Chapter 75: The Black Hand Behind the Scenes

  Search; Mrs. Fu had a premature birth and a difficult labor, and Mother Fu followed her for a day, with red threads in her eyes. The heart she had initially raised gradually sank down with the bowl after bowl of blood that was brought out.

  Mrs. Chen saw blood on her pants yesterday, and she didn't dare move easily. Her house is close to the third wife's, even a slight noise would make her brain hurt, not to mention the third wife's mournful cries, which made Mrs. Chen's heart tremble all the time.

  Madam Chen also stayed up all night, letting someone kowtow in front of the Buddha again and again. At first, Third Wife could still call out, but now she couldn't even make a sound. The courtyard was quiet, this didn't seem like giving birth at all.

  Previously, a doctor was invited to come, and later, seeing that it didn't get much better, they hastily went to invite the imperial physician to come. The invitation letter used was still Fu Yiyang's, such a big fuss, how could Madame Chen not know? In her heart, she also vaguely knew that Third Madame's pregnancy was likely to be difficult.

  At the critical moment, Mrs. Chen also became tough and no matter what, Third Lady was her own sister, she couldn't just watch Third Lady like this, she still understood Madam Fu's temperament, her heart was trembling, she gritted her teeth and called her personal maid Chen Zhongjia over, giving her some low-voiced instructions.

  "This thing must be kept from the old lady, you go quickly!"

  Mrs. Dai's arrival was truly unexpected by Fu Mu, her heart sank, but now is not the time to get angry, she hastily ordered someone to invite Mrs. Dai in.

  Mrs. Dai anxiously followed the servant to the second house, and all the way she saw servants being extremely cautious, trying not to make a sound, her heart skipping a beat, this was not the joyful atmosphere that should come with having a baby, and what Chen Zhong's family said in her heart was now believable by 70 or 80 percent.

  Yatou took Mrs. Dai to the side room and saw Fu Mu. Mrs. Dai didn't exchange pleasantries, but directly asked: "What's the situation inside? What did the doctor say?"

  Fu's mother had something hidden in her heart and didn't dare to reveal everything to Mrs. Dai, so she just said: "It was a bit too early for the labor, they say it's only seven months outside, but actually it's already eight months, and the imperial physician has been summoned. They're all inside."

  Fu's mother naturally wouldn't tell Mrs. Dai about the reason for Third Madame's premature birth, and instead blamed Fu Xueyang in her heart, then shifted the blame to Third Madame herself, how could she be so careless and drag her grandson down with her!

  Seven live eight not live, Mrs. Dai suddenly understood the meaning of Fu Mu, her hand shook, and she heard that there was no sound inside, Mrs. Dai couldn't sit still, turned around and entered the delivery room.

  Fu's mother also stayed up all night, extremely tired. Du Juan supported her to lean against the backrest. Her face was tense and her eyebrows were tightly furrowed, she didn't say a word to stop Dai Furen from entering the delivery room, just watching as the door opened and closed again. Fu's mother shut her eyes tightly, her voice hoarse: "Go call Second Master over for me!"

  Su Ying didn't go herself, but she still sent someone to deliver medicine to the second house. Fu Mu was so eager that she wished everyone in the Hou Mansion would stop what they were doing and come to watch the third madam give birth.

  Blood and water were pouring out in basins, the hot water on the stove had never stopped, Bai Yu took over from inside, secretly telling Fu Mu, who opened her tightly closed eyes fiercely after hearing it. She followed suit and struggled for a day. Also being pressed by San Tai Tai's premature birth and difficult labor, suddenly together, she almost fainted.

  The imperial physician has gone in to administer acupuncture. If this still doesn't work, then there's really no other way. If things continue like this, both the adults and children will be in danger.

  Fu's mother supported her head, the doctor had already made a diagnosis, this child is a son, and when he was born, he would be the eldest grandson. At that time, she would take the child to her own room to raise him, and marrying a concubine was also a solution. Third Madame would be a stain on Fu Xueyang's reputation for life, but if Third Madame were gone...

  The whole yard was quiet, Mrs. Chen was supported by the maid to go to the small Buddhist temple that was specially built since she became pregnant, her face didn't look good either, at this time footsteps came from outside, Mrs. Chen's body trembled, and her lips were still trembling: "Is it my sister who gave birth?"

  Xiao Yatou's voice was trembling with sobs: "Third Madame is not doing well, the doctor asked whether to save the mother... or save the child."

