It does sound like quite a coincidence.
But Li Chenjiao had been in the Fourth Master's backyard for more than a year. How could she not know which path was smooth and which was not?
She knew the courtyard where Madam Xie lived, so why would she end up on this road to pay her respects at the main courtyard? It was such a roundabout way.
It would be understandable if Li Chenjiao had run into Wu Gege on the way today, since Li Chenjiao and Wu Gege lived in the same house, one in front of the other, and both took the same path to the front yard.
However, the Xie family lived in the area closest to the front yard, while the main yard was located at the central axis of the entire back yard.
In other words, the reason Li Chenjiao was able to meet Xie Shi here was that Xie Shi had chosen the furthest route from her courtyard to the main courtyard.
Coincidentally, Madam Xie was also wearing a lake-blue cheongsam today, with two clusters of pink lotus flowers embroidered on the dress, a truly elegant color.
However, Xie's appearance was naturally delicate and charming, and this color softened that charm, adding a touch of gentleness.
Li Chenjiao waved her round fan, lightly touching the tip of her nose with the fan surface. Qiu Hu, standing beside her, understood and blocked Xie Gege's probing gaze from the opposite side for her princess.
"It's so sunny today, you should bring an umbrella to shield yourself from the sun," Qiu Ci said cleverly from the other side, helping her princess walk forward.
With one master and two servants, they completely ignored Xie Shi.
Li Chenjiao was too lazy to talk at the moment; it was too hot.
Upon entering the main courtyard, Li Chenjiao felt a refreshing coolness as she stepped inside, where an ice chest stood.
It has to be comfortable inside the house.
Xu arrived early as always, and Wu Gege also arrived. It was clear that she was almost eight months pregnant, and her belly was already quite large.
Li Chenjiao was frightened even from afar, and rarely spoke up, saying, "It's alright for Princess Wu to skip the greetings for now."
Previously, when Madam Song was seven months pregnant, she rarely came to the main courtyard to pay her respects.
It seems that the Fujin mentioned it to the Fourth Prince at that time. After the Fourth Prince consulted the imperial physician, he instructed that women who were pregnant in the back courtyard of the mansion and had been pregnant for seven months did not need to pay their respects to the main courtyard.
You can walk around in your own yard if you really want.
Just then, Madam Song came in and, upon hearing Li Chenjiao's words, smiled and said, "It's normal that you don't know this since you've never given birth, Li Gege. Walking around more before childbirth is actually beneficial for a woman's delivery."
When Song said this, a hint of self-satisfaction appeared on her face.
After all, she is the only one in the household who has given birth.
Li Chenjiao waved her fan, already finding the incense in the main courtyard too cloying, and now, hearing Song's voice, she became even more impatient.
She lifted her eyelids slightly and said indifferently, "Then I have learned something," without even bothering to give Song a glance.
Wu Gege simply smiled and said, "Just thinking about having to pay my respects to the Fujin makes this journey seem like nothing."
Li Chenjiao felt even more annoyed; she really shouldn't have said anything.
At this moment, Xie entered behind Song and laughed when she heard what Wu Gege said: "Sister Wu is right. When the sisters are not in the mansion, I also come to the main courtyard to talk to the Fujin according to the rules on the first and fifteenth of the month. But why didn't I see Sister Wu on the first day?"
Wu returned to the mansion a few days earlier than Li Chenjiao and the others.
Li Chenjiao remained silent, watching the scene unfold.
It's a pity we can't drink tea.
As the saying goes, three women make a drama, and today Li Chenjiao has witnessed it firsthand.
This was the most lively greeting Li Chenjiao had received since entering the manor.
Wu's smile froze noticeably: "That day I felt a little unwell and sent a maid to the main courtyard to apologize. It's possible that Consort Xie didn't know. I'm not as energetic as Consort Xie, who can sing so beautifully at night."
Li Chenjiao almost couldn't hold back her laughter, but she still lowered her head and chuckled.
Both of these women were chosen by Consort De, but it's clear they don't like each other.
At least Wu Gege was.
Princess Wu was raised from childhood to be the primary consort. While the previous wife, Li Chenjiao, was charming, she hadn't done anything outrageous. But this Xie Shi before her—
Not only is he full of bad intentions, but he's also restless.
Even Consort Wu couldn't understand why Consort De would choose such a person to enter the inner palace.
Madam Song chimed in, "Princess Wu, you're so clueless about romance."
Wu Gege glanced at her, thinking that this person was brainless, and too lazy to cater to her, so she simply lowered her head and pretended not to hear.
Madam Song was furious at her attitude. Just as she was about to say something, the head wife arrived.
"What are they all talking about? Why is it so lively?"
Everyone hurriedly stood up and said in unison, "Greetings to the Princess Consort."
The Fujin sat at the head of the table, glancing over Song and Li, who were on the left and right at the front, and Wu and Xie, who were behind.
"Get up, everyone."
Everyone took their seats.
As usual, the Princess Consort inquired, "Is the eldest princess feeling any better? When the weather gets cooler, Madam Song, you should have someone carry the eldest princess out for walks more often; it will be good for her."
After speaking, the Fujin did not give Song a chance to reply.
"I'm happy to see you all, especially Princess Wu. You're quite pregnant. The child in your belly is important. Is everything alright with you?"
Lady Wu naturally appeared very grateful for the care shown by the Fujin (the wife of the emperor).
"And Li Shi, Fourth Master often visits you. You're considered an old man in the household, so why isn't your belly showing any signs of pregnancy? I'm worried about you."
This is a topic that has been discussed many times before.
However, everyone knew in their hearts that they probably hoped that Li Shi would never be pregnant. If Li Chenjiao were to become pregnant, who knows who would be secretly anxious.
Li Chenjiao was too lazy to even respond: "What the Princess Consort says is true."
"The Empress in the palace just bestowed this new tea upon you all; please try it. Doesn't Lady Li like it?"
Li Chenjiao replied, "This servant's palate is not worthy of such fine tea."
The princess looked at her suspiciously, but these words did indeed sound like something Li would say.
However, the Fujin (principal wife) was secretly watching, and only after Li Shi put down her fan, picked up her teacup and drank tea while others were talking did she finally look away.
She naturally hoped that Li would never encounter happiness in her life.
“I didn’t notice it just now, but today, Li Shi, you’re dressed somewhat similarly to Xie Shi. I almost mistook you for someone else,” the Fujin said.
Song replied, "I thought I was the only one who noticed, but they all look quite good to me."
Wu Gege laughed: "They only wear similar clothes. No matter how similar the clothes are, people are still different."
Wu Gege's words were not meant to help Li Chenjiao, but rather because she disliked Xie Shi and was deliberately trying to provoke the Fujin.
Xie Hengyi smiled upon hearing this: "We're all in Fourth Master's backyard, and we're all sisters. It's normal for sisters to look alike."
That's disgusting.
If they really look alike, they'd have to be biological sisters. Those who aren't related—this sounds like they're suggesting a two-woman-one-husband arrangement with Li Chenjiao.
Li Chenjiao said slowly, "Really? I think Princess Xie and the Fujin do have somewhat similar features."
Do you really think she's easy to bully?
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