Ch. 361 Enjoying the Breeze
Myeryen followed behind Manager Qin and entered from the side entrance of the estate. As they made their way past the first wall following the entrance, then the outer court, and then past the outer court to arrive at the inner court, maidservants peeked at them the entire way.
Once they entered the main courtyard within the inner court, Manager Qin took Myeryen straight to Chu Lian, who was sitting under some grape vines.
Today, it was Xiyan and Wenlan who were on duty.
The child in Chu Lian's belly had just passed three months. Great Doctor Miao had declared that the pregnancy was stable now, making everyone around He Changdi and Chu Lian relax.
It was now more than a month since Chu Lian had discovered her pregnancy.
She had been trapped in the estate for this whole month. He Changdi was normally very busy, but he somehow managed to free up enough time to spend two or three days with her every ten days.
If it were only Senior Servants Gui and Zhong by her side, they might not have dared to interfere with her actions, but it was a different story when it came to He Changdi.
Thinking back to the month or so that she had been cooped up inside the estate, a furrow developed between Chu Lian's brows. Unless it was absolutely necessary, He Changdi had actually forbidden her from leaving her room.
However, she did care very much for the little bun growing in her belly too, so even without any servants by her side to remind her, Chu Lian would take special care in moving around.
Yesterday, Great Doctor Miao had personally declared that she could leave her room. So today, she had come out to enjoy some fresh air under the hanging grape vines.
On this hot day, it was already painful enough that she couldn't drink anything cold, but she still had to place a light blanket over her tummy.
Chu Lian shifted the thin blanket aside in disdain, but the sharp-eyed Xiyan quickly pulled it back in place.
Chu Lian had no choice but to take up the lotus seed porridge at the side and sip some to alleviate the heat she was feeling.
From far away, they could see Manager Qin bringing a few people over.
When Chu Lian noticed the foreign-looking man behind Manager Qin, who was at least half a head taller than the poor manager, the corners of her mouth curled up.
She had to say that Myeryen was rather handsome after he had grown up. He looked like one of those European models from back in the modern times. After training with Manager Qin for a few months, Myeryen had lost the cowardly and weak demeanour he had had when they first met. He was now much more confident.
Now that his health had recovered, Myeryen was more self-assured. Furthermore, after helping Chu Lian manage the northern market, he had gotten better at speaking.
He saw Chu Lian lying against the wooden chair first, and his expression lit up. Following that, he spotted Wenlan, who was sitting beside Chu Lian and working on some embroidery.
This time, his brown eyes sparkled even more, as if he had just seen something precious to him.
As the men walked closer to them, Chu Lian was observing them. Of course, she noticed Myeryen's expression and made a mental note of it. Her eyes slid sideways to cast a nonchalant gaze over Wenlan, who had her head bowed as she focused on her embroidery. A smirk danced on Chu Lian's lips.
Manager Qin had come here with Myeryen to report on the progress of the northern market, as well as hand over the account books for the season.
Knowing that Chu Lian was pregnant now and that she couldn't overexert herself, Manager Qin only stayed for a while before leaving.
Just as Manager Qin was leaving, they bumped into He Changdi, who was returning to the estate. He Changdi quickly noticed Myeryen standing behind Manager Qin.
Myeryen came over to greet He Changdi rather enthusiastically, perhaps since they hadn't met for some time. He made a proper salute towards He Changdi, as befitting a citizen of the Great Wu.
"Brother He!"
He Changdi was a little surprised. He hadn't managed to recognize that this tall and skinny foreign boy was Myeryen.
The Myeryen of today was utterly different from the Myeryen of his past lifetime.
In his past life, Myeryen had been so thin that he had been practically skin and bones. He had also been dreadfully ill. He Changdi had never seen Myeryen look so lively before.
"Myeryen?"
Myeryen grinned and rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.
"Brother He, I didn't think that you would be able to recognize me. Even Ah-Ma said that I've changed too much."
He Changdi's gaze was slightly warmer than usual as he patted Myeryen's shoulder. "How are Ah-Ma and your brother?"
Myeryen smiled, revealing a mouth full of white teeth. "Ah-Ma is doing very well! My brother and I are both working under Manager Qin and learning."
He Changdi glanced in the direction the two of them had come from. "Did you go to see Madam just now?"
Manager Qin was the one who replied. "Replying to my lord, I just handed over the account books for the northern market to Madam, together with Myeryen."
When He Changdi had left the Jing'an Estate, he had brought along with him all the servants of Songtao Court. Since Matriarch He was still around, his and Chu Lian's rank in the family was still the same, so the servants hadn't changed the way they addressed their masters even after the move to the Anyuan Estate. They still called the couple Third Young Madam and Third Young Master.
However, now that there was a child in Chu Lian's belly, they couldn't continue the old way of addressing their masters, since their masters had upgraded by one generation. If Chu Lian gave birth to a boy, he would become the little Heir Anyuan, and He Changdi and Chu Lian would then have to be called Master and Madam.
He Changdi turned to Myeryen and said, "I'll go and visit Ah-Ma some other time."
He then let Manager Qin and Myeryen leave.
When He Changdi entered the inner court, it was only to see that Chu Lian was still sitting under the grape vines and hadn't even moved a little. When he had left the estate at noon that day, Chu Lian had already been sitting there.
It was indeed rather cool under the grape vines here. Since it was close to an alley, a breeze would pass by from time to time and the dense grape vines absorbed much of the harsh sunlight. It might even be comfier than a modern air-conditioned room.
Xiyan and Wenlan had already asked a few times, but Chu Lian didn't want to move at all.
Although it was summer now, it wasn't good for a pregnant woman to sit in the breeze for too long.
However, the group of maidservants couldn't get Chu Lian to budge. She had already started flipping through the account books that Manager Qin had just delivered.
The moment He Changdi entered the courtyard, he was greeted with the sight of the maidservants standing helplessly next to Chu Lian, looking like they wanted to speak but not daring to at all.
When Xiyan noticed He Changdi, her eyes lit up, as if she had just seen her saviour.
Chu Lian was currently sitting with her back facing He Changdi, so she couldn't see him at all. He Changdi waved his hand at Xiyan and Wenlan to dismiss them.
The two handmaids bobbed in respect before leading the other maidservants away.
Chu Lian was still marveling at the speedy development of the market, fully immersed in the numbers on the pages. Her eyes were wide and bright as she read. All of a sudden, she was pulled up from behind and into someone's embrace, giving her a fright.
She only had time to make a short scream before her mouth was devoured by a familiar pair of lips.
Chu Lian's eyes went even wider, and she finally looked right into the dark eyes of her husband. She was so angry at the sight that she began to beat on He Changdi's chest.
