I Am The Legitimate Marchioness And I Will Never Lower Myself To Scheme Against The Concubines.

Thank you for listening to stories at Stellar Novels. Hope you have a pleasant time listening to stories. As the legitimate wife of the Marquis Manor, I would never stoop so low as to compete for favor with the concubines. Everyone said the Marquis of Dingbei loved me as dearly as his own life. Even before our wedding day arrived, he had already submitted a memorial to the throne, begging for an early marriage because he could not bear to wait a single moment longer. The betrothal gifts filled a hundred chests, leaving every noble young lady in the capital green with envy. Only I knew the truth. His haste to wed me was because he and his cousin within the manor had been secretly entangled, and her belly was already swelling with child. If he did not bring the principal wife through the doors soon, there would be no hiding that pregnancy any longer, since this marriage had been bestowed by the imperial family itself. My mother was overcome with grief. I took her hand and reassured her, Mother, don't worry. Your daughter is entering the Marquis Manor in an eight, carrier palanquin as the rightful principal wife, not to fight for affection with any concubines. That very morning, the Marquis of Dingbei, Cixiao, had submitted yet another memorial to the emperor, pleading for an early wedding with me. The news that the legitimate daughter of the Grand Tutor was about to marry spread like wildfire through the capital. Everyone said I was blessed with extraordinary fortune. The Marquis of Dingbei came from a prestigious lineage, was young and brilliantly talented, and enjoyed the emperor's deepest favor. His proposal had been utterly sincere, and the betrothal gifts and wedding presents were nearly equal to those given to a princess. But I knew full well that his impatience had nothing to do with love for me. It was because the belly of his childhood sweetheart, Liu Rying, could no longer wait. Liu Rying was his cousin. Having lost both parents young, she had taken refuge in the Xi Manor. The two had grown up side by side, childhood sweethearts in every sense. It was simply a pity that the Liu family had fallen into decline, making it impossible for her to become the principal wife. My mother held my hand, eyes rimmed red. Junner, if you truly do not wish to marry, even if it means defying the imperial decree, your father and I will find a way to annul this engagement. I shook my head. In noble families like ours, hidden struggles are everywhere. Marrying anyone would be the same. Besides, this match was bestowed by the imperial family. Cijiao is the emperor's favored minister. If we cause trouble, it will only make things difficult for everyone. Was I supposed to be afraid? I was the rightful principal wife, married with full ceremony and carried in an ape, Bera Palenquin. No matter how many concubines filled the manor, I would still be the mistress of the house. I was not there to vee for favor with those women. Moreover, I was the legitimate daughter of the Grand Tutor, and the niece of Her Majesty the Empress herself. As long as Cijiao still had his wits, he would never dare mistreat me. From childhood I had understood that daughters of families like mine rarely chose their own marriages. People liked to say it was easy to find priceless treasures but hard to find a devoted husband. Yet in my eyes, even a devoted husband was not necessarily more valuable than a priceless treasure. It was a shame that while I understood this truth, and Cijiao understood it too, his little cousin Liu Ruying never would. That day I was reviewing account books in the Jingsu Pavilion, my mother's dowry gift to me, when Liu Ruying stormed in furiously. One glance at her expression told me she had come on purpose. Her body grew heavier by the day, and she needed new fabrics for fresh garments. She looked at me with coy sweetness and said, My husband told me the child in my belly is his firstborn son, incredibly precious and not to be delayed. The newest clothes must be comfortable so our child will be healthy and strong. Miss Shen, this is your shop, so you must know which fabrics suit a pregnant woman best. Why don't you help me choose a few? I pointed to the shop's most treasured bolt. For a noble lady of your status, ordinary cloth simply will not do. This moonlight brocade costs a thousand gold tails and perfectly suits your exalted body. Or shall we take this one? Your husband loves you so dearly, he surely won't begrudge a mere thousand tails of silver, right? Her face turned deathly pale, yet she forced a smile. Of course he won't mind. He once said he would spend ten thousand gold just to see me smile. I instructed the attendants to wrap several bolts. Madam, will you pay in cash now, or shall I send the shop boy to the Marquis' manor to collect it? Liu Rying rose. Do you know who I am? I smiled. You've made such a scene, how could I not know? You came here precisely so I would understand how much the Marquis loves you, didn't you? Nearby madams who were shopping glanced over and began whispering, Whose wife is that? So generous and extravagant. I smiled faintly. This is the cousin from the Dingbei Marquis' household. The Dingbei Marquis' household. Their eyes filled with suspicion. Miss Shen, isn't the Marquis about to marry you? He hasn't even wed yet, how could there already be a wife? And I heard he doesn't even have any concubines. Liu Rying's face flushed crimson, tears shimmering in her eyes. She wiped them away and said, Miss Shen, I only wanted to