Chapter 9: Morning Sickness — So Shameless and Unprincipled!

Shen Xingwan went over that night, pulling the blanket over Tang Lin’er’s body, and gently nudged her, calling out softly, “Lin’er, wake up quickly, what’s wrong with you?”

Tang Lin’er slowly regained consciousness. When she saw Shen Xingwan and then noticed her own disheveled state, she immediately burst into frightened sobs.

Shen Xingwan hurriedly covered her mouth. “Stop crying! Do you want to attract even more people to see this?”

“What exactly happened? Tell me everything so I can seek justice for you.”

Hearing this, Tang Lin’er finally stopped sobbing and, after recalling briefly, cried out, “I don’t know what happened either. I just felt dizzy and lightheaded. While I was half-asleep, it seemed like someone came in. No matter how much I struggled, that person… that person actually… actually…”

“I can’t live anymore…”

As she cried, Tang Lin’er flung herself to the ground, attempting to kill herself by banging her head. Shen Xingwan quickly hugged her tightly, shouting, “Someone come here! What’s going on? How could you let Miss Tang be humiliated like this? Speak the truth immediately! If I hear even a hint of a lie, I’ll have all of you sold off!”

The servant women all knelt down. An older woman, seemingly in charge, stepped forward and replied, “Miss, just now Miss Tang was resting in the side chamber. We were all guarding outside. A young male servant went to relieve himself and happened to see Miss Tang’s maid talking with a few rough village men in the woods. Finding it suspicious, this old servant was about to question them when, unexpectedly, the Third Prince arrived.”

Shen Xingwan scolded angrily, “Just because the Third Prince came, he could enter as he pleased? Is this how you guard the door?!”

The old woman cowered and lowered her head. “The Third Prince appeared to be somewhat drunk. He waved us away and forbade us from approaching. Since His Majesty had bestowed a marriage between the Third Prince and Miss Tang, this old servant… this old servant truly…”

“Truly deserves to die!” Shen Xingwan scolded harshly, but her gaze fell upon Tang Lin’er. “Even if there is a betrothal, this is no excuse to act so shamelessly and without decency!”

Tang Lin’er cried even harder, nearly fainting from suffocation.

Shen Xingwan’s gaze swept over everyone present, exuding an imposing air, and she declared loudly, “Today’s matter is to be buried deep within your hearts. Not a single word of it is to be mentioned again. If I hear even a whisper elsewhere, I will pursue it to the very end.”

Everyone responded in agreement and sensibly withdrew in single file.

Shen Xingwan picked up the robe from the floor, draped it over Tang Lin’er’s shoulders, and comforted her, “What’s done is done. Crying won’t change anything. Fortunately, you were meant to marry the Third Prince anyway. This cannot be considered a loss of virtue. Do not mention this matter again. Let’s return to the residence first.”

Tang Lin’er had no choice but to comply, getting dressed and returning to the residence with Shen Xingwan.

That night, when Shen Xingwan was about to personally interrogate the little maid who had secretly met with men in the woods, a servant came to report that the maid had jumped into a well and died.

How could such a death be so suspicious? Shen Xingwan frowned but still ordered, “The dead deserve respect. We won’t pursue this matter further. Prepare silver for a coffin and give her a proper burial.”

After handling these matters, she personally brought nourishing supplements to Tang Lin’er’s courtyard.

The little maid guarding the courtyard gate saw her from afar, her face full of panic. She turned around, ready to run and report.

With just a glance from Shen Xingwan, Feiyun immediately dashed forward, grabbed the little maid by the collar, and covered her mouth, smiling as she said, “No need to shout. It’s late at night; let’s not disturb the young miss. You may go rest now. You’re not needed here for the moment.”

The little maid nodded to show she understood. Only then did Feiyun release her. The maid could only leave, looking back repeatedly with every step.

Before Shen Xingwan reached the door, she heard a teacup being smashed inside.

A crisp slap echoed, followed by a startled cry, then low sobbing.

“Useless wretch! You set such a good trap, yet ended up trapping me instead. What use are you to me?!”

“Please calm your anger, Miss. I never expected this to happen. I clearly only drugged her tea with an aphrodisiac. How could it turn out like this?”

“You’re asking me? Who am I supposed to ask? I wanted you to find a way to ruin her reputation. No matter how noble her background is, once she’s a fallen woman, I would be the only young lady of the Shen family. Isn’t that imperial consort so disdainful of my low birth? Still wants that whore, does she? Let’s see if she still wants a sullied woman!”

“But you did well, didn’t you? Now my reputation is completely ruined. How am I supposed to climb higher? How?! Tell me!”

A flurry of scuffling and tearing sounds followed, clearly indicating a fierce beating. The little maid cried out for mercy repeatedly.

