Chapter 238

Chapter 242: Joy (Part 2)

Madam Tao's heart skipped a beat.

"Are you certain?" The words of doubt slipped out, and she immediately regretted them.

She had been observing Eleven Miss these past days. Eleven Miss was intelligent yet unassuming. Such a person would never speak without being absolutely certain.

As this thought flashed through her mind, she couldn't help but look up at Eleven Miss.

Under the soft light, Eleven Miss sat as straight as a pine tree. Her once dazzling, star-like eyes now gazed at her calmly and serenely, like a deep, unfathomable ancient well, exuding a chilling aura...

In a flash, she understood.

Eleven Miss was asking her to declare her position.

If Qiao Lianfang was indeed pregnant, what should she do?

Her thoughts raced.

She had nursed Eldest Miss, sharing both the bond of breastfeeding and the affection of raising her. Moreover, Eldest Miss was so clever, lively, and well-behaved, making her very fond of her. In her heart, Eldest Miss was more important than her husband and closer than her son... Yet, she never expected that Eldest Miss would pass away from illness. Fortunately, she left behind Chun Ge, a drop of her bloodline. No matter what, she had to protect Chun Ge, ensuring her bloodline would endure.

But now, Chun Ge was still young and needed Eleven Miss's protection. Therefore, she would help Eleven Miss—on the condition that Eleven Miss would safeguard Chun Ge's interests.

Madam Tao smiled faintly: "Madam, pregnancy to childbirth takes ten months... No need to rush."

Eleven Miss looked at Madam Tao: "I fear you might be the one rushing."

Madam Tao's body trembled slightly.

Eleven Miss's expression turned serious: "Madam Tao, remember why you're helping me." Her voice was stern: "As long as Chun Ge is unaffected, avoid stirring trouble."

Madam Tao gazed at the resolve in Eleven Miss's brow. Though she remained silent for a while, her eyes flickered. Then, she half-knelt and bowed respectfully: "This is a household matter. I am a household servant. Naturally, I will follow the madam's orders." To reassure her, she added, "Besides, even if Qiao Lianfang bears a son, he would still need to surpass the second young master."

To be honest, Eleven Miss feared Madam Tao might have her own agenda—she was very familiar with the Xu family and was shrewd. Eleven Miss feared she might not guard against her or stop her.

After seeing Madam Tao off, she told Amber: "Keep an eye on Madam Tao."

Amber nodded.

Madam Tao sought to protect Chun Ge's interests, while Eleven Miss sought to protect her own.

If something happened to Qiao Lianfang at this time, Eleven Miss would be the most suspicious.

Thinking this, she felt Qiao Lianfang's secrecy was like sitting on pins and needles.

She muttered: "What is Qiao Lianfang up to? She's pregnant and didn't tell us?"

"Let her do as she pleases!" Eleven Miss laughed. "If it rains, it rains. If a mother marries, she marries." The child is hers. As long as she doesn't provoke us, it's fine." At this point, she smiled at Amber, "Besides, you gave Qiao Lianfang a generous gift, which she accepted without guilt. Some, however, will be uneasy."

Amber was puzzled. After pondering for a while, she said: "Are you referring to the third madam? Are you afraid she might exaggerate things in front of the elder madam..."

"No." Eleven Miss gently shook her head.

The third madam was focused on establishing her own household, aiming to profit before leaving the Xu family. Under normal circumstances, she would certainly feel resentful and make a fuss, but now, she might even encourage Yi Yiniang to find a way to return to her maiden home and then follow Qiao Lianfang's example in giving rewards. As for whether these gifts would appear in Yi Yiniang's maiden home, that was another matter.

Thinking this, she smiled radiantly: "Let's wait and see."

*****************

Eleven Miss was not in a hurry, but some people were getting anxious.

Early the next morning, two older women arrived at the Cheng State Duke's estate. They claimed to have been sent by Mrs. Qiao to deliver something to Qiao Lianfang: "...The canopy has never been used since our madam acquired it. It's winter, and the older women searched for half a day without finding it. The madam was annoyed with the managing older women and had them search overnight. As soon as it was found, they sent us to deliver it." As they spoke, they waved the box in their hands.

Delivering a canopy in the middle of winter.

What an excuse Mrs. Qiao came up with.

Eleven Miss struggled to suppress her laughter.

Without a doctor's confirmation, Qiao Lianfang couldn't risk claiming she was pregnant. But to consult a doctor, she would have to go through Eleven Miss. The best course of action was to return to the Cheng State Duke's estate. This way, she could get a diagnosis, inform Mrs. Qiao, and seek her advice. It was a triple win.

"You two must be exhausted," Eleven Miss smiled as she served tea. "Please convey my gratitude to Mrs. Qiao for her concern."

The two older women from the Qiao family were taken aback.

They hadn't expected Eleven Miss to serve tea and dismiss them so abruptly after just a few words.

One of them hastily stood up and said, "Madam, when we left, our madam instructed us to pay our respects to Qiao Lianfang as well."

"Oh!" Eleven Miss paused as she set down the tea.

The other quickly added, "Yes, madam, our madam asked us to check on Qiao Lianfang—she wasn't feeling well yesterday, and our madam has been concerned. Since we were delivering the canopy, she asked us to check on her. Whether she's better or worse, we can report back so our madam can have peace of mind."

Not feeling well... The Qiao family knew Qiao Lianfang wasn't feeling well...

