The Marquis's line has ended? The pregnant maid is pregnant again!

The surname is Chu…

Shen Qinghe was sold to a human trafficker when she was eight years old, and the people she knew were limited to those from her childhood village and the Marquis's mansion.

Among them, those with the surname Chu are extremely rare.

Adding to the fact that Shen's parents had visited yesterday, Shen Qinghe could only think of one person—Chu Xingge.

Her future husband, whom she was betrothed to as a child, was also a highly sought-after top scholar in the imperial court.

She had been betrothed to him when she was eight years old, but later she was filled with regret.

Originally, Shen's parents were farmers, and the Chu family, who were neighbors, were naturally not much better off.

The village was so poor that almost all the children born were boys, and many men were still unable to find wives even when they reached adulthood.

Therefore, many families in the village pooled their resources to buy a wife.

Chu Xingge was the eldest son of the Chu family. He was born weak and unable to walk properly. If he had been born into a wealthy family, he might have been able to study and pass the imperial examinations.

Being born into a farming family is basically useless; you'll never find a wife.

So the Chu family started planning for her early on, wanting to buy her a wife.

Shen Qinghe was the wife that Shen's parents had arranged for her to marry.

The two families have already made an agreement, ten taels of silver, and Shen Qinghe will be engaged to Chu Xingge as soon as she reaches the appropriate age.

It's called arranging a marriage between children, but it's really just about buying a wife and selling a daughter.

At that time, almost no one in the village had children who wanted to play with Chu Xingge, so Chu Xingge was always kept in the small courtyard of the Chu family.

Only Shen Qinghe.

Ever since the betrothal was arranged, Mr. and Mrs. Shen always said that Shen Qinghe was now married and that she was like water spilled from a cup.

Chu Xingge will be her husband from now on.

Shen Qinghe was too young to understand what a husband was at that time. She only knew that Chu Xingge had a good temper and spoke nicely, which was much better than those big, burly boys in the village.

Who knew that later, the Chu family was exonerated, and Chu's father was reinstated to his official position, so he naturally moved away from the village, and Chu Xingge left with him.

The Chu family looked down on their daughter-in-law who came from a farming family, so no one ever mentioned the arranged marriage again.

Chu Xingge passed the imperial examination three years ago.

He became the most popular and talented scholar in his time, and it is said that he even won the favor of a princess.

Shen Qinghe stood there, stunned. Seeing that she didn't react, Qing'er quickly asked the gatekeeper, "Chu?? There are so many families with the surname Chu in the world, surely there are tens of thousands, if not tens of thousands? How does our sister know who this one person with the surname Chu is?"

Who doesn't know that the young marquis is now infatuated with Shen Qinghe? When Qing'er asked him with a cold face, the gatekeeper dared not hold back. "Miss Qing'er, please don't be anxious. This servant remembers... that man was tall and slender, and his clothes, though not luxurious, still had a certain elegance. The fabric was obviously not something an ordinary family could afford. He also seemed to have some connection with you."

As the gatekeeper spoke, he kept glancing up, tentatively observing Shen Qinghe's expression.

Shen Qinghe quickly realized what was happening and said calmly, "Perhaps he's mistaken. I don't know any friend with the surname Chu, and besides, given my current status, I can't meet with other men in private. Let him go back!"

"Yes!" the gatekeeper replied, turned and left the courtyard. After observing that no one was paying attention to him, he turned and went to Fuhua Hall.

The servant reported everything he had seen and knew to Madam Qin in detail.

Upon hearing this, Madam Qin raised an eyebrow at him: "A man? He said he's here to find Shen Qinghe??"

"Yes, Madam." The servant glanced at Madam Qin's expression and added, "When I reported to Shen Qinghe, I was careful not to tell her directly who she was. I only said that she was a person surnamed Chu. Shen Qinghe's reaction seemed a bit off."

Qin raised an eyebrow: "So, that means you know that guy surnamed Chu?"

"Of course. If I remember correctly, that person should be Chu Xingge, the top scholar who passed the imperial examination three years ago." Although the servant was modest, his tone was very certain.

