The Survival Rule of a Concubine's Daughter 129: Starting to Do Bad Things

  Although she had a psychological preparation, the Empress Dowager was still greatly surprised, staring at Ruoxi with wide eyes, and then staring at Chen Xiang, saying in a low voice: "Recently, many good things have been rewarded in the palace, and each of the big families has their own gifts. How did you know that the string of pearls is from the Qingchang Hou Mansion?"

  She bit her lip, but didn't explain. Instead, she spoke in a low, angry tone, "Because the princess is pregnant, the rewards from the palace are too valuable, and even wearing them normally would be showing off. So the princess only lets me find simple ones to wear. The South Pearl necklace that Princess Qing'an gave, the sandalwood pearl bracelet from the Lord of Guo's mansion, the turquoise jade bangle from the Duke of Ying's mansion, the red gold pendant from the Marquis of Ze's mansion, and the coral necklace from the Marquis of Qingchang's mansion are all simple and practical. The princess has been wearing them in rotation. These past two days, the princess has been happy to wear red clothes, paired with the coral necklace which suits her perfectly. Moreover, the princess said that this necklace has a unique fragrance, and she even asked me who gave it to her. I flipped through the gift book the other day and only then did I find out that it was given by Yang Tai's wife from the Marquis of Qingchang's mansion." She looked up at the empress dowager, "Originally, based on what Yang Tai's wife did that day, I really didn't want to let the princess wear this necklace again. But the princess said, 'Don't blame the person, blame the thing.' This necklace is extremely good, and it would be a waste not to wear it. The princess also said, 'As long as it's a good thing, who cares who gave it?' That's why she wore it for several more days, but who knew this necklace had such a reputation."

  The princess was uncertain, and with a strong effort to hold herself up, she said to Xiangxiang: "Perhaps you have remembered wrongly, go and bring the gift book again to take a look, maybe it's been confused with another family's."

  Chen Xiang looked up at her face, "There won't be any mistake, I have a good memory. It was indeed sent by Madame Yang."

  As if in a fit of anger, she slapped the pillow and said, "You told me to go, so I'll go." Suddenly, she felt dizzy and her eyes spun around. She covered her temples with her hands and softly fell onto the thick soft cushion. Old Mother Zhou saw this and quickly came forward to comfort her, gently massaging her temples for her.

  "Your Highness, don't worry, maybe Xiangxiang remembered it wrong."

  Ruqin nodded unconsciously, but Zhou Mama noticed that Ruqin's body was trembling slightly, her hands covering her abdomen, looking like she had been frightened out of her wits, and couldn't help but feel heartache.

  Rou Qing tightly grasped Zhou Mama's hand and muttered in a hateful tone: "…I merely refused to let her enter the house, yet she secretly harmed me like this. It's truly too frightening."

  "Empress Dowager said in a low voice: 'Princess, don't be alarmed. With the Grand Empress and the King present, you won't have to worry. They will take care of everything for you.'"

  The empress was also extremely shocked at this time. When Xiangnu brought the gift book, she personally flipped through it for the empress to see. The empress read each character one by one, and the red coral necklace sent by Mrs. Yang was listed on it. She slowly put down the book, took the necklace and carefully stroked it, her face gradually sinking.

  "Yang Fu gave this string of pearls, also sent a Yunnan old ginseng, and a piece of warm pear fragrance, you go get the ginseng and pear fragrance out, let me take a look."

  Chen Xiang was taken aback for a moment before responding, "The ginseng and the pear fragrance are indeed precious, I'll have them put away. I'll go get them now."

  After a while, Chen Xiang came out of the side house with two red brocade boxes in his hands. He personally opened the box and inside were two old ginsengs as thick as thumbs. Another box contained a piece of fragrant spice, which was top-grade pear fragrance, having the effect of calming the fetus and soothing the mind, extremely precious and rare, and even hard to find on the market.