He Changdi let her struggle, but he made sure to keep her stable in his embrace. He kept one hand over her waist to make sure she wouldn't kick her own belly.
At the same time, he refused to give in and played with her tongue mercilessly.
It only took a few punches before Chu Lian gave up on moving him. His chest was hard and it seemed like her attacks didn't even affect him. In the end, all she was doing was making her hands sore.
The flurry of movement and the battle between their tongues sapped her strength away, making her boneless.
She could only let this lunatic husband of hers do as he liked.
When He Changdi finally let go of her tongue, they were already back in their room.
Chu Lian's face was fully flushed. The parts of her neck exposed to the air were also pink. Pregnant women were more sensitive than most. Right now, her eyes were slightly watery, giving her a tender and beguiling aura, seducing the person beholding her beauty.
He Changdi's pupils dilated and he took a gulp. All the blood in his body rushed downwards...
He sat Chu Lian down on the chaise and took a few steps back to put some distance between them, tugging at his robes awkwardly.
In a cool voice, he reprimanded, "You're not allowed to sit in the breeze for more than two hours from now on."
Chu Lian simply stared at him, tongue-tied. Was he going to nitpick even over this?
Soon enough, He Changdi was going to become quite the busybody...
There was a hint of a pout in her voice as she replied, "It's hot in the room."
He Changdi looked around and retrieved a hand fan from the side. He opened it up and started fanning her.
"Is it still hot now?"
Chu Lian didn't know how to reply to that. A twitch developed in the corner of her mouth, and she tried to push away He Changdi, who was starting to lean closer and closer to her.
"Why did you come back so early today?"
"I didn't go to the ministry today. I was at Prince Jin's estate, so I came home earlier."
He Changdi couldn't resist hugging Chu Lian again. Her figure was already small in the first place. Even though she was now more than three months pregnant, she hadn't gotten any bigger yet. Only the smooth glow of her skin and her extra sensitivity hinted that there was a new life growing inside her.
His arm slid under her slender neck and he continued fanning her. The cool breeze washed over her flushed cheeks and neck, carrying the slight fragrance of her body to his nose, immediately tempting the desire he had suppressed for months.
The thought of the silver mine that had been taken away by the emperor suddenly came to Chu Lian's mind. A wrinkle appeared between her brows and she turned to catch He Changdi's collar, looking up at him. She was about to tell him about the northern market when He Changdi bent down to catch her lips once again.
He licked her cherry red lips before nibbling on her full lower lip. Finally, his agile tongue slid into her sweet, warm cavern and immediately overpowered her.
Chu Lian gave in to the desire that his actions had stirred. Even if she tried to push him, it had no effect, so she could only wrap her arms around his waist and continuously stroke the area there.
For such a tall and strong man, He Changdi's most sensitive area was actually his waist. However, even Chu Lian didn't know that...
In the middle of playing with Chu Lian's tongue, He Sanlang suddenly frowned and let out a suppressed moan.
Even if it was a man's voice, that moan was very seductive.
Before Chu Lian could react, he threw away the fan in his hands and pulled Chu Lian onto his lap. His other hand caught both of Chu Lian's naughty hands and restrained them.
Chu Lian quivered a little at the sudden movement, her half-lidded eyes immediately fluttering open. Being held down like this made her shy and timid. She turned her head away because she couldn't meet his eyes in this state.
However, there was still a buff arm wrapped around her, so she couldn't completely get away.
"He Changdi, let go of me!" She panted coquettishly in protest.
Right now, her entire body was in his arms. How could He Changdi bear to let go of his lovely wife at this point?
A man who had been left high and dry for two months was to be feared, especially when it was the lunatic He Changdi.
He tightened his embrace around Chu Lian and panted into her ear. The hot and heavy breaths puffing over her ears made them flush instantly.
Chu Lian could hear his husky voice pleading, like a big puppy begging for help, "Lian'er... Help me, please?"
Ch. 362 Jingyan
No way!
That was what Chu Lian wanted to say, but He Changdi didn't even give her the time to reject his plea. He took her soft little hand and started moving it...
After a long time, as she waited for him to finish, Chu Lian began to feel like this hand of hers was no longer her own...
Chu Lian laid in his embrace, panting, her clothes in disarray. Her belt had already been taken off long ago, and the light yellow halter top that was her underwear had been thrown under the chaise by He Sanlang.
Although Sanlang still wasn't completely satisfied, for the sake of his wife's body, he hadn't gone any further than that.
Of course, the sounds made by the couple had already been overheard by Senior Servant Zhong, who was on duty outside.
Just as He Sanlang was about to carry Chu Lian off to the bathroom, Senior Servant Zhong loudly coughed on purpose.
Chu Lian made an embarrassed, awkward expression. The flush that had receded from her cheeks came back in full force. She secretly pinched He Changdi's arm, hard.
He Changdi bent down to kiss her on the forehead. In a low tone meant to reassure her, he said, "Go ahead and take a bath first. I'll go talk to momo."
Chu Lian wasn't opposed to this suggestion. Senior Servant Zhong was He Changdi's servant after all. If he wanted to explain, he could do it by himself. She was too embarrassed to face the old servant.
He Changdi gently lowered Chu Lian into the bathtub and called Xiyan over to serve her before vanishing outside to talk to Senior Servant Zhong.
When Senior Servant Zhong saw He Changdi walk out of the bedroom, she hesitated to speak.
He Changdi coolly spoke up before she could gather her courage. "Momo, you don't have to worry, I know the limits. Uncle Miao has already informed me of what not to do."
Senior Servant Zhong showed an awkward smile. "It's alright as long as Master knows what to do. This old servant shall not overstep her bounds."
Once Senior Servant Zhong was done speaking, He Changdi immediately turned back to the bedroom.
Jingyan had been standing behind Senior Servant Zhong, so she had also heard the sounds coming from the bedroom.
She waited until He Changdi had turned his back to them before raising her head.
As her gaze landed upon that straight and slender figure, a mesmerised look appeared on her face.
Although He Changdi had always kept a cold and unfriendly expression on his face, his looks were top-notch regardless. He wouldn't lose any of his outstanding aura even if he stood next to Xiao Bojian.
Especially those dark, deep eyes of his that looked like they could pierce right through a person's heart, revealing all of their secrets.
Jingyan continued daydreaming about how the icy facade on He Changdi's face might break during moments of passion. She got so excited that her entire body shivered in anticipation.
She knew that He Changdi hadn't gone to bed with Chu Lian for close to two months. Just now, in the bedroom, he had likely only done a quick release. As a normal, healthy young man, how could that be enough to satisfy him?
Marquis Anyuan treated the marchioness very well. However, how many men were there in this world who could keep their hands to themselves and not stray from their wives? Even if they somehow kept their hearts set on that one person, they still had to work off the excess desire in their bodies somehow.
