Ch. 371 The Evil Female Lead
The corner of Chu Lian's mouth twitched. She felt that she had been completely shafted by the heavens. It was bad enough that she had suddenly transmigrated into a novel that she had only read halfway into the body of the evil female lead, no less. She could accept not being able to return to the modern world, since she had no ties keeping her there anyway.
Do the heavens really have to play with me like this?! I don't even have any cheats to use, how am I going to survive this?! I've had enough!!
At first, her husband had suddenly turned bad, then now there was this 'abnormal' maidservant. Don't tell her that Muxiang would turn out to be the reincarnated original female lead. She wanted to gift her just two words: 'ha ha'.
A twitch developed in Chu Lian's forehead. She looked at Muxiang, who seemed to be filled with hate and fury for her, with a strange expression.
"You're... the original Chu Lian?"
Muxiang was staring closely at Chu Lian's face, not wanting to miss out on even the most minute change in her expression.
She had been waiting patiently for so long, all just for this moment: to see the shock, alarm, and fear on the face of the freak that had stolen her body, to revel as the freak fell to the ground on her knees to beg for mercy.
A torrent of emotions was flooding her heart right now. She couldn't hold back the burgeoning excitement in her, which showed in her trembling body. Right now, looking down from above at this woman that He Changdi had protected like a delicate little flower in a greenhouse, there was a sense of satisfaction and elation she couldn't name.
She was waiting. Waiting for Chu Lian to give up and beg her for mercy.
After that, she would simply laugh right in her face and kill her last remaining hope. She would first make her lose her child, then torment her and make her suffer. In the end, she would make sure that this imposter died without a corpse to bury.
This way, once the freak in her original body died without a trace, she would then take her rightful place as the real Marchioness Anyuan.
Muxiang was absolutely thrilled at the thought.
However, as Muxiang continued waiting, what came wasn't the scene she had imagined.
Chu Lian faced Muxiang's gaze straight on. One of them was looking downwards, while the other was looking upwards. The two of them blinked in unison, then again, like some silent play.
Chu Lian was finding it strange why Muxiang was giving her an expectant look, as if she was waiting for something. She didn't understand. What did Muxiang want from her at this point...
She had indeed taken Muxiang's original body, but it wasn't as if she had wanted it... She hadn't had any say in the matter.
Furthermore, the original Chu Lian had been an evil woman with a poisonous heart. She hadn't even hesitated when killing. For the sake of her own benefit, who knows how many people had fallen beneath her claws?
Even back in the Ying Estate, when the original female lead had been ignored by everyone and had lived a terrible life beneath even a handmaid, that didn't have anything to do with the current Chu Lian.
Chu Lian had the confidence to say that she hadn't done anything bad ever since she had come to the Great Wu Dynasty. She had also respected her seniors and supported her husband. She didn't have any bit of remorse towards the original owner of this body. Strictly speaking, she was the most innocent victim here.
Since that was so, she really had no idea what Muxiang was waiting for.
The satisfied expression on Muxiang's face started to contort. Her eyes got wider and wider, as disbelief sunk into her over how the situation was changing!
She had imagined many times over how the current Chu Lian would beg pathetically on her knees, pleading for her not to reveal this tremendous secret to He Changdi. However, she hadn't expected Chu Lian to be so calm. Was she really not the slightest bit afraid? Was she really that fearless?
When she faced Chu Lian's moist eyes, Muxiang bit her lip hard, almost drawing blood. She pointed a trembling finger at the bewildered Chu Lian in agitation. Her voice was shaking from her anger, "Aren't you the slightest bit guilty? That's my body you're in! I'm the real Marchioness Anyuan! Aren't you afraid that I'll tell the truth to He Changdi?! That you're not Chu Lian, and that you're just a freak? Aren't you scared that he'll shun you once he finds out?"
Chu Lian was still stunned by the revelation, despite everything. So the soul inside Muxiang was the original 'Chu Lian'.
However, just like Muxiang had said, Chu Lian really didn't care if Muxiang were to reveal the truth to He Changdi. If He Changdi really chose to part ways with her based on that alone, then it was He Changdi who wasn't worth her trust and love. She would have nothing to say to him if he broke up with her over a reason like that.
Also, what rubbish was she saying?
Even if Muxiang was still in her original body, going by the way the original novel had developed, she wouldn't have become a marchioness regardless.
A thought suddenly surfaced in Chu Lian's mind.
Since 'Chu Lian' had become Muxiang, going by the novel's original plot, shouldn't she have gone to look for Xiao Bojian instead? Wasn't Xiao Bojian her true love? Why was she aiming for He Changdi now?
Even if 'Chu Lian' were to say that she had chosen He Sanlang for his power now, it didn't make sense.
He Changdi did hold high status and authority now and he was currently occupying a good position in court. However, Xiao Bojian was doing equally well for himself. If they were to compare the status of both men, Xiao Bojian would likely be able to stand equally with He Changdi now.
The Jing'an Estate wasn't a particularly old or rich noble house either, so there shouldn't be any attraction there.
Since it was so, it was worth thinking further on why Muxiang had still ended up choosing He Changdi.
Since she had already transmigrated into this book, nothing seemed impossible.
If she were to make a few bold assumptions, could it be that Muxiang had regretted her choices in her past life— that is, the events in the original novel— and was now choosing He Changdi wholeheartedly in this life?
Chu Lian hid the guesses in her heart. On the surface, she narrowed her eyes at Muxiang. "Why do I have to be scared? Even if this body was originally yours, I don't owe you anything."
Chu Lian's abnormal calm was like a thorn in Muxiang's side. She shoved at Chu Lian with all her strength, pushing her down to the ground and watched as Chu Lian sprawled pitifully over the floor, her two hands wrapped around her swollen body in protection. Only then did she feel like she had vented some of her frustration.
Luckily, there was the pile of hay nearby, or Chu Lian would have been really worried about her child.
She purposely chose to land in a haphazard pose to make herself seem more pathetic.
Muxiang's tone was cynical as she replied, "You don't owe me anything? You're really a freak! You have absolutely no shame to be able to say such words! You took my body! You stole my husband! Isn't that enough? You freak, you're the most shameless person I've ever met! If not for you, Guilin Restaurant, Dejufeng Restaurant, the northern market and those noble titles... Wouldn't all those be mine? You've taken so many of my things, yet you're telling me that you don't owe me anything? Did you think you could simply enjoy living well like this? Dream on! I'm sending you down to hell today!"
Muxiang had gone crazy with jealousy!
Due to the events of her past life, as well as her current life as a lowly maidservant, how could she endure seeing how Chu Lian was living right now?
She wasn't satisfied with the end she had gotten in her past life, of seeing the freak who had stolen her body living a thousand times better than she had. How could her heart possibly be content?
The gap in their lives had quickly warped Muxiang's heart.
Chu Lian really thought that the original female lead had something wrong with her mind. She bowed her head without meeting Muxiang's gaze, making it look as if she had given up and accepted Muxiang's words.
Muxiang looked down upon Chu Lian, sprawled on the ground with her swollen belly, not daring to even look at her.
She sneered, "What? Now you're finally feeling scared?"
