Chapter 79: Pregnant (Part 1)
“This younger brother is interested in— Shen family’s young lady.”
With a ‘hong’ sound, the entire hall was suddenly up in an uproar and everyone’s eyes were on the three Di young ladies of the Shen family. Among the three Shen young ladies, Shen Qing was already engaged and only Shen Yue and Shen Miao was left. Shen Yue was gentle and moving and her talent reputation was known throughout, but now Shen Miao was also a fine young lady and from her bearing, one would be surprised and the more important thing was that behind Shen Miao there was Shen Xin, a big respectable Buddha. Moreover the crowd could see clearly that the person Prince Yu was observing was Shen Miao.
For a moment, the look that everyone gave to Shen Miao was extremely strange, there were those that rejoiced in her misfortune, there were also some with stares out of sympathy and compassion. The previous WangFei died dubiously and everyone who knew found it strange. And everyone also knew clearly what kind of evil character Prince Yu had. But such a person like this was actually protected by the Imperial family. One side was a dignified Formidable Great General and the other side was the blood brother of the Emperor that saved him before. How would the choice be?
Shen Xin’s expression sank down after hearing Prince Yu’s words and some blue veins even burst out on his forehead.
The reputation of the Formidable Great General was not a false one. In a short time there was a vicious and hostile air which made the surrounding people change their expressions.
The official was a loyal official but if one cannot even protect one’s own daughter, Shen Xin would use his entire body and life of meritorious service to go fearlessly against Prince Yu
Shen Qiu’s lips were also tensed as he stared viciously at Prince Yu as if when Prince Yu mention Shen Miao’s name, he would pounce over and fight till either the fish dies or the net splits.
As for Luo Xue Yan, she had already pulled Shen Miao’s hands over tightly and the carefree smile was long gone. What replaced it was a ruthless expression as if a mother wolf guarding her cub and would not give in to the other’s coercion.
Everyone saw the Shen family’s behaviour and they could not help but exhale. Now Emperor Wen Hui was sitting high above and the Shen family actually made such a gesture. The atmosphere was like swords were drawn and bows were bent, Emperor Wen Hui was mistrustful and for the Shen family to overrun the Imperial power with no fear, were not they afraid that there would be a knot in the Emperor Wen Hui’s heart?
Prince Ding expression also slightly changed and there was a trace of surprise when he looked at Shen Miao.
“It seems that this Fifth Shen Young Lady is really the treasure of General Shen’s heart.” Su Ming Feng whispered to Xie Jing Xing, “The Shen family could do things to such a point for her.”
Be it towards Prince Yu or to be enemies with the Imperial family, no matter what, the Shen family’s actions had clearly expressed their unyielding attitude. One was afraid that even with Emperor Wen Hui’s decree, this Shen family would never agree easily.
Xie Jing Xing smiled lazily and did not express an opinion.
At the corner, Pei Lang’s hand that was holding tea tightened slightly. What would that young female, who did not even blink when arrows were shot during the academy exam, do?
Emperor Wen Hui’s smile was somewhat deep and unpredictable and the look that he gave to the Shen family darkened. He said, “Which young lady of the Shen family did Royal Younger Brother taken into fancy?”
Everyone was waiting for Prince Yu’s reply and there was a floating smile on Shen Qing’s face. But before the smile could get wider, she suddenly felt a sharp pain in her abdomen and could not help but miserably shout out an “Ah” and fell onto the ground as she clutched her stomach.
“What is going on?”
“Qing-er!”
Shen Qing’s sudden actions made people jump in shock. Ren Wan Yun immediately bring her to her arms. Shen Qing’s face was extremely pale. Shen Yu grabbed Chen Rou Qiu’s clothes and the latter’s heart jumped and she did not know why but she looked over at Shen Miao.
But that purple clad young female was sitting at the table and there was not a single movement of expression. She looked into Chen Rou Qiu’s eyes and slightly smile before turning her head towards Luo Xue Yan and asked worriedly, “What is going on with Eldest Sister? Could it be poisoning?”
“Poisoning!” When these words were out, chaos start raising around.
Shen Miao still did not behave sparingly and continued looking at Luo Xue Yan, “Could it be that assassins have mixed in the crowd?”