"Three years ago, when the top scholar was parading through the streets of Chang'an with the third and second-ranked scholars, I went to watch for a while. That was Chu Xingge."

"Chu Xingge?!" Upon hearing this, Madam Qin frowned deeply. "Shen Qinghe is merely a maidservant, sold into the Marquis's mansion by slave traders when she was young. How could she possibly know Chu Xingge??"

Hongxing pursed her lips, guessing, "Madam, I heard that Shen Qinghe has never mentioned herself or any relatives since she was sold into the manor. Her parents were only brought in by the Old Madam yesterday, and today Chu Xingge, who knows Shen Qinghe, suddenly appears. Perhaps there's something between them that's hard to explain. Why don't we just wait and see?"

"Very well. Grandmother didn't agree to let Shen Qinghe's child be raised in my name last time. You must not make any mistakes during this period. If you behave well and satisfy Grandmother, then even if Shen Qinghe has a child, that child should be mine. Let them fight if they want."

Madam Qin fiddled with the jade beads in her hand. "By the way, the matter you reported to me today can't be known only to me. So many people are concerned about Shen Qinghe's situation; they should all know."

Upon hearing this, Hongxing immediately understood Qin's meaning: "Find a few people to spread the word, and make sure that both Wu Xiaoniang and Cao Xiaoniang know."

-

At the entrance of the Marquis's residence.

The gatekeeper hurriedly went to report back to Chu Xingge: "Miss Qinghe said she doesn't know anyone surnamed Chu. Please return."

Chu Xingge stood with his hands behind his back. Upon hearing the servant's words, his expression changed slightly: "Then it was my presumption."

Just as Chu Xingge was about to leave, a figure suddenly strode back from outside, and he stopped in his tracks.

Lu Jihan.

"My lord, my lord, please wait! We know you've been working quickly today and are eager to see Miss Qinghe, but we can't keep up!"

Lin Feng looked at Lu Jihan, who seemed like a gust of wind, and hurriedly tried to persuade him, panting.

Lu Jihan's face hardened: "What nonsense are you spouting? I'm just hungry. I don't want to see that little girl at all."

Lin Feng: ...My lord, you're just pretending!

After Lu Jihan finished speaking, he was about to enter the Marquis's residence when his gaze shifted to the side, only to be stopped by a gentle, refined voice—

"Brother Jihan!"

Lu Jihan turned his head and glanced at him, his expression returning to normal, indifferent and cold: "So it's Lord Chu. May I ask what brings Lord Chu to my residence?"

"Brother Jihan, have you forgotten that the Emperor asked the two of us to have a proper discussion about the flood in Lingnan that caused the Henglong dike to breach a couple of days ago?"

Dressed in a moon-white robe with flowing black hair, Chu Xingge stood at the entrance of the Marquis's mansion, exuding the air of a refined gentleman, attracting the attention of many women.

Chu Xingge looked at Lu Jihan and smiled gently: "I offended you in court a few days ago, so I came to your residence to apologize. The case of the flood in Lingnan that caused the Henglong dike to burst is far-reaching, and perhaps a third of the officials in the court are involved. This matter has been unresolved for a long time. Both the civil and military factions in the court regard you and me as their leaders. If you and I continue to be deadlocked like this, it may endanger the common people."

When the topic of national and family affairs came up, Lu Jihan suppressed his romantic thoughts and became serious. "Linfeng, please invite Lord Chu into the mansion."

-

Shen Qinghe was halfway through making the food when Qing'er came back with news:

"Sister, the young marquis has returned to the manor! Linfeng said that the young marquis finished his official duties early today and was extremely hungry, so he returned to the manor early."

At this point, Qing'er smiled mischievously and quickly ran to Shen Qinghe's ear, whispering, "I heard from Linfeng that the Marquis missed my sister and wanted to eat her cooking, so he specially rushed back early. However, he was held up by official business on the way and is currently discussing matters in the study. I heard it clearly; Guard Linfeng said that the Marquis just missed...my sister!"