She suddenly squatted down and stroked Chu Lian's tender cheek. Her hand slid down Chu Lian's body, landed on her belly, and pressed down hard.
Her voice was sinister as she continued, "I was very surprised when you got pregnant with He Changdi's child!"
Furthermore, this imposter had used her body to do that. The provocation in that action had driven her even more mad with envy.
In the past life, she hadn't been able to get pregnant at all despite being by Xiao Bojian's side. It was only right before her death that she found out that Xiao Bojian had given her a secret medicine that made her infertile.
She had assumed wrongly that Xiao Bojian had given her the medicine early on, while they had been in the Ying Estate, so she had thought that her old body was still infertile.
Now she knew that Chu Lian's body was actually completely healthy, it was perfect, and she could use it to bear children for the man she loved. However, the soul inside wasn't her any more!
How could she not be jealous?!
Chu Lian could discern the change in her voice, that Muxiang had completely lost her rationality. Chu Lian kept both of her hands on the ground, prepared to protect her stomach at any time.
As expected, Muxiang's next words confirmed Chu Lian's suspicions, "What a pity. You've already carried the child for so long, but this child is unfortunate. I wonder whether it's a boy or a girl in there? But we won't have to wonder for long. I'll take the child out and let you see for yourself. You can see whether you and He Changdi's child is handsome, whether he looks more like He Changdi or you."
This woman must have gone mad! She actually managed to spit out such cruel words. The calm on Chu Lian's face faded, replaced with a deathly pale pallor.
Noticing that Chu Lian's shoulders were trembling, Muxiang burst out into sinister laughter.
"Why? Are you finally scared?"
Chu Lian bowed her head, counting inwardly. She had already found out whatever she wanted from Muxiang, so there was no longer any need to play around with her. She was waiting.
Muxiang seemed to have lost interest in tormenting Chu Lian with her words. She turned around and took up a pouch on the table. The mad maidservant pulled a sharp dagger out of it and started walking towards Chu Lian step by step.
When Chu Lian saw that she was holding a dagger, she carefully shifted backwards a little, her lips formed into a thin line.
Muxiang had a crazy wide grin on her face. She squatted down and raised her arms, that sharp dagger pointed at Chu Lian's belly. In the next second, she made her move—
On the verge of life and death, a whoosh accompanied the sight of a fast object shooting through the air.
That sharp arrow was much faster than the dagger, and it shot right through Muxiang. The enormous force behind the arrow actually lifted up Muxiang's body and stuck her to the opposing mud wall like a pin!
Muxiang let out an intense wail.
A tall figure appeared at the entrance of the thatched hut. Chu Lian was still in a panicked state when she turned her head to look, only to see He Changdi standing there in a black robe, carrying a giant bow. He was standing ramrod-straight at the door, an icy aura emanating from his frosty expression. His sinister gaze landed upon the pinned Muxiang.
Following that, he hurried forward to Chu Lian's side. Tossing aside his bow without a care, he lifted Chu Lian up from the pile of hay and wrapped her in his embrace.
Once Chu Lian was ensconced in her husband's arms and his comforting scent, she slowly came back to her senses. In a flurry of action, she hugged He Changdi's neck and buried her face into his chest. She let out a sniffle as she complained, "He Changdi, I was so scared..."
The murderous expression on He Sanlang's face faded away. He watched his lovely and fragile wife as he soothed her by patting her back. He reassured her with a soft, low tone, "It's okay, Lian'er, it's all over. I'll bring you out now."
After saying so, he walked out while carrying Chu Lian. Captain Guo, Zhang Mai and Xiao Hongyu all came up to surround them, asking worriedly, "How is Sister-in-Law?"
He Changdi faced everyone with his usual cool expression and shook his head, "I'll leave the person inside to you. I'll send Lian'er back first."
Captain Guo patted his shoulder and entered the thatched hut with the others.
Chu Lian looked around them, only to see that her masked kidnappers were all lying on the ground, motionless.
She raised her chin to look up at He Changdi's defined chin. She pressed her lips together and shoved her head even deeper into his chest, trying to surround herself with the scent that made her feel safe.
Ch. 372 Teaching His Wife A Lesson
Of course, they ended up abandoning their plans to visit Da'an Temple. He Changdi brought Chu Lian along with him down the mountain. At the foot of Mount Lanxiang was a carriage that He Sanlang had ordered to wait for them.
He Changdi carried Chu Lian into the carriage, before he boarded the carriage himself and sat next to her.
There was a basin of ice already placed within the carriage, as well as thick curtains at the window and door. The moment they entered, there was a soothing cool atmosphere to welcome them.
The carriage quickly started moving.
He Changdi continued wrapping Chu Lian in his long arms. Afraid of disturbing her belly, he only touched her shoulders.
Now that everything was over and he had Chu Lian to fill the space between his arms, the fretfulness and fear in He Changdi's heart dissipated completely.
He rested his chin on the top of Chu Lian's head and took a deep breath, taking in Chu Lian's familiar scent. He shut his eyes to calm down the torrent of emotions within him.
Chu Lian was trapped in his embrace, unable to move. She understood that she had really been on the verge of danger earlier. If He Changdi had been late by a few seconds, then the little fellow in her belly might have been lost to them.
She parted her lips a few times, but she didn't know what to say.
Chu Lian knew that He Changdi must have been waiting outside the hut for some time. Muxiang had said so much to her, and she didn't know how much he had heard.
Did he already know that she wasn't the real Chu Lian? Did he know that Muxiang was a reincarnated person? What was he thinking right now?
The ancients feared the supernatural. They would have a fearful sort of reverence towards anything they didn't understand. Would he really hurt her because of the truth? Would he also think that she was a freak?
Although she had retorted to Muxiang so confidently just now, now that she was in front of He Changdi, Chu Lian wasn't as certain of herself any more.
Sometimes, this was how things were between lovers. The deeper you loved, the more you would fear losing them and facing their disappointment.
It was also precisely because she cared for him that she didn't know how to start this conversation.
After a long moment, when He Changdi had finally regained a modicum of calm, he opened his dark eyes. He put a little distance between them by pushing Chu Lian further back a little, then helped her to switch into a more comfortable position, leaning against his chest.
He Changdi lowered his gaze to observe the slightly pale face of his wife.
Her thick eyelashes were trembling and her pink lips were tightly pressed together. It was clear as day that she was currently tense and fighting an inner struggle.
He could see through her thoughts in one glance and found it funny.
His eyes landed on her swollen belly. A wave of fear swept through him, and the soft expression on his face made way for an extremely gloomy expression.
He lifted one hand, and landed a resounding smack on Chu Lian's pert and soft bottom. Before Chu Lian could react from her shock, he gave her another slap on her butt.
He Changdi made three slaps in total before he finally stopped.
Since it was summer, they wore thinner clothes. He Sanlang's slaps had made crisp and clear sounds. It wasn't just the guards following them on either side of the carriage, who could hear the slaps, but even Laiyue, who was in front driving the carriage.
Laiyue froze up a little and sat up straighter. He put on a serious expression and pretended that he hadn't heard anything, as if nothing had happened at all.
