Scharlachroter Regen überflutet die Stadt

Kapitel 76

"Yes, Madam, Miss Xiaoyu said that Master has been imprisoned in the Qianxin Hall, without food or water! He's not even allowed to plead for him. Second Master went to plead once, but was severely reprimanded and thrown out. Fourth Master and Fifth Master are still kneeling at the entrance of Chaoyang Hall."

"You mean Fifth Master?"

"yes."

I sat motionless before my book, a cold smile creeping onto my face. Now was the time for everyone to watch the show; whether their pleas were genuine or feigned, the chaos had already begun. I summoned Siliang and asked her to gather some of Lu Li's clothes. Siliang's eyes reddened with fear, and I quickly comforted her, "The sky hasn't fallen yet, nothing serious has happened, don't cry! Take good care of Yin'er these next few days, and when you have time, go check on Jingrui at Granny Jing's. Don't utter a single word to the masters in the other courtyards, understand?"

Chapter Thirty-Seven: The Suffering of the Yao Family

Riding in a sedan chair towards the palace, I noticed that sedan chairs from the Imperial Medical Academy were also entering the central palace. I couldn't help but wonder if the Emperor had fainted from anger. However, those sedan chairs didn't head towards the Chaoyang Hall; instead, they went to the inner palace. The sedan chairs stopped at the entrance of the Chaoyang Hall, where the Fourth and Fifth Princes were indeed kneeling outside. As I approached, I encountered Eunuch Chang, who was trying to persuade the Fourth and Fifth Princes. After a few words, Eunuch Chang looked up and saw me, his expression turning alarmed. He quickly pulled me aside, saying, "Oh, my great-grandmother, the Emperor has issued an edict saying he won't see you. Don't go looking for trouble at this time."

I hurriedly asked my father-in-law what had happened, and he only said that the prince had committed a major taboo against the emperor.

"What taboo? If you hadn't explained clearly, I would have just barged in. When has Yan Zheng ever cared about her own head?"

My father-in-law looked at me worriedly, "If you don't care, someone else does. Don't force your way in. Just now, Princess Ning pleaded for the Seventh Prince and was reprimanded by the Emperor. Now her unborn child is in danger, and the imperial physician has been summoned from Consort Ding's place. Think about it, the Emperor has always been very protective of his wife, but now..."

My heart clenched painfully. How could I not understand? What did "pregnancy not being saved" mean? Where did this "pregnancy" come from? Where did this "not being saved" come from? It only just dawned on me that those sedan chairs from the Imperial Hospital...

I opened my mouth but couldn't utter a word. Bailing, the head maid from Consort Ding's palace, rushed over and whispered something in Eunuch Chang's ear. Eunuch Chang sighed, turned to me, and said, "See? Yao has miscarried. Now Seventh Prince has been released and is staying with Consort Ding. I also need to go and report to the Emperor about Princess Ning's situation. Why don't you take some time to pass on a message to Seventh Prince?"

That woman lost a child because of him, and now he should indeed devote himself entirely to staying by her bedside. I smiled slightly, handed the bundle to Eunuch Chang, and only said that I had left in a hurry and hadn't packed a few changes of clothes for you, sir. Eunuch Chang nodded, handed the bundle to Bailing, and gave her a few instructions.

I stepped back and walked back to the sedan chair, where I saw Fourth Prince still kneeling on the ground, his face pale. Knowing he had been wounded on the battlefield and had a leg ailment that made prolonged kneeling difficult, I instinctively wanted to go over, but I stopped in my tracks. What could I do if I saw him? Would he give me a cold glance, or would he force a few polite words? Neither would be pleasant for me. I shook my head self-deprecatingly, turned back to the sedan chair, and gently instructed Xiao Si, "Go tell Fourth Prince and Fifth Prince that Seventh Prince has gone to Consort Ding's place, and that Yao's child is gone. The Emperor won't make things too difficult for Seventh Prince now. Let both princes go back."

He leaned back into the sedan chair, trying not to think about Yao Shuhuan, but only about the taboo that Eunuch Chang had mentioned, yet he still couldn't understand it.

