Chapter 43 Chapter 43 Planning for Sex
It was raining and windy outside, but the temperature inside was rising higher and higher.
Lu Changji stared at Jiang Shu, slowly leaned down, and gently kissed her on the cheek.
He originally thought that he would be satisfied just by watching her from afar, but now he knows that this is like drinking poison to quench thirst. He must keep her by his side. Only by guarding her and protecting her every day can he feel at ease.
Lu Changji's eyes swept over Jiang Shu's belly. He would declare his feelings to her after she gave birth. What about brother-in-law and uncle, what about moral principles? As long as he, Lu Changji, was willing, none of that mattered.
He wanted to marry her openly and honestly, let her stand by his side with dignity, and never let her suffer any injustice again.
There was a knock on the door, and Cheng Yongdao announced that Doctor Wen had arrived. Lu Changji helped Jiang Shu get dressed and let Doctor Wen in.
This was the second time Doctor Wen entered the Canaan Courtyard. He found the situation inside the house extremely strange.
Second Madam had a high fever, so why did she end up lying on the eldest master's couch? And looking at the eldest master's condition, it was obvious that he was very worried about Third Madam, sister-in-law and uncle. They should avoid suspicion, so how could they get together in the middle of the night? Why were they like this...
Doctor Wen was filled with doubt, fearing Lu Changji would notice his abnormality. He nervously walked to the bedside, not even daring to raise his head. He reached out and placed a hand on Jiang Shu's wrist. Jiang Shu's pulse was slow, indicating a high fever caused by the cold wind.
Doctor Wen wrote a prescription as he spoke: "Second Madam is in good health and there's nothing serious wrong with her. Two doses of this decoction will bring down her fever."
"How is the fetus in her belly?" Lu Changji asked.
Doctor Wen didn't feel uneasy lying to Zhao, but he felt overwhelmed in front of Lu Changji. Cold sweat broke out on his palms. He silently wiped the sweat on his sleeves and said with a stiff upper lip, "The fetus is fine."
Lu Changji nodded and stopped talking, and the room fell into silence.
Doctor Wen's heart was beating like a drum, as if it was being roasted on charcoal fire. He always felt that Lu Changji's silence had a deeper meaning.
The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Doctor Wen was terrified and was about to reveal the truth when Lu Changji gestured "please" and whispered, "Thank you, Doctor Wen. Please take your time."
Doctor Wen suddenly relaxed and walked out of the room in a hurry.
Doctor Wen is an excellent doctor. After taking a bowl of medicine, Jiang Shu's fever subsided.
She opened her eyes and saw a dark blue curtain. Lu Changji stood outside the curtain, gazing down at her. His eyes were gentle and peaceful, like a clear spring.
His eyes were too gentle, gently pulling at Jiang Shu's heartstrings. Jiang Shu felt panicked and subconsciously grabbed the quilt beside her and cast her eyes to the ceiling of the bed.
"Are you still feeling uncomfortable now?" Lu Changji's voice sounded in Jiang Shu's ears, warm and hot, making her feel itchy and numb, and her speech was not as fluent as before.
"It's okay." Her voice was trembling, as if she had been severely bullied.
The soft voice reached his ears, and Lu Changji's penis became stronger again. His body was as hot as red-hot iron, his breathing became disordered, and his mind was also in a mess.
He had no resistance to her.
The quiet environment made Jiang Shu uneasy. She mustered up her courage to look at Lu Changji and asked in a low voice, "Uncle, how did I get here?"
Lu Changji said gently, "You had a high fever and fainted, so I brought you to Canaan Courtyard."
Lu Changji's words seemed to answer Jiang Shu's question, but Jiang Shu always felt that something was wrong. She didn't ask too much. She looked down at her clothes and saw that they were still tidy. Then she supported herself on the headboard and slowly sat up.
He said in a gentle voice, "Thank you for your help, uncle. It's getting late, I don't want to bother you any more. Please go to bed early."
She is still under house arrest, and the Zhao family will definitely send someone to keep an eye on her, so it is not advisable for her to stay with Lu Changji for too long.
