Chapter 54: Chapter 54 (First Update)

Chapter 54: First Watch

The Princess, seeing that the Princess Consort of Qing had just sent bird's nest and was now sending tonics like donkey-hide gelatin and fleeceflower root, couldn't help but laugh. "Mother, you're sending so much. Can the baby in sister-in-law's womb really consume all this?"

"Why couldn't she? It's not like she has to eat the same thing every day. Bird's nest porridge is good for the fetus, and donkey-hide gelatin porridge goes without saying. It's said to prevent fetal abnormalities and can also relieve symptoms like hot palms and soles in pregnant women. It's wonderful." The Princess Consort of Qing, thinking about the new addition to the family, was overjoyed.

The Princess naturally felt a bit disappointed. She had always been the pampered favorite of the family, but sometimes she noticed that although her father and mother were very good to her and stricter with her brother, they ultimately favored her brother more.

Little did she know that Li Ju was already preparing to leave. Before his departure, he submitted a list of unmarried daughters of the imperial clan, which included his own sister. He wanted to arrange a marriage for his sister as soon as possible to put her mind at ease, not wanting her to waste her youth.

After finishing these tasks, Li Ju went to speak with the Princess Consort of Qing. She refused to let him go: "Your father is already at the frontlines, and my heart is in my throat. Now you want to go too? If everyone leaves, what will become of our princely household?"

"Mother, if I don’t go, who will? The Prince of Zhao is also going with me. His Majesty has designated me, and besides, I want to go." In his previous life, he hadn’t had the chance to prove himself. In this life, he had to seize the opportunity. If he could prevent some tragedies, that would be best.

Seeing the Princess Consort of Qing still worried, Li Ju said, "Mother, your daughter-in-law is pregnant. She’s young and inexperienced, so I need you to take good care of her."

The Princess Consort of Qing shook her head. "If you don’t go, I’ll feel at ease."

If it weren’t for Li Ju, how could the Princess Consort of Qing have such a stable position? He was not only the only surviving son of the Prince of Qing but also talented in both civil and military affairs, handsome, and kind-hearted. As a mother, she was overflowing with pride.

If anything happened to her son, she wouldn’t know how to go on living.

She disagreed, and the Dowager Consort disagreed as well. Although Li Ju was determined, he felt dejected when facing She Niang.

She Niang said, "If I go along with you, I won’t be able to stay in this household anymore. Moreover, speaking from my heart, since I’m newly pregnant, I’d like you to stay home with me. But these are just our opinions. What you should do and what you want to do should first and foremost consider your own wishes."

"What?" Li Ju thought he had misheard.

This was the first time he had heard such a perspective. In plain terms, it meant that others' opinions were just that—others' opinions. You should do what you think is right.

No wonder she had been so decisive in her previous life. She was truly extraordinary.

She Niang explained again and added with a smile, "There’s just one condition: when you’re away, you must think of me and no one else."

Her words, tinged with playful jealousy, made their relationship seem even more intimate. Li Ju, who was usually close to her, replied, "On this trip, I’ll be busy with the war and worried about you. How would I have time for such distractions?"

"That’s good. I’ll pack your luggage for you. Oh, I don’t know why, but I keep feeling sleepy." She Niang yawned so hard that tears welled up in her eyes.

Li Ju quickly supported her and said, "You should rest well. Don’t worry about outside matters."

She Niang smiled. "As a granddaughter-in-law in this household, how can I act so presumptuous? Anyway, don’t worry about me. After all, my parents and brothers are here in the capital."

Li Ju thought that was true.

Perhaps because she was tired from the pregnancy, She Niang packed his clothes, along with plenty of ointment for wounds, bruise powder, alum, and a heart-protection mirror. After finishing, she fell asleep as soon as her head touched the pillow.

Meanwhile, Li Ju had made up his mind. With the imperial decree issued, he was to set off with the Prince of Zhao and the empress's nephew, who had once been his study companion. The Dowager Consort and the Princess Consort of Qing could not stop him and could only weep in private.

She Niang also cried because Li Ju was her closest person in the household. Whenever something happened, she would discuss it with him, and he would do his best to resolve it. Now, she was left alone.

In the few months since they had married, they had certainly developed feelings for each other. But it hadn’t reached the level of life-and-death love yet.

However, Li Ju was very reluctant to leave her. He even turned back at the door and whispered, "If anything happens, write to me."

She Niang blinked. What major issue could she possibly have that would require writing to him on the frontlines? But seeing Li Ju’s earnest gaze, she couldn’t help but nod.

After Li Ju left, the Dowager Consort and the Princess Consort of Qing were like deveined lobsters—listless and curled up. When She Niang went to pay her respects the next morning, the Princess Consort of Qing stared at her belly for a long time before saying, "The first three months are the most critical. You don’t need to come and pay your respects daily. Focus on resting and recuperating."

"Thank you, Mother." She Niang didn’t put on airs. Pregnancy was a very difficult experience for women, not to mention the pain of childbirth. Even carrying a child for ten months was truly exhausting.

The Princess Consort of Qing waved her off. "Go back. Have the daily health check-ups, and if you need anything to eat or drink, just tell Nanny Gong."