Because of Yao Shuhuan, the Emperor indeed did not make things difficult for Lu Li. Three days later, Lu Li returned to the manor with the Princess. The whole family, young and old, waited respectfully in the courtyard. They watched as Lu Li carried the pale-faced Yao Shi as they approached. Servants led Lu Li to carry Pang Shi into the main house. At the entrance to the main house, Lu Li hesitated slightly, turning his head to secretly search for my figure in the crowd. I quickly lowered my head to avoid his gaze. When I looked up again, Lu Li had already entered the main room. He lowered his head, smiled at Yin'er, and said, "Son, come with me back to the side courtyard to solve yesterday's chess game."

Lu Li stayed in the main house for several days, while I stayed in the side courtyard where I had food and drink. When I was free, I listened to Si Liang tell jokes, and when I was tired, I would move a rattan chair out of the side courtyard to bask in the sun and take a nap. One day, I had just fallen asleep in the rattan chair while reading a book when I vaguely heard footsteps approaching.

"Wow. So you're really free?"

I was wide awake. I looked up and saw my fourth sister-in-law approaching. I quickly got up, called for Siliang and then for Yin'er. Just as we were about to exchange greetings, my fourth sister-in-law grabbed my arm and sat down smilingly on the chair beside me. "Her Highness Consort Ding sent me to deliver some red ginseng to the lady of the main house. I remembered I hadn't seen you for quite some time since you left the palace, so I came to see you," she said, glancing occasionally at Siliang, who was leading Yin'er behind me.

I smiled knowingly. I quickly called Siliang over and asked her to serve tea. "I'm afraid the Princess is thinking about the people in my room."

Fourth Sister-in-law laughed too. "Saying I'm keeping an eye on things is less accurate than saying it's our family's troublemaker."

"The young prince has always been very kind to Siliang."

Fourth Sister-in-law nodded. "This boy has been anxious for days without seeing this girl. But things are not peaceful in your household right now, so I didn't dare tell him that Siliang is with you. I was afraid he would come and cause trouble all the time."

“It’s alright for the Prince to come. My courtyard is quiet, so his presence won’t disturb me. The young Prince and Zhen’er are the same age and I heard they get along well. It’s also good for the children to have some interaction, so they won’t be stuck in their rooms studying and writing all day and lose their spark.”

"That's what I meant. I'll have to trouble you to take care of things from now on, little sister."

"How could I dare? It's already a blessing that you don't mind."

Fourth Sister-in-law was taken aback, then sighed, "Why be so modest, sister? You were once favored by the Emperor."

I just smiled faintly and said nothing more.

Since then, Jingqing has often run to my courtyard. Sometimes Lu Zhen is there too, along with Siliang, Yin'er, and all the children, big and small, make quite a fuss here.

"Auntie, could you give us another one of those kites you made last time?" Because of my low status in the Prince's mansion, Jing Qing and Lu Zhen called me auntie, just like Si Liang.

I smiled and pulled Jingqing to my side. "Didn't we make quite a few yesterday?"

“I took it home yesterday, but my father confiscated it. I wanted to bring one back for my sister.”

“Auntie,” Jingqing shook me, “Grandpa came to our house yesterday. He saw the kite and asked if you made it. He asked me to pass on a message to you.”

"What?"

"Grandpa said he was furious that day. No matter what, Aunt is still the one who understands him best," Jingqing whispered in my ear. "Grandpa said that these are the things he wants to tell you, and I can only say them when I'm close to your ear."

I nodded, suddenly recalling the Emperor's furrowed brow that day. He only intended to bestow me upon Lu Xiu as he wished, but he never expected me to choose this path. Thinking of this, I couldn't help but smile bitterly. Several children were playing and laughing around me when a figure in blue appeared through the courtyard gate. The children immediately quieted down, especially Lu Zhen, who lowered his head and cautiously called out, "Father."

After Jing Qing finished calling out "Uncle," Lu Zhen pulled her out of the courtyard. I pointed at the two figures fleeing in panic and looked at Lu Li, who was pretending to be dignified, and said absentmindedly, "Look at how they're all avoiding you like you're a plague god."

Lu Li looked at Yin'er, who had run up to him and wanted him to carry her, and smiled. "Look, there are still some who don't dodge."

"Whose son are you? Come here right now!" I glared at Yin'er.

