Chapter 201: Pregnancy
Upon receiving the news, Madam Wu was utterly stunned. She repeatedly asked her trusted Housekeeper, "Are you certain? Could there be any mistake?"
"There's no mistake," the Housekeeper replied with a grimace. "The messenger was very clear—the Yu Family has been preparing these past two days for a thanksgiving trip to Tanzhe Temple!"
"How could she suddenly be pregnant?" Madam Wu sighed bitterly. "This child truly has no luck—first losing her mother, then drifting from place to place with her impoverished father. Finally, when she grew up and we found her a good family to marry into, the principal wife conceives as soon as she enters the household... Ah..." She let out a long sigh. "I fear we may have misjudged the situation—pleasing the mother-in-law but offending the daughter-in-law!"
"Not necessarily," the Housekeeper consoled Madam Wu with a smile. "It's still early in the pregnancy. Who knows if it'll be a boy or a girl? Perhaps Consort Wu will have good fortune and bear a son?"
The implication was clear—if the Yu Family's young mistress gave birth to a daughter, Madam Yu might still favor Consort Wu.
"That would be even worse," Madam Wu frowned. "In noble families, blurring the lines between legitimate and illegitimate heirs is the greatest taboo. Even if a concubine bears a firstborn son due to the principal wife failing to produce one, it's best if there's a significant age gap between the illegitimate eldest son and the legitimate heir. The illegitimate son, raised as if legitimate for so many years, would have decent upbringing and knowledge. When it comes to dividing the family assets, the father, remembering their bond, would likely not be too harsh. Even the principal wife, mindful that her own son is still young and may need his half-brother's support, wouldn’t openly break ties. By the time the legitimate heir comes of age, the illegitimate eldest son would already be in his thirties, capable of managing the household. If the legitimate heir treats him as a brother, they can maintain that relationship; if not, he can live his own life behind closed doors—would he really lack for food or clothing?"
"But if the illegitimate eldest son is close in age to the legitimate heir, how could the principal wife ever rest easy? Those with ill intentions might raise the child under their own roof, deliberately leading him astray—how could that end well? Even those without malice would merely provide basic meals and clothing. How could his horizons and knowledge compare to a carefully raised legitimate heir? He’d only appear increasingly coarse. By the time the family divides its assets, it would coincide with the legitimate heir’s marriage. Even fingers vary in length—tell me, would the father be more concerned for his legitimate eldest son or the illegitimate one?"
"As the saying goes, a mother’s status depends on her son. The same goes for a concubine. If the child is promising, the family wouldn’t dare slight her. But if the child is hopeless, others would look down on her with disdain."
"If things reach that point, tell me—what good could possibly come for Consort Wu?"
"Unless the Yu Family’s young mistress keeps bearing daughters."
The Wu Family was a prominent clan, and the Housekeeper had served Madam Wu long enough to witness many things. Yet after hearing Madam Wu’s explanation, she saw certain matters even more clearly.
Anxiously, she asked, "Then... what should we do?"
Madam Wu sighed deeply again. "Prepare an eight-piece gift set. I’ll visit Alley Street to congratulate Madam Yu—it’ll also serve as a way to lay our cards on the table."
"Lay our cards?" The Housekeeper looked puzzled. "What do you mean?"
"Such a pig-headed fool!" Madam Wu snapped. "Madam Yu wants a grandson, but even more, she wants a legitimate heir... If you can’t understand, don’t bother thinking. Just hurry and prepare the gift set properly—that’s what matters now."The housekeeper retreated with flushed cheeks.
Looking up, she caught sight of a pink apricot blossom from the neighboring back garden stretching diagonally over the wall.
She couldn't help but exclaim "Ah!" as her face turned deathly pale.
Meanwhile, Madam Yu shook her head at Madam Wu and chided, "...What kind of talk is this? Back then, you were also worried about our Yu Family's lack of descendants, otherwise why would you have been willing to give such a fine niece to our household." She continued, "But then again, Consort Wu first lost her mother, then suffered much hardship with her impoverished father. Yet since entering our household, not only did she immediately conceive, but even my daughter-in-law who hadn't shown any signs for years became pregnant. This truly fulfills the saying 'prosperous for the family and offspring.' It's clear Consort Wu was destined to enter our household, born to be part of our family!"
