Chapter Thirteen: Can’t Bear a Child

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The carriage gradually pulled away, and the voices outside faded.

Beside her, Jinli sighed deeply and turned to Liu Fuying. “So this is why you had me spread those rumors that day. I racked my brain trying to figure it out but still didn’t get it. Madam, you’re always so thorough.”

Liu Fuying turned back and gave her a smile. Jinli cheekily stuck out her tongue.

“Madam, don’t think I’m stupid, okay?”

“How could you be stupid? You just care too much about me—that’s why your thoughts get tangled.”

“Well, now that we have this excuse, no one will question it when you return to the mountain again. In fact, it’ll only make the rumors about Second Branch bullying you more believable.”

Liu Fuying smiled gently and affectionately patted Jinli’s head.

Once back at the manor, Liu Fuying rested briefly in her room, then headed to the kitchen to have someone prepare dinner.

Rumors about the Shen family’s second branch had grown wild in the capital. As a result, the Second Branch hardly dared show their faces at her residence now, afraid of being caught in any real scandal. Their nervous behavior only made them look more guilty.

With fewer social obligations involving them, Liu Fuying naturally felt much more relaxed.

As for the plans she’d mentioned to the abbot at Changming Temple, she soon sent people to arrange them.

This time, she was determined to make a proper show of sincerity—bathing, fasting, and staying at the temple for several days.

When the day arrived, Liu Fuying once again left early with Jinli.

She was filled with anticipation. Spending several days near Pei Zhouwu surely meant more progress. Jinli, too, looked forward to the trip—if Liu Fuying could conceive quickly, they might finally put an end to this sneaky affair.

But before they even got out of the city, something unexpected happened.

Someone came chasing after them, calling the carriage to stop.

“Big Sister! You left so fast—I almost couldn’t catch up!”

A young woman called out as she lifted the curtain of the carriage, her face glowing with enthusiasm—causing Liu Fuying’s smile to vanish.

It was someone from the Liu family.

The third daughter of the legitimate wife, Liu Shiyuan—three years younger than Liu Fuying, right at marriageable age.

Before Liu Fuying could respond, Liu Shiyuan climbed down from her own carriage and—without so much as asking—stepped right into Liu Fuying’s, plopping down beside her with a grin, shoving Jinli to the far side.

“Big Sister, the other day Mother went to the temple outside the city to offer incense. She heard you were planning to stay there for three days to pray sincerely. That’s when we finally believed those rumors in the capital were true. Sister, is it true that Second Uncle and them are really bullying you?”

Now she was all sweet “Big Sister” this and that.

But Liu Fuying stared straight ahead, not even looking at her. She remembered clearly that this same girl used to copy her mother, calling her a “bastard.”

“And your reason for coming today is?” Liu Fuying’s voice was icy.

Liu Shiyuan, thick-skinned as ever, pretended not to notice the tone. “Mother was worried you’d be upset, so she sent me to accompany and comfort you.”

Jinli nearly spat in disbelief.

Liu Fuying raised an eyebrow and said coolly, “How considerate of Mother.”

With so many people on the streets, if she were to toss Liu Shiyuan out now, she’d be accused of being heartless.

If word got out that her maternal family had come to show concern for her in hard times, and she had driven them away without appreciation, people would say she’d forgotten her roots after marrying into a powerful household—turning cold toward her modestly ranked family.

Once out of the city, Liu Shiyuan’s chatter began again.

“By the way, Sister, how is Brother-in-law—General Shen—doing lately?”

Liu Fuying glanced at Jinli, signaling her to answer. She had no desire to speak to Liu Shiyuan.

“Miss Shiyuan, our General’s health is much improved.”

“Oh, that’s good. I heard he doesn’t go out much anymore. We thought maybe he doesn’t like seeing people, so we didn’t dare visit and disturb him.”

Liu Fuying’s patience was nearing its limit.

She knew perfectly well what Liu Shiyuan was after. Coming here to “comfort” her? Nonsense. She was clearly here for Shen Xiunian.

“By the way, Sister, can I ask something a little private? Don’t be mad. I only ask because we care.”

Before she could even pose the question, Liu Fuying preempted her coldly:

“You want to ask whether the fact I haven’t had children yet is my fault or the General’s?”

Liu Shiyuan’s eyes lit up. Smiling widely, she gushed, “Sister, you’re amazing! How did you know I was going to ask that?”

“The General is in the prime of his life. There’s nothing wrong with him.”

Liu Shiyuan’s eyes sparkled even brighter.

So Shen Xiunian was fine—then the problem must be Liu Fuying.

That good-for-nothing! She thought marrying into a high-ranking household made her special, but in the end, even becoming a phoenix wasn’t guaranteed.

If Liu Fuying couldn’t conceive—she could.

Shen Xiunian was young, capable, and handsome. That slut Liu Fuying didn’t deserve him at all.

Sooner or later, she’d be kicked out of the Shen household.

“Sister, you—”

“I got up early today and I’m feeling drowsy. I’m going to close my eyes and rest for a bit.”

“Oh… okay then. Rest well, Sister.”

Seeing Liu Fuying lean back and shut her eyes, Liu Shiyuan no longer hid her disdainful expression. She mentally cursed her for putting on airs—if she were still living in the Liu household, she wouldn’t dare act so smug.

They finally arrived at Changming Temple, and the abbot greeted them from afar.

Money talks. That saying held true no matter where one went.

“Lady Shen has arrived—what a long journey. Come inside, have some tea and rest. The private prayer room has been prepared.”

“Thank you, Abbot.”

The room was in the same courtyard as where Liu Fuying had placed her mother’s memorial tablet—one room each to the east, west, and north. The northern room was for Liu Fuying to rest at night.

“Abbot, may I ask—are all these Buddhas and immortals here for praying for children?” Liu Shiyuan looked up at the wall of sacred statues.

The abbot smiled and replied, “What matters most in seeking the divine… is sincerity.”

Liu Shiyuan gave an awkward laugh and turned away, her mind undoubtedly full of thoughts—likely hoping Liu Fuying would never succeed in conceiving.

The abbot added a few more instructions, assuring them that no one would be allowed to disturb Liu Fuying’s peace and piety.

Originally, Liu Fuying had planned to seek out Pei Zhouwu once the abbot left.

But Liu Shiyuan was still here, clinging like a leech.

Even after their vegetarian lunch at noon, she made no move to leave.

As the sun began to set, she still showed no sign of departing.

Liu Fuying knew exactly what she was planning.

Putting on this “considerate younger sister” act for the sake of public image—so that people in the capital, and even Shen Xiunian himself, would praise her for being thoughtful toward the Shen family’s legacy. She was laying the groundwork for an eventual marriage into the Shen household.

Using a bathroom break as an excuse, Liu Fuying brought Jinli outside with her.

“Madam, she’s really going to just stay here like this?”

Liu Fuying’s eyes turned cold. Of course she was furious.

An entire afternoon, wasted. All that precious time she could have used to get closer to Pei Zhouwu—gone.

“Go get my insect lure powder from the room.”

“Insect lure powder? But Madam, wasn’t that meant for the Imperial Uncle?”