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

Soon, it was Qin's birthday.

The entire Zhenguo Marquis's mansion was decorated for celebration, with even the lanterns adorned with red "longevity" characters.

The invited guests entered the Marquis's residence one after another, and all the maids and servants in the residence were busy.

Even the eldest wife, who had long since stopped managing affairs, came out to accompany the old lady, making it a truly bustling scene.

Among those who came were officials and their families.

Shen Qinghe, accompanied by Qing'er, arrived at Fuhua Hall early in the morning, waiting to be called to deliver birthday gifts. She couldn't help but hear the discussions among the officials' wives on the road.

"The Marquis's residence has always been known for its frugality and low-key lifestyle. In the past, neither the eldest young mistress's birthday nor the other ladies' birthdays have ever been celebrated with such a grand display. Why is it suddenly so extravagant this year?"

"Yes, with such a grand affair, almost every official in the court must have received an invitation, right?"

"Yes, it seems that this year the old lady is paying special attention to her grandson Xi and wants to hold a grand birthday banquet to celebrate. I guess it's also to bring good luck, right? After all, the Marquis of Zhenguo is from the old lady's second branch of the family, and he only gave birth to two sons. One is the second son, and the other is the current young marquis."

"Both of these young masters already have wives and concubines in their courtyards, but no one can understand why, to this day, not a single wife or concubine from the second branch of the family has become pregnant, and they haven't left behind any offspring. If I were the old lady, I would be anxious too."

"This is truly strange. Logically speaking, both the young marquis and the second young master are in their prime, their bodies strong and healthy. There shouldn't be any health problems. If there were, they would have started treatment long ago. But with seven or eight wives and concubines in their household, surely not all of them are infertile?"

Surrounded by several wives of officials, the woman in the very center was the wife of Zeng Jing, a Grand Secretary of the Inner Cabinet, who was known as the most shrewd and capable official in the entire city of Chang'an.

Madam Zeng clicked her tongue: "I don't know about the second young master, but isn't the young marquis famously averse to women? He never even touches a girl, so how could he possibly have a child? But I've also heard that a capable maid has recently arrived and is quite favored."

Upon hearing her own presence, Shen Qinghe felt somewhat embarrassed. She blinked and stepped aside, leading Qing'er to a corner to wait.

Just then, someone passed by Shen Qinghe, and a man's gentle and steady voice rang in her ears: "Hello, Madam Shen."

Upon hearing this voice, Shen Qinghe's eyes widened immediately, and when she looked up, she was met with Chu Xingge's gentle and warm eyes.

Chu Xingge's eyes always held a gentle smile, somewhat different from when he was a child, but now was not a good time to reminisce about the past.

Shen Qinghe's first reaction was to look around and find that the officials' wives were either talking or enjoying tea and pastries. Everyone was busy with their own things and no one was looking in her direction.

Shen Qinghe quickly lowered her head: "Greetings, Lord Chu. I am on my way to deliver a birthday gift to the young mistress, so I will not keep you company any longer. Please make yourself at home."

After saying that, Shen Qinghe didn't give Chu Xingge a chance to speak before hastily walking to the side and distancing herself from him.

Chu Xingge pursed his lips and did not follow. He naturally knew the proper etiquette and understood that women were burdened by their reputation; he just couldn't control himself.

I want to hear her talk.

Now that he heard Shen Qinghe speak, even though Shen Qinghe pretended not to recognize him, Chu Xingge was satisfied.

The two only exchanged a few words and their face was barely visible; it shouldn't have been seen by anyone else.

But there were people specifically stationed outside, just to keep an eye on Shen Qinghe's every word and action.

Hongxing glanced at it only once before hurriedly entering Fuhua Hall.

Fu Hua Tang.

As the main character of the birthday banquet, Qin Shi naturally sat in the front seat, with Lu Jihan sitting next to her.

Sitting at the lower seat were Wu Xiaoniang and Cao Xiaoniang. Qin Shi raised her eyes and saw Hongxing rushing in. She picked up the teacup beside her and placed it in front of her. Under the cover of the teacup, she glanced at Wu Xiaoniang below.

