Chapter 59: Deep Fortune and Good Luck

  The imperial historian again participated in the court and impeached Fu Mansion and Chen Family, just because yesterday's wedding was too grand, which was a shame to the literary and moral integrity of the family, violating the ancestral rites and laws.

  These censors dare to comment on everything. Originally, the most popular drama some time ago was Fu Xueyang's marriage to a concubine, but later it was overshadowed by the news that Prince Zhongrui had taken a woman of theatrical background as his concubine, which diverted much attention away from the former story. Now that the fuss has died down somewhat, new topics have emerged for the censors to comment on, so they won't be short of material for their memorials.

  As it turned out, there were indeed many people who gloated over this and even dared to approach Fu Yiyang with a sarcastic remark. Fu Yiyang countered back coldly, activating his mocking skill, successfully making the other person's face turn pale. Only then did Fu Yiyang let out a cold snort, indicating that the Emperor had not stripped him of his title, and he was still the Marquis of Brave Martial. So before provoking him, think carefully about the difference in status between them, don't be so arrogant.

  Then the cold wind passed by, and colleagues gave way one after another.

  Fu Yiyang splashed the poisonous liquid but didn't see much happiness, it was easy to suppress the anger in his chest, and the long-awaited joy came over, as soon as he arrived, he first paid respects: "Congratulations, Master!"

  Fu Yiyang furrowed his brow and said coldly, "What's going on?"

  "Madam has just been diagnosed with a pregnancy of over a month."

  All the accumulated depression and anger were thrown away, Fu Yiyang threw the pen in his hand and didn't care about official business anymore. For the first time, he left work early and went to the Hou Mansion on horseback. The long-following servant was stunned for a moment before hurrying to catch up.

  Marquis of Yongwu's Manor

  "Madam, please lie down and don't tire yourself." Lu Hui nervously supported Su Ying as she lay on the couch, while Bo He placed a pillow behind her waist. Zi Su made a big show of bringing in a tea tray with an intricately carved pomegranate pattern: "It's sweet tea made from dried Luo Han fruit and plum powder, with some added Qing Guo oil to help with morning sickness."

  Madam Gui burst out laughing, "Someone has already been sent to inform Master. Congratulations, Madam Su, congratulations! Now you can finally relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor... it's absolutely a boy!" Without waiting for Su Ying to respond, she instructed several maids to open the trunk and take out loose-fitting clothes that had been prepared in advance. They had originally been prepared during Madame Su's pregnancy, but unfortunately hadn't been used then.

  The old lady Gui wiped away tears as she ironed the small clothes. Lu Hui smiled and said, "Now that the mistress is pregnant again, it's a great joyous occasion, we should let the people below also rejoice." Old lady Gui wiped away her tears without letting Su Ying see, and nodded in agreement: "That's right, and we should also go inform the mistress' family, it's only proper." She repeatedly said that they should replace the original embroidered 'Yi Nan Cao' (a type of grass) quilt with one embroidered with 'Bai Zi Yun Xi' (hundred children playing), to take a good omen, and even suggested replacing Su Ying's usual bowls and plates with ones having the design 'Li Kai Bai Zi' (pomegranate opening hundred children).

  "Wait, don't be busy with that stuff, just put it in the house and let people see. Those who don't know will think I'm crazy for my son. It's really laughable." The decorations given by Fu Mu hadn't been dealt with yet. Su Ying also didn't dare to tell Gui Nainai that there was a problem with those decorations, who would have thought that the grandmother would be so calculating and harm her own grandson?

  Even though she had mentally prepared herself, Su Ying still panicked when the child finally arrived. Although she now appears calmer than anyone else, her fingertips were cold as she held a cup of sweet tea and took small sips, "It's only been over a month, I haven't even settled in yet, I'm afraid..."

  "What nonsense is the lady talking about!" Gu Yiniang subconsciously interrupted Su Ying's words, "The doctor has already said that although the lady's pregnancy is shallow, her pulse is steady. Moreover, who dares to make fun of the lady? Even if she were just a girl, she is still the young master's legitimate daughter, and that's precious enough."

