Chapter 418
About a month later, the Great Yue Kingdom’s envoy arrived in the capital city at full speed, while Bu Yonghan focused on the preparation for her wedding.
Shen Ninghua’s belly had already begun to protrude. Baili Junyi affirmed that she was pregnant with a daughter this time, so he refused to let Chen Yun check her pulse and see if it was a boy or a girl. Shen Ninghua checked her own pulse and wanted to tell him the result, but he firmly refused to listen. It seemed as if he was absolutely sure about his conclusion until it was proven otherwise by her labor.
Nevertheless, in the next few days, every time Shen Ninghua fell asleep, she could feel that he was holding her wrist, but she had no idea what he was doing. Later, she saw a medical book in his study by chance, which described the difference in pulse between a pregnant woman who carried a baby boy and one who carried a baby girl. Shen Ninghua almost laughed out loud.
Baili Junyi was not embarrassed when his secret was exposed. Instead, he avowed, “Ninghua, I have repeatedly confirmed that we will have another good girl this time.”
Shen Ninghua nodded. “Yes, you are right.”
“What? Ninghua, did you find out that it was a girl when you checked your pulse?”
Looking at his bright eyes, Shen Ninghua could not bear to disappoint him, so she nodded. “Yes, I think that it is a girl.”
Baili Junyi was over the moon. In fact, he couldn’t be bothered to refute Big Boy and Baby Girl when they called the baby in Shen Ninghua’s belly their brother. Instead, he looked at them as if he was the only one who was enlightened. Sometimes, he would shake his head and whisper to Shen Ninghua, “I don’t want to disappoint the children. Say, when the baby is born and they find out that their brother is actually a sister, how sad will they be? Should we remind them in advance?”
Shen Ninghua shook her head. “No, we don’t have to. I think they’ll come to their senses once the baby is born. Now, just let the two kids have some hope.”
Baili Junyi nodded solemnly. “You’re right.”
By the end of October, Shen Ninghua was already five months pregnant. She was slender, to begin with, so when she walked, it looked as if she was a little unstable. Nowadays, apart from attending the morning court session, Baili Junyi spent the rest of his time by her side, for fear that she would fall. When he was not around, he would let her rest in the room. Shen Ninghua was often amused by his shenanigans.
Today, Baili Junyi had yet to return from the morning court when Shen Ninghua woke up. Rouqin carefully helped her wash up. Hong Ling quickly walked in and informed, “Miss, Princess Yonghan is here.”
Shen Ninghua was a little puzzled. “Her wedding is in a few days. What is she doing here instead of staying in her place to wait for her wedding day? Okay, invite her to the hall. I’ll go over after getting changed.”
Shen Ninghua began to feel the weight of the baby. After getting changed, she was too lazy to put on makeup. She simply applied lipstick and went to the hall with Rouqin and Qing Que.
In the hall, Bu Yonghan sat on the guest seat. Her face was bright and vibrant with a rosy red aura. The corners of her eyes and eyebrows were dyed with a joyful smile. She looked extremely happy. When she saw Shen Ninghua enter, she could not help but size her up, and the smile on her lips froze slightly.
Bu Yonghan had expected Shen Ninghua to look haggard and swollen as she was 5 months pregnant. However, she didn’t look haggard at all. It seemed as if nothing had changed except for the bulging belly. Her makeup-free face had a lustrous luster. She did not look any worse than her usual gorgeous appearance.
“Greetings, Princess Zhaohua. I have come to disturb you today.”
Shen Ninghua smiled and sat on the main seat. “You’re too polite. I don’t have anything to do, so you don’t disturb me at all. On the contrary, you should be very busy now. May I know why you come here today?”
Bu Yonghan’s smile disappeared when she heard this. “Well, I don’t know how to speak about this matter. Technically speaking, this is none of my business, and I shouldn’t interfere, but someone had begged me for help, so I can’t just say no. I wonder if you still remember Second Prince’s side concubine, Madam Yang?”
Shen Ninghua’s eyes moved slightly. She didn’t know why Bu Yonghan suddenly mentioned her. “Yes. She is my cousin, so of course, I remember her. How can I forget?”
“Oh, right. I’d forgotten about this. Madam Yang’s birth mother is your aunt. Today, Madam Xia returned to the capital and came to me with a request. She claimed that Madam Yang had always been healthy, and she couldn’t accept her abrupt death. She wanted me to help her investigate Madam Yang’s death, but I didn’t know what to do about it, so I came to you.”