Wu Xiaoniang immediately understood. Looking at Lu Jihan, who was drinking tea upstairs, she casually asked, "Hey, where's Sister Shen? Come quickly and serve tea to Madam. Sister Shen is always the most diligent and punctual. Why is she late today? Did something hold her up?"

The conversation began, and Madam Qin put down her teacup, her expression showing concern: "Yes, husband, Sister Shen is always punctual and diligent, how could she be late? Is it because there are too many people in the manor today, so she got lost, or did something else happen? Hongxing, go and check on her."

When Lu Jihan heard that this matter was about Shen Qinghe, he actually raised his eyes and temporarily looked away from the military book in his hand.

Before long, Hongxing came in, her face beaming. "Madam, you don't need to worry too much, and neither do you need to worry. I just saw Miss Qinghe outside. She was talking to Lord Chu! That's why I didn't go up and disturb her. I suppose she'll come in after she's finished talking."

Hearing Hongxing's words, both Wu Xiaoniang and Cao Xiaoniang subtly glanced at Lu Jihan.

Qin was also curious about how her husband would react, and explained with a smile, "Husband, you don't need to worry. Lord Chu is a gentleman, and an official of the court. He is a gentleman known to everyone in Chang'an. I'm sure he won't make things difficult for my sister."

Wu Xiaoniang smiled and said sarcastically, "Madam, you're worrying for nothing. Maybe Sister Shen even knows Lord Chu."

As soon as he finished speaking, Lu Jihan's icy gaze turned towards Wu Xiaoniang, his eyes filled with murderous intent, cold as a knife.

That look sent chills down Wu Xiaoniang's spine, and she instinctively shut her mouth and stopped talking.

Lu Jihan withdrew his gaze, his face showing no change whatsoever. However, Qin Shi, who was sitting next to him, noticed that the force with which he gripped the military book in his hand was much greater than before.

The pages of the military treatise were creased with numerous wrinkles.

Qin smiled and smoothed things over, saying, "Sister Wu, you're talking nonsense. Sister Shen has rarely left the manor since she was little. How many people could she possibly know outside? How could she possibly know Lord Chu? Don't talk nonsense next time."

Qin's words were just right. A normal person would not have thought of that. Instead, they would have thought that since Shen Qinghe was known for rarely leaving the manor, how could she be chatting and laughing with Lord Chu?

To put it bluntly, there's a problem between Shen Qinghe and Chu Xingge.

Lu Jihan frowned slightly, his thin lips pressed together, and he remained silent.

Soon it was Shen Qinghe's turn to deliver the birthday gift. Shen Qinghe went in carrying the embroidered portrait in her hands, first bowing to Lu Jihan and Qin Shi who were in front of her, and then presenting the birthday gift she had prepared for Qin Shi.

"In reply to Madam, I am of humble status and limited ability, and have no way of finding a sufficiently precious and elegant birthday gift to present to you."

Shen Qinghe said sincerely, "But this painting was embroidered by me in three days. It took me a lot of time and effort. If I made a mistake or was not satisfied with the embroidery, I tore it up and started over. I hope you like it, Madam."

As Shen Qinghe finished speaking, Qing'er stood on the ground and displayed the embroidered portrait in front of the group.

Immediately, most of the people present experienced a great emotional rollercoaster.

nice!

But the key point is that the most striking feature of that embroidered portrait isn't just its beauty, but also...

Looking at the embroidered portrait, Wu Xiaoniang turned to Qin Shi beside her in disbelief and exclaimed in surprise, "This...this looks exactly like Madam!!"

"Is...is the person embroidered on this me?" Looking at the lifelike and incredibly realistic portrait in front of her, Qin Shi couldn't control the surge of emotion in her heart and forgot the purpose of her scheme with Wu Xiaoniang today.

"In reply to Madam, the embroidery on it is indeed of you." Shen Qinghe nodded, and seeing that Madam Qin was quite happy, she felt completely relieved.

