Zhongyong Hou shook his head.
Feng Shi was taken aback, slumping into the Grand Preceptor’s Chair. She said in bewilderment, “His Majesty actually disagreed? That shouldn’t be. The peerage of our Hou Manor is hereditary, and A-Ci is our firstborn son. It’s both reasonable and justified. Why would His Majesty disagree?”
Zhongyong Hou looked up and retorted, “Madam, in your heart, who is more outstanding between A Rui and A-Ci?”
Without a second thought, Feng Shi replied, “Naturally, it’s A Rui. He excels in both literary and military arts, handles interpersonal relations well, has a good temperament, and surpasses A-Ci in every aspect.”
Zhongyong Hou nodded, “Exactly. That’s why I didn’t rush to request the title of Shizi for A-Ci from His Majesty today. After A Rui’s child is born, I will personally mentor him. He might surpass his father and become even more outstanding than A Rui, more suitable to be the heir of our Hou Manor, and carry on the legacy of Zhongyong Hou Estate.”
Feng Shi’s expression froze, and it took her a long moment to react. “Wh-what child?”
Zhongyong Hou said, “Oh, you didn’t know? Qing Wan is carrying A Rui’s posthumous child. There’s hope for the revival of our Hou Manor! By the way, I’ve already invited an imperial physician to specially take care of Qing Wan during her pregnancy.”
Feng Shi slumped into the Grand Preceptor’s Chair, her expression shifting unpredictably, taking a long time to regain her composure.
Zhongyong Hou frowned slightly and asked suspiciously, “What’s wrong? Haven’t you always loved A Rui the most? Now that you’ve heard about his posthumous child, why aren’t you happy?”
Feng Shi knew the truth all too well—on the wedding night, it was the second son, A-Ci, who shared the bridal chamber with Su Qingwan, not A Rui’s posthumous child.
Her mind in turmoil, Feng Shi nodded hastily, “Happy, of course I’m happy!”
Additionally, Zhongyong Hou reminded her, “Since Qing Wan is carrying A Rui’s posthumous child, she is a great contributor to our Hou Manor. You must treat her well from now on, and be extremely careful with the child in her womb—not a single mistake can be made! If it’s a girl, that’s one thing, but if it’s a boy, then this child is the one most deserving to become the heir of Hou Manor! Besides, haven’t you always loved A Rui the most?”
Feng Shi, her emotions in disarray, nodded distractedly, unable to voice her distress.
**
When Hou Manor made a grand show of inviting an imperial physician to Linglong Yuan, Su Qingwan was reviewing account books. Hearing the commotion, she looked up.
Seeing this, Feng Shi chided her slightly, “Qing Wan, how could you tell the Lord Marquis about your pregnancy before telling me?”
Su Qingwan replied, “Mother is right to scold me. It’s all my fault. Because of the Shizi’s passing, I’ve been feeling depressed and haven’t been sleeping well at night, so my pulse has been unstable. I didn’t dare tell you, fearing it would raise false hopes. Yesterday in the courtyard, Father happened to see me experiencing morning sickness, and I had no choice but to tell him.”
Feng Shi was still dissatisfied upon hearing this, but with so many people present, she couldn’t say much. She could only urge the imperial physician to quickly check Su Qingwan’s pulse.
Li Taiyi was a female imperial physician, most skilled in gynecology. After examining Su Qingwan’s pulse, she decisively said, “Congratulations, Heir’s Wife. You are already over three months pregnant. However, you have been working too hard lately, and your body is too thin. You must take care of yourself from now on, or it might affect the child in your womb.”
Su Qingwan said, “Thank you, Li Taiyi.”
Beside her, Qiyi immediately stepped forward and presented a bulging embroidered pouch. Imperial Physician Li smiled kindly and said, “I’ll write you a prescription. Follow this prescription to regulate your health. Take this medicine for the first three months, and I’ll come every month to check your pulse.”
Su Qingwan nodded at Imperial Physician Li with a smile. “Then I’ll have to trouble you, Imperial Physician Li. Qiyi, accompany Imperial Physician Li to get the medicine.”
“Yes.”
However, before Imperial Physician Li left, his gaze swept over Feng Shi. Why did she feel that the Marquis’ Wife didn’t seem happy about soon becoming a grandmother?
After all, the Heir’s Wife was three months pregnant—this would be the Shizi’s posthumous child. And hadn’t the Zhongyong Hou’s wife always been particularly fond of the late Shizi, Gu Yunrui?
How could Feng Shi possibly smile?
The child was over three months along…
The one who had shared the wedding chamber with Qingwan was actually the second son, A-Ci. That meant the child in Qingwan’s womb was indeed a posthumous child—A-Ci’s!
Now, A-Ci’s posthumous child was going to compete with A Rui for the Shizi position. No wonder Feng Shi was in poor spirits, especially since she couldn’t voice her bitterness!
Seeing Feng Shi’s rapidly shifting expressions, Su Qingwan deliberately asked in a weak voice, “Mother, aren’t you happy that I’m carrying A Rui’s posthumous child?”
Feng Shi quickly snapped back to reality and forced a dry laugh. “How could I not be happy? I’m just stunned with joy! Don’t get up—stay in bed and rest properly. When the medicine is ready later, be sure to take it on time. And if you want anything to eat, just withdraw silver from the accounts.”
Watching Feng Shi pretend to be happy despite her clear displeasure, the smile on Su Qingwan’s lips grew more genuine. She obediently nodded and said, “Mother, don’t worry. I will definitely bring this child safely into the world and ensure they grow up healthy and well, to comfort the Shizi’s spirit in heaven.”
Feng Shi choked up, her forced smile finally crumbling. After hurriedly giving a few instructions, she quickly left.
