Chapter 654 Could It Be That Cousin Mingzhu Is Cursing Them?

Chapter 654: Is Cousin Mingzhu Cursing Them?

Wei Shuangyan was startled to see her mother spit up blood in anger, but when her younger brother scolded her, she straightened up defiantly and retorted, "What's between Mother and me is none of your business! Who asked for your opinion?!"

Wei Zihang was too furious with his second sister to speak.

He no longer cared about Wei Shuangyan and turned to Xingxing pleadingly. "Princess, please..."

Before he could finish, Xingxing had already stepped forward to take the Princess Consort’s pulse.

The Princess Consort leaned weakly against her son, her face pale and haggard, the only color left was the smear of blood at the corner of her lips.

"Princess, I’m grateful..." she said weakly.

"Your Highness must not get agitated anymore," Xingxing advised. "Lately, you’ve been worn down by worry, suffering from spleen deficiency and insomnia, which has sapped your strength. Your health is no longer what it used to be. I’ll prescribe some medicine—take it once a day and slowly recuperate. Don’t skip doses."

Tears fell from the Princess Consort’s eyes. "What’s the use of recuperating when I’ve given birth to such a disgrace? Sooner or later, I’ll die of anger."

Wei Shuangyan bit her lower lip and turned her face away, refusing to speak.

Jiao Shi wasn’t happy about this either.

When she had fainted from anger earlier, Xingxing hadn’t given her so many instructions!

With everyone lost in their own thoughts, the room fell silent.

Finally, it was Yu Mingzhu’s gentle voice that broke the silence. "Regardless, Second Miss Wei is now carrying Second Brother’s child. We need to figure this out... Second Miss Wei, why don’t you tell us what you want?"

Wei Shuangyan had always disliked Yu Mingzhu, and in her current foul mood, she sneered coldly and snapped, "This is between me and Second Brother Yu! What does it have to do with you?! Asking me what I want—what can you even do about it? Shut it!"

Yu Mingzhu’s face turned red with rage!

Wei Shuangyan was like a mad dog, attacking anyone nearby!

Yu Chongen couldn’t help but say, "Shuangyan, don’t be like this. Zhu Zhu didn’t mean anything by it."

Wei Shuangyan snapped back. "She didn’t mean anything, so I’m the one who did?! And Second Brother Yu, I’m carrying your child right now! Your mother wants me to abort it—how could you let that happen?!"

Yu Chongen gritted his teeth. "We’re keeping the child."

Jiao Shi, who had been resenting Xingxing’s special treatment, immediately scowled in fury upon hearing this. "Think carefully! You can have children anytime. But if you keep this child now, how will they face the shame in the future?"

Wei Shuangyan said coldly, "The Marchioness needn’t concern herself. Mine and Second Brother Yu’s child will naturally be outstanding."

Jiao Shi nearly scoffed. "Outstanding? If this child studies in the future, others will ridicule their background and scorn their company. If it’s a girl, what respectable family would want to marry her?! If you don’t believe me, ask your mother—would she be willing to let your brother marry someone like that?"

Wei Shuangyan’s face darkened, and she instinctively looked at the Princess Consort, but the latter turned her face away with reddened eyes, refusing to meet her gaze.

Yu Chongen hesitated at Jiao Shi’s words.

Coming from a noble family, he knew his mother wasn’t exaggerating.

But Wei Shuangyan remained stubborn. "Then let them live a life of idle wealth!... In any case, I’m keeping this child!"

She clutched her abdomen, her face filled with stubborn fury.

Jiao Shi was so furious she nearly passed out!

Even if her fate wasn’t problematic, she would never allow her son to marry someone like this!

Here is the edited translation incorporating the expert suggestions:

Jiao Shi gave up talking to Wei Shuangyan and turned directly to the Princess Consort of Jiping Commandery, sneering, "This is the fine daughter you raised?!"

The Princess Consort of Jiping Commandery's heart had already been deeply wounded by Wei Shuangyan. Now, with Jiao Shi's sharp remark, she actually felt less distressed and let out a cold laugh, "The son you raised is just as disgraceful!"

The two mothers exchanged glances, both sick with frustration.

Jiao Shi hardened her heart and declared firmly, "I'll say this now—if the Jiping Commandery Prince's household isn't ashamed, then let Wei Shuangyan give birth to that illegitimate child! But mark my words, our Duke of Xinguo's household will never acknowledge it!"

Yu Chongen was incredulous, "Mother! The child in Shuangyan's belly is also your grandchild!"

Jiao Shi said coldly, "No betrothal, no wedding - just shameful fornication! What kind of grandchild is that?! I won't recognize it! The legitimate wife you marry in the future will naturally bear me plenty of grandchildren!"

