The Ruthless Female Forensic Doctor's Husband-Destroying Story

Chapter 60

Jiang's face turned a deep purplish-red from the words, and she stammered, unable to speak. Hearing the old lady instruct her to prepare generous gifts and personally deliver them as an apology, she dared not say another word. She hurriedly nodded in agreement, using the excuse of preparing the gifts to excuse herself, and then withdrew. After a few sighs, she mustered her spirits and did as instructed. This time, she dared not be negligent, carefully preparing all sorts of gifts.

Chapter Seventy-Four

Madam Xu had only argued with Jiang out of momentary anger. Now that she had calmed down, although still unwilling, she knew there was nothing she could do. She could only wait for Hanlin Xu to return, and after explaining the situation, she would inevitably have to go to the government office tomorrow. Truly, man proposes, God disposes; all her efforts had been in vain.

After the old lady from the Grand Commandant's residence visited the west courtyard, she sent over a stewed tonic. It was described as a stew of pigeon with wolfberries and yam, nourishing without being too heating, perfect for women newly pregnant. Xu Shirong had never liked such foods, and the smell was rather strange. The maid in the north room who delivered the food acted as if she were to be served before returning to report, and Yang Huan was constantly coaxing her, even offering to feed her with a spoon. Not wanting to be too insistent, she reluctantly accepted and ate it. Not eating it at all, however, caused her to feel nauseous shortly after, vomiting everything up, including bile. Yang Huan was terrified and repeatedly said he would fetch a doctor. Xu Shirong quickly stopped him, saying it was a normal reaction for women two or three months into their pregnancy and would subside in a few days. Yang Huan finally calmed down and said, "Giving birth to a baby is so exhausting. I should have known better than to have one!" As he spoke, he shouted towards the door, asking for more food to be brought over.

Xu Shirong found his startled reaction somewhat amusing. Although she had vomited her stomach empty, she had no appetite at all. Fearing that he would yell and force her to eat the same thing again, she quickly stopped him, saying, "I'm not hungry. I'm afraid I'll vomit again if I eat too much. My mouth just feels a little bland, a few fruits will do."

Hearing her say this, Yang Huan stopped and personally fed her the freshly cut lotus root and pears. Seeing that she ate them without vomiting again, he was relieved. That evening, he ordered the kitchen to prepare a light milk pudding soup according to her taste, along with a spring bamboo shoot soup simmered with fresh chicken, pheasant, and wind-dried chicken. She ate a bowl of fragrant rice. He chatted with her to aid digestion, and she ate a few bites of the late-night snack brought from the kitchen. After washing up, the two went to bed. Seeing that Xu Shirong looked somewhat sleepy, he was about to go and turn off the light so he could sleep with her when he heard Xiao Die outside say that someone had arrived. He went out to open the door and saw that it was Sun Mama, who had served the old lady in the north room for many years, smiling as she came in, followed by a young maid carrying bedding.

Yang Huan was puzzled and was about to ask what it meant when Granny Sun smiled and said, "Young master, the old lady is afraid that the maids in this courtyard are not serving well and are ignorant, so she ordered me to come here and make a bed. I am a vigilant sleeper at night, so I can serve you water and help you get up at night."

"Then where will I sleep?" Yang Huan asked blankly.

Madam Sun laughed heartily, saying, "Why is my young master so well-behaved now? Now that the young mistress is pregnant, it's only natural that you should sleep in separate rooms."

Yang Huan then remembered that there was such a reason, and he was not happy about it. He shook his head and said, "Thank you, Mother. It's better for you to go back. I will take good care of you."

Madam Sun pointed at him and laughed, "Young master, you're talking nonsense. How could you possibly take care of me? Besides, you probably wouldn't be able to take good care of me. You can go ahead without worry. When your wife was pregnant with you, it was I who took care of you. Now that you're pregnant, I'll be even more attentive." After saying that, she urged him to leave.

