Chapter 61: Spring Breeze Got Its Way

  Just then, Mrs. Luo, the elder sister-in-law, was surrounded and came in, thirty-two or three years old, wearing a rose-purple jacket with a crimson border, gentle in temperament, and her eyes scanned the room as soon as she entered, revealing that something was amiss.

  Last time she came here, it was when the young lady was still lying in bed after childbirth, at that time the whole house was like a snow cave, unlike now with the purple sandalwood inlaid jade Suzhou embroidery screen standing on one side. Just now from outside, I also found that the window paper had been replaced with glass, and as soon as I entered the room, I felt bright and spacious. Looking at the fresh flowers placed in the beautiful vase, it added a few points of brightness to the room.

  Su Ying wore a casual dress made of pomegranate-red silk brocade, and the grayish look on her face after childbirth was gone. Lady Luo had an idea in her mind that Su Ying's life was much better than before, and now she was pregnant again. As long as she gave birth to a son safely, she would be able to stand firmly in her husband's family.

  "We're all family, so don't be polite with me, sister-in-law." The two sisters-in-law sat down on the couch, one on each side. Lu Hui brought in tea and smiled: "I know you like Junshan Yinzhen tea, so our lady specifically ordered someone to brew some for you."

  Madam Luo was delighted, and her demeanor became even more affectionate: "The old lady and the madam were overjoyed when they heard the good news. If it weren't for the madam stopping her, the old lady would have been so happy that she would have immediately sent someone to the temple to offer thanks. It's really a case of 'suffering ends in happiness' for you, young lady."

  Guizhi intentionally wanted to give Su Ying a facial, smiling and joking: "As soon as Master found out that our madam was pregnant, he immediately went to Yunruo Temple to invite the enlightened Bodhisattva."

  "The Yunruo Temple is very spiritual and the incense is very strong, it's said that the Bodhisattva statues brought back are also very effective in bringing peace and good fortune." Madame Luo spoke softly, there wasn't much conflict between the sisters-in-law, now that Su Ying was getting along well with her husband's family, she would be able to help her natal family even more in the future, no matter what, it was a good thing for both families.

  After saying a few words, Mrs. Luo had the two ayis brought out, unaware of Su Ying's previous situation, thinking that Madam Su was worried about Su Ying and had specially found these ayis to take care of her. "One of the ayis has a good skill in identifying medicines and understanding medicinal diets, previously when the master of the house got into trouble, the madam immediately had someone intercept them, coming to serve as the young lady's maid is also her good fortune, the old ladies are also more at ease."

  Another wet nurse also has her strengths, all of whom were carefully selected by Mrs. Su.

  Madam Luo left after lunch, Su Ying knew she came to see how she was doing in the Hou Mansion, so she let Lu Hui and others interject a few words on the side. Fu Ye Yang treated her very well, as for Madam Fu, Su Ying lightly glossed over it with a few sentences. Madam Luo understood tacitly. The fact that she didn't mention going to the upper house to pay respects earlier already explained something.

  See off Mrs. Luo. Su Ying met two wet nurses, Zhang and Sun, both of whom had signed death contracts. Su Ying kept the one who could identify medicines, Sun, by her side. The loyal servant token from the original task reward was used directly, without fear of betraying her master in the future.

  The system produces, also has fine products.

  Su Ying had Sun Nian's mother go to the warehouse to check the items sent by Fu Mu, this matter only Su Ying knew, the results of the inspection were almost the same as Su Ying expected, and the means that led to the miscarriage of the Su family were the same. The mud and glaze of the pair of flower vases sent over had been soaked in a very potent medicine for a long time, and after firing, another medicine was applied, which would release the medicine inside when exposed to sunlight.

  Even the medicinal properties of those objects that had been put away by Su Ying were still present. Even Sun Mama, who was knowledgeable and experienced, was secretly shocked, and she couldn't help but steal a glance at the new mistress, whose expression remained unchanged. She quickly said: "The craftsmanship on that bowl is rough and the medicinal properties are shallow, and it's been replaced with something else, fortunately, madam's body has a good foundation and has been well taken care of. I think madam will be completely fine giving birth to this child."