He also pretended not to see the questioning looks that the guards sent him.
Laiyue lambasted his own master for being too 'vicious and ruthless' in his mind. He could even bear to lay his hands on a fragile young lady like Third Young Madam. He definitely had to light a candle in sympathy for his unborn young master.
Chu Lian had been trapped in her mental conflict when He Changdi had suddenly 'attacked' her.
After the three slaps, her entire body went stiff. He Changdi hadn't given her any mercy this time, her left buttock was on fire. She stared with wide, round eyes in disbelief at He Changdi.
Astonishment and complaint shone through in her almond-shaped eyes.
"You deserved that! Do you know how much danger you would have been in if I hadn't made it in time?"
The scolding that Chu Lian had wanted to unleash was immediately snuffed out by He Changdi.
Chu Lian lowered her head and thought for a bit, but she still felt that these three slaps were just too much. She spoke up grumpily, "Didn't we agree on the plan previously? How could you possibly be late?"
He Changdi sighed. When he saw that the corners of her eyes were red, and how tough it was for her to lug her heavy body around, his hardened heart melted back down once again.
He reached out with one hand and rubbed at the spots that he had just smacked, helping her to soothe the pain.
"Better safe than sorry. Next time, even if we don't have any better ideas, you're not allowed to put yourself on the line. If anything happens to you, how am I going to continue living alone?" He Changdi softened his tone and spoke in a coaxing manner to Chu Lian.
Seeing that her face was still flushed with anger, he bent down to place a gentle kiss on her lips.
They had long suspected that there was something wrong with Muxiang. He Changdi had used his men to investigate her. After a thorough investigation, he had actually discovered that Muxiang had even secretly sent messages to Xiao Bojian's spies before.
Seeing how big Chu Lian was getting and since they were nearing the birth, they couldn't let someone like her continue staying beside them.
He Changdi wanted to find an excuse to send Muxiang away from Chu Lian. However, Chu Lian hadn't agreed. She thought that it would only solve the immediate danger, but not get rid of the threat once and for all. The mastermind behind everything would also hide even deeper. Now that the battle between the factions of Fourth Prince and Sixth Prince was getting even more intense, they couldn't leave any threat roaming free.
Thus, she had insisted on using this chance to lure the snake out of its hole.
He Changdi hadn't been able to persuade her otherwise, so he could only let her execute her plan.
Both Chu Lian and He Changdi hadn't expected things to end up like this.
Muxiang was actually the original inhabitant of Chu Lian's body...
Due to her jealousy and hatred for Chu Lian, she had actually wanted to take Chu Lian's life!
When He Changdi had been waiting outside the door, he had watched as Muxiang raised the dagger above Chu Lian. The man who had always been calm and collected on the battlefield had almost had a heart attack.
Luckily, he was skilled with the bow, otherwise he wouldn't have been able to protect his wife.
Chu Lian was rendered speechless by He Changdi's words.
Thinking back to the close call she had in the thatched hut, a wave of residual fear washed over her. Even though she had eaten Great Doctor Miao's specially made medicine to stabilise the fetus, her belly wouldn't have been able to withstand that stab from Muxiang.
She had indeed put herself in too much risk and danger this time.
The unhappy and indignant feelings from earlier dissipated.
She looked down at her swollen belly and rubbed the top of it to soothe both herself and her unborn child. Chu Lian apologised in her mind, 'Little fellow, Mother has let you suffer.'
He Changdi saw that his wife had understood what he had to say.
He covered Chu Lian's small and soft hand with his own, and joined her in stroking her belly.
"Don't worry, this little one has been quite obedient so far. The little one won't blame you."
Chu Lian shrunk into He Changdi's embrace and clutched his lapels. After a long period of silence, she mumbled indistinctly, "He Changdi, I... I won't do that again."
Hearing that promise from Chu Lian, the corners of He Changdi's mouth curled up. He tucked some stray locks of her hair behind her ear.
After a moment, Chu Lian puffed up her cheeks and turned around to look up at him. She glared at his handsome, yet expressionless face. "Although I was in the wrong, how could you hit me so hard?!"
He Changdi glanced down at her flushed cheeks, "Was it too hard?"
Chu Lian nodded profusely.
He Changdi replied in an absolutely nonchalant and calm manner, "Then I'll let you return the hits when we get back."
Chu Lian: ...
Her mouth twitched and she rolled her eyes furiously.
She looked towards his robes and felt even more depressed. What was so nice to touch about a man's buttocks? It was all hard and tough muscle there. She didn't have any perverted inclinations...
After her initial train of thought had been interrupted by He Changdi, Chu Lian temporarily forgot about her inner struggle.
She had the feeling that He Changdi's attitude towards her hadn't changed at all even after this incident.
She suddenly lost the urge to ask him about it.
Learning in He Changdi's safe and comfortable embrace, Chu Lian quickly dozed off.
Pregnant women were prone to sleeping more anyway, and she had already suffered a fright earlier. Actually, she was already very sleepy.
Once Chu Lian fell asleep, He Changdi knocked on the walls of the carriage and ordered Laiyue to drive the carriage a little slower.
He looked down at the soundly sleeping wife in his arms. He couldn't seem to get enough of looking at her porcelain-like face, no matter how much he had already seen.
Thinking back to the completely different personalities of the Chu Lian from his past life and this one, he suddenly felt glad. Glad that he had still left some space in his heart to accept her after he had reincarnated, and even more glad that he had won her over.
It seemed like the heavens were still fair to him. The woman lying in his arms now was his true wife.
She had never been that wicked woman 'Chu Lian' from his previous life.
The intelligent and sharp-witted He Sanlang suddenly burst into a silly grin while watching his wife sleep.
Upon returning to the Anyuan Estate, they met with Prince Wei, Count Jing'an and the rest, who were waiting for them in the parlour of the outer court.
He Changdi first carried Chu Lian into a side room of the outer court and settled her in before hurriedly going out to meet their worried senior family members.
Countess Jing'an personally went to the side room to look at Chu Lian, as well as to watch Great Doctor Miao take her pulse. After the report of a clean bill of health, she could let her worries go and returned to the estate with Count Jing'an.
He Changdi had to endure a good round of scolding from Prince Wei, before he could finally send the prince off.
Standing at the main entrance of the Anyuan Estate, He Changdi's back was ramrod-straight, calling to mind the image of a tall mountain. His hands were placed behind his back as he watched Prince Wei's carriage disappear into the distance. A spark of realisation and ruthlessness flashed across his narrow eyes.
All the secrets he hadn't been able to find out even till his death had now surfaced.
So that wicked woman who had caused his downfall in his past life had actually had another identity. No wonder Prince Wei cared so much for Lian'er.
Unfortunately, in this lifetime, Chu Lian would only belong to him, she would only ever be his wife.
As Prince Wei's carriage continued making its way off into the distance, He Changdi abruptly turned around and returned to his estate with a cold expression on his face.
Following right behind him was Laiyue, who didn't understand how his master could change his expressions so quickly.
