“That’s precisely why, Qin’er, you can’t hold a grudge against Master at this time. She’s always putting on an act and showing weakness in front of him. If you continue like this, it will only make Master think that you’re intolerant,” said Madam Song.
Lanqin was speechless after Song's words, and a bitter feeling welled up from the bottom of her heart again.
"Qin'er, you are a smart person. If you get angry with the master right now, you will be at a disadvantage. That lady is pregnant, and your aunt in the palace is watching," Wu Shi reminded her.
Lanqin nodded, pondered for a moment, and said, "I understand your kindness, sisters. Don't worry, I'll adjust. It's just that this time it's taking a little longer."
Song and Wu exchanged a glance, then chatted with Lanqin for a while longer before heading back home as it approached dusk.
Meanwhile, Lady Wuya was sitting in her main room eating grapes. There were two ice basins in her room, which the Fourth Prince had sent over because he felt sorry for her being pregnant and afraid of the heat.
“Princess, it seems the South Courtyard and Master are at odds,” Cuiyun said.
“That’s good. The longer they’re awkward around each other, the better, so that the master’s heart will lean more towards me,” said Uya.
"I never expected that this Dragon Boat Festival would have such a good effect. All of Princess's performance in front of the master has been worthwhile," Cuiyun said.
"Well, it would be best if we could think of another way to make the master completely hate the South Courtyard," said Madam Wuya.
Cuiyun noticed a sinister glint in Wuya's eyes and realized she was thinking about how to deal with Nanxiaoyuan.
“Master, I think you shouldn’t do anything now. The master is already at odds with Nan Xiaoyuan. If you make a move and the master finds out, he might…” Cuiyun said.
"Alright, I was just saying. I'm pregnant now and can't do anything. Let's make plans after the child is safely delivered," said Madam Wuya. She did want to use her unborn child to scheme against Lanqin, but she was also reluctant. After all, this child was her future livelihood in the inner quarters.
"Princess, you should control your appetite, otherwise it will really be dangerous if you keep growing like this," Cuiyun said.
Mentioning this made Wuya feel depressed; she had gotten so fat that she was almost unrecognizable. Actually, although the Fourth Prince hadn't gone to the South Courtyard recently, he hadn't come to her place either. He had only sent people over to inquire, deliver things, and occasionally come over for a visit, but she hadn't seen him stay overnight.
"I don't know what's going on either," said Uya-shi, annoyed.
Just then, a figure who hadn't appeared for a long time suddenly lifted the bamboo curtain and came in.
Uya and her servants were both taken aback when they saw her; it turned out to be Lingxiu, the Fujin's maid. She hadn't come for a long time.
"This servant greets Princess Wuya!" Lingxiu walked up to Wuya and bowed.
"Cuiyun, go outside and keep an eye out, lest someone overhear. Lingxiu, how is the Fujin? Yesterday was the Dragon Boat Festival, and I didn't have a chance to say much to her." Since her failed plot against Lanqin, Wuya hadn't contacted the Fujin much.
"Thank you for thinking of me, Princess. The reason they came to see you today is because I was concerned about your pregnancy and specially sent me to check on you," Lingxiu said.
"Thank you for your concern, Madam. But I'm eating and sleeping well now, and I really don't feel unwell," said Madam Wuya.
“But the Fujin said that Princess Wuya’s figure is changing too fast. She is only five months pregnant now, but there are still four months left. If she continues to grow like this, she will probably have a difficult childbirth,” Lingxiu said.
Upon hearing this, Lady Wuya was startled and said, "Actually, I have already given birth to one child before, so this is not my first pregnancy. It should be easier for me."
“But the baby in Princess’s belly is too big. Even if it’s not her first child, she will still have a difficult delivery,” Lingxiu said.
“I know all this, but what can I do? I can’t resist for more than a few days before I crave it. I just can’t control myself!” Uya said wearily. In the bronze mirror, she could see that her once beautiful face had gradually lost its charm, turning into a plump woman.
"Princess, was your last pregnancy like this?" Lingxiu asked.
“That’s not true at all. That time, I didn’t gain any weight at all. I don’t know why, but this time my appetite is so good,” said Uya.
"When did the princess's appetite improve?" Lingxiu asked.
"It was shortly after I was diagnosed with pregnancy that I suddenly felt better. Actually, I didn't have an appetite before," said Uya.
“Princess, our Madam actually suspects that you may have fallen for someone’s scheme. Think back to yourself, is there something wrong?” Lingxiu said.
“Actually, I had my suspicions and even called Doctor Lin to examine me. He didn’t find anything wrong with me, and I didn’t feel any discomfort,” said Uya.
Lingxi frowned and said, "Judging from Gege's current weight, the next four months will be a crucial period for her to gain weight. If there's really nothing wrong with Gege, then she really needs to control her diet."
Wuya asked, "Lingxiu, Your Highness, what exactly happened? Has someone really done something to me?"
Lingxiu nodded and said, "The Madam found it strange. She told me to tell the princess to observe herself carefully and see where someone has tampered with her. There are actually many ways to improve her appetite. For example, it is possible to give the princess medicine to improve her appetite."
After seeing Lingxiu off, Wuya fell into deep thought. She pondered her own meals, then remembered that Lanqin had taken over the kitchen from Nianshi. Could Lanqin have done something to her?
Suddenly, Uya began to suspect that someone had tampered with her food!
The next day, she asked Cuiyun to bring the meals as usual, but when the meals were placed in front of her, she said to Cuiyun, "Go and inform the concubine immediately that I am not feeling well and ask her to send Doctor Lin to take a look."
"Master, do you want Doctor Lin to examine these foods?" Cuiyun asked.
“I can’t think of anyone else who could harm me. She has just resumed her position in charge of the kitchen, and it’s unclear whether she might have designs on me. So, let’s have Doctor Lin come and take a look,” said Lady Wuya.
“But Master, please don’t forget, this Doctor Lin is from the South Courtyard. If he has ulterior motives, then things could get complicated,” Cuiyun said.
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