This time it was not only the female guests but even the male guests’, princes’ and Emperor Wen Hui’s facial expressions that changed. In the returning banquet where hundreds of civil and military officials were present, if an assassin was mixed in, the Imperial family would be in danger. Immediately all the guards outside rushed in and their hands were all on the swords around their waists as they eyed the surrounding movements like tigers.
One possibility was that an assassin was mixed in, second was Shen Qing who was on the ground groaning in pain. Like that, no one cared about who was the Shen family’s young lady that Prince Yu mentioned to marry. After all, one’s life was more important compared to these rumours.
Su Ming Feng mouth was opened and after a quite a while he then whispered admiringly, “Good method.”
Shen Miao relied on this sentence to transfer everyone attention and focus.
With the current chaos and nervousness, it made Prince Yu look like a fool.
Xie Jing Xing swept a look at the ‘worried’ young female and lightly snorted.
Shen Miao’s eyes slightly moved. After getting along with the Fu family for so many years, no one knew better than her on how paranoid they were. At the current condition of Shen Qing, even the mere mention of it, for Emperor Wen Hui who has survived countless of assassination to be like a bird startled by the mere twang of a bow.
“Mother, it is better to find a Imperial Physician for Eldest Sister.” Shen Miao said, “This cannot go on like this.”
It was only then that Luo Xue Yan recovered and frowned at Ren Wan Yun. Shen Qing was in such a pain and Ren Wan Yun, as a mother, did not even think about finding a physician for her daughter. She really did not know how this mother was regarded. Luo Xue Yan immediately rushed to Emperor Wen Hui to greet and said, “This official’s wife beg His Majesty to call for the Imperial Physician to take a look at Qing-er’s illness and find a solution to this crisis.”
When the words were spoken, Shen Qing had yet to speak when Ren Wan Yun screamed, “No!”
Everyone’s eyes fell onto Ren Wan Yun.
When Ren Wan Yun spoke, her heart did not feel good. With so many probing eyes looking at her, she reluctantly smiled and said in clenched teeth, “This official’s wife… This official’s wife is saying that how can Qing-er trouble the Imperial Physician… And it is better not to spoil everyone’s mood. This official’s wife will just withdraw with Qing-er…”
“What kind of words are this?” Luo Xue Yan said seriously, “Nothing is more important than a life. Could it be that you as a mother find that Qing-er’s life is not as important as the banquet’s mood?”
Everyone’s expressions became strange. With this situation, it seemed that the biological mother, Ren Wan Yun, was not willing to get an Imperial Physician but Luo Xue Yan, a BoMu, was zealous in Shen Qing’s life and death.
At the male section of the banquet, Shen Gui stared at Ren Wan Yun and in his heart he wished that this mother and daughter had no relations with him at all. Else if this made Emperor Wen Hui unhappy, how would his future career be like?
“Eldest Shen Furen said correctly.” It was the Empress that spoke as she glanced at Ren Wan Yun, “Eldest Shen Young Lady’s injury is important. The returning banquet is not as important as one’s life.”
Ren Wan Yun’s heart was panicking. If Shen Qing was looked at by a physician, then the foetus in her abdomen would be disclosed to others. She said, “Your Ladyship, it is better…”
“I am fine…” Large drops of cold sweat rolled down Shen Qing’s forehead and her face was as pale as a sheet, since the pain came out strangely. She clutched her abdomen without saying a word as she knew that the Imperial Physician must not come over, and she suppressed the pain down as much as possible.
“Eldest Sister, it not only related to your safety but also related to everyone safety in the hall. If you were really poisoned, it meant that assassins were mixed in and everyone is in danger. Even if you do not think for yourself, should not one also think of His Majesty?” Shen Miao’s calm voice rang out.
When she finished speaking, Emperor Wen Hui’s eyes became somewhat more serious.
Shen Qing almost vomited blood from Shen Miao’s words. One sentence pulled the Emperor into the situation. What could Shen Qing do? Did she dare not to think of the Emperor?
The few princes of the Fu family had also heard Shen Miao’s intention. Prince Li paused for a moment before speaking, “This young lady from the Shen family really have one sharp mouth!”
