Chapter 39: Is There Truly Good News?

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Here comes the second update of the day—keep those pink tickets and PK votes coming!

Sometimes, Nianyu truly thought Ning Qian was a bit foolish. Even with matters laid out so plainly, she still seemed lost and confused. “Isn’t it obvious? Master Yu has three sons, yet not one of them has a child. The First Madam only has a daughter. If this concubine bears a son, her status might even surpass that of the First Madam. After all, that child would be the legitimate eldest grandson of the Yu family. Even if you, Madam, were to have a child later, it would be difficult to contest anything with him.”

“I never wanted to fight for anything,” Ning Qian replied, having little interest in fame or fortune, and even less desire to meddle in such disputes.

“How can you say that? Even if not for yourself, you should consider the future young master. If you don’t secure something for him, what will become of his prospects?”

“Then what do you suggest? Should I tell her not to have the child? How could we possibly control such things? Besides, she’s the Master’s concubine, and even the First Madam hasn’t reacted—what could we possibly do? Moreover, I don’t intend to give him a child. Once that happens, the two of them will be locked in endless strife.”

“Madam, you’ve got it wrong. Someone as shrewd as the First Madam could never be unaware of this. I suspect that any stir from the concubine would be instantly known by her. I just fear the concubine’s child may not survive. There are far too many underhanded dealings in such a grand household. I think she came to our courtyard today just to let us know about her pregnancy.”

Nianyu paused, then took Ning Qian’s hand with a sigh. “Are you still unwilling to settle down? For a woman, nothing matters more than a good home—”

Seeing Nianyu about to launch into a lengthy lecture, Ning Qian quickly raised a hand to stop her. “Nianyu, what did you just say? She wants us to know? And what good does that do? We have no say with the Master.”

“I suppose the concubine is trying to protect her child. There may be darkness in this household, but even the First Madam wouldn’t dare act publicly.”

Ning Qian couldn’t help but smile inwardly. Not dare act openly? What a joke. It’s all just unspoken collusion. The masters of the house always have their privileges. “Nianyu, in that case, let’s just pretend we know nothing. The less we meddle in others’ business, the better. It’s not that I’m heartless, but there are things beyond our control. If we can protect ourselves, that’s already a blessing.”

“That’s what I think too, Madam. I’ll instruct Shuni and the others to stay quietly in the courtyard these days. It’s a troubled season—better to be cautious.”

“Good, go ahead. As for me, I’ll return to copying the Rules for Women.” With a helpless sigh, Ning Qian retired to her study, resuming her punishment of copying scriptures.

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The next day, when Ning Qian went to pay her respects, Madam Yu Liu indeed announced her pregnancy before the old lady. In an instant, the room was filled with women, each with a different expression—some envious, some resentful, some mocking, and of course, some as detached as Ning Qian, who remained aloof from it all.

The old matron, however, was overjoyed. She stepped forward to help Madam Yu Liu up, patting her hand warmly. “Wonderful, wonderful! If you can bear a son or daughter for the Yu family, that will be a great merit indeed. Jiaoran, pass on my message to the kitchen—from now on, assign someone to prepare special meals for Madam Yu Liu. Make sure to nourish her well.”

“Thank you, Mother.” Madam Yu Liu’s smile was sweet as honey. It was a rare honor—to have the kitchen prepare one’s meals exclusively.

“It’s only right. You must take good care of yourself. In ten months, I want to see a chubby, healthy grandchild.”

“I will cherish my health,” Madam Yu Liu replied dutifully.

“Yes, very good. This is such happy news! In a few days, it will be the Master’s birthday—double happiness, double blessings. Run along now, I must share this joy with the Master.”

After paying their respects, the women retreated. Not far outside the courtyard, they gathered together, laughing and chatting about the matter. Though each harbored her own thoughts, they all offered Madam Yu Liu their congratulations—at least on the surface.

Second Madam spoke with a sour edge, “Sister-in-law, I truly must congratulate you. After all these years, you can finally provide an heir for the Master—a true continuation of the family line.” Second Madam was green with envy. She had been married for over a year with no children, and not one of the concubines in her quarters had any news either. Now that Madam Yu Liu was pregnant, how could she feel at ease?

The First Madam’s face flushed, turning from red to pale and back again, her complexion delicate and lovely. “Hmph, thank you so much,” she replied. Then, with a flick of her sleeve, she left with her maidservant. Second Madam’s congratulations, delivered in front of everyone, stung more than a slap.

Second Madam snorted and departed as well, and in that moment, the gathered women scattered like startled birds, each hurrying back to her own courtyard to scheme in private.

Ning Qian’s confinement was not yet over, and after paying her respects, she returned immediately to her quarters. She found the old lady’s rules perplexing—punished with confinement, yet still required to pay daily respects. Who could guess at her true intentions?

The First Madam, once back in her room, was so furious she began smashing everything in sight before finally stopping. “Damnable woman, how dare she cross me?”

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Xiaolu, the First Madam’s personal maid, stood nervously aside, not daring to speak. She knew her mistress’s temper well—any words during a fit of rage would only bring trouble. It was best to wait until the anger faded.

No one knew how long it was before the First Madam finally calmed down. She collapsed into a chair, panting heavily. “Xiaolu, why are you just standing there? Do you want me to die of thirst?”

“Ah? Oh, yes, Madam.” Xiaolu hurried out and quickly returned with a fresh cup of tea. Judging by her speed, she must have been prepared—after all, the Madam’s outbursts were nothing new.

Setting the tray on the table, she poured a cup and handed it over. “Madam, please have some tea.”

“Mm.” The First Madam took a sip. “Go call someone to tidy up.”

“Yes, I’ll take care of it.”

Xiaolu led a few maids to restore order to the room, and only after sending them away did she lower her voice. “Madam, there’s no need to be upset. She may be pregnant, but she hasn’t given birth yet. Ten months is a long time—anything could happen.”

A trace of mockery curled the First Madam’s lips. “Give birth? She may wish to, but now it depends on whether she has the fortune to do so.”