Clues Revealed by the Clairvoyant
Madam Shen breathed a sigh of relief.
Nanli pondered for a moment and said, “Looking at Madam Chen’s complexion, I wonder how often the physician comes to check her pulse.”
Madam Chen’s heart skipped a beat.
Could it be that Nanli has noticed something? Impossible. How could a young girl like her, who hasn’t even reached adulthood, discern any clues with just her eyes? She calmed herself down and smiled, “The physician will come tomorrow morning to check her pulse. Thank you for your concern, Miss.”
“That’s good,” Nanli nodded.
Being informed by the physician was the most convincing.
With Marquis An'yang and Chu Ye returning soon, the entire mansion was bustling with preparations for tomorrow’s family banquet.
Shen had already instructed that Madam Chen didn’t need to go and greet them.
But Madam Chen still instructed Chunmei to help her with her grooming.
She sat in front of the dressing table, her complexion pale, but the spots on her face had disappeared.
Madam Chen examined herself carefully and finally revealed a faint smile.
Chunmei applied powder to her face, barely concealing the paleness, and then applied some rouge, giving Madam Chen a slightly healthier complexion.
“Is the medicine ready?” Madam Chen asked coldly.
Chunmei brought the medicine over and said, “It’s ready. Are you sure about doing this?”
“Of course, only by doing this can I make the Marquis cherish me more in the future,” Madam Chen’s eyes flashed with resentment.
“That Liang is clearly older, yet she constantly competes with me for Marquis’s affection. Hmph, I want to make her regret this.”
“But… if Marquis likes her, he may not punish her severely,” Chunmei said.
“If Marquis is reluctant, isn’t there still the Old Lady?” Madam Chen touched her belly, feeling a pang of tenderness.
Thinking of this, Madam Chen picked up the medicinal soup and drank it in one gulp.
It was almost noon.
Madam Shen, accompanied by her children and two maids, was waiting in the courtyard to welcome them.
Madam Chen also came, supporting her waist.
Shen frowned, “Didn’t I tell you to wait in the courtyard? Why did you come over?”
“Madam, both I and the child were longing for Master, so I came here to welcome him,” Madam Chen smiled, looking in good spirits.
“Chunmei is holding an umbrella for me, so I’m not afraid of the sun.”
Shen sighed softly, “Be careful. If you don't feel well, go back to the side hall and sit.”
Since everyone was here, it would be troublesome to send her back.
“Thank you, Madam,” Madam Chen replied, deliberately standing next to Madam Liang.
Nanli turned her head and glanced at Madam Chen, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes.
Chu Yan was standing next to her and asked, “Little Sister, are you wondering whether Madam Chen will give birth to a younger brother or sister in three months?”
Nanli smiled and said, “No, I’m wondering what play will be performed today.”
Chu Yan looked puzzled.
Did the mansion invite a theater troupe today?
After thinking for a moment, Nanli called Yuanbao over and whispered, “Go to Xianghe Courtyard. If you see someone going to deliver a message, knock them out with a stick.”
Her grandmother had been injured by evil spirits before, and she couldn’t afford any more shocks.
Yuanbao was strong and would surely complete the task.
“Yes, Miss,” Yuanbao didn’t ask further and immediately went to Xianghe Courtyard.
Finally, Marquis An'yang and his son returned.
Both of them were wearing armor, with similar appearances and strong physiques.
As soon as they dismounted, they couldn’t wait to find Nanli.
“Li’er!” Chu Hanlin spotted Nanli at first glance.
His daughter resembled his wife when she was young.
He hurried over, wanting to embrace his daughter, but also afraid that his sweaty body would bother her.
Tears welled up in his eyes, and his voice choked, “Li’er, you’re finally back.”
“Father,” Nanli blurted out, feeling a similar closeness to her father and brother.
She didn’t feel any estrangement.
