Chapter 056
Seeing Shen Jin so emotional, Shen Xi felt closer to her and comforted her, "Third sister, everything will be fine with mother and brother here."
Aunt Zhao quickly brought some honey water to Shen Jin, and Shen Jin calmed down a little after drinking it. "I lost my composure."
Shen Xi said, "What I just learned is not as good as what Third Sister knows."
For a moment, neither of them spoke. After all, they were no longer in the mood to chat and laugh. An Ning brought some tea to Shen Xi and stood behind Shen Jin.
Shen Jin gradually calmed down, lowered his eyes slightly, let An Ning take the little one out first, then he thought carefully, thinking about An Ping's performance just now, she was not such an impetuous person, even if she knew some news, she would not be like this. It seems that she did it deliberately for Shen Xi to see, which means that there was news about King Rui a long time ago, but because he fell asleep unknowingly at that time, he did not tell him.
Nanny Zhao was not someone who did not know the seriousness of the matter. She seemed to think that this matter was not serious. Emperor Cheng was not the son of the late queen... Princess Rui had been vague at the time and only gave a rough idea. Shen Jin also knew very little, but that Emperor Cheng ascended the throne directly after the late emperor's sudden death, and the late crown prince... was not Emperor Cheng.
There are some things that Princess Rui dare not say at all, probably because they are taboos in the royal family.
Unconsciously, Shen Jin thought of Chu Xiuming again. Chu Xiuming was also summoned by Emperor Cheng today. According to Chu Xiuming's personality, he would probably not watch Prince Rui being convicted. He didn't know what had happened.
Shen Jin felt a little bloated and painful in his lower abdomen, and a little stuffy. His body softened and he leaned on the cushion. It was an intermittent pain, but he couldn't unbear it. There was chaos outside, and it might be difficult to call a doctor. After all, there were still people injured when the earthquake happened. He pressed his lower abdomen involuntarily and said, "Mammy, give me a bowl of noodles." He must be a little hungry.
Nanny Zhao thought Shen Jin was hungry, so she responded respectfully. Shen Jin looked at Shen Xi, "Brother, why don't you use some food together? I think you won't be able to use it properly after all the things you've been doing today."
Shen Xi nodded and said, "Then I'll trouble you, Third Sister."
"We are all family, there is no need for such extravagance." Shen Jin smiled and said, "I am afraid it is a little shabby. I will treat my brother to something good when things are settled."
"It's hot enough." Shen Xi said.
Nanny Zhao went down to the kitchen herself. The Rui Palace was going to hold a banquet today and had prepared a lot of food. However, because of these things, she was afraid that the birthday would not be celebrated. So Princess Rui had someone pack up a lot of things and send them over. Nanny Zhao chose braised chicken and the like. The cook rolled noodles on the side and soon cooked two bowls of hot noodles and brought them up.
The noodles were fragrant and the ingredients were sufficient. Shen Xi didn't care much at this time, so she sat at the table and started eating. However, Shen Jin couldn't eat much, as she missed Chu Xiuming. At that time, she just had a poor appetite, so Chu Xiuming specially called a doctor... Her lower abdomen was in pain again. She didn't know if it was stimulated by the pain or something else. Shen Jin suddenly had a flash of inspiration and her face changed drastically. She no longer cared whether it would cause trouble or not, and said in a crying and fearful voice, "Mammy, my stomach hurts!"
Madam Zhao's expression tensed up, "Help Madam go back to her room, Anping Ning."
Shen Xi had just taken a few bites when he heard this and was stunned. He asked, "How is Third Sister?"
Aunt Zhao hated her own negligence and said, "Please ask the doctor from the palace to come here, Second Young Master."
Shen Xi didn't ask any more questions and said, "I'll be there right away." He put down his chopsticks, wiped his mouth with his sleeve, and ran out, then called for the guards to follow him on horseback back to the mansion.
Nanny Zhao called Yue Wen again and asked him to ask the old doctor from last time. If the doctor was not there, he should buy more medicinal herbs needed to maintain the pregnancy. She also asked another guard to wait at the palace gate and told him that the lady was not feeling well and asked the general to return home quickly. If there was no way to pass the message inside, he should wait at the palace gate.