Choosing a birthday gift for Qin Shi was an extremely difficult task.

Although Qin Shi hadn't targeted her like Chen Xiaoniang had, and seemed to be handling things fairly, she truly possessed the demeanor and magnanimity of a principal wife.

Shen Qinghe could still sense that Qin Shi disliked and resented her existence, which was only natural and Shen Qinghe could understand.

The turning point came two days ago. After her younger brother was punished, Shen Qinghe knew without a doubt that Qin Shi would blame her for the crime that day, and thus her feelings of disgust and aversion towards Qin Shi would go beyond mere dislike.

At this point, no matter what birthday gift Shen Qinghe chooses, Qin Shi will not like it; the opposing stance between the two has already been established.

Shen Qinghe had tried to please Qin Shi several times, but all her attempts ended in failure. Now that things had come to this point, Shen Qinghe was no longer inclined to try to please Qin Shi.

The reason Shen Qinghe made such a rebellious statement when presenting her birthday gift earlier, revealing how much time and effort she had spent on it, was not to please Qin Shi or to gain her pity.

It was to get Lu Jihan's attention, rather than to make him notice her.

Whether he's pitiful or not is one thing, but at least Lu Jihan needs to know what he's done.

Shen Qinghe knew clearly how much effort she had put into this matter, and since she had put in the effort, she should let Lu Jihan know. Otherwise, what was the point of all that effort?

Does moving yourself move the world?

She's not that naive.

As expected, after hearing Shen Qinghe's words, Lu Jihan, who was reading a military book, also looked up and let Lin Feng take it from him.

He looked at the embroidered portrait and nodded approvingly: "It is indeed very well embroidered. Her face is like a peach blossom, and she is a graceful lady. She looks just like you."

Lu Jihan originally meant to praise Shen Qinghe's needlework skills, but Qin Shi, who was standing nearby, heard it differently.

Qin was overjoyed, and her smile widened: "My husband is right, I like it very much, thank you, sister. I will definitely prepare a generous gift for you in a few days."

Just as the atmosphere was harmonious, Hongxing spoke up: "Miss, it's almost time, why hasn't the kitchen brought over the birthday cakes yet? Putting aside the fact that so many guests are waiting, even if it's for the Madam and the Marquis, the auspicious time absolutely cannot be delayed!"

Wu Xiaoniang, who was standing next to her, was a little surprised. She wondered why this taciturn man, who was usually so quiet, would suddenly speak up for her.

But at this moment, Wu Xiaoniang couldn't care less about that. She continued Cao Xiaoniang's words, "But the only small kitchen that is still empty in this mansion is the one in Shen Meimei's courtyard. In addition, Shen Meimei's cooking skills are indeed very good, much better than those in the small kitchen. Why don't you ask Meimei to make some longevity cakes? But that would be too much trouble for Shen Meimei."

Just as Qin was about to feign support for Shen Qinghe, Lu Jihan, who was standing nearby, frowned upon hearing Wu Xiaoniang's words and immediately spoke up: "There are at least a hundred guests and servants in the mansion. You casually suggested that she make so many longevity cakes by herself? Where are you?"

Lu Jihan slammed the military treatise he was holding onto the table beside him and looked at Shen Qinghe: "She's in poor health, she won't go."

Lu Jihan's words changed the minds of the three people present. Wu Xiaoniang, feeling embarrassed after being reprimanded by Lu Jihan, quickly knelt down to beg for forgiveness: "That's not what I meant. I meant that you should only make one, a larger longevity cake, for Madam and Lord Marquis to enjoy. That way, the ceremony at the birthday banquet will be over, and naturally, no guests will say anything more."

Qin Shi never expected that Lu Jihan would protect Shen Qinghe so much. He was so reluctant to let her make a pastry.

Are you suggesting we make her do it herself, since she's celebrating her birthday alone?

"Sister Wu, I know you're doing this for the sake of the Marquis's mansion. But Sister Shen's health really can't be delayed." Madam Qin forced a smile and looked at Lu Jihan earnestly, saying, "Husband, I think it would be better to ask Sister Shen to go to the kitchen and urge the people there."

