Chapter 43 Pregnancy

Chapter 43 Pregnancy

Upon Yu Zheng's return to the Wang Mansion, night had fallen. Following dinner and a bath, he attended to his official duties in the study.

Zhuiyun entered with a composed face and whispered, "Master, while cleaning the carriage, I found something that Lady Shen had left behind."

"Oh?" Yu Zheng put down the documents in his hand.

Zhuiyun took out an object from his sleeve and presented it.

Yu Zheng took it and upon inspection, his dark brows furrowed.

It was a silk handkerchief, not particularly valuable, but very significant because it was embroidered with the character 'Shu.'

An intimate item bearing a name could easily lead to misunderstandings and trouble.

If they were to return it to the Marquis's residence, it would be hard to explain whether it was accidentally dropped or intentionally given.

After careful consideration, Yu Zheng got up, opened a hidden compartment, and placed the handkerchief at the bottom among the confidential documents.

The next day, Jiang Shu leaned on a soft couch reading when Mother Shen arrived.

"Mother." Jiang Shu supported herself to get up and greet her.

"Lie back down, no need to get up; we're family, there's no need for formalities." Mother Shen hurriedly pressed her back down.

Chuyu brought over a stool, and Mother Shen sat down by the couch to chat with Jiang Shu.

After a series of warm and caring inquiries, Mother Shen shifted the conversation to Yu Zheng and Yu Lan.

After much roundabout talk, she ultimately wanted Jiang Shu to interact more with Yu Lan, thereby connecting with Yu Zheng, providing support for Shen Changze in court.

Jiang Shu frowned deeply, knowing that if she followed Mother Shen's advice, Shen Changze's suspicions would only grow deeper.

She thought for a moment and replied tactfully, "My relationship with the Princess is not deep. If I were to use her, it might make her dislike me. Besides, women should not interfere in political matters; these are men's affairs, let them handle their own connections."

Mother Shen was puzzled. She was talking about getting support in court, how did it turn into interfering in politics?

"Although this is a man's matter, as Changze's wife, you should also work hard to build connections for him."

Jiang Shu pursed her lips, "Is this the Marquis's intention?"

If Shen Changze had instructed her, then he was being shameless indeed.

Mother Shen shook her head, "I am Changze's mother, and I naturally have to work hard for his benefit."

Hearing this, Jiang Shu felt relieved and responded evasively, "The Marquis stands tall and has his own judgment. I cannot act rashly and damage his reputation."

Building connections with Prince Jing would enhance one's reputation, not diminish it.

Mother Shen felt frustrated, thinking Jiang Shu was not as obedient as before.

After some thought, Mother Shen decided to persuade Shen Changze later, so he could speak to Jiang Shu himself.

A woman takes her husband as heaven; Jiang Shu would surely listen to her husband.

After seeing off Mother Shen, Jiang Shu drank a cup of tea and prepared to rest for a while, but Xu Lingyi arrived again.

Today, her Listen Bamboo House was quite lively.

"I heard that Lady injured her leg, so I specially made a pork bone soup. Lady will recover faster after drinking it." Xu Lingyi placed the soup pot on the table and took a bowl to serve Jiang Shu.

Jiang Shu stopped her, "I just had tea, I'll drink it later."

"Then I'll leave it here. Lady, remember to drink it." Xu Lingyi set down the bowl and walked to the couch to talk to Jiang Shu.

"I envy Lady, being able to go out with the Marquis. The farthest place I've been to is Zhaojue Temple."

Jiang Shu smiled wryly, "I'm not much different from you. This trip was a bit farther, but it wasn't great, and I even hurt my leg."

"Lady is different from me. Even if you can't travel far, you can still leave the residence. But me..."

At this point, Xu Lingyi looked dejected and changed the subject with a forced smile, "How did Lady get injured?"

Xu Lingyi carefully observed Jiang Shu's expression.

Yesterday, Jiang Shu was sent back by Prince Jing, and although Shen Changze sealed the news, many people still knew.