“Miss, please have mercy. I won’t dare again. I swear, next time I’ll definitely…”

“Next time?!” Tang Lin’er’s voice dropped dangerously low. “I was nearly violated by those bandits today, do you understand?!”

“You wretched thing…” Tang Lin’er’s tone was menacing. “I ought to throw you to those bandits so you can experience it yourself.”

“Miss, please have mercy. For the sake of my years of loyal service to you, please spare me. I truly won’t dare again!”

“Enough! Who are you wailing for? Fortunately, it was the Third Prince who came today. At least it allowed me to meet him face-to-face. Get up. Use that pig brain of yours to think of how to help me climb up. Don’t waste the fact that I had her thrown into the well as your scapegoat.”

“Yes, Miss.”

The two of them leaned close together, whispering conspiratorially. Beyond the wall, nothing more could be heard. Shen Xingwan narrowed her eyes, took a deep breath, and gently cleared her throat.

The room instantly fell silent. The door opened, and Tang Lin’er’s personal maid, Ruyi, glanced at the courtyard gate. Seeing no one there, her expression changed slightly, but she still quickly stepped out and bowed.

“Miss has arrived. That little maid must have been playing around and shirked her duty, failing to report your presence. Please forgive us for not welcoming you properly.”

“No matter.”

Shen Xingwan reached out and pulled Ruyi up. “Lin’er was frightened during the day. I came to check on her.”

“Yes, please allow this servant to lead the way.”

Ruyi respectfully led Shen Xingwan into Tang Lin’er’s room. There, Tang Lin’er was lying prone on the couch, quietly sobbing, presenting a frail and pitiful appearance.

Shen Xingwan personally brought the nourishing supplement to her bedside, gently comforting her, “Lin’er, stop crying. Don’t you care for your eyes? This blood swallow’s nest is the best for replenishing energy and nourishing the body. Please have some.”

“Thank you, Sister.” Tang Lin’er sobbed. “I am of humble birth, and now this has happened. I truly have no face to continue living.”

“Don’t say such nonsense. I know you’re the gentlest person. It’s the Third Prince who doesn’t know how to cherish delicate beauties. Once you marry into the royal family as a princess consort, he will surely come to cherish you once he realizes your worth.”

Tang Lin’er let her tears fall. “I hope so.”

But unfortunately, Tang Lin’er’s extravagant hope was completely shattered by noon the next day.

An official decree was formally announced from the palace, conferring the title of Primary Consort of the Third Prince upon the daughter of the Minister of Revenue, and the title of Secondary Consort upon the daughter of the Grand Commandant. Two imperial edicts had already been sent to the Minister’s and Grand Commandant’s residences.

“How could this be…” Tang Lin’er collapsed into a chair, unable to recover for a long time.

She couldn’t believe that Wei Zilin would treat her like this.

Just yesterday, he had been so passionate and entangled with her, as if he wished to give her everything.

How could he turn around today and marry another woman, without granting her even the slightest recognition?

Overwhelmed by grief, Tang Lin’er suddenly found herself unable to breathe. She bent over and began retching violently. Ruyi hurried forward to pat her back and brought her tea to rinse her mouth.

Seeing that Tang Lin’er was vomiting more and more violently, Ruyi frowned deeply and tentatively asked, “Miss, shall I fetch a physician to examine you?”

“Why call a physician when I’m perfectly fine? Are you trying to annoy me further?!” Tang Lin’er flung her hand to push Ruyi away, about to slap her, when she suddenly understood the meaning in Ruyi’s gaze.

Her hand froze mid-air. After a moment of thought, she lowered her head and looked at her flat belly, staring blankly for a long while before murmuring, “Quickly, go summon a physician, discreetly. Get an expert in women’s medicine.”

“Yes, Miss.”

Ruyi, now flustered, hastily set down the teacup and hurried out.

As dusk settled in, Ruyi secretly led a physician through the side gate into Tang Lin’er’s courtyard, sneaking about furtively.

Feiyun received word from a servant boy stationed at the side gate and immediately went to inform Shen Xingwan.

At that moment, Shen Xingwan was leaning over her desk, reading an invitation sent by Princess Guang’an. In a few days, it would be the princess’s birthday, and she had invited her to the palace for a banquet.

Upon hearing the report, Shen Xingwan set down the invitation, pondered for a moment, and instructed Feiyun, “Go and find out what illness she’s supposedly suffering from.”

Feiyun accepted the order and personally kept watch near the side gate. After Ruyi sent the physician off and turned back, Feiyun quietly followed the old man out.

She jogged a few steps to catch up with the physician and called out sweetly, “Old sir, please wait a moment. Could you write another prescription for our young lady?”

The physician stopped, turned around, and looked at her in confusion. “I didn’t write any prescription for the young lady.”

