Aunt Fang lay on her bed, the sheets beneath her already soaked in blood; she had already gone through several changes of bedding. Seeing Shen Xuejin, she seized her hand, her expression earnest. "Miss Shen, I know you are not a malicious person, nor do you harbor any intent to harm me. I beg you, please examine me."
Shen Xuejin felt her pulse. It was strong, steady, and vigorous, showing no signs of a threatened miscarriage. After asking about her symptoms, she concluded, "Aunt Fang, set your mind at ease. The fetus is stable; there is no serious cause for concern."
"But... but my bleeding..."
"It is likely due to an inherent deficiency of liver and kidney yin, coupled with an excess of internal fire. After becoming pregnant, the yin-blood gathers downward to nourish the fetus, leading to a relative insufficiency of yin-blood," Shen Xuejin explained. "Aunt Fang, stay in bed and rest for a few days, and let us observe how it progresses."
"Mistress, do not trust her!" Changpu said anxiously. "Who knows if she is stalling on purpose, just wanting the child in your womb to die!"
Shen Xuejin replied, "I have said all that needs to be said. Whether you choose to believe me or not, that is my professional assessment."
"I believe you," Aunt Fang said. "The eyes do not lie. Miss Shen has a clear gaze; she is not a bad person."
After leaving Aunt Fang's quarters, Shen Xuejin felt heavy-hearted. It was clear that Madam Huo intended to use her hands to rid the household of Aunt Fang’s unborn child. But how was that any different from murder? Shen Xuejin could not bring herself to do it, especially after the trust Aunt Fang had shown her today—a sharp contrast to the precautions and calculations of Madam Huo, which made the task even more repulsive. Yet, if Aunt Fang’s pregnancy continued to advance, Madam Huo would surely not let it go, and when that time came, she and her mother...
Fearing she might run into more guests if she took the main path, Shen Xuejin took a shortcut back to her room. To her surprise, she heard faint voices and quickly ducked behind a rockery. It was Huo Nanchi and Qin Ruowei.
"Brother Nanchi, the consecration ceremony at Songshan Temple is next month. Will you accompany me?" Qin Ruowei asked, her voice tinged with the shy modesty of a young lady.
"I will," Huo Nanchi replied, his demeanor as graceful as ever.
"Brother Nanchi, I truly loved the gift you brought back from the south last time." Qin Ruowei looked up at the man beside her. Tall, handsome, and refined, he was a top scholar and a favorite of the Emperor. Qin Ruowei could not imagine a more perfect husband, and she adored him with every glance.
"I am glad you like it."
As they walked and talked, Shen Xuejin stepped out from behind the rockery, watching their retreating backs. They were truly a match made in heaven. Suddenly, Huo Nanchi turned his head. Though they were some distance apart, his gaze fell directly upon Shen Xuejin. His tall figure was bathed in dappled sunlight; his clean, sharp silhouette appeared elegant and noble, yet carried a hint of detached aloofness. He did not call out to her, merely giving a slight nod before turning to lead Qin Ruowei away.
Shen Xuejin did not know Qin Ruowei’s specific status, but she was clearly a cut above the average noblewoman; she was certainly no simple figure.
"Miss," Bizhu said, hurrying over from a distance. "Madam requests your presence at the theater garden to watch the performance; it might help you relax."
Shen Xuejin had no choice but to change direction and follow Bizhu. Madam Huo loved the theater, and Zhuo Garden had been specially constructed for it. Today, she had even hired a troupe to perform two plays.
"Her birth characters are terribly ominous. When her mother gave birth to her, she nearly died, and has been bedridden ever since."
Shen Xuejin stopped in her tracks, her hand gripping her handkerchief tightly.
"Not only are her birth characters ominous, but I’ve heard that although she is betrothed to the Eldest Young Master Huo, she has been carrying on an affair with another man. There are even handkerchiefs and letters as proof. Oh, and it’s the son of Vice Minister Zhang!"
To her shock, Shen Wanya was there too. Shen Xuejin’s face turned pale. She had not wanted to reveal her identity, but Madam Huo had already made it known to everyone—and had even invited her enemy, Shen Wanya! Madam Huo had brought her to the theater and let her overhear these words on purpose, merely using the mouths of outsiders to strike at her.
*So she thinks she can marry into the Marquis Manor? What a delusional fool! If she cannot marry in, then she should behave herself and work for the Manor, and not dare to harbor any secret motives!*
Although Zhuo Garden was not large, it was sufficient for theater. Madam Huo arrived just then and signaled for everyone to be seated.
"Miss Shen, you look pale. Are you feeling unwell?" Madam Huo asked, her face full of concern. The eyes of all the young ladies present gathered on Shen Xuejin—some curious, some appraising, but mostly filled with disdain and mockery. What decent young woman would have the gall to live in her future husband’s home before they were even married?
Shen Xuejin felt a sense of helplessness. Even if she were angry, she could only respond with a smile. "Thank you for your concern, Madam. Perhaps it was just a bit too hot last night; I did not sleep well."
Madam Huo frowned. "Nanny Wang, did you not send ice to Miss Shen’s room?"
Nanny Wang replied quickly, "I did, Madam. Perhaps Miss Shen is simply not used to living here yet." The implication was clear: living as a guest and yet so demanding.
"If you are feeling unwell, go back and rest," Madam Huo said, looking at her with a gentle expression.
"Thank you, Madam." Shen Xuejin curtsied and excused herself, feeling both aggrieved and indescribably helpless.
She had not gone far when Shen Wanya called out to her. "It’s been a few days, big sister; why do you look even more haggard?" Shen Wanya’s face was filled with contempt. "Do you think you’re safe just by hiding in the Marquis Manor? I don't see Madam Huo favoring you very much."
"After all, Father is your own father. He may be strict, but he wouldn't take your life. The same cannot be said for outsiders."
"If you are sensible, take your mother and return to the manor tomorrow. I might even see to it that you get a larger dowry."
So, this was the real reason Shen Wanya had come.
"What, is the Vice Minister Zhang family pressing for the wedding again? Since they want *you*, sister, perhaps you should marry sooner," Shen Xuejin retorted. "Or are you hoping to become the Second Young Master Huo’s wife instead?"
"But for someone like you, the Second Young Master Huo has no interest. He said that someone as sinister, vicious, and cunning as you is not worth a second glance," Shen Xuejin added. "If you don't believe me, go ask him yourself."
This infuriated Shen Wanya. "Shen Xuejin, just you wait!"
As she walked on, Shen Xuejin felt that something was wrong. Given Shen Wanya’s temper, how could she let it go so easily? Whenever something happens out of the ordinary, there is bound to be mischief!
However, at that very moment, she was violently shoved from behind, sending her tumbling directly into the lake ahead! The sudden influx of lake water engulfed her, covering her head. She struggled, her limbs flailing, but she drifted further and further from the bank.
Shen Wanya stood at the edge of the lake, looking triumphant. "Shen Xuejin, it was your own carelessness that caused you to fall in and drown. What does that have to do with me?!"
Once Shen Xuejin was dead, it would be difficult to explain to Vice Minister Zhang’s family, but with enough money, it could be settled. In any case, Shen Xuejin would never have agreed to marry into that family. But she truly could not stand the thought of Shen Xuejin remaining alive in this world!
Fearing discovery, Shen Wanya left quickly, and the surface of the lake, which had been churning with struggle moments before, fell silent.