  Madam Gui also reacted, some things can't be said openly, it's just that the mistress was diagnosed with pregnancy in the upper house, and the old lady didn't react at all. She even said "It's only one month, afraid of being too thin to hold", even if the months are small, you have to see what identity this child is, even if it's a girl, it's still the eldest daughter of the marquis, thinking so, she said: "This is a big happy event, it should be lively, give the people below an extra month's salary."

  Fu Yiyang happened to come back at this time, and as soon as he came in, he sat down beside Su Ying, his eyes fixed eagerly on Su Ying's belly, nodding his head and saying: "What Nanny said is right, I'll send two months' worth of salary first, I've already sent someone to the Yue family to announce the good news."

  He spoke with fervent eyes fixed on Su Ying's belly, seemingly more thrilled than when Su had first become pregnant, his mouth corners constantly curving upwards and unable to be pressed down.

  Guī yíng yíng and several maids saw it, covering their mouths to stifle a laugh, they were all more delighted than Sū Yǐng herself.

  Su Ying reached out to gently stroke her upper abdomen, a surge of joy rising in her heart. The emotional connection brought by the blood ties made her feel that even though this child's arrival had disrupted her plans, after all, it was her own child, and she had to protect it wholeheartedly.

  Thinking of Fu's mother's terrifying gaze when she confirmed her pregnancy, Su Ying adjusted her expression and moved in a bit, letting Fu Yao sit next to her. With joy and subtle worry, "It's only been over a month, it's still too early, afraid that the good fortune can't be contained, so it's better not to be so high-profile."

  Fu Yiyang's joy had not yet been expressed when he was interrupted, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of abruptness. He turned his hand over to hold Su Ying's hand, and his words took on a somewhat domineering tone: "Our child is blessed with good fortune, and no matter what, they won't be overwhelmed by it. You just focus on taking care of your body, and let others handle the rest."

  Pinching the tip of Su Ying's fingers still felt cool, looking at her not yet fully relieved, thinking that she couldn't let go of their previous unborn child, pitied and put her hand in his own palm, "Don't worry, our child will definitely be safe, I'm here."

  Since he said so, Su Ying didn't want to say anything else. With a hopeful and dependent heart, she nodded at Fu Ye Yang, but in her heart, she didn't quite agree with Fu Ye Yang's words that were similar to a guarantee and promise. Men are unreliable; even mother pigs can climb trees, let alone the biggest threat coming from Madam Fu. It seems like they will have to fight a tough battle next, and she hasn't forgotten her main task.

  She had originally planned to wait until the two of them had spent more time together, and Fu Yeyang's feelings for her had stabilized, and other threats had decreased, before having children. But now it was like having wolves in front and tigers behind, with everyone around her eyeing the flesh in her belly covetously, the pressure was truly not small.

  Su Ying's hand unconsciously stroked her abdomen, thinking about what to do next. Fu Yeyang finally realized that there were outsiders present and tried to restrain the joy on his face but didn't quite succeed. He clenched his fist and coughed into it, saying to Gui Nainai: "Let Big Sister Nainai help keep an eye on her, when she's heavily pregnant, it's not good for her to be distracted."

  Originally thought it was good to keep the eldest girl in the main house, but now it seems that Su Ying has to worry again, and Wei Niang is blamed again. Looking at Su Ying's eyebrows, there is still a hint of sadness, inexplicably feeling a bit guilty, suddenly becoming a steward who keeps talking about some taboos.

  Gu Yan gave a sly smile to the maids, and then withdrew to leave space for the couple. Su Ying hooked her finger around Fu Yao's, smiling with a few more genuine feelings: "I'll listen to you." Suddenly thinking of something else. "Actually I was just waiting for my little sister-in-law to serve me tea. The tea didn't even get drunk. I also feel a bit embarrassed."

  Su Ying sneered inwardly, the cup of tea Chen Wanjing had brought up must have been problematic. Whether Chen Wanjing knew about it or not, Su Ying was unclear. But Fu Mu was definitely the mastermind. Without thinking, it was probably something like infertility medicine. Fu Mu was going to play dirty, and indeed it was the same old trick.

  Fu Yiyang dismissed Su Ying's words with disdain, but the education he received since childhood made him refrain from making sarcastic remarks. Instead, he lightly brushed off what Su Ying had just said and changed the subject, "You should focus on taking care of yourself, don't mind those messy things."

