Chapter 76: The Melon is Ripe and Falls from the Stem

  Search;???? Chen Wanqiu's brain was pinched by the door, Su Ying smiled slightly in her heart. Without mentioning how she paid attention to every move of the Hou Mansion, even the background of the birth mother was clear, but still brought it up, this feeling is quite subtle.

  The most subtle thing is what's with her tone of granting favors?

  It's not that Su Ying thought she could just manipulate her at will, but it was too presumptuous. Su Ying looked at the place where Chen Wanqiu had sat, with a chill in her eyes. The more she guessed Chen Wanqiu's intentions, the more Su Ying felt like she had swallowed a fly, unable to spit it out or swallow it down, and it was really unbearable.

  Mint's face turned pale, and after Su Ying spoke up, she barely regained her composure. Su Ying lifted the teacup and took a sip of tea into her mouth. Mint immediately brought over a spittoon, and Su Ying tilted her head to the side and spat out the tea in her mouth before feeling slightly better.

  Lu Xiu sent Chen Wanqiu back, the anger on her face hadn't had time to dissipate, she took a deep breath and bowed to Su Yingfu, Su Ying pointed to the tea on the table: "Have a cup of tea to calm down, why did you come back so quickly?"

  "The slave girl sent Chen San Niang to the front gate, and Chen San Niang comforted the slave girl, saying that she knew the way and didn't let her send her to the second house. Lu Hui thanked her for the reward, picked up the teacup, tilted her body and drank it in one gulp. When she thought of the contemptuous expression on Chen San Niang's face and the words she said, they were all piercing Lu Hui's eyes. She really doubted Chen San Niang's upbringing, and her demeanor was vastly different from what she had seen before, as if she had become a different person."

  Lü Huai was taken aback, holding the tea cup, her head slightly lowered, and her heart tightened. She had followed Su Ying for a long time, and some things Su Ying didn't hide from them. The secrets in the mansion were simply unbearable. Not to mention others, just take Wei Niangniang in the South Wing, who was said to have lost her mind. But Wei Niangniang's behavior was really completely different from before, could it be that Chen Sanguniang was also...

  Lü Huī was clever and didn't dare think further. But she came to find Tàitài as if to show her goodwill?

  Su Ying didn't expect Lü Huai to think so much, and merely raised an eyebrow after hearing his response. She asked a question that was unrelated to the topic: "Did she come alone?"

  Lü Huì was poked awake by Sū Yǐng and nodded slightly.

  Su Ying smiled coldly, this is really interesting. If she hadn't forgotten, the reason Chen Wanqiu pushed her away back then was that she got lost in the mansion. How could she run alone from the second house to hers and still get lost in the mansion?

  Is Chen Wanqiu treating everyone else as if they were fools? Or does she think that she herself has a halo effect that automatically lowers the IQ of those around her, causing them to ignore unreasonable things?

  Mint was still unable to calm down, "Madam..."

  "Go and investigate Wu Pozi's family to see who they've been in contact with recently, and whether that windfall of theirs is true or false." Since Chen Wanqiu was so certain that Wu Pozi had a problem, Su Ying had to investigate thoroughly. She didn't want to be careless about her and the child in her belly, "doing it secretly".

  Chen Wanqiu thought of leading her by the nose, but that also depended on whether she was willing to cooperate. Su Ying slowly let out a stifled breath and clenched her fists tightly.

  In fact, the people below investigated very quickly, so quickly that it exceeded Su Ying's expectations. The mastermind behind the scenes clearly pointed to the one in the upper house. What's even stranger is that before Su Ying could make a move, Wu Pozi accidentally broke her leg. It looked like an accident, and this midwife couldn't be used anymore.

  Mint muttered in her mouth: "Even God is standing on Madam's side."

  Lü Xi felt that something was strange, but when she tried to say it, she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

  Su Ying took a deep breath to calm herself down. The aloe and mint couldn't see the cat's trick, but Su Ying thought it through clearly. It was obviously Chen Wanqiu's self-directed and self-acted play. The people she sent out to investigate weren't being led by the nose by Chen Wanqiu, otherwise how could Wu Pozi coincidentally break her leg so conveniently.