After Jiang Shu finished speaking, she was about to leave. Her high fever had just subsided and her body felt sore. As soon as she stood up, her vision went dark and she fell heavily onto the bed.
Lu Changji bent down, passed his arm under Jiang Shu's waist, supported her waist, and lifted her up steadily.
His arm was quickly withdrawn, but Jiang Shu felt a heat around her waist, as if Lu Changji had left his mark.
She coughed lightly and lowered her eyes uncomfortably.
At this time, Lu Changji slowly squatted in front of her, held her ankle with his bony hands, and put the embroidered shoes on her feet.
He looked serious, as if he was doing the most important thing.
Jiang Shu knew that she should thank Lu Changji, but for some reason, the words of thanks were stuck in her throat and she couldn't utter them no matter what.
Lu Changji didn't mind. He stood up, crossed his arms in front of Jiang Shu, and whispered, "Hold me, I'll take you out."
Jiang Shu put her hand on Lu Changji's forearm and walked slowly out of the house with him.
His forearms were steady and strong, and she knew that no matter what happened, as long as she held on to his arms, she would not fall again.
Jiang Shu walked to the corridor and saw a sedan chair with green curtains in the yard. She stepped into the sedan chair by holding Lu Changji's arm.
The rain did not stop all night, and Jiang Shu did not sleep either. She always felt that something was different, but it seemed that nothing had changed.
Uncle has always treated her well, or perhaps, he just treats her well.
As soon as it was light, Zhao's maid came in and apologized to Jiang Shu as Zhao had instructed.
Jiang Shu then realized that Lu Changji had secretly helped her, and she couldn't help but have some romantic thoughts in her mind, but she quickly drove the unrealistic fantasy out of her mind.
Lu Changji is extremely powerful and is the ideal husband coveted by countless ladies from noble families. How could she have deserved his favor?
Jiang Shu smiled bitterly, forced herself to collect her thoughts, picked up the canvas beside her, and started sewing.
She had just embroidered half of a lotus flower when Fang Yu reported that Zhao Yingyun wanted to see her.
Because of the jade pendant incident, Jiang Shu had a grudge against Zhao Yingyun, but because of her relationship with the Zhao family, she couldn't refuse Zhao Yingyun and had to let Zhao Yingyun in.
Zhao Yingyun sat down in front of Jiang Shu and asked with concern, "I heard people say you were sick when I woke up today. Are you feeling better now?"
Jiang Shu changed her usual enthusiastic attitude and said indifferently, "I just had a high fever. It's not a big deal. I'm sorry to bother you, cousin."
Jiang Shu's tone wasn't exactly kind, and Zhao Yingyun knew she was suspicious of her. But it was just suspicion. Without evidence, what could Jiang Shu do?
Zhao Yingyun smiled calmly: "What are you talking about, cousin? We are relatives, we should care about each other."
As she spoke, she sighed heavily, "Cousin Ying'er has a reckless temper and often acts out of loyalty. She misunderstood my sister-in-law yesterday, but she wasn't targeting anyone, and she definitely didn't mean to offend my sister-in-law. Please don't take it to heart."
Jiang Shu took a sip of tea and whispered, "We are all family, and I am Ying'er's elder. I will never argue with her."
The words were polite, but the meaning was self-evident.
Zhao Yingyun felt that Jiang Shu was more powerful, so she didn't argue with her and asked Mian Wu to put a food box on the eight-immortals table in the room.
Smiling, she said, "I asked the kitchen to stew a bowl of blood swallows. Blood swallows nourish the yin and moisten the lungs, and are most beneficial to women. I hope my cousin-in-law won't dislike it."
Jiang Shu asked Fang Yu to accept the blood swallows and said politely, "Blood swallows are precious. I will definitely taste them well. My cousin is so thoughtful."
Zhao Yingyun exchanged a few more words with Jiang Shu before saying goodbye and leaving.
Coming out of the inner bedroom, they arrived at the flower hall. Zhao Yingyun's eyes swept across the treasure gourd vase on the table. The vase had obviously moved to another place. How come Nanny Zhou didn't find anything?