  Two people were in a warm atmosphere, when they heard Lü Huì outside announcing: "Master and mistress, Liu Niangniang and Li Yuè have come to congratulate Master and Mistress." Lü Huì was unwilling in her heart but had to announce it. Beside her, Bò Hé didn't know whether intentionally or unintentionally asked Gui Yí for the reward money to be distributed, as if all the lower servants were following along happily.

  Su Ying's smile faded a bit, and she knew what the two of them were up to without even thinking about it. They came to Fu Yao Yang's place under the pretext of congratulating him, otherwise they wouldn't have come over while he was there. What had they been doing before?

  Su Ying didn't feel quite right in her heart. She wasn't going to mention whether she had feelings for Fu Yiyang or not, but the fact that he was being pursued by someone with all their might was a different story altogether, especially when she was having a good time and he came rushing over to respond to her.

  Su Ying's heart was like a clear mirror, and her gaze still fell on Fu Yiyang. Seeing that he didn't have any reaction, the few genuine feelings she had for him because of his sincere concern for the child in her belly dissipated again. She couldn't be too impatient either. After thinking about it for a moment, her face didn't reveal anything, "Please let them come in."

  Xiao Yatou lifted the soft curtain made of pink satin, and Liu Niang and Li Yue entered one after another, greeting Fu Ye Yang and Su Ying. Liu Niang naturally had more dignity than Li Yue, her voice was crisp like pearls falling onto a jade plate, and she smiled with extra warmth, "It's truly a joyful occasion! I see that the pomegranate tree in the courtyard seems to have bloomed, Madam must be overjoyed."

  It wasn't until now that I realized Fu Yiyang's concubine was indeed lacking, not to mention others, but even the servants in Fu Xueyang's house couldn't compare, let alone the original Wei Niangniang who is now under house arrest.

  Look at Liu Yiniang and Lihua again, their clothes are all newly tailored for the season, and their accessories are also in the latest style. Liu Yiniang probably knew that Fu Yeyang didn't like it too much, so she deliberately made up her face a bit more, and the peacock blue and green inlaid with red gemstone white pearl step shake on her hair bun was really eye-catching.

  The jewelry worn by one of her aunts is more valuable than what some girls' families may have, it seems that having control over household affairs hasn't stopped her from embezzling money for herself.

  Su Ying's gaze flashed and fell on Li Yue, in terms of beauty, Li Yue was far inferior to Liu Niangniang, and even couldn't compare with Wei Niangniang. Her face was round and plump, if she dressed more simply, she might look better, but instead, she applied lip gloss, the color of her rouge was also bright and delicate, her eyebrows were painted thin, what originally had a bit of charm became unremarkable.

  But Lì Yuè had an advantage that no one else could match, which was her voluptuous figure with a prominent front and back, plump buttocks and full breasts. She wondered if Fù Yáng didn't like this kind of plumpness.

  However, Su Jing does not intend to take the initiative to peel and serve her personal open-faced sandwich to Fu Ye again, even if this is the most common practice among pregnant wives. The reason is that on the one hand, she wants to secure her position and cannot let others take over; on the other hand, she feels more at ease when she has control over things.

  Let's not talk about whether this approach can achieve its purpose, who knows if such people around her will stab her in the back at critical moments; just like Liyue, with a big heart and small actions, she has become more cautious. Even for the few maids by her side, she couldn't bear to let them serve as concubines for her own man, she had already promised them that they would be the legitimate wives, such self-mutilation she wouldn't do.

  Besides, it's likely that Madam Fu has already started preparing to place people around Fu Yiyang, so there's no need for her to worry. Madam Fu is indeed a kind and loving good mother, hehe.

  Su Ying's hand, which was covered by her sleeve, patted Fu Yiyang's hand, and she nodded casually in the direction of Liu Niang: "You're thoughtful."

  The girl with the pretty eyebrows and downcast eyes stepped forward, made a curtsy, and said: "I'm not good at anything else, but I'm somewhat skilled with needle and thread. This is something I made myself, for my mistress to wear, it's my heartfelt intention."

