Before Hong Xiu came to tell Yun Shuyao this big news, Yun Shuyao was cultivating.

She clearly felt that her ability level was not far from breaking through to level two, but the feeling of breakthrough had disappeared.

No matter how much she cultivated, she couldn’t feel any progress.

Then Hong Xiu arrived, and Yun Shuyao heard this news. She stood up in shock.

Her colleague was pregnant?

“Has the news been confirmed?”

Hong Xiu nodded forcefully: “It’s true. When the master returned, Concubine Mei had someone go ask the master to come over. Afterward, the master invited a physician into the residence to take Concubine Mei’s pulse. This is the result after the physician diagnosed her several times!!” By the end, her voice was much louder than usual.

Yun Shuyao fell into contemplation.

She tried hard to recall those pitifully few impressions in her mind.

Did Lin Daiyu have older brothers or sisters?

She seemed to be an only child, though vaguely there might have been a younger brother who died young?

Whether this was really true, Yun Shuyao wasn’t certain.

When she was in school, the Dream of the Red Chamber was extracurricular reading. Interested students read it themselves—teachers didn’t require it. Yun Shuyao, busy rushing between part-time jobs to make a living, had only heard classmates mention some things about it.

Later, when working, the 996 schedule became a blessing.

A hefty tome like the Red Chamber that required patience became even more distant from her.

Was it that Concubine Mei’s child wasn’t safely born, or was this not the Red Chamber world she understood?

Yun Shuyao furrowed her brows.

Having been here for so long, she had some understanding of this world.

This was during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty.

The background of Dream of the Red Chamber—Red scholars hadn’t given a final conclusion, only that the author was from the Qing Dynasty.

So… was the small world she had arrived in a parallel world?

What impact would this have on her?

Yun Shuyao’s brows furrowed tighter and tighter.

Setting aside these incomprehensible questions, if no one in Lin Ruhai’s inner courtyard was pregnant, the previous stability could be maintained. But once the balance was broken, especially when the one breaking the balance wasn’t the principal wife Jia Min, turmoil was inevitable.

No principal wife would be happy to see the birth of a firstborn son from a concubine.

This would threaten the interests of her future offspring.

Especially since the Lin family had been single-succession for generations—their desire for and emphasis on offspring needn’t be stated.

If this pregnancy resulted in Concubine Mei giving birth to a son who was born safely and grew up safely, he would definitely be carefully nurtured by Lin Ruhai. By the time Jia Min’s son was born, perhaps this child would have already grown up with his own power base, threatening the principal wife’s line.

Would Jia Min, and the Jia family behind her, ignore this?

While shaking her head inwardly, Yun Shuyao walked toward the door: “Hong Xiu, come, let’s go to Meixiang Courtyard to congratulate Elder Sister Mei.”

Hong Xiu was stunned before reacting, hurrying to follow: “Yes!”

As soon as the mistress and servant stepped into Meixiang Courtyard, what they saw was Lin Ruhai with joy overflowing from his brows. He was carefully guarding Concubine Mei who was half-reclining on the bed. His outward emotions had always been under his control—it was difficult to see overly obvious joy or anger on his face. At first glance, one would think this was a refined, gentle gentleman, but in actual interaction, he was impeccable.

The refined gentleman was only his outward appearance. This didn’t mean he was easy to talk to. The sense of distance about him wasn’t shallow either. But now… he was just an ordinary man who had finally anticipated offspring and fallen into a state of great joy.

At this moment, the joy on his face was pure.

Seeing this, Yun Shuyao couldn’t help but pause.

She thought of a superior who had once mentored her in modern times. Due to physical issues, she finally became pregnant at age forty-three. When she received the report, she wept tears of joy. The expression on her face then was highly similar to Lin Ruhai’s now.

In this era, marrying at fifteen or sixteen was very common. At Lin Ruhai’s age, which would seem young in later generations, at this time his peers could become grandfathers or maternal grandfathers in another two or three years. He still had no son—the pressure was indeed significant.

At this moment, Lin Ruhai’s attention was entirely on Concubine Mei.

When Yun Shuyao entered and performed a courtesy, he directly told her to come over but didn’t turn his head to look at her even once, his heart and eyes immersed in joy.

As for Concubine Mei, her hands rested on her lower abdomen. Her face was somewhat pale, but her eyes were shining.

She looked at Yun Shuyao entering through the door, her eyes full of triumphant satisfaction at having her wishes fulfilled.

