Chapter 4: Rus.h.i.+ng to Die?

There was already a doctor waiting inside the Luo Manor, thus the doctor came very quickly.

Because he was a white haired old doctor, there was no need to avoid gossip.

Separated by a handkerchief, the old doctor carefully checked Jing Wans pulse. Because the old madam had already sent someone to inform him to come check third misss pulse at a later time, and knowing that Jing Wan was favored, he naturally didnt dare to slight her in the least.

Third misss foundation is very good. Her body doesnt have any major problems. Just need to recuperate for a bit. Actually, towards Jing Wans bodys degree of healthiness, the old doctor was very much amazed. Even though she looked thin right now, she was still st.u.r.dier than most young ladies.

Hearing this, Zhang-s.h.i.+ was finally at ease.

Afterwards, under the watchful eyes of everyone, Bai Yiniang

[1]

forced herself to extend her hand to let the doctor check her pulse. From an outsiders perspective, Jing Wan making the old doctor check Bai Yiniangs pulse can be considered a great honor. After all, this old doctor had came from the imperial physicians court. Dont say a Yiniang, even those proper masters that dont have any status or position in this manor arent even able to move him. If she dared to say even half a word of refusal, shell be considered ungrateful.

Since she couldnt hide it anymore, then she could only calmly confront it. After all, she herself wasnt very sure either. Her period wasnt very accurate, so it was also good to check, so as to avoid being scared and on edge all the time. Ive troubled you.

Once the old doctor pinpointed the vein, it was pretty much certain. However this kind of thing, there must not be the slightest mistake. He changed his hand, then stroked his bread. Congratulations second master, second madam, this Yiniang is pregnant. About a month and a half.

Zhang-s.h.i.+ blanked, then immediately after, smiled, This is really a happy occasion. Our second branch hasnt had an addition to the family in many years. This might even be a white and chubby little guy. In a bit, Ill inform mother of this happy matter, let her also be happy.

Shortly after, she let the head mama send off the old doctor.

Luo Rong Yan was somewhat surprised. There was joy, but not much. After all, he already had five children. Compared to his close friends family, who didnt have any children even after praying to all the G.o.ds and buddhas, seeking out all the doctors, and eating all kinds of home remedy, he was definitely considered to be plentiful in children. However, people all say, more children more happiness. Luo Rong Yan softened a bit towards Bai Yiniang, Since youre pregnant, properly take care.

Yes. Bai Yiniang, seeing Luo Rong Yans att.i.tude, distinctly became a bit bashful, her happiness even more evident. It was very difficult to not be moved by this handsome in appearance and elegantly graceful man. Originally, she was just an unfavored shu

[2]

daughter. Towards her own husband, shed long not held any hopes for. When that maternal uncle in name gave her away, her heart had practically turned to ashes. However, after meeting the Luo familys second master, she suddenly felt that the heavens still took pity on her. Shed thought of every way possible to get pregnant with this child. As expected, it was right to do so.

Ji Yiniang loathingly gritted her teeth. All these years, shed always wanted to get pregnant again, wanting to have a son, but it was a shame there wasnt any movements. Her body was clearly very healthy, but she just couldnt get pregnant. And now, this wh.o.r.e actually got pregnant first. Looking again to see their very indifferent master being a bit more caring towards this wh.o.r.e, her heart nearly died from jealousy.

Bai Yiniang suddenly glanced at the silent Jing Wan, who had her eyes lowered, and for some unknown reason, she suddenly opened her mouth, Really have to thank third miss for today. Else, this concubine wouldnt even have known. If by chance masters child was accidentally injured, then this concubine really wouldnt be able to atone even in death. Wonder whether third miss likes a younger brother or a younger sister? Before, one has always heard that third miss is a good elder sister. Now, she no longer hid her movements and caressed her stomach. Her gaze towards Jing Wan carried a traced of provocation.

