Chapter 42: The Amniotic Fluid Broke

Chapter 42: The Amniotic Fluid Broke

"What did you say?"

He suddenly stood up, his pale face making his deep, ink-like eyes even more pronounced.

"Commander Lu led our brothers to intercept the traitor Chen downstream. The traitor's men fled in panic, and we chased them into a canyon. Then..."

A look of pain flashed across the guard's face as he continued, "Suddenly, there was an earth-shattering explosion, the sky seemed to collapse, and thick black smoke rose in the distance. I immediately went to investigate. It turns out the traitor Chen had buried gunpowder in the canyon."

"Boulders were tumbling down everywhere in the mountains. Our brothers are still digging. I’ve sent others to search the water, but so far, there’s no trace of Commander Lu."

"Commander Lu is now missing, with no sign of life or death. We need to send word to the capital and request reinforcements—"

Pei Zhang abruptly interrupted him, shouting, "No!"

"Why? Lord Pei, although your rank is high, this matter is of great importance. We cannot delay!"

Pei Zhang slowly got out of bed, his slender, jade-like fingers fastening the buttons on his chest. He said calmly, "Lead the way."

"But—"

The guard wanted to argue, but when he met Pei Zhang's dark, silent gaze, he couldn’t bring himself to say anything in opposition.

The southern expedition was nominally led by both Lu Feng and Pei Zhang, but Lu Feng held a higher position and was exceptionally brave. The men respected him and always followed Commander Lu's orders. Pei Zhang never went against Lu Feng, so they didn’t pay much attention to this seemingly frail Lord Pei.

Now that Pei Zhang was injured, his body weak and his face pale, he exuded a commanding presence. When his dark eyes fixed on the guard, the guard felt a chill down his spine.

It was the kind of presence that only someone who had long held a high position could possess. The guard had only felt this kind of aura around Lu Feng before. Now, with Pei Zhang suddenly injured, it was as if he had become a different person. The guard didn’t dare to look directly at the pale, frail young man before him.

"Lead the way."

The guard didn’t dare to say more and respectfully led Pei Zhang to the canyon. It was now past midnight, and the canyon was illuminated as bright as day by the torches on the mountains. The ground was covered with rubble, and the air was filled with the acrid scent of gunpowder.

"Oh, Lord Pei! You should be resting and recuperating. What are you doing here?"

The guards were busy moving rocks when a tall, stern-faced middle-aged man approached. He walked up to Pei Zhang and said with disapproval, "The wind is strong here. Lord Pei should be resting in your room."

This was Lord Liu, who had taken a separate route from Lu and Pei. Four imperial officials had been sent on this southern expedition. Now, Lord Xu was unconscious after being struck by a poisoned arrow, Lu Feng was missing—with no sign of life or death—and Pei Zhang was in such a dire condition. Only Lord Liu remained unscathed, and he was so worried it was causing him great distress.

How were they going to explain this to the Emperor when they returned to the capital?

The others were one thing, but the Emperor’s favoritism toward Commander Lu was obvious to all. He had even jokingly called Lu Feng "half my son," entrusting him with cases that even proper princes were assigned. If something happened to Lu Feng, every one of them would face grave consequences!

Lord Liu’s frown was so deep it could kill a fly. He let out a long sigh and said, "Since Lord Pei is here, let’s discuss together how to compose a memorial to the Emperor."

Such a major event couldn’t be concealed. The question was how to report it in a way that would temper the Emperor’s wrath.

Pei Zhang said, "Don’t report it."

"Suppress the news immediately. This must not reach the capital."

Lord Liu had the same reaction as the guard earlier, "Wouldn’t that be a crime of deceiving the Emperor?"

"Lord Liu, listen to me—cough—listen to me."

Pei Zhang had struggled to make it here, and his clear voice was hardly discernible in the howling cold wind.

"Now that Commander Lu’s fate is unknown, the Emperor, who cares deeply for him, would be furious upon seeing this report, wouldn’t he?"

"Moreover, Commander Lu has made many enemies in the capital. If those with ulterior motives learn of his misfortune, it would only add to his danger."

"In the capital, there is not only the Emperor but also Commander Lu's family."

He clutched his chest in pain, struggling to speak, "She... she is about to give birth. The fastest secret message can get to the capital in three days. If she were to be startled, no... we absolutely cannot let the news reach the capital."

Lord Liu, a former drillmaster of the imperial guards and a straightforward man, was enlightened by Pei Zhang's words and repeatedly agreed, "Good, good, good! Lord Pei, you are indeed considerate, even thinking of Commander Lu's family. The Emperor praised you for your great talent in governance, and now I truly see it!"

"What does Lord Pei suggest we do to handle this properly?"

Pei Zhang looked around, staggering as he took steps, "Let me take a look around."

Lord Liu followed him closely, mainly because Pei Zhang's frail body looked too weak, and he was afraid that a gust of wind might break him. After walking around for half an hour, Pei Zhang suddenly said:

"Recall the men from the water; it's too far. Commander Lu is not in the water."

"Here..."

He drew a line on the ground with his boot, "Search in this direction and dig deeper. I suspect there might be a secret passage here."