After everything was arranged, Madam Zhao asked the kitchen to make nourishing soup and red date water, and then went into the inner room. Shen Jin was lying on the bed with a pale face, looking terrified. An Ning and An Ping were also anxious. Madam Zhao came over and held Shen Jin's hand and comforted her, "Madam, don't worry. I have asked someone to call a doctor. Nothing will happen, don't worry."
"Am I pregnant?" Shen Jin thought of Shen Qi's unborn child and Shen Zi's... and became more and more panicked, "Am I... am I..."
The rest of the words were speechless. Madam Zhao felt a pain in her heart. Looking at Shen Jin's appearance, she only said, "I think Madam must have been exposed to the cold wind outside, which is why she is like this."
An Ping also said, "Yes, Madam has not been able to eat well. Didn't she just see a doctor some time ago? Didn't the doctor say that Madam is fine?"
Shen Jin felt relieved and nodded and stopped talking. Her hand was gently placed on her belly. Although Nanny Zhao and Anping said so, she still felt that she was pregnant and almost lost him. She was worried and scared and didn't know what to do. Shen Jin thought of Nanny Zhao's care for her some time ago and the excitement on her face when she saw her husband running with her on his back. She moved her lips but didn't know what to say.
Seeing Shen Jin pretending to be strong, Aunt Zhao's eyes turned red. She sat down beside the bed, tucked the quilt in for her and said softly, "Madam, it will be fine. If you are really pregnant, it is a good thing."
Shen Jin shook her head, and Madam Zhao said, "If Madam is really worried, why don't you check to see if there is any bleeding?"
An Ning also said, "Madam, think about it, the second princess had a miscarriage that day, but she lost so much blood, so even if Madam is pregnant, it won't be a problem."
Shen Jin bit her lip and said, "Put down the bed curtain." After all, she didn't see it with her own eyes, so she felt uneasy.
Madam Zhao asked, "How about this old servant serving Madam?"
Shen Jin didn't care about being shy and embarrassed, and nodded. Then Aunt Zhao took off her shoes and got on the bed. An Ping and An Ning closed the doors and windows and pulled the bed curtains. After they were sure that Shen Jin really didn't bleed, everyone was relieved. Shen Jin calmed down at this time, blushed and said, "I was making too much of a fuss."
"It would be bad if Madam kept this matter a secret," said Madam Zhao.
Shen Jin felt that the stomachache was not unbearable. Only then did he think of Shen Xi and asked, "Brother..."
"The second young master has gone back to the mansion to ask for a doctor." Nanny Zhao said gently, "It's a turmoil outside. Although I asked the guards to ask for the old doctor from last time, I'm afraid the old doctor is too busy to come."
Shen Jin bit her lip. She was a shy person, but she didn't have those emotions at this moment. Even if the doctor came and said that she was just feeling uncomfortable because of a cold or some other reason, she would be relieved. She didn't want to regret it in the future. Shen Zi was a lesson for her. If she had been more careful or cautious, it wouldn't have been like this.
Besides, everyone around her was close to her, and she wasn't being laughed at or ridiculed. An Ning brought in some hot red date water, and An Ping put a cushion behind Shen Jin so that Shen Jin could sit up. Only then did Aunt Zhao personally hold the bowl and slowly feed Shen Jin, saying, "Madam, if you feel any pain, please tell us, but don't force yourself to bear it, okay?"
"Yeah." Shen Jin agreed, and after drinking the slightly hot red date water, he felt better.
The Rui Palace was not far from the Yongning Marquis's Palace, and Shen Xi did not even dare to stop. After returning to the palace, he directly dragged the doctor away. Even the report to the Rui Princess was handed over to the guards. When the Rui Princess heard this, her heart moved. After thinking about it, she handed Shen Rong to the care of the governess, took Li to her side to take care of her personally, and asked Concubine Chen to go to the Yongning Marquis's Palace to look after Shen Jin.
After Shen Xi brought the doctor over, he was so tired that he was gasping for breath, and the doctor was sweating all over. Everyone in the Rui Palace naturally saw it and felt grateful in their hearts.
