Due to severe morning sickness, Concubine Mei could only rest in bed. Although it was difficult, she had already anticipated this situation before taking the medicine.

The current discomfort was only temporary. Thinking about when her son would be born, she would become the first person in this rear courtyard, enjoying unlimited glory.

So no matter how hard it was, Concubine Mei never voiced any complaints.

Her birth mother, Gao Shi, stayed behind. She understood even more clearly how important this pregnancy was for her daughter. The medicine had been finished. If this child was not born, her daughter’s health would deteriorate for several more years, missing the best period of her daughter’s life.

It would be too difficult to climb back up again.

So she watched her daughter very closely. When her daughter recovered, the Mei family could benefit along with her, and she and her son could also share in the glory.

Gao Shi was very careful. Anything her daughter would consume, she inspected every day.

The same went for items used close to the body.

Even though the old madam had people watching, and logically speaking there shouldn’t be any accidents, Gao Shi still maintained vigilance and precaution.

Only as a mother, seeing her daughter painfully vomiting bitter water, she would feel heartache for her.

In Gao Shi’s view, her daughter was somewhat impulsive in using the medicine.

She was a legitimate concubine properly elevated into the Lin residence.

She had only just entered the household, there was no need to be so anxious to take medicine.

Being able to naturally conceive a child would be best. This medicine was effective, but it would harm the body.

She had used it back then out of desperation. Without conceiving her daughter, she couldn’t even enter the Mei family’s door.

Gao Shi also regretted not being steady back then and telling her daughter about the medicine’s existence, which is why her patience was so poor. Especially knowing that her daughter took the medicine so early, it was only because Magistrate Lin paid a bit more attention to the newly arrived Concubine Yun. Unfortunately, there was no medicine for regret now, she could only watch her daughter closely.

Fortunately, her daughter wasn’t foolish and had her come to accompany her through this difficult time.

Facing the caution of Concubine Mei and her mother, Nanny Wu saw it all. Naturally, she felt the lack of trust in her heart, but she wouldn’t stop them from inspecting.

She inspected no less frequently than they did. She had undertaken an important mission from the old madam.

Even if she had to sacrifice her life, she must ensure the young master was born safely.

And the sinister methods in the rear household, one could never be too careful.

Especially when the pregnant woman’s reaction was so severe, perhaps just an ordinary fall could destabilize this pregnancy.

Doctor Zhou wasn’t eating for free. After more than ten days, her severe morning sickness finally improved somewhat. Besides drinking congee, she could also have some clear soup and vegetable dishes. She still found the smell of meat overwhelming, but eggs and bird’s nest were fine.

With this nourishment, Concubine Mei’s pale face finally showed a hint of rosiness.

This made both the old madam and Lin Ruhai breathe a sigh of relief.

Being able to eat was good.

Because her health had improved somewhat, Concubine Mei wanted to make an appearance and show off a bit. This wasn’t too much, was it?

However, as soon as she proposed this, she was refused by her mother. Gao Shi poked her daughter’s hand: “What are you thinking? At this time, being able to safely give birth to the child is the most important thing, everything else is secondary. Stay properly in Fragrant Plum Court and don’t go anywhere!”

Seeing her daughter still unconvinced and about to argue, Gao Shi sighed: “Ruixue, you must know that you cannot make any mistakes now.” Fragrant Plum Court was watertight, but what about outside? The road looked flat and clean, but who knew what was underneath.

She spoke at length about the dangers of the outside world, and Mei Qingxue could only reluctantly agree. “Mother—” She drew out her voice, somewhat unwilling: “I know, I won’t go out, but these days are so boring. Do I really have to stay here until the child is born?”

That was too long.

Now she spent most of the day lying in bed with nothing to do. The master did come to see her every day, asking about her condition, but he wouldn’t stay long, and certainly wouldn’t spend the night at her place. The old madam came often too, and so did the madam, but they all said they couldn’t disturb her and left after a short while. With so much time, she couldn’t do anything…

Gao Shi stroked her daughter’s temple: “Wait until the pregnancy is stable after three months, then we’ll talk.” She employed the delaying tactic.

Yun Shuyao, who was quietly waiting for her monthly cycle to arrive and inform her of the result, received good news—Wu Peng had been arrested.

Along with the brother-in-law who had been protecting him.

Wu Peng’s forcibly seizing young women and framing those he disliked naturally had his brother-in-law backing him up.

That one wasn’t a good person either.

Although his brother-in-law didn’t have the vice of lechery, he was greedy for money.

Corruption and bribery—as long as he received money, everything could be arranged.

Who knew how many wrongful cases he had caused in his jurisdiction.

Lin Ruhai dealt with them all.

Yun Shuyao naturally wouldn’t be so shameless as to think Lin Ruhai did this to vent her anger.

As long as he wanted to achieve results during his tenure, the bad apples certainly had to be dealt with.

Setting aside the reason, the result was gratifying.

She properly bowed to Lin Ruhai in thanks: “Many thanks to the upright magistrate for upholding justice for the people.”

Lin Ruhai couldn’t help but raise his eyebrows slightly: “Then how will Shuyao thank me?”

Yun Shuyao took out the sachet she had prepared in advance.

Lin Ruhai, seeing this sachet with fine needlework and elegant pattern, accepted it with a smile.

