Flowery Hair: A Maidservant

Chapter 358 You can live for yourself once.

Cuiyu Hall.

Consort Chun summoned Jian Zhi and questioned him in detail. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Donggua and Lvliu surrounded Jian Zhi from the left and right, staring at him without blinking.

Winter Melon strained its ears, eager to memorize every word Jian Zhi said, while Green Willow counted on its fingers, asking questions one by one.

Questions were asked about everything from how to care for oneself during pregnancy, dietary restrictions, and daily routines, leaving Jian Zhi sweating profusely. She had actually learned all of these things back in the manor, but at this moment, she was still afraid of missing anything.

Mengzhu and Ruizhu listened intently from the side.

Mengzhu was perceptive and would occasionally glance at Consort Chun, only to see her young mistress with a joyful expression, which gradually eased her worries.

Ultimately, Mengzhu has always deeply admired Mengshu over the years, and when she heard the news of Mengshu's pregnancy, she was genuinely happy for her.

Ruizhu, being more straightforward, saw that Lüliu had finally let Physician Jian off the hook, and went straight to the point asking, "Physician Jian, our Empress has been recuperating for some time now. After the birthday banquet, will she be able to recover quickly...?"

Mengzhu hurriedly tugged at Ruizhu's sleeve, and the hall suddenly fell silent.

Consort Chun's cheeks flushed slightly. Seeing that Consort Qi had given birth to the eldest princess, Princess Lingyi, and that Consort Shen and Consort Meng were also pregnant, she was naturally looking forward to it as well.

Jian Zhi carefully replied, "The fate of having offspring depends on the right time, place, and people. Consort Chun's six meridians are in harmony, but her liver qi is slightly congested. Once her qi and blood flow smoothly, it will naturally happen."

Liver Qi stagnation?

Meng Shu couldn't help but look at Consort Chun, knowing that Consort Chun was always thoughtful.

"Since the jade cicada is shattered, Your Majesty should refrain from serving the Emperor for the next few days. I would appreciate it if Imperial Physician Jian could prescribe a gentle remedy for Your Majesty, which would also help to conceal the situation. Mengzhu should also go to the Imperial Bedchamber Bureau to give instructions." After a while, Meng Shu spoke softly.

Seeing Consort Chun nod, Jian Zhi bowed and replied, "Your Highness Meng has considered everything carefully. In fact, my master and I have both examined the jade cicada. Although its jade quality is special, its actual medicinal effects are not significant. Your Highness only needs to relax, and good news will naturally come."

After Jian Zhi left, Consort Chun waved her hand gently, and Meng Zhu and the others quietly withdrew.

"Shu'er is temporarily unable to serve the Emperor, and the news of her pregnancy cannot be kept secret. We should inform the Emperor as soon as possible."

Meng Shu lowered her eyes and pondered for a long while before slowly nodding.

Consort Chun took a few steps closer and said gently, "I just asked Jian Zhi, and he has already sent the news of your pregnancy back to the manor. But Shu'er, don't worry. Even if your mother has other ideas after finding out, you don't need to care."

Meng Shu sighed softly: "Madam has always been kind to me, so why would she make things difficult for me? It's just that once this news spreads, the Marquis's mansion and Wan'er will be subjected to gossip for no reason."

Consort Chun tapped Meng Shu's brow with her fingertip and sat down beside her: "It's just idle gossip. People can say whatever they want. Are we supposed to shut them up one by one?"

After saying this, Consort Chun hesitated for a moment, then her expression suddenly became solemn: "Shu'er, I know you once swore an oath before your mother. But there are some things I... should have made clear to you long ago."

Seeing Consort Chun suddenly become so solemn, Meng Shu was momentarily stunned.

"Over the years, you have followed me into the manor and the palace, always putting me first and protecting me. Now that you have been freed from your slave status, you can live for yourself and no longer need to worry about the Marquis's manor."

These words had been brewing in Consort Chun's mind for a long time since Meng Shu changed her status.

Choosing to say it at this moment is tantamount to telling Meng Shu that from now on she can plan for the sake of her unborn child and no longer need to worry about the feelings of the Marquis's family.

These words were not meant to distance her from Meng Shu; on the contrary, they were sincere and came entirely from her heart.

That was just the nature of Consort Chun.

If you treat her sincerely, she will want to give you her whole heart, just as she did when she was devoted to the emperor.