"You little rascal!" Shen Qinghe, disregarding the flour on her fingertips, poked Qing'er's forehead. "You're getting bolder and bolder these days. How come you dare to say anything? Aren't you afraid of what others might hear?"

"So what if I heard it? It's not like I said it myself, so you can't find the source of it." Qing'er blushed as she mentioned Lin Feng. "He said he figured the young master might want some light and refreshing sweet and sour dishes today, along with a warm pot."

"A hot pot?" Shen Qinghe was surprised. "The weather isn't that cold today. Would the young marquis want something so hot?"

Qing'er laughed and teased, "Lin Feng said that the pot can be used by the Marquis and Sister to sit down and eat together, and talk while eating. They can eat slowly."

"You little rascal!" Shen Qinghe blushed at the emphasis on those words, her lips twitching slightly. "He wanted hot pot, so I made it for him? Last night he even ate all my fish at the barbecue, and today I'm giving him vegetarian food!"

Despite saying that, Shen Qinghe's hands didn't stop moving. Before long, she quickly made a crispy pot dish suitable for autumn and winter, and also made several refreshing side dishes.

As lunchtime approached, Shen Qinghe took Qing'er and carried the food box to the study next door.

As soon as they arrived outside the study, they saw that the study door was tightly closed, and Lin Feng and Yun Chen were both guarding the door.

The two people stood straight, like two trees, solemn and dignified.

Shen Qinghe walked over and asked softly, "Is the young marquis still in a meeting?"

Lin Feng glanced at the study, took the food box from her, and led Shen Qinghe to a corner: "Yes, the Marquis is inside, discussing the flood situation in Lingnan with another official. He has been inside for an hour or two, and should be finishing soon. Please wait a little longer, Miss."

We'll wait.

To give Qing'er and Linfeng time to talk, Shen Qinghe, feeling bored, pulled Yun Chen aside for a casual chat, "I've heard a bit about the floods in Lingnan. Didn't that happen a couple of years ago?"

Yun Chen nodded: "The floods in Lingnan occurred two years ago. At that time, the imperial court sent troops to provide disaster relief, but two years later, a major case that shocked the court and the public came to light. That case may have involved some powerful figures or officials in the court. The Marquis advocated for a thorough investigation, but the civil officials, led by Lord Chu, advocated for a lenient approach, which led to a fierce debate in the court. The Emperor and the Crown Prince did not say anything openly, but in reality, they passed the matter on to the Marquis and Lord Chu. Therefore..."

Before Yun Chen could finish speaking, Shen Qinghe heard the words "Lord Chu" and froze. She turned to Yun Chen and asked, "The Lord Chu you're talking about, is he the top scholar for three years, the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, Lord Chu Xingge?"

"Yes! Miss Qinghe knows him too?" Yun Chen was surprised to hear that Shen Qinghe knew him as well.

Shen Qinghe's heart pounded. How did Chu Xingge suddenly appear at such a perfect time?

Shen Qinghe's sixth sense told her that it would be best if she didn't go into the study today.

She quickly looked at Yun Chen: "Oh right, I suddenly remembered that there's still a fire in my kitchen. It just so happens that the Marquis hasn't finished his official business yet. I'll trouble the two guards to take these dishes in later. I'll go back to the kitchen now..."

After speaking, Shen Qinghe turned to leave. Just then, the people in the study finished, and Lu Jihan's voice rang out: "Linfeng, serve the meal."

Lin Feng said, "Miss Qinghe, why don't you let Qing'er go back and extinguish the fire?"

As he spoke, Lin Feng strained to wink at Shen Qinghe, and finally whispered, "Master finally came home early today, so you should keep him company, otherwise the subordinates will suffer if he gets angry."

Lin Feng had already said all that when Lu Jihan's urging voice came from behind: "Lin Feng?"

"Master, lunch is here." Lin Feng hurriedly responded, then turned around and bowed deeply to Shen Qinghe with his hands clasped together: "Miss Qinghe, please have mercy!!"

