Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Xie Run had recently gained weight, become drowsy, and her period was a few days late. Her two maids suspected she might be pregnant.

But Xie Run thought... even if she were pregnant, wouldn't it be too soon to start showing?

She calmed the two excited maids. "Don't rush. I've heard there are medicines that can cause pregnancy symptoms in women who aren't actually pregnant."

Dan Tao immediately calmed down. "Master, are you worried someone is plotting against you?"

Xie Run nodded. "If I were accused of faking a pregnancy to compete for favor, I'd likely lose all favor completely."

Prince Jing had no patience for those who played mind games.

The two maids immediately looked worried. "Master, what should we do?"

"It's fine. I'll be extra careful with what I eat and wear for now. After the Mid-Autumn Festival, I'll find the manor doctor to take my pulse..."

"Given her status, she wasn't qualified to summon an imperial physician. Unfortunately, all the manor doctors were appointed by the Princess Consort, and Xie Run had no one she could trust."

"When the doctor took her pulse, whether she was pregnant or not would be entirely up to him."

"Xie Run sighed. 'We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. That's all we can do.'"

"After this incident, everyone's excitement for the Mid-Autumn Festival had faded."

"Especially Xie Run, who was now 'out of favor.' The main kitchen, seeing her low standing, didn't deliver her meal until it was pitch dark, and it was barely warm."

"The delivery person even complained, saying they were so busy they could only bring it now."

"Xie Run knew they were waiting for a tip."

"She handed over a handful of copper coins with a smile before sending them away."

"Dan Tao remained composed, but Yuli was furious. 'Master, why did you stop me? These people are snobs. They need a good scolding to learn their lesson.'"

"Xie Run glanced at her. 'Those who are out of favor always give way to those in favor. Would scolding them change anything? They might even accuse us of being arrogant and disrespectful.'"

"Yuli was frustrated but stayed silent, knowing her words were just hot air."

"Dan Tao tried to lighten the mood. 'At least it's still warm. From what they said, some courtyards haven't even gotten theirs yet, and it'll be cold by the time they do.'"

"'Those are the ones who've never been favored. How can they compare to our master?' Yuli muttered defiantly."

"Xie Run gave her a calm look. 'If you think Linxuan Pavilion isn't good enough, I can ask the Princess Consort to transfer you to another courtyard. How about that?'"

"Yuli turned pale with fear, realizing she had overstepped."

"'Master, I was wrong... I followed you into the manor. I'm yours in life and death. I'll never go to another courtyard!'"

"In the past, whenever Yuli apologized, Xie Run would comfort her and let the small matter slide."

"But today, Xie Run realized her kindness had only enabled Yuli."

"'Since you've made a mistake, go to your room and reflect on your mistakes.'"

"'For the next half month, you won't serve me.'"

"Yuli looked up in disbelief. 'Master...'"

"Xie Run gave her a cold glance, her eyes resolute, leaving no room for her to plead for mercy."

"As soon as Yuli left, someone knocked."

"Old Madam Ma answered the door and was surprised to see it was Mother Li from the Princess Consort's courtyard."

"'Mother Li, you're so busy. What brings you to Linxuan Pavilion?'"

"Mother Li entered the courtyard, followed by several sturdy women who lined up in a row."

"She walked up to Xie Run and bowed. 'Greetings, Mistress Xie.'"

"Xie Run was startled by the scene. 'Mother Li, has something happened?'"

"Mother Li got straight to the point. 'Concubine Yun suffered a miscarriage. It was discovered that safflower was added to her anti-miscarriage medicine.'"

"'What?! How is Sister Yun now?' Xie Run was shocked."

"Suddenly, she recalled the plot from the book."

"In the original story, Concubine Yun was an insignificant nobody, just like Xie Run, mentioned only twice."

"Once, when she used Princess Ruyi as a pawn to compete for favor, stealing Fang Yuaner's chance to serve the Prince, thus offending her."

"And once, when she miscarried during her second pregnancy and died from excessive bleeding. After that, she had no further role."

"Therefore, neither Xie Run nor Fang Yuaner paid much attention to her."

"Mother Li sighed. 'She barely managed to survive. But it will be difficult for her to conceive again.'"

"Xie Run was stunned."

"Concubine Yun... was still alive?"