“Tongtong, I’m your eldest brother!” Chu Ye squeezed in, his gaze burning with anticipation as he looked at his sister.
If not for the strict military orders, he and his father would have rushed back long ago.
This was his biological sister, lost for so many years!
After his sister went missing, he, like his mother, couldn’t eat or sleep well.
And he would blame himself every day, wondering why he didn’t take better care of his sister back then.
Nanli turned to look at Chu Ye.
Her big brother was in his twenties, his armor exuding a heroic aura.
His eyes were bright and spirited, his black hair tied up neatly, and a few loose strands gently swayed in the breeze, adding a touch of elegance to his handsome appearance.
“Eldest Brother!” Nanli’s heart was filled with warmth, her brows and eyes carrying a smile.
Chu Ye had waited for ten years, finally hearing these two words from his sister, tears instantly welled up in his eyes.
He nodded repeatedly, “Well, everything is good now, A'li is such a good girl.”
The courtyard was scorching under the sun, and Shen was about to ask everyone to go back to the side hall when Madam Chen suddenly exclaimed and fell to the ground.
The crowd dispersed, revealing Madam Chen in disheveled attire. Her face was pale and her eyes rolled back as she collapsed to the ground.
Chunmei shouted out, “How could you be so cruel, Madam Liang? You pushed my madam down just because of her unintentional jokes!”
Madam Liang, who stood the closest to Madam Chen, was momentarily struck dumb. She couldn't utter a word.
All attention had been focused ahead, and no one had witnessed the altercation between the two Aunts.
Naturally, Chu Huan defended his birth mother, stepping forward and declaring, “My mother possesses a kind heart and would never commit such an act.”
Chu Yang also chimed in urgently, “Indeed, my mother wouldn’t even harm an ant on any ordinary day!”
However, Chunmei insisted, “I saw it with my own eyes, it was Madam Liang who pushed her. Marquis, I implore you to bring justice for Madam!”
Chu Hanlin instructed, “Quickly carry Madam Chen back, Ye’er, ride swiftly to summon the physician. Make sure it’s done promptly.”
At that moment, Chunmei called out, “Young Master, go to Ren’an Clinic and fetch Doctor Hu. He knows Madam’s condition best.”
Without much thought, Chu Ye nodded and departed.
The two maids carried Madam Chen to a side room, while the others gathered in the main hall, awaiting news.
Soon enough, Chu Ye returned with Doctor Hu.
After examining Madam Chen’s pulse and administering acupuncture, Doctor Hu emerged and said, “Marquis, Madam, Madam Chen suffered a severe impact, and the fetus in her womb has lost its vital signs. We must induce labor. As for Madam herself, once the stillborn is delivered, her life will be out of danger.”
Madam Shen’s eyes reddened, and she instructed Doctor Hu to prepare the medicine for inducing labor.
Chu Hanlin struggled to conceal his grief, his gaze towards Madam Liang filled with complex emotions. “Can you explain yourself?”
Madam Liang knelt down, her back straight, and declared, “I did not push her. She fell on her own. Even if this matter were brought before the authorities, I would have a clear conscience.”
Seeing their birth mother kneeling, Chu Huan and Chu Yang naturally followed suit. “Father, there must be some misunderstanding in this matter.”
Chunmei emerged from the side room, her eyes swollen. “Are you suggesting that my Madam deliberately fell? She’s already seven months pregnant, and the fetus was healthy. Why would she risk the life of the young master just to frame Madam Liang?!”
These two questions left Madam Liang speechless.
Indeed, once Madam Chen gave birth, her position in the Marquis Mansion would be secure. Why would she sacrifice her child to frame Madam Liang?
Chu Huan and Chu Yang’s eyes were now bloodshot with anger.
“It’s simple,” Nanli stepped forward, her words clear and distinct. “Because the child had already perished within Madam Chen’s womb.”
Yesterday, she had already discerned that there was no sign of life in Madam Chen’s belly.