Qinxin entered and whispered gloatingly, “Miss, the Marquis’ Wife turned deathly pale the moment she stepped outside! I just found out that the Lord Marquis never petitioned to bestow the title of Shizi upon the second young master. Instead, he told the Marquis’ Wife to take good care of you and the child in your womb from now on.”
Leaning against the soft pillow, Su Qingwan said quietly, “They’ve always favored Gu Yunrui more. Since the Lord Marquis doesn’t know the truth, he would naturally prefer Gu Yunrui’s posthumous child to inherit the title. However, the Marquis’ Wife and Gu Yunrui’s faction might not accept this fate. From now on, you must all be extra vigilant about everything related to my food, clothing, and daily needs here in Linglong Yuan.”
Qinxin quickly wiped the smile off her face and said solemnly, “Don’t worry, Miss. We will definitely protect you and the young master in your womb!”
Just then, noise erupted from outside. Su Qingwan frowned slightly and had Qinxin help her out.
They saw Su Xiyue walking around Linglong Yuan with her attendants.
When Su Xiyue spotted Su Qingwan, her eyes lit up, and she hurried over, looking her up and down. “Elder Sister, why does your complexion look worse? I hope it’s not some serious illness?”
Su Qingwan replied, “Thank you for your concern, younger sister. There’s nothing wrong with my health.”
Su Xiyue sneered, “You’ve always been stubborn and love putting on airs. Isn’t that exhausting? Let me tell you the truth—today, the Lord Marquis went to the palace to request the title of Shizi for A-Ci. Once the Imperial Edict is issued, I will be the Heir’s Wife of this Hou Manor. By then, you won’t be worthy of living in Linglong Yuan! So I advise you to start packing now, or you’ll only look worse later.”
Su Qingwan replied, “Oh? How come I heard that the Lord Marquis never went to request the title of Shizi for Second Brother?”
Su Xiyue widened her eyes in disbelief. “That’s absolutely impossible! Mother-in-law had already discussed it with Father-in-law, and A-Ci said it was a done deal. A-Ci is the only firstborn son in the Hou Manor now—no one can surpass him!”
Su Qingwan lowered her gaze slightly and let out a soft laugh. “Is it truly impossible for anyone to surpass ‘Gu Yunci’?”
Su Xiyue felt a flicker of fear at Su Qingwan’s calm and composed demeanor, but she refused to admit she was intimidated by her elder sister. Before marriage, when they were in the Su family, it was one thing, but now things were different—she would soon be the Shizi’s wife!
Su Xiyue snorted coldly, “I think you just don’t want to move out of Linglong Yuan. I’m going to Mother-in-law to reason this out!”
Linglong Yuan was the finest courtyard aside from the main residence. To prove she was better than Su Qingwan, Su Xiyue was determined to claim it.
But that wasn’t all.
After taking a few steps, Su Xiyue paused and turned back to Su Qingwan. “Elder Sister, once A-Ci becomes the Shizi, I plan to take him back to the Su family to make up for the missed bridal visit. Would you like to join us?”
After the two brothers married, they had gone to the battlefield the very next day. Later, news came of Gu Yunrui’s death in battle. Over those months, no one in the Hou Manor remembered that the two brides had yet to make their bridal visits. Now, the triumphant Su Xiyue wanted to make up for it? It was nothing but a ploy to humiliate Su Qingwan.
Su Qingwan looked at her quietly. “As you wish.”
This unruffled attitude provoked Su Xiyue once more, and she immediately turned and left.
Su Xiyue didn’t rush to Feng Shi right away. Instead, she patiently waited for her husband to return from his duties at the Ministry of War.
With the New Year break over, Gu Yunrui—using his younger brother’s name—had been busy at the Ministry of War all day. Because his “elder brother” had died in battle, the Minister of War treated him with particular kindness.
Coupled with Gu Yunrui’s naturally charming and adaptable nature, he had quickly settled into the Ministry of War after just a few days of work.
Taking his brother’s place seemed so simple and effortless to him.
Gu Yunrui returned to the manor in high spirits, riding his horse. But as soon as he entered, a servant came to report, “Second Young Master, you’re finally back. Second Young Madam has been crying all afternoon.”
Gu Yunrui was taken aback. “Who bullied Xiyue?”
The servant stammered, “We don’t know, but Second Young Madam went to Linglong Yuan and came back in tears.”
Gu Yunrui’s face darkened. He hurried into the inner chambers, where he found Su Xiyue with red-rimmed eyes, clutching a handkerchief. When she saw him return, she turned her face away, looking utterly aggrieved.
Gu Yunrui quickly pulled her into his arms to comfort her. “Who dared to bully my Xiyue?”
Su Xiyue looked up, her expression full of grievance, and said, “I went to see elder sister today and told her that we would be returning to the Su family in a couple of days to make up for the missed bridal visit. I asked if she wanted to come along. I meant well, but she actually got angry and scolded me. When she heard me complimenting how beautiful Linglong Yuan is, she accused me of coveting her courtyard and bullying her. I suppose she’s upset because I’m about to become the Heir’s Wife. Oh, and she also said you definitely won’t inherit the title!”
As she embellished the story, Gu Yunrui’s expression grew increasingly grim. “I used to think she was gentle and sensible, but now it seems she’s just petty and narrow-minded. Don’t be upset, Xiyue. We won’t bring her along for the bridal visit. The gatekeeper just mentioned that Father returned from the palace quite a while ago. I’ll go ask him when the Imperial Edict for the inheritance will be issued.”
Su Xiyue’s eyes lit up. “I’ll go with you.”
She was determined to slap Su Qingwan in the face herself!