visit you beforehand. Once you marry into the manor, we will be sisters. You've misunderstood me. I have lived in the Z manor since childhood and have always been cautious in every word and deed. In a few days you will be my mistress. I simply wanted to get to know you and build some rapport. Why are you humiliating me in front of everyone like this? When did I ever claim to be the Marquis' wife? My maid Luo Yu could no longer hold back. Madam, why are you twisting black and white? The moment you walked in you announced your pregnancy, and how precious your body is, demanding that our young miss personally select fabrics for you. You even said your husband loves you so much he would spend ten thousand gold for one smile from you. Yet now you suddenly deny everything. Luo Yu covered her mouth as if realizing something. Forgive me, madam. Did I guess wrong? Is the child in your belly not the Marquis' after all? My goodness, I could hardly resist the urge to applaud her right then and there. Liu Rying shrieked. Someone. Slap her mouth for me. The child in my belly is the eldest son of the Marquis' manor. How dare you slander me like this? I stepped forward shielding Luo Yu and said coldly, Who dares touch my people? No matter how noble you believe yourself to be, you have no right to act arrogantly on my territory. C. Zhao and I are not yet married, so we are not one family. Even if I do marry into the Dingbei Marquis' manor, I will be the principal wife, while you do not even possess an official title. You are nothing but a plaything. Do you truly think you are worth my attention, Miss Liu? I narrowed my eyes at her. C. Zhao and I are not even married yet, and already his outside woman dares come to my door and show off. How utterly rude. Someone. Escort this young miss back to the Dingbei Marquis' manor and deliver her to the old madam. Tell her everything that happened today. Liu Rying tried to argue, but the servants immediately seized her and dragged her back to the manor. Oh dear, Miss Shen, you haven't even married yet, and the concubines are already climbing over your head. You must be careful. It looks like after the wedding the Marquis of Dingbei will favor his concubine and neglect his wife. How pitiful. Nothing is worse for a woman than marrying such a man. The news that the Marquis of Dingbei, C. Zhao's cousin, was pregnant before marriage and had been secretly involved with him spread through the capital in a single night. The story of her coming to the Jingxiu Pavilion to flaunt herself before me was also carried by several madams, stirring up waves throughout the noble circles. The next day, the old madam of the Dingbei Marquis' manor brought C. Zhao to the Grand Tutor's residence to apologize. It is all this unfilial son's fault. He dared to get drunk and commit such a mistake, causing Rying to become pregnant. The old madam used the four words, drunk and mistake, to cover up Liu Rying's pregnancy, a blatant lie spoken with eyes wide open. My mother sat in silence. The old madam then came over and took my hand. Jenner, if you mind this at all, I will immediately have someone brew an abortifacient and force her to drink it. How can the eldest son be born before the principal wife has even entered the door? The old madam looked at me with a kind expression. She hadn't suggested an abortion earlier or later, but waited until the scandal broke to propose it in my name, so that later the world would call me a vicious woman while the Dingbei Marquis' manor remained innocent and pure. I laughed coldly and sighed. If I agreed, it would mean I could not tolerate my husband's bloodline. If I refused, once Liu Rying gave birth to the eldest son I would have to bow my head and accept it. I quietly withdrew my hand, my face flushing as I said softly, matters of the inner courtyard should be decided by the old madam. Shai Zhao cried out anxiously, Mother, that is my first child. Your grandson. The old madam shouted, Shut your mouth. My mother remained silent until this moment, when she finally spoke gently her words carrying hidden meaning. The C family is a prestigious Marquis' household, and the old madam is an experienced elder. How could something like this be left for Jenner, an unmarried young lady, to decide? She has been raised by me since childhood. Before she marries, this is ultimately a matter for the Marquis' manor. She has no right to decide. Just yesterday her father told me he could not bear to part with her, and wanted to keep her at home for another year. As for the matter of concubines in the Marquis' manor, it should be up to the madam of your family to decide. My mother's single sentence about keeping me for another year instantly threw the C family into chaos. They could afford to wait, but Liu Ruoying's belly could not. If the child was kept, it would not only slap the Shen family's face but also directly offend the imperial family. After all, this was an imperial decree marriage. It could not be made too ugly. Yet if the pregnancy was aborted, it would prove the C family heartless and unconnected to the Grand Tutor's residence. If this matter was not handled properly, whether the marriage would proceed remained uncertain. C Zhao stood up abruptly. The doctor said If this child is lost, she may never be able to conceive again. Miss Shen, you are a noble young lady and the future mistress of the Marquis' manor. You should possess a magnanimous heart. Ruoying has a gentle and kind nature. She is not the domineering type. She will surely live in harmony with you. Even if she bears a child, it will only be a secondary