Chapter 41 Chapter 41 Holding her clothes
Jiang Shu recalled what Lin had told her before and calculated the date when she would be most likely to get pregnant. She must make plans quickly and seize the opportunity to have sex with Lu Changji.
Even if something happens in the future, she is the biological mother of Prime Minister Lu's flesh and blood. Does Zhao still dare to beat and kill her?
Recalling the scene of her sexual intercourse with Lu Changji, Jiang Shu shuddered again. She gritted her teeth and comforted herself that it would be over if she just endured it. Although half an hour was hard to endure, as long as she could endure it, the clouds would clear and the moon would appear.
Everything will be fine!
Jiang Shu had just finished comforting herself when Fang Yu came in and reported that Aunt Lin and the third young lady wanted to see her.
Jiang Shu was very happy to hear the news and hurriedly asked Fang Yu to invite the person into the house.
After not seeing her for over a month, Aunt Lin had become a little plumper, her complexion was better, her cheeks were fair with a hint of pink, and she seemed several years younger.
Jiang Rong is still a little timid, but she is trying hard to control her words and actions. In the eyes of outsiders, she knows how to advance and retreat, and her timidity is not easily noticed.
Lin pulled Jiang Rong closer to Jiang Shu and whispered to her, "I was serving the master when the Xinyang Marquis's Mansion sent someone to announce the death."
"I wish I could visit you at the Marquis' Mansion right now, but unfortunately, I am of low status and cannot go to the Xinyang Marquis' Mansion to attend the funeral. I can only worry about you at home."
"My uncle was finally buried, so I should have come to see you. Unexpectedly, the master fell ill again, so I had to stay at home to take care of him. It's been delayed until now."
As Lin spoke, she glanced outside. Seeing no one was there, she continued, "My son has a miserable life. He has become a widow at such a young age. Auntie knows it's not easy for you, but you must learn to look forward and not get stuck in a rut."
"Having a man at home may seem respectable, but it's actually useless. After all, it's just a companion at night. Just for a moment of tenderness, you still need to be carefully served and complimented during the day. It's better to be alone and free."
"You are now the wife of the Crown Prince, and you are pregnant. You don't have to worry about food and clothing, you have a group of servants, and you don't have to wait on your husband. It couldn't be more comfortable."
Lin's words shocked Jiang Shu. She didn't expect that her cautious aunt would have such a free and easy opinion. Her aunt made her look at her with new eyes.
After knowing Lu Changyi's true face, her heart was sealed and she would never shed a tear for Lu Changyi again.
Sharing your happiness with others will bring you double the happiness, but telling your sorrows to your loved ones will do you no good except making them sad.
Jiang Shu didn't want to cause more trouble for Lin and Jiang Rong, so she kept silent about Lu Changyi wanting her to be buried with him, nor did she tell him the truth about her fake pregnancy. She only said to Lin, "Auntie, your advice is wise. I'm living a comfortable life now and won't cause any trouble for myself."
Seeing Jiang Shu's clear and resolute eyes, not pretending to be strong, Lin finally felt relieved. She then took out a plate of plum and osmanthus cake from the lunch box and said with a smile, "You have loved eating plum and osmanthus cake since you were a child. When I was away, your father specially asked the kitchen to steam a tray for you."
"There's hot water under the food box, so this plum and osmanthus cake is still warm. Come and have a taste!"
Jiang Shu took the plum osmanthus cake and took a bite. It tasted good, but she could no longer feel the joy she had felt when she ate this cake in the past.
How could Jiang Wenhuan really care about her? It was just that he saw that she was pregnant and her status had risen, so he pretended to be nice and wanted to win her over.
Jiang Shu took only one bite and then put the plum and osmanthus cake aside. She wiped the cake crumbs off her hands and asked Lin in a gentle voice, "I just heard you say that father is not feeling well. I wonder what's wrong with him?"
Lin shook her head: "The master has been in a bad mood these days. He has been dazed all day long, as if he can't wake up."
"We've hired several doctors, and they all said that the master has lost his energy and blood due to being too busy with official duties, and needs to be taken good care of."
Jiang Shu said "Oh" indifferently, then picked up the cup beside her and drank tea.
Jiang Rong hesitated for a while, then whispered to Jiang Shu, "Eldest sister, filial piety is the most important virtue. Although father may not be very close to you, he is still our elder. You should go back and visit him.