"Why—Oh! Lord Pei, you're bleeding!"

In the light of the torches, Lord Liu saw bloodstains on Pei Zhang's boots. The ground was covered with rubble, and the mountain was steep. They all wore specially made deerskin boots, but Pei Zhang was in ordinary satin boots, and after walking around, his feet were bleeding.

At this, Lord Liu didn’t dare press further and quickly had someone escort this important figure away. He looked at the direction Pei Zhang had indicated and shouted, "A few of you, start digging here!"

……

Lord Liu ordered the local soldiers to seal off the mountain road and led people to dig day and night for three full days. Finally, at noon on the third day, they found the secret passage. Inside, there were signs of a fierce fight, dried blood on the walls, severed limbs scattered on the ground, and several boxes of gold, silver, and weapons.

But there was no sign of any people.

The looted treasures amounted to hundreds of thousands in gold. Lord Liu was so delighted he slapped his thigh, immediately preparing to report back to the Emperor. In his eyes, Lu Feng was no longer a concern; they had raided the lair of the traitor Chen, and such a feat was surely more significant than the fate of a mere official.

Pei Zhang insisted on seeing Lu Feng alive or dead and forbade sending any messages to the capital before confirming Lu Feng's whereabouts. As an imperial censor wielding the Emperor's sword, Pei Zhang had authority, but Lord Liu was older and more experienced. The two were at a stalemate until they compromised, with Pei Zhang saying, "At least wait until the end of August."

Lord Liu squinted at the glitter of the jewels, "Alright! Ah, brother, you and Lu Feng aren’t even related, why are you so concerned about his life and death? You’re mixed up, calling him 'brother' all these months, don’t really think of him as a blood brother, do you?"

"If by any chance... it's not all bad, after all, one less person to compete with us for merit..."

"Report—"

A guard rushed in, interrupting Lord Liu's grand discourse. Lord Liu's face darkened, about to scold the guard for his lack of decorum, when the guard, panting, held up a letter sealed with red lacquer, "Reporting to both lords, a confidential letter has arrived from the north."

"On it is Commander Lu's unique seal!"

Back in the capital, at Lu Duke's mansion.

***

On the eighth day of the eighth month, Jiang Wanrou hosted a lavish banquet at the mansion to celebrate Huai Yi's fifth birthday. After the banquet, she stroked Huai Yi's head and said softly, "This year, my son, you’ve been shortchanged. Next year, your mother will definitely throw you a grand celebration."

Even though it was lively, it was only among the family members. In previous years, for Huai Yi's birthday, Lu Feng personally wrote invitations, inviting many dignitaries from the capital, even the princes and lords, who never missed it. What a magnificent and prestigious event it was! This year, with Lu Feng absent, since he left, the Lu mansion started turning away guests, and the Third Master, who thrived on excitement, no longer went out, making the mansion unusually quiet.

Lu Huaiyi looked at Jiang Wanrou and suddenly took her hand, "Mother, don’t worry, Father will come back."

It had been a while since Lu Feng had sent any letters home. Jiang Wanrou was anxious, smiled less often, and had little appetite.

Fortunately, the midwife said that Jiang Wanrou was carrying twins this time, which was already hard work, and eating less was beneficial, as larger fetuses are harder to deliver.

Lu Huaiyi was not good at comforting others. After racking his brains for a long time, he said, "Mother, please smile. Even if Father really meets with misfortune, there is still your son. I will treat you better than Father did and make you a noble old fief lord!"

Jiang Wanrou: "..."

She was genuinely amused by Lu Huaiyi's innocent words and smiled bitterly. "You're just talking nonsense."

Huaiyi is still so young; how could he manage without his father's support? She didn't want to be a young widow either. Worried, Jiang Wanrou didn't want Huaiyi to worry along with her, so she forced a smile and sent him away, then resumed reciting the Buddhist scriptures.

A few days later, as Jiang Wanrou finished reciting a scroll of scripture and placed it on the table beside her, Jin Tao hurriedly reported.

"Madam, the Zhou girl in the Buddha hall has been caught passing messages outside!"

"Oh? So quickly?"

Jiang Wanrou's eyes lit up. She had thought Zhou Miaoyin would be more composed and hadn't expected her to reveal herself so soon. She said, "Bring her to me. I want to see what kind of demon dares to cause trouble in my Lu household!"

"One of them... is dead."

Jin Tao looked troubled. "Thanks to the informant left by our lord, we discovered she frequently interacted with an old woman who empties the chamber pots. We watched them for several days and finally caught them passing messages."

"The old woman immediately bit her tongue and died. Zhou... also tried to follow suit, but perhaps because of her delicate body, she couldn't endure the pain and failed."

Jin Tao glanced at Jiang Wanrou's expression, receiving her nod, and had someone bring Zhou Miaoyin in.

The frail girl was bound like a crab, with a cloth stuffed in her mouth. Two burly women held her down, their eyes fiercely watching her to prevent any harm to their mistress.

Her cheeks were swollen and red, her hair disheveled, and a thin trail of blood ran from the corner of her mouth. Jiang Wanrou coldly observed this and ordered them to remove the cloth from her mouth.