Upon hearing Qin Shi's words, Lu Jihan's expression softened slightly. He then picked up his teacup, nodded, looked at Shen Qinghe, and said in a gentler tone, "Go."

"Yes."

Shen Qinghe responded and, with Qing'er in tow, turned and left Fuhua Hall, heading straight for the kitchen.

At the same time, Wu Xiaoniang's personal maid, Fangfei, also quietly followed her out.

the other side.

After seeing Shen Qinghe enter Fuhua Hall, Chu Xingge did not linger and turned to leave Fuhua Hall.

Although his main purpose today was to attend the Marquis's birthday banquet, Chu Xingge had something even more important on his mind.

That's the case I discussed with Lu Jihan when I last came to the Marquis's residence.

Chu Xingge would naturally not tolerate those corrupt officials in the court continuing to poison the country and its people.

However, if they did not show leniency in court, they would not be able to make the officials involved in the case take it lightly and lower their guard.

After discussing it with Lu Jihan last time, we decided to continue according to the original plan.

After a few days, he uncovered some clues and signs. In order to prevent the officials involved from realizing what was happening, Chu Xingge had to immediately discuss the next round of countermeasures and plans with Lu Jihan.

Halfway there, a maid suddenly appeared out of nowhere, carrying a large basin of dirty water, and bumped into Chu Xingge.

With a crash, the large basin of dirty water that the little maid was carrying was knocked to the ground. The maid was so frightened that she immediately knelt down and kowtowed to Chu Xingge, trembling as she begged for forgiveness.

"My lord, I know I was wrong! I know I was wrong!!"

Chu Xingge's robe was mostly wet and stained with dirt, and he couldn't help but frown slightly.

As a guest, he must not go out like this in front of other guests.

At this moment, Fangfei, seeing that the plan had succeeded, immediately ran over.

"Do you even know who these important people are today? How dare you make such a mistake? Don't you want your life? How could you be so reckless!" She slapped the maid twice on the back, while repeatedly apologizing and pleading with Chu Xingge.

"My lord, please forgive this little maid! There are just too many guests at the Marquis's mansion today, and they need people here and there. This little maid has only been in the mansion for a short time, so she was a bit clumsy and accidentally offended you. It was truly her fault. I'll beat her when I get back..."

"Alright. Just remember not to be so reckless next time." Chu Xingge didn't have time to listen to that now, and looked at Fangfei, saying, "Is there any quiet place nearby where I can dry my clothes?"

"Yes!! This servant will take you there right away. The water problem is easy to solve. This servant will find an iron. As long as you take off your outer robe, this servant will iron it for you. It will be done in no more than half an incense stick's time."

After saying that, Fangfei led Chu Xingge to the kitchen, entering through the back door.

The clothes were indeed ironed quickly, but when Chu Xingge came out of the small room in the backyard of the kitchen, she bumped into someone she didn't expect.

Shen Qinghe had just entered the backyard, hoping to see if there was anything she could do to help Li's mother, when she bumped into Chu Xingge.

The tall, thin man stood there, looking at her, his voice gentle, with a hint of pleading: "Ahe, may I say a few words to you?"

Shen Qinghe glanced at Qing'er beside her: "Qing'er, go outside and keep watch. If anyone comes, come in and report immediately."

Qing'er didn't even ask any questions before turning around and leaving.

In the backyard of the kitchen, only Shen Qinghe and Chu Xingge remained.

Chu Xingge, knowing his limits, didn't get too close. He simply wanted to explain to Shen Qinghe, "Ahe, back then, my father was exonerated, and he took me back to Chang'an. I know you're angry because I didn't give you an explanation at the time, but I had no choice. My father locked me up, and even after we returned to Chang'an, I couldn't leave the mansion. I thought I would study hard, and once I succeeded in the imperial examinations, I could return to our village and bring you back with honor. But when I went to look for you three years ago, I found... I had lost all contact with you."