For the sake of dignity, you shouldn't become too estranged from your father."
Jiang Shu looked at Jiang Rong and smiled warmly, "Third sister, you really deserve to be married into the Lin family. Even though you haven't even gotten married yet, you've already thought things through so thoroughly. You're quite the mistress of the house!"
Jiang Rong's face flushed red. She reached out and tugged at Jiang Shu's sleeve, whispering, "I mean well. Sister, please stop teasing me."
Jiang Shu smiled and changed the subject: "Aunt and sister look very good. It seems that they have been living a comfortable life recently."
When Jiang Rong was mentioned, she had something to say: "After my second sister got married, Yang Shi seemed to have changed. She stayed in the kitchen every day to make soup and cook for my father. She also became much more generous. She no longer treated my aunt and me harshly. My aunt and I have a much better life now."
"My father saw that Yang was virtuous and, remembering their past relationship, he allowed her to manage the household again. They are now very harmonious."
Jiang Shu originally wanted to make sure that Yang and her daughter would never have a chance to turn things around, but she didn't expect that Yang would change her ways and regain Jiang Wenhuan's favor.
There must be something fishy going on. According to Yang's personality, it would be reasonable for her to severely suppress Lin's mother and daughter. She is now calm and virtuous, and she must be planning something big.
Jiang Shu whispered, "Because of me, Jiang Ran had no choice but to become Zheng Zuhe's concubine. Yang hates me so much that she will never stop. Auntie and sister must be careful and don't fall into Yang's trap."
Jiang Rong nodded and said, "In the past, it was my elder sister who protected my aunt and me. From now on, I will stand up and protect my aunt from the wind and rain."
Jiang Shu was very pleased that her sister was becoming braver and braver!
The mother, daughter and their two daughters talked for a while, and then Jiang Shu took the gifts and went back to the Jiang family with Lin. No matter how wicked Jiang Wenhuan was, he was still her father, and she couldn't just ignore him.
Jiang Shu walked into the flower hall and saw Yang serving soup to Jiang Wenhuan. Jiang Wenhuan looked a little listless, but there was a smile on his face, which showed that he was very satisfied with Yang.
Seeing Jiang Shu, Jiang Wenhuan's smile became even brighter. He raised his hand and waved to Jiang Shu, saying, "Shu'er, you're back. Come sit next to me quickly. It's a good opportunity to have a meal with me."
Jiang Shu sat down next to Jiang Wenhuan as she was told. When she got closer, she realized that Jiang Wenhuan had lost a lot of weight, his cheeks were sunken, and the veins on his temples were bulging.
She said, "I haven't seen you for half a month. How come you've lost so much weight?"
Jiang Wenhuan, however, didn't care. He said quite complacently, "I am the emperor's salary and I must be loyal to him. I receive a salary from the court and it is my duty to work hard for the court. I have lost weight due to official duties, but I have lived up to the expectations of my superiors."
As he spoke, he poured a bowl of abalone and black chicken soup and handed it to Jiang Shu: "This soup was cooked by your mother herself. She cooked it for two hours. It tastes very delicious. Try it."
When she was young, except for festivals, Jiang Shu always ate with Lin in the back room. Not to mention eating with Jiang Wenhuan, they rarely even met.
That day was the Mid-Autumn Festival, and Yang specially allowed the mother and daughter to have a banquet in the flower hall. Jiang Shu immediately saw the plum and osmanthus cake on the table, which was her favorite cake.
She wanted to eat a piece of plum osmanthus cake, but the cake was a little far away from her, so she didn't dare to pick it up. She had to lower her head and eat the dishes in front of her.
Halfway through the meal, Jiang Ran jumped down from the chair and naturally climbed onto Jiang Wenhuan's lap. She raised her finger and pointed at the porcelain bowl on the table and said in a sweet voice, "Father, the abalone and black-bone chicken soup is delicious. Sister Ran wants some soup."
Jiang Wenhuan pinched Jiang Ran's nose lovingly, then raised his hand and served her a bowl of soup.
Jiang Shu stared at the bowl of soup for a long time. She had never had abalone and black chicken soup, but she inexplicably felt that the soup must be very delicious, definitely better than plum and osmanthus cake.
Now her father brought her the soup she had longed for since childhood. Although she could not feel any gratitude, a warm feeling still welled up in her heart.
