To Marry the Elder Brother of One's Late Husband - Chapter 41

Chapter 41: Grasping Her Undergarments

Jiang Shu recalled the instructions Lin shi had given her previously. After calculating her most fertile days, she decided she must plan quickly and seize the opportunity to intimate with Lu Changji.

Even if the truth were discovered later, she would be the biological mother of the Grand Secretary’s flesh and blood. Would Zhao shi really dare to beat or kill her then?

Remembering the experience of intimacy with Lu Changji, Jiang Shu felt another shiver. She gritted her teeth and comforted herself—she just had to endure it, and it would pass. Although half an hour was agonizing, if she could survive it, the clouds would part to reveal the bright moon.

Everything will get better!

Just as Jiang Shu finished reassuring herself, Fang Yu entered to announce that Auntie Lin and the Third Young Lady requested an audience.

Jiang Shu was delighted to hear this and hurriedly asked Fang Yu to invite them inside.

A month had passed, and Auntie Lin had grown a bit more full-figured. Her complexion was excellent, her cheeks a powdery white-pink, making her look several years younger.

Jiang Rong was still somewhat timid, but she was trying hard to control her behavior. To outsiders, she appeared poised and polite; one could hardly detect her trepidation.

Lin shi pulled Jiang Rong close to Jiang Shu and whispered, “I was attending to the Master when the Xinyang Marquis Mansion sent someone to report the funeral.”

“I wanted to come to see you immediately, but alas, my status is low, and I had no way to attend a funeral at the Marquis Mansion. I could only worry for you at home.”

“Finally, after the son-in-law was buried, I should have come to check on you, but then the Master fell ill again. I had to stay and serve him, so one thing led to another until now.”

While speaking, Lin shi glanced toward the outer room. Seeing no one, she continued: “My child, your life is bitter; to be widowed at such a young age. This auntie knows it isn’t easy, but you must learn to look forward. Don’t get stuck in a dead end.”

“Having a man in the house may seem respectable, but in truth, it’s not that useful. In the end, it’s just someone to keep you company at night. For the sake of a few moments of warmth, you have to serve him meticulously and flatter him carefully during the day. It’s better to be comfortable on your own.”

“You are now the Wife of the Heir and pregnant. You have no worries about food or clothing, crowds of servants, and no husband to serve. Life couldn’t be more pleasant.”

Lin shi’s words shocked Jiang Shu. She hadn’t expected her cautious auntie to have such a liberated perspective. She looked at her in a new light.

After learning Lu Changyi’s true face, her heart had been sealed; she would never shed another tear for him.

Sharing happiness with others doubles the joy, but telling one’s sorrows to family—aside from making them sad—serves no purpose.

Jiang Shu didn’t want to add to Lin shi and Jiang Rong’s troubles. She kept quiet about Lu Changyi’s wish for her to be buried with him and didn’t mention the truth of her fake pregnancy. She simply said to Lin shi: “Auntie is wise. I am living comfortably now and won’t go looking for trouble.”

Seeing Jiang Shu’s eyes clear and firm, not appearing to be feigning strength, Lin shi felt relieved. She took a plate of Plum and Osmanthus Cakes from a food box and said with a smile: “You’ve loved Plum and Osmanthus Cakes since you were little. When I was leaving, your father specifically ordered the kitchen to steam a tray for you.”

“There is hot water at the bottom of the box; these cakes are still warm. Quick, have a taste!”

Jiang Shu took a bite. The flavor was good, but she could no longer feel the joy she once had eating them.

When had Jiang Wenhuan ever truly cared for her? It was only because he saw she was pregnant and her status had risen that he made this hypocritical gesture to win her over.

After just one bite, Jiang Shu set the cake aside. She wiped the crumbs from her hands and asked warmly: “I heard you say Father is unwell. I wonder what ailment he has?”

Lin shi shook her head: “The Master hasn’t had much energy these past few days. He’s dazed all day, as if he can’t wake up.”

“We’ve called several doctors, and they all say the Master has depleted his qi and blood due to being busy with official duties. He needs to recuperate properly.”

Jiang Shu gave a lukewarm “Oh” and picked up a teacup to drink.