The reason behind it was truly intriguing.

"Just a slip," Jiang Shu said lightly.

Seeing that Jiang Shu did not want to elaborate, Xu Lingyi wisely refrained from further questioning and turned to other topics.

While they were talking, Nurse Fang came to change Jiang Shu's medicine.

"Ugh—" Xu Lingyi suddenly clutched her chest and dry-heaved.

Jiang Shu looked at her, "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

Xu Lingyi blushed, "Perhaps I ate something bad. These past few days, I've been dizzy and sleepy, occasionally feeling nauseous."

Feeling dizzy and sleepy from eating badly?

Nurse Fang looked at Xu Lingyi suspiciously.

Jiang Shu understood and said gently, "Since Nurse Fang is here, why don't you let her check what's wrong with you?"

"Thank you, Nurse Fang." Xu Lingyi extended her hand.

The female physician focused intently as she felt the pulse, and upon confirmation, her eyes widened suddenly.

Seeing the physician's reaction, Xu Lingyi panicked and asked, "What's wrong? Could I have some incurable illness?"

The female physician shook her head. "Madam, you're not ill; you're pregnant."

Jiang Shu was slightly taken aback but quickly regained her composure.

"Pregnant? I'm truly pregnant?" Xu Lingyi gently touched her flat abdomen, a mix of joy and disbelief in her voice.

The female physician assured her, "I've confirmed it multiple times. If Madam is still worried, we can invite another doctor to the residence."

"I didn't mean that; it's just so unexpected and sudden," Xu Lingyi hurriedly explained.

She had just discovered her pregnancy and would need the physician's help frequently in the future. She couldn't afford to offend her.

Fortunately, the female physician did not take offense.

Thinking about Cheng Jinchu's unstable pregnancy and daily bed rest, Xu Lingyi nervously asked, "This is my first pregnancy, and I don't know much. Is there anything I should be aware of? Please enlighten me, Physician."

The female physician, adhering to her medical duties, replied, "Madam's health is excellent, and the fetus is stable. There's no need to worry."

After a pause, she added, "There is one thing Madam should note: sexual activity during pregnancy is not advisable."

Upon hearing this, Xu Lingyi's face turned red instantly, and she glanced at Jiang Shu secretly.

Jiang Shu remained composed, as if she hadn't heard their conversation at all.

"Thank you for your reminder; I'll keep it in mind," Xu Lingyi responded, blushing but clearly delighted.

She had been in the residence for less than two months and was already pregnant. The heavens were indeed kind to her.

"Congratulations," Jiang Shu said calmly, adding, "Take good care of yourself from now on. Don't go to the kitchen anymore; tell the servants what you want to eat."

"Yes, I understand," Xu Lingyi replied, lowering her head respectfully, barely containing her joy.

Having such a gracious and magnanimous mistress like Jiang Shu was indeed fortunate.

Unlike her own mother, who had almost killed her while she was still in the womb due to her cruel intentions.

Unaware of Xu Lingyi's thoughts, Jiang Shu instructed Chuyu warmly, "Go to my jewelry box and fetch the golden hairpin with the Double Happiness design to congratulate Madam Xu."

"Yes," Chuyu left and soon returned with an exquisite and valuable pure gold hairpin.

Jiang Shu gestured with her eyes, signaling Chuyu to pin it on Xu Lingyi.

"Thank you, Lady," Xu Lingyi bowed respectfully in gratitude.

Jiang Shu looked at her still-flat belly and said, "Go back and rest. I'm feeling tired."

"Yes, I will take my leave," Xu Lingyi said, leaving in high spirits.

Descending the stairs, she saw the plump Bu Bai on the lawn and swallowed hard.

Suddenly, she craved rabbit meat.

Watching Xu Lingyi leave through the window, Jiang Shu recalled the few pages Chuyu had given her last night.

Those thin sheets of paper recorded Xu Lingyi's past.