  The princess took the old sandalwood and examined it carefully, but found nothing wrong with it. She then took some incense to smell, and suddenly was shocked beyond measure. "This pear fragrance has long been lost, I never thought that in my lifetime I would be able to see it again." Song Jiang's family was astonished, hastily taking the old sandalwood to sniff carefully, "I'm just a lowly servant girl, I don't know anything about goods, but this incense really does smell good, however I truly can't smell any particularly precious or noble place."

  "Pear fragrance has the effect of calming the mind and fetus, which has been lost for a long time. Take 1-2 liang of agarwood powder and 1 qian of sandalwood powder, and 10 pears. Cut off the core of the pear, like a pot, add the powder, and cover it with the top of the pear. Steam three times, remove the pear skin, grind and mix evenly, and dry for a long time before burning. Take out the core of the pear, fill in the proportionally mixed agarwood powder and sandalwood powder, seal it, and steam over fire - this is to directly develop the original material fragrant pear into a container for holding fragrance. After steaming, remove the pear skin, grind the pear meat together with the powder inside, mix evenly, make into cakes or pills, and after going through the drying process, it can be burned."

  The princess took another sniff of the fragrance and put it between her nose, a refreshing sweet scent rushed into her nostrils, extremely comfortable to smell. "This goose pear incense is something I've only heard of, its production is extremely complicated, if the fire timing is off or the technique is not pure, it's impossible to produce such high-quality incense. The Qing Chang Hou Fu really used it."

  "I just hope you don't overthink it."

  The princess glanced at her, and Xiangxiang hastily knelt down. "Your Highness please forgive me, I didn't know the origin of this fragrance, I thought it was just an ordinary spice. Now that Your Highness has said so, I am indeed ignorant." After a pause, she looked complex: "Madam Yang is really generous, actually willing to give away such precious spices."

  The princess had a doubt in her mind, and she hastily took the string of pearls and put it to her nose to smell again, and after smelling the fragrance, her eyebrows gradually furrowed.

  Song Jiang's family quietly asked: "Empress, in order to be cautious, should we find a doctor to take a look?"

  The princess's face sank like water, "Well, things will be settled when the truth comes out."

  The imperial physician hurried over, carefully examined the ginseng and spices, his face extremely solemn. "I'm ashamed, I didn't notice anything unusual about this ginseng either. If the empress really suspects something is amiss here, it would be better to just get rid of it." As for the spices, the imperial physician carefully sniffed them between his nose, saying: "The fragrance of these lychee flowers is extremely well done. The scent is clear and sweet, with a calming effect on the mind, truly a top-grade spice. However, I feel that there are other spices mixed in with this fragrance."

  The empress's heart sank, and she hastily asked: "May I ask, Imperial Physician Chen, what else has been infused into this medicinal wine?"

  The imperial physician carefully brought it to his nose and sniffed, his expression slightly changing. "It's like musk, but not quite like it. The fragrance is indeed complex, and I'm also unable to make an accurate diagnosis."

  The queen's face was gloomy and uncertain, and after a long time, she asked: "Can this incense still be used?"

  The imperial physician spoke evasively: "To be on the safe side, it's better to give up. Especially since the princess is precious and can't afford to take any risks."

  The empress nodded and politely sent the imperial physician away. Unconsciously, she sat down on a stool, her face gloomy, lost in thought, even the thousand-leafed golden pearl hairpin on her hair had lost its usual luster.

  The servants in the house also knew the severity of the matter and didn't dare to breathe loudly.

  Mother Zhou looked at Ruqing, hinting that she should say a couple of words. However, Ruqing remained silent, lying on the couch and twisting her handkerchief, murmuring: "Is this musk really so overbearing?"

  "Old slave has been following Old Lady for many years, and indeed heard that pregnant women should be careful with musk, but most of it is used for rheumatism and leg pain. Never heard that it can also be made into jewelry."