Overwhelmed with emotion, Chu Xingge couldn't help but take a small step forward: "Ahe, it's not that I intentionally rejected you, nor that I didn't want to marry you. After passing the imperial examinations, the first thing I did was to come find you with all the betrothal gifts and formalities. I've always remembered our promise!"

Speaking of the past, Shen Qinghe didn't feel much emotional turmoil. If Chu Xingge from her past life had appeared and spoken to her, perhaps she would have tried her best to redeem herself and leave the manor, instead of becoming Lu Huai'an's concubine.

But now, Shen Qinghe has been reborn once and has lived two lives. The feelings she had for Chu Xingge in the past have long been worn away in her previous life.

Shen Qinghe pursed her lips, about to speak, when suddenly Wu Xiaoniang's voice came from beside her:

"My lord! You see, just as I said there was something in the backyard, a truly wonderful show has indeed unfolded!!"

Shen Qinghe turned her head and saw Wu Xiaoniang leading people in, followed closely by Lu Jihan.

Lu Jihan's handsome face was tense, his brows were furrowed, his thin lips were pursed, one hand was behind his back, and the other hand was hidden in his sleeve.

From the moment Lu Jihan entered, his gaze remained fixed on Shen Qinghe's face.

At this moment, Wu Xiaoniang spoke up, "I'm so sorry, Sister Shen. You've been gone for so long, and I just wanted to check if the longevity cakes in the kitchen were ready. The Marquis, on the other hand, was worried about your health, so he came to check. But who knew that he would see you secretly meeting with your old lover? I really didn't expect this."

Wu Xiaoniang said this, but her face was full of smugness, and her eyes lingered on Shen Qinghe and Chu Xingge with ill intent: "Sister, you are really too heartless. The Marquis is so good to you. Since you entered the Bamboo Garden, he has only doted on you. Just now he was worried about your health and didn't want you to be tired. How could you secretly meet with another man? You keep talking about marriage and being married... If the scene were different and the identities were different, I would probably praise you two for your deep affection."

As she spoke, Wu Xiaoniang glanced at Lu Jihan's face beside her. Seeing that Lu Jihan's face was ashen and covered with a thick layer of frost, she added fuel to the fire as if she weren't angry enough: "Sister, how can you face the Marquis like this?!"

Chu Xingge immediately responded: "Your Excellency misunderstands. All of this has nothing to do with Shen Qinghe. It's just my own wishful thinking. Shen Qinghe has never had anything to do with me!"

Upon hearing this, Wu Xiaoniang didn't give Shen Qinghe a chance to speak at all: "Oh, my lord. You see, Lord Chu is so protective of Sister Shen; he must be deeply in love with her..."

Wu Xiaoniang was interrupted before she could finish her sentence.

"Shut up." Lu Jihan's face was like that of a demon, his gaze fixed on Shen Qinghe, the words almost squeezed out between clenched teeth: "What do you want to say?"

Shen Qinghe looked at Lu Jihan, walked up the steps to him, and said, word by word, "Your Excellency promised me that no matter what happens, you would give me a chance to explain. Do you still keep your word?"

Upon hearing this, Wu Xiaoniang had no chance to give Shen Qinghe a chance to turn the tables. She immediately reached out and shoved Shen Qinghe on the shoulder, causing her to fall to the ground.

"Sister! You've done such a shameful thing, and you still dare to question me..."

Suddenly, Wu Xiaoniang felt a sharp pain on her face as Lu Jihan slapped her across the face.

Wu Xiaoniang's face turned halfway away, and a bright red handprint immediately appeared on her cheek.

Lu Jihan's furious voice rang out: "Who gave you permission to hurt her?! Get out!"

After saying that, Lu Jihan rushed forward and caught Shen Qinghe, who had fallen to the ground, in his arms. Shen Qinghe was pale in his arms, her fingers gripping Lu Jihan's sleeve tightly: "It hurts...Master...it hurts so much!"

Why does it hurt so much from just a push?

Lu Jihan raised his hand and saw that his palm was covered in bright red blood. He immediately held her in his arms and ordered someone to fetch the royal physician.