To Marry the Elder Brother of One's Late Husband - Chapter 40

Chapter 40: If You Don’t Conceive Once, Try Again…

When the news of Jiang Shu’s pregnancy reached Lu Changfeng’s ears, he flew into a rage, feeling as though he were sitting on pins and needles. He had assumed that with Lu Changyi dead, everything in the Marquis Mansion would fall into his hands. He never expected Jiang Shu to be carrying a child.

If Jiang Shu gave birth to a son, that child would be the legitimate grandson of the Xinyang Marquis Mansion. With a rightful heir in place, how could the title ever fall to him? The cooked duck had flown right out of the pot, leaving Lu Changfeng frantic with anxiety.

Hu Lingshuang was equally panicked. Supporting her large pregnant belly as she leaned against a couch, she said crossly, “That short-lived ghost Lu Changyi was born specifically to curse us. His body was as weak as a paper doll; he’d cough blood if the wind blew too hard. We thought he was useless, but even in death, he leaves behind this disaster to disgust us!”

Hu Lingshuang was merely venting, but Lu Changfeng took it to heart. He said suspiciously, “Could that child in the Jiang woman’s womb be a bastard from an affair?”

“That’s impossible,” Hu Lingshuang shook her head. “She was by Lu Changyi’s side every day. Even when she went out, she was flanked by the mansion’s guards. Where would she find the opportunity? Furthermore, even if it is a bastard, what can we do? Lu Changyi is dead; we can’t exactly dig him up to perform a blood-dripping recognition test!”

As the couple spoke, a maid led Concubine Hu into the room. Lu Rin was obsessed with Taoism, and to cater to his interests, Concubine Hu wore Taoist robes nine days out of ten. She was naturally seductive, so the robes didn’t make her look plain; rather, they added a unique, exotic charm.

Concubine Hu sat down and spoke coolly, “It’s just a pregnancy. What is there to make such a fuss about?” She looked at Lu Changfeng and scolded, “You’re not a child anymore. Why are you so jittery? If that nuisance is in your way, just get rid of it. Why the panic?”

Get rid of it? Lu Changfeng’s eyes widened, but he quickly calmed down. Lu Changyi was gone. As long as Jiang Shu’s fetus was removed, that branch of the family would be ended, unable to stir up any more trouble. He looked at Concubine Hu with admiration. “My lady mother is indeed wise. I was too short-sighted.”

Concubine Hu pulled a gold-inlaid jade Guanyin pendant from her sleeve and handed it to Hu Lingshuang. “Tomorrow, give this to the Jiang woman. You don’t need to worry about the rest.”

Poisoning was a method that saved trouble if it worked, but if it were discovered, one would be sent to the Ministry of Justice’s Prison. Hu Lingshuang was pregnant herself; she didn’t want to risk her life for Lu Changfeng’s career.

She looked at the pendant hesitantly. “Is this treated with something? Jiang Shu is cautious; she might have a doctor check it. It would be a loss if we tried to steal a chicken only to lose the rice.”

Concubine Hu interrupted her, “Why are you so indecisive now? Just do as I say. Why all the talk?”

Concubine Hu was Hu Lingshuang’s biological aunt and had always been kind to her, but lately, she had been strangely harsh. Hu Lingshuang felt uneasy but didn’t dare say more. After the concubine left, she complained to Lu Changfeng.

“What is wrong with her? She’s always finding fault with me lately. Have I done something to offend her?”

Seeing his young wife with her pregnant belly, her eyes red with tears, Lu Changfeng felt a pang of pity. Though he loved to wander among flowers, his feelings for Hu Lingshuang were different from others. He pulled her into his arms and whispered, “Father has rarely visited her room lately, so she’s in a foul mood. Don’t take it to heart.”

…

It was the fifteenth of the month, the day the entire Lu family gathered for a meal in the main hall. While everyone else was in pairs, Jiang Shu stood alone. Out of concern for her pregnancy, Madame Zhao cherished her even more.

“The Second Young Mistress is heavy with child,” Madame Zhao told Nanny Zhou. “Go get a soft cushion to place behind her waist.”

Seeing a steamed sea bass on the table, she summoned the cook. “You’ve been with the mansion for years; how can you be so blind? The Second Young Mistress has just conceived; she can’t stand the smell of fish. Remove it immediately. Before she gives birth, do not serve steamed meat dishes again.”

The cook complied, but secretly felt Madame Zhao was unfair. Hu Lingshuang was further along in her pregnancy, yet Madame Zhao never showed her such specific care. Blood, it seemed, was thicker than water.

