On the lotus pond in the back garden of the Shen residence, several late-blooming magnolias trembled in the breeze, shedding their last few petals. Their rich fragrance fermented in the warm afternoon sun, almost cloyingly sweet. Shen Yuewei leaned against a vermilion balustrade overlooking the water, a small handful of fish food trembling in her hand, her fingertips hesitant to scatter it. Below, colorful koi carp swirled, creating ripples that reflected the fragmented sunlight and her pale, bloodless face.

That familiar, nauseating feeling in my stomach surged back up without warning!

"Ugh..." A muffled groan, barely suppressed and tinged with pain, escaped from between her teeth. She abruptly covered her mouth with a handkerchief, her body involuntarily curling forward, her slender back taut as if pulled by an invisible bowstring. Cold sweat instantly soaked her temples, her vision blurred, and stars flashed before her eyes.

"Miss!" Chun Tao, who was standing a few steps away, rushed forward and skillfully supported her trembling shoulders. With her other hand, she quickly handed her a small, celadon spittoon that she had prepared beforehand. Her voice was extremely low and trembling with tears, "Feeling unwell again? Quickly... spitting it out will make you feel better..."

Shen Yuewei bent over and gagged, but nothing came out; only sour bile burned her throat, bringing waves of stinging pain. This was the third time today. Only three days had passed since that nightmarish "audience" in the front hall, yet this tormenting reaction grew stronger each day, like some kind of vicious curse, constantly reminding her of the quietly growing, all-powerful presence within her.

She couldn't vomit here! She couldn't leave any trace! This thought pierced her chaotic mind like an ice pick, bringing a brief moment of clarity. With all her might, she suppressed the churning in her throat, her nails digging deep into her palms, leaving crescent-shaped bloody marks.

"Help me...back to my room..." His voice was hoarse and weak, each word exhausted.

Chun Tao dared not delay, almost half-carrying, half-embracing Shen Yuewei as she swiftly led her away from the lotus pond. Passing through the winding corridors, each step felt like walking on cotton, unsteady and powerless. Her heart pounded like a drum, crashing against her chest, crashing against that budding yet already heavy secret.

---

The tightly closed doors of "Shuyuxuan" shut out all the spring light from the outside. The heavy smell of medicine and incense mingled together, trying to mask some deeper unease.

Shen Yuewei leaned weakly against the headboard, her forehead damp with cold sweat and clinging to her cheeks. Chun Tao brought over a bowl of freshly brewed medicine to prevent miscarriage; the dark brown liquid emitted a strong, bitter smell.

“Girl, drink it while it’s hot, the doctor said…” Chun Tao’s voice was filled with careful persuasion.

"Take it away." Shen Yuewei turned her face away, her voice as cold as ice. The smell of the medicine instantly reminded her of the bowl of poison that slid down her throat in her past life, and her stomach convulsed violently again.

“But Miss…” Chun Tao stamped her feet anxiously, “How can your body withstand not eating or drinking like this? Young Master…”

"Shut up!" Shen Yuewei turned her head sharply, her eyes as sharp as knives, filled with a ferocious intensity on the verge of collapse, staring intently at Chun Tao. "Don't mention it! Not a single word!"

Chun Tao trembled with fright, almost dropping the bowl of medicine in her hand. She hurriedly fell silent, her eyes instantly reddening. She lowered her head, feeling both heartache and fear.

Looking at Chun Tao's terrified expression, Shen Yuewei felt a sharp pang of pain and a deeper sense of helplessness. She knew she had frightened Chun Tao. But what could she do? This secret, like a sword hanging over her head, could fall at any moment, shattering her and the entire Shen family to pieces! She couldn't take the risk! Not even the slightest!