Chapter 0100: Obstructed Womb

Chapter 0100: Obstructed Womb

This was essentially a declaration of her infertility.

In this era, infertility in women couldn’t be easily cured. Conditions like an obstructed womb were particularly difficult to treat. Moreover, she also suffered from deficiencies like weak kidney energy.

“How did I end up like this?” Lan Fei asked calmly.

Physician Fu, now in a difficult position, decided not to conceal anything further.

“Your Highness, as for the obstructed womb, I am not sure what caused it. If Your Highness has never had a miscarriage, it could be either congenital or acquired. However, your weak kidney energy is unusual for someone your age. Your body is indeed in this state now. Irregular menstruation, aversion to cold, cold hands and feet. Such symptoms often originate from diet. Have you ever had severe menstrual irregularities?”

Before Lan Fei could respond, Tanxiang, pale-faced, said, “Yes, in the second year after entering the Eastern Palace, Her Highness suffered greatly due to menstrual issues. That time it was… the Empress who called for the royal physician, saying it was menstrual irregularity, so…”

How could she dare to continue?

Lan Fei took a deep breath: “So, I underwent treatment for half a year. After that, my menstruation improved and I felt more energetic.”

Physician Fu, now wary of speaking the truth, said, “Perhaps it wasn’t treated properly at the time.”

Lan Fei inhaled deeply, “I won’t make it difficult for you. Just one last question, what kind of medicine, if used by a woman, could lead to this outcome?”

Physician Fu’s face crinkled like a bun as he sighed, “Prolonged use of medicines that cool the body is definitely harmful for women. If taken for half a year…”

He shook his head and said no more.

Lan Fei felt completely drained of strength: “Today, you just examined my stomach. Like before, it’s just menstrual pain. Nothing serious.”

“Tanxiang, give Physician Fu the item I prepared,” she instructed.

Tanxiang complied, retrieving a purse from the cabinet near the bed and handing it over, “Please accept this, Physician Fu.”

Physician Fu accepted it, thanked Lan Fei, and wrote down a prescription before taking his leave.

Inside the purse was five hundred taels of silver, a reward not unworthy of the anxiety Physician Fu had endured.

After sending Physician Fu away, Tanxiang and Muyu didn’t know what to say.

Lan Fei stood silently, her grip tightening on the pink silk handkerchief in her hand.

She didn’t even notice her freshly painted two-inch long red nails breaking.

Her face was expressionless, but her actions spoke volumes.

What did infertility mean for a woman in this era, especially for a concubine in the harem?

What did it mean for a favored consort to be infertile?

She was no fool; she had thought about all these things.

After a long time, Muyu suggested, “Should we tell His Majesty about this…”

“No!” Lan Fei interrupted her sharply: “The Emperor must never know about this.”

Startled, Muyu quickly responded, “Yes, this servant spoke out of turn.”

Lan Fei took a deep breath, “Let today’s matter end here. Forget everything. Not a word is to be spoken of it. If a single word leaks, neither of you will live to see another day.”

“Yes, we will guard this secret with our lives, daring not to let a single word slip,” both maids knelt down, visibly frightened.

Lan Fei slowly sat down, “Get up.”

She had made up her mind; this matter had to be resolved by herself. The Emperor must not find out.

Once he knows…

With so many in the harem, if the Emperor discovers that the person he has loved for years is infertile…

Even if he still has a shred of affection and doesn’t react harshly, his favor will undoubtedly diminish over time.

Besides, what good would telling the Emperor do?

The Empress has a princess and is currently pregnant.

If this child turns out to be a prince…

Lan Fei bit her lower lip, the resentment in her eyes almost bursting forth.

She could only… continue to take medicine slowly, hoping perhaps the heavens might show mercy and she could still recover.

She needed to think long-term and carefully consider her next steps.

But no matter what, she must never tell the Emperor; she couldn't risk it, she dared not gamble.

While Lan Fei was internally distraught, life in the harem continued as usual for those unaware of her situation.

Wu Zhaorong, eager to see the outcome, knew she had to keep the matter to herself.

In the end, nobody noticed anything.

Yun Xiaoyi also kept silent, especially since she didn’t know the outcome of Physician Fu’s visit.

Lan Fei was too good at hiding her feelings; Yun Xiaoyi couldn’t tell and didn’t dare to probe further.

Thus, during the next day's greetings, Wu Zhaorong was somewhat distracted, but she kept quiet, and Lan Fei didn’t notice her.

Lan Fei, meanwhile, kept looking at the Empress’s belly.

The Empress noticed this.

“Why is Sister Lan Fei constantly looking at my belly?” the Empress asked with a smile.

“I was just thinking how fortunate the Empress is. This child must be a prince. I got lost in thoughts about what the little prince might look like. He should resemble you,” Lan Fei replied with a smile.

The Empress responded with a laugh, “Let’s hope your auspicious words come true. You too should bear a child for His Majesty soon. You have also been favored for many years. The other sisters are all watching you.”

Anger surged in Lan Fei's heart, but she maintained a smile, “Ah, perhaps I’m just not that fortunate.”

The Noble Consort remarked indifferently, “Lan Fei has been favored for many years but has never conceived. Now that the harem has grown, it’s time to allow the younger concubines to serve His Majesty more.”

"Why must the Noble Consort mention me?" Lan Fei retorted.

"I am well aware of His Majesty’s lack of favor towards me, and it’s only right that I have no children. But it’s different for Lan Fei," the Noble Consort said indifferently.

“To know oneself unfavored yet still maintain such airs. It must be tough for the Noble Consort,” Lan Fei, unable to contain her frustration, responded sharply.

The Empress quickly intervened, “Enough, enough. Children are a matter of fate.”

Lan Fei suddenly stood up, “I am feeling unwell and must take my leave.”

With that, she left without waiting for the Empress to respond.

It was her first time leaving like this, but the Empress assumed she was just upset by the Noble Consort's words.

Wu Zhaorong exchanged a knowing smile with Ye Zhaoyi.

Yunli didn’t witness this; she just wondered if Lan Fei was irritable due to lack of sleep. Why such a temper today?

She didn’t dwell on it upon returning.

However, not long after her return, the Emperor sent a message, planning a hunting trip to the Southern Garden. He instructed her to prepare, as they would depart the next day.

Yunli was taken aback by the sudden notice.

Last year’s trip was to deal with the rebellious princes; what was the purpose this year?

Surely there couldn’t be another rebellion?

Lost in thought, Yunli instructed her attendants to pack.

There wasn’t much to prepare, mainly just ensuring her clothes and jewelry were ready.

Even if we go, it's not impossible to send someone back to fetch things.

In the afternoon, Zhuding returned and informed Yunli of the list.

"It seems the list starts with Mei Fei and Lan Fei, followed by Shu Jieyu, Jing Cairen, Zhang Cairen, Xu Yushi, and Zhou Baolin."