  Su Ying raised an eyebrow and nodded to her, Lu Hui took the thing she handed over and placed it beside Su Ying's hand. It was a pair of embroidered shoes, bright red embroidered shoes with a pattern of magpies perched on branches, which meant good luck.

  Su Ying looked at the dense needle and thread, and the embroidery was also very impressive. This shoe is really good-looking. However, making a pair of shoes like this can't be done in just one or two days. It's clear that it was started early. Su Ying didn't have the habit of letting her concubine do needlework, Liyue wouldn't take it out normally, but she took it out at this time, what was she asking for, could she not understand?

  Fu Yiyang also took a glance at her. Su Ying didn't speak so he asked: "What's wrong?"

  "I'm looking at the pattern on top, it's festive, this can't be done in just one or two days," Su Ying swung her leg and handed the shoe to Fu Yeyang, "She really has a heart, let's borrow this good omen."

  This pattern is indeed interesting, and it's even more interesting when she takes it out during pregnancy.

  Fu Yiyang raised his eyes, and his gaze swept across Lihua's round face before falling onto those embroidered shoes again. He even took a deliberate glance at the pair of pomegranate-red embroidered shoes peeking out from under Su Ying's skirt. The embroidered shoes were adorned with a few pearls, which only revealed their tips, making his heart itch along with them. He let out a cough and casually added, "Not bad."

  Li Yue's heart skipped a beat, thinking that Su Ying was promoting her. Now that the mistress is pregnant, she can't monopolize the master like she did for the past few months, and needs to prepare someone to take over. After all, compared to Liu Niangniang, she, who came from the main courtyard, should be more suitable for the mistress's position. Just as she was about to speak again, Liu Niangniang cut her off: "I was also thinking of making a pair of small shoes and clothes for young master, and I thought it would be great if you could draw some auspicious and festive flower patterns on them."

  While speaking, she glanced at Liyue with a hint of disdain, Liyue was so naive that she couldn't see through it, thinking that the mistress was promoting her, idiot!

  Su Ying glanced at Liu Yiniang faintly, and didn't continue the conversation. Fu Yeyang saw a few hints of fatigue between her eyebrows and asked with concern: "Are you tired?"

  Liu Yiniang secretly resented this, having just become pregnant and now being treated with such importance. However, she couldn't reveal even a hint of dissatisfaction on her face, and tactfully said that she wanted to take her leave.

  It's not satisfying to just leave like this, and when walking out, I turned back to take a look at Fu Yiyang, seeing that his attention was all on Su Ying's belly, my heart felt uncomfortable. But in my heart, I thought that before the wife got pregnant, the old master would stay in the outer courtyard whenever he stayed overnight, and others wouldn't even get a drop of soup, but now that the wife is pregnant, what excuse can she use to monopolize the old master?!

  There will always be opportunities, thinking of this, Liu Yiniang glanced at Liyue who was still lowering her eyebrows and being obedient, and lazily ignored her. Originally, she and Liyue were not close, it was she herself who took the initiative to come over and show kindness, previously she had taken a step forward for herself, but now that she heard the mistress was pregnant, she hurriedly went to curry favor with the mistress. She really treats others as fools, in the future it's better to keep a distance from her, otherwise, who knows when she'll be plotted against by such a person.

  Su Ying was treated as a glass person, strictly and practically. Fu Yeyang went to the front yard to instruct things, and Su Ying only knew that he had just returned from the morning court and heard the good news from the long-following servant, and came back without saying anything else. No wonder even the official uniform on his body hadn't been changed. The corner of Su Ying's mouth slightly curled up, waiting for Gui to look over and cough: "Gui, look at Li Yue."

  Madam Gui frowned: "At first glance, she seemed like a honest person, but now it turns out that she has big ideas too. She's just a nameless and low-ranking concubine, and yet the mistress gave her some dignity, but she doesn't know how to be grateful. Even if she were beaten to death, it would only take one word from the mistress. She doesn't care about the mistress's efforts, not to mention that her sale contract is still in your hands, so even if she were to make a fuss, she wouldn't dare stir up any trouble."

  Su Ying felt at ease, she just slightly mentioned it, she always had some oversight somewhere, with Gui Yatou's experience and guidance on the side to fill in the gaps, so that she wouldn't have to waste her energy paying attention to every little detail of the servant girls, lest others say she was being too particular.