Looking at the two insistent older women, Eleven Miss smiled slightly.

Using the pretext of delivering something to bring up the pregnancy. Was this Mrs. Qiao's doing or Qiao Lianfang's? Was Mrs. Qiao trying to tell her that Qiao Lianfang was under the protection of the Cheng State Duke's estate? Or was Qiao Lianfang worried that her unborn child might not be delivered safely?

However, Eleven Miss had a faint feeling that this was Mrs. Qiao's idea.

Because this situation only served Mrs. Qiao's interests.

After all, Qiao Lianfang had received many gifts, but the Qiao family had only reciprocated with eight gift boxes. The Qiao family was unwilling to break tradition for Qiao Lianfang. The best way to make up for it was to use another pretext to bring up her pregnancy. This would reassure Qiao Lianfang and also muddy the waters, making it seem like the Xu family had sent lavish gifts to the Qiao family because of Qiao Lianfang's pregnancy.

Regardless, Eleven Miss would handle it calmly. She wouldn't consider herself a saint, but she couldn't bring herself to harm a defenseless child.

However, the Qiao family's strategy of treating everyone else as fools irked her.

Trying to spread the news of the pregnancy through the Qiao family...

If she allowed them to succeed, how could she uphold her dignity as Lord Xu's wife?

Some things could be overlooked, but others could not be allowed to cross the line.

With a light clink, Eleven Miss set her teacup down on the side table.

"Go back and tell Mrs. Qiao," she said slowly, "Qiao Lianfang was perfectly fine when she came to greet me this morning. I haven't heard of her being unwell. Please reassure Mrs. Qiao. Since Qiao Lianfang has entered the Xu family, she is now part of the Xu family. Although we are not extremely wealthy, if someone falls ill, even a small maid, we would call for a royal physician to examine her. Please tell Mrs. Qiao not to worry."

With that, she stood up and instructed Amber, "Escort the two older women out. Make sure they don't get lost and lose their sense of direction." Then she turned and walked into the inner chamber without looking back.

The two older women stood there dumbfounded.

They hadn't expected Eleven Miss to be so firm. "Please follow me," Amber said. She had already been worried about Qiao Lianfang's pregnancy, and now, seeing the Qiao family's aggressive approach, she was even more indignant. Her tone was sharp. "The Xu family has strict rules. Some areas are only for the madam and young ladies, while others are only for maids and older women. It's to avoid breaking the rules and being laughed at, which would tarnish the reputation of the Cheng State Duke's estate."

The two older women, who held respectable positions in the Qiao family, turned red and then pale at Amber's words. They inwardly blamed the third wife for telling Mrs. Qiao things like, "The wife of the Yongping Marquis comes from a humble background and lacks confidence. She acts entirely according to the elder madam and the marquis's wishes. Without their approval, she would never dare offend the Cheng State Duke's estate." This was why they had been sent to reveal Qiao Lianfang's pregnancy and also to curry favor with Qiao Lianfang—now that she was pregnant, if she gave birth to a son, she would have a firm footing in the Xu family. In the future, they could use her to influence Lord Xu through pillow talk... This was why they had brought out the treasured gauze bed curtain with ink painting to deliver. But they hadn't expected to be so bluntly dismissed.

They fled in confusion!

Amber felt a sense of relief and satisfaction as she watched them leave, then went to Eleven Miss with a smile.

Eleven Miss had already returned to the hall and was waiting for Amber. Seeing her enter, she pointed to the box left by the two older women from the Qiao family and said, "Take this over to Qiao Lianfang. Then ask her how she's feeling. If she says she's unwell, go and tell the steward of the outer courtyard to help find an imperial physician to take a look. If she says she's fine..." She smiled, "We can't force her to see a doctor, right?"

Amber smiled in response and left.

Eleven Miss returned to her inner chamber to continue embroidering "Gu Feng" — with all the chaos lately, she had only managed to embroider a dozen or so characters. She hoped Huijie wouldn't be too disappointed upon seeing it.

Not long after, Amber returned.

She reached out to Eleven Miss with a smile, "Madam, the tally!"

Eleven Miss also smiled upon seeing this, "Same place as always, go fetch it yourself."

"Alright!" Amber hurried off to the outer courtyard.

The imperial physicians from the Imperial Hospital were usually on duty and couldn't be summoned immediately. By the time Imperial Physician Wu arrived, it was already mid-morning. Lord Xu had just returned from the outer courtyard to change his clothes.

Seeing only a doorkeeper, an older woman, in the courtyard, with no maids or older women in sight, he asked in surprise, "What's going on?"

The older woman quickly replied, "Qiao Lianfang is feeling unwell. Madam has arranged for a physician to see her."

Lord Xu frowned, nodded, and quickly entered the inner chamber.

Eleven Miss was bent over the embroidery frame, stitching characters. The midday sunlight streamed in, casting her figure in a warm golden hue.

His frown softened unconsciously.

"Where are Zhenjie and Chun Ge?"

After the Lantern Festival, sunny days became more frequent. Lord Xu was wearing a bright blue satin robe, rolling up his sleeves to wash his face and hands.

Hearing that he had returned and knowing it was almost time to go to the elder madam's for lunch, Eleven Miss put away her needlework and replied, "Chun Ge stayed over there to play."

"Why is Qiao Lianfang feeling 'unwell' again?" His voice carried a hint of displeasure, "She just got better a few days ago." With that, he followed the maid into the washroom.