Shen Qinghe was like a duck that had been forced onto a shelf; she couldn't bring herself to refuse.

That's it.

Fortunately, a family like the Chu family would never admit to having any connection with a maid like her, and they looked down on her. Otherwise, they wouldn't have left without mentioning marriage.

Not to mention that Chu Xingge is now the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, a brilliant and outstanding young talent among countless people, who should be eager to get involved with her.

Shen Qinghe took a deep breath and carried the food box into the study.

In the study, Lu Jihan and another handsome and gentle young man sat at the round table.

He was handsome, with deep yet gentle features, unlike Lu Jihan who was sharp and rugged. Chu Xingge was the typical gentle and refined gentleman type. The most striking feature was the small red mole under his right eyelid.

One is a military general, the other a civil official. Chu Xingge's shoulders and body are noticeably thinner than Lu Jihan's. Next to Lu Jihan, Chu Xingge appears exceptionally slender.

Even though they hadn't seen each other for over a decade, she recognized him at a glance as Chu Xingge.

As she looked at the two of them, Chu Xingge and Lu Jihan also turned their gazes toward her.

One gaze was gentle and smiling, the other cold and distant, yet never leaving her; both gazes were intensely burning.

Shen Qinghe's hand holding the food box wobbled for a moment, but a strong arm immediately reached out and steadily took the food box from her hand.

"If it gets too heavy, call for me. If it really doesn't work, Lin Feng and Yun Chen are here too. Why force yourself to do it?" Shen Qinghe was about to carry the food box with both hands, but Lu Jihan picked it up with one hand as if it were a piece of light paper.

Watching Lu Jihan place the food box on the table, Chu Xingge maintained a smile: "Brother Jihan, who is this?"

He had a smile on his face, even in his eyes, which seemed normal, but his gaze kept falling on Shen Qinghe.

"The young lady in the courtyard." Lu Jihan didn't want to say much more to his political enemy, but remembering how Qin Linfeng had been so foolish as to not understand his meaning, he glanced at Chu Xingge and said again:

"My daughter."

Chu Xingge, seemingly oblivious to the atmosphere, continued, "I remember, your wife seems to come from the Duke of Qin's mansion... I mean, this young lady looks somewhat familiar."

Shen Qinghe paused in her work with the food box, nearly getting burned by the hot pot, but luckily Lu Jihan caught it in time.

She whispered, "Thank you, sir."

She wasn't a rash person. Lu Jihan's gaze fell on her, paused for a moment, then looked at Chu Xingge beside him and said without hesitation, "Then Lord Chu must have made a mistake."

Seeing that Lu Jihan didn't suspect anything or even hesitate, Shen Qinghe breathed a sigh of relief and relaxed a little.

After saying that, Lu Jihan just looked at Chu Xingge and saw that Chu Xingge had no intention of leaving, as if she wanted to stay for dinner.

Lu Jihan showed no mercy: "Is Lord Chu's residence so frugal that they don't even provide lunch?"

These words were clearly meant to send Chu Xingge away. The crispy pot smelled so good, and the little girl was so adorable; he didn't want to be disturbed by this unexpected person.

With Chu Xingge, an outsider, present, she was noticeably more nervous.

To everyone's surprise, Chu Xingge, who always maintained a smiling face while navigating the officialdom, now seemed shameless, nodding at Lu Jihan:

"Brother Jihan is truly insightful. As you know, although I am the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, my monthly salary is only so-so. With over a hundred people in my household, we really have to live frugally. I see that the food in Brother Jihan's courtyard is truly exquisite. I wonder if I could have lunch here with you?"

Shen Qinghe: ...

No, Chu Xingge used to be not good with words and was very thin-skinned. When they were little, if she joked with him about getting married, he would get angry and his face would turn red.

Although she didn't know what marriage was at that time.

How come you've become so shameless?

Is the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review so poor that he has to mooch meals off the opposing party in the imperial court?

"If even the salary of the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review is not enough, then most of the officials in the court will starve to death."