son and will never compete with you. My mother also rose. What do you mean by the future mistress? You are marrying a daughter of our Shen family. It is not as if you can do whatever you please. It is not as if you can do whatever you please. Just then a servant woman ran in. This is bad madam, young miss. The cousin from the Dingbi Marquis' manor is kneeling outside the residence, crying and begging to see the young miss. Lu Ruoying was dressed pitifully as she knelt before the Grand Tutor's gates, eyes red and swollen. I beg the mistress to give this concubine a way to live. The Marquis' child is innocent. Please show mercy and open your heart. A crowd had already gathered outside, whispering nonstop. I stepped out and looked at her coldly. Who had the audacity to cause a scene at the Grand Tutor's door? Luoyu snorted loudly. Mistress? Whose concubine are you? Our young miss has not yet married. What nonsense are you spouting here? Lu Ruoying showed no fear. She simply raised her head and looked at me. Miss Shen is the Marquis' fiancée and will enter the manor sooner or later. Yesterday this concubine overstepped and offended the mistress. I heard you wanted me to abort the child and not give birth. Today I have come especially to apologize and beg you to open your heart. As long as I can keep the Marquis' flesh and blood, this concubine is willing to become a slave or servant. With that, she cowed out heavily. Her words made the onlooker's expressions change, as if I were the cruel and heartless one. I took a step back, hand over my chest. When did I ever say I wanted you to abort the child? Whether you are the cousin or a concubine of the Marquis' manor, the pregnancy in your belly has nothing to do with me. I am not yet married to the Marquis of Dingbei, yet you have already tarnished my reputation like this. Marquis of Dingbei Manor, forgive me. I dare not marry into your family. I turn to my mother. Mother, forget the marriage with the Xi family. Your daughter will not marry him, pretending to look pitiful. Who didn't know the act? My eyes reddened with aggrieved tears. My mother grasped my hand and took a deep breath, looking at Xi Zhao who had rushed over. Marquis of Dingbei, you indulge your concubine without restraint. With just a few words you have painted my junior as a vicious woman who wants to harm your flesh and blood. How dare you come to our Shen family's door to humiliate us? Someone, prepare an invitation to the palace. This marriage is cancelled. Less later troubles arise and you blame us for failing to form the alliance. Xi Zhao rushed forward to help Liu Rying up. Why did you come here? Liu Rying nestled into his arms. Cousin, I was afraid Miss Shen would not like me and wanted to beg her to give mother and child a path to survival. I only want to stay by your side. Xi Zhao looked at her with heartache. You don't need to do this. I have already said I would give you and the child proper status. Liu Rying's tears flowed like rain. It is only because this concubine is ill-fated, unlike Miss Shen with her noble birth, that I am unworthy of you, cousin. But this concubine only wishes to stay by your side. Even as a slave or servant, I am content. The two of them were so affectionate it turned the stomach. Xi Zhao turned to look at me. Miss Shen, known as the capital's finest maiden, yet when Ruying pleads so desperately, will you not soften your heart even a little? Once you marry into the manor, you should regard your husband as heaven and value continuing the family line above all. Do you truly intend to scheme against your husband's flesh and blood? My mother angrily pointed at Xi Zhao and scolded him relentlessly. You scoundrel. The Xi family has gone too far. The marriage is not even finalized, yet the Marquis has already let an untitled outsider come to our door to humiliate us. I clutched my chest, face deathly pale, tears falling like rain. Mother is right. With a family like this, how could a daughter marry in? With that I closed my eyes and collapsed into Liu Yu's arms. She immediately screamed, Our young miss has been angered to the point of fainting by the Marquis of Dingbei and that vixen. The scene descended into chaos. My mother called for the doctor while sending people to fetch my father and hurriedly asked someone to send word into the palace. Xi Zhao's face darkened as he prepared to speak, but the old madam shouted, Silence. Haven't you embarrassed us enough? You came today to apologize, not to show off. If this matter reaches the imperial court, you can go to the palace yourself and explain it to his majesty. Then she turned to my mother, face full of shame. This unfilial son has caused such trouble. Another day I will personally come to apologize and beg for your forgiveness. After that she ordered the servants, quickly take Liu Ruying back to the manor. Haven't we lost enough face already? Liu Ruying struggled, but a servant woman covered her mouth and dragged her away. I heard that as soon as Xi Zhao returned to the manor, the old madam flew into a thunderous rage and ordered him beaten until he could not get out of bed. That night she had someone brew an abortifacient and forced Liu Ruying to drink it. She cried the entire night, and the newly formed male fetus was expelled. Three days later, the old madam of the Dingbei Marquis Manor brought the clan elders to the Grand Tutor's residence to apologize. They incorporated the most profitable shops from both families into the betrothal gifts as compensation, personally delivering them to me. My parents sighed. What good was more wealth? Did they