Could it be that Jiang Shu’s people discovered something unusual and put the jade pendant away in advance?
Zhao Yingyun was confused but couldn't find any clues. She just wanted to slander Jiang Shu for being dishonest and let Zhao send Jiang Shu back to her parents' home to give birth. However, she didn't expect that not only did her work go in vain, but it also aroused Jiang Shu's suspicion. It is not an exaggeration to say that it was not worth it.
As soon as Zhao Yingyun left, Jiang Shu received an invitation from the Jiang family. The invitation was written by Jiang Rong, saying that the wedding was imminent and they wanted to invite Jiang Shu home for a chat.
Lin Yunzhi's mother is a living Bodhisattva who is not involved in anything. After Jiang Rong got married, there were a lot of miscellaneous affairs waiting for her to deal with. How could the two sisters meet each other whenever they want like they do now?
Jiang Shu changed her clothes and told the servants to harness the carriage. When the carriage reached Yujiefang, Jiang Shu saw a calligraphy shop on the street.
She stopped the carriage and walked into the shop to choose calligraphy for Jiang Bin.
Although Jiang Shu and Zhao were not on good terms, she had no second thoughts towards Jiang Bin. Bin was young and kind-hearted, and whenever she saw Jiang Shu, she would always call her elder sister in a friendly manner.
Jiang Shu carefully picked out two brushes and an inkstone for Jiang Bin. When she was about to leave, she found that Ye Qian was also buying calligraphy in this shop.
Ye Qian took the calligraphy from Jiang Shu and wanted to pay for her. Jiang Shu didn't hesitate and handed the calligraphy to Ye Qian.
The Ye family was poor. After Jiang Shu and Ye Qian got engaged, she not only took care of Ye's mother, but also bought Ye Qian pens, inkstones, and brushes when she had enough money. If Ye Qian earned any money from writing, he would also buy her some small things.
The two had treated each other wholeheartedly, but fate played a trick on them. Although they did not become husband and wife, they regarded each other as family members in their hearts.
After Ye Qian settled the bill, he handed the calligraphy to Zhu'er and whispered to Jiang Shu, "You are pregnant, so you must take care of yourself and don't lift heavy objects in the future."
Jiang Shu was speechless. Because of the false pregnancy, she didn't want to mention the baby in her belly in front of outsiders, so she changed the subject: "Life is hard in the Hanlin Academy. Is Brother Ye Qian doing well in the Hanlin Academy?"
Ye Qian said everything was fine: "When encountering official business with precedents, I will handle it according to the precedents. When encountering official business without precedents, I will ask the scholars for advice. I am new to the officialdom and do not seek merit. Everything is based on safety."
Although he spoke modestly, he was actually highly trusted by his superiors after taking office. In just a few months, he was transferred to his superiors' side for training.
Thinking of Ye Qian's previous hard life, Jiang Shu felt very comforted. Now he can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.
They were both people who knew their limits. No matter how close they had been before, their current status made it inappropriate for them to stay together for too long. They talked in low voices for a few more words before returning home.
When Jiang Shu arrived home, Jiang Rong was packing her dowry. The Jiang family was poor, and even if Jiang Wenhuan wanted to promote Jiang Rong, he could not afford a generous dowry.
Lu Changyi left all his private property to Jiang Shu. Although Jiang Shu was walking on thin ice all day long, she was not short of money. With a wave of her hand, she gave Jiang Rong an additional three thousand taels of private property.
Jiang Rong had never seen so much money since she was born. After being surprised, she tried her best to refuse: "Eldest sister, you have already given me a lot of property. It is not reasonable for me to empty your pockets by marrying again.
I know you don't need money, but the prince has passed away, and you're pregnant, so you'll need money in the future. You'd better take this banknote back!"
Jiang Shu smiled, put the banknote into Jiang Rong's hand, and said gently, "Just keep it. Why are you nagging me? I will only give you a box when I have enough money left."
Jiang Shu was a man who thought things through, always leaving a way out no matter what situation she was in. Since she insisted on giving Jiang Rong a box, Jiang Rong didn't refuse. She opened the small box beside the bed, placed the banknotes inside, and locked it carefully.