  It wasn't until Su Ying found out that Wu Pozi had been bribed, and more importantly, the reason others knew that Wu Pozi's family had made a fortune was because her son was a gambler. He lost his temper while gambling with others, stole money from Wu Pozi, and accidentally let it slip.

  The whole thing is too coincidental, with a hint of eeriness.

  Su Ying felt terrible. She didn't like the feeling of things getting out of her control. Taking a deep breath, she told herself to calm down, especially in situations like this. She made a mental note of it.

  Fu Yiyang didn't say anything when he learned that Fu Mu called the daughter of San Tai Tai "Big Sister", but his body tensed up for a moment, and although it was only for an instant, Su Ying still noticed it. Catching sight of his increasingly stern expression out of the corner of her eye, she smiled and said: "As the saying goes, 'laughing can make you ten years younger', but I rarely see you smile - isn't it better to speak your mind than to bottle things up?"

  Fu Yiyang didn't force himself to smile, but his face did relax a bit. Compared to the blows he had received from those previous events, not being allowed to discuss seniority with Da Fang and Er Fang was nothing. However, Fu Yiyang wasn't completely numb either, and upon hearing this, he still felt somewhat uncomfortable in his heart.

  Su Ying didn't dare to say that buying off the midwife was definitely Fu Mu's doing, after all, Fu Mu had a history of such things. If it wasn't for the fact that she had been treated like an iron barrel by the main house and couldn't find any opportunity to intervene, her life as a pregnant woman would have become very bumpy.

  Especially after the third madam gave birth to a daughter, Fu Mu really regarded her as a thorn in her eye and a stab in the flesh, wishing she could get rid of her once and for all.

  Fu Yiyang let out a sigh and sat down to rub Su Ying's belly, noticing a thin book placed beside the kang table. He picked it up and took a glance, seeing that it was filled with dense writing, mostly about the Hou Mansion's somewhat pretentious households, recording the ages and preferences of the masters of those households. Before Su Ying could explain, he furrowed his brow: "Didn't they say not to let them bother you with these trivial matters?"

  Su Ying smiled at him with a hint of flattery: "Two months ago, I had already assigned the tasks to the steward. In these two months, have you ever seen me look at the account books?" Seeing that he still frowned in disapproval, Su Ying continued, "It's not like it's near the New Year's festival, and we need to send gifts to various places. Although there are precedents to follow, the people below will prepare a list and hand it over for me to review, so as to avoid losing etiquette. I'm used to doing these things, and they don't take up much of my thoughts."

  But the dense words on that thin paper may not be very convincing, Su Ying's light and casual tone made Pei Yuyang feel a bit uncomfortable. He had always thought it was natural for his wife to take care of household chores, even when she was ill, she never let him worry too much, but she never complained to him like Wei Shi did.

  At that time, he had also complained to his wife about not being generous enough to Wei Shi. Thinking of this, Fu Yeyang felt even more unpalatable. His voice was also dull: "You've done a great job, you've worked hard all these years."

  Su Ying didn't know what wind Fu Yiyang was blowing this time, and in the past, he had never said a word of hardship to Su Shi. Compared with when she took care of the house and Su Shi, it wasn't much harder, let alone during this period of time in the past. She still had several months where she basically didn't lift a finger.

  Su Ying placed her hand on top of his, "To receive a compliment from you, my lord, is a fortune that spans three lifetimes—" Her voice was drawn out and playful, causing Fu Ye Yang's heart to relax as he smiled and lifted her chin, leaning in with their noses touching, their lips almost meeting. But Su Ying's expression suddenly changed, her abdomen contracting and dropping, a pained look appearing on her face.

  Fu Yiyang was startled: "But it's started?" As soon as he spoke, Gu Yiniang outside heard the sound and hurried in. At this time, Su Ying's forehead was already covered with a layer of fine sweat, grasping Fu Yiyang's wrist tightly, her body not daring to move, only biting her lip and nodding.