Jing Wan could tell, her mother, because of Bai Yiniangs pregnancy, was really unhappy, but she also hid it very deep. Even she herself couldnt detect any emotional stirrings. As a woman, as long as she had the slightest trace of feelings towards her own husband, then towards her own husband having children with other women, she definitely wouldnt be completely unconcerned. Her mothers heart has her father, and was fully packed.

She was just an unmarried girl. Regarding the topic of having children, it cant come from her mouth, so she could only silently console her mother, even if the other party didnt understand her intentions.

Originally, exposing Bai-s.h.i.+ was simply giving her a warning, but why did this person just want to rush forward seeking death?

Jing Wan looked to her, then suddenly tilted her head, smiling like a flower, innocent and beautiful, but the words that came out of her mouth, instead made the people who understood instinctively tremble in their hearts. Well, my daddy and my mothers children, regardless if its a younger brother or younger sister, Ill like.

As long as her father doesnt lean to Bai-s.h.i.+s side, leaving the child and eliminating the mother and what not was just too simple.

Quite a few amongst them felt Bai-s.h.i.+ was a clever person, not lacking in beauty nor tricks. But how come once pregnant, the brain broke? Really think that now that youre pregnant, you have the power to step on third misss head? Ten months carrying the child, and it hasnt even been two months yet. Even if in the future a son is safely birthed, so what? Third miss has a full-blooded elder di

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brother and her parents love. Even when shes married, she wouldnt need to rely on your shu son. On the contrary, if you win her over, theres even endless benefits.

Ji Yiniang coldly sneered as she pulled on her handkerchief. Jealousy was still jealousy. Yet, towards Bai Yiniang, she carried three part contempt.

Master. Bai Yiniang seemed as if shed suffered an enormous grievance. Facing Luo Rong Yan, she tearfully sobbed. That pitiful appearance made those who saw exceedingly want to gather her into their embrace and pamper.

But unfortunately, most of the time, Luo Rong Yan was never someone that had tender feelings for the fairer gender. Especially since he was someone who didnt understand the twists and turns of the rear court. He felt that Bai-s.h.i.+ had strangely cried for no reason. Clearly it was just fine before and everyone was all happy, are you looking for bad luck? Moreover, the situation was somewhat peculiar, and was even related to his eldest daughter. However, he was certain that the source of the matter was on Bai-s.h.i.+. He wasnt interested in getting to the bottom of it and directly creased his brows, What are you crying for?

Bai-s.h.i.+ choked. Her complexion went from green to white, making those who were not pleased with her, directly stifle their laughter.

Alright, go back and properly take care, dont raise the child into a tear bag. Luo Rong Yan stood up and dusted his gown. As the male master with the highest position in this courtyard, when he got up, the others naturally wouldnt continue to sit. Luo Rong Yan looked towards Jing Wan, Its not early anymore, you should head to the main courtyard to pay your respect to your grandfather.

Jing Wan nodded in agreement.

The head mama retraced her steps, not knowing what had happened, just feeling the atmosphere was somewhat strange. Because the masters wanted to go to the main courtyard, she didnt say much either. After respectfully sending them off with a bow, she looked again to the deathly pale Bai-s.h.i.+, Bai Yiniang best return to rest soon.

Since entering the Luo family, Bai-s.h.i.+ had never suffered this kind of anger before. She angrily gritted her teeth, then turned to leave, clenching her handkerchief.

Ji Yiniang fanned herself with a handkerchief like it was fan and rather pleasingly returned to her own little courtyard.

Following after was the always like a wood block Ping Yiniang.

Luo Rong Yan and his wife brought along the four children and a crowd of servants and majestically headed towards the main courtyard.

Jing Wan looked around the Luo Manor that was not at all luxurious yet appeared elegant in all respects, her thoughts somewhat adrift.

The Luo family has continuously, for two to three hundred years, been a family with a literary reputation. Although they couldnt be considered an aristocratic family, their reputation was nevertheless not small. The current head of the family, Luo Pei Shan, was currently the Head Minister of Rites. Although he wasnt comparable to the cabinet ministers as well as the Head Minister of Appointments in power, he was still a true and honest important minister of the imperial court.