“Someone come.” Without the slightest hesitation Emperor Wen Hui said, “Go and invite an Imperial Physician. Zhen naturally want to investigate clearly what happened to the young lady from the Shen family!”Chapter 79: Pregnant (Part 2)
“Eldest Sister must not move too.” Shen Miao said blandly, “One cannot point for certain if the assailant is mixed into the crowd. When the Imperial Physician arrive, Eldest Sister’s pulse would be taken on the spot else if the movement affected the body energy, one would be afraid that there will be a problem.”
Ren Wan Yun did not have time to speak when Emperor Wen Hui nodded and said, “Yes. Maintain the original scene.”
That one sentence had sealed all possibilities.
To let the Imperial Physician to diagnose Shen Qing under the eyes of everyone in the hall, meant to say that Shen Qing’s pregnancy would be disclosed to all the civil and military officials. Thinking about this, Ren Wan Yun’s body could not stop trembling and her fear finally spreaded to Shen Qing.
As Shen Qing endured the pain, her heart was filled up with panic, “Mother, do not…”
But what could Ren Wan Yun do? Emperor Wen Hui had spoken and she could not just resist it. She was only a married woman and naturally could play unreasonably in the Inner Courtyard but in front of the Emperor, Empress and hundreds of officials, Ren Wan Yun was overwhelmed. She raised her head up and looked towards the direction of Shen Gui, hoping that he would help her but when she saw Shen Gui’s expression, there was only anger and blame in his eyes.
In a moment, Ren Wan Yun’s hands and feet were ice cold and her heart sank into deep despair. Even the comforting arms that were embracing Shen Qing fell onto the ground.
“What is with that ShenShen of yours?” Feng An Ning said at Shen Miao’s ears, “Why does she look like she is afraid?”
Shen Miao smiled. Luo Xue Yan also frowned. Ren Wan Yun was behaving abnormally which made her felt somewhat strange. However she was unable to think of why, and instead looked towards the direction of Chen Rou Qiu and Shen Yue who were at the side.
Shen Yue was shocked by Shen Qing appearance and clinged onto Chen Rou Qiu’s clothes with some panic, as Chen Rou Qiu also stared at Ren Wan Yun unblinkingly. Being with Ren Wan Yun as a sister-in-law for so many years, Chen Rou Qiu naturally knew that her Second Sao was one who was able to cope with any scene, and there could only be one reason for today’s gaffe, which was that she was caught in her trick.
Shen Yue whispered, “Eldest Sister is not really poisoned right? Mother, is it Fifth Younger Sister…”
“Yue-er!” Chen Rou Qiu stopped her severely and could not help but look at Shen Miao. She was separated by a few people and was unable to see Shen Miao’s eyes clearly, but the corners of those lips were hooked up to which Chen Rou Qiu could not help but feel fearful. Her intuition was that Shen Miao must be involved in what happened today, but Shen Miao was so daring enough to even place poison in the Palace? In any case, Shen Qing’s reputation could no longer be protected.
Prince Yu’s face also turned serious with the sudden change of situation. Even though his actions were absurd, he knew the priority of matter and at this time it was not a good time to mention the stuff before. A sarcastic smile floated on his lips. Today Shen Miao escaped, no matter if Shen Miao poisoned Shen Qing or not, was not Shen Miao’s thoughts overly simple to think if this matter could hold him down? After this situation, he could still mention the matter to Emperor Wen Hui. For some situations it was useless to try to escape.
The Imperial Physician quickly rushed over, but the unexpected thing was that the Imperial Physician in the Palace were mostly elderly people as they could enter the Imperial Medical Institution after accumulating rich experiences, but the one who came over was an Imperial Physician who was just over twenty years of age and was rather handsome which made some young ladies’ eyes look straight at him.
When Shen Miao saw this Imperial Physician, her heart went ‘thump’ and she carefully sized that Imperial Physician up. The young Imperial Physician carried the medical box and greeted the Emperor and Empress before walking over to Ren Wan Yun’s side. Ren Wan Yun still wanted to block but heard the Imperial Physician saying, “May Furen please release Shen Young Lady. This humble self would take Shen Young Lady’s pulse.” His voice was very pleasant which made one feel comfortable.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone and the Emperor’s sharp eyes, Ren Wan Yun dared not do anything else. Shen Qing was in so much pain that she fainted, so she took two steps back and watch as the Imperial Physician extended two fingers out to take Shen Qing’s pulse.