Shen Jin had already put on his coat and was helped to sit on a chair. He looked at Shen Xi and said, "Take a break. Don't get too tired."
"It's okay. Is Third Sister feeling better?" Shen Xi drank a few glasses of water and asked while sitting on the chair opposite Shen Jin.
Shen Jin nodded, "It's nothing serious."
The doctor also drank the water and said, "I will take Madam Bo's pulse."
Shen Jin nodded and said, "Excuse me, doctor."
Nanny Zhao rolled up Shen Jin's sleeves and put a handkerchief under her. The doctor then sat down beside her and carefully felt Shen Jin's pulse. "Madam, please switch hands."
Shen Jin placed his other hand on the pulse pillow, and Nanny Zhao used a handkerchief to cushion it. After a long while, the doctor finally said, "Congratulations, Madam. You are pregnant."
Although there were some guesses, when Shen Jin really heard it, he was surprised and happy. Aunt Zhao was even more delighted when she asked, "Madam is feeling a little unwell. Is there anything wrong?"
The doctor knew it was a happy event, and his expression relaxed. He said, "It's just that it's still a short time ago. I'm afraid it's because of what happened this morning that the fetus has changed. But it won't be a problem if it's discovered early. If it's discovered later, it's hard to say."
"Thank God." Anping and Anning said.
Shen Xi also said with a happy face, "Congratulations, Third Sister."
Shen Jin had tears in her eyes. Fortunately, she didn't bear it for the sake of face. If... she looked at Shen Xi and said, "Thank you, brother."
Madam Zhao asked, "Do you need some pregnancy-maintaining medicine?"
"Use it for three days, but you need to pay more attention to your diet." The doctor said, and repeated in detail the things that needed attention.
Because the pharmacy was far away, Yue Wen rushed back just now, but he was unable to invite a doctor. Except for some medicine boys, the rest of the doctors in the pharmacy were all out seeing patients, but he did buy back a lot of medicinal materials.
Shen Jin placed her hands gently on her lower abdomen, lowered her head with a smile of satisfaction and happiness on her face. Her whole body seemed softer, and her beautiful almond-shaped eyes were moist, showing a pure joy and happiness.
Shen Xi said, "Such a good thing, I will go back and congratulate my mother and Concubine Chen."
Shen Jin bit his lower lip and said, "Then I'll trouble you, brother."
"The doctor will stay in the Third Sister's house first." Shen Xi said, "Doctor Sun, if you need anything, tell the waiter around you and ask him to pack it for you."
"Yes." Doctor Sun said respectfully.
Shen Xi nodded, "I will tell my mother."
Suddenly, footsteps were heard outside. Chu Xiuming pushed the door open without even waiting for the maid to open it. He looked calm, but there was sweat on his forehead, and there were some wrinkles and dust on the hem of his official uniform. He walked over quickly and said, "Is there anything wrong?"
Shen Jin's eyes often looked like crescent moons when she smiled, and her dimples were revealed as she said, "Husband, we have a child."
A faint but unmistakable smile appeared on Chu Xiuming's face. His eyebrows and eyes relaxed, and he moved his eyes to Shen Jin's stomach and asked, "Are you okay?"
"The doctor said there's nothing wrong." Shen Jin said.
Chu Xiuming nodded, then looked at Shen Xi, who called out, "Third brother-in-law."
"Yes." Chu Xiuming said, "An Ning, wait for Madam to go back to her room to rest."
"yes."
Chu Xiuming then said to Shen Xi, "I'll change my clothes, you sit here for a while."
"Third brother-in-law, don't worry about me." Shen Xi said.
Chu Xiuming nodded and accompanied Shen Jin into the inner room. On the way, Shen Jin roughly told him what happened. Shen Jin couldn't help but put his hand into Chu Xiuming's hand. Chu Xiuming shook it and found that Shen Jin's hand was a little cold. However, now was not the time to talk, so he just reminded him, "Take a rest first, I'll be back later."