  "Ah, it's because we're too isolated and rarely hear news." Then she covered her chest, "Mother Zhou, I'm so scared."

  Queen Mother grasped her hand tightly with a sympathetic expression, "Princess Wang, don't be afraid. With the Grand Princess and Prince here, no one will dare to harm you."

  Like a feeling, she stared at the queen subconsciously, and the queen was also staring at her. Across the not-too-far distance, the eyes of horror and anger intersected in the air. Like a feeling whispered: "Empress Dowager, they really hate me that much?"

  The princess fell silent for a moment before speaking in a low voice: "Don't think too much about it, with me around, they wouldn't dare touch a hair on your head."

  As if choked with emotion, she said softly: "To clear up the misunderstanding, why don't we ask Mrs. Yang to come and ask her about it?"

  "No, it's already clear what happened." The empress dowager said resolutely, then spoke with hatred: "She has been interacting with me for many years, I never thought she would be so ruthless and actually think of secretly harming my grandson."

  Song Jiang's words were: "It's probably because the queen was annoyed that Yang Miss was refused entry earlier, but this time the Yang family has lost face completely. Jealousy and hatred are also reasonable."

  "Is it because of jealousy?" The imperial concubine murmured, "Perhaps." Then she turned her head and looked at Ruo Xing on the bed. This child was probably frightened silly, lying in Zhou Mama's arms without moving, only staring at herself with a terrified expression. She couldn't help but feel pity for her, so she came to sit beside her bed, holding Ruo Xing's hand and speaking softly: "Good child, I scared you."

  As if biting her lip, she suddenly burst into tears: "Empress Dowager, they've gone too far. What the imperial physician said earlier was really frightening. If this pearl necklace is worn on the body and the warm pear fragrance they sent is added, it would be hard for the child to survive even if he wanted to."

  The queen hugged her in her arms and cooed softly: "Good girl, don't be afraid, I'm here, they won't have the chance again." Then she asked Ruqing: "How do you plan to settle this matter?"

  Her face turned red as she said, "They've really thought this through. They must have been certain that I'm from a humble background and wouldn't recognize the scent of musk. Even if I did recognize it, they would have thought that with my temper, I would have made a scene about it. That way, they could have turned the tables on me and said that I was trying to frame them on purpose so that Yang Qining couldn't marry in. And if I hadn't recognized it, if we hadn't called for the doctor, this child might really be gone. The doctor just said that if we continue like this, I'll never be able to have children again in this lifetime. They...really have thought of everything."

  The queen also gritted her teeth, "Not bad, their idea is indeed wonderful. If it really gets out of hand...it would be your fault instead."

  Tears streaming down her face, she wiped them away hastily. "Mother, what should we do?"

  The princess asked back: "You say, what should we do now?"

  "They must have another trick up their sleeve since they've gone to such great lengths to secretly harm me."

  The princess's eyes sparkled, "How can you be so certain?"

  Her eyes brimming with tears, she gritted her teeth and said, "The imperial physician's words were ambiguous, but it's clear that they want me to miscarry and be barren for the rest of my life. Just wait and see, if rumors about my unstable pregnancy spread now, I'm sure they'll take action."

  The queen's expression turned cold and she gritted her teeth, saying: "Fine, let's hold our troops for now. I'd like to see what other tricks they have up their sleeves."

  ……

  After Taifei left, as if her emotions were almost drained, Zhou Mama hurriedly supported her to lie down on the bed. "Wangfei, the great deed is done, Taifei should be convinced now."

  "Does everyone seem normal?"

  Several people shook their heads, and Qing said to Zhou's mother, "He's mother has handled musk before, so she must still have it on her hands. Mother should remind her to wash her hands with soap as soon as possible and burn the clothes, leaving no trace."

  "Of course, if we're talking about causing trouble for others, He Mama is more experienced than us. Princess Wang, please rest assured that she won't be caught off guard." She then asked in a soft voice, "Is the princess certain that the Yang family will take action?"