  Even if Sun's mother had doubts, she could only hold them in her belly; some things were not for the likes of them to know.

  "In the future, I'll have to rely on you more in this regard." With Granny Sun by her side, Su Ying was able to conceal her own knowledge of medicine and didn't care about any flaws or not. After thinking for a moment, Su Ying called over Granny Gui: "There are some things that I can only discuss with you, Granny."

  Under Madame Gui's puzzled gaze, Su Ying recounted to her what Madame Sun had said: "I originally thought it was because I couldn't give Master an heir that Old Madam treated me poorly. Who would have known that my inability to conceive over the years was all due to Old Madam's schemes? If not for my suggestion to let Madame Sun investigate, we wouldn't have discovered this. Who could have imagined that Old Madam had been plotting against me, causing me to be childless? Just thinking about those gifts she gave me makes my back feel chilled."

  Although they were also useful, they were young and inexperienced. Su Ying could only tell these things to Gui Yatou, not just because Gui was the nanny of the Su family and had been by their side for twenty years, with deep feelings and loyalty; but also because it was better if fewer people knew about this matter. Su Ying decided to tell Gui Yatou so that she would understand their current situation was not good. Gui Yatou had a lot of experience and in the future when dealing with Fu Mu, there were some things she couldn't do herself, so she could let Gui Yatou handle them.

  What's more important is that she planted this time bomb, waiting for the crucial moment to play its maximum role. Gu Ye was equivalent to a confidant and an insider, and also raised her vigilance through this.

  Madam Gu was shocked by Su Ying's words, her eyes rolling: "What a vicious heart, this is going to take the life of the mistress!" In a certain sense, these words were indeed true. The original Madam Su's body had been invaded by toxins for years, and she had finally become pregnant with great difficulty, only to have a miscarriage. Under the repeated blows, she had died.

  "No wonder the original wife's body was so healthy, but there was no news for a long time, and later her body got worse and worse... I never thought it would be the old lady who did this as a mother-in-law. Thinking of the old lady's ultimate goal, all these can be explained. Is the old lady's heart completely black? Can she even lay hands on her own grandson?"

  Gui's grandmother burst into tears and grabbed Su Ying's hand: "Should we tell Master about this?"

  Su Ying closed her eyes, her voice trembling as she shook her head: "If I were to say this, Master would probably think I'm having a nervous breakdown. If Old Madam were to spread the word that I've been shut out of all avenues, who would believe me?" No matter how cruel and vicious Fu Mu was, she was still Fu Ye Yang's birth mother, and Su Ying absolutely couldn't trust Fu Ye Yang. Even if Fu Ye Yang were to find out, he would only do what he did last time - downplay the situation and eventually sweep it under the rug.

  But this matter can't be exposed now, it doesn't mean it can't be in the future. Since Fu Mu has done it, she can't just hide and conceal it, let others know about it would be more interesting.

  Guizhi also thought of this. Her face turned pale, and she hugged Su Ying and cried: "My poor girl..." As soon as she thought of the small clothes in the trunk, Guizhi felt like a piece of flesh had been cut off her body. Any child who had been raised by her and suffered such a tragedy would still be able to remain calm and not feel heartbroken.

  Su Ying covered her mouth to prevent her from shouting, "Auntie, this is not the time to cry," Su Ying's eyes were so sharp that they almost split her eyebrows, taking a deep breath: "Man proposes, God disposes, I believe it's not that there won't be revenge, just that the time hasn't come yet. This hatred I will remember firmly in my heart. Wait until later... even if I have to suffer, I can still outlast her and make her die before me. Now the most important thing is to safely give birth to this child in my belly."

  "Indeed." Gu Yan's lips trembled as tears continued to fall. "There will be retribution sooner or later."

  Su Ying's heart was cold and calm, she had many ways to retaliate against Fu Mu. However, the system didn't allow her to directly harm the host, but it didn't say she couldn't design others to strike back at Fu Mu. Wasn't Fu Mu most eager for wealth and status, most concerned about her position in the Hou Mansion, and most doting on Fu Xueyang? Then starting from these things she cared about most would be the most interesting, wouldn't demoting her title just make Fu Mu's arrogance less rampant?