She even avoided Lin Ruhai’s line of sight and spared a moment to give her a smug look that said “fortune turns in cycles, now it’s my turn.”

Yun Shuyao: “…”

Are you an elementary school student? Don’t you have any sense of crisis? You’re also from a concubine line—was your concubine mother the western wind that overpowered the eastern wind in your family?

Yun Shuyao was somewhat puzzled. At this moment, a maid outside shouted: “The Old Madam has arrived!”

Then came a confusion of footsteps. Yun Shuyao walked a few steps to the side, making space for those entering.

There was nothing strange about the Old Madam coming.

Or rather, it would be strange if the Old Madam didn’t come.

The Lin family had long been desperately hoping for offspring, especially the Old Madam who hoped for it most.

For this, she had single-handedly elevated two concubines from respectable families into the household, hoping they could branch out the Lin family line.

Now, Concubine Mei was pregnant.

This news was like throwing a bomb into the Lin family. Whether masters or servants, everyone was blown up.

When she heard this news, the Old Madam was sorting prayer beads. After hearing it, the Old Madam rose with swift movements inconsistent with her age and usual behavior, even scattering the prayer beads she had worked so hard to sort all over the floor without sparing a shred of attention, and immediately brought people to Meixiang Courtyard.

On the way, she repeatedly had people go invite physicians.

The day she had been hoping for had come, yet she didn’t dare believe it.

For this, she had people invite all the famous physicians in Xingtai Prefecture. She wanted to obtain a confirmed answer.

The Old Madam had just stepped into Meixiang Courtyard when Jia Min also hurried over.

No matter how much this news made her lose composure and disbelieve, she had to come over, especially when the Old Madam and the master were both here.

She was the principal wife.

She was the matriarch of the Lin family patriarch.

According to propriety, all children born to concubines were her children and had to call her mother.

So when she appeared, her face also bore a smile: “I heard someone pass word that Concubine Mei is pregnant. This is a great joy for our family.” She slightly raised the corners of her lips, looking at Concubine Mei lying on the bed: “How do you feel now? Is there anywhere you’re uncomfortable?”

Concubine Mei smiled somewhat shyly, touching her belly: “When I got up this morning, I felt some tightness in my chest. Later when eating, I smelled fish and vomited directly. Although I have no experience, before I left the boudoir I saw what my concubine mother looked like when pregnant with my younger brother—very similar. When the physician took my pulse, it really was true!”

Yun Shuyao listened in silence. Were these words somewhat mocking Jia Min for having no experience?

Seeing the arc of the smile on Jia Min’s face decrease imperceptibly by a bit, Yun Shuyao thought: It seems my skill in reading facial expressions hasn’t deteriorated.

But: Colleague, don’t court death like this!

Jia Min nodded slightly: “So that’s how it is.”

The Old Madam was so happy her eyes only stared at Concubine Mei’s flat lower abdomen. She busily asked: “Where is the physician?” She was asking about the physician Lin Ruhai had called earlier.

That physician hadn’t left yet—he had just been taken elsewhere to write down things pregnant women needed to be careful about.

The Old Madam nodded repeatedly: “We should indeed ask clearly. There are other physicians coming later, some specialized in gynecology. Have them also write carefully. We’ll follow their instructions. Mei Shi, you are a great meritorious person of the Lin family. Is there anything you want to eat? I’ll have the kitchen make it for you.” As if even if she wanted to taste the flavor of the moon, she would have people try to pluck it.

Concubine Mei shook her head, somewhat hesitant to speak: “Old Madam, I don’t have anything particular I want to eat…”

The Old Madam naturally saw clearly: “A person with child cannot not eat. If you can’t stand the smell of fish, there are other things. Tell me—as long as you want to eat it, it will be on the table.”

Concubine Mei smiled somewhat embarrassedly: “…I want to eat the pickled vegetables my concubine mother made.”

The Old Madam beamed with joy: “That’s easy!”

She immediately had someone take her calling card to the Mei family to request a portion of pickled vegetables, and by the way, also invite Concubine Mei’s concubine mother to come keep her company.

At a time like this, having one’s birth mother present could indeed provide considerable peace of mind.

The Old Madam also assigned Nanny Wu from her side to bring two maids to serve at Meixiang Courtyard. Nanny Wu had given birth to four children and raised them all safely, and had also learned some female medical knowledge. With her watching over Meixiang Courtyard, the Old Madam could feel at ease.

At this time, the other physicians had all been invited.

Although physicians didn’t like having their skills questioned and seeing colleagues gathered in a patient’s home, the prefect’s household was definitely an exception.

