A thousand enlightenments in one night, starting from being a menial apprentice.

Duan Rong looked at Lü Qingzhu with concern and asked softly, "Qingzhu, when did you start feeling nauseous occasionally?"

Lu Qingzhu said, "It's only been in the last half month that I've had this reaction, only occasionally when I eat something greasy."

Upon hearing this, Li Baoyue immediately moved the bowl in front of Lü Qingzhu further away, where the lotus root sandwich she had just given Lü Qingzhu was located. The lotus root sandwich was not only filled with meat filling, but it was also deep-fried, so it was naturally very greasy.

Lü Qingzhu herself wouldn't eat it, but her aunt put it on her plate, and she felt embarrassed to refuse. She originally thought that eating a piece would be fine, but unexpectedly, she suddenly felt nauseous.

Duan Rong said, "It's only been a little over two months and you've already started feeling nauseous. I'm afraid these symptoms will get worse later."

Lu Qingzhu asked worriedly, "Will it get worse?"

Duan Rong looked at Lü Qingzhu with a reassuring expression and said, "It's alright. I'll prescribe some medicine for you, half to stabilize the pregnancy and half to suppress the nausea."

Upon hearing this, Lü Zhongtang said, "My dear son-in-law, I think I should ask Elder Sun of the Medicine Pavilion to prescribe a prescription. He has been in charge of the Medicine Pavilion for many years and is well-versed in the principles of medicine and toxicity."

Duan Rong smiled faintly and said, "He is in charge of the sect's medicine pavilion. He is always at a high place and has never experienced worldly affairs. How would he know about prescriptions for calming the fetus and regulating qi? Besides, I know Qingzhu's physical condition best. It is most appropriate for me to prescribe this medicine. Father-in-law, rest assured, I guarantee that after taking one dose, Qingzhu will feel much better."

Lu Zhongtang glanced at Duan Rong with some skepticism, because Duan Rong was quite young, and he felt that even if Duan Rong knew some medical knowledge, he probably didn't have much experience.

But since Duan Rong had brought it up, he couldn't say anything more, so he urged, "Then hurry up and write a prescription so I can go to the medicine store to get the medicine."

Lü Qingzhu turned her head and said, "Father, why are you in such a hurry? Today is Xiaoman Festival. Let's finish this meal properly and then get the medicine."

Lu Zhongtang said, "You all eat your food. I'll go out to get the medicine. It won't be a problem."

As he spoke, Lü Zhongtang took out paper and pen and asked Duan Rong to write down the prescription at the table.

Seeing that she couldn't go against her father's wishes, Lü Qingzhu had no choice but to give up.

After a moment's thought, Duan Rong picked up his pen and wrote down the recipe beside the table full of dishes. It was not only skilled in medicine and poison, but also, because it had devoured the spirit of the artifact, it had mastered and refined various prescriptions, including the experience of Gu Suxiu and others in treating and saving lives over the years.

He wrote down this prescription, which seemed to use ordinary medicine, but in fact it accurately matched Lü Qingzhu's symptoms.

Lu Zhongtang took the prescription and looked at it. His suspicion deepened. He said, "My dear son-in-law, why are all these common herbs? There isn't a single precious one! It's not like we can't afford them!"

Duan Rong said, “Father-in-law, Qingzhu is a cultivator. Although she was injured before, she has recovered under the care of the Ancestor. Her constitution is very good, and she doesn’t need any tonics. She just needs to regulate her Qi. Once her internal and external Qi are in harmony, her nausea will be greatly relieved, and her diet will not be affected. As long as she eats normally, food is worse than medicine. No matter how precious the medicine is, it is not as good as the five grains and three meals a day.”

Lu Zhongtang also knew a bit about pharmacology, and he found Duan Rong's words to be reasonable. He was blinded by concern, and the thought of his daughter's pregnancy made him want to give her all the good things. Just as Duan Rong said, Lu Qingzhu might not need those things at all; she was just feeling nauseous, and all she needed to do was calm her down and suppress the nausea.

Duan Rong continued, "These medicinal herbs may seem ordinary, but the more ordinary they are, the safer they are. Using them to soothe the fetus and regulate qi is most appropriate."

"Alright then." Lu Zhongtang accepted the prescription and said, "You guys eat first, I'll be right back."

After Lu Zhongtang finished speaking, he transformed into a streak of black light and flew away.

He had known Elder Sun of the Medicine Pavilion for many years and they were quite familiar with each other. For him, going to the Medicine Pavilion to get medicine was just a matter of meeting him.

Seeing that Lü Zhongtang had left, Li Baoyue continued to urge everyone to eat. She changed Lü Qingzhu's bowl and picked out some light dishes for her to eat.

Although it was supposed to be a meal, Duan Rong, Xiao Yu, and Li Baoyue didn't eat much. They kept putting food on Lü Qingzhu's plate and asking her all sorts of questions about her well-being.