Although Yang Huan was extremely unwilling, this Granny Sun had always been a trusted servant of the old lady of the mansion, and now she was here on orders. Although he wanted to stay, he couldn't bring himself to do it, so he turned back to Xu Shirong's bedside, sat down, and said in a low voice with a bitter face, "Jiaoniang, I'm sorry to trouble you to be separated from me for a few nights. In a few days, I will take you back to Qingmen, and we won't have to deal with so many people between us anymore."

Xu Shirong knew that the old lady had sent this Granny Sun over, firstly to serve her, and secondly to prevent her and him from being too young to handle things and potentially harming the baby. She understood that the first few months were indeed not auspicious for sexual activity, and hearing him say this, she found it amusing. She quickly nodded in agreement and offered a few words of soft comfort. Yang Huan, unable to resist Granny Sun's repeated urging, had no choice but to stand up angrily and leave in a huff. That night, he stayed in a side room, feeling he couldn't bear to stay there even a day longer. He wished the auspicious omen would arrive the next day so he could report back to Qingmen County immediately.

Yang Huan tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep, as did the Xu Hanlin couple in the same city. Madam Xu told Xu Hanlin that their daughter had been diagnosed with pregnancy in the palace and had now been brought back to the Yang family. Xu Hanlin remained silent for a long time, recalling the whispers in court earlier that day. They said that Empress Guo was apparently being held under house arrest by the Emperor for a secret palace matter, and although the Empress repeatedly cried out her innocence, the Emperor ignored her, seemingly determined to depose her this time. The idea of deposing the Empress had been brought up before when she slapped the Emperor, but it was suppressed due to opposition from the Empress Dowager and some court officials who argued that while the Empress's actions were immoral, others were at fault first, and her mistake was unintentional. Now that this matter has arisen, Empress Dowager Liu, nearing the end of her life and reportedly suffering from a prolonged illness, is unlikely to live much longer. If she were to pass away, it would be futile for the court officials to oppose her now. In that case, Consort Yang and Consort Shang are the most likely candidates to ascend to the throne, with Consort Yang seemingly having the best chance. If her family truly produces an empress, in the event of a defeat, the emperor would likely not hold her family too responsible. After much deliberation, she ultimately sighed and acquiesced, somewhat relieved that she hadn't agreed to Xu Jinrong's marriage proposal before.

The next morning, Madam Xu herself was unwilling to go to the government office, only handing the documents to the steward to be delivered. She and her wives prepared various tonics and small clothes. Having made up her mind, and thinking that her daughter, married for several years, was finally pregnant, she felt a sense of pride and, though still somewhat bittersweet, couldn't help but feel a surge of joy. Madam Liu and Madam He had nothing to say, but Zhenniang, seeing that her efforts had come to naught, was naturally unhappy, knowing it was beyond her control. She didn't dare show it on her face, but her words were even more flattering than her singing, further pleasing Madam Xu. Madam Liu and Madam He exchanged glances, their dissatisfaction barely audible. While they were busy, a message came that Madam Jiang from the Grand Commandant's residence had arrived again.

Although Madam Xu harbored deep resentment, she only thought that since her daughter had returned to the Yang family as a daughter-in-law, she would ultimately live under her mother-in-law's control. She figured if she offended her too much, Madam Xu might make things difficult for her daughter later, so she didn't dare do anything. Plus, she was curious why Madam Jiang had come again today after yesterday's visit, so she told Madam Liu to go to the main hall to welcome her in, while she herself remained seated. When Madam Jiang arrived, she noticed that not only was Madam Xu's attitude completely different from yesterday, but even the servants from the Grand Commandant's residence who followed her in were carrying a plethora of gifts. Madam Xu was secretly astonished. In officialdom, the art of diplomacy was a basic skill, and the ladies, having been exposed to it, were naturally adept at it. These two, who had previously fought tooth and nail for each other, now that one was showing goodwill, the other naturally seized the opportunity. Before long, they were calling each other "mother-in-law" affectionately. If Madam Jiang hadn't repeatedly declined, saying she had business at home and needed to return immediately, she probably would have been invited to stay for dinner. After their conversation, Madam Xu personally saw her off to her carriage and entrusted her with the care of her daughter. Madam Jiang readily agreed, and Madam Xu was extremely grateful. Only then did the two bid farewell and return home.