Just when Shen Miao was preoccupied with looking at that Imperial Physician, suddenly Feng An Ning joking voice was in her ears. “It cannot be that you also fancy that Imperial Physician? If you fancy him, your eyesight is not bad.”
Shen Miao was slightly stunned and asked, “You know him?”
“Oh?” Feng An Ning was surprised, “This is your first time talking to me with interest on this kind of things. Never mind, I am merciful to tell you about it. This Imperial Physician is a new Physician that entered the Imperial Medical Institution, and his skills are exceptional as he could cure Consort De’s inherited heart condition. His Majesty held him in high regards and made an exception for him to enter the Imperial Medical Institution. Now he is the youngest official in the Imperial Medical Institution and has a good appearance so many young ladies like him.”
Shen Miao said, “You like too?”
“How can I possibly like him?” Feng An Ning stretched her neck, “Even though his medical skills are high and he is good looking, he is just an Imperial Physician and does not have any family or clan support. How would such a person be compatible with my family? Even it is you can only take a fancy. It would still be not mutually compatible.” Feng An Ning had been spoilt by her family and was convinced that her husband would be a world-shaking man. A small little Imperial Physician was not worth it in her eyes.
“What is his name?” Shen Miao asked.
“Could it be that you really like him?” Feng An Ning suspiciously looked at Shen Miao before saying, “Gao Yang. But in the official families in the Ding capital, there is no high ranking families with the Gao name.” This was indicating that this Gao Yang was not from a big family.
Shen Miao watched that young Imperial Physician and even ignored Shen Qing and Ren Wan Yun. There were some fluctuations in her heart as Shen Miao discovered that this Gao Yang gave her a familiar feeling, as if she had seemed to know him from somewhere before. But in the previous Imperial Medical Institution, she did not see anyone by the name of Gao Yang.
Not at the Imperial Medical Institution but where did she see him from?
As she was pondering, Gao Yang had already finish taking the pulse. When he turned over, his eyes met with Shen Miao’s eyes that were sizing him up. He was also slightly stunned but he soon recovered and cupped his hands in obeisance to Ren Wan Yun.
“Imperial Physician Gao.” The Empress said, “Is the Young Lady from the Shen family poisoned?”
Gao Yang looked at the fainted Shen Qing and looked over at Ren Wan Yun’s pale face before cupping his hands and said, “Answering to Your Ladyship’s words, Young Lady from the Shen family was not poisoned. She only consumed Lotus tea.” After pausing, he continued, “The tea that Shen Young Lady consumed did not have poison and Shen Young Lady was not poisoned.”
“Oh?” Emperor Wen Hui looked at Shen Qing, “Since it is not poison then how did it turn out to this?”
“Answering Your Majesty,” Gao Yang sighed, “Lotus tea is naturally cold and it would be alright if ordinary people consume it. But for those who are pregnant the consumption would affect the foetus energy… The Young Lady from the Shen family is already pregnant.”
Shen family Young Lady was already pregnant.
When the words were out, everyone was suddenly up in an uproar. Shen Gui’s mouth dropped and instantly was purplish red. He looked furiously over at Ren Wan Yun and the later only fell onto the ground despondently.
“Good!” The one that spoke out was however that Huang Furen. She stood up suddenly and did not care about where she was and pointed at Ren Wan Yun to curse, “You reach an engagement with our Huang family and want our Huang family to marry a used shoe and raise other’s son. Ren Wan Yun, you are so shameless!”
Everyone was up in an uproar because of Huang Furen’s words. The engagement between Shen Qing and the Huang family was spread widely and disclosing the pregnancy in front of the civil and military officials today, what kind of logic was this? An unmarried decent young lady was pregnant. Was it an illicit relationship? To even think of marrying into the Huang family pregnant? Since ancient times, this was a first in Ming Qi.
Ren Wan Yun still did not move. Her entire body seemed to have lost its strength and she could only crawl to Shen Qing’s side and embrace her.
“Shen Furen, Bengong also want to know what is this exactly about?” Sitting high above, the Empress said coldly.Chapter 79: Pregnant (Part 3)
Although Ming Qi was considered quite open about matters between male and female, but getting pregnant before marriage and having an illicit relationship was a matter that will lose the clan’s reputation. Once it was found out, one would be drown in a pond. The Shen family was considered a prominent official family in Ming Qi. Even though Shen Gui’s rank was not comparable as Shen Xin’s, it was not considered as low. The higher Shen Gui’s position was in, the worst the impact of the matter was. The Empress who was in charge of the six palaces also could not get used to such filthy matters and her cold voice made everyone hear the old values that were held.