Jiang Shu smiled at Jiang Wenhuan and was about to drink the soup when she heard Lin say, "Shu'er, there's safflower in the abalone and black-bone chicken soup. Safflower has the effect of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis. You're pregnant now, so you can't drink this."
Safflower is often used as a seasoning in soups, and any woman who has given birth knows the taboos of safflower.
Jiang Wenhuan sighed, "I was careless. I didn't even know this."
Jiang Shu said hurriedly: "Father is busy in the officialdom all day long, how could he know the taboos of women. I am very grateful that you are willing to take care of me."
Then she asked Zhu'er to take the gift she brought to Jiang Wenhuan. Jiang Shu said, "I brought some supplements for father. You are weak, so you must take good care of yourself."
After the meal, Jiang Shu stayed in the flower hall to talk with Jiang Wenhuan. The setting sun shone into the house, giving the flower hall a warm color.
The father and daughter sat opposite each other, Jiang Shu made tea for Jiang Wenhuan, and Jiang Wenhuan peeled water chestnuts for Jiang Shu. The two talked and ate snacks. Although it was trivial, it was very heartwarming.
It's okay. It's not appropriate for a married girl to spend the night at her parents' home. As night fell, Jiang Shu took Zhu'er out.
Zhu Er couldn't hold back her words and blurted out, "The master has become much kinder since he fell ill. It's rare that he hasn't asked you to help him get promoted."
Jiang Shu was also puzzled, feeling that her father was no longer her father.
The two were about to get on the carriage when they saw the door next door opened from the inside, and Ye Qian came out supporting Ye's mother.
Seeing Jiang Shu, Mother Ye was very happy and said, "A few days ago, I was eating wontons on the street and heard people chatting. They said you were pregnant. This is really great news."
Mother Ye looked at Jiang Shu, her lips rosy and teeth white, her spirits full, even more charming than before she was married. Being a woman had it hard; most women vomited profusely during pregnancy, so few could match Jiang Shu's spirits.
Shu'er finally got her happy ending after suffering so much.
Ye's mother was very happy when she saw that Jiang Shu was wearing a gold-inlaid jade Guanyin on her neck. Although the Guanyin was made of good material, it was not a rare item. What was rare was the red rope hanging the Guanyin.
Mother Ye's gaze fixed on the red string for a moment, and the smile on her face suddenly faded. She asked Jiang Shu, "Can I let your aunt take a look at the gold-inlaid jade Guanyin on your chest?"
Jiang Shu took off the Guanyin from her neck and handed it to Ye's mother. Ye's mother brought the red rope to her nose and smelled it, then pulled out several thin silk threads from it.
The thread was so thin and small that nothing unusual could be seen even if it was pulled out.
Ye's mother went back to the yard, cut the red rope, took out a small piece, sprinkled the facial powder on the red rope, and lit the red rope with a fire starter.
The smoke curls up, emitting a strange fragrance.
After the fragrance spread, Ye's mother quickly put out the fire. She held Jiang Shu's hand tightly and said seriously, "This thread is made of Wei Xian, also known as Wuxincao. It is usually colorless and odorless, but if it comes into contact with clam powder, its medicinal properties will be activated.
While it can strengthen the body for ordinary people, long-term exposure to it by pregnant women can cause fetal disturbances and eventually miscarriage."
Clam powder is the medicinal inducer of Wei Xian. Whenever Wei Xian is consumed, kudzu powder must be used to induce the medicinal effect.
Ye's mother was in poor health and had to stay in medicine jars all year round. If she hadn't used Wei Xian to decoct medicine for a long time, she would never have discovered the strangeness in Ying Luo.
Mother Ye stared at Jiang Shu and whispered, "Shu'er, who gave you this Guanyin pendant? You must be careful of this person."
As expected, when it comes to personal gain, no one can remain indifferent. If Jiang Shuruo really was pregnant, the fetus in her belly might have been killed by Hu.
The fetus in the belly was a figment of her imagination. Jiang Shu didn't want to talk more about the topic of pregnancy. She smiled vaguely and asked about Ye's mother's health. The two exchanged a few more pleasantries before Jiang Shu went home.
She held the gold and jade Guanyin necklace in her hand and lowered her eyes silently. She could not keep the necklace. If she did not get the abortion when she got it, it would arouse Mrs. Hu's suspicion.