Men and women were different. Furthermore, most nobles had a whole harem of wives and concubines in their inner courts. Even when it came to the prince consorts, none of them truly stayed loyal to their princesses.
Jingyan felt as if she had finally found a chance.
She had been waiting for so long, but her time had finally come!
When she thought back to how Mingyan had ended up, she felt that Mingyan had been too stupid!
Once she had stabilised her position and status in the household, she would definitely find some time to burn some incense for Mingyan.
Since Chu Lian's pregnancy had already passed three months, it was about time to announce the news to the old residence.
She and He Changdi had a discussion and decided to make a trip to the old residence the next day.
He Changdi accompanied Chu Lian for dinner, but right after they were done, there was a messenger from Prince Jin.
He Sanlang changed out of his home clothes and took Laiyue and the guards out with him. It was midnight by the time he returned to the estate.
He Changdi was still worried about Chu Lian, so he immediately went to the bedroom to take a look at her.
Chu Lian had already fallen asleep. For the past few weeks, Chu Lian had become more and more sleepy. If not for Great Doctor Miao explaining that this was normal behaviour for pregnant women, He Changdi would have definitely kidnapped all the physicians of the Imperial Physician Institute to come take a look.
He Sanlang touched Chu Lian's flushed cheeks before reluctantly pulling apart from her.
It was Jingyan's turn to take the night shift, so He Changdi called her and asked her about Chu Lian's condition.
Jingyan followed behind He Changdi obediently and whispered her reply. "Madam was going to wait for Master to return before sleeping, but she started nodding off while reading a book against the headboard. This servant suggested that Madam should sleep first."
He Changdi glanced at Jingyan from the corner of his eyes before ordering, "Take good care of your madam."
Jingyan watched as He Changdi strode off to the study in the outer court. She bit her lip in frustration. However, her eyes turned in thought for a moment and the corner of her lips curled up in a smirk.
Xiyan and Jingyan shared a room, so the sound of Jingyan pouring water woke Xiyan up.
She rubbed her eyes sleepily, still only half-awake. She asked in a complaining manner, "What are you doing in the middle of the night? Why aren't you by Third Young Madam's side?"
Jingyan jumped in fright and quickly hid the thin nightgown she had already prepared. Her voice was rather tense as she replied, "Third Young Madam is asleep. I was all sweaty and I couldn't sleep, so I came back to wipe off the sweat first. I'll go right back once I'm done, and I'll be done quick. Don't worry."
Xiyan didn't think too much of it. Jingyan was normally very quiet and kept her focus on her task. Although she didn't do her tasks very well, it wasn't too bad either. Her work was just average, but Chu Lian had never said anything about it. Xiyan turned around and continued sleeping, not thinking to bother with Jingyan.
Once Jingyan heard Xiyan's breathing even out, indicating that she had fallen back asleep, she heaved a sigh of relief and quickly put on her nightgown. She even applied a fragrant perfume and patted some rouge on her cheeks. Jingyan checked her reflection by the wavering candle light and let out a satisfied smirk.
It was all thanks to the accessories and makeup that Chu Lian had generously bestowed upon the maidservants that she could dress up so beautifully.
There was the saying that all women were beauties underneath the lamp light. Jingyan felt that her current looks were comparable even to Chu Lian's.
She twirled a lock of her hair and swayed out of her room, turning around to shut the door silently.
She went over to the bedroom first to have a peek. When she saw that the two maidservants under her were properly guarding the door, and that Chu Lian was still deep in slumber, she left some orders for the maidservants before heading over to the kitchen.
Jingyan took out the aphrodisiac soup she had brewed earlier and poured it into an exquisite porcelain bowl. She placed it carefully into a food box and made her way over to the outer court's study.
She had already overheard that He Changdi would be taking care of official business in the study tonight, and that there were only a few manservants on duty there.
As long as He Changdi drank the soup she had brewed and she took the initiative, she trusted that things would fall into place.
The more she thought about it, the more excited Jingyan got. Her body started trembling in anticipation.
However, what she didn't know was that the moment she left Songtao Court, Chu Lian was called awake by someone.
Chu Lian rubbed her eyes and sat up, looking over to Wenqing, who was standing beside her.
Although her voice was a little husky from sleep, her tone remained strangely calm as she asked, "Has she gone?"
Wenqing's expression was full of indignant anger. She nodded and said, "Madam, this servant is going to tell Master immediately!"
Chu Lian was more clear-headed after a while. She turned to Wenqing and shook her head. "Follow her and watch what happens. Just report to me when everything is over."
Wenqing gasped. "Madam, that won't be good, right?"
Chu Lian let out a light chuckle. "What? You don't have any confidence in your master?"
Wenqing hurriedly shook her head. She felt that her master would definitely kick Jingyan right out the moment she reached the study.
"Then all is well, isn't it? Alright, I'm still sleepy. You go ahead."
That said, Chu Lian laid right back down, pulled the thin blanket over her belly, and shut her almond-shaped eyes.
Wenqing had no choice but to do as Chu Lian had ordered.
When only Chu Lian was left in the bedroom, her eyes fluttered open. There was no trace of sleepiness in her eyes anymore; instead, they were bright and clear.
Jingyan hadn't been a good character at all in the original novel. She had also died even earlier than Mingyan had. As for why Chu Lian had still kept her by her side, she had simply been giving her a chance to change for the better. After all, nothing had happened yet.
However, she wasn't that naive. She had already taken some precautions against Jingyan.
Wenqing had been watching her secretly. If she hadn't gone overboard today, Chu Lian was close to believing she had turned over a new leaf.
Unfortunately, Jingyan had still taken a step down the wrong path.
Although she knew that He Changdi would definitely reject Jingyan, Chu Lian still couldn't help the thread of uncertainty winding around her heart.
She wasn't as calm and indifferent about this as she tried to appear to Wenqing.
It was only because she cared about He Changdi that she worried that she might lose him. Chu Lian stared up at the canopy of the bed, biting her lip and waiting for more news.
Since Jingyan was one of Chu Lian's four handmaids, she easily gained entrance to the courtyard where the main study was located.
When she walked up to the final barrier, Jingyan struggled to hide the pleased smirk on her lips.
Laiyue was standing at the entrance of the study. When he noticed Jingyan walking over with a box of food, he happily went up to welcome her.
"Miss Jingyan, why have you come at this hour?"
Jingyan smiled and bobbed towards Laiyue. "It's my turn on duty over at Madam's. Madam ordered this servant to deliver this nourishing soup to Master for supper before she slept."
Laiyue found it strange. Chu Lian rarely sent supper over to He Changdi. Also, He Changdi usually spent most of his time with Chu Lian over the past month or so, so he would sleep early at night. It was very rare that he even had the chance to eat supper.