Madam Wu felt immensely gratified hearing this!
Originally intending to curry favor with the Yu Family, she never expected both Consort Wu and the Yu Family's young mistress would become pregnant one after another. Instead of gaining Madam Yu's favor, she had inadvertently offended the young mistress. She had been at a loss about what to do. To her surprise, Madam Yu not only didn't blame her but instead believed Consort Wu's destiny was auspicious, bringing prosperity to their Yu Family... Like passing through both ice and fire, the ordeal was finally over. How could she not rejoice?
"You flatter her too much, Madam," laughter spilled uncontrollably from Madam Wu's eyes, though she couldn't skip the necessary words, "However, she is indeed an honest, dutiful child who knows her place—clear about what she should and shouldn't do. You needn't worry, Madam!"
"I know," Madam Yu smiled. "Otherwise why would I have taken a liking to her at first sight in the temple back then!"
The two women chatted warmly about domestic affairs for quite some time. When all necessary words had been exchanged, Madam Wu proposed going to congratulate Fan Shi.
Madam Yu accompanied Madam Wu to Fan Shi's courtyard.
Fan Shi was resting for her pregnancy and rose somewhat displeased upon hearing of their visit.
Noticing her listless expression and knowing her pregnancy was difficult, Madam Wu dared not overstay. She tactfully repeated the sentiments she'd expressed to Madam Yu, then prepared to take her leave.
Seeing Madam Wu's respectful demeanor, Fan Shi had someone summon Consort Wu: "After all, she's family elder. Since she's come, it wouldn't do not to meet."
Madam Wu saw no harm in the meeting and thanked her with a smile. When Consort Wu came to pay respects, Madam Wu took the opportunity before Madam Yu and Fan Shi to admonish her about "serving the young mistress well" before finally departing.
Fan Shi rose to escort Madam Yu and Madam Wu out.
Both Madam Yu and Madam Wu, concerned about overtiring her, insisted she rest and wouldn't allow her to see them off.
Fan Shi apologized and returned to her room supported by her personal housekeeper.
"Seeing the young mistress in good spirits sets my mind at ease," Madam Wu said while bidding farewell to Madam Yu.
Unable to persuade her to stay despite repeated attempts, Madam Yu personally saw Madam Wu to the moon gate.
No sooner had she sat down than Yu Jingxiu arrived.
Madam Yu glanced at the water clock in surprise: "Why are you back so early?"
Yu Jingxiu smiled: "There wasn't much at the yamen today. I informed Chen Zhongming and came back."
Madam Yu's gaze turned cold, her smile fading as she said sternly: "Didn't you request leave from your superior?"Yu Jingxiu was taken aback for a moment before hurriedly smiling. "The superior isn't in, and it's less than half an hour until the office closes. By the time I find him, it'll likely be well past closing time..."
Madam Yu gave a soft "Hmm," her expression easing slightly.
Yu Jingxiu then cheerfully sat down beside his mother and asked softly, "What did Madam Wu come for?"
"Nothing much!" Madam Yu replied. "Since Consort Wu entered our household, your wife has become pregnant—clearly her Destiny is auspicious for you. I specifically sent Housekeeper Shu to the Wu Family residence, both to deliver the news and to thank Madam Wu. Upon hearing it, she came to congratulate you."
Yu Jingxiu chuckled. "She's not even a proper relative. She visits far too frequently."
Madam Yu's hand holding the teacup paused slightly.
Yu Jingxiu quickly changed the subject with a smile. "Mother, now that there are two pregnant women in my courtyard, the servants are running around in circles. On top of that, Fan Shi's pregnancy has been difficult. I'm afraid the servants might neglect Consort Wu. I was thinking of moving her to the side rooms in the rear courtyard and adding two more maids to attend to her. What do you think?"
"Fine!" Madam Yu agreed without hesitation, surprising Yu Jingxiu, who had prepared many arguments to persuade her.
Madam Yu smiled. "Though I long for a grandson, I long even more for a legitimate firstborn grandson."
"Mother!" Yu Jingxiu was both startled and delighted.
Madam Yu patted her son's hand gently and said softly, "Go attend to your duties. Your mother hasn't lost her wits yet."