This concerns the title of the Marquis's Mansion. If the "fetus" in her belly is safe, Hu Lingshuang will not be safe. She will definitely find ways to get rid of her fetus. If she fails repeatedly, it is not impossible for her to cut the grass completely.
Jiang Shu has never been the type to be bullied. Since Hu Lingshuang has the intention to harm her, she will not sit idly by and wait for death.
She looked at Zhu'er and whispered, "Send someone to follow Hu Lingshuang. If she has an affair with someone else, report it to me immediately."
Hu Lingshuang and Lu Changfeng were a serious couple. Even if they liked different hobbies, they would not sneak into the back garden to have sex in the middle of the night.
Zhu'er's eyes widened in surprise: "Third Madam is pregnant, and it's hard to give birth and protect the fetus at this time, but she actually dared to have an affair with someone, this is too, too..."
Zhu'er was young and didn't understand the pleasures of the boudoir, but Jiang Shu had been taught a little by Lin. She said, "Food and sex are human nature. Some people are naturally more passionate about these things than the average person. Even when pregnant, they are still addicted."
Zhu'er seemed to have opened the door to a new world. Her eyes rolled around and she suddenly lowered her voice and said, "Could it be that Third Master is in poor health and can't satisfy Third Madam, so Third Madam wants to go out and hunt for food?"
She slapped her thigh and sighed, "If a man despises his wife for being useless, he can openly take a concubine.
If a woman can't be satisfied, she has to sneak around and have an affair. If she's discovered, at best she'll be divorced and sent home, or at worst she'll even lose her life. It's really unfair."
Isn’t it true that the world has too many restrictions on women and is particularly tolerant of men.
If Hu Lingshuang hadn't had any inappropriate thoughts about Jiang Shu, why would Jiang Shu want to expose her?
In the blink of an eye, it was Chinese Valentine's Day. It was not a big festival at first, but because Lu Lin liked lively atmosphere, he called the whole family to the main hall for dinner.
Lu Changji was busy with government affairs and seldom ate at home, but this time he returned home for a rare occasion.
He was sitting at the dining table in a moon-white round-necked robe. The color of the robe was very elegant, which made his face look even more handsome.
Jiang Shu glanced at him secretly, then hurriedly looked away, fearing that someone would discover something.
No one else noticed, but Lu Changji noticed Jiang Shu's gaze, and a smile appeared in his dark eyes.
An elder brother is like a father, and with Lu Changji in charge, Lu Changfeng dared not say anything out of turn. Because of the child in Jiang Shu's belly, his fantasies about her vanished completely, leaving only hatred. He stared at Jiang Shu fiercely, as if he wanted to torture her to death.
Hu Lingshuang tugged at Lu Changfeng's sleeve and said with a smile, "I see that my second sister-in-law has become a little plumper. She must have taken good care of herself."
After she finished speaking, she noticed that Jiang Shu's neck was empty, and she didn't know why she was not wearing the Guanyin necklace. Could it be that Jiang Shu discovered something?
Hu Lingshuang's heart tightened. She feigned a casual smile and asked, "Why isn't my second sister-in-law wearing that gold-inlaid jade Guanyin necklace? Guanyin brings fertility, so it's most appropriate for pregnant women to wear it!"
Jiang Shu sighed softly, as if she was filled with regret. "Yesterday, when I was bathing, I knocked the necklace against the tub and broke it right there. It's all my fault for being so careless and letting down my third brother's wife's kindness."
Hu Lingshuang was a little disappointed, but she was also happy that Jiang Shu hadn't noticed anything strange about the necklace. She breathed a sigh of relief and said, "No matter how precious the necklace is, it's just a thing outside of one's body. If it breaks, it breaks. What matters most is that my second sister-in-law is safe and sound."
Lu Changfeng failed, and as soon as he left the main hall, he cursed softly: "Jiang, that bitch, has a humble background, but a very tough life. My aunt had a hard time finding the abortion herbs, but she managed to get away with it by mistake."
Hu Lingshuang also sighed a little, but she didn't dare to add fuel to Lu Changfeng's anger. She said softly, "There's still a lot of time. We can always find an opportunity."