  She coldly smiled and said: "I'm pregnant, I won't be able to serve the king, those concubines are already getting restless. Besides, mother has seen the letter that third sister wrote, they've gone all out for the position of imperial concubine. Now that they've heard my fetus is unstable and I have a miscarriage condition, they'll definitely make their last move." She glanced at He Mama, coldly smiling, "She's certain that I'm inferior in status, as long as the empress dowager gives the order, I won't dare to stop them again."

  "Zhou's mother was extremely disgusted. 'I never thought that there would be such shameless people in this world. In order to become King Wang's concubine, they even think of such despicable ideas.'"

  At this time, Yu Dong came in from outside and said, "Your Highness, Princess Qing'an has arrived."

  Zhou's mother had a look of disgust on her face, "I reckon she heard the rumors and came to see if the princess really has a miscarriage."

  "Ah, how timely. If we really want to catch them all in one net, we can't do without this person's help." Then he ordered Chen Xiang, "Go and get the South Pearl she sent me."

  "Empress Dowager was shocked, 'Princess, that string of pearls is also heavily scented with musk. It's best if you use it sparingly.'"

  Ru Qiong said: "It doesn't matter, He Mama said that the musk on the silk thread won't have a big effect." Wearing it for a short while shouldn't be a big problem.

  Princess Qing'an entered the room and found Ruxue lying on the bed, looking bewildered. Her usual delicate complexion had become haggard, with dark circles under her eyes. The servants around her looked like they were facing a formidable enemy, but Princess Qing'an's heart was secretly delighted. She put on a concerned expression and went forward to ask Ruxue some perfunctory questions about her well-being.

  He weakly raised his hand, his voice faint, "Sister has arrived? I'm really sorry, this body is not worthy, can't entertain sister." Then he ordered Chen Xiang, "Don't you go pour tea for the princess?"

  Princess Qing'an waved her hand repeatedly, "Sister-in-law doesn't have to be polite, if you're not feeling well then don't force yourself. Hurry up and lie down, hurry up and lie down." Then she naturally sat in front of the bed, holding Ruxue's hand, and saw the string of pearls on her hand, saying: "Sister-in-law's hands are really beautifully made, and they look even better with this string of pearls on."

  Yu Qing smiled awkwardly: "This South Pearl was given by my sister, and I really like it."

  Princess Qing'an smiled warmly, "If you like it, sister-in-law, I still have several strings at home that haven't been worn yet. They were all given by the Empress Dowager herself, and I'll give them to you."

  With a bitter smile, "Sister, I appreciate your kind intentions. However, I am currently following the imperial physician's orders to rest in bed and protect my pregnancy, so these hairpins and accessories can only be reluctantly given up."

  Princess Qing'an's face was full of concern, "Weren't you fine just a few days ago?"

  The doctor said I have a miscarriage-like condition, and these past few days I've seen red, I don't know if this child can be kept.

  "Queen, don't worry, you are a blessed person and nothing will happen to you. As long as you follow the imperial physician's instructions and take good care of yourself during your pregnancy, everything should be fine."

  Ruqin nodded, but her face still showed an unmistakable look of alarm. Princess Qing'an softened her tone and comforted Ruqin again: "Sister-in-law doesn't have to worry, that Chen Taifu is a skilled doctor, especially good at obstetrics and gynecology, I believe with his care, sister-in-law will be fine."

  She nodded with a sorrowful expression, "I accept your kind words, sister. I hope it will be so." She took out a pink silk handkerchief embroidered with plum blossoms and dabbed at the corners of her eyes, saying in a melancholy tone: "To be honest with you, sister, I was married into a high-ranking family, if I could give birth to a son or a daughter, it would be somewhat better. But if this child is really gone, then my position as a princess consort will also be precarious. The empress dowager is eager to hold her grandchild, if this child is gone, I truly don't know what to do."