  Madam Chen heard this and tears began to fall, her heart also felt cold. Although the small Buddhist hall still had good silver silk incense, and she was wearing a autumn sable hat and a long gown, she felt a chill in her heart.

  Who dares to say they want to save one of them at this time? Even Mrs. Dai is anxious and says: "We must save both!"

  In the end, it was Fu Xueyang and Madam Fu who made the decision. While Madam Fu said that both should be spared, she secretly instructed Du Juan to convey the message "if all else fails, save the child".

  Du Juan looked at Fu Mu's eyes with a hint of darkness and the words that came out, and couldn't help but feel a chill run down her spine. If it weren't for the presence of Mrs. Dai, the old lady would probably have directly said something about keeping the child.

  Mrs. Dai was kept in the dark, while everyone else caught Mrs. Fu's drift and exchanged knowing glances with each other, their movements becoming more hurried as a result.

  Fu's mother had been leaning against the back of the chair since she let Dujuan go to pass on the message, as if she had suddenly lost all her strength. Originally, Dujuan and Baiyu advised her to go and have some food first, but Fu's mother insisted on waiting for news in the side room.

  After a long wait, cheers finally came from inside the house. Fu Mu hastily asked: "Is it a boy or a girl?"

  Peony naturally knew that Mrs. Fu had always been looking forward to the third lady giving birth to a boy, and even wanted to keep the child and abandon the third lady. Before Peony could say that the baby was a girl, another cry of surprise came from the delivery room, "Big, big bleeding!"

  Fu's mother gripped White Egret's wrist tightly, fortunately wearing thick winter clothes, and White Egret also endured the pain. She had just noticed the hesitation on Dujuan's face and thought that this time the old lady might not get her way. For some reason, a wave of pleasure rose up in her heart.

  Another chaotic scene unfolded, "The bleeding has stopped!"

  "Heaven bless, my son is safe!"

  Mrs. Fu had already learned that the third wife had given birth to a girl, who was also weak and fragile from the womb, and it was unclear whether she would survive or not. Mrs. Fu's expression was gloomy, as if she didn't even want to take another look at the child. Upon hearing that the third wife's life had been saved, she muttered under her breath, "She's indeed fortunate."

  The tone was not like congratulating San Tai Tai on her good fortune, but rather with a hint of regret. Bai He bit his lip, and his heart felt cold from time to time. The old lady was too ruthless after all. San Tai Tai was still her niece-in-law no matter what.

  Moreover, if it weren't for the old lady's plan from the beginning... Bai Yue didn't dare think further.

  In the meantime, Mrs. Dai looked at her daughter lying on the bed with a pale face and asked someone to bring over the ginseng that had been brought for Taishi, and after Taishi examined it, he said it was a rare good ginseng. Although she felt a bit uneasy about the origin of this ginseng, now that her own daughter was in urgent need, she let someone cut slices of ginseng for the third lady to suck on.

  The severe bleeding of the third madam finally stopped, and the child was born safely. Whether it was psychological or not, Mrs. Dai always felt that ginseng had played a role in saving the third madam, and she kept this matter in her heart.

  The three ladies and their daughters are safe, and the mansion has a new joy with the birth of a newborn. However, Fu Mu secretly instructed to keep the child's birth a secret from others, but Su Ying knew about it. She is not directly involved in this matter, so how can she judge Fu Mu's actions?

  Xian San also didn't hold a big celebration because of what Fu Mu said about accumulating blessings for her granddaughter. This explanation sounded reasonable, but Mrs. Dai was not satisfied and couldn't say anything. She added more to the gift than Fu Mu did, and after all the guests had left, Mrs. Dai comforted San Tai Tai in her room, "As the saying goes, 'first comes the flower, then the fruit', now that the flower has bloomed, naturally the next child will come."

  Mrs. Dai secretly thought that the third madam's child was a daughter better than a son, both hands were meat, although she loved Chen Wanqing more, but the eldest son of this second house was still born from Mrs. Chen's belly more appropriate.

  Mrs. Dai also had the intention of eliminating the estrangement between her two daughters, "On the day you gave birth, your sister noticed that something was wrong and sent someone to invite me over. She was still praying for you in the small Buddhist temple."

  Third Madame suffered a great deal, and after two days of unconsciousness, she finally woke up. She didn't listen to Madame Dai's consolation at first, but as soon as she heard her words, tears burst out, and Madame Dai hurriedly went to comfort her. It's not good for a woman in confinement to cry.