Bu Yonghan was the soon-to-be Second Princess, and she would enter Second Prince Mansion in a few days. Generally speaking, she could interfere with Yang Yingxue’s affairs if she wanted to, but it would be controversial since she hadn’t officially become Second Princess. Furthermore, Yang Yingxue had been dead for quite some time. Why did Xia Jingqiu want to pursue this matter now? On the other hand, Yang Yingxue was Second Prince’s concubine. Xia Jingqiu should ask Second Prince about this. Why did she go to Bu Yonghan instead? It was really strange.
Shen Ninghua glanced at Bu Yonghan, who was holding the teacup and taking a sip. The porcelain cup set off her fair and delicate fingers. She looked ever so radiant and elegant. “Prince Yonghan, it is only right for me to help if she is not married, but the fact was that she was married, so it should be the Second Prince’s business. Also, things happened. No one can say for sure, isn’t it? When my cousin passed away, the Second Prince reported to Father Emperor that she died suddenly. If my aunt had any questions or doubts, it was best for her to direct the questions to the Second Prince.”
Bu Yonghan’s eyes moved slightly, and she slowly put down the teacup and nodded. “Yes, of course. It is the most appropriate for the Second Prince to deal with this. I’ve been so busy the past few days and have been confused. I’m sorry. Please forgive me.”
“You’re too polite.”
“Since that’s the case, I’ll take my leave now. You’re heavily pregnant, so you must take care of yourself.”
“Thank you for your concern, Princess Yonghan.”
After sending Bu Yonghan off, Hong Ling hurriedly apologized, “Miss, I’m so sorry. I didn’t receive any news about Madam Xia’s entry to the capital this time. I failed my duty. Please punish me, Miss.”
Shen Ninghua shook her head. “No, it’s not your fault. I’m afraid that they are after me this time. There are so many people coming and going in and out of the capital every day. It’s normal for you to miss a single person. I don’t have to punish you for that. Now, have someone investigate where Xia Jingqiu is staying and how she entered the capital.”
“Yes, Miss. I will go now.”
Not long after, Hong Ling hurriedly came in. “Miss, Madam Xia is here.”
Shen Ninghua frowned abruptly. “Invite her in.” Bu Yonghan had just left, and Xia Jingqiu came right away. It was such a lively day today.
Xia Jingqiu, dressed in plain white clothes, cried before entering the door. “My poor daughter! How can you leave me alone? Why did you die so suddenly? Oh, how am I supposed to live without you…”
Hong Ling frowned and chided, “How dare you! How can you keep howling like that when you see Princess Zhaohua?!”
However, Madam Xia ignored Hong Ling. Instead, she walked quickly to Shen Ninghua and reached out to pull her arm. Qing Que furiously stepped forward and blocked Xia Jingqiu’s way. “Madam Xia, don’t forget the basic etiquette. Do you think you can touch Her Highness at will?!”
Xia Jingqiu froze in shock. Then, she cried even louder. “Ninghua, please forgive me! Yingxue’s death makes me feel as if someone has sliced a corner of my heart! When I look at you, I remember Yingxue! You two look so similar! Oh, my poor girl!”
Shen Ninghua sat to the side and did not speak. Seeing the pastries that Rouqin had just placed on the table, she ate a few pieces. This morning, she came to the hall as soon as she woke up and hadn’t had her breakfast yet. She was starving. After eating a few pieces, she felt a little better.
Xia Jingqiu cried and cried, yet she didn’t hear any response from Shen Ninghua. She was agitated, and when she looked up and saw Shen Ninghua eating pastries, the resentment in her heart intensified. When she heard the news of Yang Yingxue’s sudden death, she was heartbroken and felt that her daughter had a bitter life, but she didn’t think too much about it.
However, not long after, she bumped into the maid who had been released from Second Prince Mansion. After repeated questioning, she found out that her daughter had died a sudden death because of someone’s scheme and the culprit was Shen Ninghua. In order to cover up Shen Ninghua’s crime and appease the Second Prince, the Emperor bestowed the marriage with the princess from the Great Yue Kingdom to the Second Prince.