Who knows what Chu Xingge is up to? Maybe he's got his eye on something. Lu Jihan replied without any mercy, "Lord Chu, you can see for yourself. My manor is very large, and we consume a lot of rice every day. Lord Chu's arrival was sudden, and we didn't prepare any food for you."

Having said that, Lu Jihan, having learned from experience, gave Chu Xingge no chance or time to speak, "Linfeng, see Lord Chu off!"

Lin Feng immediately entered the study, went to Chu Xingge's side, and said with a smile, "Lord Chu, please."

Chu Xingge almost lost his smile. He thought he was thick-skinned enough, but who would have thought that Lu Jihan could lie so easily?

The Zhenguo Marquis's mansion was a family of great wealth and honor, and even the fourth-rank General of the Cavalry said that there were too many people in the mansion and that they could not supply enough rice and grain.

Having said all that, Chu Xingge had no reason to deny it any longer, no matter how thick-skinned he was. He stood up and his gaze fell on Shen Qinghe without making a sound.

He looks so different from when he was a child; at first glance, he almost thought he had mistaken someone else for him.

But how did I end up becoming Lu Jihan's person?

Was he ultimately a step too slow?

He couldn't help but look at her for a moment before looking away, still smiling. "Brother Jihan, I'll be going now. I'll visit you again another day."

After saying that, Chu Xingge followed Lin Feng and strode away.

Soon, before he had even stepped out of the courtyard, he heard the sounds of Lu Jihan and Lu Jihan laughing and joking coming from the study behind him.

Chu Xingge clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white. The smile on his face remained, but the smile did not reach his eyes at all; it was as cold as thick ice in the dead of winter.

He had been investigating the human trafficker for over a decade, sending people all over the country, but he still couldn't find out that she was in Chang'an, right under his nose.

Only when Shen's parents suddenly came to his door did he finally learn where she had gone.

That's enough, today isn't a good opportunity, I'll try again another day.

In the study.

As soon as Chu Xingge left, Shen Qinghe felt completely relaxed, like Sun Wukong who had escaped from the Five Fingers Mountain.

Without any constraints, Shen Qinghe's movements became much more steady, and she spoke louder to Lu Jihan: "Master, today's main dish is crispy stew."

Shen Qinghe used small silver tongs to put charcoal into the constricted copper cylinder in the middle of the copper pot, one piece at a time.

The charcoal fire quickly ignited, turning the copper cylinder a bright red, as if it were about to melt.

Before long, steam billowed from the copper pot, the ring-shaped copper lid was lifted, and she picked it up with small silver tongs.

Immediately, a steaming aroma wafted out.

"Master, this pot contains only simple ingredients. I first used fresh fatty pork to render lard, then added freshly sliced ​​pork belly, fried tofu, and some fresh vegetables, and then braised them with the rendered lard."

As Shen Qinghe spoke, she took out many other ingredients from the food box. "This warm pot is not suitable for eating in winter to warm up the body, but today, the kitchen has delivered a lot of fresh ingredients, including fresh beef and mutton. The farmer has already cut them into baby-sized pieces, so you can eat as you go and add vegetables as you go. They are all fresh."

After saying that, Lu Jihan didn't speak, and Shen Qinghe didn't give Lu Jihan a chance to speak either, and she packed up the food box on her own.

Shen Qinghe lowered her head and deliberately said, "Since you are already hungry, then I will not disturb you any longer. Please enjoy your meal. I will wait outside. If you need anything, you can call me anytime."

When Shen Qinghe said this, she had a very serious expression on her face. After she finished speaking, she did not give Lu Jihan a chance to reply and made a gesture as if she was about to turn around and leave.

Shen Qinghe hadn't taken a single step out; she had only turned around when someone grabbed her wrist and pulled her into their arms.

Shen Qinghe lowered her head, looking at him innocently, still holding the food box in her hand: "Master..."

Looking at her like that, Lu Jihan knew perfectly well that this little girl was doing it on purpose, rattling off a string of words without giving him a chance to speak.

"What are you looking at? You think you know I'm the boss?"

Shen Qinghe blinked: "This servant..."