However, Jingyan was one of Chu Lian's personal handmaids. Even if Laiyue was a little doubtful of the reason behind Jingyan's sudden visit, he still let her in.
"Then please try to be quiet when you enter, Miss Jingyan. Leave immediately once you set down the box. Master doesn't like to be disturbed while working."
Jingyan nodded obediently and took out a finely embroidered purse from her sleeve for Laiyue.
Laiyue had been working for He Changdi for some time, and his looks weren't too bad. There were plenty of maidservants who tried to pass him gifts normally. As pretty and heavy as Jingyan's purse looked, he still rejected it politely.
Truthfully speaking, Laiyue was too used to seeing riches to want to take such a small gift. It couldn't even compare to a bowl of Yangzhou fried rice cooked by Xiyan...
Jingyan awkwardly took back her purse and bobbed once again to Laiyue before carefully tiptoeing into the study.
There were official documents and secret letters covering He Changdi's desk. He was currently sitting behind the desk, back straight and dressed in a black robe depicting a fearsome mountain tiger. His black hair was tied up in a jade crown, befitting his elegant features, and he was draped in a cool and outstanding aura.
There was a slight furrow between his brows, and he was playing with the green jade ring on his left thumb, as if pondering something.
He Changdi's every gesture showed off the elegance of a noble gentleman. Jingyan's eyes lit up with sparkles.
She did her best to suppress the pounding waves of excitement about to burst free from her heart and, with her head bowed, called out, "Master."
When He Changdi's dark gaze alighted on Jingyan's figure, the furrow between his brows deepened.
Jingyan held up the box of food in her hands. She was nervous, but she did her best to hide it and explained, "Master, this servant is here on Madam's orders to deliver some supper. This is what Madam instructed this servant earlier."
Ch. 363 Causing Her Own Demise
He Changdi looked her over once before ordering, "Put it down and get out."
Jingyan was startled by the abrupt command. She hadn't thought that He Changdi would be so cold and indifferent towards her. His gaze hadn't even lingered a second longer over her.
Jingyan bit her lip and made a decision in her heart.
She only had one chance! If she missed out on this one chance, then she would have to give up on her dream!
She took a deep breath and put on the most seductive expression she could muster. Ignoring He Changdi's order to set down the box and leave, she sashayed up to He Changdi and put the food box down at one corner of the table. In a soft voice, she said, "Master, Madam is worried for your health, so Madam specially told me to watch Master drink the soup down."
The cold aura that He Changdi had kept under control suddenly burst out in full force. He had been considering the fact that Jingyan had been serving as Chu Lian's maidservant ever since she had married him, so he had given her some leeway. However, since she wanted to invite her own death, he wasn't going to show her any mercy.
Jingyan hadn't noticed the subtle changes in He Changdi. She was so nervous that her heart was about to leap out of her chest. She couldn't possibly have taken note of the expression on He Changdi's slightly bowed head.
Her slender hand moved to her waist. With a gentle tug, her thin nightgown came undone, revealing her long, snow-white legs and her full bosom...
Jingyan gathered her courage and leaned over the table, revealing her exposed chest to He Changdi's sight. Her voice wavered as she offered in a delicate and frail manner, "Ma... Master, this servant will help you drink the soup..."
The rage in He Changdi's chest reached its peak upon hearing Jingyan's shy words.
He abruptly lifted his head. The frozen expression on his handsome face had finally changed, but it wasn't the change Jingyan had been hoping for.
His handsome mien was slightly contorted into a malevolent expression, and his deep eyes were like ancient glaciers.
Jingyan was scared stiff by that sinister look on He Changdi. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she lost all strength and collapsed to the ground.
By now, Jingyan had finally realised how stupid her decision had been. However, it was too late for regrets.
He Changdi didn't have an ounce of pity for a woman like this. A corner of his lips tugged upwards into a smirk. That smirk wasn't sympathetic at all; rather, it made him seem even more terrifying and cruel.
In the next second, the dishevelled and half-naked Jingyan was kicked right out of the study. She rolled and landed right by Laiyue's feet.
Laiyue: ......
Following that, He Changdi's angry roar rang loud from the study. "Once you've taken care of her, go and punish yourself!"
Laiyue's own expression turned overcast and he glared fiercely at the unconscious Jingyan. He was extremely vexed inside. This damned woman had caused trouble for him!
Even though he felt very indignant and wanted to beat up Jingyan to relieve his anger for a bit, Laiyue didn't dare to tarry on fulfilling He Changdi's order.
He took out a black bamboo whistle and blew on it. In a short moment, two guards appeared from the darkness. With just a simple hand gesture from Laiyue, the two black-clad guards took the unconscious Jingyan away.
Laiyue hesitated for a moment before turning back and entering the study.
He Changdi looked up and swept a cold gaze over the manservant, making Laiyue freeze.
Laiyue showed a pained expression as he explained, "Master, it's not that this servant didn't have doubts, but Jingyan was one of Madam's handmaids..."
"You can shut up now. Take this box of food to Uncle Miao and have him check if there's anything else in the soup."
Laiyue didn't dare to continue trying to explain himself. He immediately agreed and carried the box of food out.
"Has Wenqing left yet?"
"She's already gone. When you kicked Jingyan out, Miss Wenqing left immediately."
"Alright, you're dismissed!"
Laiyue bowed as he walked backwards out of the study.
After Wenqing explained everything that had happened, the tension in Chu Lian's heart faded away. She could finally lay back down and have a good night's rest.
It wasn't until right before daybreak that He Changdi finished his work and returned to Songtao Court.
Uncle Miao had actually come all the way over to the study just now because of that aphrodisiac soup, putting He Changdi in an awkward spot.
Uncle Miao had even assumed that he had some hidden illness! The doctor had insisted on taking his pulse before finally leaving.
Chu Lian felt someone hold her in her sleep. She struggled a little in her half-awake state, but she couldn't get free. In the end, she opened her eyes reluctantly, only to meet with He Changdi's deep, dark gaze.
He Changdi chuckled and pinched her pert little nose. "You silly goose. Are you satisfied now?"
Chu Lian's mind was still foggy, so she couldn't really process what he had said. She pouted and repeated the insult back at him. "You're the silly goose!"
He Changdi didn't retort. He simply looked at the cute and sleepy Chu Lian in his arms with a warm gaze, unable to resist kissing her fluttering eyelids.
"Did our little one disturb you these two days?"
Ever since Great Doctor Miao had diagnosed that she was carrying, the pregnancy symptoms had immediately started up with a vengeance. Chu Lian puked out whatever she ate. Sometimes she would be able to eat a bowl of food, only for it to come back up later. Her appetite hadn't been very good in the first place. After the symptoms started, she ate even less.