  "Madam is going to give birth, hurry and prepare!" This shout was like throwing a huge stone into the calm lake surface, stirring up shocking waves. The house had a moment of chaos, but soon became organized and orderly.

  Fu Yiyang swallowed his saliva and was politely asked out by Qi's mother. His mind was still a blank, and it wasn't until he got to the corridor outside that he snapped back awake. The cold wind blew against him, and his lips moved as he instructed the butler to take his card and invite the imperial physician.

  All the windows in the house were closed tightly, Su Ying was put on the kang, Luhui took off her clothes, and from the small kitchen, there was a commotion without being told, Zisu had already instructed the little maids to hurry up and boil water, and the midwives were all in place.

  Su Ying had no experience, and the theoretical knowledge she had learned before was useless when it came to practical application. Her mind went blank as she tried to recall what to do, her stomach cramping with pain. A midwife walked over, felt her belly, looked at the situation below, and said: "Madam, judging from the situation, you still have to wait a while before giving birth. Why don't you eat something first, or else you'll be too weak when it's time?"

  Madam Qi heard the news and came over. At this moment, she listened to the midwife's words and nodded repeatedly: "Right, right, after eating this time, there will be energy later." She turned around and instructed Zi Su: "Stew a pot of wild chicken soup and make some good pastries."

  Madam Gui held a handkerchief to wipe Su Ying's sweat, but her heart was anxious. Although the doctors all said that Su Ying's pregnancy was going well, childbirth for women is like taking a trip to the gates of hell, and this wasn't just any first birth, but also twins, which made it even more perilous.

  It was as if something had been opened, and Su Ying's empty mind was filled again. She still had the energy to instruct things: "Mother, there is no need to let them come to the main courtyard of Nan and Liu. If there are servants walking around and peeking at the main courtyard, Mother doesn't have to be polite."

  It seems that by now they had already heard the news, Nanyuan was fine, but Wei Yiniang had been put under house arrest. The last time Fu Yeyang returned from a business trip outside, she wanted to come out and her attitude was lower than before. Su Ying didn't intentionally hide it either, and when she found an opportunity, she told Fu Yeyang about it. After all, it was Fu Yeyang who had personally said that Wei Yiniang should be put under house arrest. However, Fu Yeyang didn't relent, and Nanyuan was still locked up behind closed doors. But Su Ying didn't treat her harshly either; the monthly allowance was still given as usual, and the servants below were still serving her after being warned.

  It's different with Auntie Liu, the thoughts that had been put to rest were revived again. If it were usual times, Su Ying might have even played along with them, but now was a critical period, after the incident of the midwife being bribed, Su Ying had tightened up the security of the main house, so it's better not to let them come out.

  "If Aunt Liu doesn't listen, then Mother will have someone stop her." At this time, she still has to worry about this.

  "No need to disturb the old lady, let her follow me and suffer together. And as for Big Sister, let Zhang Yini take care of her, and don't allow the servants below to be busy." Su Ying thought that in this mansion, she had to guard against everyone, and in her heart, she also cursed Fu Yao along with them.

  All the evidence of the midwife being bought points to Fu Mu, although Chen Wanqiu is involved in it. In fact, it's just confirming whether the mastermind behind the scenes is Fu Mu or not. Even if it wasn't Fu Mu who did it, she still wouldn't want someone lurking outside when she gives birth.

  The big girl, although still young and ignorant, had to ask a question after all. Fu Yiyang was still outside in the courtyard, Su Ying's heart slightly fluttered for some reason, she went to such great lengths just for this man. Although there were reasons for what happened, this feeling still made Su Ying feel uncomfortable, originally wanting to tell Fu Yiyang not to wait outside anymore. But the words couldn't be spoken.

  Why should I give birth in the house while he can live comfortably? It's unfair!

  A wave of pain came and Su Ying was in so much agony that she couldn't speak, a layer of fine sweat beads formed on her forehead, Su Ying's hands clutching the quilt were pale, even though she was usually calm and composed, but at this moment she couldn't help but feel tense.

  The system has not been out for a long time, Su Ying is not clear what happened to it. Originally thought that the reason it said to let her integrate into it at that time Su Ying still believed. In her heart, she was always thinking about the main task, and did not dare to be slow, fearing that something would happen, and would involve the child in her belly.