  Third Aunt was crying so hard she couldn't catch her breath. What grievances couldn't be shared with others, and yet even with her own mother here, she couldn't share them? She had been spoiled since childhood in the Chen household, and suddenly became a wife and mother, unable to adapt. Originally, she thought she had married a good man, handsome and talented, but it turned out he wasn't a good person after all. Not to mention the flirtations within the courtyard, but unexpectedly, there were also affairs outside the walls. From what was heard, this hadn't been going on for just one or two days either.

  Mrs. Dai was also shocked and subconsciously spoke up for Fu Xueyang, "If Brother-in-law had such thoughts, Aunt would not have allowed it. Is there someone with an evil heart who intentionally came to you and caused my child to be born prematurely?"

  Third Madame hesitated upon hearing this, and just as Lady Dai's words fell, the senior maid Autumn Red, whom she had brought with her, came over hesitantly to whisper something in Lady Dai's ear. Lady Dai's expression immediately changed; although she still wore a smile to comfort Third Madame, her face did not look good.

  Mrs. Samsa sensed something was amiss with Mrs. Dai and looked at her with red, swollen eyes: "What's wrong?"

  Mrs. Dai gave Qiu Hong a glance, and Qiu Hong nodded knowingly and left. Mrs. Dai patted the back of San Tai's hand: "I'll have the nanny bring over Big Sister, Big Sister is a lovely child."

  Third Madame fainted and fell asleep, Mrs. Dai came out with a gloomy face, saw Qiu Hong biting her teeth and asked: "Is it confirmed?"

  "That old woman had a few more cups of yellow soup, and she couldn't keep the words in her belly. She was showing off that she had gotten benefits, and just now she slipped up and said something. Autumn Red carefully observed Madame Dai's expression, and continued to speak timidly: 'That day, Lady Gu told her personal maid to instruct, if Third Young Mistress is really not well, then...then keep the child.'"

  Mrs. Dai gritted her teeth, secretly resentful in her heart, and thought that if she hadn't been called to enter the delivery room, her daughter would probably be in a precarious situation, and at that time, her little sister-in-law could completely push it off as saying that childbirth was originally a trip to the gates of hell, and Prancong just couldn't hold on!

  Mrs. Dai thought the more she felt that it was entirely something her eldest sister-in-law would do, and her heart ached with it. Autumn Red was so intimidated by Mrs. Dai's pale face and red, staring eyes that she didn't dare make a sound, and just as she was hesitating, she heard Mrs. Dai's voice squeezed out from between her teeth: "Go, to Second Aunt's place."

  Mrs. Dai never mentioned whether to keep the adult or the child, and only when asked did she know that Mrs. Chen was also aware of Fu Xueyang's concubine outside, and almost had a miscarriage. Mrs. Dai was both angry and resentful in her heart, but if it were said that Madam Fu was unaware of this, Mrs. Dai would not believe it at all, yet she did nothing about it.

  Mrs. Dai instructed Mrs. Chen to rest and take care of her pregnancy, telling her not to worry about this matter. Meanwhile, Mrs. Dai was seething with hatred towards Madam Fu, her heart filled with rage. After some thought, she decided that if she didn't make her cruel and ruthless sister-in-law move a muscle this time, it would be better for her not to be the mistress of the Chen household!

  Mrs. Dai had some misunderstandings about Mrs. Fu this time, and she only knew that Fu Xueyang had a concubine outside. If it were in the past when Mrs. Fu was still in the Hou Mansion and could summon the wind and rain with one wave of her hand, perhaps Mrs. Fu would have noticed something. But after several incidents, both of her arms were cut off by Fu Yeyang.

  As her status was downgraded, Su Ying became pregnant and the sharpness of the main house gradually appeared. Although Fu Yeyang still treated his mother with respect as before, the slaves under him were all clever people who knew how to read people's faces. Gradually, the power in Fu Mu's hands was eroded a lot, and there were not many people around her who could be used. Although it wasn't to the point of being 'deaf and blind', the news wasn't as smooth as before, which was true. Moreover, Fu Xueyang had deliberately hidden it from her. It was normal that his mother didn't know about him keeping a mistress outside.

  In addition, Madam Fu pretended to care about both the adults and children, but secretly instructed to save the child. This matter still didn't escape the notice of Third Lady Chen Wanqing, who fainted from crying once again.