have to compensate for my entire life as well? It was a pity that yesterday the emperor had summoned my father to the palace and said that Xi Zhao had kowtowed in apology and confessed his mistakes himself. My aunt in the palace also held my mother's hand, advising her earnestly, the child is already gone. This marriage should still proceed. With no other choice, the engagement remained as it was. Before long I would have to marry. On the eve of my wedding my mother could not stop wiping away her tears. Jenner, it is your mother who has failed you. I am useless and could not persuade anyone. I gripped her hand tightly. Mother, do not blame yourself. This was not something you could decide. Rest assured, your daughter will make sure she lives well. I am the legitimate daughter of the Grand Tutor's residence and the niece of Her Majesty the Empress. I will not let myself suffer any grievances. In this world, daughters have never had the right to choose. All I could do was carve out a path within those narrow limits that would let my heart rest easy. No matter how tainted the Dingbei Marquis Manor was, I had no choice but to accept it. Fortunately, although Xi Zhao was no good man, he was a close minister favored by the Son of Heaven, with immense power and prestige. Marrying into his family would make me the Marchioness of Dingbei, a noble lady whose name shook the capital. Every household had concubines. What mattered was that I remained broad-minded and lived my own life of glory and wealth. In truth, when I pretended to faint that day, I had already guessed that this marriage had been personally arranged by the Emperor and could not be cancelled. By causing such a commotion, I let the entire capital see the grievances I had endured, securing more initiative for myself in the future, so that Xi Zhao could not do whatever he pleased. On the day of the wedding, my parents prepared a full 128 carriages of dowry for me. Leading the procession was a jade roi scepter bestowed by the Emperor and my imperial aunt. A ten-mile red bridal procession escorted me into the Dingbei manor. Before stepping into the palanquin, my father, eyes red, reminded me, If Xi Zhao dares to bully you, just come home. At that time we will have justice on our side. Don't worry, your mother and I will do everything to protect you. I nodded. Father, rest assured, your daughter will live well. The Dingbei manor was packed with guests. Xi Zhao and I bowed to heaven and earth, then entered the bridal chamber. We had just finished drinking the nuptial wine when someone shouted from outside, Marquis, Concubine Liu's condition is unstable. She has fainted. Please come quickly. Xi Zhao was about to stand when I caught his hand. Marquis, outside are all the great ministers of the court and noble families. They have not yet left. If on our wedding night you rush off to a concubine's courtyard, the rumor that you favor the concubine and neglect the wife will spread throughout the capital by tomorrow morning. And tomorrow we still have to enter the palace to pay respects to my aunt the Empress. Wouldn't that be terribly awkward? Her Majesty is my aunt. For the sake of this marriage she has already expended so much effort, and specifically instructed you to pay respects after the wedding. She has words for you. If even a whisper of this reaches the Empress, will you still have any peace? Although Xi Zhao loved Liu Ruoying, he valued his own position even more. Sure enough, after hearing my words he sat back down. I said gently, now that your wife has married the Marquis, we are husband and wife as one. Husband, rest assured. I brought four Dari maids with me, one of whom is skilled in medicine. Tonight she will go take care of Concubine Liu so you needn't worry. Xi Zhao breathed a sigh of relief and smiled. Madam is truly thoughtful. Mo Yu, one of my Dari maids, received the order and carried the medicine chest to Liu Ruoying's courtyard. Liu Ruoying was clutching her chest, moaning and pretending to be in pain. The moment Mo Yu stepped inside she frowned. Why is this room so stuffy? Quickly open the windows for ventilation, a maid said. Madam Liu is in confinement. The doctor ordered that no drafts be allowed. Mo Yu replied, I am the doctor. This foul air will make anyone ill. If you don't open the windows it will only get worse. Quickly ventilate the room. The moment the windows opened, cold wind rushed in. Liu Ruoying felt her heart grow even colder than the winter sky. Meanwhile, on our side, Xi Zhao and I enjoyed a warm spring night in the bridal chamber, flowers and candles flickering softly. The next morning, when we served tea to the elders, the moment we reached the main courtyard we saw Liu Ruoying standing before the round gate of her own courtyard, gazing longingly at Xi Zhao. Cousin, she called and immediately tried to throw herself into his arms. I stepped forward one pace. Didn't you claim your body was too weak to leave the bed? Why have you come out? Xi Zhao looked at her. Ruoying, if you're unwell, you should rest in your courtyard. There is no need to come pay respects. Liu Ruoying said coquettishly, but this concubine wanted to pay respects to the mistress. I straightened my robes and gazed at her. Sister, are you now the Marcus's concubine, or still the cousin of the manor? Without proper title or etiquette, this is truly a breach of decorum. Marquis, why don't you choose a suitable day to host a grand banquet and formally bestow her status? Otherwise outsiders will only mock us. Before the Marquis married the principal wife, matters were one thing. Now that