Seeing that Third Sister didn't intend to speak, An Ran, who was standing behind her, quickly gave Hua Ping a wink.
Two strong old women immediately stepped forward and quickly helped Li Shi up.
“Aunt Li, there’s no need for such formalities. The child in your womb is my sister and brother-in-law’s first child, and we can’t afford to let anything go wrong.” An Ran knew that she was being presumptuous, but she had no choice but to say, “Hua Ping, bring Aunt Li an embroidered stool.”
An Ran quickly distanced herself from the child in Li's womb with just a few words.
Huaping did as Anran said without waiting for San Niang's instructions.
An Ran then smiled at Third Sister and said, "Sister, it's really strange. You've always been lenient with your servants, so why is Aunt Li kneeling all over the place?" She then turned to Li Shi and smiled, "Aunt, you'd better be careful! Those who understand will know that you respect my sister, but those who are confused will think that my sister is mistreating people!"
Only then did Aunt Li turn her attention to An Ran, who was standing behind Third Sister.
What a beautiful young lady!
Li first praised in her heart. She had met the other three girls of the An family, but this one was the most beautiful and unfamiliar to her. She could only vaguely make out the resemblance to the Third Sister, so she thought that this must be the Ninth Sister who had been lost for many years.
I never expected that Ninth Sister would be so formidable, far surpassing her elder sister, Third Sister.
“Ninth Sister is quite right.” Although she saw extreme disgust in Li Shi, Third Sister still responded somewhat coldly. “Protecting the young master’s child is the most important thing.”
Li nodded obediently.
Fortunately, after Anran had given her a long explanation, Third Sister finally asked some pleasantries, such as how the baby was doing and when the delivery would take place.
Li answered each question respectfully, leaving no room for criticism.
Since Li was heavily pregnant at this time, she couldn't be said to be a newly acquired concubine, otherwise it would become a topic of gossip. She could only be told that she had been with Yun Shen before, and that her pregnancy was unstable, which was why she hadn't made a fuss. Therefore, Li was even less than a concubine in an ordinary household.
At least in ordinary families, when a concubine was taken in, it was a grand affair, with music and fanfare, a small bridal sedan chair being carried in, and important relatives being invited to a meal.
However, there was not a trace of grievance in Li's eyes.
Although they kept it a secret from outsiders, behind closed doors they still had to go through the proper rituals of kowtowing to the mistress, serving tea, and acknowledging her status. Therefore, when Jinping entered carrying a teacup with famille rose floral designs on a vermilion lacquered tray, Li Shi stood up again, supporting her back and protruding her high belly.
Having gained experience, Hua Ping gave the two old women a meaningful look.
"Please have some tea, Madam." Madam Li took two shaky steps forward, holding the tea, and was about to kneel down to offer it to Third Sister.
The two old women immediately helped Li up, preventing her from kneeling.
An Ran looked at Li Shi and immediately became wary.
Li's pregnancy was advanced, and she could give birth at any time. If she were to have a miscarriage flare up just because of greeting and serving tea to Third Sister, wouldn't that make Third Sister seem unvirtuous? And judging from Li's appearance, it seemed as if she wanted to throw herself and give birth to the child.
Moreover, there's an old woman and a maid guarding outside the door. If anything happens, they'll start making a fuss. Wouldn't that ruin Third Sister's reputation?
This way, Third Sister can take the blame. Without Li Shi even needing to complain, the Prince and Princess will naturally think it's Third Sister's fault.
Anran anticipated that such a thing might happen, so she had Huaping prepare two strong old women to be on standby in case Li Shi tried anything funny.
One should always be wary of others.
In hindsight, this move was the right one.
"It's good that Auntie's intentions are there." Anran had no choice but to speak up for Third Aunt.
Mrs. Li quickly smiled and agreed.
"Jinping, bring the things here," said Third Sister.
As is customary, the mistress is to bestow gifts. San Niang originally had Hua Ping prepare a pair of bracelets as a reward, but when Hua Ping brought them up, San Niang discovered that they were actually a set of pure gold headdresses.
Before San Niang could ask, Hua Ping smiled and said, "Auntie is very fortunate. This was originally given to the Crown Prince's wife by the Princess Consort. Now that the Crown Prince's wife has made a contribution to your pregnancy, she has bestowed this set of jewelry upon you."
Li's smile faltered for a moment before she hurriedly expressed her gratitude.
Third Sister knew very well that she had not given Huaping any such instructions. The only possibility was An Jiu's arrangement, but because Li Shi was present, Third Sister did not ask any further questions.
After a few dry pleasantries, the three of them ran out of things to say.
Fortunately, since Third Sister had agreed, she kept her word and did not make things difficult for Li Shi, so she let her go.
Luoyue Pavilion was a small courtyard diagonally behind the main courtyard. It was quite quiet and suitable for Li Shi to rest and recuperate during her pregnancy. Third Sister had already had it prepared and arranged for Li Shi and her servants to move in.
Let them rest for a while before taking Li to see the Princess Consort.
Seeing that there were no problems with serving tea upon entering the house this time, An Ran was about to breathe a sigh of relief when she remembered Li's behavior earlier and couldn't help but feel worried.
Li was more formidable than she had imagined; Third Sister was probably no match for her.
The expectation that Li Shi was a law-abiding person, which had been held by An'an, has been largely shattered. If they want to deal with her, San Niang will at least have to stand up for herself.
Is Third Sister stupid? Of course not, she's just blinded by her feelings and can't see anything clearly.
Isn't there a better way?
An Ran fell into deep thought. (JustL)
Chapter 29 Compensation
When San Niang saw An Ran lost in thought, she called her a few times, and An Ran finally came back to her senses.
"What's with that headdress?" Third Sister wasn't stingy, but since it was Li Shi, she didn't want to give her a single penny more. She glanced at the painted screen and said, "I remember I asked you to prepare a pair of red gold twisted bracelets, didn't I?"
An Ran hurriedly said, "I asked Hua Ping to change it! I thought that Li Shi is pregnant now, and that set of red gold headdress is very heavy, so she can't wear it for a while. That's why I gave it to her. I took the liberty of doing it, please punish me, sister." As An Ran spoke, she curtsied and stepped forward.
"I didn't say I blamed you! Come and sit down!" Third Sister said nonchalantly, "Don't even mention a set of pure gold jewelry, so what if it were made of diamonds? It's just... I'd rather melt all the gold into water and pour it away than give it to Li Shi!"