The two sisters chatted away for a while, talking about their innermost thoughts. At this moment, Mrs. Wu came in with a smile on her face. She looked at Jiang Rong and said softly, "Miss San, Minister Lin is here to see you."
When Jiang Rong heard the words "Minister Lin", a faint pink color appeared on her fair cheeks.
Jiang Shu pursed her lips and smiled, jokingly saying, "Minister Lin is thinking of you, why don't you hurry to the flower hall and entertain him properly."
Jiang Rong felt a little embarrassed, but she stood up and walked out. She knew she should be more proud, but she couldn't help herself. Her steps became faster and faster, and she could see the people in the room through the beaded curtain.
Lin Yunzhi was wearing a sky-blue robe, with a gentle and elegant temperament, as beautiful as a fragrant orchid. Jiang Rong had never seen anyone more handsome than him.
Her heart was beating so fast that it seemed like it was about to jump out of her throat.
When he reached the door, Jiang Rong took a deep breath, stopped, straightened his hair, adjusted his clothes, and stepped into the house.
Jiang Rong's face flushed red, and it was obvious that she had run over quickly. The woman was shy, and Lin Yunzhi didn't want to expose her. She reached out and handed the herbal tea on the table to her: "This herbal tea tastes very good, you can have a cup and try it."
Jiang Rong nodded, picked up the teacup and drank it all in one gulp. After finishing the drink, she felt that her behavior was a bit rude, and her face turned redder.
Lin Yunzhi coughed lightly, his eyes gleaming brightly. He didn't want Jiang Rong to be embarrassed, so he changed the subject: "I passed by Wufangzhai on my next shift, and since you like desserts, I bought you a plate of kidney bean cakes."
Jiang Rong liked kidney bean cake the most and subconsciously wanted to enjoy it, but when she thought of her previous loss of composure, she suppressed her impulse.
Lin Yunzhi pursed her lips and chuckled, then picked up a piece of kidney bean cake and handed it to Jiang Rong, saying softly, "Kidney bean cake should be eaten while it's hot. It won't taste good if it's cold."
Here, while Jiang Rong was away, Lin took advantage of the fact that Jiang Rong was not around and pulled Jiang Shu aside to whisper, "After Qian'er entered the officialdom, many families wanted to marry him, but he politely declined."
"Do you think he's still thinking about you, and that's why he rejected other women?"
Jiang Shu interrupted Lin softly, "Aunt, I have already called off the engagement with Brother Ye Qian. We have parted ways and have nothing to do with each other anymore.
You can just say this to me today, but don't mention it to anyone else, or you won't ruin Brother Ye Qian's reputation."
Lin smiled awkwardly: "Auntie has no other thoughts, don't think too much."
Jiang Shu smiled bitterly. How could she not think too much about it? If she could marry Brother Ye Qian, she wouldn't have to suffer now.
She was pregnant, and if anything happened, she would be immediately disposed of by the Zhao family and buried with Lu Changyi. If she married Ye Qian, she wouldn't have to think about having a child day and night, nor would she have to suffer life-threatening setbacks.
Ye Qian is ambitious and his mother is kind. Marrying Ye Qian may mean a harder life, but if the couple is in love and treat each other as equals, the hardship will not be a big deal.
The more Jiang Shu thought about it, the more sad she felt. Unfortunately, she could only swallow the bitterness herself. She didn't even have the right to speak out loud.
"Big sister." Jiang Shu's thoughts were brought back to reality by Jiang Rong.
She looked at Jiang Rong and asked with a smile, "Minister Lin is gone?"
Jiang Rong hummed, stretched out her hand to pull Jiang Shu's sleeve, and said in a soft voice: "Five days later, I will be getting married. You must accompany me then.
A family like the Lin family only interacts with wealthy and powerful families, and I'm afraid I can't handle it."
Five days later, five days later...
Five days later is the time when Jiang Shu is most likely to get pregnant. Lin Yunzhi is Lu Changji's subordinate, so Lu Changji will definitely be there.
The wedding was bustling with guests, and she planned carefully so that she could have sex with Lu Changji again.
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