Moreover, Li Chenjiao guessed that the Fourth Prince might know that the Fujin was also pregnant, so even if he didn't go to Xie's place today, he probably wouldn't go to the main courtyard but would choose to return to the front courtyard instead.

When Physician Zhou came to take my pulse, his expression seemed a little off.

Even the most skilled gynecologists at the Imperial Medical Academy, though hesitant to make a definitive diagnosis due to the early stage of pregnancy, could still detect some signs.

Li Chenjiao became increasingly alarmed as she thought about it, but she felt no sympathy whatsoever.

To put it bluntly, this whole mess was Xie's own doing.

If you've already waited until the Mid-Autumn Festival, and then until the Double Ninth Festival in September, it's only about ten days later. Why risk choosing the fifteenth day of the Mid-Autumn Festival?

Furthermore, perhaps even Madam Xie didn't expect that Fourth Master would stay overnight in her courtyard today.

Perhaps Xie simply wanted to use this dance to make the Fourth Prince remember that she was someone important.

However, the Xie family miscalculated.

Li Chenjiao suddenly felt a chill of fear. At this moment, the Fourth Prince was a Beile (prince) personally appointed by the Emperor, and he might even become a Junwang (prince of the second rank) or even a Qinwang (prince of the first rank) in the future.

She could guess what the Fourth Prince was thinking, but she couldn't harbor any ulterior motives in front of him.

This is how Li Chenjiao has always interacted with the Fourth Master since entering the mansion.

Li Chenjiao gradually realized that the most appropriate approach was to avoid having any ulterior motives towards Fourth Master.

Li Chenjiao suddenly breathed a sigh of relief: "Dinner was tasteless. Tell the kitchen to make something simple to fill my stomach."

The man carrying the lantern at the front of the path hurriedly responded.

Li Chenjiao had a late-night snack and went to bed quickly, but the others in the backyard didn't get to sleep as well.

Some people gazed at the full moon outside their window for a long time in a daze on the fifteenth day of the lunar month, some cursed the Xie family in their sleep, and some were still puzzled even when they were falling asleep.

The Fujin couldn't sleep, so she dismissed the maids in the main courtyard, leaving only Yu Ru by her side: "Have someone keep an eye on Xie's courtyard; they called for water several times today."

Yu Ru could hear the Fujin's gritted teeth and silently agreed, but she was still worried about the Fujin's delayed menstruation.

"There's still one dose of the medicine that Physician Zhou prescribed a few days ago. The kitchen has already decocted it into a soup. The physician said it has a calming effect. I'll serve it to you, Madam, and then you can rest early."

The princess replied listlessly, "I'll have someone fetch Physician Zhou tomorrow to take a look at me."

The princess, who was so concerned about her reputation, was suddenly humiliated on the fifteenth day of the month. Naturally, she was unhappy and didn't want to see anyone. So she simply asked the imperial physician to "prepare for a few days."

Yu Ru agreed.

The next morning, the Fujin had gone to bed late the night before and woke up a little late. As Yu Ru and two second-class servants were doing her hair and makeup, she asked, "How is Xie Shi doing?"

Yu Ru sighed inwardly, still feeling sorry for her mistress: "Last night, they called for water three times in that courtyard."

Is this what Fourth Prince likes?

The princess was taken aback. Her gaze fell on the bronze mirror in front of her, and she traced her own face with her eyes, as if trying to make a comparison. In the end, she raised her hand to cover her face.

"Tell someone to give her a generous reward. When Madam Xie comes to express her gratitude later, make her stand outside for a while longer." The Fujin instructed while thinking maliciously that it would be best if Madam Xie's beautiful face could be tanned.

The Fourth Prince left the mansion early in the morning to go to the Ministry of Revenue.

Before leaving the mansion, the Fourth Master suddenly instructed as he mounted his horse: "Tell Fulu to send a bowl of medicine to Madam Xie. I want it so that no one knows."

This herbal decoction is naturally a contraceptive.