However, Senior Servant Zhong and Great Doctor Miao had told her that she had to eat even if she didn't feel very hungry if she wanted to keep the child. Thus, she hadn't been having a very good time so far.
It wasn't until the three month mark had passed that the symptoms had slowly abated and her appetite had returned.
Now Chu Lian could down two bowls of rice by herself in one go.
Perhaps due to the scare from last month, He Changdi couldn't seem to set his worries aside. He asked about her condition daily and whether the little one had made trouble for her.
Chu Lian shook her head. After the first three months, the little bun seemed to have settled down. Other than a slight bump in her abdomen, she hardly felt pregnant, other than being just a little sleepier than usual.
He Changdi patted Chu Lian's back before pausing and asking, "How do you want to handle Jingyan?"
Chu Lian's mind was wide awake by now. She thought back to what He Changdi had first said to her and finally understood his meaning. Chu Lian tugged at He Changdi's collar unhappily. "You can handle it however you like. I don't want to see her again."
He Changdi mulled over it. He didn't want her to have to take care of such a matter while pregnant. Furthermore, she shouldn't see anything bloody in her current state, either. He Changdi sunk deeper into thought.
"Shall I get another two maidservants for you?"
Chu Lian shook her head. "No need. Let's wait until our child is born before we add any more servants to the household."
There were already plenty of servants around her. Two days ago, Princess Wei had even specially sent over a senior servant and a few maidservants who specialised in caring for pregnant noblewomen.
He Changdi didn't push the issue and simply enjoyed holding her. He breathed in the faint fragrance emanating from her body and shut his eyes.
Chu Lian played with his collar as she asked in a soft voice, "Were you busy the whole night?"
He Changdi made a tired groan in response.
Chu Lian thought for a bit before moving back a little. Looking at the sky outside, the sun would likely rise in less than two hours.
"Come here. Why don't you sleep for a while?"
He Changdi had only been holding her at the edge of the bed. When he opened his eyes and saw that she had given up more than half of the bed for him, he smiled. "It looks like you're really getting more and more daring. Aren't you afraid that the momos will nag you?"
Chu Lian blushed before shooting a glare at him. "Are you going to sleep or not?"
He Changdi moved in and took up all the space she had offered. He didn't even take off any of his clothes, simply holding her loosely in his embrace.
Since finding out about Chu Lian's pregnancy, the two senior servants had forbidden the couple to sleep on the same bed. He Changdi normally slept next to the bed on a chaise. It was now a rare chance for him to sleep together with his wife.
He hadn't hugged Chu Lian to sleep for so long. As he breathed in her naturally sweet scent, he quickly drifted off into dreamland.
Chu Lian shifted her position within his arms and lifted her chin to look at He Changdi's features, softened by sleep. She couldn't resist reaching out to stroke his skin.
There were dark circles under his eyes, showing how he had worked the whole night.
Although Chu Lian didn't really ask about what He Changdi was doing in court, from the first half of the novel that she had read, she could guess at some things.
While things seemed calm in the capital for now, there was actually a storm brewing underneath. Ever since the crown prince had presented the fake phoenix to the emperor, there had been more and more of his ugly news revealed. Finally, the corruption case in Chaozhou had been exposed. While the crown prince was still holding on to his position, he had already been grounded in the east palace for close to two months.
This grounding was basically equal to imprisonment. The officials on the crown prince's side had made their moves: some of them had switched sides, and some of them had resigned. There were barely any of the crown prince's supporters left.
It was practically a fact that the emperor had already taken away the title of crown prince from Second Prince. All that remained was the formalities.
By now, the factions of Sixth Prince and Fourth Prince were already going against each other in secret.
He Changdi had been working through the night likely due to a major incident in their faction.
She didn't know much about court politics and didn't have any subordinates who could be of use, so she couldn't help him directly. The only way she could contribute was likely through money.
The first batch of tea that she had prepared in early spring had already been sent to Dejufeng. She would likely get the results from that tea soon.
Deep in her thoughts, Chu Lian didn't notice the passing of time. In the blink of an eye, it was time for He Changdi to head out to court.
Wenqing called out from outside to remind them of the time. Before Chu Lian could wake He Changdi, he had already opened his eyes.
"Are you still sleepy?" Chu Lian rubbed his slightly prickly chin and placed a kiss on it with a mischievous smile.
The sight of her rosy cheeks riled up the desire in He Changdi's heart. He returned the kiss with force, but on her lips. Only when he had had his fill did he stop and try to calm his burning desire.
"I'll get up now, otherwise I won't make it in time for court. You can sleep a little longer. When I return, let's go to the old residence together."
Actually, Chu Lian wasn't that sleepy either. She had already slept more than enough today. Even if she had only laid down with her eyes open for two hours, she still felt rather energetic.
Chu Lian got up and helped He Changdi find his court robes. She then personally instructed Xiyan to prepare breakfast before accompanying He Changdi for the meal. Chu Lian sent him off at the gates.
Chu Lian looked over the servants following after He Changdi and noticed that Laiyue wasn't there. She found it strange and remarked, "Where's Laiyue? Has he gone somewhere to skive off?"
Wenqing chuckled awkwardly. "He did something wrong yesterday and was punished by Master. He's currently lying in bed."
Chu Lian was surprised. "He was beaten?"
Wenqing nodded and held out two fingers. "Twenty strikes of the rod."
Chu Lian's mouth twitched. She had a rough guess at why Laiyue had been punished. She glanced at Wenqing and noticed the concerned expression on her face, so she ordered, "Go and prepare some ointment and snacks. Visit him on my behalf. He's been a loyal servant of your master for so long after all, and it wasn't entirely his fault what happened last night."
Ch. 364 Matriach He's Good Intentions
A spark of joy flashed across Wenqing's eyes. She bobbed towards Chu Lian and left to look for some ointment.
He Changdi had already sent a messenger out to the old residence with the good news this morning when he left the estate. When it was almost lunch time, Countess Jing'an actually came over personally with a group of servants.
Chu Lian hurriedly went out to welcome her.
Once she escorted her in all the way to Songtao Court, Countess Jing'an looked her up and down with a beaming smile and said, "I can't tell that you're pregnant at all. You haven't put on any weight!"
Chu Lian led the countess over to a chair. "Mother, I'm eating two bowls of rice at each meal! I'm already trying my best!"
Countess Jing'an was in a good mood after seeing that her daughter-in-law looked bright and healthy.
"Eat whatever you want. If you don't have it around, then send Sanlang out to get it. You can't let yourself suffer!"
Chu Lian thought to herself, Sanlang might not even be able to find what she wanted to eat. The Great Wu didn't have any of the snacks from the modern world.