Jiang Rong hesitated for a long while before whispering to Jiang Shu: “Eldest Sister, filial piety is the greatest of virtues. Although Father hasn’t been very close to you, he is still our elder. You should go back and see him.”

“Even if just for the sake of appearances, it’s not good to be too distant from Father.”

Jiang Shu looked at Jiang Rong and gave a warm smile: “Third Sister, you truly deserve to marry into the Lin family. Even before leaving the maiden home, your thoughts are so thorough. You already have the air of a mistress of a household!”

Jiang Rong’s face turned bright red. She tugged at Jiang Shu’s sleeve and whispered, “I meant well; Eldest Sister should stop teasing me.”

Jiang Shu smiled and moved past the topic: “Auntie and Sister look very well. It seems life has been quite comfortable lately.”

At this, Jiang Rong had much to say: “After the Second Sister married out, Yang shi seemed like a different person. She stays in the kitchen every day brewing soup and cooking for Father, and she’s become much more generous. She no longer mistreats me and Auntie as she did before. Our days are much better.”

“Seeing Yang shi being virtuous and remembering their old feelings, Father let her take charge of the household again. They are very harmonious now.”

Jiang Shu had originally wanted to leave Yang shi and her daughter no room to turn things around. She hadn’t expected Yang shi to change her ways and regain Jiang Wenhuan’s favor.

When things are strange, there must be a “demon” at work. Given Yang shi’s nature, it would be logical for her to suppress Lin shi and her daughter. Her current quiet and virtuous demeanor suggested she was brewing something significant.

Jiang Shu whispered: “Because of me, Jiang Ran was forced to become Zheng Zuohe’s concubine. Yang shi hates me to the core and certainly won’t stop here. Auntie and Sister must be very cautious; do not fall into Yang shi’s traps.”

Jiang Rong nodded: “In the past, the Elder Sister protected me and Auntie. In the future, I must stand up and shield Auntie from the wind and rain too.”

Jiang Shu felt very gratified; her sister was becoming braver and braver!

The three women spoke for a while longer. Eventually, Jiang Shu took some gifts and returned to the Jiang house with Lin shi. No matter how immoral Jiang Wenhuan was, he was still her father; she couldn’t ignore him entirely.

Entering the parlor, Jiang Shu saw Yang shi serving soup to Jiang Wenhuan. Jiang Wenhuan looked somewhat lethargic, but a smile hung on his lips, showing he was very satisfied with Yang shi.

Upon seeing Jiang Shu, the smile on Jiang Wenhuan’s face grew brighter. He beckoned her over and said, “Shu’er is back! Come, sit by your father’s side and share a meal with me.”

Jiang Shu sat beside him as instructed. Up close, she noticed he had lost a lot of weight; his cheeks were sunken, and the veins on his temples protruded.

She said, “I haven’t seen you in half a month. Why has Father become so thin?”

Jiang Wenhuan seemed unconcerned, saying quite proudly: “To eat the Emperor’s grain is to serve the Emperor’s affairs. I receive a salary from the court, so it is only right to toil for the court. To lose weight for official business means I haven’t failed the expectations of my superiors.”

As he spoke, he poured a bowl of Abalone and Black Chicken Soup and handed it to Jiang Shu: “Your mother simmered this soup herself for two full hours. The taste is very fresh; try it.”

In her childhood, except for festivals, Jiang Shu always ate with Lin shi in the back rooms. Forget sharing a meal with Jiang Wenhuan—she rarely even saw him.

She remembered one Mid-Autumn Festival when Yang shi specifically allowed them to join the feast in the parlor. Jiang Shu had immediately spotted the Plum and Osmanthus Cakes on the table; they were her favorite.

She wanted a piece, but the plate was far from her. She didn’t dare reach for it and could only lower her head to eat the dishes in front of her.

Halfway through the meal, she saw Jiang Ran jump down from her chair and naturally climb onto Jiang Wenhuan’s lap. She pointed at a porcelain jar on the table and chirped, “Father, the Abalone and Black Chicken Soup smells good. Ran-er wants to drink the soup.”

Jiang Wenhuan had doted on her, pinching her nose, and immediately served her a bowl.

