Chapter 97

The days grow colder and colder.

Fusheng Banzhan becomes increasingly desolate. Previously, the Duke’s residence was thriving with prosperity, and many in the capital had witnessed scenes of Nianxi and Gu Ci together, eagerly trying to warm their connections. Now, with all the men from the Duke’s residence going to the battlefield with uncertain futures, even those with power refuse to be associated with Fusheng Banzhan.

The private rooms that were once booked were now canceled, with servants sent to decline them. There wasn’t much time for her to feel sorrowful; instead, Nianxi felt guilty towards her Cousin Mu.

Wang Muyi was even more optimistic, saying, “Do you think I’m such a shallow person? No business is even better; now I can take a break.”

“My mother-in-law is always staring at my belly. Now’s the perfect time for me to nurture myself properly.”

Nianxi remembered that her Cousin Mu had become pregnant a year and a half after getting married. It hasn’t been a full year yet, so it’ll still be some time before she conceives. Afraid she might become anxious, she comforted her, saying, “Don’t worry too much. Next year, you’ll definitely have it—I promise.”

Wang Muyi burst out laughing. “Are you some kind of fortune-teller? How can you promise such a thing? Actually, I’m not in a rush. It’s just that I’m worried about my mother-in-law. She might start bringing other people into the household again.”

“It was best when I was still unmarried.” She sighed softly, looking at Nianxi’s slender waist with envy, saying, “These days, I’m forced to drink all sorts of nourishing soups every day. My waist has grown two sizes. I can’t avoid drinking them either, and last year’s clothes are already tight.”

Nianxi couldn’t guarantee that her cousin would be pregnant next year and could only say something cheerful. “How about I accompany you to the fabric shop and see what fashionable materials they have?”

Wang Muyi was indeed delighted.

In truth, Fusheng Banzhan was running smoothly now. It made no difference whether Nianxi was present or not. Her visits were merely an excuse to ease her mind. Otherwise, staying cooped up at home all day would only make her parents and brothers worry about her.

The two donned their cloaks and were about to head out when the shop received some long-absent guests.

Leading the group, Jiang Yuan still carried her usual overbearing demeanor, dressed in luxurious clothes and adorned with jewels, looking down haughtily: “Yo~”

She glanced sideways, scrutinizing people with narrowed eyes, her tone drawn out and laced with sarcasm, “Isn’t this Miss Wen? It’s been a while. How have you become so gaunt?”

Before anyone could respond, she had already covered her mouth with a handkerchief and continued speaking to herself, “There are some people in this world who are simply cursed. Anyone associated with them, even a grand household like the Duke’s residence, would face decline.”

“I was wondering why this shop has become so deserted—now it all makes sense.” She clicked her tongue twice, glancing around before addressing Wang Muyi with the same sarcastic tone, “I say, Sister Wang, shouldn’t you distance yourself from this jinx? Be careful she doesn’t bring you misfortune too. Speaking of which, you’ve been married for nearly a year, and yet no signs of a pregnancy!”

“Unlike me—I’ve barely entered the household and already have a confirmed pregnancy~”

Wang Muyi was not someone to take insults lightly and was about to retort when Nianxi beat her to it, “So you truly have no regard for the Marquis’ household’s heir.”

Nianxi’s gaze lowered to Jiang Yuan’s belly and added, “With such boldness, coming here despite being pregnant—are you just waiting for me to ‘curse’ you?”

“No need to go through so much trouble. Just take a stroll through your Heir’s backyard. With all the beauties there, it might work better than here.”

It’s not like she was born without a sharp tongue. When it came to being cut, who was better than whom?

“You!” Jiang Yuan, who had always seen Nianxi as gentle and kind, was caught off guard by her sharp retort and became flustered. “Your true colors are showing now that my cousin is gone, you sly fox!”

“No matter what, my husband is still a proper home! That’s far better than you, ending up with nothing but empty efforts.” She sneered maliciously, her face full of venom. “My cousin is gone, and who knows if he’ll ever return in this lifetime. Now I want to see who would marry you, a discarded woman who’s been toyed with!”