Feiyun clapped her hands in feigned annoyance. “What kind of doctor are you? You were called to see a patient, yet you left without prescribing any medicine. Are you trying to fool us?”

The physician was baffled. “Didn’t I make it very clear just now? The young lady is experiencing morning sickness from pregnancy. There’s no need for medicine, just rest is sufficient.”

Feiyun was momentarily stunned. Then her eyes flickered as she quickly took out a string of coins and stuffed them into the physician’s hand, smiling apologetically. “Ah, that’s good to hear. I was being too hasty. Please don’t take offense. And please, don’t mention this to anyone. I don’t want the young lady to blame me.”

Although the physician was annoyed, he said nothing further upon receiving the money and simply left.

Feiyun immediately returned and reported every detail to Shen Xingwan.

Morning sickness…

Shen Xingwan frowned. Morning sickness already? It had only been a few days.

But then she understood, snorting coldly.

It was clear that those two had been entangled long before this. Their affair was not recent, and now she was even pregnant with his child.

A wave of nausea churned violently in Shen Xingwan’s chest, making her feel sick and uncomfortable.

After a long moment of silence, she instructed Feiyun to invite Tang Lin’er to accompany her to the palace banquet in two days.

On Princess Guang’an’s birthday, Tang Lin’er waited outside Shen Xingwan’s courtyard early in the morning. Only after Shen Xingwan had risen and finished her grooming did she come in to pay her respects.

At a glance, Shen Xingwan narrowed her eyes in puzzlement. “What’s this about, little sister?”

Tang Lin’er glanced down at the maidservant’s attire she was wearing, her demeanor as meek and submissive as ever, and said timidly, “Lin’er did not receive an invitation. I thought it would be the same as last time…”

What a clever move—retreating to advance. Shen Xingwan sneered inwardly but kept up the act, clapping her hands as if suddenly realizing something. “Ah, that’s my fault, my fault. You’ve already been entered into the Shen family’s genealogy as my legitimate younger sister. How could you not have an invitation?”

She smiled as she stood up and fetched an invitation from the desk. “It arrived days ago. I simply forgot to send it to you. Look here.”

In truth, Shen Xingwan had specifically asked Princess Guang’an to issue that invitation. The third prince would also attend the banquet. How could she not seize this opportunity to let their little family of three reunite?

Tang Lin’er was overjoyed. She hurried over to accept the invitation, flipping through it back and forth. Sure enough, it was addressed solely to Miss Tang of the Shen residence.

Her face lit up with delight, but then suddenly dimmed as if recalling something.

“What’s wrong?” Shen Xingwan asked.

Tang Lin’er bit her lip, hesitating slightly. “For such a grand banquet… the daughters of the Minister of Revenue and others will surely be present as well…”

Shen Xingwan chuckled. “Why fear them? If the third prince doesn’t work out, there are plenty of other princes. And if not them, there are countless nobles and aristocrats. Could a daughter of the Shen family possibly fail to find a good match?”

“That’s not it… Ah, forget it…”

Tang Lin’er seemed like she wanted to say more but held back. Shen Xingwan urged her to go change her clothes so they wouldn’t miss the appointed time.

When Tang Lin’er finally finished dressing up and took her seat next to Shen Xingwan, the two truly looked like a pair of stunning sisters, their radiance captivating all eyes in the room.

It was late spring, yet Princess Guang’an had spared no expense, somehow procuring steamed crabs, golden and plump as they are in deep autumn, for everyone to enjoy.

Shen Xingwan ordered someone to meticulously shell the crabs, then personally placed the fresh, tender meat in front of Tang Lin’er, urging her affectionately, “Hurry and try it while it’s hot. It’ll reek of fishiness once it cools.”

Tang Lin’er frowned slightly, clearly unable to stand the smell of crab. She politely declined, “Crab meat is too cold. My stomach has been unwell lately, so it’s not suitable for me. Sister should enjoy it instead.”

Pregnant women should avoid cold foods. It seemed she was determined to keep this child.

Shen Xingwan immediately understood. With a smile, she placed a jug of wine on Tang Lin’er’s table. “No matter. This is ginger-infused wine, perfect for countering the crab’s cold nature. Have a cup to warm yourself.”

“I—my stomach feels uncomfortable. I shouldn’t drink alcohol either.”

“Oh? Is that so?” Shen Xingwan smiled faintly, her gaze lingering on Tang Lin’er with meaningful undertones. “What a pity, indeed.”

Tang Lin’er didn’t know how to respond. From a distance, she caught sight of the third prince leaving his seat to change clothes. Seizing the opportunity, she quickly stood up. “Sister, my stomach is bothering me. I’d like to rest for a while.”

Shen Xingwan naturally agreed, casually offering a few words of concern.

Tang Lin’er responded absentmindedly, giving perfunctory answers as she hastily lifted her skirt and hurried off in the direction the third prince had gone.