When Xia Jingqiu learned about this, she was exasperated, and she decided to seek justice for Yang Yingxue. She couldn’t just let Yingxue die in vain. No matter what, Shen Ninghua should compensate her and Yang Lian. Otherwise, she would make a big fuss about it and see who the Emperor would punish!
Hearing the sound of her crying gradually fade, Shen Ninghua put down the pastry and wiped her fingers. She picked up the teacup and took a sip of the warm water. “Aunt, why didn’t you inform me when you came to the capital? And you cried as soon as you entered the door. I’m so confused that I don’t know what to say.”
Xia Jingqiu secretly gritted her teeth. How could Shen Ninghua put up such an innocent act? Didn’t she feel any sense of remorse when she saw her? No matter what, Yang Yingxue was her cousin. How could she kill her?
“Ninghua, I’m too sad. Yingxue was such a nice girl, but she was killed silently. I…”
Before she could finish, Shen Ninghua interrupted her with a frown. “Aunt, be careful with your words. Yingxue married Second Prince, so she was His Highness’ wife! He said that she died of natural causes, and that’s a fact! There’s no other reason! You kept saying that she was killed. If the Emperor and the Second Prince hear of this and want to pursue the matter, no one can help you!”
Xia Jingqiu sneered. “Ninghua, you don’t have to scare me. Yes, Yingxue married the Second Prince, but as her mother, can’t I ask about her life and death?”
It finally dawned upon Shen Ninghua when she saw Xia Jingqiu’s expression. No wonder Xia Jingqiu rushed to the capital out of the blue and went straight to Bu Yonghan. Someone must have slandered her by claiming that she was the one who caused Yang Yingxue’s death. Since Xia Jingqiu refused to believe anything she said, she didn’t want to waste her time.
“If you want to pursue the matter, be my guest, but there are some things that I should advise you in advance. Most people love to gossip and spread gossip. Sometimes, when some news spread out, the outcome can be totally different from the truth. Aunt, it’s better for you to think twice before doing anything.”
Xia Jingqiu snorted coldly. “Thank you for your advice. There’s no smoke without fire. Since there are rumors and gossip, there is naturally some basis. I’ll investigate the matter clearly and seek justice for my poor daughter! The truth is out there, and I will find it! I don’t think the culprit can get away with this!”
Shen Ninghua’s belly had already begun to protrude. Baili Junyi affirmed that she was pregnant with a daughter this time, so he refused to let Chen Yun check her pulse and see if it was a boy or a girl. Shen Ninghua checked her own pulse and wanted to tell him the result, but he firmly refused to listen. It seemed as if he was absolutely sure about his conclusion until it was proven otherwise by her labor.
Nevertheless, in the next few days, every time Shen Ninghua fell asleep, she could feel that he was holding her wrist, but she had no idea what he was doing. Later, she saw a medical book in his study by chance, which described the difference in pulse between a pregnant woman who carried a baby boy and one who carried a baby girl. Shen Ninghua almost laughed out loud.
Baili Junyi was not embarrassed when his secret was exposed. Instead, he avowed, “Ninghua, I have repeatedly confirmed that we will have another good girl this time.”
Shen Ninghua nodded. “Yes, you are right.”
“What? Ninghua, did you find out that it was a girl when you checked your pulse?”
Looking at his bright eyes, Shen Ninghua could not bear to disappoint him, so she nodded. “Yes, I think that it is a girl.”
Baili Junyi was over the moon. In fact, he couldn’t be bothered to refute Big Boy and Baby Girl when they called the baby in Shen Ninghua’s belly their brother. Instead, he looked at them as if he was the only one who was enlightened. Sometimes, he would shake his head and whisper to Shen Ninghua, “I don’t want to disappoint the children. Say, when the baby is born and they find out that their brother is actually a sister, how sad will they be? Should we remind them in advance?”
Shen Ninghua shook her head. “No, we don’t have to. I think they’ll come to their senses once the baby is born. Now, just let the two kids have some hope.”
Baili Junyi nodded solemnly. “You’re right.”
By the end of October, Shen Ninghua was already five months pregnant. She was slender, to begin with, so when she walked, it looked as if she was a little unstable. Nowadays, apart from attending the morning court session, Baili Junyi spent the rest of his time by her side, for fear that she would fall. When he was not around, he would let her rest in the room. Shen Ninghua was often amused by his shenanigans.