  If it's said that for the main task, they have to tie down Fu Yiyang. Every moment, she is thinking about his thoughts, changing herself into someone he likes, making him like her, whether it's true or fake, but no matter what, her life basically revolves around him; then the child in her belly, who was not in her plans, is actually the one that gives Su Ying a sense of belonging. The continuation of her bloodline is like a miracle.

  Everyone has a weak moment, Su Ying always had an uneasy feeling, the system that was clearly flat and calm would always reveal a thick and mellow voice that to her became heavenly music. But Su Ying endured the pain to call out to the system. The system however did not have any reaction.

  Su Ying panicked, her fingers turned white as she clutched the quilt, Zi Su brought in a food box, and Gui's voice sounded in Su Ying's ear: "Madam, eat something now, so you'll have energy when giving birth, I guarantee you can safely give birth to a healthy baby boy."

  Gu's words were like a shot of adrenaline for Su Ying.

  Fu Yiyang was pacing back and forth in the courtyard, Su Ying's belly held a fetus that was extraordinary to him, it was the legitimate son he had been waiting for five years, and the two little ones were watched by him from a tiny point to a big belly, heard their heartbeat, felt their fetal movement, read books to them, it can be said that before they were born, Fu Yiyang had already developed feelings for the two little ones.

  Recently, San Tai Tai's premature birth was difficult and made Fu Yeyang follow with a hint of heart palpitations, listening to the moaning sounds coming from inside the house from time to time, Fu Yeyang's heart also rose.

  It wasn't just Fu Yiyang who was lifted up, just as Su Ying thought. The others in the mansion soon got the news. Fu Mu didn't even bother to put on a show, and when she heard Du Juan repeat Su Ying's words, she snorted: "The eldest lady is being filial to me, her mother-in-law! If I don't follow her wishes, wouldn't that make me unkind!"

  The cuckoo closes its beak and makes no sound.

  Fu's mother sighed to herself: "As the year-end is approaching, things like hanging ancestor portraits, offering sacrifices to gods and treating relatives should be taken care of by the first wife. But she has to sit out for a month after giving birth, it seems that this postpartum period is really difficult."

  Some things still require Su Ying, the lady of the house, to take charge. This month's confinement is not going well, and it's common for her to fall ill. Moreover, it's uncertain whether the child is a boy or girl, and who knows if the child will survive or not.

  Thinking of this, Fu Mu got angry. Obviously, San Tai Tai's bad fate was a boy, but it turned out to be a little girl, and she even brought a weak fate from the womb, and it's not known whether she can grow up or not. What an ungrateful thing!

  Fu's mother could only shift her gaze to Madame Chen, hoping with all her heart that Madame Chen was carrying a boy. As for the first wife's side, it would be perfect if they were left with nothing but shattered dreams!

  Fu's mother smiled slightly at the corner of her mouth, and Dujuan pinched his hand, which was full of cold sweat.

  Cui Ping leaned against the door and looked into the main courtyard, where the gatekeeping women were gathered in one place drinking hot tea to warm their stomachs. One of the women laughed and said: "Miss, you'd better go back, giving birth isn't that quick."

  Another old woman 'kindly' advised: "When the lady on that side gives birth, someone will naturally come to report the good news. Miss, you'd better not stick your head out and take a look around. Think about the pomegranate girl in front of you, she's often not seen, is she?"

  Cui Ping's face turned red and white, Shi Liu was serving in front of her, but because she made a mistake, she was taken back by the nanny to relearn the rules. Although she wasn't fired or driven out, it seemed that Shi Liu didn't have any intention of recovering either. Shi Liu wondered when she could be called back, and it seemed like there were no better days ahead for her.

  Cuiping went back when Liu Yiniang was still embroidering Buddhist scriptures. Cuiping's sighs outside were also heard by her, and looking at the Buddhist scriptures in her hand, Liu Yiniang sincerely prayed that Madam would not give birth to a son this time.