I have entered the gates, things cannot remain as they once were. The old madam, having overheard every word, lifted the curtain and stepped out. Very well said. From today onward, all affairs of the inner manor shall be managed by my daughter-in-law. I am old now and should simply enjoy my remaining years in peace. She turned to Liu Ruoying. From now on, stop using those intimate terms. Do not call him cousin either. If you address anyone improperly again, you will be fined half a month's allowance. Moreover, today is the second day after the grand wedding. The clan elders are all waiting. You are dressed in white. Do you mean to show dissatisfaction with the Marquis's marriage? The elders are currently drinking tea in the inner hall. See Zhao frowned. Even the once willow soft Liu Ruoying now furrowed her brows. Why aren't you helping the concubine back to change her clothes? Today is a day of great joy. What exactly are you doing? Liu Ruoying's eyes reddened. Cousin once said he liked seeing Ruoying dressed in white like a fairy beneath the moon. I cut her off sharply. As the one now in charge of the inner courtyard, I cannot afford to be lazy or evasive. Concubine Liu, your words are inappropriate. You are fined one month's allowance. The next offense will cost two months, and the one after that four months. If you have money to spare, feel free to keep addressing people wrongly. She opened her mouth to protest, but I waved my hand. The elders have waited long enough. Escort her away at once. Do not bring any more shame upon the Marquis's manor. With that, I turned to Shi Zhao. In any case, we cannot keep the elders waiting. Let us go in. Sai Zhao's expression softened. Madam is as thoughtful as ever. After greeting the clan elders and finishing breakfast, I summoned the other two Dari maids. These two were Wan Yu and Bi Yu, both daughters of respectable families with spotless backgrounds. Marquis, why don't you elevate them to concubine status alongside concubine Ruoying? It would make the household livelier. Seeing a flicker of hesitation on his face, I continued gently, Your wife knows the Marquis cherishes concubine Liu, but the manor's bloodline is thin. Ultimately, that is not a blessing. The Marquis should spread his branches and leaves early. Rest assured, no matter who bears a child, I will treat them as my own flesh and blood. Sai Zhao let out a long sigh, his face full of gratitude. Madam, I have misjudged you. I thought you were a jealous woman. It was all my fault. From today onward, everyone in the manor, high or low, will obey the Madam. If anyone dares show disrespect, you may punish them as you see fit. Wan Yu and Bi Yu had been brought back by my mother from Yangzhou. She had rescued them from the hands of a wealthy merchant. At first she had planned to release them to return home, but they had been sold as children and remembered neither their parents nor their origins. Both had bound feet and were so delicate they could not even lift a chicken, yet their appearances were exceptionally beautiful. Releasing them into the outside world would have been no different from throwing lambs into a tiger's mouth. Initially, my mother intended to keep them sheltered in the Shen household for life. However, on the eve of my wedding, they kowtowed to her and begged to follow me into the Marquis' manor. My mother, pitying me, agreed. After all, Sai Zhao was no devoted lover. If they followed me and later became concubines who bore a son and a daughter, it would be their good fortune. One was lively and mischievous, the other charming and gentle. Not to mention Xi Zhao. Even I often stole extra glances at them on ordinary days. News that the new madam had barely entered the manor before elevating two beauties to concubine status spread like wildfire through the entire household. When Lu Ruying heard it, she smashed an entire table of valuables in her room and cried until her face was drenched in tears and snot. I merely instructed the servants, deduct the cost of everything she broke from her allowance. If it is not enough, take it next month. Sai Zhao endured for two days before his heart finally softened. That night he went to concubine Lu's courtyard to comfort her. The moment he stepped through the door, a teacup smashed straight into his head. Lu Ruying cried and cursed at the same time. Cousin once swore we would be together for a lifetime. Yet now you're taking new women. You promised to marry this concubine, but instead you married a noble daughter and claimed you would take no concubines. Not only did you take them, you took two. What am I in your eyes? She wept while pushing him toward the door. If your heart has changed, why come here at all? You might as well return to your beauties. She locked Xi Zhao outside, certain he would coax her as he always had. Unexpectedly, concubine Wan Yu from the neighboring courtyard arrived and directly led him away. Marquis concubine Lu is still in confinement, and it is inconvenient for her to receive guests. Why don't you come sit with this concubine for a while? It won't be too late to return once she has calmed down. Women are prone to jealousy. Once she finishes confinement, you can spend more time with her. As she spoke, she pulled his hand, leading him farther and farther away. By the time Lu Ruying realized something was wrong, Xi Zhao had already vanished without a trace. Her tears poured down like rain. She threw herself onto the bed and wailed as though her heart would break. She was supposed to be resting quietly during confinement. Yet she kept causing endless chaos. Her