Today, Baili Junyi had yet to return from the morning court when Shen Ninghua woke up. Rouqin carefully helped her wash up. Hong Ling quickly walked in and informed, “Miss, Princess Yonghan is here.”
Shen Ninghua was a little puzzled. “Her wedding is in a few days. What is she doing here instead of staying in her place to wait for her wedding day? Okay, invite her to the hall. I’ll go over after getting changed.”
Shen Ninghua began to feel the weight of the baby. After getting changed, she was too lazy to put on makeup. She simply applied lipstick and went to the hall with Rouqin and Qing Que.
In the hall, Bu Yonghan sat on the guest seat. Her face was bright and vibrant with a rosy red aura. The corners of her eyes and eyebrows were dyed with a joyful smile. She looked extremely happy. When she saw Shen Ninghua enter, she could not help but size her up, and the smile on her lips froze slightly.
Bu Yonghan had expected Shen Ninghua to look haggard and swollen as she was 5 months pregnant. However, she didn’t look haggard at all. It seemed as if nothing had changed except for the bulging belly. Her makeup-free face had a lustrous luster. She did not look any worse than her usual gorgeous appearance.
“Greetings, Princess Zhaohua. I have come to disturb you today.”
Shen Ninghua smiled and sat on the main seat. “You’re too polite. I don’t have anything to do, so you don’t disturb me at all. On the contrary, you should be very busy now. May I know why you come here today?”
Bu Yonghan’s smile disappeared when she heard this. “Well, I don’t know how to speak about this matter. Technically speaking, this is none of my business, and I shouldn’t interfere, but someone had begged me for help, so I can’t just say no. I wonder if you still remember Second Prince’s side concubine, Madam Yang?”
Shen Ninghua’s eyes moved slightly. She didn’t know why Bu Yonghan suddenly mentioned her. “Yes. She is my cousin, so of course, I remember her. How can I forget?”
“Oh, right. I’d forgotten about this. Madam Yang’s birth mother is your aunt. Today, Madam Xia returned to the capital and came to me with a request. She claimed that Madam Yang had always been healthy, and she couldn’t accept her abrupt death. She wanted me to help her investigate Madam Yang’s death, but I didn’t know what to do about it, so I came to you.”
Bu Yonghan was the soon-to-be Second Princess, and she would enter Second Prince Mansion in a few days. Generally speaking, she could interfere with Yang Yingxue’s affairs if she wanted to, but it would be controversial since she hadn’t officially become Second Princess. Furthermore, Yang Yingxue had been dead for quite some time. Why did Xia Jingqiu want to pursue this matter now? On the other hand, Yang Yingxue was Second Prince’s concubine. Xia Jingqiu should ask Second Prince about this. Why did she go to Bu Yonghan instead? It was really strange.
Shen Ninghua glanced at Bu Yonghan, who was holding the teacup and taking a sip. The porcelain cup set off her fair and delicate fingers. She looked ever so radiant and elegant. “Prince Yonghan, it is only right for me to help if she is not married, but the fact was that she was married, so it should be the Second Prince’s business. Also, things happened. No one can say for sure, isn’t it? When my cousin passed away, the Second Prince reported to Father Emperor that she died suddenly. If my aunt had any questions or doubts, it was best for her to direct the questions to the Second Prince.”
Bu Yonghan’s eyes moved slightly, and she slowly put down the teacup and nodded. “Yes, of course. It is the most appropriate for the Second Prince to deal with this. I’ve been so busy the past few days and have been confused. I’m sorry. Please forgive me.”
“You’re too polite.”
“Since that’s the case, I’ll take my leave now. You’re heavily pregnant, so you must take care of yourself.”
“Thank you for your concern, Princess Yonghan.”
After sending Bu Yonghan off, Hong Ling hurriedly apologized, “Miss, I’m so sorry. I didn’t receive any news about Madam Xia’s entry to the capital this time. I failed my duty. Please punish me, Miss.”
Shen Ninghua shook her head. “No, it’s not your fault. I’m afraid that they are after me this time. There are so many people coming and going in and out of the capital every day. It’s normal for you to miss a single person. I don’t have to punish you for that. Now, have someone investigate where Xia Jingqiu is staying and how she entered the capital.”
“Yes, Miss. I will go now.”
