Meixiang's commotion displeased the old lady. She had someone take the trembling Meixiang out and then asked the doctor about the medicine.
When the old lady inquired about the medicine, the doctor knelt down and presented the prescription, saying, "Please, Madam, understand that this is not something a lowly person would dare to do!" The old lady took the prescription from Li Mama and her pupils widened several times when she saw the changes made by Fukang'an. Not only was this something the doctor would not dare to do, but it was probably only Fukang'an in the entire city of Beijing who would dare to do it.
Every time the old lady prayed to Buddha, she begged Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, to grant her son a child. Unexpectedly, her prayers were answered by Xiang'er's pregnancy. Disregarding her initial intention to remain secluded for a month, she followed Yan Ning to Furong Garden. However, Fukang'an's actions made the old lady suspicious of Xiang'er's pregnancy. But then she thought again, the Fucha household had strict rules, and Xiang'er had no opportunity to meet with others in secret. After Yan Ning's arrival, Xiang'er rarely left Furong Garden.
Mentioning Yan Ning, the old lady thought that Fukang'an must have truly loved Yan Ning and didn't want her to hold a grudge, which was why he was so cruel as to kill his own child. Yan Ning coming to see her meant it wasn't her true intention. The old lady helped Li Mama to her feet, pondering that if it was Yan Ning's true intention, then her thoughts were far too deeply hidden.
The old lady left Haitang to serve her in the Hibiscus Garden, and ordered Zhao Xing to invite Fukang'an to the Peony Hall to pay his respects. After taking a few steps, the old lady turned her head slightly, "You should also go back to your own courtyard!" The old lady only combed her hair into a simple bun, and the peony hairpin on her head was a little loose but did not fall off, and her lightly made-up face was faintly visible.
Yan Ning understood that the old lady's words were directed at her, so she turned to Xiang'er and gently comforted her, "Now that the old lady knows you are pregnant, I'm afraid the general will no longer disobey her orders. Just focus on your pregnancy! I'll come to see you again when I have the chance!" The turmoil in Xiang'er's eyes gradually faded, and she regained her former clarity.
Hanging in the main hall of Jian Gong Zhai is the sword that Fu Ling'an gave to Fu Kang'an before his death. It had been with Fu Ling'an for decades and was a personal sword given to him by Fu Heng. When Fu Kang'an returned to Jian Gong Zhai, he immediately saw the sword, and his hand, which had been stained with calligraphy, clenched into a fist.
Zhao Xing searched around and found Fukang'an at Jianguozhai. He quickly informed the old lady that she wanted him to go to Mudan Hall. On the way, Fukang'an heard Zhao Xing mention that Yan Ning had invited the old lady to Furong Garden, and he understood the old lady's intention in sending him to Mudan Hall.
The old lady changed into a fashionable brown-green cheongsam, restyled her hair, adorned with pearls and jewels, and added another layer of makeup to her already lightly made-up face.
Fukang'an knelt on one knee, "Your son greets his mother!"
The old lady reached out a hand to help Fukang'an up. He stood up and sat in the seat below the old lady, only looking at the belt with pearls around his waist.
"Why can't Xiang'er keep her pregnancy?" the old lady asked.
"Xiang'er is frail; keeping this child will only harm her vital energy!" Fukang'an replied simply, without looking up at the old lady.
Everyone in the manor knew that Xiang'er was skilled in martial arts, so the old lady naturally didn't believe Fukang'an's words, and was even more convinced that he had committed this sin for Yan Ning's sake. "I will personally protect Xiang'er's pregnancy! Let's see who dares to stir up trouble and harm the descendants of my Fucha family!"
The words "descendants of the Fucha family" made Fukang'an look up at the old lady. He stood up, bowed, and left the Peony Hall.
Fukang'an understood that the old lady's words were directed at Yan Ning, but he didn't want to defend her. This matter had started because of her meddling, and it was a good opportunity to teach her how to protect herself in the Fucha family. The old lady's personal protection of Xiang'er's pregnancy also eased Fukang'an's tense heart, so he had no reason to harm his own child.
To avoid the old lady and her entourage, Yan Ning chose a long and circuitous route. By the time she returned to Jian Gong Zhai, dusk had already fallen. After Zhu Xiang and the others had prepared dinner, they informed Yan Ning that Fu Kang An had gone to the Peony Hall to pay his respects. Yan Ning didn't think much of it and, after dinner, pulled Zhu Xiang to sit down. "Aunt Lian had some business to attend to today, so I didn't have time to look after you. Are you feeling better now?"
Yan Ning originally wanted to confront Hai Sheng, but such actions are easier done than admitted, and would only tarnish Zhu Xiang's reputation. She wanted Zhu Xiang to calm down and let go of her unhappiness. All she could do was persuade Fu Kang'an to let Zhu Xiang and Zhao Xing get married as soon as possible.
The swelling on Zhu Xiang's face had subsided. As a servant, she had to endure such things. She couldn't let her mistress cause trouble for others because of her. Zhu Xiang secretly considered Yan Ning family and didn't want to cause her any more trouble. She smiled and shook her head at Yan Ning, "I took a nap and I'm fine now!"
Seeing Zhu Xiang's smile, Yan Ning felt relieved; the trip to Furong Garden had been too oppressive for her. Yan Ning told Zhu Xiang about her plan to have Zhu Xiang and Zhao Xing marry as soon as possible. Outside the window, a cold wind blew, while inside, the candlelight flickered, dimming Zhu Xiang's rosy oval face in the pale yellow light.
For several days in a row, Fukang'an did not return to Jian Gong Zhai, and Yan Ning initially thought he was just too busy. Five days passed, and even Zhao Xing had not appeared at Jian Gong Zhai. Yan Ning realized that Fukang'an was angry with her.
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