She pursed her lips and smiled, then said, "Don't be angry, Third Master. A few days ago, I went to General Jie's house for tea and heard people gossiping about a skinny girl from Yangzhou who came to Yichunlou. She was very pretty, with both beauty and talent.
If you are feeling down, why not go to Yichun Tower and let that skinny horse take good care of you? Once you feel better, your anger will naturally subside."
Lu Changfeng has been through a lot and is very unrestrained in bed. Ordinary tricks can no longer satisfy him. Hu Lingshuang is pregnant, and although they can have sex, they dare not enjoy it to their heart's content.
Now that Hu Lingshuang had taken the initiative to ask him to go out and have some fun, it was no exaggeration to say that this was timely assistance. He pulled Hu Lingshuang into his arms, kissed her fiercely on the lips, and whispered, "You really understand me. After you give birth to the child, I will stay in your room every day and never flirt with other women again."
Hu Lingshuang pinched his arm and said softly, "Third Master, why are you still nagging? Go quickly!"
Lu Changfeng was already distracted. He said "hmm" and strode towards the door.
Hu Lingshuang stared at Lu Changfeng's back, wiped her lips in disgust, and turned to walk towards the back garden.
Lu Changji stood on the other side of the moon-shaped window and heard the conversation between Lu Changfeng and his wife clearly.
Lu Changfeng was very bold and even dared to plot against Jiang Shu.
Lu Changji looked at Cheng Yong and whispered, "The third brother is disobedient and it's time for him to learn a lesson."
Cheng Yongdao said yes, and disappeared into the night in a moment.
The flowing moonlight sprinkles in the courtyard, making the lush yard lively.
Lu Changji remembered that it was on a moonlit night that he held Jiang Shu's ankle and straightened her bones. It was also on such a moonlit night that Jiang Shu overheard his conversation with Cheng Yong and became wary of him.
His feelings for her seemed to sprout, turn, and ferment little by little on the moonlit night.
Lu Changji looked up at the moon in the sky, wishing him a long life, so that he could enjoy the beauty of the moon together even though they were thousands of miles apart. Today was Qixi Festival, and it was time for him to go see her.
He walked in the moonlight to Xinchun Garden.
The gate of Xinchun Garden was closed. Lu Changji knocked on the door, but no one answered. He pushed the door open and walked into the flower hall.
The hall was also empty. He went to the tea couch, poured a cup of tea, and took a sip. At this time, Jiang Shu's voice came from the side room.
There were no guards or servants in Xinchun Garden, only three servants and four maids.
The servants did not stay overnight in the Marquis's mansion, but the maids needed to keep watch. However, because today was the Chinese Valentine's Day, Jiang Shu gave them a day off.
Fang Yu and Nong Qi were both from Bian Jing. They went home to visit their parents early in the morning. Bichun had just gotten engaged, so naturally she went to spend time with her fiancé under the moonlight.
Zhu'er was sold by her brother and sister-in-law, and she had nowhere to go. Jiang Shu originally thought that Zhu'er would go outside to watch the lanterns, but she didn't expect to hear Zhu'er's footsteps just after she finished taking a bath.
"Zhu'er, bring in my pajamas." Lu Changji glanced sideways and saw a goose yellow pajamas embroidered with willow branches lying quietly on the chaise longue.
He stood up, holding the shawl in his hand, and went into the side room.
What caught my eye was a screen with a hollow carving of lotus leaves and ruyi patterns. Then I heard the sound of dripping water, and a white and exquisite figure came into view through the hollow patterns on the screen.
Lu Changji's breathing became tense, and he felt all the blood in his body rushing into his head. His thoughts were in a mess, and his breathing was a little disordered. He couldn't help but clench the pajamas in his hands.
"Zhu'er, give me your clothes." Jiang Shu said as she stretched out her arm from the side of the screen.
Her arms were white and smooth, with tiny water droplets hanging on them, more delicate than white jade.
Lu Changji's cold, pale cheeks couldn't help but turn slightly red. He forced himself to look away from that arm and handed the pajamas to Jiang Shu.
At this moment, I suddenly caught a glimpse of a long chest-wrapped gauze draped over the screen. The cloth was folded several times and was at least two meters long.
How can an ordinary bra be so long?
Lu Changji suddenly thought of Jiang Shu's slightly plump body.
An unfathomable light flashed in his dark eyes. He turned and walked out of the side room, then returned to the flower hall and sat down.
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