Yang Huan was forced to sleep in separate rooms from Xu Shirong. After three more days of anxious waiting, he finally received news that the auspicious omen was nearing the outskirts of the capital, and that County Magistrate Mu and his entourage would arrive the next day. He was overjoyed. The next day, dressed in his formal official robes, he joined the imperial procession and carriages of the officials to greet the emperor outside the East Gate. Although he was only a seventh-rank official serving in a remote post, he had received a special honor today, standing behind the emperor. Even the prime minister, the prince, and his father, who wore sable crowns and nine-ridged ornaments, stood behind him, looking at the back of his head.

Emperor Renzong, wearing a crown reaching to the heavens and a crimson dragon robe, holding a black jade tablet, alighted from his four-horse carriage adorned with intricately carved gold and dragon designs, and waited personally. When a guard rode from afar to report the arrival of the auspicious omen, he washed his hands, burned incense, and solemnly received the auspicious omen, presented in a vermilion lacquered basin covered with a red cloth, from the county magistrate. He placed it in the center of the altar, which had been prepared earlier, and led his officials in worship. At that moment, bells and chimes rang out in unison, incense smoke swirled, and the many people kneeling in the distance shouted that auspicious omens had descended from heaven, blessing the Great Song Dynasty.

County Magistrate Mu had never expected the scene to be so grand. Initially, he was somewhat trembling with fear, kneeling and suppressing his dread, not daring to show it. Only when he secretly peeked up and saw Yang Huan standing behind the Emperor, his face solemn and his gaze unwavering, did he calm down somewhat. Soon after the ceremony, the Emperor ordered Fan Zhongyan and Han Qi to accompany the special envoy, escorting the auspicious steed on horseback to the North Gate to announce the arrival of the entire army, who were already stationed and ready to depart, and to immediately set out for the Northwest. The entire audience erupted in cheers of "Long live the Emperor!" and the earth shook. Afterwards, County Magistrate Mu, for his meritorious service in escorting the auspicious steed, was promoted to magistrate of another county under Tongzhou Prefecture, rising from the ninth rank to the seventh rank. The other yamen runners who accompanied him also received generous rewards from the Emperor, and they were all overjoyed. Upon hearing that in this battle, only Magistrate Yang not only failed to be promoted and made rich, but was instead punished by the emperor with a three-year salary deduction in front of the Golden Palace, everyone was deeply moved and thought to themselves that they must work even harder in the future to repay the magistrate's kindness in promoting them.

Yang Huan stood behind the emperor for half a day, his face stiff with embarrassment, secretly thinking that being an emperor was such a miserable job, not as enjoyable as being a county magistrate. Finally, the emperor returned to the palace, a long procession of ceremonial guards, imperial cavalry, and bands stretching for dozens of miles. By the time he got back to the Grand Commandant's residence, he was exhausted. But he didn't want to waste a moment; he immediately ordered his men to load the trunks he had packed the day before onto the carriages, saying he was going back to Qingmen County.

Chapter 75

These past few days, Xu Shirong had seen him so eager to fly back to Qingmen County as soon as possible. She had a few things she wanted to say but couldn't quite put them into words. She wanted to find another opportunity to tell him. But seeing how impatient he was, she immediately said that they had to leave. She then pulled him into the inner room, told everyone else to leave, and made him sit down.

Needless to say, Yang Huan had spent the last few nights with Granny Sun sleeping in front of this bed. He'd been kicked out of his room, and even during the day, Granny Sun and her maids had been watching over him, so they hadn't had a proper conversation. He'd been itching to get closer, and now that they were alone, he immediately pulled her onto his lap, hugged her tightly, and rubbed against her chest a few times, mumbling, "I've missed you so much..."

Xu Shiren suppressed a laugh, pushed his head away, and then said seriously, "I have something to tell you."

Yang Huan mumbled a couple of times, then rubbed against himself a couple more times, before suddenly exclaiming, "Why does it seem to have gotten even bigger?"