postpartum bleeding refused to stop. She refused to trust Mo Yu and insisted on inviting a doctor from outside, but her body grew weaker by the day. By the time her confinement ended, the bleeding still had not ceased, so she could not serve in the bedchamber. She could only watch helplessly as Xi Zhao's heart was stolen away by the two new concubines. Still, she was his childhood sweetheart. Once her body recovered a little, she blocked him in the study. Lu Ruying wore the white clothes he loved most, standing by the door like a fairy beneath the moonlight. The moment he saw her, his heart softened. Cousin, it was Ruying who was wrong. From now on I will not be willful anymore. Please don't be cold to this concubine. She threw herself into Xi Zhao's arms and sobbed bitterly. Now that the madame holds all authority in the manor, she orders the servants to oppress this concubine until even my allowance is completely deducted. I don't even have money to call a Xi Zhao held her, his mind in turmoil. Listening to her accuse me, he flew into a rage. She dares bully Ruying like this. It is truly too much. Xi Zhao dragged Lu Ruying straight to my chambers. The moment he saw me step out to greet them, he slapped me across the face and cursed without distinguishing black from white. Shen Zhen, I never imagined that with just a moment of carelessness on my part, you would bully Ruying so viciously. Is this the heart you possess? I thought you were virtuous and gentle. Yet I never expected you to be so sinister and ruthless. Because you deducted her allowance, Ruying could not even afford to call a doctor, and her illness grew worse. Do you truly want to kill her? I clutched my cheek, face deathly pale, tears shimmering in my eyes. Marquise, when did I ever deduct her allowance? There is a doctor in the manor. When has she ever needed to hire one from outside? I spoke too agitatedly. Unable to catch my breath, I fainted. Before losing consciousness, I heard Lu Ruying cry out, quickly call Mo Yu. The madam has fainted. Half awake and half unconscious, I heard Lu Ruying weeping as she explained. Old madam, please see clearly. It was concubine Lu who smashed countless valuables in her room. Only then did the madam order the cost deducted from her allowance. Those items were treasures accumulated over years in the manor, priceless beyond measure. Among them was even an ancient painting from the previous dynasty that she tore to shreds. If we do not punish her, how will the madam manage the household in the future? The concubine claims she has no money to call a doctor, but when has anyone ever required her to hire one? It was she herself who refused to trust Mo Yu, so the madam specially invited an imperial physician from the Imperial Medical Bureau to examine her, and the fee was paid by the madam herself. She is maliciously slandering others, daring to deceive the Marquise into coming to punish the madam, and even raising a hand to strike her. My poor young miss. If the old master and madam learn of this, their hearts will break from grief. In the midst of the chaos, I slowly regained consciousness. Cai Zhao rushed over in delight to support me. Madam, you're awake. Don't move. You are pregnant now. You must rest well. It was all my fault. I acted without understanding the full story and even raised my hand. I deserve death. If you wish, you may slap me to vent your anger. Saying so, he lifted my hand, intending to slap his own face with it. I pulled my hand back. My eyes were filled with cold intent, yet my expression remained gentle. It was only the concubine's foolish words that caused the Marquise to misunderstand. There is no need for this. The old madam approached, her face brimming with excitement. You are pregnant. This is a great joy. We must nurture you with the utmost care. Rest assured, you only need to focus on the pregnancy. Your mother-in-law will handle all manner affairs and see who still dares to cause trouble. Someone! Lock concubine Liu in her Without my order, she is not to be released. She is so unruly. Make her farm the vegetable garden behind the manor. Only release her once she has grown vegetables. Liu Rying rushed forward, crying and pleading. Aunt Rying only wanted cousin to pity her. It wasn't intentional. Liu, you snorted. You claim it wasn't intentional, yet you nearly caused the madam to miscarry. If anything happens to the child, can your worthless life possibly compensate for it? Cai Zhao's heart softened at her tears. I watched and could only laugh coldly inside. At that exact moment, a servant ran in from outside. Her Majesty the Empress has sent someone to visit the madam. A trusted palace maid from beside the Empress has brought a cartload of nourishing supplements. Upon hearing that the madam was pregnant, Her Majesty had immediately dispatched an imperial physician and ordered the old servant to bring plenty of tonics. The Empress instructed that there was no need to enter the palace to Once the pregnancy was stable after three months, she should come then. The Empress wanted to see for herself. The palace maid noticed the handprint on my cheek and her expression immediately darkened. She shot Cai Zhao a warning glance. What is the meaning of this? Cai Zhao immediately hardened his stance and placed all the blame on Liu Rying. Concubine Liu has repeatedly disobeyed instructions and defied the principal wife. She needs to reflect properly. It was I who was too indulgent with her before. Now she should receive a lesson. Lock her up as mother said. Someone, take Concubine Liu away. The moment Xi Zhao finished