  Princess Qing'an sighed endlessly and comforted her, "Sister-in-law, please don't say such depressing words. You are the king's brother's formally married queen, even if you didn't have children, the king's brother wouldn't divorce you. But the other day when I entered the palace, I heard that the Empress Dowager intends to let the king take a concubine after you give birth to a child. At that time, sister-in-law must be more open-minded."

  As the emotions couldn't be held back, sorrow emerged from within. "This child may not even survive, and Empress Dowager is already in a hurry to have King Wang take a concubine, it's as if she wants to trample me into dust."

  Lady Zhou wailed loudly and hurriedly comforted Ruyi, "Your Highness, please don't be sad. The imperial physician said that you mustn't get emotional. You have to think positively about things."

  As she pinched the handkerchief, she couldn't help but cry even more sorrowfully. "If I had known that being a princess wasn't so easy, I wouldn't have been tempted by the wealth and nobility of the palace in the first place. If I had known that the Empress Dowager would have such thoughts, I should have let Yang Gu Niang enter the palace instead. After all, the Yang family is also related to my Fang family, and Yang Gu Niang has a good appearance, and she's also my sister's younger cousin, this knowing each other's roots, it's better than hiring another temperamental noble lady from outside, right?"

  Princess Qing'an couldn't help but curve her lips, but soon lightly coughed and repeatedly praised, "Sister-in-law thinking this way is the best. Although sister-in-law is the king's brother's sought-after queen, after all, she can't avoid others always bringing up family background. If Yang misses enters the door, not only can she relieve sister-in-law's worries, but outsiders will also praise sister-in-law for being kind and virtuous."

  "Little sister is absolutely right," Ruoshui said in a low voice, "I was confused earlier. Now that I think about it, I was short-sighted and didn't consider the long-term consequences."

  —

  After Qing'an left, Mother Zhou hurriedly took the beads from Ruyi and had someone bring hot water to wash them clean. She then used soap to wash them several times before stopping.

  As she helped Zhou Mama and Chen Xiang wash their wrists, she asked Chen Mama, "Is Doctor Chen's prescription ready?"

  Madam Chen nodded, "It's all settled. This Chen Taifu and I are still fellow villagers after all. Besides, the princess's reward is not light, he knows what to do."

  Ru Jing nodded slowly, and Zhou Mama snorted, "The imperial physicians in the palace are all very tight-lipped, so they won't say anything. But that Princess Qing'an is different, I reckon she'll shout it out everywhere, and then he'll definitely take action."

  Madam Chen also followed, "Just now, Third Aunt also had someone pass on a message, recently Princess Qing'an has been going to her place frequently, every time she goes in, she will drive all the maidservants out, I don't know what big deal they are discussing."

  Chen Xiang coldly laughed and said: "They must be discussing how to make a comeback."

  "How's your third sister doing lately?"

  Madam Chen replied, "Last time the old master really scolded Madame Yang, how would she dare to show her face to Third Aunt? That's why Third Aunt had nothing better to do than to pass on messages for Princess Wang."

  "As if on cue, 'I'm relieved now.'"

  Digression

  My lion at home has recently become very tame, doing all the household chores such as washing dishes, sweeping the floor, taking care of the kids, brushing the toilet, and doing laundry. However, this guy's old habits from a thousand years ago cannot be changed. If I don't buy breakfast, he'd rather starve himself. No matter how busy I am, he won't go grocery shopping, he'd rather die than cook rice, and even if he's dying of thirst, he still wants me to make tea for him. Nowadays, he doesn't even help me run errands anymore, becoming more and more like a big old master.

  So, every day I have to do five things: wake up at 7:30 in the morning to send my eldest son to school, buy breakfast, buy groceries, cook rice, and take care of the kids for an entire morning. Basically, every afternoon is spent doing these tasks, can't hide from them anymore. And in the afternoons, I'm really busy running around, no time to type at all. At night, I have to go home early to help my son with his homework, wish I had two more pairs of hands...