  Su Ying watched the fire from across the bank, and Fu Mu was also worried about Fu Xueyang's concubine, so she had no time to take care of the main house. This was exactly what Su Ying wanted, she just focused on taking care of her pregnancy, because she was carrying twins, she might not make it to ten months, so she should prepare everything early and wait for Su Ying to make a move.

  Fu Yiyang's work in the Ministry of Revenue was busy, and he often stayed up late burning candles in his study. As a result, he didn't have time to think about going to the backyard or other places to relax. The little free time he had was taken up by Su Ying, chatting with her and relaxing his mind, and also taking the opportunity to touch Su Ying's bulging belly.

  Even if he didn't say it, Su Ying knew that he was more eager for a son. The fact that the third wife gave birth to a daughter alleviated some of the pressure on the main house. As for the so-called "as long as the eldest son is born, whether he is the eldest or the second son, he is the legitimate grandson of the Hou Mansion", it's better not to bring it up again and make a fool of oneself.

  Before long, it was the full moon celebration for Third Mistress's newborn daughter. This time, the celebration was more grand than the one held when she gave birth to her third child. Except for Madame Fu not letting the first and second branches be mentioned together in terms of seniority, making the servants address them as "Big Young Lady", everything else was fine.

  It was a grand ceremony, but compared to the wedding of Fu Xueyang and Ping's wife back then, it was similarly filled with an awkward atmosphere that couldn't be put into words. Su Ying hastily made an appearance, hearing Fu Mu being called "Big Sister" by everyone, without even lifting her eyelids.

  Fu Yiyang has an elder half-sister who is not hidden, Su Ying didn't bring her over, but instead brought a small basket tied with red silk, which was also prepared by Su Ying for her. The words were also pleasant: "Our family's Wen Yu knew that her younger sister had given birth to a little sister, and specially prepared it for the little sister."

  As they spoke, it became clear that the eldest house also had an elder daughter, Su Ying. After a moment's pause, she informed Fu Mu and the other ladies who had come, and even if she didn't come, no one would say anything was wrong with her, after all, she was over nine months pregnant, and still carrying twins, and could barely move without someone supporting her from behind.

  Su Ying's entourage was also impressive, with a group of stars following her every step of the way, and as soon as she walked out, it became apparent that she was a big shot. Usually, she wouldn't have been so prominent, but who let Fu Mu insist on not putting the main house in her eyes?

  This neither hard nor soft thing almost made Fu Mu unable to come down from the stage, Su Ying felt like a thorn on her back when she walked, and without thinking, she knew whose dissatisfied gaze was cast over her. But with many lice, one doesn't fear itchiness; Fu Mu's dissatisfaction with her wasn't just for one or two days either. Being stared at once wouldn't make her lose any flesh.

  Chen Wanqiu gazed at Su Ying's back with a flickering gaze, and after some deliberation, she found an opportunity to slip out quietly.

  Su Ying walked for a while and was slightly out of breath. Lu Hui took the thermos from her hand, helped her sit down, and Zi Su brought over some almond jelly. Su Ying ate it slowly, taking small bites.

  Mint angrily said: "The old lady wants to let Wen sister how to handle herself?" They have been called for many years, even if the third aunt's status is high, according to seniority should be counted as the second aunt, but Mrs. Fu does not want the first and second rooms to discuss seniority together, those who do not know may think she looks down on Concubine-born Wen Yu, and in the future will not be looked down upon by others.

  Su Ying didn't think much of Fu Mu's behavior, but she also couldn't let the main house be belittled along with it, so she said: "Wen Er is the eldest daughter of our Hou Mansion's main house, the eldest daughter of Master Hou, this can't be changed. Since Old Lady doesn't want to discuss seniority between the main and second houses together, then just let her have her way."

  The eldest daughter of the main house, the eldest daughter of the Marquis of Bravery, even if she is a concubine-born daughter, is still more noble than the second son of the secondary house who is not even considered a legitimate heir. Fu Mu wants to compare who is more noble in the manor, but anyone with discerning eyes can tell at a glance who is superior and who is inferior.

  Fu's mother's control over the Hou Mansion was not as strong as it used to be. Su Ying looked down on Fu's mother's behavior in her heart, put down the bowl and wiped her mouth with a handkerchief. Just then, a little maid came in to say that Chen family's third daughter had arrived.

  Isn't Chen Jia's third daughter Chen Wanqiu? What is she doing here?