Besides happy events, there were also annoying mosquitoes buzzing around her ears.

She didn’t go out, but the morning greetings still had to be done every day. On the way back and forth was where these mosquitoes were active.

By belittling the concubine’s background, they could elevate her status.

Repeatedly mentioning what benefits her pregnancy brought.

And envisioning her future arrogant appearance to express concern for Concubine Yun and the other two chamber maids.

Then inadvertently letting her hear what foods pregnant women couldn’t eat, what movements pregnant women should be careful of, under what circumstances miscarriage was easy.

All-around bombardment.

To this, Yun Shuyao’s attitude was: Hmm? My hearing isn’t very good, were you saying something?

This left those performing so diligently quite speechless.

This reaction wasn’t quite right. Wasn’t she jealous or uncomfortable?

She still looked as carefree as ever.

Plus, there wasn’t a person in the Lin residence who didn’t know that Concubine Yun could eat. Could it be that she was just a simple rice bucket?

Nanny Qian was about to die of anger. She scolded the maid who came to report: “Dead girl, you can’t even handle such a small matter, what use are you!”

It wasn’t that she hadn’t tried other methods. If Yun Shi’s side didn’t move, she could still work on the people around her.

But those four people—the slippery Hong Xiu came from under the old madam’s hand, ignore her directly.

Next was Hong Yi, naive and innocent, who could be used as a chess piece, but she was an orphan and aside from going to the kitchen to get food, she simply didn’t come out to walk around. When she went to get food, if someone approached she would be like a startled bird attracting attention. If there was even a slight delay, Hong Xiu would come out to find her.

That little girl Hong Tao was only ten years old and even more timid. She used to like listening to people talk in the garden and at the second gate, but now this hobby was gone. She stayed in Orchid Heart Court and wouldn’t come out.

As for that Old Woman Sun, she was old and not easy to fool. Although her own rank wasn’t high, her niece served in the old madam’s courtyard.

To frame them, for the time being, Nanny Qian couldn’t think of any good idea that wouldn’t leave traces.

What Nanny Qian didn’t know was that thanks to her having people persistently find others to chat on the road, using Yun Shuyao as teaching material, Hong Xiu and the others became aware of the undercurrents behind the scenes. They couldn’t bear the responsibility of harming Concubine Mei. If they were really pulled into doing something, Concubine Yun might be fine, but these maids who had signed indenture contracts might be done for.

So they all voluntarily reduced going out. Hong Xiu was better off because she wasn’t without foundation. After saying a few words, if she didn’t do it what could they do to her? If they went too far she would go complain.

At that time, it would be hard to say who would be anxious and fearful.

So Nanny Qian felt the start was unfavorable. Concubine Yun was the best scapegoat candidate. After succeeding, Concubine Yun would also be ruined, and there would be no more legitimate concubines in the rear courtyard. For now, she could only quietly wait for an opportunity.

Personally taking on such risky matters, Nanny Qian wouldn’t do without receiving a reply from Grandmother Jia.

Anyway, there was no rush. Ten months of pregnancy, not even three months had passed yet.

And seeing there were no other actions besides these, Yun Shuyao was temporarily somewhat relieved.

This showed that certain people were also not without fear, otherwise they wouldn’t need to be so covert and want to make her the scapegoat.

After all, the old madam had managed the Lin family for so many years. Even if she gave the household management to Jia Min, her people were still there.

If solid evidence was caught, even if Jia Min made the move it wouldn’t be lightly glossed over.

—

Nanny Qian wrote a letter, attached it to the madam’s letter, and sent it back to the capital, waiting for a reply. When she heard a piece of news, her face darkened.

An even worse situation had appeared.

What matter could be worse than Concubine Mei being pregnant?

That would be Concubine Yun also being pregnant.

Both concubines were actually pregnant!

And although in her view Concubine Mei had money and seemed more noble and dignified, having accompanied the dowry to the Lin family for so many years, Nanny Qian had also figured out what the Lin family valued more.

The master was a scholar, from the imperial examinations. He valued scholars more!

So between the two concubines, he valued Yun Shi more.

Now she was pregnant, what should their madam do?

Nanny Qian felt heartache, stamped her foot, and immediately headed to the main house to comfort the madam.

—

At a slightly earlier time, because her monthly cycle hadn’t come this month, Yun Shuyao already had a guess in her heart.

Hong Xiu also guessed it.

However, Yun Shuyao stopped her. Her meaning was to wait a while longer. If the monthly cycle still hadn’t come, then call the doctor to avoid an embarrassing mistake.

Hong Xiu also worried about being happy for nothing, so she could only be more careful herself.

Until this day when Hong Xiu brought a plate of mutton at the evening meal.

Yun Shuyao hadn’t felt the mutton smell was a problem before, but now when it was placed on the dining table, her expression changed. Enduring it, she took a bite and immediately spat it out—”Ugh.”

This scene made Hong Xiu freeze for a moment, then she immediately associated it with how Concubine Mei had also vomited before the pregnancy pulse was discovered, and she became excited.

So Doctor Zhou came. He concentrated carefully on taking her pulse. After a while, Doctor Zhou confirmed: “Congratulations, Concubine Yun, this is a pregnancy pulse!”

Orchid Heart Court erupted.

This news spread rapidly through the Lin household. The Lin household also erupted.