Especially in the situation where the prefect, whose household was empty of children, finally had joyous news from the inner courtyard—having more colleagues present made them feel more at ease as well.

Each carefully and cautiously took her pulse, finally giving a unified conclusion: “Congratulations, Prefect. Congratulations, Old Madam. Your residence’s concubine has the pulse of joy—it’s been over a month!”

The Old Madam was so happy her body swayed. It was Nanny Wang at her side who supported her, stabilizing her body.

The Old Madam said with a trembling voice: “Rewards, everyone gets rewards!”

All the physicians were given a top-grade envelope.

Every maid and matron serving in Meixiang Courtyard received two months of reward silver. Those in other courtyards received one month of reward silver.

Additionally, the Old Madam wanted to go to the temple to fulfill her vow, create a golden statue for Buddha, give porridge to beggars, send clothing to lonely elderly people…

The latter items were persuaded down by Jia Min: “Old Madam, it’s not yet three months. We cannot publicize it.”

The Old Madam was stunned, then had to suppress it: “You’re right. Doing it after three months is not too late. Then let’s first distribute reward money in the residence.”

It had already spread throughout the residence—there was no need to wait another three months.

The maids all received reward silver, needless to say for Concubine Mei.

The Old Madam opened the storeroom. Everything in her storeroom was rarely seen good things.

Fabrics, jewelry, medicinal materials… flowed in like water.

Concubine Mei’s already abundant storeroom became even more abundant.

Jia Min watched these invaluable things enter Meixiang Courtyard. She could still hold on before, but now she almost couldn’t hold on.

These good things that money could hardly buy were actually given to a concubine?

The Old Madam elevated her too much!

This wasn’t finished yet.

When the maids were beaming with joy after receiving reward silver, the Old Madam personally summoned the people of Meixiang Courtyard and tightened their skins.

Her face was solemn: “If something happens to Concubine Mei and the young master in her belly, no matter who it is, the entire family will be sold to the mines, no mercy!”

Very obviously, she wasn’t joking.

Hearing this, everyone shivered together.

Even physically robust people sold to the mines couldn’t endure more than a few years, let alone these women.

They all swore they would serve Concubine Mei well and let the young master be born safely…

—

Night had deepened.

The Lin family, which had been lively all evening, regained its tranquility.

But this tranquility was only superficial.

Some people were still excited, while others cursed in secret.

Before resting, Yun Shuyao gathered people together in Lanxin Courtyard. She organized things she had seen in palace intrigue dramas and had them pay attention to some things going forward, such as: they couldn’t approach Concubine Mei without permission, couldn’t touch Concubine Mei’s personal clothing, couldn’t get near Concubine Mei’s meals, if people with ulterior motives approached they should be extra vigilant, things to be consumed couldn’t leave their sight…

The words weren’t spoken so directly, but the meaning was conveyed.

Everyone understood very well what offspring represented to the Lin family and all made promises.

Hong Xiu: “Concubine, rest assured. Concubine Mei’s body is precious, and there are many people serving by her side. We can’t squeeze in anyway.”

Hong Yi: “When I see Concubine Mei—no, when I see people from Meixiang Courtyard, I’ll choose a different path.”

Hong Tao immediately followed: “I, I’ll stay in Lanxin Courtyard and go out less. When I go out and see people from Meixiang Courtyard, I’ll also take a detour!”

Nanny Sun: “This old woman basically stays in Lanxin Courtyard and doesn’t go out.”

Through this period of contact, Yun Shuyao couldn’t say she had seen through these people, but she had a good idea in her heart.

These people, more or less, all had connections with the Old Madam’s side.

Would the Old Madam harm Concubine Mei?

She wouldn’t.

Although this couldn’t guarantee they wouldn’t be bribed by others, Yun Shuyao would also be watching them.

The servants all left. Only Yun Shuyao remained alone in the room.

Today’s cultivation had been interrupted. She continued cultivating.

Just as she was about to enter the state, Yun Shuyao had a flash of inspiration and suddenly thought of a problem.

Concubine Mei was pregnant, which meant Lin Ruhai perhaps had issues like weak sperm or similar problems, but he wasn’t completely infertile. And she—she was originally about to break through to level two, but now breakthrough was nowhere in sight.

In the apocalypse, when female ability users became pregnant, their ability levels would mostly stagnate, and some even regressed.

Because the fetus would absorb the mother’s energy.

In her current situation, could it be… she was also pregnant?