Jiang Shu had stared at that bowl for a long time. She had never tasted it, but she instinctively felt it must be delicious—certainly more so than the cakes.

Now, her father was placing the soup she had craved since childhood right before her. Although she felt no great gratitude, a trace of warmth flickered in her heart.

Jiang Shu smiled at Jiang Wenhuan and was about to drink when Lin shi spoke up: “Shu’er, there is safflower in the Abalone and Black Chicken Soup. Safflower promotes blood circulation and removes stasis; you are pregnant and cannot consume it.”

Safflower was often used as a seasoning in soups, but any woman who had given birth knew it was forbidden for the pregnant.

Jiang Wenhuan sighed: “It was my oversight; I simply didn’t know.”

Jiang Shu quickly said it was no matter: “Father is busy in officialdom all day; how could you know the taboos of women? I am very grateful that you intended to look after your daughter.”

She then had Zhu’er bring the gifts to Jiang Wenhuan. Jiang Shu said: “I’ve brought some supplements for Father. You are weak and must recuperate well.”

After the meal, Jiang Shu stayed in the parlor to talk with her father. The setting sun cast a warm glow into the room.

The father and daughter sat across from each other; Jiang Shu brewed tea while Jiang Wenhuan peeled water caltrops for her. They chatted over snacks—mundane, yet very warm.

Since there was no major issue, a married daughter should not stay overnight at her maiden home. As night fell, Jiang Shu left with Zhu’er.

Zhu’er couldn’t keep her thoughts to herself and said, “The Master’s illness has made his temperament much gentler. It’s rare that he didn’t demand you help him get a promotion.”

Jiang Shu also found it strange. She felt her father didn’t quite seem like her father anymore.

As the two were about to board their carriage, the gate next door opened from within, and Ye Qian walked out supporting Mother Ye.

Mother Ye was delighted to see Jiang Shu and said, “A few days ago, I was eating wontons at the street corner and heard people chatting that you were pregnant. This is truly a wonderful thing.”

Mother Ye examined Jiang Shu, seeing her bright eyes and healthy glow—even more charming than before her marriage. It was hard for women; most spent their pregnancies vomiting miserably, and few had Jiang Shu’s radiance.

Shu’er had finally seen the end of her bitter days.

Mother Ye was very happy, but then she noticed a gold-inlaid jade Guanyin pendant around Jiang Shu’s neck. The jade was of good quality, but not particularly rare. What was rare was the red cord holding it.

Mother Ye’s gaze lingered on the cord for a moment, and the smile on her face suddenly vanished. She asked Jiang Shu, “Could Auntie take a look at that gold-inlaid jade Guanyin on your chest?”

Jiang Shu took it off and handed it to her. Mother Ye brought the red cord to her nose to smell it, then pulled out a few tiny, thin threads from within.

The threads were so fine that even when pulled out, they didn’t look unusual.

Mother Ye returned to her courtyard, cut a piece of the red cord, sprinkled some face powder on it, and lit it with a fire starter.

A wisp of smoke curled up, emitting a strange fragrance.

Once the scent spread, Mother Ye quickly extinguished the fire. She gripped Jiang Shu’s hand and said seriously: “These threads are made of Weixian, also known as the Heartless Grass. It is usually colorless and odorless, but if it comes into contact with clam powder, its medicinal properties are triggered.”

“A normal person consuming it might strengthen their body, but if a pregnant woman is in long-term contact with it, it causes fetal instability and eventually a miscarriage.”

Clam powder acted as the catalyst for Weixian; the medicinal effect could only be drawn out with it.

Mother Ye was in poor health and had lived on medicine for years. Had she not used Weixian in her own decoctions long-term, she never would have discovered the trickery in the jewelry cord.

Mother Ye stared at Jiang Shu and whispered: “Shu’er, who gave you this pendant? You must be very careful of this person.”

As expected, when it came to family interests, no one could remain indifferent. If Jiang Shu truly were pregnant, the child in her womb would likely have been killed by Hu shi.

Since the pregnancy was a fabrication, Jiang Shu didn’t want to discuss it further. She gave a vague smile and turned the conversation to Mother Ye’s health. After a few more pleasantries, Jiang Shu returned home.