He Changdi watched as Chu Lian drank a bowl of calming soup and fell right asleep. He sat by her bedside for a while before leaving the side room. Before he left, he ordered Wenqing and Wenlan to take good care of his wife. The moment he stepped out of the room, Laiyue came to report.
"Master, the prisoner has been sent over by Captain Guo. She is in the jail right now. Would you like to head over?"
He Changdi glanced at Laiyue once before quickly striding towards the jail.
Laiyue had to break into a jog to keep up.
In a remote corner of the Anyuan Estate, there was a small jail. It was located in the basement of one of the unused courtyards. Normally, He Changdi would conduct any unsavoury business here. Chu Lian didn't even know that there was such a dark and hidden place in their estate.
He Changdi quickly entered the jail.
There were guards on duty both inside and outside the jail. Even a fly wouldn't be able to enter without alerting them.
The person managing the jail was one of the He Family's private soldiers. When He Changdi and Laiyue entered, only Xiao Hongyu was inside.
Xiao Hongyu heard the sound of their footsteps and turned to meet them, "Brother He, the prisoner is in the cell within. Brother Guo and Brother Zhang had some business, so they left first."
He Changdi nodded, "Hongyu, I've troubled you today. You should head back earlier to rest."
Xiao Hongyu rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment, "Brother He, what are you saying? This is all within my duties."
After sending away Xiao Hongyu, He Changdi turned and walked towards the jail cell inside.
The jail cell was dark and damp, and the air was filled with the smell of blood and mold mixed together. It wasn't a very pleasant place to be.
Ch. 373 We Are The Same
One of the guards following behind He Changdi moved forward to open the iron cell door before stepping aside respectfully.
The expressionless He Changdi strode into the jail cell, where only a single lantern was lighting the dark interior.
His line of sight landed in the corner of that narrow and damp cell, where a human figure was cowering.
That arrow He Changdi had shot hadn't taken Muxiang's life. It had only pierced through her right shoulder blade and crippled one of her arms.
He still had plenty of questions for her. How could he let her die such an easy death?!
Perhaps the prisoner had heard the screeching of the cell doors as they opened. The trembling Muxiang lifted up her head, showing her wretched appearance.
Her gaze went out of focus for a moment, but she could slowly make out the tall figure standing in front of the cell doors. That familiar face looked exactly the same as in her memories.
However, his expression had changed.
The high fever that had set in from the wound made her mind a little fuzzy. Muxiang thought that she was hallucinating, so she shook her head and turned to look again, only to realise that He Changdi hadn't disappeared.
The sudden and pleasant surprise gave her the urge to jump up and run over to hug him.
This man before her was her husband, the one who had always treated her warmly and kindly, and had always forgiven her actions. She regretted so much that she had betrayed him and chosen to be with that venomous man instead. Had he finally come back to look for her?
However, even before she could attempt to hug him, a twinge of pain came from her right shoulder and arm, and a stream of memories ruthlessly doused her burgeoning hopes.
The intense pain of the arrow piercing through her bones and flesh, as well as that hateful, cold look in his eyes as he had shot her.
The hope in Muxiang's eyes shifted to fear and despair. She shrunk back into her body and paddled backwards, as if trying to hide in the corner of the cell.
Muxiang's fearful reaction triggered a change in He Changdi's expression; he smiled.
However, that smile didn't even reach his eyes. He strode a few steps closer towards Muxiang.
Muxiang abruptly covered her head and shouted in alarm, "Don't... don't come near me!"
He Changdi sneered, "Why would I listen to you? Your life is in my hands now."
Muxiang stared with wide eyes at the man before as her fear washed over her entire body. Overwhelmed by the feelings, she grew ever calmer instead.
She continued watching He Changdi with frightened eyes. This person before had the same as he had in her past life, but she just couldn't put the image of their faces together.
It wasn't until now that she wholeheartedly felt how foolish she had been since reincarnating into this life.
After reincarnating once again, why had she continued chasing after a man? Wasn't her lesson from the past life enough warning?
The only person she could count on was herself! Anyone who blocked her way should be slaughtered!
Muxiang became colder and calmer. The gears in her head turned swiftly. She seemed to have woken up from the haze obscuring her mind, and she finally saw a way through the darkness.
The look in her eyes became sharper. As she faced the cold man before her, she quickly tried to think of a solution.
She clutched her own clothes with her uninjured hand and pretended to beg for mercy, "Master, this servant was threatened by someone else! Master, please, on account for my long years of service for the matriarch, please spare this servant's life!"
As long as she could escape from He Changdi's hands, she could leave the capital and leave a life of freedom, unfettered by anyone!
Whatever Xiao Bojian and He Changdi owed her, she would take it back somehow in spades!
He Changdi snorted contemptuously, "Did you think I was blind?"
Muxiang's pupils dilated. She now knew that feigning weakness wasn't going to work with He Changdi.
Yet again, she was filled with regrets. Why hadn't she realised earlier that he had already changed from the cheerful and optimistic He Changdi of her past life? That he had become someone dark and cunning instead?
Muxiang lowered her head, wracking her mind to think of a way out. However, she didn't expect that He Changdi's next words would cause her to fall into despair.
"Give it up. You're destined to die today here in this jail. I'll end you personally with these hands."
He Changdi's voice was abnormally calm, yet it carried a sense of cold with them, piercing into her bones and making her shake.
Muxiang raised her head to look at him in disbelief. The rage and defiance she had managed to suppress came roaring back like an inferno.
She wasn't willing to call it quits yet, and she tried and tried again to think of an idea. However, she soon came to realise that she really had no way to escape from here.
Muxiang let go of her last hopes and turned into a trapped animal, desperate to harm He Changdi by any means possible since she was going to die.
Suddenly, Muxiang laughed neurotically.
She bowed her head, her hair falling messily around her, making her look like a lunatic who had lost her mind.
"He Changdi, since you won't let me live, don't think that I'll let you continue living happily alone! Do you know who I am? Do you know who the person who shares your bed is?"
He Changdi looked down coolly at Muxiang with his full height. That icy expression made it clear that he thought he was simply watching a joke.
That disdainful gaze provoked Muxiang into exploding with fury. Her sharp screech echoed in that dark and damp jail cell, like a demon who had crawled up from the depths of hell.
"He Changdi! Let me tell you, I'm the real Sixth Miss of House Ying! That woman you call your wife is just a freak! A monster!"
If Muxiang hadn't personally experienced reincarnation, she wouldn't have believed in the supernatural or mystical.
The Great Wu viewed supernatural beings like ghosts or the gods with a mix of reverence and fear. Once He Changdi confirmed that her words were true, then the relationship between He Changdi and Chu Lian would be broken up at the very least. In the worse case scenario, the freak might even be dragged out to be burned to death.
Muxiang was waiting for He Changdi's calm expression to crack. However, after a long pause, nothing changed in that coolly handsome face, not even the slightest ripple.
She spoke with some hesitation, "You... you don't believe me?"
Following that, she listed a few examples to prove that Chu Lian wasn't the original owner of her body.
Just as her panicked fit was getting more and more intense, He Changdi abruptly barked in laughter. "If you say my wife is a freak, then what am I? And what would you be? Since you've come to this now, you probably didn't have a good end in your past life either!"
