Meanwhile, Fourth Master was far away at Mount Wutai and unable to return, but he had already written to Lanqin informing her of what had happened there. At this time, Lanqin was about five months pregnant. Because she was carrying twins, her belly looked about seven or eight months along.

On the Dragon Boat Festival, Lanqin specially ordered the kitchen to add dishes for each of the princesses in their respective courtyards. She was too lazy to prepare any more feasts, since she wasn't the principal wife anyway.

After the Dragon Boat Festival, the weather became increasingly hot. Lanqin had to keep ice basins in her room every day and dared not go out. She could only help Cui Niang and the others go out for a stroll in the evening.

"My lady, the sun is already setting. You should go out for a walk," said Cui Niang to Lan Qin, who was reclining on the cool couch reading a book. In the months since Fourth Master had been away, Lan Qin hadn't missed him much. After all, without him, the women in the inner quarters seemed to be much more peaceful. She didn't leave the house, and no one dared to disturb her tranquility.

"Hmm, I'm tired of lying down, let's go for a walk." Lanqin gestured to Nianxue beside her to help her up, as even getting up was a bit inconvenient for her now. After the maids helped her get dressed, she went out with Cui Niang's help.

"Cui Niang, let's go for a walk today. No matter how exquisite this South Courtyard is, we'll get tired of it if we just wander around here every day. Why don't we go for a walk in the other courtyard?" Lanqin said, holding her belly.

“Yes, then let’s go over there. Nianxue, you help the master over there as well,” Cui Niang said.

Nianxue nodded and quickly supported Lanqin's other arm, while Xicha carried a basket containing tea and snacks.

"Where would we need you to do this?" Lanqin said with a smile.

“Master, your pregnancy is progressing further and you’re carrying twins, so you must be careful. Otherwise, when the master returns, he won’t let us off the hook,” said Cui Niang.

"Hmm. I can't argue with you no matter what. By the way, how is the Third Prince? A few days ago, I noticed some signs of pimples on his face. Did you have Doctor Lin examine him?"

Besides managing the affairs of the Fourth Prince's residence daily, Lanqin also had to look after her two daughters and the Third Prince. The Second Princess's wedding was fast approaching, scheduled for this year's Golden Festival. Lanqin specifically went to Consort De to request that Aunt Gu and Aunt An, who were originally there to help Lanqin during her pregnancy, be reassigned to be the Second Princess's caregivers. The two women would occasionally come to check on Lanqin, but spent most of their time with the Second Princess. Lanqin did this partly to show Consort De that she wouldn't mistreat the Fourth Prince's other children; and partly because she couldn't stand the palace rules. When she gave birth to Wuxiha, Aunt An had constantly nagged her about what she couldn't do, which had driven Lanqin crazy.

"Don't worry, Dr. Lin examined it. He said it's just common measles, not that thing," Cui Niang said cautiously.

Lanqin nodded, feeling much relieved. You see, in the Qing Dynasty, where medical conditions were underdeveloped, smallpox was almost a death sentence.

“Master, someone came to report yesterday that they saw Lingxiu from the main courtyard talking to Cuiyun, a maid of the Wuya clan!” Cui Niang frowned as she recalled the two of them.

Although Lanqin hasn't been actively trying to win over anyone, some people are still actively courting the South Courtyard. That's how the servants in the manor are; they always side with the powerful and fawn over the weak. Seeing Lanqin gaining favor, they naturally come to curry favor. Lanqin doesn't refuse; she herself wouldn't actively seek out spies, but it's a good thing if someone proactively leaks information.

"That guy in the main courtyard is up to his old tricks again?" Lanqin couldn't help but frown.

"Anyway, the old woman guarding her said she's never seen her come out. But that Lingxiu often makes excuses to come out. Should we send some people to keep an eye on her? I'm afraid the lady in the main courtyard hasn't given up on her yet!" Cui Niang whispered.

"She's just been confined; the master hasn't deposed her. She's still the Fourth Prince's wife," Lanqin said. "That's fine. I didn't want to clash with her again, but I can't let my guard down and worry about what she might be up to. Who are those old women guarding the gate?"

"Does Master mean for them to keep an eye on the main courtyard?" asked Cui Niang.

“They’re over there, so keeping an eye on her is the best course of action. But it’s hard to guarantee they won’t find another way out. After all, the main courtyard isn’t small, and that courtyard is only a little over two zhang high,” Lanqin said.

"Now that you say that, I feel like we can't keep an eye on things at all!" said Cui Niang.

“That’s right, she has plenty of ways to get out. Just having a few old women guard the gate won’t really do much good. But our Princess Consort comes from a prominent Manchu family, so she definitely wouldn’t do something like climbing over a wall. However, the servants who serve her aren’t exactly young ladies from wealthy families,” Lanqin said. “Go ask the head nanny for a map of the main courtyard. I want to see how many gates were built there, what houses were built, and who is serving her now!”

"Yes. This servant will take care of it after accompanying Master on the walk." Cui Niang felt that she hadn't considered things enough.

"There's no time to lose, go now. Nianxue and Xicha can take care of him," Lanqin said.

Cui Niang nodded and quickly agreed, then went to find the head nanny. After she left, Nianxue helped Lanqin walk into the courtyard.

Although the sun had already set, the residual heat was still considerable. After walking for a while with Nianxue's help, Lanqin began to sweat slightly.

"My lady, let me help you to the pavilion over there to sit for a while." Nianxue looked at Lanqin and knew she was tired.

Lanqin nodded, indeed feeling somewhat tired. So the three of them, master and servant, walked to a small pavilion in the alley leading to the back courtyard and sat down.

"This concubine greets Consort Wu." It had been a long time since Lady Wu had appeared before Lanqin. Unexpectedly, as soon as Lanqin entered the small pavilion, she saw Lady Wu playing with the Third Princess Namin in the pavilion.

"It's been so long since I've seen Sister Wu. Is this the Third Princess?" Lanqin sat down with Nianxue's help and asked the three-year-old girl next to Wu.

"Min'er, quickly pay your respects to the concubine!" Madam Wu hurriedly pulled Na Min to pay her respects to Lan Qin. Madam Wu knew that she was able to adopt Na Min because Lan Qin had spoken to the Fourth Prince. Although she had never thanked Lan Qin in person, she still remembered it in her heart.

"Greetings to the Consort!" The Third Princess looked very much like Yan Yu. Looking at her, Lan Qin couldn't help but recall Yan Yu and the absurd things she had done. Back then, in her quest for favor, she had even brought in a boy from outside. Lan Qin thought of that child again.