speaking, Liu Rying seemed to have all her strength drained from her body. She was dragged back to her courtyard. Since I was pregnant, I used the excuse to refuse Xi Zhao from sleeping in the main courtyard. With Concubine Liu confined and Wan Yu and Bi Yu doing everything in their power to please him, Cai Zhao felt as if he were living in a dream. Mo Yu used medicinal meals to nourish his body, making him full of vigor and never fatigued in the bedchamber. The entire rear courtyard of the Dingbi Marquis' manor became exceptionally harmonious. Although the Marquis had favored a concubine before marriage, I had never shown jealousy and had even elevated two more concubines for him. The madams in the capital all praised my virtuous and magnanimous nature, saying the Marquis of Dingbi must have accumulated great virtue in his past life to marry a wife like me. I even had people brew pregnancy-nourishing medicine for the two concubines and clearly stated that whoever bore a child for the Marquis could raise it by her side. Whether boy or girl, I invited famous teachers into the manor to educate them with the utmost care. When this news reached Concubine Liu's courtyard, she spat a mouthful of blood. Already suffering from postpartum illness, she desperately consumed tonics out of jealousy for favor, causing her body to deteriorate even more severely. Several months passed. Though she remained slender and graceful, her health declined day by day. It was several months later when her confinement was finally lifted. Just as the manor was bustling with excitement, and my belly had become prominently round, I watched her perform the greeting and smiled faintly. Concubine Liu has been released from confinement at just the right time to bask in Concubine Wenyu's good fortune. Wenyu is already pregnant. Now the Marquis' manor is even lovelier. Since Wenyu cannot serve the Marquis at the moment, Concubine Liu can put in extra effort. You and Biyu should hurry and conceive as well. Liu Ruying looked at Wenyu, leaning against Zhizhao's chest, her eyes red with jealousy. Cousin, I cut her off. Concubine Liu, if you still cannot correct your form of address, you might as well go back to being the cousin miss. You still haven't learned the rules She dropped to her knees with a thud. Madam, please forgive me. Ruying knows her mistake. From now on I will wholeheartedly serve the Marquis. Liu Ruying used every trick in her arsenal, monopolizing Zhizhao for nearly half a month. Every night was spent in her courtyard. She fought daily with Biyu and went mad with jealousy over Wenyu's belly. Relying on Zhizhao's recent favor, she soon grew arrogant again. One day in the flower garden, she saw Wenyu leading her maids to admire the blossoms and snorted coldly. Sister Wenyu, why don't you greet me when you see me? After all, I am an old resident of the manor. You should show me some respect. Wenyu was no pushover. She merely smiled and replied, My body is inconvenient, and the Marquis has already exempted me from greetings. Even the madam does not require me to perform them. So why should I greet you? Is your face larger than the madam's? Must I greet you? You must have forgotten the hardships of pregnancy to speak so lightly. Once you are pregnant yourself, you won't say such things anymore. Wenyu's mocking words made Liu Ruying's face turn purple with rage. Shut your mouth. You are nothing but a dahri maid who was elevated. How dare you compare yourself to me? I am the Marquis's cousin and half-mistress of this manor. Wenyu laughed. Half-mistress? You certainly know how to flatter yourself. At least I am valued by the madam. What are you? The Marquis remembers you for a few nights and you become arrogant, calling yourself mistress. I'm afraid you live worse than a maid. With that, she stood up. Concubine Liu, I take my leave. My body is unwell and I must return to rest. The moment she turned, Liu Ruying's eyes blazed red. She pushed her hard from behind. Someone like you dares talk back to me? You have quite the nerve. Wenyu tumbled forward. Her maid screamed, Concubine Liu has killed someone. She wants to kill our concubine. The cry shook the entire manor. When I arrived with my people, Wenyu was already lying on the bed clutching her belly. Madam, my stomach hurts so much. I shouted. Quickly summon the imperial physician. Send someone to bring the Marquis back to the manor immediately. Lock Concubine Liu in the woodshed again and wait for the Marquis to deal with her. Inside the room, Wenyu's face was deathly pale. Through gritted teeth she said, Young miss, Wenyu did it on purpose. The other day Mo Yu said my body is weak and this pregnancy might not be kept. Today I deliberately provoked Concubine Liu so she would strike. It was the perfect chance to make the Marquis furious. I gripped her hand tightly. Why are you so foolish? Even if your body is weak, I would have invited famous doctors for you. How could you be so sure it couldn't be kept? Wenyu shed tears. Young miss and madam saved me from the fire pit. Even if I repay you with my life, it is only right. I immediately called for Mo Yu. Why did you hide something so important from me? Only then did she explain clearly. In Yangzhou, Wenyu and Biyu had been raised as skinny horses. From childhood they had been fed all kinds of medicine to maintain their figures, and their bodies had long since become unsuitable for childbirth. Even if they became pregnant, it would be difficult to keep the child. I immediately burst into tears and summoned the imperial physician to find a way to preserve the pregnancy. The