her icy gaze fixed on Concubine Li.
“I accept.”
Concubine Li raised an eyebrow. A slap in exchange for a month’s salary—worth it!
“I…”
Hai Jiaren was about to say she did not accept when Side Consort Fang’s cold glance swept over her, forcing her to swallow her words. She glared fiercely at Concubine Li.
“Sister Shen is pregnant, so from now on, she is exempted from morning greetings. Just focus on nurturing the child.”
Side Consort Fang announced, “The Buddhist hall in the west courtyard has been completed. From now on, we will all pray together for the child in Sister Shen’s womb, wishing for its safe arrival.”
“On what…” grounds.
Concubine Li’s remaining words were cut off by Side Consort Fang: “Concubine Li, think carefully before you speak. This is the Prince’s first child. If anyone dares harbor ill intentions…”
Side Consort Fang’s cold gaze swept across the room, and for a moment, everyone’s expressions shifted uncomfortably. Especially when they looked at Shen Lingshu, their mouths offered congratulations, but their eyes seemed laced with venom.
“This humble concubine thanks the Side Consort and all sisters for your kindness.”
Shen Lingshu inwardly wanted to curse, but on the surface, she smiled sweetly. Side Consort Fang truly had skillful methods!
Side Consort Fang earned praise for her magnanimity, but what about her?
Concubine Li, Concubine Hai, and even the ailing Concubine Lin—forced to chant sutras and copy scriptures daily—wouldn’t all their resentment be directed at her?
“Caolv, go inform Concubine Lin.”
Side Consort Fang instructed, “If there is nothing else, you may disperse. Sister Shen, rest well.”
The group dispersed, and Shen Lingshu returned to the Secluded Orchid Courtyard under the hateful gazes of Madam Li and Lady Hai.
“Mistress, does the Side Consort… truly intend to pray for the child in your womb?” Zhuxin felt something was off. Previously, she had even sent flowers containing musk.
“Hmph~”
Shen Lingshu sneered coldly. Side Consort Fang would be overjoyed if the child in her womb were lost—how could she possibly be so kind-hearted?
Aside from stirring up resentment, Side Consort Fang probably wanted to conceive as soon as possible?
“Mistress, the kitchen has freshly made chestnut pastries. They are especially fragrant and sweet.”
Chayu brought in the chestnut pastries, accompanied by the scent of powder on her person, causing Shen Lingshu to frown slightly.
“Chayu, what powder have you been using lately? Why is it so fragrant?”
Zhuxin asked curiously, taking the chestnut pastries and testing them for poison with a silver needle before presenting them to Shen Lingshu.
“I just received my wages and bought the Butterfly Attracting Powder from Cold Fragrance Pavilion. It smells wonderful.”
Chayu said somewhat sheepishly, her eyes darting around. She smiled ingratiatingly, “Mistress, I’ve learned a new massage technique. Shall I give you a massage?”
“No need. I wish to lie down for a while.”
Shen Lingshu declined, saying, “Nanny Hua mentioned picking osmanthus to make osmanthus honey. Go help Nanny Hua instead.”
“Master, are you sure you don’t want a massage? I give very comfortable massages,” Chayu said eagerly. Meeting Shen Lingshu’s indifferent gaze, Chayu had no choice but to go find Nanny Hua.
“She’s so difficult to serve. The osmanthus flowers are almost gone, yet she insists on making osmanthus honey,” Chayu muttered under her breath.
Arriving at the spot where Nanny Hua was picking osmanthus flowers, Nanny Hua paid no attention at first. Only after finishing and returning to Secluded Orchid Courtyard did Nanny Hua grab Chayu, leaning in close to sniff her. “What is that smell?”
Chayu’s eyelids twitched in alarm, so startled that she dropped the basket in her hands.