Ren Wan Yun only felt bitterness in her mouth and did not say a single sentence. What could she say, that Shen Qing was not having an illicit relationship but was violated? But no matter which way, the fact was that her innocence was lost. As for the matter of Prince Yu, she even more could not say a single word. Prince Yu had the character of haggling over every cent and if one bit him, one would not have anything good to eat.
“If Shen Furen does not speak then let Shen Young Lady speak.” The Empress’s eyes were suddenly sharp as she instructed the palace maids beside her, “Go wake Shen Young Lady up. Bengong has some questions to ask.”
Ren Wan Yun was shocked but the palace maids beside the Empress already came forward. Their actions were very quick and Ren Wan Yun did not have time to block them before those two palace maid manage to brutally wake Shen Qing up. When Shen Qing woke up, she felt a sharp pain in her abdomen but heard the Empress coldly speaking from the highest position, “Shen Qing, Bengong ask you. Who is the father of the foetus in your womb?”
When Shen Qing heard this, she froze and looked towards Ren Wan Yun for help. In Ren Wan Yun’s desperation, she could only slightly shake her head at Shen Qing, telling her not to anyhow speak. As for what happen later, Ren Wan Yun will find a way to save her.
Shen Qing saw Ren Wan Yun shaking her head. Even though she did not understand her intentions, she dared not speak nonsense, so she responded evasively, “This official daughter… This official daughter…” Unable to speak properly.
Shen Miao lightly sighed and said, “Eldest Sister should say it. Now that one has now committed a felony and since there is such an outcome like this, one cannot just let you bear the brunt of it with this life of yours.”
Ren Wan Yun looked at Shen Miao hatefully and could not wait to tear Shen Miao’s mouth apart.
Shen Qing trembled and her eyes were filled with horror. Shen Miao’s words meant that it would be hard for her to escape death. Between life and death, Shen Qing would not care for anything else and suddenly said loudly, “No… No… My child is His Highness Prince Yu of the First Rank! The child in my womb is the flesh and blood of flesh and blood of His Highness Prince Yu!”
A new wave arose when the previous one has barely subsided. So many things actually happened on such a good returning banquet. Prince Yu of the First Rank… Everyone looked at Prince Yu and their eyes narrowed but the eyes that were towards Shen Qing was very gloomy.
“Qing-er do not say nonsense!” Ren Wan Yun rushed over to cover Shen Qing’s mouth but the words that were spoken were like spilt water and could not be retrieved back.
Shen Qing’s eyes widened and stared straight at Prince Yu. Her thoughts were also very simple, since she had engaged in an illicit relationship and premarital pregnancy it was a confirmed ending. As long as the foetus in her womb was Prince Yu’s flesh and blood then it would be related to the Imperial lineage which was equal to having a life preserving ticket. No matter what, the Emperor would not order the execution of his own nephew!
Shen Miao looked at Shen Qing and she felt it funny in her heart. She could roughly guess what Shen Qing was thinking in her heart but she also had forgotten that there was phrase called— Getting rid of the mother and keeping the child. In the Inner Palace, this method was used a hundred of times without weariness. Did Shen Qing really thought that because of that little flesh and blood, could one live safe and sound? It would only make one die faster.
The Emperor’s and Empress’ expressions were uncertain as this involved Prince Yu so it was not that simple.
At the male side of the banquet, Shen Qiu and Shen Xin glanced at one another. It was still alright for Shen Xin as he was only somewhat stunned with the matter but Shen Qiu secretly clenched his fists. Previously Shen Miao had been afraid to tell him who was the person who violated Shen Qing and now he understood everything. No wonder Shen Miao was unwilling to speak, it was because it was Prince Yu of the First Rank. Thinking that if it was not for Shen Miao’s good luck, the person who would be in Shen Qing’s current situation would be his own Younger Sister, a wave of anger formed in Shen Qiu’s heart.