"Yes!" Yu Jingxiu responded loudly, standing up with visible excitement. Beaming, he said to Madam Yu, "Mother, you rest first. I'll return shortly to dine with you this evening."
"No need," Madam Yu said with a smile. "Your wife is with child—you should spend time with her. As for me, you can visit anytime."
Yu Jingxiu coaxed her, "She has plenty of attendants, but it's been a while since I've dined with you... Wait for me, I'll be back soon." Without waiting for her reply, he turned and left the inner chamber with a smile.
Madam Yu watched the swaying five-color tassel door curtain, her smile gradually fading.
Housekeeper Shu called out worriedly, "Madam," half-consoling, half-reasoning, "He's about to become a father, after all. The young master is even more filial and considerate toward you now than before!"
Madam Yu snorted coldly. "This isn't consideration or filial piety toward me—it's toward his wife! He thinks me a fool!"
"Madam!" Housekeeper Shu stiffened, her smile turning strained. "You're being unfair to the young master...""You don't need to speak up for him—I'm not dead yet! Even if I were, I'd have your affairs properly arranged so you wouldn't suffer their mistreatment." Madam Yu waved her hand, signaling Housekeeper Shu to stop speaking, cutting her off. "Just listen to what he's saying—'I think'—since when does he get to 'think' about matters of the inner household? He's just resentful that I took charge and elevated Consort Wu as his concubine, ruining his reputation for being devoted and righteous. Now that Fan Shi is pregnant, he's emboldened to stand up for her. Has he ever considered why Fan Shi didn't get pregnant earlier or later, but only after Consort Wu entered the household? Everything in this world is predetermined by fate. Instead of cherishing his blessings, he treats it as a cursed bond." Madam Yu trembled with rage. "That ungrateful wretch—let's see how he plays the filial son at Fan Shi's bedside..."
These words... Housekeeper Shu paled in shock and quickly knelt. "Madam, please calm your anger, please calm your anger..."
But Madam Yu's fury only surged more violently in her chest.
She snapped harshly, "Go! Bring me the servant who accompanied the young master to the yamen today. I want to see how he couldn't even sit still in the office!"
※
Yesterday, a friend showed me a comment from the discussion section about the update schedule. After reading it, I felt rather ashamed. Many of you must feel the same—since the start of The Blossoming Splendor , updates have been quite unstable. I've frequently taken breaks, which greatly affected everyone's reading experience. As someone who also reads and follows works by renowned authors, I completely understand. This is something I deeply regret, so I’d like to take this opportunity to briefly explain.
Many of you have followed me since Harmony Above All and are accustomed to my update schedule. Over the years, I’ve grown used to this rhythm—it’s like a promise, a commitment, and the driving force behind my never missing an update. Sometimes, it even feels like a personal challenge.
However, I’m not a naturally gifted writer. My writing relies on diligence to compensate for my shortcomings. Seeing how some top authors on the main site can write thousands of words in one go, I’ve tried to increase my speed, but with little success—sometimes even making major mistakes. If I want to update more frequently, I can only squeeze in extra time elsewhere.
But after finishing The Lowborn Daughter , I first faced adjustments at work, needing to readjust and restart many things. Just as I got my tasks in order, I participated in an internal training program at my workplace. Around the same time, due to my child starting school, our entire family moved to a "study companion village"—renting a place, moving, finding a market, getting bus cards, paying electricity and water bills—one thing after another. After the September school term began, I also had to schedule meals around my child’s school hours... Even now, I haven’t fully settled into a routine. As for extra updates, I’m still uncertain myself. Perhaps by mid-September, once everything stabilizes, I’ll find a consistent schedule. For now, I write whenever I have time and post as soon as I finish...As for the apology, it's because seeing all the pink votes you've given me and then looking at my own update count makes me feel quite uneasy. I can only express my apologies this way, though it's actually something I'd rather not do—instead of wasting time on all this nonsense, I should just add a few more updates... O(∩_∩)O~...
So I won't say much more to everyone—I'm off to write now... Tomorrow I have to go pay the electricity bill and haven't found the place yet, so there'll only be one update... ducks and runs away ...
(End of chapter)
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