"Yeah." Shen Jin felt relieved when he saw Chu Xiuming. Hearing that, he scratched his palm with his fingers before pulling them back.
Chu Xiuming had a smile in his eyes, but he didn't say anything. He changed his clothes and waited for Nanny Zhao to arrange for Doctor Sun to come in before leaving.
Shen Xi sat in the living room waiting for Chu Xiuming to come out, then followed him into the study.
Aunt Zhao said with a look of joy, "Madam, you can rest assured now."
"Yes." Shen Jin said, "Mammy, change some loose clothes for me."
Nanny Zhao agreed, and An Ning went to the kitchen to fetch hot water to help Shen Jin wash and dress. She also scalded her feet before letting her lie comfortably on the bed. Perhaps it was because of seeing Chu Xiuming or the warm red date water and scalded feet, but the pain was not as severe as it was at the beginning.
Seeing Shen Jin's face turn rosier, Nanny Zhao asked An Ping to go to Doctor Sun to get some medicine and boil it. She and An Ning began to pack up, putting away the fragile and angular things. Shen Jin hugged the cushion with some drowsiness and asked, "Nanny, what happened to my father?"
As Zhao Ma Ma cleaned up, she said, "I don't know the details, because Prince Rui was beaten at the palace gate, and was directly overwhelmed by the palace guards in the clan house. They said that it was because of Prince Rui's extravagance that the gods were angry and issued a warning."
"The news in the palace spread so quickly?" Shen Jin couldn't believe it. She thought that only the people in Prince Rui's mansion got the news.
Nanny Zhao smiled but didn't say anything. Shen Jin didn't know what to say. Shen Jin didn't ask any more questions and closed his eyes to rest.
Chu Xiuming told Shen Xi about what happened in the palace in general. He did not mention that he had helped King Rui to exonerate himself. Instead, he told Shen Xi in detail the names and official positions of those who had attacked King Rui.
Shen Xi wrote them down one by one and said, "If Third Brother-in-law has no other instructions, I will go back first."
Chu Xiuming said, "If possible, can you let Concubine Chen come to visit my wife?"
Shen Xi nodded, "I will tell mother, don't worry, brother-in-law."
After Chu Xiuming thanked Shen Xi, he personally sent her off and went to Doctor Sun's temporary residence. He carefully asked about Shen Jin's condition and confirmed that Shen Jin was fine. He breathed a sigh of relief. Doctor Sun said, "Madam is still young and the baby is not yet stable. It is really dangerous to have a miscarriage like this. If it is discovered later, I'm afraid it will not be optimistic."
This is the best thing about my wife. She will never act stubbornly if conditions permit. "I'm sorry to trouble the doctor for this period of time," Chu Xiuming said.
"It's my duty." The doctor said respectfully, feeling relieved. He had heard a lot about Earl Yongning's murderous behavior. He didn't expect that although Earl Yongning looked a little cold, his attitude was very good.
Chu Xiuming asked some more questions about what to pay attention to, and then walked to the main courtyard. When he entered the room, he saw his wife lying on her side in bed hugging a cushion. She looked a little confused. When she saw Chu Xiuming, she sobered up a little and said, "Husband."
"Yeah." Chu Xiuming walked over, reached out and touched Shen Jin's face and asked, "Are you still feeling uncomfortable?"
"It doesn't hurt anymore." Shen Jin said with a smile.
Madam Zhao said, "I will go prepare some food for the general and the madam. After the madam has eaten, she will be able to take the medicine."
When Shen Jin heard the word "take medicine", he wrinkled his nose and felt a little melancholy, but still said, "Okay." After all, it was for the good of himself and the child, and he had to take the medicine.
Aunt Zhao smiled and said, "Don't worry, Madam. The princess sent a lot of candied fruits."
Shen Jin nodded and said, "Okay."
Nanny Zhao then went out and closed the door carefully. Chu Xiuming said, "I'll wash up first."
"Yeah." Shen Jin didn't get up either. He just lay on the bed and watched Chu Xiuming wash his face and hands with cold water in the copper basin, and then dry them before coming back, taking off his shoes and sitting on the bed. He hugged Shen Jin and the quilt tightly in his arms. Shen Jin leaned comfortably on Chu Xiuming's body.