imperial physician only shook his head. Madam, this child is no more. Cai Zhao returned to the manor and happened to hear those words just as basins of blood were being carried out. His face immediately flushed red with anger. I sobbed loudly. Wenyu is truly pitiful. The imperial physician said it was a male fetus. Concubine Liu has gone too far. Jealousy is one thing, but how could she harm the Marcus's flesh and blood? Inside the room, Wenyu's heart. Wrenching cries made Zhao's fury burn even hotter. His expression dark as a storm. He demanded, Where is that cheap woman? Drag her out for me. Liu Rouying was dragged over, only able to cry and plead innocence. I clutched my belly and roared in fury. I never gave any of you contraceptive medicine. I wanted the Marquis' manor's descendants to flourish so you would all have support for life. I never expected you couldn't even bear the Marquis of a single child. You can't give birth, so you won't let anyone else give birth either. Bai Yu chimed in as well, Marquis, Concubine Liu said that before she gives birth, no one else is allowed to. If she can't give birth, must the madam and the rest of us yield away as well? If we keep her here any longer, I fear even the child in the madam's belly will be in danger. That is the eldest son. Liu Yu carried something in from outside. Marquis, this was dug up by the manor maids in Concubine Liu's courtyard, buried under a tree. It's a cloth doll stabbed full of needles, and it bears the madam's birth characters. I staggered back repeatedly, Liu Rouying I have no grudge or enmity with you. Why do you want to harm me? My belly hurts so much? Liu Rouying shrieked. You cheap woman, how dare you frame me? Sai Zhou delivered a fierce slap. Wild woman, you even dare harm the eldest son of the Marquis' manor. Have you gone mad? Liu Rouying's eyes reddened. I didn't. Besides, you once promised you wouldn't let her child be born. You said only I could bear children for you. Sai Zhou's face flushed with embarrassment. Shut your mouth. When did I ever say that, someone? Gag her, drag her out, give her twenty strokes, and exile her to the villa. Liu Rouying struggled wildly, screaming frantically, Shen Zhen, you cheap woman, do you think you've won? Let me tell you, the Marquis married you only for the power of your family and for that empress aunt of yours. He has never liked you. Sai Zhou kicked her hard. She spat blood and fainted. I laughed coldly inside. See Zhou's love was lighter than paper. Even if he had once liked Liu Rouying, it was now nothing but a rotten stump. The marriage alliance between our families was merely mutual benefit, done out of convenience. Some couples grow old together like intertwined trees. Others were never meant to walk the same path to the end. With Wan Yu's child gone, I suffered a fright and had to lie in bed. Liu Rouying had schemed against the Marquis' manor's bloodline and was beaten half to death before being exiled. Not many days later, she died of illness. When news of her death reached the manor, Shi Zhou spat blood and fell unconscious that very night. After all, she had once been the woman he loved. Sai Zhou's heart ached and he fell gravely ill. I invited the imperial physician to treat him. The doctor took his pulse and frowned. Marquis, what medicine has he been taking? From the pulse, his kidney key is severely damaged. I fear it will be difficult for him to have heirs. Even with future treatment, fathering a child will be nearly impossible. Shi Zhou heard this like a bolt from the blue. I clutched my chest in shock. How can this be? Liu You said. When the Marquis was in concubine Liu's courtyard, she always gave him nourishing medicines. Who knows if she added something else? Sai Zhou's face turned ashen. He collapsed into a chair. Although the matter of the Marquis being drugged into infertility was kept secret, heaven's will is unpredictable, and the news eventually leaked out. Upon hearing it, Shi Zhou completely broke down. I diligently nurtured my pregnancy while outwardly searching for medicines to cure him, never showing the slightest disgust and acting as a devoted wife. He would never know that ever since Wan Yu and I became pregnant, every meal and drink he consumed in Liu Ruying's courtyard had passed through Mo Yu's hands. The more infatuated he became with her, the more his body wasted away. That year during the Shangyuan Festival, I went into labor with my water breaking. After a night of agony, I gave birth to the eldest son of the Dingbei Marquis' manor, Si Cheng'en. Si Zhou's health deteriorated further. One year later, when his illness became critical, he submitted a memorial begging the emperor to infest the eldest son as the heir apparent. His majesty approved, and my son became the youngest heir apparent in the capital. Half a year later, Si Zhou passed away. The emperor issued a decree. Although the heir was young, he would receive special favor. There was no need to wait until adulthood. The title of Marquis of Dingbei was immediately inherited. I held Cheng'en in the pavilion overlooking the lake, watching my four Yu maids picking lotus flowers and playing. I smiled and asked them if they wished to marry. All four shook their heads in unison. We wish to follow madam for the rest of our lives and will not marry. Indeed, spring is beautiful, why bring suffering upon ourselves? That concludes today's story on stellar novels. We hope you enjoyed it. Please give us a like, leave your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe to stay updated with new stories. See you next time.