Lu Li realized I meant no good, so he let go of Yin'er and walked towards me, saying, "It's been a long time since I've seen you."

"Yes, sir, you've been so busy that you haven't even remembered me during your good days." I dodged, and his hand fell into mid-air, then he awkwardly withdrew it.

She still looked at me with a smile on her face, but remained silent.

I pushed a cup of tea toward him. "Is my courtyard easy to find?"

He picked up the tea on the table but didn't drink it. "The more I hear this, the more I feel something is off."

I gestured for Siliang to take Yin'er away. Once we were alone in the room, I gently asked, "Having gone from being a beloved son to a rebellious one, haven't you had any trouble adjusting?"

Lu Li idly fiddled with the jade pendant at his waist, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Wasn't this how we lived when we were nobody?"

"That's true." I nodded in agreement, my gaze falling on his hands. "I heard you committed a major taboo?"

Lu Li's hand paused slightly. "Yes, because this trip was done without my father's knowledge; the real reason was to pay respects to my uncle."

"Uncle?" My brows gradually relaxed. "This uncle must be extraordinary to be able to make the Emperor so furious."

"It was the former Crown Prince Yanlun."

"Oh, so you're that unlucky former crown prince who had his throne usurped by his younger brother." I smiled faintly, but kept my expression hidden as I observed his demeanor.

"yes."

"You should pay your respects." He immediately realized he'd gone too far and shook his head, feigning nonchalance. "He is, after all, my uncle. But how could you so easily touch upon the Emperor's deepest sorrow? You deserve it..."

He leaned closer, his warm breath lingering on her ear, "I knew you couldn't change your sharp tongue."

I turned my head away, casually fiddling with his sleeve. "Since you say it's not good, I'll change it, okay?!"

Lu Li seemed lost in thought, staring at me for a long while before placing a hand near my temple. "Your personality has changed a lot."

"You just said I hadn't changed, and now you're saying I've changed too much." I said with a smile, "Are you confused, sir?"

He shook his head. "In the past, I was head-on. Now I'm a bit softer, more gentle and mild-mannered, but I still don't get confused when it comes to important matters."

I nudged him, and he sat up straight, refilling his own teacup. "Being so shrewd in everything, wouldn't that be exhausting?!"

He thought for a moment, then asked, "Why didn't you go see Shu Huan?"

I frowned with some disgust. "Her child isn't mine, so why should I protect it? I didn't mention it to you, but you're bringing it up against me instead. I know you're heartbroken. Losing a legitimate son would be upsetting for anyone, but don't use your heartbreak to upset others."

"That's not what I meant."

"You mean more than I said. When she was pregnant, you didn't tell me to go and comfort her! Yes, she was pregnant, and to protect her, I had to keep it from this wicked person like me. Now that she's pregnant, she wants my comfort? Did she lose her child because of me?"

Lu Li glanced at me indifferently, "All the nonsense you're talking about is completely unfounded. Don't take the past with Shu Huan to heart. We're all under the same roof now."

"The past?" I gave a cold laugh. "Then am I also a thing of the past, a person of the past?!"

"you……"

“If I don’t come back, then it will truly be an old story that’s no longer on our minds.” I gritted my teeth, suppressing my anger. “I understand what you’re trying to say. Now she’s occupying my house, and I’m under your roof.”

Lu Li frowned, and after a long while, said nothing. Under my silent gaze, she walked out somewhat awkwardly. Si Liang, who had just brought in tea and snacks, looked at Lu Li's retreating figure with some puzzlement, "Auntie, what's wrong?"

I waved my hand and said, "It's alright, we've always been like this, we don't need to say much when we don't see eye to eye."

Hearing me deliberately say that, Lu Liyuan's body trembled, he paused for a moment, and then stepped out.

Chapter Thirty-Eight: Weariness

When it was time for dinner, Qin Lanruo came to my room. She was gentle and virtuous, always polite to me, neither too intimate nor too distant. She sat with me for a while, making small talk, before finally getting to the point, "I heard that Master came here this afternoon?"

"Here he comes." I held Yin'er on my lap and wiped the pastry crumbs off his face. "He's gone again."

Qin Lanruo nodded, "After leaving your place, she locked herself in the study and didn't say a word."