Chu Xiuming touched Shen Jin's belly through the quilt, put his chin on Shen Jin's shoulder and said, "Madam, you have worked hard."
"Husband, I'm very happy." Shen Jin whispered, "I'm really afraid of losing this child because of my negligence."
Chu Xiuming listened quietly as Shen Jin whispered about the fear she had before the doctor came, "I don't even know when the baby will come."
"Husband, I want to go back to the border town." Shen Jin said in a depressed mood. After all this commotion, the news of her pregnancy might not be kept secret anymore. And Emperor Cheng actually took action against Prince Rui, who was their brother. Shen Jin always felt that something was in danger.
Chu Xiuming kissed her cheek gently and said, "When the doctor says it's safe, we'll go back."
"Yes." Shen Jin grabbed Chu Xiuming's hand, "Is my father okay?"
Chu Xiuming recounted the whole story in detail, this time hiding nothing. When Shen Jin heard about the execution of nine clans and the extermination of ten clans, he laughed again. It was unknown what expression Emperor Cheng had when he heard it. When Chu Xiuming finished speaking, the smile on Shen Jin's face disappeared. He pursed his lips and said nothing.
"Don't be afraid." Chu Xiuming comforted, "It will be fine."
"Yeah." Shen Jin felt that things were not as simple as Chu Xiuming said. Emperor Cheng did not dare to kill Chu Xiuming openly, but those little tricks kept emerging.
Moreover, the capital city might be in unrest. Emperor Cheng, who did not want to issue a self-criticism edict, threw dirty water on his brother today and even convicted Prince Rui himself, what would the ministers who witnessed everything think?
Once something happens, it will happen again. Will I become the scapegoat one day? Or even if Emperor Cheng just doesn't like me, will he frame them?
They are not the King of Rui, and Chu Xiuming's words of killing nine generations of the clan hit the nail on the head for these ministers. They are not royal relatives, and the emperor will not investigate anything. As long as people convict them with just a few words...then they may really be killed along with nine generations of the clan.
What if Emperor Cheng gets a taste of the sweetness...
So many people spoke up for Chu Xiuming, not just because they had a history with the Chu family, but more out of restraint and self-protection.
The ministers would not surrender, for fear that... it was a turbulent time, and the court would be in turmoil before the natural disaster was even dealt with.
Chu Xiuming's words seemed to be speaking up for his father-in-law, Prince Rui, but they also meant to blame Emperor Cheng, which sounded the alarm for many ministers. However, Emperor Cheng was unaware of this and still blamed Chu Xiuming, which completely stirred up a hornet's nest.
Shen Jin didn't know what Chu Xiuming was trying to do, but he had a vague guess that this time the seeds of discord between the ruler and his subjects had been sown, waiting to be watered and irrigated to grow.
Hmm, I suddenly miss the fruit trees in the courtyard of Border Town. I wonder if they have blossomed and borne fruit. The fresh fruits must be sweet and delicious, and the pickled fruits must be sour and sweet...
Seeing his wife's dull eyes, Chu Xiuming knew that she was probably distracted again, thinking about this and that. He sighed in his heart, and when Shen Jin couldn't see, his eyes showed a bit of worry.
Chu Xiuming actually felt that it was a bit uncomfortable for his wife to stay in the capital while she was pregnant, but he couldn't leave for the time being. Apart from anything else, Shen Jin's health could not take it.
I think it's because she's pregnant that she likes sour food so much. You know, Shen Jin used to hate sour fruits. She's going to have a baby soon. Shen Jin wandered for a while and then came back to her senses. She lowered her eyes and asked, "Husband, am I pregnant now..."
Chu Xiuming suddenly chuckled and interrupted Shen Jin's unfinished words, "Silly girl, when the time comes, the child will come naturally." He knew what Shen Jin was going to say, so he felt even more distressed.
Shen Jin changed her posture and nestled into Chu Xiuming's arms. She responded and said nothing more.
Chu Xiuming gently stroked her hair and said, "I'm here."