Xiao Yu smiled reproachfully, "Sister, you really are something. Such a big thing, and you kept it a secret from the whole family for so long. How come you didn't eat much of the dishes that Xiao Qi cooked a few days ago? It turns out you were pregnant!"

Lü Qingzhu smiled and said, "It's not that I intentionally kept it from you, sister. I was just thinking of telling you when I had the chance."

Duan Rong said, "Don't be so nervous, making such a fuss. We were all born from our mothers' wombs."

Duan Rong said this because he felt that everyone's overly cautious concern would put invisible pressure on Lü Qingzhu.

Upon hearing this, Lü Qingzhu smiled brightly and said, "My husband is right. I'm not that delicate at all!"

"It's best to be careful!"

As soon as Lü Qingzhu finished speaking, Lü Zhongtang appeared at the entrance of the hall like a black streak of light, and his voice rang out almost simultaneously.

Everyone turned their heads, and Lü Zhongtang, carrying a medicine packet, slowly walked over. He sat down and handed the packet to Li Baoyue, instructing her, "Prepare one dose first. Those maids are clumsy, so you do it yourself."

"I know." Li Baoyue reached out and took the medicine, then walked out of the flower hall with the medicine bag.

Lu Zhongtang sat there, looking at Lu Qingzhu, and said, "Qingzhu, I think you should stay here for the next few months."

"Why are you staying here?" Lü Qingzhu asked, still puzzled.

Lu Zhongtang said, "If you stay here, your aunt can take good care of you!"

Lü Qingzhu said, "The two courtyards are next to each other. What difference does it make which one you live on?"

Xiao Yu also laughed and said, "Yes! Xiao Qi and I will take good care of Qingzhu."

Lu Zhongtang glanced at Xiao Yu and said, "It's different. After all, you grew up here, and you know your room best. You won't bump into anything when you get up at night. Besides, we've agreed that in a few months, when your belly gets really big, it will be difficult for you to walk. You won't be able to do anything without someone by your side, so it's best to have your aunt take care of you nearby so that I can feel at ease."

Lü Qingzhu said, "Father, there's no need to worry. Sister Xiao will take care of me over there, and Aunt can also visit me often. The two courtyards are only a few steps apart."

Lü Qingzhu felt that if she came back to live with them as soon as she got pregnant, it would make her seem distant from Xiao Yu and the others, so she refused to agree.

"You child..." Seeing that he couldn't persuade Lü Qingzhu, Lü Zhongtang turned to Duan Rong and said, "Duan Rong, say something."

There was already a hint of anger in Lü Zhongtang's tone.

Duan Rong looked at Lü Qingzhu and smiled, "Why don't you come back and stay here? This is also a kind gesture from your father-in-law. Anyway, the two courtyards are next to each other, and Xiao Yu and the others can come to see you anytime."

When Lü Qingzhu heard Duan Rong say this, her eyes flickered slightly, but she did not respond. At this point, not responding was already an agreement.

Lü Zhongtang laughed and said, "My dear son-in-law, you know how to talk. Isn't that right? The two courtyards are right next to each other, why go against your father's good intentions?!"

After they finished eating, Li Baoyue's medicine was also ready.

Li Baoyue carried a bowl of medicine on a tray to the flower hall.

Lu Qingzhu took the bowl of medicine, took a sip, and then stuck out her tongue, saying, "It's so bitter!"

Duan Rong said, "It's a bit bitter, but after you finish this bowl of medicine, your nausea won't come back. And you'll be able to sleep more soundly."

Seeing that Duan Rong described her symptoms over the past half month as if he had witnessed them firsthand, Lü Qingzhu had no more doubts and drank the entire bowl of medicine.

After drinking the medicine, Li Baoyue helped Lü Qingzhu lie down in her own room. Usually, Lü Qingzhu would feel uneasy after eating, but this time, although the medicine was bitter, she felt a slight warmth emanating from her stomach after drinking it. After burping twice, she suddenly felt much better and felt relaxed, so she fell into a deep sleep.

Lu Zhongtang then invited Duan Rong over for tea and a chat.

Xiao Yu then took Zhu Xiaoqi and bid farewell, returning to her own courtyard next door.

As soon as they returned to the courtyard and closed the door, Xiao Yu's face immediately darkened.

Xiao Yu looked at Zhu Xiaoqi and said, "We treated her with all our sincerity... and look what happened, she went back to live with us as soon as she got pregnant. She treats us like we're thieves."

Zhu Xiaoqi had overheard part of the story and said, "Didn't Elder Lü insist on keeping her there?"

Xiao Yu glared at her and said, "You're also siding with outsiders, aren't you?"

Upon seeing Xiao Yu's changed expression, Zhu Xiaoqi immediately said, "No! Miss... it's... this Lü Qingzhu usually seems alright..."

"Alright!" Xiao Yu said coldly, "Go and make a pot of tea."