Prince Yu did not admit to it but did not deny it either. Like that, this can almost be determined. Everyone looked at Shen Qing with eyes of sympathy and compassion. Prince Yu had been using a variety of means and methods to secretly capture young females and even dare to make a move on an official family’s daughters. It so happened that the unlucky person what Shen Qing.
In the blanket of silence, Shen Miao’s soft voice rang out, “No wonder just now His Highness Prince Yu proposed to marry a Shen family’s young lady. So it is to give Eldest Sister a title.”
The words were said flutteringly but the people present came into realisation. No wonder just now Prince Yu wanted to marry and mentioned about a young lady of the Shen family. It was Shen Qing and they even have an unborn child together. In a moment, the eyes that were looking at Shen Qing changed. In this way, it was not like Prince Yu was forcing her but that Shen Qing was willing to be a Wangfei.
“This Fifth Shen Young Lady is powerful.” Su Ming Feng was surprised, “Her ability of reversing black to white is extremely high.”
Most of the people were led by the nose but this did not represent everyone. Those who were clear-minded still remembered that when Prince Yu mentioned about marrying a young lady of the Shen family, he was looking at Shen Miao.
Xie Jing Xing folded his arms and looked at the opposite purple clad young female with a smile yet not a smile. No one knew when all the people in the banquet was led by Shen Miao by the nose. The development of the situation to this point was all in her calculations. And this was not without risks. She had such big guts to gamble and her actions were so accurate that everyone’s reactions were all in her palms and played a good game.
That being the case, he did not mind to fan the waves to help. Immediately Xie Jing Xing also said, “It is good to have affection and faith.”
The Emperor’s brows wrinkled. One need to know that even though Prince Yu created nonsense in the past, he would not let the matter brew up to this stage. In private, there would always be a solution but now in front of a large crowd to punish this Royal Younger Brother? One fear that this would make resentment to form in Prince Yu’s heart, and exposing this would make one feel that the Emperor harboured too much and with subordinates following the examples of their superiors, it would deter all officials. Shen Miao’s and Xie Jing Xing’s words proposed a good method. If one were to say that this two people did such things due to their feelings for each other, it would be understandable. He looked at the Empress and the Empress understood the intentioned and said, “So the young lady that Royal Younger Brother mentioned was actually Shen family’s young lady. But you two are too much. How would the future be with such trouble provoked?”
Shen Qing’s heart gave a big sigh of relief. Disregarding the pain in her abdomen, she half got up and knelt on the ground to kowtow and pleaded, “It is all this official’s daughter’s fault. But this official’s daughter could not bear the flesh and blood, and plead with Your Majesty and Your Ladyship to spare this official’s daughter once on the account of the baby.”
Shen Qing this time has lost all the dignity and even threw all her face away. The Empress looked at her disgustedly but blandly said, “One need to bear responsibility for a crime but since today is the returning banquet, only happy events are discussed. Royal Younger Brother has been widowed for so many years, so Bengong will do a good thing today and gift both of you a marriage blessing and a harmonious union.”
Shen Qing had managed to pick her life back and delightedly said, “Thanking Your Majesty and Your Ladyship fulfilment.” She did not know how ugly this action of hers was in others’ eyes. Previously Shen Qing only said that Shen Miao could not be seen in public but now, Shen Qing herself had become the Di daughter of the Shen family that could not be seen in public.
Prince Yu darkly looked at Shen Qing. His eyes turned and landed on Shen Miao. Up high in his seat, the Emperor stared at him warningly and Prince Yu could only cup his hands obeisance and said slowly, “Thanking Imperial Elder Brother and Imperial Sao for fulfilling.”
The chill in those words were only known by the people present.
The corners of Shen Miao’s lips hooked up and there was no traces of fear when facing Prince Yu’s eyes. The pair of bright clear eyes had traces of delight but hidden in the pleasure there was a trace of ferociousness, as if it was as cruel as a beast.
Today was only the appetiser and the main dish that was for Prince Yu residence was still at the back. To wipe Prince Yu’s plans cleanly away in front of his face, presumably at this moment Prince Yu’s heart was full of rage.
When people had anger in their heart, they would make mistakes easily and this kind of mistake was like the incorrect chess pieces of a game. One then have to pursue a retreating enemy and destroy their carriages and soon one could game.
She tilted her head and her eyes were bright. Even though the smile on her lips was gentle, there was an indescribable chill of horror.
It has begun, Prince Yu.