Before she knew she was pregnant, Xu Shirong hadn't felt anything unusual. But since finding out, perhaps it was psychological, sometimes she felt a slight, dull ache in her chest while lying down at night, and her undergarments would even be damp the next morning. Although she knew this was normal, seeing him make such a fuss still made her a little embarrassed and annoyed. She tapped him and said, "Don't move, I'm talking to you seriously." Seeing that he finally just sat still, hugging her waist, she said, "I've been thinking about your trip back to Qingmen County these past few days. I'm afraid I can't go back with you for a while." Seeing Yang Huan's eyes widen suddenly, she covered his mouth and said, "It's not that I don't want to go back with you. It's just that I'm only three months pregnant now, and the journey is quite long. I'm afraid something might happen. Why don't you go first, and I'll go after a month or two? What do you think?"

Yang Huan hurriedly said, "Last time you were tricked into coming back by your mother and were in a hurry, which is why you took the carriage. This time, I'll accompany you by boat to get there slowly, won't that be better?"

Xu Shirong actually felt that her body was quite robust now, and traveling by boat shouldn't be a problem. Besides, these past few days, besides being forced by Granny Sun to eat tonics that made her want to vomit, even her meals had increased from three to six or seven a day, leaving her feeling incredibly full and sickly. Thinking about how this would continue in the future, she naturally had the idea of going with Yang Huan. However, she remembered Granny Sun subtly mentioning a few days ago that pregnant women were different from others and needed to be extremely careful, and that the old lady asked her about it several times a day—something even the old lady hadn't been so concerned about when she was pregnant. She understood that Granny Sun didn't want her to leave, hence the subtle hints. If she said she wanted to go, it might give them grounds for gossip. That's why she mentioned it to Yang Huan. Seeing his reaction, she hesitated and remained silent.

Yang Huan hugged her tighter and said, "Jiaoniang, I cannot disobey the emperor's orders. The emperor wants me to repair the dike and erect the monument, so I have no choice but to go immediately. Although I wish I could see you by my side all the time, if you feel that your body cannot withstand it, you can stay at home and take good care of yourself. I will go first..." His voice grew softer and softer, and by the last few words, they were almost stuck in his throat and could no longer be heard.

Yang Huan finished speaking with difficulty, but received no response. He looked up at Jiao Niang and saw that although she didn't speak, her eyes were gazing at him tenderly, and her cheeks were slightly flushed. His heart stirred, and he knew her feelings. He said happily, "As long as you say so, my wife, I'll take care of the rest. You're worried that my mother and the others will stop us, right? I'll speak up and make sure they let us go together without saying anything to you." As he spoke, he leaned close to her ear and whispered something.

After listening, Xu Shirong suppressed a laugh and twisted his ear. She thought for a moment, then hesitated and said, "This way I'm better, but you are..."

Yang Huan chuckled and said, "I've always been a bit of a rascal since I was a child. Now, as long as I can travel with my wife, I'd be willing to go on ten more trips, let alone one."

Meanwhile, Xiaodie, who had just been dismissed from the outside room, and another maid who had only been assigned to the north room a few days prior were chatting idly when they suddenly heard a loud argument coming from the inner room. Startled, they thought they had misheard, but as they tiptoed closer to the door to eavesdrop, they realized they were right. It was their young master and mistress arguing. The young master's voice grew louder and louder, until finally, there were several crashing sounds, like a porcelain bottle breaking on the floor. Both of them flinched, exchanged a glance, and Xiaodie whispered, "Quickly, go and call someone over!"

Upon hearing this, the girl hurriedly turned and ran towards the north room. She almost tripped and fell when she stepped out the door. After she breathlessly recounted the situation inside the room, the old lady could no longer contain herself. She called Jiang Shi over and, supported by several people, rushed over there.

Hearing the clattering footsteps outside, Yang Huan knew someone had arrived. He grabbed a jar and smashed it on the ground with a crash, while winking at Xu Shirong.

Xu Shirong knew he was asking her to make a crying sound. But she was always so serious and methodical, and the few shouts she had made earlier were only for Xiaodie and the others outside the door to hear. Now, to pretend to cry was impossible for her. She tried to hold it in, but couldn't, so she turned around and sat on the chair, burying her head in her arms as she counted.