Everyone present noticed the favoritism. Concubine Hu’s branch kept their anger quiet due to their status. Normally, Lu Rin should have spoken up for Hu Lingshuang, but he hated trouble and rarely interfered with Madame Zhao’s decisions. To him, a cushion and a few bowls of soup were not worth a confrontation.

After the fish was removed, Hu Lingshuang gave a gracious smile. She pulled a gold-inlaid jade pendant from her purse and said softly, “I asked for this Guanyin pendant at the Great Grace Temple for Second Sister-in-law. The Goddess of Mercy is compassionate; she will surely protect you so you can give birth to a healthy son.”

Hu Lingshuang’s natural seductiveness was tempered by a newfound maternal softness, making her strikingly beautiful. Lu Rin glanced at her and said to Jiang Shu, “Second daughter-in-law, your third brother’s wife is being thoughtful. Why haven’t you thanked her?”

Jiang Shu offered her thanks, and Hu Lingshuang took the opportunity to fasten the pendant around her neck. “The second Sister-in-law is so beautiful; this pendant makes you look even more radiant. You must wear it every day.”

Jiang Shu replied, “It is exquisite. I will certainly wear it daily.”

As soon as Jiang Shu returned to her courtyard, she took the pendant off. Just as she was about to tell Zhu’er to lock it away, Nanny Zhou entered.

“Madam is pregnant now,” the nanny said gently. “Everything you eat or wear must be checked with extreme caution. The sentiment behind the Third Young Mistress’s gift is good, but it must be verified by a doctor to be safe.”

She turned to Dr. Wen, who had followed her in. “Dr. Wen, please see if there is anything suspicious about this pendant.”

Dr. Wen examined it closely. “The materials are pure. No drugs or irritants have been added. It is harmless to the body.”

Only then did Nanny Zhou relax. She told Jiang Shu, “Since there is nothing wrong, you should wear it. Storing it away would seem disrespectful to the Third Young Mistress.”

After checking the pendant, Nanny Zhou asked the doctor to check Jiang Shu’s pulse. As usual, Dr. Wen reported that the pulse was steady and the “fetus” was healthy. Nanny Zhou left happily to report to Madame Zhao.

Once they were alone, Jiang Shu placed two large silver ingots before Dr. Wen. “I come from a humble background. It hasn’t been easy living in this mansion. It is thanks to your help that I wasn’t thrown out.”

“I don’t help you for money,” Dr. Wen said, pushing the silver back. “I only wish for your life to be smoother. You are a clever woman; you must know that fire cannot be wrapped in paper forever. You must make your plans early.” He sighed. Many women in great houses lived lives of luxury on the outside but were filled with bitterness on the inside. He respected Jiang Shu for her kindness and for not exposing her husband’s impotence even after his death.

Jiang Shu was moved. “I am in a desperate position. If I don’t have this pregnancy, I won’t survive. I can only turn this fake play into reality.” Understanding the life-and-death stakes, Dr. Wen didn’t pry further and left.

…

Jiang Shu looked around her room, finding the decor mocking. The man she thought cherished her had wanted to take her life for his own selfish desires. She had lived in this room with Lu Changyi for over half a year. He had chosen the screen; the couch was his favorite spot; even the orchids on the sill were his choice.

Everywhere was his shadow. Every time she entered, she thought of his deathbed wish for her to be buried with him.

“Lock this room,” she told Zhu’er. “From now on, I am moving to the west wing.”

“There are still some of the Heir’s clothes in the west wing,” Zhu’er reminded her. “Should I ask Changsheng to clear them out?”

Changsheng? The thought of him made Jiang Shu’s heart go cold. She had paid for his mother’s medical bills and given him extra silver, yet he had shown no gratitude, helping his master plan her death. “Don’t find Changsheng. Burn the clothes yourself.”

She paused. “A widow’s door attracts gossip. Hu Lingshuang and her son are waiting to throw mud at me. To prevent them from tampering with anything, send all the male servants of this courtyard to the front yard. As for Changsheng, I never want to see him again. Send him to work at the farm on the outskirts.”

…

As soon as Changsheng left, Lu Changfeng’s spies reported back. Hearing that Jiang Shu was clearing out the male servants, Lu Changfeng, who hated her for carrying the “heir,” thought he finally had a handle on her. He hurried toward her courtyard and intercepted her while she was walking with Zhu’er.

