Chapter 76

Chapter 76

On the sixteenth day of the first month, Xiaoshu took Yueya'er to pick up the meals. On the way, she suddenly heard news that Fang Yuaner had sent someone to Pearl Courtyard.

Xiaoshu hurriedly said, "Go back quickly and tell the mistress!"

Yueya'er nodded promptly and hurried back to Spring Mountain Courtyard.

Xie Run was still sitting in her room reading a book when she heard Yueya'er's voice through the window, "Mistress, Shufei Fang has sent the imperial physician to Pearl Courtyard to take Shufei Han's pulse!"

Xie Run was holding a piece of pastry in her hand, and her movements froze in mid-air.

She put down the pastry and the book together, picked up a handkerchief and wiped her hands, and said with a hint of helplessness, "She's confined to her quarters, and she still manages to get involved?!"

The rumors about Shiqie Han faking her pregnancy had been brewing for a long time, just waiting for a fuse to ignite.

Xie Run had considered the Princess Consort, Shufei Yun, and Shiqie Li, but never thought of Fang Yuaner.

Dan Tao helped tidy up the books and said with a smile, "This one has never been one to keep still. Her house arrest was only because the Prince wanted to protect her. After being cooped up for a while, she's probably even more hot-tempered now."

That was a perspective that hadn't occurred to Xie Run.

Xie Run chuckled as well. "So you're saying that just sending a physician to the Pearl Courtyard, instead of storming over there herself, counts as restraint?"

"Exactly. At least she's still mindful of her house arrest." Dan Tao chatted leisurely with Xie Run.

As they chatted and laughed, Qiu Xiang had already arrived at Pearl Courtyard with Physician Qian.

Shiqie Han's face was cold and stern. "What does Shufei Fang mean by this?!"

Qiu Xiang said in a gentle tone, "My mistress heard that Lady Han was feeling unwell during her pregnancy. Since the physician had just finished taking her pulse, she asked Physician Qian to also check on Lady Han while he was at it."

Although Prince Jing had already decreed that Shiqie Han be promoted to Shufei, the official appointment letter and golden seal had not yet arrived, so she was still a Shiqie.

As a Shiqie, she was not qualified to summon a physician for a consultation.

By having Physician Qian come to take Shiqie Han's pulse, Fang Yuaner was showing her favor and giving her face.

If Shiqie Han refused point-blank, it would make her seem guilty and confirm the rumors of her faked pregnancy.

But if she agreed, and if something actually showed up... that would be the real disaster.

Hong Nao and Lv Yu were clearly nervous, but Shiqie Han was just a little annoyed.

"Since it's Sister Fang's kind gesture, I naturally cannot refuse."

"But for Sister Fang to come without notice and bring someone along—those in the know would say Sister Fang is looking out for me, but those who don't might think she can't bear to see me well-off."

Qiu Xiang said with a smile, "Lady Han, you misunderstand!"

"My mistress is straightforward. If she likes someone, she wants to be good to them."

"She had long heard some nasty rumors in the manor and often scolded those servants for gossiping, saying they ought to have their tongues cut out." Qiu Xiang said with an earnest look. "Now, by sending the physician to take your pulse, she's doing it to clear your reputation and put those baseless rumors to rest."

Shiqie Han sneered, "If they are baseless rumors, why should they be quelled?"

Qiu Xiang sighed. "In the end, rumors kill more than tigers. Even if you don't think of yourself, Lady Han, you should think of the child you're carrying."

"If even more ugly rumors spread later, wouldn't that ruin your life and the child's future?"

Shiqie Han's eyes turned sharp. "Are you threatening me?"

Qiu Xiang immediately feigned fear. "How would I dare? If Lady Han is unwilling, I will leave with Physician Qian immediately."

Shiqie Han clenched her teeth. "Forget it. Since it's Sister Fang's sincere gesture, I naturally cannot waste her kindness."

Qiu Xiang had pretended to back down to gain ground, and after much deliberation, Shiqie Han decided to risk it.

Physician Qian acted as if he hadn't heard their exchange and stepped forward quietly to take her pulse.

After a moment, he slowly put away his pulse cloth. "Lady Han's the fetal pulse is steady, but she has been losing her appetite lately. I can prescribe some medicine to stimulate her appetite."

Shiqie Han shot a sidelong glance at Qiu Xiang.

"Then I'll trouble the honorable physician."

"No trouble at all!"

Once the prescription was in hand, Shiqie Han forced a smile. "Hong Nao! Personally escort Sister Qiu Xiang out of here. Make sure everyone in the manor knows how grateful I am to Sister Fang."

Hong Nao curtsied. "As you command, mistress!"

As soon as Hong Nao escorted Qiu Xiang out, the entire rear courtyard of the manor was abuzz with excitement.

"She really is pregnant!"

"The imperial physician personally diagnosed her, with Shufei Fang's people present. How could it be fake?!"

"It seems the earlier rumors were false. Clearly, someone with malicious intentions aimed to tarnish Shufei Han's reputation."

"That's normal. Who doesn't want the title of Shufei?"

Shiqie Han half-reclined on the couch, covered with a small quilt, holding a hand warmer in her arms.

As soon as Hong Nao entered, she raised her hand and dismissed the other maids, keeping only Lv Yu and Hong Nao.

Lv Yu asked, "Did she leave?"

Hong Nao's expression was displeased. "She left!"

"Coming here with such fanfare—does anyone really not see through their intentions? And then using the excuse of doing good for our mistress—it's utterly disgusting!"

Shiqie Han's eyes were half-open, half-closed, her posture exuding an indescribable laziness and allure. When she spoke, her voice could melt bones.

"Even if it weren't her, it would be someone else."

Shiqie Han chuckled softly. "Now I should actually thank her for coming, for clearing up the rumors in the manor."

Ever since the news of the auspicious child spread through the manor, Shiqie Han had sensed something was wrong.

She guessed someone was pulling strings behind the scenes.

Sure enough, not long after, the rumor that she had faked her pregnancy spread through the rear courtyard.

Two pieces of news—one boosting her, one dragging her down—had completely thrust her into the spotlight.

At first, Shiqie Han was indeed flustered for a moment.

But since the other party never made a move, it gave Shiqie Han enough time to react.

She has been secretly taking medicine these past few days.

She had considered everything: medicines to simulate pregnancy, to induce vomiting, and to suppress menstruation—all for this day.

Hong Nao frowned, "That may be true, but this whole affair is still disgusting."

Lv Yu smiled, "In this residence, aside from the Princess, the Shu Fei holds the highest rank. Now that she is pregnant and the Prince protects her, how could she not act arrogantly?"

"Let her have her moment. Once our mistress is firmly in power, she'll get what's coming to her!"

Concubine Han was quite pleased listening to her maidservants' words.

"Thanks to Madam Fang's move, I was just worried I had no excuse to visit the Prince."

To hide her fake pregnancy, Concubine Han had to get pregnant with Prince Jing's child within a month or two.

Unfortunately, around the New Year, both Prince Jing and the Princess were extremely busy.

The Prince rarely visited the women's quarters, only occasionally checking on the pregnant concubines, and even then he would just sit for a while before leaving.