He Changdi's revelation was like a bomb to Muxiang.
She stared with widened eyes of disbelief at He Changdi.
What did he say?
He... was like her? He had reincarnated?
What kind of joke was that? How could things have happened this way?
Muxiang was about to collapse from the weight of He Changdi's words.
She had thought that she could start afresh from the beginning, but it seemed like it had only been wishful thinking.
Everything she had done now looked laughable in comparison.
Numbness overtook her. The two people who had been a couple in their past lives now stood facing each other as sworn enemies in this jail cell.
There wasn't any joy in He Changdi's heart. He simply wanted this annoying grudge to come to an end sooner, so he could return to Chu Lian's side and enjoy the warmth that belonged to him alone.
After a long period of silence, Muxiang suddenly spoke up numbly, "He Changdi, let me go. I'll tell you a secret."
He Changdi wanted to laugh. Even at this moment, she actually hadn't given up. It seemed like she really wouldn't repent until the very end.
"What secret? That you're Lu Luan's illegitimate daughter? I'm sure that you must have passed this news on in secret to Xiao Bojian a long time ago!"
Lu Luan was the emperor's true name.
He Changdi had sensed that there was something off about the emperor's attitude towards him, and how Xiao Bojian had purposely tried to get closer to Chu Lian. It was only with that extra relationship between Chu Lian and the emperor that it could all be explained.
Muxiang's eyes were already as wide as they could go. She had never thought that He Changdi would already know of that secret.
In her past life, she had only found that out right before her death. Furthermore, she had dug it out from the inheritance that her mother had left for her. By then, He Changdi had already passed away in her past life.
Finally, the despair that had been building up overwhelmed Muxiang.
After fifteen minutes, He Changdi stepped out of the jail cell. Laiyue was guarding the door. When the manservant saw that He Changdi's right hand was stained with blood, he could guess what had happened to the prisoner inside.
He Changdi paused in his steps and instructed him, "Take the corpse away and burn it yourself."
Laiyue took a group of guards into the jail cell. They were greeted by the sight of the prisoner lying in the corner of the dark cell, a dagger stabbed through her chest and a grudgeful expression on her face. However, she was no longer breathing.
When He Changdi stepped out into the little courtyard outside the jail, he looked up to the dusk sky slowly giving way to the dark of night. Waves of emotions were causing ripples in the depths of his eyes.
He stood with his hands behind his back. Now that he had personally gotten rid of his sworn enemy from his past life, there wasn't as much as satisfaction as he had expected in his heart. Conversely, it felt like his heart had become even more desolate and bleak.
He turned towards the direction of Songtao Court, and the desire rising in his heart was the straw that broke his calm facade. He hurriedly ran towards the home of his heart.
When he returned to Songtao Court, the sinister air cloaked around him kept all the servants hushed in fear. They even made sure to breathe silently.
He Changdi went to the bathroom first to take a bath and change out of his clothes, washing away the bloody aura around him. When he changed into casual home clothes, he returned to Chu Lian's side.
Chu Lian was still in the midst of slumber when she felt that her body was encased in a familiar warmth.
When He Changdi lifted her head a little to slide his arm under her neck, her body actually turned subconsciously to accommodate the movement, perhaps out of trained habit.
That small movement immediately dispersed the gloominess in He Changdi's heart.
He pulled his lovely wife closer and pressed his firm chest against Chu Lian's slender back, covering her entirely with his body, as if this was the only way he could only chase away the uneasy emptiness in his heart.
He Changdi followed the curve of Chu Lian's shoulder down, his hand tracing down her smooth skin until he found her tiny little hand. He took her hand into his own and entwined their fingers. Finally, he stroked her belly gently.
He Sanlang breathed in his wife's comfortingly familiar scent, then bent to kiss the top of her head. He tucked the thin blankets properly around Chu Lian before finally falling asleep next to her.
Thanks to the resolution of the grudge he had borne for most of his life, He Changdi's slumber on this night was particularly deep and relaxed.
When he opened his eyes again, Chu Lian had already woken up. She was still lying in his embrace as she peeked at his face.
He Changdi's first reaction was a startled silence, before his expression softened. He reached out to stroke his wife's tender cheek and asked with his sleep-roughened voice, "What's wrong?"
It was rare for his lazy little piggy to wake up even earlier than him.
While He Changdi had been sleeping, Chu Lian had been watching him and going through many thoughts in her mind.
All the strange little things that He Changdi had done ever since she had come to the Great Wu would make sense if he had already lived through everything once and reincarnated back to this moment.
The corners of Chu Lian's mouth lifted and she showed a sweet and trusting smile to him.
She actually knew that He Changdi must definitely have gone to see Muxiang during the time she was resting.
With her lunatic husband's skill, there wasn't a way for Muxiang to keep anything a secret.
Although she hadn't said it outright, he likely already knew all about the truth.
She could also feel that their relationship hadn't been threatened by this revelation, and that their appreciation and trust for each other had instead grown.
"Isn't there something you want to ask me about?" Chu Lian reached out in a similar action and stroked the side of his face with her thumb.
He Sanlang stiffened up slightly, before the smile on his face became a touch more genuine.
He couldn't resist stealing a kiss from Chu Lian's pink lips. He returned the question to her, "Isn't there something you want to ask me about too?"
After he finished speaking, the two of them laughed in unison. He Changdi pulled Chu Lian closer to him and hugged her tight, while Chu Lian wrapped her arms around his narrow waist.
Ch. 374 Hidden Temptest
As for what they had experienced before, and who they had been in the past, those didn't matter anymore. The most important thing was that they were now married to each other and they would be together from now on, and even blessed with the crystallization of their love.
Chu Lian didn't care about what He Changdi had done to Muxiang. Ever since she had heard from him personally about the end he had come to in his past life, the end that she hadn't read about in the novel, she felt like she could empathise with him more. As much as He Changdi looked like a vicious and merciless person who solved things with force in other people's eyes, in her heart, he was the best husband she could ever have.
After August had passed and the autumn winds were blowing, Second Prince was finally stripped of his title and thrown into the imperial jail. Consort Liang was also banished into the cold palace, where disgraced concubines languished for a short time till their deaths.
Despite these misfortunes, Prince Jin never spoke a single word to help lift the blame from Second Prince and Consort Liang.
Before Consort Liang had hanged herself in the cold palace, she had met with Prince Jin one last time. Only then did she find out that Prince Jin already knew the truth behind how she had killed Consort Xian.
Following closely after the news that the successor to the throne had been deposed, rumours spread of the emperor being in ill health. The fight for the throne in court became even more intense. The battles that were being fought in secret had now shifted to the open.
In court, it was Fourth Prince and Sixth Prince whose factions were the largest.
Chu Lian's pregnancy had already progressed to its seventh month. She and He Changdi had already decided together that she would not leave the estate until the little fellow in her belly was born.
For some reason, Sima Hui had already taken her troops with her back to Shandong at the end of August.
Chu Lian's usual guests at the Anyuan Estate were Royal Princess Duanjia, Lady Yang, Old Duchess Zheng and other nobility in her circle.