Su Peisheng had only called for water once yesterday, but then Fourth Master suddenly said he wanted to write, so he knocked over the inkstone and called for water again. Later, before the lights were turned off, Fourth Master got his clothes wet while drinking tea and called for water again.

That's when I realized how strange it was.

Hearing the Fourth Master's instructions now, they understood his attitude.

This Xie Gege is beautiful, but the way the Fourth Prince treats her is far different from how he treats Li Gege.

Su Peisheng agreed and personally went to instruct his apprentice, Fulu.

When Xie heard that Fulu from the front courtyard had arrived, a faint smile finally appeared on her face. However, seeing that the confidant who came in to deliver the message looked unwell, she lowered her eyes.

"Help me with my hair and makeup first," Xie said.

All the effort I've put in these past few days vanished yesterday.

Looking at the bowl of medicine on the table, Xie felt a chill in her heart once again.

Fu Lu, eyes downcast and mindful, said, "Please, Your Highness."

With trembling fingers, Madam Xie instructed the maid to bring the medicine bowl to her. She wasn't foolish enough to let the maid spill the medicine bowl; that would only test Fu Lu's patience.

Madam Xie knew very well that the servants in the front courtyard were the ones she absolutely could not afford to offend.

She was quite decisive; she tilted her head back and drank the entire bowl of bitter, astringent medicine.

Fu Lu waved for someone to take away the medicine bowl, and before leaving, he respectfully said, "Princess, don't worry, this medicine won't harm your body."

Madam Xie had someone see Fu Lu off. Once Fu Lu was out of sight, she quickly waved to her confidante to bring over a plate of pickled fruit.

She rarely abandoned her so-called image, and without regard for appearances, she stuffed sour dried fruit into her mouth in front of the small couch. She had not yet had breakfast, her stomach was empty, and the sour taste lingered on her tongue.

Her confidant had brought a mouthwash basin, and Xie finally managed to vomit up the medicine.

The smell of medicine filled the room again, and tears welled up in Xie's eyes. She wiped them away carelessly and murmured to herself, "I hope yesterday's attempt worked. If it really didn't, then—" she would have to think of another way.

Xie already had a plan in mind.

It's no longer possible to borrow Song's eldest daughter; Song is truly foolish. Xie Hengyi stroked her abdomen, closed her eyes, and remained silent.

After a long while, Xie opened her eyes and said, "Help me to wash and dress. I can't be late in paying my respects and giving thanks to the Fujin."

Going to the main courtyard today will certainly not be a pleasant experience.

But Xie had no other options but to deal with it.

Last night made her realize that the Fourth Master was a ruthless master, and that taking shortcuts wouldn't work with him.

However, Xie realized this too late.

However, if Xie behaves herself now, the people in the backyard will definitely not tolerate her.

She had to be patient, patient for one more chance.

Fortunately, perhaps heaven saw her sincerity, and the opportunity came quickly.

Li Chenjiao heard from the maid that Xie's courtyard had called for water three times yesterday, but there wasn't much of a reaction. The only reaction was, "They called for water three times on the first occasion. Fourth Master isn't the kind of person who doesn't cherish women."

It wasn't until Qiu Hu mentioned that Li Chenjiao feigned illness and requested the imperial physician in the main courtyard that she began to react.

My fingertips traced the inside of the teacup, and the gentle ripples within were just like the turbulent backyard I was in.

"I suppose the Princess Consort doesn't have time to deal with Lady Xie anymore. You all should keep your mouths shut and not interfere in Lady Xie's affairs, no matter what others say."

Both girls agreed.

"The eldest princess's first birthday banquet is coming up in a few days. Does the princess have any ideas yet?" Qiu Hu said, and then changed the subject.

If Qiu Hu hadn't mentioned it, Li Chenjiao would have completely forgotten about it.

Although it's unclear whether the Fourth Prince will hold a grand celebration, the proper birthday gifts are certainly indispensable.