"Yes," Zhu Xiaoqi said, looking somewhat aggrieved, and headed towards the kitchen.

Xiao Yu watched Zhu Xiaoqi's retreating figure, a struggle flashing in her beautiful eyes. She walked to the hall and sat down, but she was clearly somewhat restless, constantly twisting her handkerchief in her hands.

Just then, Zhu Xiaoqi brought over a teacup.

She carefully set down the teacup and was about to leave when Xiao Yu suddenly looked up, fixed his gaze on her, and called out, "Xiao Qi, come here."

Zhu Xiaoqi walked over, and Xiao Yu looked at her with a gentle expression and said, "Sit here, I have something to tell you."

Zhu Xiaoqi's heart pounded. She found Xiao Yu's attitude today quite unpredictable. Just a moment ago, she was giving her the cold shoulder, but now she was being very nice to her, speaking softly and gently.

Zhu Xiaoqi sat there anxiously. Xiao Yu looked at her, his gaze hardening as if he had made a great decision, and suddenly said, "Xiaoqi, I'm in a difficult situation right now, and only you can help me..."

Duan Rong was having tea with Lü Zhongtang, and he was also worried about Lü Qingzhu's condition. Although he was very confident in the prescription he had written, he still needed to see Lü Qingzhu's actual reaction after taking the medicine.

If there are still any discomforts, he can make further adjustments. After all, it's a medicine for pregnant women to help with pregnancy and regulate qi; he administers it very gently and mildly, so the effect might be insufficient.

After Lü Qingzhu fell asleep, Duan Rong went over and took her pulse again.

After Lü Qingzhu woke up from her afternoon nap, he asked her about her reaction.

Thus, Duan Rong stayed with Lü Qingzhu until she fell asleep at night. After taking her pulse and giving Li Baoyue a few instructions, Duan Rong returned to his side.

When he returned to the courtyard, it was already late at night, and the lanterns hanging under the eaves cast dim, mottled shadows.

The dim light shone through the thin gauze curtains in the east wing.

As soon as Duan Rong entered, Xiao Yu immediately came to greet him.

Her expression was gentle as she helped Duan Rong undress while asking about Lü Qingzhu's condition.

Duan Rong then said that there was nothing seriously wrong, and that normal recuperation would be fine.

Xiao Yu helped Duan Rong lie down, and Zhu Xiaoqi brought in hot water. Xiao Yu personally washed Duan Rong's feet and wiped his body.

Then Xiao Yu left.

Duan Rong lay on the bed, already feeling drowsy.

At that moment, a faint fragrance wafted past his nose, and then he felt a figure rustling as it climbed onto the bed.

Duan Rong reached out and his large hand wrapped around Xiao Yu's waist.

He squeezed slightly and suddenly opened his eyes.

Because Xiao Yu was plump, but the waist he was holding was so slender that it could be grasped in one hand. That was definitely not Xiao Yu!

The moment Duan Rong looked over, he saw Zhu Xiaoqi lying on the bed beside him, wearing only a bellyband.

Her delicate shoulders and neck were exposed, appearing even more alluring under the dim light.

At this moment, Duan Rong's large hand was touching her navel, and he was looking at her in astonishment.

Under the lamplight, Zhu Xiaoqi's face was flushed with embarrassment. Her eyes were tightly closed, and she didn't dare to look at Duan Rong at all. Because of her nervousness, her body was also shrinking back...

But at that moment, Zhu Xiaoqi suddenly felt the large hand that had been on her navel being removed, and the room became completely silent; she could even hear her own heartbeat…

After a while, Zhu Xiaoqi mustered up her courage and opened her eyes.

Duan Rong was lying to one side, but he didn't look at her. Instead, he looked at the bed curtains.

He suddenly said in an icy voice, "Xiao Qi, get out!"

Zhu Xiaoqi was slightly taken aback. When Duan Rong saw that she didn't react, he suddenly turned his head and looked at her with icy eyes.

At that moment, Zhu Xiaoqi felt that Duan Rong's gaze was like a knife.

Duan Rong repeated it again.

"go out!"

Tears welled up in Zhu Xiaoqi's eyes. She grabbed a blanket, wrapped it around her body, and ran out barefoot, her voice trembling with sobs.

Duan Rong lay there, his face cold and gloomy.

If it were a few years earlier, he might not have been able to control himself, after all, Zhu Xiaoqi was petite and lovely, a completely different type from Xiao Yu and Lü Qingzhu.

However, my state of mind at this moment is completely different.

At this time, his Dao heart was firm, and he was single-mindedly focused on cultivation. He even had two women, Xiao Yu and Lü Qingzhu. Although he felt happy, he sometimes also felt that they were a troublesome thing.

Especially since Lü Qingzhu is now pregnant.

He knew this was Xiao Yu's idea, but taking in Zhu Xiaoqi as well would be too much trouble. He often felt a subtle pressure to treat both Xiao Yu and Lü Qingzhu equally. (End of Chapter)