She held the Guanyin cord in her hand, her eyes downcast. This cord could not be kept; otherwise, if the “miscarriage” didn’t happen when it should, it would arouse Hu shi’s suspicion.

Regarding the Marquisate’s title, if the “child” in her womb were safe, Hu Lingshuang would never be at peace. She would surely find a way to get rid of Jiang Shu’s child, and if repeated attempts failed, she might even try to “pull up the roots.”

Jiang Shu had never been one to be slaughtered at will. Since Hu Lingshuang had murderous intent, Jiang Shu would not sit by and wait for death.

She looked at Zhu’er and said in a low voice: “Send someone to follow Hu Lingshuang. If she is committing adultery with someone, report back to me immediately.”

Hu Lingshuang and Lu Changfeng were a legitimate couple. Even if they enjoyed certain “eccentricities” in bed, they wouldn’t need to sneak around the back garden in the dead of night.

Zhu’er’s eyes widened in shock: “Third Madam is pregnant! If she doesn’t focus on protecting the baby, she dares to… to…”

Zhu’er was young and didn’t understand the “pleasures of the bedroom,” but Jiang Shu had been taught a few things by Lin shi. She said: “Lust is part of human nature. Some people are naturally more obsessed with these matters than others, even while pregnant.”

It was as if a new world had opened for Zhu’er. Her eyes darted around, and she suddenly lowered her voice: “Could it be that the Third Master’s body is depleted and can’t satisfy Third Madam, so she’s thinking of ‘hunting’ outside?”

She slapped her thigh and sighed: “If a man thinks his wife is useless, he can openly take concubines. If a woman isn’t satisfied, she has to sneak around and steal. If she’s caught, she’s lucky to be divorced; at worst, she loses her life. Truly unfair.”

Indeed, the world placed too many constraints on women while being exceptionally lenient with men.

If it weren’t for Hu Lingshuang’s ill intentions toward her, why would Jiang Shu bother to expose her?

In the blink of an eye, it was the Qixi Festival. Originally not a major holiday, Lu Lin liked excitement, so he called the whole family to the main hall for dinner.

Lu Changji was busy with government affairs and rarely ate at home, but this time he had remarkably returned.

He wore a moon-white round-collar robe. The color was elegant, highlighting his jade-like features.

Jiang Shu stole a glance at him and hurriedly looked away, fearing someone would notice.

While others didn’t notice, Lu Changji caught her gaze, and a trace of a smile flickered in his dark eyes.

An elder brother is like a father; with Lu Changji presiding, Lu Changfeng didn’t dare say anything out of line. Because of the child in Jiang Shu’s womb, his lingering desire for her had vanished, replaced entirely by hatred. He glared at her as if he wanted to tear her apart.

Hu Lingshuang tugged at Lu Changfeng’s sleeve and said with a smile: “I see the Second Sister-in-law has filled out a bit; she must be recuperating well.”

After speaking, she noticed Jiang Shu’s neck was bare. She wondered why she wasn’t wearing that Guanyin pendant. Has Jiang Shu discovered something?

Hu Lingshuang’s heart tightened. She smiled casually and asked, “Why isn’t the Second Sister-in-law wearing that gold-inlaid jade Guanyin? Guanyin grants children; it’s most appropriate for a pregnant woman to wear it!”

Jiang Shu sighed softly, appearing regretful: “While bathing yesterday, I accidentally hit the pendant against the tub. It shattered on the spot. It’s all my clumsiness; I’ve failed Third Sister-in-law’s kindness.”

Hu Lingshuang was disappointed, but thinking that Jiang Shu hadn’t discovered the secret in the cord made her happy again. She breathed a quiet sigh of relief and said: “Jewelry is just an external object; if it’s broken, it’s broken. It’s enough that the Second Sister-in-law is safe.”

Lu Changfeng, having failed in his scheme, began cursing under his breath the moment they left the main hall: “That bitch Jiang shi—she comes from a low background but her luck is stubborn. Auntie finally found the herbs for an abortion, yet she somehow dodged it.”

Hu Lingshuang also felt some regret, but seeing Lu Changfeng’s anger, she didn’t dare fan the flames. She comforted him softly: “The days are long; we will always find an opportunity.”