  Lü Hu put away the needle and thread that Li Yue had brought over, carefully examining the shoe's surface: "Can this fabric be used for someone of her status?"

  Liyue wouldn't have even had the qualifications to visit Su Ying on ordinary days if she hadn't left from the main courtyard. Su Ying didn't say anything about giving her special treatment, so normally Liyue would only get things according to the rules, and even when Su Ying gave her rewards, they were all given according to the rules.

  Lì yuè This is taking Liu Yíniáng's things to please the madam, Lú Huì pouted and put the shoes in the box. The main house doesn't lack people who are good at needlework, not to mention those in the needlework room, even the maids in front of Sū Huī are all skilled with needles.

  Fu Yiyang turned around and had people send over a lot of good things, with the servant carrying two boxes over. From before, Fu Yiyang would occasionally give her some small gifts, but this time it was all at once and seemed especially valuable. Even Su Ying, who had seen many good things, was almost dazzled, and although she didn't say anything, in her heart she felt pleased.

  Su Ying didn't hesitate to take it out and put it on display, and had to put it in a place where Fu Yiyang could see it, which was not the case before.

  The old lady in the back also reacted and brought some things over, Su Ying raised an eyebrow and came again, and with Fu Yeyang's pearls in front of her, the ones sent by Mrs. Fu seemed flashy but useless, and even "hiding dirt", Su Ying politely declined.

  Bai Zhi sullenly lifted the curtain and came in, "Madam, people in the mansion are saying that Third Madam is a lucky one. She just got married and you're already spreading good news, isn't she indeed a lucky person?"

  "What nonsense!" Old Lady Gu was displeased at once, "Which of those slaves has been wagging their tongue?"

  "It seems to have originated from the upper house, with the old lady's personal approval." The mistress is pregnant, which is a great joy for the entire Hou Mansion. How did it become that the third mistress is blessed and doesn't feel embarrassed at all!

  Why didn't she feel surprised at all? Su Ying's lips curled up into a playful smile: "Third Madame is indeed blessed, with parents to protect her at home, and even after marriage, she has her aunt and sister-in-law to protect her. Such blessings are envied by many."

  "Don't just stand there, go and give a generous reward to the one who came from upstairs." The other family treats us like we're precious pearls, but Su Ying doesn't mind at all. Bai Zhi hasn't reacted yet, while Lu Hui covers her mouth and laughs as she grabs a handful of money to give to the servant who brought the things, "You go back and report that our mistress is thinking of Old Mistress's kindness, and our mistress also said sorry for not being able to drink the tea offered by Third Mistress, hoping Third Mistress won't mind."

  Su Ying was delighted, and Lu Hui was quite clever.

  Chen Wan-ning first offered tea to Fu Mu, and then to Chen Furen, who was reluctant but couldn't afford to lose face in front of everyone under Fu Mu's intimidating gaze. Su Ying imagined the scene where she accidentally dropped the teacup, spilling hot tea all over Third Madame or scalding Chen Furen's hand, but none of these mutual sabotage scenarios came to pass, which was somewhat disappointing.

  The best part is when Mrs. Chen handed the gift to Chen Wanqing, she still said with a hint of reluctance: "It's not as valuable as what Old Lady gave, but it's at least my heartfelt intention, please don't despise it, sister." And those words of advice were squeezed out like from between her teeth, such sisterly affection is rarely seen.

  Fu Yiyang walked with the wind, he wanted a legitimate son but had been thinking about it for a long time. His face was better than ever before, but Mrs. Fu said in a gloomy and strange tone: "The child is still young, making such a big fuss isn't afraid of suppressing good fortune."

  When the same words came out of Su Ying's mouth, Fu Yeyang didn't think much of it and even pitied their childless fate. But when they came out of his mother's mouth, Fu Yeyang felt a lump in his heart. Although he didn't argue with her, that afternoon he went to the Yunruo Temple and got an enlightened Bodhisattva to place in Su Ying's courtyard, stubbornly saying: "This child is blessed."

  Su Ying raised an eyebrow, who provoked him again?

  ps：