  Taking advantage of the sunny day, many items in the warehouse were taken out to dry. Fu Mu called Su Ying over again.

  Madam Chen and Third Madam were both present, waiting for Su Ying to be escorted in. Madam Chen said with a sour tone: "Elder sister is becoming more and more pampered. Once she's pregnant, it's not ordinary."

  "It's just that the aunts are being careful," Su Ying smiled slightly at Madame Chen, "why should my younger sister be envious of me? When she gets pregnant, she'll understand." Her gaze swept across Third Aunt's belly and quickly passed. Turning around, she said to Fu Mu, "Speaking of which, I've been eating the donkey hide gel that Old Lady gave me every day, and I didn't have much expectation at first, but I didn't think I'd get pregnant so soon."

  Su Ying pushed the credit of pregnancy onto Fu Mu, which made Fu Mu even more depressed. Chen Furen was even more excited: "I also eat it every day, how come I haven't seen any movement? Eldest sister, you're not just saying this to make auntie happy, are you? Originally, eldest sister couldn't get pregnant for many years, and must have asked doctors and medicines for many prescriptions. If eldest sister really has some secret method for giving birth, why hide it?"

  Madam Chen, can't you see that Third Madam's child is a few months older than Su Ying's? If it's really a boy, wouldn't that make him the eldest grandson? Where would your position as the first wife be then?!

  "What other secret recipe is there? This child's matter can't be rushed, thinking about it doesn't make it come, and when you're not thinking about it, it might just arrive."

  Madam Chen was clearly skeptical, and Su Ying seemed to be unable to persuade her. After thinking for a long time, she said: "Well, it's just those things, taking good care of your body is what matters most... I really think the donkey hide gel that Old Lady gave me is useful, and before that, she had already given me many good things, maybe because my heart was sincere, this child came."

  Madam Chen heard that and didn't give Su Ying any face, "What are those decorations? I see that you're pregnant now, so you won't need those decorations anymore, right? Why not kindly give them to me instead? That way, I can also share in your good fortune."

  Fu's mother had been startled by Su Qing's words just now, and when Chen Furen said this, Fu's mother's voice suddenly rose: "What does it look like!"

  The people in the house were startled, Su Ying pursed her lips and smiled, this was a guilty conscience. Gu Yat Yat saw it clearly, and she believed Su Ying's words even more in her heart.

  "But a few things are worth your infatuation, if you want to ask me for them, I'll let someone take you and the third lady to choose what you like later."

  Third Aunt was already pregnant and immediately smiled: "Auntie still loves me and my sister."

  Madam Chen was not willing in her heart, on the one hand greedy for the things at Su Ying's place, and on the other hand delighted with the good things in the old lady's private room. Seeing Fu Mu's fallen face, she could only nod and respond.

  Fu's mother allowed the Third Lady and Madame Chen to go to the warehouse to select decorative items they liked, with Bai Lu personally leading them there. She opened the private storage room door, her eyes flashing as she saw Madame Chen choose a set of the most eye-catching and luxurious bowls, dishes, and cups. Fu's mother flattered her, saying: "Second Lady truly has good taste, our estate only has two sets of such fine things, even the First Lady doesn't have them."

  Madam Chen was delighted, pointing at the golden red five-color lotus patterned large covered bowl and said: "This pattern is quite colorful, it's most suitable for my room," then turned her head to look at Third Madam, "Sister won't also have taken a liking to this set, will she? This has got to be first come first served."

  Mrs. Chen's face changed slightly at the implication, and she couldn't help but retort: "The luxury is secondary, a good omen is what matters most. I think this red sandalwood screen is just to my liking." As she spoke, she instinctively stroked her still flat abdomen, infuriating Mrs. Chen.

  Fu Xueyang and his recent bosom buddies have been hanging out together, drinking and horseback riding in high spirits.

  That day, he rode a horse with Daoist friends to have a few drinks. Suddenly, someone rushed out from the side and almost collided with the horse. Fu Xueyang reined in his horse, lowered his face, and was about to get angry, but when he raised his eyelids and took a look, he was stunned by just that one glance.

