Chapter 326 (1/2)
When news of this made its way to Tian Xiang courtyard, Kang Yi was waiting expectantly for Feng Jin Yuan to return to drink the nuptial cup of wine. She had been starving for the entire day and had not yet eaten anything. The food on the table had been heated then reheated again. In the end, it only came back with news of Feng Jin Yuan remaining in Yu Lan courtyard.
The servant Xia Chan said to her: “I heard that concubine mother Han’s belly suddenly began hurting, and master was invited over. Perhaps he was truly unable to leave that side, thus master…”
“He should.” Kang Yi had an understanding and generous expression: “Of all grand things, one’s son is always the most important. Even if husband returned to this side tonight, as long as something happened in Yu Lan courtyard, I would have sent him to take a look.” While saying this, she changed out of her wedding dress and into her normal clothes. She then hurriedly told the servants to prepare some tonics and said to Xia Chan: “Let us also go and take a look. Younger sister Han has a weak body, so it would be best if nothing happened.”
Xia Chan did not say anything. Kang Yi was now the head wife, so she naturally had this right. Moreover, the matriarch also ordered Xia Chan to remain at Kang Yi’s side to observe her daily actions. Right now, she was doing very well.
The tonics in Tian Xiang courtyard were prepared very quickly, and Kang Yi did not bring along many people. She only brought Xia Chan and two other servants that had come from Qian Zhou. The four then hurried over to Han shi’s side.
Because it had snowed during the day, the roads were very slippery. When they finally arrived at Yu Lan courtyard with great difficulty, they found that the entire courtyard had already gone dark. Not a single light was lit.
A servant that was keeping watch saw them and quickly saluted. Kang Yi was puzzled and asked: “Wasn’t it said that concubine mother Han was not feeling well? I came over to take a look.” With her marrying into the Feng family, her not referring to herself as “This one” was a form a respect.
The servant that was keeping watch was a little troubled upon hearing this. After pondering a little, she finally responded: “Responding to madam, concubine mother is already feeling a little better, but her mood is unstable. Master is sleeping with her to keep her company. Going to disrupt them now… I fear would be improper.”
Kang Yi was stunned. He had gone to sleep. This was truly the greatest mockery possible. With a new wife entering the manor, the groom chose to sleep in a concubine’s room. What sort of situation was this? She had originally wanted to come over and take a look before bringing Feng Jin Yuan back, but now that he had gone to sleep, if she went in to wake him up, that would be her mistake. Once Han shi was given a shock, any reaction that her belly had would be a crime too heavy for her to bear!
Kang Yi pondered for a while then very quickly returned to her normal self: “It can’t be helped. I brought some tonics over. Just keep them for now. Remember to tell husband tomorrow morning that I came to visit.”
“Ok!” The servant quickly received the tonic and repeatedly thanked Kang Yi. Only after sending Kang Yi off did the servant let out a sigh of relief. What sort of situation was this? Fortunately, the new madam did not get angry, otherwise, perhaps there would be no peace this night.
On the day of the wedding, Kang Yi remained in an empty room alone; however, she did not appear to have any complaints. Instead, she said to Xia Chan: “Don’t tell mother about this matter to keep her from feeling disgusted.”
At dawn the next morning, Feng Jin Yuan went directly from Tian Xiang courtyard to court. The Emperor had clearly given him five days of wedding leave; however, he did not take a single day off.
But this day was also the day for the new wife to serve tea to the matriarch. Kang Yi changed into clean clothes early in the morning then went to Shu Ya courtyard with her servants.
At the same time as the new wife serving tea to the matriarch, the concubines had to serve tea to the new wife. That’s why, when Kang Yi arrived, An shi, Han shi and Jin Zhen were already in the hall. When they saw Kang Yi enter, they all stood up.
Kang Yi quickly went over to support Han shi, saying with concern: “Younger sister’s body is important. I am unable to receive this courtesy. Quickly be seated.” While saying this, her expression was calm and dignified.
Han shi’s complexion today was very good. Her face rosy and shiny. Hearing Kang Yi’s words, she revealed a bit of shyness. Having Kang Yi help her sit back down, she appeared as smug as it was possible to be. But Kang Yi’s attitude was great. Not only did she help Han shi sit down, she also said very kindly to her: “Elder sister does not know how to help. From this day forward, if you require anything, you must tell me. We are now a family. We must look after the Feng family’s children together.”
The matriarch watched Kang Yi’s actions and expressions, and she was very satisfied, nodding repeatedly.
Seeing that Han shi was properly seated, Kang Yi finally let go. Returning to the center of the hall, she received a pot of tea from the maidservant and calmly stepped forward, kneeling in front of the matriarch “Daughter-in-law has come to pour tea for mother. Having married into the Feng family, I am only concerned with the Feng family’s matters. From this day forward, Kang Yi will no longer be the eldest princess of Qian Zhou. I will only be the daughter-in-law that takes care of mother.” Saying this, she raised the cup of tea above her head then bent a little at the waist.
The matriarch’s feelings of vanity inflated once more. Even in her dreams before, she had never thought that there would come a day where the eldest princess of Qian Zhou would say such things to her, and she even called her mother. This sort of respect, regardless of when it was said, was something that gave a great deal of face!
She smiled and received the cup of tea. Taking a sip, she placed it on the table then went to help Kang Yi up. She repeatedly praised her: “You really are very understanding.”
“Thank you, mother, for the praise.” Kang Yi had indeed completely let go of her status as the eldest princess. In front of the matriarch, she acted like someone of the younger generation, and this caused the matriarch to feel elated.
“I already heard about what happened yesterday.” The matriarch gestured for Kang Yi to sit at her side then continued: “Han shi is currently pregnant, so it is unavoidable that she will act a little spoiled. Don’t lower yourself to her level.” Saying this, she glared at Han shi, “Jin Yuan is also worried about the child in her belly, and he is not trying to trouble you. You absolutely must not take it to heart.”