Chapter 203: In the end, she still didn’t birth her (2/2)
Hearing this, Murong Wanru released a breath. No matter what, this was the best result. Grand Concubine Yi didn’t speak, but sat down, her glad and expectant expression now fallen. She really didn’t take Han Yunxi’s face into consideration when she placed all the faults and anger onto Imperial Physician Li. “Useless thing, get lost!”
Han Yunxi knew she’d be disappointed, but never expected her reaction to be so obvious. She’d completely neglected her face. Even if she treated Grand Concubine Yi as her own mother, she was still a daughter-in-law, not her own child. What extravagant hopes could she have? She wasn’t sad upon seeing Grand Concubine Yi and Murong Wanru still holding hands. She’d never planned to ingratiate herself to others so they could treat her kindly. She only wanted to live a more comfortable life in this estate. However, now she was clearer on how some things stood.
At this point, Zhao mama hastily spoke up. “Esteemed imperial concubine, it’s not normal for esteemed wangfei to want to sleep so much. Let’s have Imperial Physician Li have a look.”
The sensible and tactful Imperial Physician Li quickly added, “Esteemed wangfei’s pulse is heavy and slow, I fear that she’s been over exhausted and lost some of her vitality. But as long as she takes good care of herself, she can definitely expect a child.”
Imperial Physician Li’s last words were intended for Grand Concubine Yi’s ears. Only then did she strive to lift her spirits and said, “Yunxi, don’t run about these few days. Take good care of your body.”
Han Yunxi smiled hypocritically as she nodded. “Yes.”
Imperial Physician Li wrote a prescription and left a few instructions before he departed. Han Yunxi saw that the formula was for a rather good nourishing medicine and accepted it.
“Mufei, the Spring Hunt is at the start of next month. As things stand, will sister-in-law be able to join in?” This was the purpose of Murong Wanru’s visit today. The Spring Hunt that took place around Pure Brightness time (in early April) was a grand occasion in Tianning Country. Marquis Pingbei’s estate had already received an invitation, while the Duke of Qin’s estate had naturally received theirs even earlier. The Spring Hunt was an ideal chance to make her move. Since the empress dowager only gave her three months, she had to make use of time.
“Yunxi, the fifth of next month is the Spring Hunt. This will be your first time participating, so you can’t be absent. Take good care of your body so you don’t miss the occasion,” Grand Concubine Yi said carelessly, her mood already waning.
“Yes,” Han Yunxi didn’t say much else, but obediently nodded her head.
With Murong Wanru there, Han Yunxi didn’t stay long before leaving with Zhao mama. The whole way back, Zhao mama sought to console her.
“Esteemed wangfei, don’t be sad. Things like this depend on fate, you won’t have it just because you say you do. First, nourish your body well. As long as the green hills last, there’ll always be wood to burn.”
“Esteemed wangfei, walk a bit slower. I heard that there’s a Hu ethnic physician trained in herbal medicines in the western part of the city who has a certain drug. A lot of girls in the palace have asked him for it. It’s really effective, so this old servant will secretly get one back for you too.”
“Esteemed wangfei, don’t be depressed. Your build and bones weren’t good to begin with, but low spirits will only hurt your body. Things like children come slowly. You and His Highness are both still young, there’s no rush!”
Finally, Han Yunxi stopped to looked at Zhao mama, caught between anger and laughter. In the end, what she felt was warmth. How nice, there still existed people in this world who genuinely cared for her. She didn’t want to lie to this kind hearted old mama, so Han Yunxi switched the topic. “Mama, tell me about Miss Wanru.”
“What does esteemed wangfei want to know? This old servant will tell you everything she knows,” Zhao mama said positively.
“How was she adopted by Grand Concubine Yi? Where are her real parents?” Han Yunxi asked.
Zhao mama thought back. “Back then, the late emperor was still alive and the Duke of Qin’s estate didn’t exist. The wife of the crown prince, our current empress, wanted to find a few court ladies to act as Princess Changping’s playmates. Miss Wanru was one of the candidates, but as luck would have it, Grand Concubine Yi discovered her by chance. After giving birth to His Highness Duke of Qin, she couldn’t have any more children. She’d always wanted a daughter, so perhaps it was fate that she liked Miss Wanru at first sight and adopted her. She’d always been a foster daughter without being conferred as princess. Then when the late emperor passed away, there was no one to confer the title anymore.”
Han Yunxi listened carefully before asking, “Then what about her birth parents? They’ve never come by in all these years?”
Even servants of the palace had set times to leave and see their families. Han Yunxi had married into the family for so long without ever hearing about Murong Wanru’s visiting relatives.
“I heard she was an orphan raised up by her relatives. They came by a few times when she was younger, but later on the relatives died too,” Zhao mama replied truthfully.
Han Yunxi seemed lost in thought as she nodded her head. “Why didn’t the emperor confer her the title of princess back then?”
If she had a title, then Murong Wanru’s identity would be completely different now. The people of the estate wouldn’t have to call her Miss Wanru then. Even if Grand Concubine Yi doted enthusiastically on Murong Wanru, things shouldn’t have been left to this extent.
Zhao mama didn’t know either, but ventured to guess. “Perhaps Grand Concubine Yi only intended to raise her temporarily, but after the late emperor passed away and the crown prince ascended the throne, Grand Concubine Yi couldn’t bring up the topic anymore.”
Han Yunxi still felt that something was off, but she couldn’t tell what. In the end, she nodded her head and asked no more.
1. meimei (妹妹) – little sister.