Additionally, Jing Wans second great-uncle was a well-known great scholar in the recent twenty years. He has countless students, and it could even be said that his students filled the world. Its just this great-uncles temperament was somewhat peculiar. Not mentioning still being unmarried

[4]

till now, he actually didnt have any children either. Grandfather wanted to have him stay at the Luo Manor to enjoy his later years, but he refused. Afraid, apart from grandfather, no one else knew what corner of the world hes nestled in nowadays.

However, he has numerous disciples, so they didnt worry about him not having anyone to take care of him.

As as for the Head Minister of Rites, Luo Pei Shan, the times Jing Wan has seen him was not at all much. Even if theyd once lived under the same roof, it was normal to be unable to see him for months in succession. However, in Jing Wans eyes, this persons whole life can also be considered legendary.

The Luo familys roots were in Guang Yuan Prefectures Qian Fu. And Luo Pei Shan could be said to be full of political wisdom. At the age of twenty, he brilliantly placed third in the imperial examination and caught the attention of the then di granddaughter of an old cabinet minister, and the now Luo Manor old madam. The Luo family at that time wasnt prominent, but could also be considered honest and n.o.ble. When Luo Old Madam was still unmarried, she was very much pampered, and thus Luo Pei Shan was kidnapped into being the son-in-law

[5]

.

Luo Pei Shan was someone who had ambitions. He wasnt willing to only rely on his wifes connections and influence to stay in the capital. Instead, he personally asked to be appointed to a post outside the capital. And Luo Old Madam firmly stood by him, no matter how poor and simple their life was, she accompanied by his side from beginning to end.

No matter where he was at, Luo Pei Shans achievements were always exceptional. And in the capital, he also had his wifes familys upmost support. Truly can be said to have climbed up step by step. Not long after Jing Wan was born, her great-grandparents pa.s.sed away one after the other. The whole family returned to Qian Fu to observe the mourning period. And grandfather, Luo Pei Shan, was in mourning for his parents for nearly six years

[6]

. In officialdom, this unstable and treacherous place, dont say six years, even two or three years were very fatal. Basically, there wasnt any chance for one to rise up again. Yet, Luo Pei Shan crawled up and even step by step got to the position of Head Minister. Jing Wan even faintly believes that he probably still has the ambitions to move forward even further.

As for Luo Old Madam, because of the arduous early years, as well as injuring her body when she gave birth to the youngest daughter, for the most part, stayed in Qian Fu recuperating. Because grandfather was in a high position, up until three years ago, aside from Luo Old Madam, Jing Wan, as well as Jing Wans fourth uncles family, Luo Pei Shan and the others all entered the capital in succession. In the beginning, Jing Wan stayed behind. Aside from because of Luo Old Madam, she herself also really liked Qian Fu, because Guang Yuan Prefectures Qian Fu was in the south, and she in her past life was also someone from the south.

Third big sister

Jing Wans thoughts were interrupted.

[1]

Yiniang

Form of address for the concubines in the family.

[2]

shu

Children born from a concubine

[3]

Di

Legitimate children born from the legal wife.

[4] Wanted to point out that men could have a bunch of concubines and still considered unmarried as long as he doesnt have a main wife. Only the wife is married in, concubines are taken in; hence why its considered surprising that he doesnt have children, despite knowing hes not married.

[5] The original phrase here was Bang Xia Zhuo Xu, which loosely translates to from the list of successful candidates catch a son-in-law. It refers to a marriage culture during the Song dynasty, where the entire family of the various wealthy and upper cla.s.s families would set out to pick and literally fight over the successful candidates from the imperial examination to be their son-in-law.

[6] Common practices for the mourning of the death of ones parent was a mourning period of 3 years, this is like the height of filial piety, and so since both pa.s.sed away 3 years for each parent so 6 years of mourning. This affects his political career because one usually has to return to their hometown to mourn and cant work.