Wei Shuangyan, her eyes red, was about to fly into another rage, but Yu Chongen quickly soothed her and looked at Jiao Shi in anguish, "Mother! Do you want to be the death of me?!"

Jiao Shi was also furious at Yu Chongen's cutting words. Yu Mingzhu hurriedly supported Jiao Shi and urgently said to Yu Chongen, "Second Brother, are you really trying to kill Mother with anger?"

Yu Chongen, still filial, was in agony, "I didn't mean it that way—"

The two sides went in circles, but in the end, no resolution was reached.

The Princess Consort of Jiping Commandery was the first to grow weary of it. Steeling herself, she mustered her strength and ordered the two strapping servant women she had brought, "Go, tie up the Second Miss!"

Before Wei Shuangyan could react, the two sturdy women swiftly restrained her.

Wei Shuangyan was furious, "Who dares touch me?!"

The Princess Consort of Jiping Commandery said coldly, "Silence the Second Miss!"

The servant women promptly stuffed a handkerchief into Wei Shuangyan's mouth. She struggled violently but was no match for their strength.

Yu Chongen panicked, "Your Highness—"

"You've forfeited the right to address me!" The Princess Consort of Jiping Commandery glared at Yu Chongen with deep disgust. "My Yan Yan may be foolish, but you—a grown man—should never have crossed that line if you couldn't take responsibility for her! Now your mother insults Yan Yan and the child in her belly. All this karma will fall on you! Because you're spineless! You can't protect them!"

Yu Chongen staggered back, trembling all over, completely broken by her words.

Wei Shuangyan, tears streaming down her face, was led away forcibly by the servants of the Jiping Commandery Prince's household.

The Princess Consort of Jiping Commandery leaned on Wei Zihang's arm and pulled herself upright.

Before leaving, she expressed her gratitude to Xingxing, "Princess, thank you for treating me today."

Wei Zihang's eyes were also red. He wanted to say something to Xingxing, but given the circumstances, words failed him.

Xingxing watched as the Princess Consort of Jiping Commandery managed to walk away with her head high and sighed inwardly—some children truly are payback for past karma.

Jiao Shi sat there, taking several deep breaths. Recalling everything that had happened today, she could only taste bitterness.

She had been very satisfied with the Viceroy of Changhuai's daughter, but then that wretched Mao woman had ruined everything! And now Wei Shuangyan shamelessly claimed to be pregnant... This marriage alliance was doomed.

What a pity—such a good match!

Looking at the devastated Yu Chongen, Jiao Shi was seeing red with rage!

That Wei Shuangyan was a walking calamity!

... Lou Ruhui and Xingxing bid farewell to both parties. Afterward, the two of them stood in the now-silent reception room, shared a look heavy with meaning before sighing in unison.

"No, I mean, what kind of nonsense is this?" Lou Ruhui and Xingxing had witnessed two such "spectacles" today and were still rattled. "I don't even want to get married anymore..."

Xingxing comforted her, "To each their own fate, that's all."

Lou Ruhui suddenly remembered something and couldn't resist gossiping with Xingxing: "...But, come to think of it, doesn't it seem a bit creepy? Before, when my grandmother sent Cousin Mingzhu to Baiyun Temple for seclusion, the estate was peaceful, nothing happened, and my grandmother's health improved a lot. But now, as soon as my eldest aunt brought Cousin Mingzhu back, first my eldest cousin's wife had a miscarriage, then she divorced my eldest cousin. And my second cousin's situation is just as tangled. Could it be that Cousin Mingzhu is bringing them bad luck..."

Before Xingxing could respond, a gasp came from outside.

"Who's there?"

A voice answered, "Young Miss, it's Aunt Jingchun, serving the wife of the heir. Our mistress left something in the parlor, and I've come to retrieve it."

"Oh, please come in, Aunt Jingchun." Lou Ruhui grew uncomfortable, unsure how much had been overheard.

Her ears burning, she stuck out her tongue at Xingxing.

Fortunately, Aunt Jingchun showed no reaction. She entered, retrieved the item, bowed, and left.

She didn't seem to have heard anything.

Lou Ruhui breathed a small sigh of relief.

In truth, Aunt Jingchun had heard everything.

She returned to Jiao Shi's side without a word, chewing on Lou Ruhui's words.

Many things are like this—once a conclusion is suggested, the more you think about it, the more everything seems to fit that conclusion.

Thus, the more Aunt Jingchun pondered, the more alarmed she became.

But since Yu Mingzhu was still in the carriage, Aunt Jingchun said nothing.

Jiao Shi was completely drained today. Upon returning home, she merely told Yu Chongen wearily that she would never accept Wei Shuangyan or her child and that he should put it out of his mind. Then, leaning on Aunt Jingchun's arm, she retired to her courtyard.

Once inside, Yu Mingzhu burrowed into Jiao Shi's arms. "Mother, don't be upset. Second Brother is probably just going through a phase. He's filial—he'll listen to you in the end."