  A frail young woman, about twenty years old, emerged wearing a plain white high-waisted long dress, slender as a willow, with delicate eyebrows and eyes filled with tears. Her lips were tightly pursed, revealing an indescribably pitiful expression.

  Fu Xueyang was mesmerized. Before he could say anything, a burly man with a thick waist and strong back pushed the woman roughly, sending her tumbling to the ground. The frail woman didn't get up, but instead lay there sobbing quietly, her tears falling like dew on a flower, rolling down her delicate face and into her hair. Even someone with a heart of stone would be moved by this sight.

  "Hey, you scoundrel! Bullying a weak woman who can't even truss a chicken is quite an achievement. Don't you feel ashamed?!" Fu Xueyang jumped off his horse without saying another word and walked towards the two men, shielding the weak woman behind him with a gentle voice: "Miss, don't be afraid. I'm here to protect you."

  The big Han man scolded loudly: "Who are you? It's best for you to mind your own business, otherwise my fists won't be polite."

  The little servant's legs went soft and he climbed down from the horse, shouting: "You dare to be a commoner, do you know who my master is? Speak out or I'll scare you to death!"

  After a fierce battle of wits and bravery, Fu Xueyang, with his intelligence and courage, chased away the overbearing big man. He tidied up his clothes and helped the woman to her feet. The woman's eyes sparkled with tears as she furrowed her delicate eyebrows: "Sir, please leave quickly. I can endure suffering and hardship, but I must not implicate a good person like you."

  What a kind and lovely girl! Fu Xueyang immediately decided to take her away from the sea of suffering, lowering his voice: "Miss, don't worry, I'm here, who dares to harm you."

  "Your Highness..."

  Fu Xueyang can be said to be in high spirits and galloping forward like a horse.

  Fu Yiyang was busy with the Ministry of Revenue's affairs, and had been staying in the outer study for several days. Whenever he had a spare moment, he would come to the main courtyard to take a look at Su Ying. It could be seen that he had given enough face to Su Ying, and the whole courtyard was filled with joy. Even when walking out, they stood up straighter than before, and their faces were even more radiant.

  Zi Su brought up a few plates of dim sum, and Su Ying pinched off a piece of lotus seed paste cake wrapped in a handkerchief and took a bite. "Is Zhang Niangniang adapting well to being with Big Sister?"

  Lu Hui handed the small hammer to her and gently replied: "The people serving Big Miss, except for those who originally served by her side, are all newly selected. Being clever is secondary, at least they are obedient and honest. Zhang Mama has a way with things, using both kindness and severity, and the sisters all trust her. She even came to say that Big Miss wanted to come and pay her respects to you. But now it's most important for Madam to focus on nourishing her pregnancy, so let's dispense with the formalities for now."

  The eldest daughter finally moved to the main house, Su Ying didn't say much to her, but she didn't lack any courtesy, anyway, it was a generous and open-minded attitude of hers, she wasn't stingy at all.

  Now Wei Yiniang is being nailed in the South Wing, and that person who temporarily stayed should have gone back. The current Wei Yiniang is still the original Wei Yiniang. Since Fu Yeyang has determined that she has lost her mind, there's no room for her to turn things around again.

  Su Ying sighed in her heart, and after eating a piece of lotus seed paste cake with candied osmanthus, she didn't want to eat anymore. Thin mint spoke up: "The cook in the small kitchen made a dish of lotus leaf bamboo shoot soup with cherry blossom spots, it's just the right season, it smells so fresh, would you like to try some, madam?"

  This was specially made by Fu Yiyang's cook from the south, Su Ying used a spoon to scoop and drink: "Where is Master?"

  "Outer Study Room."

  "I think this soup is not bad, I'll pick two new pastries and have them delivered together." These days, Fu Yeyang has been staying in the study room. That time was enough for both of them to savor with their hands. Once they opened up, closing the door and getting into bed had a different flavor. Su Ying slowly enticed him, dragging him along, making him feel that other people's places were tasteless, cutting off his thoughts of others from the root.

  Lu Xiu carried the food box back, pursing her lips and not looking very happy: "When I came back, I saw that the pomegranate in front of Liu Niang was peeking out towards the front, and it wasn't just once or twice."