Shen Jin was easily satisfied. Chu Xiuming's words made her feel at ease and put all her worries behind her. No matter how chaotic it was outside, she would not leave the house. With Chu Xiuming around, they were always together.
Zhao Ma and An Ning brought in the food and prepared chicken soup for Shen Jin. Shen Jin changed his previous loss of appetite and started eating with a big appetite.
After eating, resting for a while and taking medicine, Nanny Zhao helped Shen Jin to wash up and go to bed. Chu Xiuming waited until Shen Jin fell asleep before getting up and going to the study. Steward Zhao was already waiting there.
Manager Zhao asked, "What are your plans, General?"
Chu Xiuming said, "If you can't even protect your wife and children, what's the point of talking about that?"
Manager Zhao sighed and said nothing. The madam's pregnancy was a happy event, but the timing was really wrong. He was afraid that Emperor Cheng would use this to do something. The general was restricted by his madam's pregnancy, and even the trip to the south had to be postponed, unless the general was willing to let his madam stay alone in the capital. However, according to the general's personality, he would never do that.
But it is precisely because of this that he is a general worthy of their loyalty. What if he is like Emperor Cheng? Manager Zhao sneered in his heart, short-sighted and full of women's calculations, even worse than women.
"What are your plans, General?" Manager Zhao asked the same question, but the meaning was very different from the first time he asked.
Chu Xiuming narrowed his eyes and said, "It's better to be still than to move. Just wait."
Manager Zhao smiled and said, "The general has a plan in mind."
Chu Xiuming looked at Manager Zhao and asked, "Don't you have a military advisor too?"
Manager Zhao did not deny it. "General, who do you think will be the next chess piece to be abandoned?"
Chu Xiuming looked at Manager Zhao, who said, "Why don't I write it down so the general can see if it's the person you expected?"
After Chu Xiuming nodded, Manager Zhao dipped his hand in the tea and wrote a word on the desk. Chu Xiuming nodded slowly without saying anything else, and Manager Zhao simply wiped the words with his sleeve.
Suddenly, footsteps were heard outside. Chu Xiuming narrowed his eyes and had a bad feeling in his heart. Then he heard three knocks on the study door and someone said, "The general has something important to report."
"Come in." Chu Xiuming said.
Yue Wen looked anxious and said, "General, there is news from central Fujian..."
As Yue Wen spoke, Chu Xiuming's expression became calmer, but his fist on the table became tighter and tighter. Manager Zhao's face changed drastically, full of anger, but he forced himself to remain calm.
When Yue Wen finished his report, Chu Xiuming's eyes were full of coldness. Manager Zhao suddenly picked up the cup and drank all the tea. He still couldn't help but slammed the desk hard, took a deep breath and exhaled, then gritted his teeth and said, "General, you must not act rashly."
Chu Xiuming nodded, "I know."
Manager Zhao rubbed his face fiercely, "We have been tolerant in everything for the sake of the common people, and even chose the most difficult path, but..."
Chu Xiuming shook his head and said nothing more, but he knew that he might have to break his promise to the young lady and could not stay in the capital to accompany her, and he felt a little disappointed.
In the Rui Palace, after hearing what Shen Xi said, Princess Rui asked, "Xuan'er, what do you think?"
Shen Xuan pondered for a moment and said, "Mother, I'm afraid that father will suffer a little."
Princess Rui lowered her eyes slightly and said, "Well, is the prince okay in the clan residence?"
"His Majesty has sent a royal physician to look after father," Shen Xuan said. "Father's wound has been treated with medicine, and he looks fine."
Shen Xi snorted coldly but said nothing. After all, he was young and it was inevitable that he had some youthful spirit.
Princess Rui looked at Shen Xi and said, "That's the emperor."
"But mother, father..."
"Remember, the person sitting in that position is the emperor, who can decide everyone's life and death." Princess Rui spoke slowly, but emphasized every word. "Remember this clearly."
"He already beat my father, and still..." Shen Xi said unconvinced.
Shen Xuan looked at Shen Xi and said, "Thunder and rain are all the emperor's grace."
Shen Xi gritted his teeth and said, "Mother, I understand."