Finally, when it was mid September, it had come time for House Ying's Eighth Miss Chu Yuan to marry Royal Prince Shou.
Their match had been made by the emperor himself, so they were preparing a grand celebration of it.
Even though she had received House Ying's red invitation to the wedding, Chu Lian didn't attend. She only stayed at home and rested. When evening fell and it was about time for dinner, Royal Princess Duanjia came running over excitedly.
Chu Lian watched in stunned amazement as Royal Princess Duanjia came up to her in blaze, took up the cup of fruit tea she had just drunk from, and downed it in one gulp.
"Princess?"
Royal Princess Duanjia sat right down next to Chu Lian after drinking her tea. She hugged one of Chu Lian's arms with sparkling eyes as she said, "Hahaha! Chu Liu, I bet you don't know what happened at the Ying Estate today!"
The two of them were now as close as sisters. Royal Princess Duanjia knew what Chu Lian had been through in the past.
Ever since she had almost fallen into a trap, courtesy of House Ying's second branch, Chu Lian had secretly broken ties with House Ying. Thus, she hadn't gone to attend the wedding today. Otherwise, as the older sister of the bride, she was supposed to be present and offer her congratulations.
Chu Lian found her question funny, "What else could happen? Chu Yuan got married!"
Royal Princess Duanjia didn't like House Ying's petty and small-minded conduct in the first place. After becoming good friends with Chu Lian, she felt even more disgusted by House Ying.
Since she could tell that Chu Lian didn't know anything, as expected, she started gabbing away with an air of pride.
"Haha! I didn't think that Chu Yuan had it in her! I was at Prince Yongkang's estate to attend the wedding today, and there were a whole bunch of imperial relatives in the newlyweds' room. When Royal Prince Shou lifted the veil on the bride, everyone there was dumfounded!"
Chu Lian found it strange.
"Ah? Dumbfounded?" What was there to be shocked about? Although Chu Yuan had an evil personality, her appearance didn't reflect her inner heart. Chu Qizheng had handsome looks, while Second Madam had been one of the prettier daughters from her humble family. Naturally, Chu Yuan took after them.
It was then that Royal Princess Duanjia burst out into hearty laughter.
"Take a guess?"
The corner of Chu Lian's mouth twitched. She suddenly let out a cunning smile, "I told Xiyan to make some osmanthus cakes yesterday. You probably haven't tried them before, right?"
When Royal Princess Duanjia heard that there was something new to taste, her eyes lit up like stars, "Where is it? Why haven't you told them to bring out some for me?"
Chu Lian grinned at Royal Princess Duanjia without speaking.
The princess immediately understood what she was trying to do.
Royal Princess Duanjia puffed up her cheeks and glared at Chu Lian. "Chu Liu, haven't you been spending too much time with that husband of yours? How sneaky! Alright, alright, I give in! I'll tell you what happened! Now bring me that osmanthus cake!"
With a wave of Chu Lian's hand, Xiyan quickly came forward with an exquisite porcelain dish, which she then set on the round table near the ladies.
Royal Princess Duanjia brightened up and instantly grabbed a square osmanthus cake, stuffing it into her mouth with glee.
She continued speaking as she chewed on the cake, making her words muffled.
"When Royal Prince Shou lifted the veil, the one under it wasn't Chu Yuan, but your Fifth Sister!"
The sweet, yet not sticky taste of the osmanthus cake took away Royal Princess Duanjia's concentration. She casually revealed the twist outright.
Chu Lian was a little surprised, "You mean the one that Royal Prince Shou married was actually Miss Su?"
Royal Princess Duanjia nodded, "Right now, the men from the Ying Estate and Prince Yongkang's Estate are all looking for Chu Yuan, but they haven't found her yet."
Then what's going to happen now?"
Since the bride had been switched, and it had been an engagement bestowed by the emperor, this was no small matter. If the emperor decided to punish them, the entire Ying Estate would likely suffer.
Royal Princess Duanjia harrumphed, "Of course Imperial Uncle is going to punish them! However, there is something weird about all of this. When Uncle Yongkang was going to bring the matter up with the emperor, Cousin Shou stopped him. Judging from the way he was acting, it seems like he already knew your Fifth Sister long ago. Everyone's thinking there was something up with that!"
Chu Lian found it strange as well. The original novel hadn't mentioned much of Miss Su. Over the few times they had interacted, Chu Lian understood that Miss Su wasn't an innocent and naive young lady. Perhaps this was what she had chosen for herself.
As for how Miss Yuan had struck an agreement with her, Chu Lian didn't want to know. She had nothing to do with House Ying now anyway.
It was better for her to keep a peaceful mind and wait for the birth of her child in her own estate.
When Royal Princess Duanjia saw how calm Chu Lian was acting, she gaped a little. "Chu Liu, aren't you curious at all about this?"
Chu Lian poured a new cup of honey water for herself before answering, "You know what my relationship with House Ying is like. I don't want to pay attention to whether they're doing fine or not."
Royal Princess Duanjia set down the cake in her hands and shifted closer to Chu Lian, "It's good that you've already drawn the lines between you and House Ying. That father of yours isn't someone good anyway."
Chu Lian thought to herself, she was a transmigrated soul. Her father wasn't in this world at all!
Royal Princess Duanjia stayed until He Changdi returned, upon which she was chased away.
It was getting harder for Chu Lian to move around, so she had Senior Servant Zhong send Royal Princess Duanjia away in place of her.
He Changdi walked up to Chu Lian. With a smooth and practised movement, he slid one arm under her back and another under her knees. He then lifted her up from the chaise and brought her into their bedroom.
Chu Lian had a little blush on her face. She patted He Changdi's solid chest, "I'm a little heavy now..."
He Sanlang looked down at his blushing wife. Although his face was still stuck in its stiff expression, the look in his eyes was as warm and gentle as could be. He bent down to kiss her soft lips before speaking in husky tones, "I don't mind."
Chu Lian was set down in a sitting position on the bed. He Changdi grabbed a thin blanket from the side and covered her with it. He sat by the bed, an arm slung around Chu Lian's shoulders as he pulled her to lean on his chest.
Chu Lian raised her chin slightly to look at him. She noticed the stubble on his chin and the dark circles under his eyes.
She touched his slightly prickly chin and asked, "Did you just get back?"
He Changdi nodded, "The situation at court is becoming more worrying. I can't leave it alone for long. I took some time to visit Prince Yongkang's Estate in the afternoon. Since Royal Princess Duanjia came by, I suppose you already know all about what happened?
Although Chu Lian no longer kept contact with House Ying, from an outsider's perspective, Chu Lian was one of House Ying's ladies. He Changdi had gone to Prince Yongkang's Estate in place of her to give their congratulations to the new couple, and to prevent any loose tongues from wagging.
Chu Lian nodded, "How is Fifth Sister?"
He Changdi's brows were slightly furrowed, "She's still in Prince Yongkang's Estate. The guests have already left, but Royal Prince Shou kept her back. I've had my men investigate this matter. Chu Su and Royal Prince Shou have met before."
Chu Lian's eyes widened, she was clearly shocked by this news.