"But it's my fault again?" I asked with a smile. "I really have a lot of faults to make."

Qin Lanruo quickly shook her head, "Of course that's not what I meant. Now that you're being treated badly by the Emperor in court, and your wife's first child has been lost in a muddle, it's no wonder you're upset."

"What does my sister want to say?" I asked, still smiling.

Qin Lanruo sighed, "Since you're having a hard time, and you've finally come to my sister's place, you should do as I please and make you feel better."

I nodded. "Sister Lao has given the instructions, but it's not my turn to coax Master for the time being."

"So you've had a fight," Qin Lanruo sighed.

"Yes, because I didn't go to pay my respects to the princess."

Qin Lanruo carefully observed my expression. "Sister, there are some things I have to say. The princess lost her child, and no one can be blamed. She herself didn't even know she was pregnant and then lost the child in a daze, just like I did back then."

You lost that child in a daze. Because of that child, I also lost my beloved child.

"Does Your Highness not know either?" I asked casually, not wanting to hear the answer.

“When has the Prince ever cared about the affairs of the main courtyard before? He always comes to your side courtyard, whether there's something to do or not. We are all envious. He even visits Zhi'er less often these days.”

I pursed my lips and stopped arguing. Qin Lanruo continued, "The Princess Consort spoke ill of you to some of my sisters-in-law. She said you don't know manners. You've been in the manor for so long, yet you haven't even shown your face or bowed. These words were passed around among the sisters-in-law, so naturally they reached the palace. Perhaps the Prince heard them in the palace, or perhaps the Emperor and Empress inquired about them, which is why they came to ask you about it. The Prince doesn't want you to be unwittingly burdened by these rumors about your lack of manners. Please don't misunderstand."

After hearing Qin Lanruo's words, I just smiled wearily. After seeing Qin Lanruo off, I told Siliang to take the tonics that Fourth Sister-in-law had recently brought and head towards the main house. At the entrance to the main house, several maids were guarding it. When they saw me, they arrogantly pouted and turned to report into the house.

When there was movement inside, the maid outside the door let me in. I led Siliang in and stood in the outer room. I saw the person inside nod to me. "The Princess said to let you in to talk, Miss."

I went inside, and the bright inner room was completely different from what I remembered. Yao Shuhuan was leaning against the bed, and Lu Li was sitting beside her, feeding her porridge spoonful by spoonful. I smiled inwardly; wasn't she supposed to be holed up in the study? But I still put on a humble expression and bowed respectfully to Yao, saying, "I haven't been feeling well these days, and I was afraid of passing on my illness to you, so I haven't come to see you. It's all my fault."

Yao didn't ask me to get up. She seemed very interested in the porridge, enjoying it with a smile, and occasionally chatting and laughing with Lu Li, completely ignoring me standing to the side.

After a long while, Lu Li finally turned around and said on behalf of Yao Shi, "This is our own residence, there's no need to be so formal as in the palace. You may rise."

I got up without saying anything more. Madam Yao pushed away the porridge that Lu Li brought over and looked at me without any expression, saying, "I remember the Emperor didn't give you any official title. You're just a maid now. Who were you calling 'sister' to just now?"

As soon as she finished speaking, I felt Lu Li's brows furrow.

"If you don't want to hear 'older sister,' wouldn't it be better if I called you 'younger sister' from now on?" I smiled, with a hint of coldness in my expression.

Lu Li coughed slightly, not looking at me, and smiled gently at Madam Yao, "Now that Zheng'er has come to pay her respects, let her go back as soon as possible."

Only then did Madam Yao suppress her anger, casually saying a polite thing and telling me to go back.

I stepped out of the house, looked at Siliang who was frowning, and teased her with a smile, "What's wrong?"

Siliang glared fiercely at the house, "Bullying others by relying on their power. Back when Aunt was in front of the Emperor, who dared to point fingers at her like this?"

"Alright, alright, a fallen phoenix is no better than a chicken. Besides, she didn't make things difficult for me. Back in the palace, thanks to her, I even had my personal utensils washed. This is nothing."

As I looked up, I saw Lu Li coming out of the house, and I quickly turned and walked away. But the footsteps behind me still followed.

"Are you satisfied now?" I paused, concealing my smile, and said emotionlessly.