"Mother, if the palace does nothing, I'm afraid people will inevitably look down on us." Shen Xuan then looked at Princess Rui and said.
"Of course we have to do something." Princess Rui said in a deep voice, "Send someone to send a letter to my grandparents to report to Prime Minister Chen..."
Shen Xi listened to the conversation between his mother and brother, feeling somewhat confused, and began to ponder slowly in his mind.
After saying all this, Princess Rui sighed and said, "Xuan'er, you will continue to visit your father tomorrow, and Xi'er will send Concubine Chen to the Yongning Earl's Mansion."
"By the way, my third brother-in-law also requested that Concubine Chen go to visit my third sister." Shen Xi said, just then he remembered.
Princess Rui nodded and said, "Let Concubine Chen stay in the mansion for a few more days."
Shen Xi nodded and said nothing more. Princess Rui said, "Xi'er, go back and have a rest."
"Yes." Shen Xi said nothing more, lowered his head and left.
Looking at her son's back, Princess Rui slowly exhaled, then looked at Shen Xuan and said, "I have been stopping your father from arranging a marriage for you."
"Son knows that mother is doing her best." Shen Xuan said.
Princess Rui exhaled slowly and said, "It's time to tell you some things. Cui Xi went to call Concubine Chen."
"Yes." Cui Xi responded respectfully.
Shen Xuan was a little confused, but Princess Rui had no intention of explaining.
"Mother and son feel that it is not appropriate to directly report Prime Minister Chen." Shen Xuan pondered for a moment and said, "Why not take action against a few other officials?"
Prime Minister Chen is the biological father of the current queen and a close confidant of the emperor. They are afraid that even if they report it, it will be useless and will only anger Emperor Cheng.
"Xuan'er, I'm glad you can think of these things." Princess Rui only hoped that it was not too late to start teaching her son now, and explained, "But...all we need to do is to light the flame, and others will do the rest."
"Hmm?" Shen Xuan looked at Princess Rui.
Princess Rui showed a hint of sarcasm on her face, "Do you know that the ones who are really worried about today's incident are not our Rui Palace, but the other ministers in the court."
Shen Xuan frowned, and Princess Rui spoke up, "Such random slander has caused a prince to be beaten and imprisoned. What about the others? Won't everyone be in danger?"
"Son, I understand." Shen Xuan said. When these people go back and calm down and think things through, they will naturally feel uneasy. Whether it is for self-protection or other reasons, they should take action. It can be regarded as a counterattack and also as a warning. After all, they will also worry about what will happen if it is their turn one day.
Prime Minister Chen, who was the first to speak out against Prince Rui, naturally became a thorn in the eyes, and coupled with his identity...
"But Prime Minister Chen is your Majesty's man. Could it be that your Majesty would really..." Shen Xuan asked hesitantly.
Princess Rui narrowed her eyes and said, "Think carefully about what His Majesty has done in recent years."
Shen Xuan was silent.
Concubine Chen was packing up in Mo Yun's courtyard. She was already delighted to hear that her daughter was pregnant, but she was even more overjoyed when Princess Rui asked her to go to the Yongning Marquis's Mansion to look after her daughter. Even though she knew that this was against the rules, she didn't care.
After learning about Cui Xi's purpose, Concubine Chen thought that the princess had something to tell her, so she packed up a little and followed Cui Xi to the main courtyard, but saw that the prince was also in the room, with some doubts in her eyes. After Princess Rui asked Cui Xi to open the doors and windows, she went outside and said slowly, "The thirty-seventh year of Yongjia..."
Early the next morning, Concubine Chen took a carriage to the Yongning Marquis's Mansion, but her heart was heavy. She no longer had the joy she had when she first learned that her daughter was pregnant. She also knew that she could not let her daughter know anything at this time, as it would add to her worries. Just as Princess Rui had ordered, she had to at least wait until her daughter was pregnant.
Everything was normal in the Yongning Marquis's mansion. In fact, because of Shen Jin's pregnancy, people in the mansion even had some joy on their faces. Only three people knew about it. Manager Zhao did not show up all day, and even Nanny Zhao did not know what he was busy with. Yue Wen was a steady and quiet person.