He Changdi snorted, "I've told you before, your Fifth Sister isn't a simple person. This time, the entire Ying Estate is likely going to fall, thanks to these two sisters. However, I would be glad to see that happen."
Miss Yuan had likely intended on taking revenge on House Ying, so she had come to some agreement with Miss Su in secret. One of the troublemakers had now disappeared by herself, while the other had been married to Royal Prince Shou as per her wishes, and was now safe in Prince Yongkang's Estate.
Chu Lian was rather in 'awe' of these two sisters. However, it didn't matter to her whatever happened to them now.
"Are you tired? Do you want to nap for a bit?" Chu Lian asked He Changdi tenderly. He had been keeping late nights recently. At his busiest, he might not even return home for one or two days. He had slimmed down visibly. Whenever he made a rare trip home, he could only hug her to sleep before heading out again early the next morning.
He Changdi rubbed his temples and stood up to take off his outer robes. He tossed his clothes to one side and slid under the blankets next to his wife.
He carefully hugged Chu Lian, his other hand reaching to her chest and groping it. The eyes he had just shut flew open again, and warm puffs of breath blew over Chu Lian's sensitive ear as he said, "It's a lot bigger."
Chu Lian: ...
Wasn't it normal for her breasts to swell during pregnancy...
"Are you going to sleep or not?!"
He Changdi kissed her earlobe, a smile evident in his slightly husky voice, "I'm sleeping."
Chu Lian moved his wandering hand down to her waist. He Changdi didn't resist and simply pressed even closer to the soft body in his arms, "Lian'er, please wait two more months. Once everything is settled, I'll spend more time with you, and our child."
"Just go to sleep. I'm doing just fine by myself without you."
She wasn't like the other noble madams, who were carefree without their men around. She had plenty on her plate to do!
He Changdi chuckled into her ear. Soon, his low chuckles faded into soft breathing.
Since he had fallen asleep so quickly, he must have been very, very tired.
Somewhere else, within a plain residence, there was a couple locked in embrace with each other.
The woman was sprawled in the man's arms. Before she could even catch her breath, the man was already questioning her impatiently.
"What about the information I asked you to get from Imperial Concubine Wei?" Xiao Bojian's voice was husky from their recent activities and release.
The woman harrumphed in a charming manner and directed a pout with her full, red lips at Xiao Bojian, "How heartless, Sir Xiao. You didn't even me rest for a bit. Aren't you afraid that I'll change my mind and refuse to tell you anything?"
Xiao Bojian suddenly let out a sinister smile. The gap between the darkness in his eyes and his ethereal features made the woman drunk on his beauty.
"Are you really not going to tell me, Madam?"
The woman looked his body up and down with a seductive gaze, and caught hold of his face, "I can't bear not to tell you, thanks to this face of yours."
Ch. 375 Rural Estate
Although Xiao Bojian hated the touch of the woman before him, he hid it well.
"Hmm?"
His tone rose in pitch near the end, making it slightly flirty.
As expected, the woman ate up his act. She giggled girlishly before putting her hands on Xiao Bojian's naked upper body.
"Sir Xiao, I advise you to give up! Although the emperor doesn't like Marquis Anyuan much, it's not to the point where he would break apart Marquis Anyuan and Honoured Lady Jinyi. While Honoured Lady Jinyi's secret identity is rather grand, it's not something that can be revealed to the world. Even if the emperor wants to protect her, he wouldn't do it in the open. Since Honoured Lady Jinyi is already pregnant with Marquis Anyuan's child, the emperor has slowly abandoned his initial notions."
Actually, she didn't really understand the man under her.
He was clearly a bright and strong youth, admired by many of the ladies in the capital. Why did he have to set his heart on the already married Honoured Lady Jinyi? Even if Honoured Lady Jinyi had a somewhat special identity, surely he didn't have to go this far?
Marquis Anyuan wasn't a simple man. Furthermore, his second brother, He Erlang, was one of the emperor's imperial guards...
A fierce tempest was broiling under the surface of Xiao Bojian's gaze, but he didn't reveal any of it.
Hidden under the brocade blankets, his right hand curled up into a fist, making his knuckles shine white.
He hadn't thought that the emperor would still be able to put up with He Changdi even after all he had done!
This was what humans were like. They hungered for what they couldn't get. By now, Chu Lian had already become Xiao Bojian's obsession.
From what he could see, Chu Lian's position in the emperor's heart was even greater than what he had estimated.
Xiao Bojian shut his eyes to hide the possessive glint in his gaze.
After a moment, when he had calmed his emotions, he spoke once again, "Then about Imperial Concubine Wei?"
The woman sent another amorous smile his way, "Rest assured, Sister has already pulled it off without a hitch. In two more months, you and Sixth Prince can simply reel in the net."
This time, satisfaction leaked out from Xiao Bojian's smile. His hand slid down to the woman's round bottom and groped it hard. Following that, he started moving viciously without any mercy.
In the haze of movement, the woman's face became more indistinct, and finally morphed into that fresh and innocent face of the woman he longed for. Seeing that face in front of him, Xiao Bojian could no longer hold himself back.
It wasn't until darkness fell over the capital that he finally exited the room.
As for the woman left on the bed behind him, her body was covered in bruises and her eyes had gone dim. When the maidservant waiting outside saw that Xiao Bojian had left with his men, she entered the room, only to be met with the sight of her madam's abused body. She almost cried out in alarm.
The desolate autumn winds heralded the arrival of October.
At the start of October, news came from Shandong that the five noble houses of Shandong had been completely devoured by House Sima.
Closely following after that came the news that Prince Yinshan had lent his army to the Sixth Prince's faction.
In the middle of October, Xiao Bojian forced rich merchants to submit and support Sixth Prince financially.
When it came to the start of November, the emperor suddenly fainted in court. Now his illness could no longer be hidden. Information leaked out from the Imperial Physician Institute, saying that the emperor didn't have many days left.
There was a flurry of activity at court.
The empress didn't have any sons and Second Prince had been imprisoned, so the battle between Fourth and Sixth Prince had become even fiercer.
The emperor sent out a decree, declaring Prince Wei as his temporary stand-in. Prince Wei would be the one to decide national matters, along with the cabinet.
As the emperor's illness progressed, there was even more activity both in and out of court.
By the end of November, the two princes' factions had come to the point where they were clashing on the battlefield.
Chu Lian's expected delivery date was in the first weeks of December. It wouldn't be long from now.
The most dangerous place to be in right now was the capital.
The moment He Changdi had returned early this morning, he had ordered Chu Lian's servants to start packing.
Chu Lian had been in the middle of sewing a tiny child's undergarment in her warm bedroom. Although she wasn't good with needlework, she had learned from Xiyan over the past few months. She could still make a little undergarment since it was rather simple.
Hearing He Changdi's footsteps, she turned to look at him with a smile, "Is something the matter? Why are you back so early today?"
When He Changdi saw that she had set down the needlework in her hands and was about to stand up to greet him, he quickly strode over first and held her.
It was already winter. While the room was kept warm, Chu Lian was still wrapped in layers. Other than her belly, her face hadn't changed much. Her entire being was wrapped up like a ball. Due to the enormous size of her belly, her circulation wasn't very good and her feet were swollen. Right now, it was painful for her to walk anywhere.