Not long after, Hong Ling hurriedly came in. “Miss, Madam Xia is here.”
Shen Ninghua frowned abruptly. “Invite her in.” Bu Yonghan had just left, and Xia Jingqiu came right away. It was such a lively day today.
Xia Jingqiu, dressed in plain white clothes, cried before entering the door. “My poor daughter! How can you leave me alone? Why did you die so suddenly? Oh, how am I supposed to live without you…”
Hong Ling frowned and chided, “How dare you! How can you keep howling like that when you see Princess Zhaohua?!”
However, Madam Xia ignored Hong Ling. Instead, she walked quickly to Shen Ninghua and reached out to pull her arm. Qing Que furiously stepped forward and blocked Xia Jingqiu’s way. “Madam Xia, don’t forget the basic etiquette. Do you think you can touch Her Highness at will?!”
Xia Jingqiu froze in shock. Then, she cried even louder. “Ninghua, please forgive me! Yingxue’s death makes me feel as if someone has sliced a corner of my heart! When I look at you, I remember Yingxue! You two look so similar! Oh, my poor girl!”
Shen Ninghua sat to the side and did not speak. Seeing the pastries that Rouqin had just placed on the table, she ate a few pieces. This morning, she came to the hall as soon as she woke up and hadn’t had her breakfast yet. She was starving. After eating a few pieces, she felt a little better.
Xia Jingqiu cried and cried, yet she didn’t hear any response from Shen Ninghua. She was agitated, and when she looked up and saw Shen Ninghua eating pastries, the resentment in her heart intensified. When she heard the news of Yang Yingxue’s sudden death, she was heartbroken and felt that her daughter had a bitter life, but she didn’t think too much about it.
However, not long after, she bumped into the maid who had been released from Second Prince Mansion. After repeated questioning, she found out that her daughter had died a sudden death because of someone’s scheme and the culprit was Shen Ninghua. In order to cover up Shen Ninghua’s crime and appease the Second Prince, the Emperor bestowed the marriage with the princess from the Great Yue Kingdom to the Second Prince.
When Xia Jingqiu learned about this, she was exasperated, and she decided to seek justice for Yang Yingxue. She couldn’t just let Yingxue die in vain. No matter what, Shen Ninghua should compensate her and Yang Lian. Otherwise, she would make a big fuss about it and see who the Emperor would punish!
Hearing the sound of her crying gradually fade, Shen Ninghua put down the pastry and wiped her fingers. She picked up the teacup and took a sip of the warm water. “Aunt, why didn’t you inform me when you came to the capital? And you cried as soon as you entered the door. I’m so confused that I don’t know what to say.”
Xia Jingqiu secretly gritted her teeth. How could Shen Ninghua put up such an innocent act? Didn’t she feel any sense of remorse when she saw her? No matter what, Yang Yingxue was her cousin. How could she kill her?
“Ninghua, I’m too sad. Yingxue was such a nice girl, but she was killed silently. I…”
Before she could finish, Shen Ninghua interrupted her with a frown. “Aunt, be careful with your words. Yingxue married Second Prince, so she was His Highness’ wife! He said that she died of natural causes, and that’s a fact! There’s no other reason! You kept saying that she was killed. If the Emperor and the Second Prince hear of this and want to pursue the matter, no one can help you!”
Xia Jingqiu sneered. “Ninghua, you don’t have to scare me. Yes, Yingxue married the Second Prince, but as her mother, can’t I ask about her life and death?”
It finally dawned upon Shen Ninghua when she saw Xia Jingqiu’s expression. No wonder Xia Jingqiu rushed to the capital out of the blue and went straight to Bu Yonghan. Someone must have slandered her by claiming that she was the one who caused Yang Yingxue’s death. Since Xia Jingqiu refused to believe anything she said, she didn’t want to waste her time.
“If you want to pursue the matter, be my guest, but there are some things that I should advise you in advance. Most people love to gossip and spread gossip. Sometimes, when some news spread out, the outcome can be totally different from the truth. Aunt, it’s better for you to think twice before doing anything.”
Xia Jingqiu snorted coldly. “Thank you for your advice. There’s no smoke without fire. Since there are rumors and gossip, there is naturally some basis. I’ll investigate the matter clearly and seek justice for my poor daughter! The truth is out there, and I will find it! I don’t think the culprit can get away with this!”
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