Jiao Shi stroked Yu Mingzhu's hair and sighed, "Your eldest and second brothers are nothing but trouble! What kind of sons have I raised? If only they were all as sweet and filial as our Zhu Zhu, I can't imagine how happy I'd be."

"Mother, don't say that. Eldest Brother, Second Brother, and Third Brother, who's traveling abroad, are all very filial. It's just that Eldest Brother and Second Brother are temporarily confused—think of it as a hurdle. Once they get past this, they'll surely be even more devoted to you."

Jiao Shi was touched and hugged Yu Mingzhu. "My Zhu Zhu is the most thoughtful."

The mother and daughter talked warmly for a while before Yu Mingzhu took her leave, telling Jiao Shi to get some rest.

Jiao Shi closed her eyes and had her maid gently massage her head.

When she opened them again, she saw Aunt Jingchun—who had served her for thirty years—looking troubled.

Jiao Shi said tiredly, "Aunt Jingchun, out with it. If even you start hiding things from me, what else could go wrong?"

Aunt Jingchun quickly replied, "My lady, might we speak alone?"

Jiao Shi turned serious. Following Aunt Jingchun's request, she sent the maids away.

Only the mistress and her servant remained in the room.

Aunt Jingchun knelt.

Jiao Shi was startled. "What's this about?"

Here’s the improved translation incorporating the expert suggestions:

Aunt Jingchun gave a bitter smile. "Madam, please allow this maid to remain kneeling. After I finish speaking, you can decide whether to let me rise or not."

Jiao Shi frowned but nodded in agreement.

Aunt Jingchun then recounted how she had returned to the parlor to retrieve the item and overheard Lou Ruhui's words, telling everything in detail.

Jiao Shi angrily cursed, "Ridiculous!"

She then glared coldly at Aunt Jingchun, furious, "You must be going senile to believe such nonsense!"

"...Madam, please calm your anger. At the time, I also thought it was nonsense. But upon returning to the carriage, I thought carefully about the events of this year, and the more I thought, the more something felt amiss."

"To start with the Lantern Festival earlier this year—when the Young Madam had her first miscarriage—it was the Young Master and Second Young Master who protected Miss Cen the entire time. If we look closely, it truly does seem connected to Miss Cen in some way."

"Then there was the trouble with the Second Young Master's engagement. Think about it—wasn’t it the maid from Miss Cen’s courtyard who had designs on the Second Young Master and deliberately destroyed Second Miss Wei’s Fate-Changing Tower? That too could be considered... somewhat related, no?"

"After that, even the Old Madam fell ill. And it was all because that maid brought back the evil aura... One incident after another, all connected, seems to tie back to Miss Cen in some way."

Jiao Shi’s breathing grew increasingly ragged as she clutched her chest. "Nonsense—!"

Aunt Jingchun hurriedly helped soothe her, sighing, "Madam, don’t distress yourself. Just consider—hasn’t everything in the household gone much smoother since the Old Madam sent Miss Cen to Baiyun Temple for religious retreat?"

Jiao Shi followed this line of thought and had to admit it was exactly as Aunt Jingchun said.

In fact, if she hadn’t brought Zhu Zhu back, Mao Shi wouldn’t have miscarried, and they wouldn’t have divorced either...

At this realization, Jiao Shi’s expression darkened.

How could she think of her Zhu Zhu like this?!

Her Zhu Zhu was so considerate—since childhood, many masters had praised her Zhu Zhu’s fate as exceptionally auspicious, brimming with blessings—

Jiao Shi suddenly froze mid-thought.

No—that supremely fortunate fate belonged to her own daughter!

Zhu Zhu’s true fate remained unknown!

What if... what if it was truly unlucky for their Duke of Xinguo’s household?

Jiao Shi shivered involuntarily.

Upon closer reflection, ever since they went to Baiyun Temple to retrieve Yu Mingzhu, misfortunes had indeed begun.

First, the Old Madam was bitten by a venomous snake that had crawled out. Then, on their way down the mountain, they encountered bandits. The long-awaited grandson she had hoped for was lost just like that—

And today, what should have been a smooth marriage meeting was suddenly full of problems!

Jiao Shi went quiet.

Aunt Jingchun knelt cautiously on the floor and whispered, "Madam, isn’t it...? Don’t you think something's... wrong? I’m not trying to stir up trouble between you and Miss Cen, but since her true fate is unknown, what if there truly is bad luck..."

Jiao Shi clenched her fists. "No, that can’t be! Zhu Zhu hasn’t been in our household for just a day. There were never so many chaotic incidents before!"

Aunt Jingchun sighed. "But I’ve heard that fates work differently. Some may only show their influence at a certain age... There’s no telling for sure." Jiao Shi’s mind was racing!