Upon hearing this, Meng Shu felt grateful but also annoyed by her tendency to keep everything bottled up inside.

She grasped Consort Chun's hand and said seriously, "I am doing well in the palace now. Wan'er, why are you worrying so much? Isn't that just needlessly exhausting your energy? Imperial Physician Jian said you have liver qi stagnation..."

Consort Chun interrupted softly: "I'm too lazy to bother with other matters. But whenever I see Mother talking to you... I always feel like I'm a burden to you. Anyway, remember my words, from now on, you don't need to carry the burden of the Marquis's mansion on your shoulders all the time."

......

It wasn't until dusk that Aunt Mei hurriedly returned to the palace.

She only stayed in Huining Palace for the time it takes for half an incense stick to burn before taking Ruizhu and Mingyue to Cuiyu Hall.

Meng Shu was having dinner when she heard Xia'er announce her arrival. She quickly put down her chopsticks, got up, and went out to greet her.

As soon as they stepped out of the flower hall, they saw Aunt Mei and Ruizhu each carrying a gilded lacquer box coming towards them, with Xiaomingyue lagging behind, holding a large blue cloth bundle in her arms.

"Why did you only return at this hour, Aunt?" Meng Shu stepped forward and grasped Aunt Mei's hands, asking urgently, "Was there any trouble with the Jade Cicada matter? What did Madam Su say?"

Seeing her anxious expression, Aunt Mei gently patted the back of her hand to comfort her and told her in detail about Madam Su's divination. Finally, she sighed and said, "This is a happy event. Madam was always worried before, but now that Madam Su has performed the divination, her heart can be at ease."

Meng Shu breathed a sigh of relief, her brows and eyes relaxing: "That's good. After Your Highness's birthday, have Donggua prepare two tables of food, and we'll celebrate in Huining Palace."

"It is indeed cause for celebration." Aunt Mei smiled broadly and instinctively reached out to knead Meng Shu's arm, but then remembered her current status and quickly withdrew her hand, saying with a smile, "However, Your Highness's current condition means you can no longer secretly drink plum wine with Consort Chun as you used to."

After discussing business, Aunt Mei took out a letter from her sleeve.

"Madam Zhou will be leaving the capital at the beginning of next month. Madam Zhou took the initiative to inform Madam Zhou in advance of the news that the Empress is pregnant. Madam Zhou was overjoyed to hear this and prepared some food and other necessities, which she entrusted to a servant to bring to her."

The lady herself selected the finest bird's nest and donkey-hide gelatin from the storeroom, but they needed to be inspected by Imperial Physician Jian before use. "Your Majesty is now pregnant with both children, so everything must be done with care..."

Aunt Mei continued her rambling, relaying every word that Madam Yun had mentioned to Meng Shu. There was not a hint of command in her words; they were mostly the kind of advice that an elder would often give. The words were simple, yet they warmed the heart of the listener.

As the moonlight gradually brightened outside the corridor, Meng Shu felt she had never experienced such a peaceful moment.

After seeing Aunt Mei off, Green Willow returned and saw Meng Shu reading a letter in the study. She then called Winter Melon to help her sort through the gifts brought by Madam Yun.

When the bundle was untied, several soft little garments slipped out, all made of the finest fabrics, along with a swaddle blanket embroidered with auspicious gourd patterns. Green Willow smiled slightly and said to Winter Melon, "This must have been made by Clove. Madam Zhou must have had Clove prepare it long ago."

Funing Hall, Imperial Study.

Jingming stood respectfully by the imperial desk, his hands at his sides, noticing that the night watch was about to end and it was nearly 7 p.m.

He stole a glance at the Emperor's face. The memorials had been reviewed smoothly tonight, and he hadn't seen the Emperor show any anger. He mustered his courage and whispered, "Your Majesty, it's getting late. You should rest."

The Emperor was reviewing Zhou Bai's memorial, his vermilion brush hovering in mid-air as he read intently. "Summon Consort Meng to the Funing Palace."

Jingming's forehead beaded with sweat: "Your Majesty, the imperial physician has advised that Her Majesty needs to rest quietly these days..."

"Then let's go to Consort Chun's place."

Jingming lowered his body even further, his voice tight: "Your Majesty, before noon, Consort Chun sent someone to deliver a message... that she... is also unable to serve you in bed these few days."

He paused with his vermilion brush, then drew a line across the document.

Jingming knelt down with a thud, "Your Majesty, please calm your anger."