Chu Xiuming did not show any abnormality, but he became more considerate to Shen Jin. When Concubine Chen came, it was Chu Xiuming who went to greet her personally. It was not that Shen Jin was unwilling to go, but Doctor Sun had instructed Shen Jin to move less during this period.
When Concubine Chen was brought to the courtyard by Chu Xiuming, she saw Shen Jin sitting on a chair and looking at the door eagerly. When she saw her, joy slowly appeared in her eyes, "Mother!"
The little guy squatted beside Shen Jin and looked at Concubine Chen.
Concubine Chen saw the little one for the first time. She didn't expect it to be such a big dog. She walked over quickly and warned him, "This animal doesn't know how to control its severity. You are in a heavy condition now, so don't lose your sense of proportion and get hurt."
Shen Jin reached out and rubbed the little dog's head, saying, "It's okay, mother. My husband personally trained it for me, and it's very well-behaved."
When Concubine Chen heard this, she was surprised. She didn't expect that her son-in-law, who looked like a man in a painting, would do such a thing. She just nodded and said nothing more. Some things are not good if you say too much.
When Shen Jin was about to stand up, Concubine Chen rebuked him, "Don't move. Sit down and stay still."
"Mother." Shen Jin said coquettishly, "The doctor said I can move. If you don't believe me, ask my husband."
Chu Xiuming did not say anything. Shen Jin wrinkled his nose and sat back in his chair obediently under the gaze of Concubine Chen. Chu Xiuming then said, "Mother-in-law, there are no elders in my family. Please stay for a few more days."
"Even if you don't tell me, I am prepared to stay for a while longer." Concubine Chen said, "The princess specifically ordered it. She said she was worried that you are too young. Although you have people to serve you, the capital is not like the border town, and there are many inconveniences."
As Shen Jin is pregnant, I'm afraid many people who have heard the news will come to give gifts, so it's not convenient for the servants to deal with it.
"Thank you, mother-in-law." Chu Xiuming said. He only hoped that he could make Shen Jin happier while he stayed with her. He lowered his eyes slightly but did not dare to think too much. Who would have thought that he, Chu Xiuming, would also have such a fear.
Concubine Chen said gently, "As long as you don't think I'm meddling in other people's business."
Zhao Ma was relieved to see that Concubine Chen was able to control Shen Jin. She was the only one in the mansion with experience, and she could breathe a sigh of relief when Concubine Chen came to look after Shen Jin, especially since she couldn't bear to reject Shen Jin's expectant look, but...
When you are pregnant, it is different from normal days. The more you eat, the better. If you eat too much, the fetus in your belly will be too big, and you will suffer during delivery.
After all, Shen Jin is young and this is the first child, so Nanny Zhao is thinking about Shen Jin wholeheartedly, otherwise she wouldn't have thought so much.
With Concubine Chen around, she no longer had to be such a bad person. Every time she rejected Shen Jin, she always felt an indescribable sense of guilt.
When Madam Zhao saw Shen Jin reaching for the cakes again, she said respectfully, "Madam has just had a plate of walnut cakes. How about I go get some candied fruits to prevent Madam from having too much sweetness in her mouth?"
Hearing this, Concubine Chen frowned as she looked at the sweet-scented osmanthus sugar crispy rice cake that Shen Jin was putting towards her mouth, and said, "After you use this piece, you are not allowed to use it again. From now on, you can only use a maximum of six pieces of cake per day."
Shen Jin stared at Concubine Chen with eyes wide open in disbelief, her face clearly showing how could you be so cruel!
Concubine Chen ignored her and just looked at Madam Zhao and said gently, "From now on, only give Madam four pieces of candied fruits every day, and use more walnuts..."
Shen Jin looked at Nanny Zhao with tears in her eyes. Nanny Zhao showed a helpless expression, but she was thinking in her heart that it was right to invite Concubine Chen to the house.
Looking at Concubine Chen and Nanny Zhao, Shen Jin cried into Chu Xiuming's arms. Is this really her biological mother?
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