"I'll listen to you, Mother."
"Really, why did the two of you wait until now to tell us the news? If I had known earlier, I would have moved over to take care of you. You're all alone here, and we can't be too careless with your first pregnancy."
Countess Jing'an was genuinely happy for her son and daughter-in-law. Neither her eldest nor her second son were dependable in this area, so she was hoping that He Changdi and Chu Lian could have a child as soon as possible.
Chu Lian didn't hide the truth from her.
"Mother, we don't need you to work so hard to take care of us. We have some senior servants around. Also, my pregnancy wasn't stable before, so we didn't mention it to you."
Countess Jing'an was managing the Jing'an Estate now, so she couldn't just leave and come over here to stay. There was also the matriarch still back in the old residence, so she couldn't really do as she said to look after Chu Lian.
The countess was startled upon hearing that the baby had almost been lost. "Have you asked an imperial physician to check? How is it now?"
Chu Lian smiled. "There's no problems at all now. We have Uncle Miao here too, so we don't need any imperial physicians."
If she had really requested for an imperial physician to check her health, then she wouldn't have been able to hide her pregnancy.
Hearing so, Countess Jing'an heaved a sigh of relief. She began to sincerely and passionately talk. "You absolutely have to take good care of your health during this pregnancy. If there's an emergency and there's no other choice available, I would rather that you give up the child than damage your body permanently. Don't follow down my path. The two of you are still young. If you nurse your body well, there will still be time to get pregnant again."
This was what Countess Jing'an truly felt from the bottom of her heart. Back then, she had ignored her weak health to give birth to her children, causing her to fall seriously ill and suffer for decades. Of course, Countess Jing'an didn't blame any of her three sons. They were all her flesh and blood, so there was no such thing as resentment or hate for them. She simply wanted to let her daughter-in-law know how important it was for her body to be healthy.
Chu Lian was touched by the countess. It hadn't been easy for her mother-in-law to speak such words to her.
"Mother, don't worry. I'm perfectly healthy now."
"Then I'll rest assured about your health. Come, let me tell you some things you have to take note of during your pregnancy."
While Chu Lian had already heard similar pointers from the senior servants, she still patiently listened to all of what Countess Jing'an had to say and made mental notes in her heart.
Xiyan steeped the newly made batch of tea for Countess Jing'an, while Chu Lian only had honey water.
Countess Jing'an sipped at the tea to wet her throat before dismissing the maidservants around them and pulling Chu Lian closer to ask some intimate questions.
A corner of Chu Lian's mouth twitched and she shook her head with a blush.
"Lian'er, there are some things that Mother just has to tell you. You can't spoil your man at this time. Don't be so muddle-headed as other women and find some bed servant for your husband while you're inconvenienced. Our house doesn't follow such customs anyway."
Chu Lian found it funny and spoke honestly. "Mother, I'm not that generous. I think you've overestimated me. It's already been a tough month for me with this pregnancy, and I'm already doing pretty good not torturing my husband. I wouldn't be so silly as to give him to some other woman."
Countess Jing'an stroked her head, satisfied with her answer. "It's good as long as you understand. However, we also can't be too harsh with our husbands at times, too."
While Countess Jing'an wasn't the brightest with managing the household, she did have a hand with managing her husband.
Otherwise, how could a fearsome man like her father-in-law be so enamoured with his one wife?
"Once I heard that you were pregnant, I prepared plenty of things for you. I came a little rushed today, so I'll send them back with you after you come over to visit the old residence."
Chu Lian didn't reject the offer and simply smiled in agreement.
The Jing'an Estate.
Once the third branch had moved out, the atmosphere here had cooled down significantly.
Especially in the matriarch's Qingxi Hall.
He Erlang rarely returned to the estate, and Dalang was out from early morning to night. Every day, only Countess Jing'an would come over to greet the matriarch with Little An and Little Lin in tow.
Matriarch He wasn't very close to her two great-granddaughters. If not for Count Jing'an rejecting the idea, she would have gone to the rural estate to live with He Ying and her daughter...
The matriarch's vision and hearing were both getting worse as the number of white hairs on her head increased. Each day, she awoke to the aches and pains of an old body. It was no wonder that Count Jing'an wouldn't let his aging mother go off to the rural estate.
When He Changdi and his wife moved out of the estate, the matriarch felt frustrated with her remaining anger.
Having a great-grandson had always been Matriarch He's dearest wish.
Now that they had suddenly received the news of Chu Lian's pregnancy, as much as the enmity between them hadn't been resolved, the old woman still viewed Chu Lian in a better light.
Chu Lian was only three months pregnant, so counting back the days, it had happened only after they had returned to the capital. It was definitely their He Family's child and not some wild bastard.
Once she got the news, the matriarch went into the ancestral hall to offer up incense with the help of Senior Servant Liu.
Although she was already a bag of old bones, she insisted on kneeling for two whole hours, begging for Chu Lian's first child to be a boy...
Even Senior Servant Liu couldn't move her from her prayers.
When she returned from the ancestral hall, Matriarch He started preparing things for her unborn great-grandson.
Senior Servant Liu noticed that the old matriarch wouldn't sit still and tried to coax her into doing otherwise. "Matriarch, you don't have to be so rushed. There's still another six months to go! Furthermore, we don't know if it'll be a little girl or boy. If you prepare the wrong items, then it will go to waste."
The matriarch's expression turned fierce upon hearing such words from Senior Servant Liu. "What nonsense are you speaking? Of course it's going to be a little boy. Senior Servant Zhou, follow my instructions and prepare all the items for a boy!"
Senior Servant Liu had no choice but to follow along with what Matriarch He wanted.
While the servants were busying themselves, Muxiang stood stock-still like a statue.
She ran back to her own room in a panic and locked the door.
Once the door was shut, she could no longer hide the resentful, sinister expression on her face.
From an obedient maidservant, she changed into a demon who had just crawled up from hell.
"It wasn't supposed to be like this! It wasn't supposed to be...!" She leaned bonelessly against the door, sliding down into a squat. She grabbed at her hair, her eyes staring wildly into space, as if she couldn't accept the news she had just heard.
In her past life, she hadn't had any children since she hadn't consummated her marriage with He Changdi. After she had gotten together with Xiao Bojian, although the two of them had gone to bed together many times, she hadn't gotten pregnant.
She had always thought it was her body that wasn't fertile, and this had thus been a source of regret for her.
When she opened her eyes and realised that she had been reincarnated into one of Matriarch He's maidservants, she had first felt cold, hard fear. Later on, that had been mixed with a thread of elatement, as this body was perfectly healthy. In the future, when she got He Changdi back again, she could give birth to their children.
