In the Kichijoji Temple.
Aru was embroidering when someone came to report that Princess Anyang and Madam Gu had arrived.
Although Aru had won Song Ziyu's favor, she was of low status, merely a concubine, and Song Tingyue never gave her a second glance.
It's unusual for him to personally visit.
Aru's eyes flickered slightly as she put down the embroidery frame.
She bowed in greeting, but Song Tingyue helped her up with her own hands.
"No need for formalities. I was just passing by during a walk. Let's chat casually."
Song Tingyue and Song Tingyue sat down and exchanged a few polite greetings.
Gu Yurong sipped her tea and said, "Sister Ru is very fortunate to be able to marry into the General's Mansion. It would be even better if she could give the General a son or daughter someday."
Aru paused, her smile faded, and a layer of sadness appeared in her eyes.
"I am too weak to have that blessing."
Seeing her like this, Gu Yurong and Song Tingyue exchanged a glance and both understood what was going on.
Why belittle yourself?
Gu Yurong asked softly.
Have you ever heard of the Nine Treasures Pill?
Aru was slightly taken aback, then nodded: "I know, I've heard that this medicine is very effective in inducing pregnancy, and women who take it have an eight or nine out of ten chance of getting pregnant."
"But such a powerful secret medicine has been lost for many years."
Gu Yurong chuckled and took out a square brocade box from her sleeve: "This is it."
Aru's eyes widened, and she exclaimed softly, "Really?"
Song Tingyue blew on the tea leaves and said with a smile, "After using this pill, you will soon have the blood of the Song family. In the future, you will be promoted to a concubine, and that will be a truly good life."
Aru's gaze was fixed on the brocade box, and her eyelashes trembled.
It would be a lie to say I wasn't tempted.
Although she received help from Jiang Wan, which secured her future and allowed her to marry into a wealthy family.
But she had no family to rely on, and her only wish was to have a child so that she could have hope for the rest of her life.
Unfortunately, she had been using contraception for too long and was now finding it difficult to conceive.
This Nine Treasures Pill was too tempting for her...
The brocade box was right in front of her, but she didn't reach for it. Instead, she looked up and glanced at Gu Yurong.
"Are you doing all this to deal with Madam Jiang?"
She took a deep breath and asked softly, "What do the Princess and Madam Gu want me to do?"
Song Tingyue raised an eyebrow.
"You're a smart person, so I won't beat around the bush with you."
She placed an exquisite rouge box into Aru's hand.
"Jiang Wan is wary of us, so we can only rely on you."
Aru hesitated: "Madam Jiang is a cautious person. She may not accept the things I give her."
Song Tingyue smiled confidently: "She doesn't need to accept it."
She opened the rouge box, and a delicate, yet unique, fragrance of cosmetics wafted out.
"This rouge is specially made. Once it's applied, it won't fade for a long time. I just want you to wear this rouge and go around her every day."
Aru immediately became wary and said, "This rouge..."
“It’s non-toxic and won’t harm you,” Song Tingyue said. “It needs to be used with other things to be effective.”
Aru felt relieved, but then asked cautiously.
"What will be the effect? What will happen if Madam Jiang falls for the trap?"
Gu Yurong sneered, "You don't need to worry about that."
She shook the Nine Treasures Pill: "The opportunity is in front of you. Whether you take it or not is your choice."
Aru's eyes darkened.
She hesitated for a moment, then reached out and took the brocade box.
In early winter, the weather is unpredictable, sometimes warm and sometimes cold.
Aunt Ru, who lived in Jixiang Courtyard, was weak and developed a rash.
It was said that Madam Jiang was skilled in medicine and could make medicinal soups to treat rashes, so Aunt Ru went to Xingzhi Courtyard every day to soak in the hot springs for two hours.
Their relationship became closer from this time onward, and they often went to the garden together, drinking tea and embroidering.
On this day, everyone gathered at the Green Bamboo Hall for a meal.
Song Tingyue's lower abdomen had swelled up considerably, and she had to support her waist as she walked, with servants taking great care of her.
Zhou, standing nearby, instructed, "Even though three months have passed, you must still be careful in everything you do, and avoid going out unless absolutely necessary..."
Jiang Wan glanced at Zhou Shi; her concern seemed genuine.
At least, she was looking forward to the birth of Song Tingyue's child.
"It's boring to stay cooped up in the mansion all day long."
Song Tingyue spoke with a smile.
"The winter solstice is approaching, and people traditionally celebrate the Little New Year by eating glutinous rice balls. Why don't we all join in the fun?"
"If the princess finds the mansion stuffy, she can take this opportunity to go out for a walk."
Gu Yurong, dressed in a cherry-pink jacket and skirt, smiled and responded from the side.
"I heard that the family banquet at Wangyuelou is quite good. They've even introduced a few new dishes this year. The private rooms on the second floor offer a beautiful view of Jade Liquid Lake."
Song Tingyue seemed to have become interested.
"Mother, let's call Ayu and go to Wangyue Tower as a family to celebrate the Winter Solstice, what do you say?"
Looking at her lower abdomen, Zhou Shi expressed some disapproval: "Your body..."
Gu Yurong said, "Mother, I will arrange a warm and comfortable carriage to ensure that the princess does not get cold or bump into anything."
"Thank you for your trouble. I will send a message to the palace later."
Song Tingyue smiled very happily.
"The Third Prince and his companions enjoy lively gatherings; they might come too."
She turned to look at Jiang Wan: "Wan, it's settled then."
Jiang Wan hesitated, "I'm afraid of the cold, I'd better stay at home."
"That won't do."
Gu Yurong frowned and coughed lightly.
"Yu'er trains in the military camp every day. We should take him to relax. How can he have fun without his sister?"
Song Tingyue also came to persuade them.
"That's right." She stepped forward and took Jiang Wan's arm. "Wan, the family is reunited. What would it look like if you weren't there?"
As they got closer, Song Tingyue smelled the fragrance emanating from Jiang Wan.
Her lips curled into a smile, which deepened.
"It'll be a big event that day, you can't miss it."
Jiang Wan met her gaze and nodded: "Alright, since the princess has spoken, I will go."
"Very good."
Song Tingyue clapped her hands in delight.
"The palace has just bestowed a few bolts of fabric, which are perfect for making winter clothes. I'll have someone deliver them to your courtyard in a bit, and you can choose one."
"At that time, all the women in our household will wear new clothes to celebrate the Winter Solstice."
Jiang Wan smiled: "Whatever the princess wishes."
After leaving Cuizhu Hall.
Jiang Wan whispered to Biluo, "Tell Shixu that Song Tingyue will make her move on the winter solstice."
"Madam just agreed to that?"
Biluo was puzzled.
“But you clearly made an appointment with Young Master Aning that day.”
Jiang Wan frowned.
She had almost forgotten about it.
After mentally calculating the time, she said, "I have an appointment with him a little later. I'll go see him after I've dealt with the Song family's matter. I should have enough time."
Before long, Song Tingyue's men brought over winter clothes.
Following her usual preferences, Jiang Wan chose a piece of turquoise brocade.
“Giving clothes to someone for no reason, Princess Anyang must have ill intentions.”
After the servants left, Biluo inspected the silk from the inside out, fearing that Song Tingyue might have tampered with the fabric.
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