  Su Ying raised an eyebrow, and Liu Yiniang felt uneasy. Su Ying had expected this a long time ago. When Wei Yiniang was still around, Liu Yiniang had avoided her sharp tongue and actively tried to get along with her, being extremely obedient. Unfortunately, she also became restless later on, but the tricks she played were nothing in Su Ying's eyes since she had control over the inner courtyard.

  But now the situation is different, Su Ying is pregnant and can't monopolize Fu Yeyang anymore. Fu Yeyang is now a juicy bone waiting for someone to pounce on and take a bite.

  I'm afraid it's not just Liu Niang who has this idea, after all, there is Wei Niang who gave birth to the eldest illegitimate daughter, but in the past, Su Shi was forced to be helpless and was exploited by Wei Niang. However, now they want to rob food from a tiger's mouth, but it depends on whether the master is willing or not.

  "I don't know if this is against the rules, but if there's a next time, I'll have her teacher lead her back to relearn the rules." Such things had happened before, but at that time, Madam Su was cautious and pretended not to see them. Now, one sentence could shut people up, yet she still managed to appear tolerant and considerate of others.

  Lü Huai nodded and said with a smile: "The master says he wants to have dinner at the mistress's place tonight."

  She only said to have dinner, and didn't say anything else. Since Gu Yatou found out about those disgusting things Fu Mu did, she never mentioned "the old lady's place..." again. Besides, last time Fu Ye Yang and Su Ying, the couple, didn't do anything at all, and some evidence was also destroyed. Gu Yatou really thought they were just sleeping under the quilt.

  So Gu Yiniang, although somewhat hesitant, was still happy in her heart because she felt that Fu Yeyang valued Su Ying, and urged Zi Su to go to the small kitchen to add dishes. "Let the new cook make a few signature dishes, after all, this cook was chosen by Master."

  "Didn't the mistress say that the sugar vinegar fish made yesterday was exceptionally delicious, with a sour and sweet taste? Why not add this dish too." Zi Su said with a smile, Gu Yatou stroked her hand and burst out laughing: "Sour boy spicy girl, loves to eat sour things, sour is good."

  "This is not accurate at all, I even thought that spicy dish wasn't spicy enough earlier." Su Ying glared at Gui Yatou, and coincidentally Fu Yeyang came over right after, smiling as he looked at her: "You're both sour and spicy, are you having a son or a daughter?"

  Previously, Fu Yiyang always looked at her stomach first, but now his gaze fell on her hands exposed outside the sleeves. Thinking of that day's unprecedented taste, Fu Yiyang swallowed a mouthful of saliva and took two sips of tea, shifting his gaze elsewhere. Coincidentally, when it was time to eat, Su Ying's hands kept fluttering in front of him. At first, Fu Yiyang still had some restraint, but unknowingly, most of his thoughts were on those pale hands.

  Su Ying pretended not to notice his thoughts and said with a hint of reproach when serving him dishes: "Although work is important, your own body is even more important. Don't forget to eat on time when you're busy, it looks like you've lost some weight."

  Su Ying chattered on and on, but Fu Yeyang found it quite pleasant. He picked out the fish bones and fed her the fish meat, "You're always eating those snacks you bring over, how could you possibly lose weight?"

  "Are you dissatisfied with me?" Su Ying was indeed getting better and better at acting cute in front of Fu Yiyang, who couldn't help but be moved. He leaned in closer, his fingers brushing against her wrist: "A wife as virtuous as you, how could I possibly be dissatisfied."

  "I suppose you don't dare." Su Ying's eyes slightly lifted, and in an instant, her usual gentle and virtuous demeanor became several times more enchanting. Fu Yeyang was taken aback, and involuntarily coughed: "This fish is cooked well, it deserves a reward."

  The girls were setting up a quail trap nearby.

  Su Ying pursed her lips and smiled, feeling his leg approaching under the table. She quietly shifted away, but he moved closer again, still maintaining a serious expression on his face. Su Ying didn't dodge this time, but shot him a warning glance. The man, who had been making advances, couldn't help but smile triumphantly when he saw her cheeks flush with embarrassment.

  Su Ying narrowed her eyes and said, "We'll see how you're dealt with tonight."

  ps：

  Update is late again...