Furthermore, the lack of any good news from the current Chu Lian and He Changdi after they had been married for so long had proven her guess from her past life.
Yet how had this happened?! Wasn't her old body supposed to be infertile? How had that imposter gotten pregnant with He Changdi's child?
How could it be!
She was the only one in the world who could bear children for He Changdi!
The more Muxiang thought about it, the angrier she was. Slowly, that anger was mixed with depression. She wanted to rush over to Chu Lian right now and tear her to pieces.
Why?! How! That body was hers!
She was the one who was supposed to marry He Changdi!
How could that monstrous imposter use her body and take her husband and live so happily?!
In her extreme rage, Muxiang destroyed everything she could move in her room.
When she was done, she laid panting over the desk, her eyes bitterly cold as she looked at the bits and pieces of broken things on the floor.
She looked like a viper eyeing her prey and wanting it dead!
That monster had stolen away her body... She wasn't going to let it go so easily!
When He Changdi returned in the evening, Chu Lian had already ordered the servants to prepare everything.
Countess Jing'an and Chu Lian sat in the same carriage, while He Changdi rode his horse alongside them with the guards all the way back to the old residence.
They had already made a promise with the rest of the family that they would meet at the Jing'an Estate tonight. Even He Changjue had returned early.
Once they got to the Jing'an Estate, Chu Lian and He Changdi bowed in greeting to Matriarch He and Count Jing'an before taking their seats at the large round table in the center of the parlour.
This intimate family banquet was bathed in a joyous and harmonious atmosphere. Even Matriarch He didn't make any sour comments.
When they were done, the family moved to the parlour of Qingxi Hall to have tea and chat.
Now that Chu Lian was pregnant, Matriarch He's mood seemed to be much better.
He Changdi hadn't returned to the old residence in some time as well, so Matriarch He pulled him alongside her to catch up.
Seeing that He Changdi had become much thinner, the matriarch's heart ached for her youngest grandson.
"Look at you, why don't you know how to take care of yourself outside? You've become so thin."
Chu Lian stiffened up a little, but she didn't say anything.
While Matriarch He might not have meant anything by her words, it didn't sound like that to the others.
It sounded like the matriarch was blaming her granddaughter-in-law for not taking good care of her husband and allowing him to get so thin from overworking.
He Changdi's cool and handsome face didn't change at all. When he spoke, it was in his usual low tones.
"Grandmother, you must be mistaken. I haven't lost weight at all."
Since it was rare that He Changdi would return to visit them, the matriarch didn't contest his words.
"Alright, alright, you haven't gotten thinner at all."
Countess Jing'an followed up to smooth out the awkwardness lingering in the air. "It looks like Sanlang has gotten even more muscular than before. Mother, you don't have to worry at all."
The family continued chatting happily. Count Jing'an didn't say much, but his gaze was full of satisfaction and affection when looking at his youngest son and daughter-in-law.
Just as the family was enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, the matriarch suddenly spoke up. "Sanlang, Sanlang's wife, since you've already moved out, then so be it. I can't stop you anyway. In the past, it didn't matter much that it was only the two of you in your estate, but things are different now. Sanlang's wife is pregnant. We can't be careless with this. I'm too old and I can't walk well now, so I can't move over to your estate. However, I can't rest easy with the two of you so far away. I thought over this for some time, and I've decided to send Muxiang back with you. She can serve Sanlang's wife and report her condition to me. I'll feel more reassured this way."
Ch. 365 Muxiang Enters the Estate
Everyone was stunned by the sudden decision from Matriarch He.
Let Muxiang go to the Anyuan Estate to take care of Chu Lian?
Muxiang was Matriarch He's most trusted handmaid.
The announcement set everyone to thinking as they tried to discern how much sincerity was in Matriarch He's gesture.
However, when they thought carefully about it, it seemed like there was no reason for Matriarch He to make things difficult for Chu Lian.
After all, the matriarch had been waiting for this unborn child for very long. While she had some conflict with Chu Lian previously, the child was innocent. The matriarch might be muddle-headed at times, but not to the degree of harming a child.
Muxiang was a family servant. Her parents had passed away when she was a child, leaving her behind, so she had started serving the matriarch at an early age. Even Senior Servant Liu had praised her work before. Anyone with eyes in the entire Jing'an Estate could see her character for themselves. Even the harshest senior servant would likely recommend Muxiang for any work.
Furthermore, her looks were very average and didn't stand out at all. Any one of Chu Lian's handmaids had her beat in the looks department. Matriarch He's intention to send Muxiang over to Chu Lian's place was really likely only out of concern for her unborn great-grandson.
Chu Lian had also thought of all these.
It wouldn't be good to reject the matriarch in front of so many people too.
If there was really something wrong with Muxiang, then she could have her servants keep an eye over her in the Anyuan Estate.
Countess Jing'an subtly winked at Chu Lian, indicating that Chu Lian should agree to the matriarch's request.
Chu Lian turned her head slightly to gauge He Changdi's reaction. His eyes narrowed slightly in response.
Since he hadn't spoken up to reject the offer, Chu Lian knew what she should do next.
She stood up and bobbed towards the matriarch, "Then Granddaughter-in-Law shall accept Grandmother's kind offer. Please don't worry, Grandmother. Granddaughter-in-Law will treat Muxiang like any other servant in the Anyuan Estate."
The matriarch nodded in satisfaction.
By the time the couple were ready to leave, Muxiang had already packed her bags and was following behind Chu Lian.
On the way back to the estate, Muxiang sat in the same carriage as Wenlan.
Muxiang had a good reputation amongst the servants in the Jing'an Estate, and she had grown up by Matriarch He's side. Everyone treated her as a highly-ranked servant.
After Wenlan had been transferred to Chu Lian's side, she and her sister Wenqing had occasionally interacted with Muxiang.
Muxiang was well-mannered and treated everyone generously. She was also a warm and magnanimous person. Others might even think that she was a young lady from one of the smaller noble houses.
Wenqing and Wenlan both had good impressions of Muxiang.
Since Muxiang was going to serve Chu Lian together with them from now on, on the way back to the estate, Muxiang and Wenlan started chatting happily.
Wenlan had a good feeling about the new arrival Muxiang.
When they returned to the Anyuan Estate, Chu Lian told Wenlan to let Muxiang settle in in her new room.
The couple then entered their bedroom and settled down on their chaise.
He Changdi dismissed all the servants.
Chu Lian leaned against her husband's chest and played with a lock of his hair as she asked, "Hubby, you agreed to Muxiang coming to our estate too? What do you think of it?"
He Changdi pulled her even closer and let her shift into a more comfortable position in his arms. He leaned close to Chu Lian's ear and whispered, "Letting the wolf in."