She pursed her lips and smiled, changing the subject: “Don’t be angry, Third Master. A few days ago, when I was at Grand Secretary Xie’s house for tea, I heard people saying that the Yichun Brothel has a new ‘Yangzhou Singsong Girl.’ She is peerless in both beauty and art.”

“If you are frustrated, why not take a trip to the Yichun Brothel? Let her serve you well; once your body is comfortable, your anger will naturally dissipate.”

Lu Changfeng was a veteran of the “wind and moon” and was most wanton in bed. Ordinary tricks no longer satisfied him. Since Hu Lingshuang was pregnant, though they were still intimate, they didn’t dare to go all out.

Now that Hu Lingshuang was actively encouraging him to seek pleasure elsewhere, it was like sending charcoal in the snow. He pulled her into his arms, kissed her hard on the lips, and whispered: “Only you understand me. Once you give birth, I will stay in your room every day and never go out to ‘pluck flowers’ again.”

Hu Lingshuang pinched his arm and said gently: “Why are you still talking, Third Master? Go quickly!”

Lu Changfeng’s heart was already wandering. He gave a grunt of agreement and strode toward the door.

Hu Lingshuang watched his back, wiped her lips with disgust, and turned toward the back garden.

Lu Changji stood on the other side of a moon-gate window and heard the entire conversation between the couple.

Lu Changfeng’s gall was truly great, daring to scheme against Jiang Shu.

Lu Changji looked at Cheng Yong and said coldly: “The third one is disobedient; it’s time he learned a lesson.”

Cheng Yong complied and vanished into the night in an instant.

The shifting moonlight spilled into the courtyard, making the lush garden come alive.

Lu Changji remembered it was on a night filled with moonlight that he had held Jiang Shu’s ankle to set her bone. It was also on such a night that Jiang Shu had overheard his conversation with Cheng Yong, causing her to avoid him.

His feelings for her seemed to have sprouted, turned, and fermented little by little under the moon.

Lu Changji looked up at the moon. May we live long and share the beauty of the moon together, even if a thousand miles apart. Today was Qixi; he should go see her.

Stepping through the moonlight, he walked to Xinchun Court.

The gate was closed. Lu Changji knocked, but no one answered. He pushed the gate open and entered the parlor.

The hall was empty. He poured a cup of tea at the table and took a light sip. Just then, Jiang Shu’s voice came from the side room.

Xinchun Court had no male guards, only three elderly maids and four servant girls.

The elderly maids didn’t stay overnight, and while the servant girls usually did, Jiang Shu had given them the day off for Qixi.

Fang Yu and Nong Qi were from the capital and had gone home early to visit their parents. Bi Chun had just gotten engaged and was naturally out with her fiancé.

Zhu’er had been sold by her brother and had nowhere to go. Jiang Shu had assumed she would be out looking at the lanterns, but as she finished her bath, she heard what she thought were Zhu’er’s footsteps.

“Zhu’er, bring in my sleeping robe.” Lu Changji turned his gaze and saw a goose-yellow sleeping robe embroidered with willow branches lying quietly on a chaise longue.

He stood up, took the garment in his hand, and entered the side room.

Before him was a screen carved with lotus leaves and ruyi patterns. He heard the drip-drop of water and saw a fair, delicate figure reflected through the cutouts of the screen.

Lu Changji’s breath hitched. He felt his blood rush to his head; his thoughts were in disarray and his breathing grew ragged. He couldn’t help but tighten his grip on the robe.

“Zhu’er, give me the clothes.” As she spoke, Jiang Shu reached her arm out from behind the screen.

Her arm was white and smooth, dotted with fine droplets of water, finer than white jade.

A faint blush crept onto Lu Changji’s cold, pale cheeks. He forced himself to look away from that “lotus root” arm and placed the robe in her hand.

At that moment, he noticed a long strip of gauze for breast-binding hanging on the screen. It was folded several times and was at least two meters long.

Why would ordinary breast-binding be that long?

Lu Changji suddenly remembered Jiang Shu’s slightly “fuller” figure.

His dark eyes flashed with an inscrutable light. He turned and walked out of the side room, returning to sit in the parlor.