"Do you have anything to say?"

Jiang Wanrou said coldly, "You’re in my custody now, still able to enjoy a moment of peace. A delicate girl like you—once you’re in the Forbidden Dragon Bureau, who knows what fate awaits?"

Upon hearing the words "Forbidden Dragon Bureau," Zhou Miaoyin couldn’t help but shrink back, but ultimately, hatred took over. She glared fiercely at Jiang Wanrou and said harshly, "Do whatever you want—kill me, cut me up, I’m at your mercy."

"Zhou girl, since you entered our household, I’ve treated you well, haven’t I? Why do you harbor such enmity towards me?"

"Is it envy? Or maybe... jealousy?"

Zhou Miaoyin’s face changed drastically, and she lowered her head, "I have no idea what you’re saying."

Jiang Wanrou said, "Look at me."

Zhou Miaoyin remained still, and the maids behind her immediately stepped forward, grabbed her by the hair, and slapped her twice, forcing her to lift her head.

Jiang Wanrou picked up the clear tea by her side, took a sip, and slowly said, "I’ve been wondering this whole time—what exactly are you after?"

Zhou Miaoyin had been quiet for months in the small Buddhist hall. This time, she must have gotten the information she was after. From the result, her original target should have been the small Buddhist hall.

So why bother coming all the way to Jinguang Courtyard? If it weren’t for this, she’d never have suspected a poor, helpless orphan.

Jiang Wanrou thought for a long time and suddenly remembered that Zhou Miaoyin had once said she wanted to rely on Lu Feng to overturn her father’s case.

What if... what she said was true?

She had people look into it carefully. The Zhou family’s daughter was raised in seclusion, pampered by her father and brothers, which was understandable.

She said, "The person behind you promised to clear your father’s name and sent you to gather intel. But once you entered the Lu residence, you were dazzled by the wealth and glory, and you developed your own little schemes."

At the same time, Lu Feng was handling the second trial of Prince Gong’s case, which increased his original three-point interest to eight. Since it was all about overturning a case, why go the long way when there’s a shortcut staring you in the face?

What she had said to Jiang Wanrou wasn’t entirely a lie, but Jiang Wanrou saw through it, forcing her to take the second path.

"Miss, I’m a few years older than you, so let me share some wisdom."

Jiang Wanrou said slowly, "Greed is endless; chasing after everything often leaves you with nothing."

"Hmph."

Zhou Miaoyin sneered, her expression stubborn. "Now that you’re in power, everything you say must be right. I have no ties to you, so I don’t need your teachings!"

"Call it my sentimentality, then. You don’t want my teachings, but I can’t bear to see such a pretty Miss suffer."

Jiang Wanrou said, "I’ll offer you another choice—it’s up to you."

"First, I’ll turn you over to the Forbidden Dragon Bureau, and I’ll wash my hands of you. What happens to you afterward is no longer my problem."

"The second option: I won’t punish you but will treat you kindly with good food and drink. As long as you come clean, and perhaps... even agree to work for me."

Jiang Wanrou’s voice seemed to carry a certain allure. "As for your father, just a minor seventh-rank official, the master can easily let it slide, so... think carefully."

She put down the teacup, the sound of porcelain hitting the table particularly loud in the silent room.

"Good Miss, I’m only giving you one chance—choose wisely."

After a long time, Zhou Miaoyin looked at the beautiful woman sitting high above her. She was just a somewhat beautiful woman, her striking looks softened by pregnancy. She wore no fancy clothes or jewelry, her round belly making her seem like an ordinary woman, yet she was untouchable.

She exuded a unique calmness and serenity, along with a fearlessness and confidence Zhou Miaoyin could never possess.

She could even see a trace of compassion.

Is she pitying me? Ridiculous—a woman stuck in the inner chambers, living for men—do I need her pity?

Zhou Miaoyin lowered her head again, her voice hoarse. "Give me a moment to think."

"You wretch, still trying to bargain—you’ve got some nerve!"

"Stop—"

Jiang Wanrou stopped the strong midwife, waving her hand. "Take her away; I’m exhausted."

Zhou Miaoyin looked at her strangely, walked a few steps, then stopped. "To show my sincerity, I’ll share a secret with you."

"Send everyone away—this secret is for your ears only."

Jiang Wanrou hesitated for a moment. Zhou Miaoyin said, "My hands and feet are bound, and I’m just a helpless woman—are you still scared I’ll hurt you? This is a shocking secret—those who hear it won’t live to tell."

Jiang Wanrou looked at her for a while, dismissed everyone. Jintao whispered in her ear, "Madam, I’ll be right outside—call if you need anything."

Jintao stood guard outside, but a moment later, Jiang Wanrou’s voice called out, and Jintao rushed in.

Jiang Wanrou was unharmed, seated calmly in her chair, her expression steady as she instructed the two midwives, "You two, escort Miss Zhou back and keep a close watch on her."

Once they were gone, Jiang Wanrou touched her belly, biting her lip, and said, "Jintao, fetch the midwife and the doctor."

"My water broke."