Hearing this, Chu Lian immediately sat up straight with eyes wide, "Muxiang is..."
He Changdi nodded.
Although he couldn't be sure which faction she belonged to, there was definitely something suspicious about her!
A dangerous spark lit up in He Changdi's eyes. He and Prince Jin had searched for very long, but they hadn't been able to find any leads at all.
As for how Muxiang had gotten involved in all this, there were too many unanswered questions.
Now that she had served herself up on a plate, it was a good chance for them to find out!
Chu Lian was equally surprised. She thought back to the events in the original story. There hadn't been any mention that Muxiang was plotting something...?
Nevermind, she couldn't figure it out, so she stopped trying to puzzle it over. Anyway, she hadn't even read the second half of the novel. She couldn't guess at what the author had been thinking either.
Chu Lian blinked before letting out a crafty smirk. She sprawled over He Changdi's chest and whispered in a mischievous tone, "Then what should I do?"
He Changdi patted her head, "We don't have to do anything right now. She just came over, even if she has bad intentions, she wouldn't act so quickly. Just don't interact with her directly and I'll send someone to watch over her in secret."
Chu Lian nodded.
She seemed to have suddenly recalled something. Chu Lian fought free of his embrace, wanting to jump off the chaise to grab something from her closet. However, when He Changdi saw that she was about to step onto the floor with just her socks, he hurriedly stopped her, "Put on your shoes!"
Chu Lian wasn't afraid of him. She paused for a moment before setting her feet down on the floor. In the next moment, He Changdi had already pulled her back to the chaise. He held down her squirming feet and pulled her soft-soled home shoes on over them.
Once he was done, he carefully set her two feet on the ground and patted her pert butt, "Go on!"
Chu Lian turned back to glare at him speechlessly, "He Changdi, you're becoming too naggy!"
He Sanlang snorted back at her.
Chu Lian quickly came back with a small, exquisite mahogany box.
She sat down by He Changdi's side and pushed the box to him.
"There, that's for you."
He Changdi's voice was low and magnetic as he asked with a little smile, "What is it?"
Chu Lian passed him the tiny silver key that she kept on her at all times, "Won't you know once you open it?"
Expectation built up in He Changdi's heart unconsciously. He took the silver key and made quick work of the lock. With a clack, the box sprung open.
There was a contract and a square personal seal.
Although He Changdi didn't interfere with Chu Lian's businesses and he never investigated her properties, he still knew a little about what his wife did.
His servants were still right by her side after all.
"A personal seal from Tonghui?"
Tonghui Bank was a bank opened by one of the rich Shandong nobility. Although it wasn't as big as the government-controlled Longhui Bank, it was a private bank so there were all sorts of powers backing it. It was a mix of crooks and honest folk. Those who didn't want to reveal their identity would use Tonghui Bank.
Tonghui Bank would issue a type of personal seal specially for important clients.
As long as they brought the stamp to a branch of Tonghui Bank, they would immediately be able to draw cash.
There were very few of these seals in circulation; less than a hundred according to rumours.
Tonghui Bank was older than the Great Wu Dynasty, so it could be imagined how valuable a personal seal from Tonghui Bank was.
This was also a direct reflection of how profitable Chu Lian's northern market was.
Chu Lian nodded without any change in expression, "It's mine. I'm giving it to you to use. Aren't you lacking in funds?"
He Changdi's gaze fell upon his beautiful wife. He sighed and stroked her smooth cheek, "My silly Lian'er, don't you know what this seal represents? And you're giving it to me just like that?"
Chu Lian puffed up her cheeks and rolled her eyes, "What else could it represent? It's just money... What can I do with all that money anyway? You'll put it to better use. Our Great Wu is large but lacking in material goods, so it's easy to earn money. Anyway, it's not like there's a limit to how much I can earn. I'm not a dragon that needs to hoard gold either."
Chu Lian thought differently from most noble ladies because she was a modern person at heart.
Most noble madams would simply store and save up their money once they earned it and feel content looking at the mountain of gold at home.
What they didn't know was that money had to be spent in order to generate wealth. The amount of money that Chu Lian had was just a number anyway, using it where needed and getting things done was more important.
She had only opened up the market in the north on a lark, for the citizens of Liangzhou and giving the poor barbarian people another source of income. Based on some luck and some power, she had somehow made the business bigger than she had imagined.
If the business grew too big, it might attract unwanted attention, so Chu Lian was actually satisfied with what it was now.
As long as she had enough money to spend and her days were spent carefree, that was enough for her. Having a huge amount of silver wouldn't bring her any joy and would instead bring a lot of worries. Why not just throw it all to He Changdi and let him settle it for her?
He Changdi's heart warmed because of her gesture. He had encountered so much unjustness in his past life. Even his own parents had never done anything so thoughtful for him before.
At this moment, he felt that all the pain and suffering he had gone through in his past life had been for the sake of earning the love of this woman in his arms now.
When Chu Lian noticed that his eyes had gone unfocused and that his lips were pressed together as he remained silent, she frowned and waved one fist in front of him. She acted tough as she mock threatened, "What? You don't want it? Are you afraid I'll charge interest?"
He Changdi focused his gaze on her lovely features. The stiffness in his expression faded and softened as if the spring breeze had pushed it away. He hugged Chu Lian tightly as his magnetic voice resounded by her ear.
"Lian'er, thank you."
Chu Lian rested her head against He Changdi's chest. There was a slight smile on her lips.
The couple stayed ensconced in their little corner of warmth for an hour, unknowing of the growing impatience in Muxiang's heart as she waited in the parlour outside.
After she had followed Wenlan over to her new room, she had been taken to the parlour next.
The handmaids and senior servants who were usually close to Chu Lian were all here.
Wenlan looked at her sister, who was right next to her, but Wenqing shook her head. Just as she was about to speak, Senior Servant Zhong called the two sisters over to the corridor outside.
Before the two handmaids could speak, Senior Servant Zhong ordered, "The two of you, take Muxiang with you on your work. She is to take the place of Jingyan temporarily. When you have the time, tell her about Madam's usual habits and the rules of our estate. Do guide her along."
Wenqing and Wenlan were surprised.
Wenqing thought it over before asking, "Momo, is this Madam's order? Although Sister Muxiang is Matriarch He's handmaid and we won't mistreat her, isn't it a little inappropriate to let her take the position of personal handmaid so quickly?"
Senior Servant Zhong had her own doubts in her heart, but this wasn't her decision to make.
"This order came from Master and Madam. Since our masters have already decided, we are to follow their orders. However, we cannot be complacent and forget to take caution against her. The masters had this meaning too when they ordered you to guide Muxiang."
Wenqing and Wenlan exchanged glances.
They then replied in unison, "Momo, don't worry. We understand."