  Chen Wanqiu was still puzzled why Mrs. Dai would let her follow and attend Chen Wannian's daughter's full moon banquet, she had also stored a thought in her heart to take a look at Chen Wannian's daughter, she wasn't a ruthless person, originally just wanted to give Chen Wannian some trouble, but didn't expect that it would suddenly stimulate Chen Wannian into premature labor.

  When the Fu family came to invite Mrs. Dai to go and see Chen Wancong, Chen Wanjun did not want herself to be injured and stained with blood, especially since it was an unborn baby, so she gritted her teeth and took out a 200-year-old ginseng from her medicine garden and handed it over to Mrs. Dai. Later, I heard that Chen Wancong and his mother were safe and sound, and Chen Wanjun finally breathed a sigh of relief in her heart.

  Mrs. Dai also treated her better, Chen Wanqiu thought that the 200-year-old ginseng might have saved Chen Wancong's life, and she still felt a little uneasy in her heart, but thinking that if Chen Wancong had really died in childbirth, she would also feel guilty.

  One report was settled with another, and Chen Wanqiu also felt at peace.

  Fu Xueyang had a mistress, which Chen Wanqiu occasionally found out about. She was extremely disgusted by Fu Xueyang's behavior of having a flourishing family at home while having a colorful life outside. She also went to see what kind of woman could make Fu Xueyang so infatuated, and after seeing her, she felt even more disdainful.

  Another white lotus flower like Qing Wan, pretending to be weak and pitiful but actually having a deep mind. At that time, Chen Wanqiu had an attitude of watching the show, if it wasn't for Mrs. Dai being too much, Chen Wanqiu wouldn't have brought this matter up to provoke Chen Wanning, and also to scold her hypocritical and ruthless good aunt.

  Chen Wanqiu is a vengeful person, and Fu Mu had calculated against her before, so she still remembers it all. Of course, Su Ying, this ally who has a handle in her hands, is also unforgettable to her.

  Chen Wanqiu did not exchange pleasantries with Su Ying and directly asked her to dismiss the attendants, as she had an urgent matter to discuss with her.

  Lü Huì and Bò Hé both furrowed their brows, Sū Huī gave them a "don't worry" glance, Chén Wǎn Qiū felt somewhat displeased in her heart, but still said with a "good understanding of people's intentions": "Since Eldest Sister-in-law trusts them, let them stay, no need to mind me."

  Chen Wanqiu came to find Su Ying, with a well-prepared speech in her mind. She was here to curry favor and looked at Su Ying with confidence: "Among the midwives you've found, is there one named Wu Pozi, whose husband's family sells rice cakes in the east of the city?"

  Su Ying's eyebrows furrowed: "Indeed, there is such a person." Had something gone wrong? The midwives had all been vetted by Fu Ye Yang before being confirmed, and there were four in total.

  Su Ying's expression turned solemn as she looked at Chen Wanqiu: "But does she have a problem?"

  "Reacted quickly, didn't you?" Chen Wanqiu's mouth twitched: "Wanqiu also knew that her family had suddenly come into a fortune, but others weren't clear about it; as long as Eldest Sister-in-law has an idea in mind, that's all that matters."

  Chen Wanqiu tried to stop at the right time, but seeing Su Ying frowning and deep in thought, she believed that Mrs. had already figured it out, Chen Wanqiu was satisfied, elegantly stood up, "Wanqiu has been sneaking out for a long time, it's time to go back."

  Su Ying had regained her composure, which made Chen Wanqiu feel relieved. Su Ying noticed the unpleasant emotion that flashed in her eyes and couldn't help but sneer inwardly. If she could sense it despite struggling to control her own emotions, then those who were even more perceptive than her would be able to notice it too.

  Su Ying slightly lowered her eyelids, covering the fleeting glint in her eyes, then raised them again to nod at Chen Wanqiu and smile faintly, letting Lü Huai see her out.

  Mint was so anxious that as soon as Aloe left, she hastily said: "Madam, what's this?"

  "Don't be in a hurry." Thinking carefully about what Chen Wanqiu said earlier, Chen Wanqiu wouldn't think that her words were flawless, would she? In fact, there are many loopholes. Not to mention others, just one point: how did Chen Wanqiu, a lady from a deep boudoir, find out about this? Moreover, how did Chen Wanqiu associate this matter with her midwife?

  I'm afraid you know more than I do, and maybe even who's behind the scenes, haha.

  ps：

  Selling cute (＝^^＝)