There are always some women in this world who inherently despise their fellow women while placing men on a pedestal. Even someone like Han Gaojie is considered a “destination.” But the “destination-less” Nianxi deserved to be mocked, trampled on, and even humiliated.

Initially, Nianxi was still willing to argue with Jiang Yuan, but now, she was too lazy to waste her emotions on her. “If you don’t leave now, I’ll have to ask you to leave.”

Jiang Yuan had been waiting to vent her anger. If it weren’t for Wen Nianxi, this wretched woman, how could her reputation have been ruined, forcing her to marry into the Grand Princess Mansion? Now that her cousin is in trouble, she wants to see how Wen Nianxi will handle her!

“Afraid of me?” Jiang Yuan laughed coquettishly, caressing her belly as she sat down.

“How could I leave? I’m so kind, after all~”

“I’m always the one at a loss, sitting here and enduring the trouble. Regardless of who comes, I’ll make sure to spread the word about your ‘jinx’ name so all the sisters can avoid you.”

Since the autumn hunt, many of Jiang Yuan’s friends had stopped associating with her. It wasn’t until Xu Wanxin visited her the other day that Jiang Yuan learned about the happenings in the capital.

It was said that Wen Nianxi had befriended many noblewomen in the capital through this shop. Why should she, who had been brought to such a miserable state, see Wen Nianxi thriving and well-connected? Since she had already lost her dignity, she might as well throw caution to the wind and make herself comfortable. She didn’t believe it—she was pregnant, after all. Would Wen Nianxi dare to lay a finger on her?

Now, there was no Cousin Gu to back Wen Nianxi anymore~

Wang Muyi was furious. She had seen shameless people before, but never someone so blatantly brazen, so shamelessly unreasonable. But no matter how angry she was, she couldn’t lay hands on a pregnant woman!

Otherwise, if things escalated, even being in the right would turn into being in the wrong.

This time, Jiang Yuan had brought along a few sycophantic young ladies to bolster her presence. Sitting with her, they all wore the same smug expressions, their faces radiating petty triumph—it was like a group of toads, not biting but thoroughly disgusting!

Wang Muyi, quick-tempered as ever, rolled up her sleeves, ready to step forward. She couldn’t touch Jiang Yuan, but surely not all of these lackeys were pregnant!

Nianxi stepped forward to stop her. She feared that if Cousin Mu dealt with Jiang Yuan’s entourage, Jiang Yuan would immediately claim she was frightened during her pregnancy and escalate the matter. In these turbulent times, Nianxi didn’t want to stir up trouble.

“Cousin Mu,” Nianxi smiled and shook her head at her, “Weren’t we going to look at fabrics? Since someone wants to stay in the shop, why not let her?”

Wang Muyi quickly caught on and, suppressing her disgust, smiled at Jiang Yuan: “Madam Heir, if you’re so free during your pregnancy and wish to stay in my humble shop as long as you like, you’re welcome. Even if you want to stay until childbirth and through your confinement, we’ll make all the arrangements for you~”

As soon as she said this, Jiang Yuan’s expression changed.

Watching the two of them prepare to leave, Jiang Yuan, without thinking, got up to block their way and arrogantly said to Nianxi: “Did I say you could leave?”

Nianxi retreated step by step, but Jiang Yuan became even more aggressive, refusing to let it go.

Though Nianxi had a good temper, she wasn’t someone to be easily pushed around. Back at the palace, Nianxi had already figured out that Jiang Yuan was all bark and no bite. In moments like this, it was all about who was tougher and more daring. Nianxi didn’t believe Jiang Yuan would truly disregard the child in her belly. So, she deliberately took a step forward.

Sure enough, Jiang Yuan, who had been shouting loudly, quickly backed away.

Nianxi and Wang Muyi exchanged a knowing glance. Just as they were about to leave, a crisp child’s voice suddenly rang out from the doorway: “Sister Wen, who are you talking to? Is someone causing trouble?”

Young Master Lu Huai strode in. With his hands clasped behind his back, he walked confidently to the three of them and stood firmly.

Under Jiang Yuan’s stunned, furious, and flustered gaze, he declared righteously: “Fusheng is under my protection. Got it?”