She Niang agreed. Since she was not yet three months pregnant, it was not appropriate to announce it publicly, for fear that malicious individuals might curse her. If her resolve weakened, a miscarriage could occur.

She remained patient, secluding herself and only moving around within her courtyard. It was already late autumn, and the weather was turning cold. The previous day, she had drunk ginseng soup, which made her teeth ache and her tongue blister. Today, she firmly refused to drink any more tonics and opted for normal meals instead.

However, the news was still known within the princely household. The Duchess of Fuguo had been worried about lacking opportunities to interact with the princely household but was clever enough not to send supplements. If anything happened to the Prince Consort’s wife after consuming them, the blame might be placed on her household. Instead, she specially selected a jade Guanyin statue to gift. The statue was exquisite, with a smooth texture and translucent body, truly a superior piece.

When the statue was delivered, Xia Mama hesitated and said, "The Princess Consort said since it’s a gift, it’s a kind gesture. Please accept it."

"Hmm, have someone record it in my private ledger and then store it in the warehouse." She Niang was very cautious about items from outsiders and rarely used them.

Xia Mama acknowledged and called Dong Mei in to set the item aside for now. Lan Re poured water for She Niang. "Plain water is tasteless. Why don’t you let us add some sugar or honey to it?"

She Niang replied, "I’ve been suffering from excessive internal heat lately. For the next few days, I’ll keep my diet light and my drinks plain. In a few days, you can prepare honey water for me."

She even stuck out her tongue to show them, and everyone felt sorry for her. Her tongue was covered in blisters, likely from drinking the ginseng soup.

She Niang had always been in good health and enjoyed a life of luxury, but the tonic soup had caused her to become overheated.

The imperial physicians prescribed mild medicines that were safe but not particularly potent. She Niang believed that all medicines had some toxicity, so she rarely took the fetal preservation medicines unless absolutely necessary, such as when there was bleeding or the baby was unsettled.

After returning from the Prince of Qing’s residence, the Duchess of Fuguo was in low spirits. As the elder sister-in-law, she often had to humble herself before her younger sister-in-law, which was hardly pleasant. But she was someone who could bend when necessary. Pride was worth little compared to the potential advantages she might gain, which would bring her respect in the future.

So, she called her son over and said, "When you receive gifts, you owe a debt of gratitude. Let’s just be diligent and courteous."

Li Qiong bowed his head. "Thank you, Mother, for taking care of things for me."

"Originally, I wanted your wife to visit more often, but after going once, she slacked off, complaining about pains here and there. I had no choice but to swallow my pride and go myself. If she were more capable, I wouldn’t have to do this. I thought marrying her would bring prosperity to our family, but instead, she’s become a burden." The Duchess of Fuguo did not hesitate to criticize her daughter-in-law in front of her son.

She spoke so freely because Yang Mo’s grandfather had left government service, and her father held no official position.

Li Qiong had once been very fond of She Niang, but things had become muddled. Back then, a servant had told him someone had fallen into the water and urged him to jump in and save them before it was too late. He had saved her, and somehow ended up married to her, even snatching away the Prince Consort’s intended fiancée.

At the time, his mother had been ecstatic, proudly rushing to the princely household to demand her. Who could have predicted things would turn out like this?

Seeing her son so dejected, the Duchess of Fuguo couldn’t bring herself to say more and let him return to his room. She then confided to her trusted aide, "I’ve wronged him."

The aide recalled how the Duchess of Fuguo, upon hearing that the Prince of Qing’s son wanted to marry the granddaughter of a provincial governor, had been green with envy. She had someone grease the boat, causing Miss Yang to fall into the water, and then urged the young master to jump in and save her.

How triumphant the Duchess had been back then, and how dissatisfied she was now.

In the aide’s opinion, Lady Yang was talented, beautiful, and had given birth to a son. There was nothing wrong with her. It was all a matter of greed—already having much but always wanting more.

But these were thoughts the aide dared not voice aloud.

When Li Qiong returned to his room, he found Yang Mo doing her makeup, looking very cheerful. Surprised, he asked, "What good news do you have today?"

Yang Mo glanced at him. "What good news could I possibly have? I just heard some bad news."

"If it’s bad news, why are you so happy?" Li Qiong truly didn’t understand.

"Miss Wang’s fiancé has reportedly died. With her family background, finding another husband might be easy, but remarrying into a good family will be difficult. She’s the Princess Consort’s niece, and the Princess Consort dotes on her. Won’t she bring her here?" The thought of it made Yang Mo feel vindicated.

Li Qiong curled his lip. "Can’t you wish others well?"

Yang Mo shot him a sidelong glance. "What? Did I strike a nerve talking about your crush?"

Li Qiong frowned. "Cut it out."

...

Wang Zhenzhu had just gotten engaged not long ago and had no clue her fiancé would suddenly pass. When the news arrived, the Princess Consort of Qing was heartbroken for her niece.

The Princess, who was very close to her cousin, suggested, "Mother, why not invite Sister Wang to stay with us? With my sister-in-law now pregnant, I can't exactly bug her all the time, and I’ve been feeling rather bored lately."

The Princess Consort of Qing held her daughter and said, "As you wish. Let her come to our residence to relax and take her mind off things."