  Madam Liu sighed again in her heart, feeling bitter and astringent. What if Madam couldn't give birth to a son? At least Madam's body was fine, she could still have children. Given the way Master had doted on her before, it was unlikely that Madam would be unable to bear sons in the future!

  Wei's mother-in-law was lucky to have given birth to a daughter, but afterwards, as long as the madam did not give birth to a legitimate son, even if they were concubines, they could not give birth to sons before the madam.

  Take a step back, even if the wife can't make it through, she won't be able to be promoted by the old master. Who can guarantee that the person he marries next will be kind? Look at her now, although she doesn't see the old master's face, her status and privileges are not lacking, and she still has some power in her hands, living a decent life.

  Liu Yiniang understood all these principles, she was clearer than Wei Yiniang. When Wei Yiniang was favored in the past, not only did she give birth to a daughter, but also squeezed the wife to one side, and became arrogant beyond recognition. She used to be the mistress of the back house, but now what has become of her? The child was taken away, the south house is quiet again, no longer as lively as before, and it's not much different from the deserted courtyard.

  It's just that she can't help but feel resentful. Although Madam Liu appears to be calm and composed, not making a fuss about going to the main courtyard, in reality, she is not as calm as she seems, and it takes her a good while to finally embroider a few stitches.

  On the contrary, Liyue, who had always been calm and composed, finally lost her temper. Madame Liu was resentful of Liyue for plotting against her and thought to herself that if it weren't for Liyue telling that little maid to intercept Master, thereby angering him, would he have forgotten about her like this? It's as if she didn't exist in the courtyard at all.

  I've just seen a lovely moon, and lazily looked at her, casting her a sideways glance, saying: "Sister, why aren't you in the house doing needlework? Is it that there's not enough needlework to do, or is it that there's not enough fabric to use? If it were in the past, one could still make a trip to the sewing room, but now is an extraordinary time, the entire household is focused on the main courtyard. If sister really lacks these things, just say so and it will be the same."

  Lingyue was used to being sarcastic and mocking towards Liu Yiniang, who had always been submissive in the past. Liu Yiniang was in charge of the courtyard, where she was the boss, and originally maintained a harmonious relationship with Lingyue. Later, however, even that facade disappeared. The people below looked down on her, making Lingyue's life increasingly difficult.

  Liu Yue sat down beside the half-side chair, but her face didn't show any resentment towards Liu Niang. It was precisely this that made Liu Niang even more wary of her: "Madam, aren't you only nine months pregnant? How did you give birth so early? I'm also worried and couldn't sit still, so I thought I'd come find sister to chat with."

  Liu Yiniang raised an eyebrow, and the movement in her hand also stopped. She couldn't tell if Lixue's words were meaningful or not. But thinking about it, Lixue didn't have enough energy to reach out to the main courtyard, unless she was trying to provoke herself into going there?

  Liu Yiniang was disdainful in her heart, she wasn't stupid, even if she was resentful, but she didn't dare to trouble Su Ying, not to mention that Su Ying might not be able to give birth to a son this time. After all the things Liu Yiniang had been through, she also didn't dare to provoke her, just by looking at Fu Yeyang's favored treatment for almost a year.

  If Su Ying gives birth to a son this time, the position of Zheng Yuan will be even more stable. Even if Liu Niang expects her to die in three years, at least she won't show it on her face.

  She thought for a moment, then lowered her head and continued to embroider the Buddhist scriptures. Her mouth didn't stop: "Madam is carrying twins, originally it's earlier than normal pregnancy, I'm worried in my heart, but since Madam has spoken, we'll wait patiently, besides, there's still Master sitting in the main courtyard, Madam's fetus will definitely be safe and sound."

  Liu Yue still had the same honest and simple appearance as before, without responding to Mrs. Liu's words.

  Madam Liu sneered inwardly, if she hadn't known that her heart was deep and cunning, she might have been deceived by this honest appearance. When the lady had previously introduced her to the old master, she must have also seen through this point, truly a wolf in sheep's clothing.

  "Liu sister, this Buddhist scripture embroidery is really good." Half a moment later, Luyu suddenly came out with such a sentence.

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