“Greetings, Second Sister-in-law!” he said with a fake smile.

Jiang Shu ignored him and kept walking. Lu Changfeng stepped in her path. “I heard you locked my brother’s room. You and he were so devoted; shouldn’t you stay there to remember him? Or have you done something to wrong him, and now you can’t bear to look at his things because of a guilty conscience?”

Jiang Shu sneered. “Third Brother, you spend your life wandering among common flowers; what do you know of true devotion? I locked it precisely because I miss him too much. I fear that seeing his things will make me fall ill with grief and harm the child in my womb.”

Her logic was flawless, leaving him speechless. He pivoted. “If you are so devoted, why send his most trusted servant to a farm? That seems very suspicious.”

“I have my reasons,” Jiang Shu hummed. “Third Brother should mind his own business. Do you intend to stretch your hand into my courtyard? I am a widow now. To avoid gossip, I sent all male servants away to keep my reputation clean. Changsheng is a servant; he goes where I command. Do you have any other ‘concerns’?”

Lu Changfeng was livid. He had always played the subordinate when Lu Changyi was alive; was he now to be bullied by this widow from a minor family? “If your heart is clear, why send everyone away? I think you’re just a loose woman—”

“Shut up!”

Lu Changji’s voice cut through the air like a cold arrow. “Third Brother, you are becoming quite ‘capable.’ In broad daylight, instead of doing your job, you are meddling in the inner chambers and spreading rumors. Your second brother has just passed; your sister-in-law is grieving. Her happiness is the priority. She can do as she pleases; it is not for a junior like you to comment.”

Lu Changji’s authority was absolute. Not even Lu Rin would contradict him. Lu Changfeng, whose government post had been secured by Lu Changji, had no courage to resist. He bowed and fled.

Lu Changji turned to Jiang Shu. “You are pregnant; do not exhaust yourself. If anyone disturbs your peace, tell me. I will handle it. My brother is gone; as the eldest, I will protect you.”

His words were dignified, but only he knew the “filthy” state of his heart. With his brother gone, his feelings for her were surging. He wanted to keep her under his wing and let no other man see her beauty.

Jiang Shu, however, felt only guilt and anxiety. Lu Changji was ruthless to others but had always protected her. She hadn’t repaid him; instead, she had drugged him and crawled into his bed. Thinking of that night, her legs trembled slightly, and a ghost of the pain returned… How could a man who looks so refined be so… formidable?

Her thoughts wandered. She stole a glance at him. “I am grateful for Uncle’s kindness. If I encounter trouble, I will ask for your help.”

Lu Changji nodded. Usually, the conversation would end there, but he wanted to stay longer. “The early autumn rain makes the path difficult. I will walk you back.”

She couldn’t refuse. She walked ahead in her apricot blouse and green skirt. Lu Changji watched her back, pained by how thin she looked. She must be grieving too much for Lu Changyi, he thought, his heart filled with a sharp bitterness.

He stepped up beside her. “Sister-in-law, the dead are gone, but the living must be cherished. You’ve grown thin. For the sake of the child, take care of yourself.”

Jiang Shu, misinterpreting his concern as suspicion, hurried back to her room. She grabbed Zhu’er’s arm. “He said I look thin! Did he notice something? Does he suspect I’m faking the pregnancy?”

“I think you’re overthinking it,” Zhu’er said. “He’s just being kind.”

Jiang Shu still felt uneasy. “It’s been half a month since the temple. If I were truly pregnant, a doctor could tell by now. Go fetch Dr. Wen. Maybe I really am pregnant.”

But before Zhu’er could leave, Jiang Shu felt a dull ache in her abdomen. She looked down; there were spots of red on her undergarments. Her period had arrived.

She slumped onto the couch, her face ghostly pale. If I’m not pregnant, how can I face Madame Zhao? I can’t conjure a child out of thin air.

Zhu’er tried to help. “When the months go by, we can put a cushion under your clothes to look big. When it’s time to give birth, we’ll find a baby boy from outside and hide him in the room. Who cares about the bloodline? As long as you survive!”

Jiang Shu shook her head. It wouldn’t be that simple. Madame Zhao would insist on being present at the birth.

Then, Lu Changji’s image floated into her mind. The timing of a birth could vary—boys were often early, girls late, activity could hasten it, rest could delay it. Being a few weeks “off” from the expected date wasn’t unheard of.

Jiang Shu narrowed her eyes. If she didn’t conceive once, then she would do it again. She was healthy; she would eventually conceive his child.