As long as He Changdi was around, he would always help to massage her legs if he had nothing to do.
"Have you felt anything in your belly today?"
Since it was close to her due date, He Changdi would ask that every day when he returned. Seeing how large she had become, he was on edge and worried for her each day.
Chu Lian smiled faintly and shook her head, "No, the little fellow has been good."
The little bun in her belly had stopped tormenting her once they had hit the nine month mark.
He Changdi helped her over to a chaise and lowered her down slowly. As he watched Chu Lian drink some nourishing soup, he spoke with a grave expression, "Lian'er, the situation outside is becoming more and more unpredictable. I'm sending you to a rural estate in the outskirts today."
Chu Lian was astonished, "We can't stay within the city any longer?"
He Changdi nodded. There was nothing to hide from his own wife, "Xiao Wujing has highly skilled assassins by his side. I'm afraid he'll try to do something to you."
Chu Lian had nothing but disgust on her face the moment Xiao Bojian was mentioned.
Ever since she had come to the Great Wu, she had immediately drawn the line with him. Who could have known that he would stick to her like gum? She couldn't even leave him behind no matter what she did. He was always lurking somewhere nearby at unexpected times.
She looked down at her large belly and thought for a bit before nodding.
"Alright, I'll go to the rural estate. However, you have to be careful even when you're alone in the capital."
That very day, He Changdi personally escorted Chu Lian out to a rural estate on the outskirts of the capital.
Accompanying her were Wenqing, Wenlan, Xiyan, the two senior servants, as well as Great Doctor Miao, a midwife, a female physician and so on.
They used a plain, unmarked carriage and travelled by some secret routes made by Prince Jin's subordinates, so no one was the wiser.
Thus, Chu Lian settled in to the rural estate and waited for her child to arrive.
This rural estate had been bestowed upon her when the emperor had given her the title of Honoured Lady Jinyi. She had never been here before, and she had just left it to the senior servants to manage on her behalf.
It was only during this trip that she finally found out what the estate looked like.
The estate was surrounded by lush, green mountains. It had been one of the imperial family's estates previously, so it had good scenery. This area was close to the tea garden that Chu Lian had bought.
Despite the harsh winds of winter blowing, the tea garden was still a vibrant patch of green, giving an elegant touch to the area.
The weather had been good these few days. Chu Lian had followed Great Doctor Miao's advice and would have Wenqing support her as she walked a slow round outside every day. Moving her body would be good for a smooth delivery.
He Changdi couldn't visit every day. Even if he managed to come to the rural estate, it would be late in the night.
Chu Lian had already gotten used to his absence.
On the fourth of December, the cold and frigid weather had given way for an abnormally warm and sunny day. After breakfast, Wenqing and Wenlan accompanied Chu Lian for a walk to the tea garden.
Following beside them was Imperial Physician Li, the female physician who had treated Chu Lian at the spring hunt. He Changdi had requested for her from the Imperial Physician Institute for Chu Lian's delivery.
Afraid that Chu Lian's labour would start at any moment, Physician Li had stuck close to her side these two days.
As the ladies accompanied Chu Lian in a slow walk, Physician Li asked with a smile, "Madam, do you feel anything different about your body today?"
Chu Lian was wearing a light yellow brocade dress today. On the outside, she had a soft, white rabbit fur cloak. Her smooth hair had been pulled up into a simple bun with two locks framing her face, giving her youthful face a motherly appearance. Her hair was fixed in place with a single white jade hairpin. If not for her swollen belly, she might have looked like a young, unmarried lady instead.
Chu Lian shook her head and rubbed her belly lovingly. "No, I feel fine. I'll be troubling you in the the next few days, Physician Liu."
Physician Liu was keeping pace with Chu Lian, "Not at all, Madam. This is part of my job."
As the warm sunshine beat down on them, it gave a golden glow to the entire tea garden. There wasn't any wind blowing today too. The warm sunlight on her body kept her warm, while the fresh air from the tea bushes brightened her mood.
Chu Lian didn't feel tired at all even after walking for more than fifteen minutes. As she gazed out at the fields of green, the worries from the past few days seemed to have dissipated.
She turned to Wenqing and ordered, "Let's walk for another fifteen minutes."
Wenqing and Wenlan were happy to hear that. When the weather wasn't very good, Chu Lian wasn't willing to leave the estate at all with her cumbersome body. They would always have to coax her for a long time before she would get up and move around.
Senior Servant Zhong had already told them that Madam's belly was too big for her first child and that she would have to exercise often before the birth, otherwise the delivery would be difficult.
If Master was around, he would have been able to persuade Madam to go out in a few words, but they didn't have that ability.
While Chu Lian was walking slowly at the borders of the tea garden, she didn't notice two girls dressed as villagers not too far away.
When Chu Yuan passed by the little lane next to the tea garden, carrying a basket of vegetables, she abruptly stopped and stared with wide, disbelieving eyes at the noble madam being supported by a maidservant.
The handmaid Xiaoqin found it strange that her miss had suddenly stopped in her tracks. She turned to ask, "Miss, what's wrong?"
Following Miss Yuan's gaze, Xiaoqin couldn't help but gasp at the sight, "Sixth MIss!"
Miss Yuan was brought back to her senses by the maidservant's exclamation. She turned to glare viciously at the maidservant, "Quiet!"
Xiaoqin hurriedly nodded her head in acknowledgement.
While the woman in the tea garden was dressed simply, anyone with a discerning eye would be able to tell that her clothes were all made of top-quality materials even at this distance.
Her dress was made from imperial brocade, while her mantle was made of Sichuan brocade. Even that jade hairpin on her head was made from the rare and glossy white jade.
Back in their days in the Ying Estate, Sixth Miss Chu Lian had always been a pitiful sight. She hadn't even owned any presentable accessories. However, now she was living a life of luxury, served by scores of servants. Marquis Anyuan treated her like a precious treasure. Even if she wanted to, Chu Yuan couldn't stop her immense jealousy from showing in her eyes.
Even though they had been born to the same father, why was there such a huge difference in their fates?!
She was also a legitimate miss of House Ying. How was it that Chu Lian had been able to marry such a good husband, while she had been bestowed to a half-wit! Even Xiao Bojian still carried lingering feelings for Chu Lian.
Looking at the joy on Chu Lian's face as she enjoyed her walk in the tea garden, the venom in Chu Yuan's eyes was almost tangible.
Xiao Bojian had been searching all over for new of Chu Lian in secret. Who could have thought that she had been sent out to this rural estate by He Changdi? The fact that she had managed to stumble upon Chu Lian must have been the will of the heavens!
Xiaoqin was panic-stricken by the sight of Sixth Miss. She carefully reminded Chu Yuan, "Miss, let's hurry and leave. If Sixth Miss finds out we're hiding here, it'll be bad for us."
Chu Yuan suddenly let out a grim laugh. She pulled Xiaoqin along as she turned and ran away. In her heart, she was still thinking: 'Bad for us? Hmph, it's going to be bad for Chu Lian instead!'