"We've only had a few days of peace, what are they doing now!"

The old lady was hurriedly ushered into the house by Jiang Shi, Sun Mama, and her entourage. She saw that the house was in a mess, her grandson was standing with his hands on his hips and a gloomy face, and her pregnant granddaughter-in-law was lying on a chair looking like she was crying. She said that the two of them had relapsed after only a few days of peace. She was so angry that she slammed her cane on the ground and glared at Yang Huan.

Yang Huan snorted angrily, "I told this woman to come back to Qingmen with me, but she kept whining and making excuses, saying she wanted to stay here to give birth. She's my woman, and she should follow me wherever I go. If she's so disobedient, I should have divorced her completely. Why did I bring her back in the first place!"

These words startled everyone, and the old lady angrily tapped her cane repeatedly on the ground, scolding, "You nonsense! What did your wife say wrong? That's why you treat her like this! How can a pregnant woman endure the hardships of the journey? Even if she didn't say anything, this old woman would still stop her! You better stop this nonsense and go to your post now!" As she spoke, she went to Xu Shirong's side, supporting her shoulder and coaxing her incessantly.

Xu Shirong was holding back her anger, and her face turned red. Afraid of being noticed, she took the opportunity to bury her face in the old lady's arms. When the old lady saw her red face, she thought it was from anger and kept saying, "Poor thing."

Seeing her son embarrass himself, Madam Jiang's face flushed red, and she frowned and scolded him a couple of times. Her scolding only made things worse; it caused Yang Huan to jump up and say, "My own son must come with me! If she's afraid of the jolting of a carriage, why not take a boat? If she doesn't come with me, I won't go either! At worst, the Emperor will find out and I'll be fined three years' salary!"

Jiang was trembling with rage and said, "How could I be so unlucky as to have given birth to such a scoundrel of a son like you! If you dare to disobey the imperial decree again, not only the emperor, but even your father will not forgive you if he finds out! Do you think you're so lucky that you'll only be fined three years' salary!"

Yang Huan ignored her completely, shouting even louder than Jiang Shi: "I don't care about any of that! If she and her mother won't come with me, I'll just refuse to go to my post. Tell my father to break my legs! That way I can petition the Emperor and never have to leave again!"

Jiang was so angry she nearly choked and fell over. Her maidservant quickly rubbed her chest and back to calm her down. The old lady was also angry, but fearing that further anger would harm her health and the fetus, she slammed her cane on the ground and took Jiang's hand, leading her into her room. Xu Shirong passed by Yang Huan, their eyes met, a slight smile flashing in each of their eyes, and they walked past each other. Even after leaving the room, she could still hear Yang Huan shouting.

When Grand Commandant Yang returned and learned of the matter, he was also furious. He summoned Yang Huan to his study, ordered him to kneel, and after hearing three sentences of his usual nonsense from earlier that day, he was enraged and about to kick him. But just as his foot reached Yang Huan's chest, he suddenly remembered Yang Huan's back as he stood behind the Emperor earlier that day, hesitated, and finally withdrew his foot. However, he was somewhat resentful and took the iron ruler, slamming it loudly on the desk, continuing to lecture him.

Although Jiang told her husband about it, she was afraid he wouldn't be able to hold back and would actually beat their son, so she secretly followed him and hid outside the door to listen. When she heard the sound of the iron ruler cracking inside, she thought it was hitting her son's skin again, and she couldn't restrain herself. She burst into the door, startling both of them inside.

Jiang stepped forward and pulled Yang Huan up from the ground, trying to persuade him to be more obedient. Grand Commandant Yang's initial anger wasn't due to his son's insistence on taking his wife with him to his post, but mainly because of his son's disrespectful and absurd remarks. He had disciplined his son since childhood, and knew his son's temperament well—like a rock in a latrine, stubborn and unyielding. Now that his son had made up his mind, further discipline would be futile. The emperor had given his orders, and delaying his return was even more inappropriate. Adding to his annoyance at Jiang's constant nagging, he angrily said, "Let him do whatever he wants! Just send a few reliable men with him to carefully serve his wife!"