Page 224

Shen Chuwei thought that Chun Xi’s heart must be broken over her ability to conceive, and now upon seeing Consort Xu and Tao Chenghui, it was clear they were equally anguished over her own ability to fall pregnant.

She couldn’t help but ask, "Why are you in such a hurry for me to get pregnant?"

"Oh! We want to get pregnant too but can’t, ah. His Highness never visits our quarters, where would the chance come from?"

After Consort Xu spoke, she excitedly grabbed Shen Chuwei’s hand and said, "But it’s different for you.

His Highness frequents yours every two or three days, so your chances of pregnancy are high.

Once you conceive, if the first royal grandson comes from your womb, you might compete with Lady Chang for the position of Crown Princess. "

Tao Chenghui nodded vigorously, "Consort Xu speaks with good reason."

Shen Chuwei found herself unable to decline such enthusiasm and took the prescription from Consort Xu’s hand.

She carefully examined the prescription in her hand, furrowing her brows, then looked at Consort Xu with confusion, "This isn’t a fertility prescription."

Consort Xu looked bewildered, "But the Imperial Doctor said it was a fertility prescription."

Shen Chuwei shook her head, "No, it’s a false pregnancy prescription; it can delay your menstrual cycle and cause nausea—symptoms that mimic morning sickness."

Consort Xu said angrily, "Then why would the Imperial Doctor tell me it’s a fertility prescription? Isn’t that fraudulent?"

Shen Chuwei nodded, "I’m afraid it was indeed a deliberate deception. The Imperial Doctor couldn’t possibly be ignorant of the effects of the medicine listed."

Tao Chenghui only had to think critically for a moment to realize there was more to the prescription, "This may not be as straightforward as it seems; it could be that someone deliberately orchestrated this."

Upon thinking that someone was duping her, Consort Xu’s temper flared immediately, "I’m going to settle the score with that Imperial Doctor for daring to deceive me!"

Tao Chenghui quickly grabbed Consort Xu, "This matter must not be publicized. If the manipulators behind this learn of it, they could turn the tables on you, and you would find it impossible to defend yourself, even with a hundred tongues."

Hearing Tao Chenghui put it that way, Consort Xu was startled, aware of the severe consequences of being discovered feigning pregnancy to gain favor.

She said with reluctance, "Then what should I do? I can’t just let myself be deceived for nothing."

Shen Chuwei asked, "Did you tell anyone that this fertility prescription was for me?"

Consort Xu shook her head, "I didn’t say who it was for, and the Imperial Doctor didn’t ask, probably thinking it was for myself."

Tao Chenghui analyzed, "To catch the person behind this, we need evidence to prove that the Imperial Doctor is lying."

Shen Chuwei thought for a moment and said, "There’s only one way to prove the Imperial Doctor is lying, and that is to feign pregnancy and have that Imperial Doctor check your pulse, so he declares you are with child himself."

Consort Xu’s eyes lit up with understanding, "Oh, I see now! I’ll pretend to be pregnant and have the Imperial Doctor check my pulse."

Tao Chenghui cautioned, "For that to work, His Highness must also stay overnight in your quarters; otherwise, the ruse might be easily exposed."

At this, Consort Xu grew irritated, "What can I do if His Highness doesn’t come to me? I took the initiative, but I ended up either caught by Xuetuan or scalded by tea water; I’m not trying anymore."

Tao Chenghui spread his hands, "Then there’s nothing that can be done."

Consort Xu, unwilling to let go, said, "That doesn’t mean I’ll let that Imperial Doctor off the hook."

Tao Chenghui reassured her, "First take good care of the prescription, then we can carefully think of a strategy."

At this time, in the Crown Prince’s Study Room.

Liu Xi pushed the door open to report, "Your Highness, Imperial Physician Wen seeks an audience."

Xiao Jinyan, not lifting his head, said, "Let him in."

"Understood." After Liu Xi left, it wasn’t long before Imperial Physician Wen walked in.

Imperial Physician Wen stepped forward and bowed, "This humble official pays respect to Your Highness, the Crown Prince."

Xiao Jinyan lifted his head to glance at Imperial Physician Wen, "What brings Imperial Physician Wen here today?"

Imperial Physician Wen slightly bowed his head, "Your Highness, today I happened to witness Consort Xu asking Imperial Doctor Zhao for a fertility prescription at the Imperial Medical Bureau. There was something problematic about that prescription; it seemed suspicious, so I came to report it."

Xiao Jinyan furrowed his brow, "A fertility prescription?"

Imperial Physician Wen responded, "I heard it clearly and with absolute certainty."

Xiao Jinyan huffed, what was Consort Xu up to now?

Without a royal visit to her chambers, what good would a fertility prescription do?

Xiao Jinyan called, "Liu Xi."

Liu Xi strode in, "This servant is here."

Xiao Jinyan inquired, "What has Consort Xu been up to today?"

"Your Highness, just now I saw Consort Xu and Tao Chenghui together, heading to Hehuan Hall; they seemed to have something important to discuss," Liu Xi replied.

Xiao Jinyan’s frown deepened when he heard Consort Xu had visited Hehuan Hall; could it be she took the fertility prescription to seek Jinyan? The very thought that this was possible made Xiao Jinyan grip his pen tighter—Consort Xu, dare to harm Shen Chuwei, and see what happens.

He commanded in a cold voice, "Liu Xi, go next door and tell Lady Shen that I will be joining her for dinner."

"Understood." Liu Xi accepted the order and went next door.

At the time, Consort Xu and Tao Chenghui were still there; upon seeing Liu Xi arrive, they ceased their conversation.

Liu Xi took a discreet glance at Consort Xu and said, "Lady Shen, His Highness has mentioned that he will be joining you for dinner tonight; please prepare accordingly."

Shen Chuwei responded warmly, "I understand, thank you for reminding me, Elder Liu."

"Then I shall return and report this," said Liu Xi as he left, casting another furtive glance at Consort Xu.

Unaware of Liu Xi’s meaningful glance, Consort Xu said to Shen Chuwei, "See, His Highness is coming to your place again. The chance for you to get pregnant is very high. Put some effort into it tonight; strive to be the first to bear His Highness’s child.

That will be the eldest legitimate son, then let’s see what Lady Chang has to compare with you! "

Tao Chenghui also clenched his fist in support, "Lady Shen, go for it!!!"

Shen Chuwei looked at Consort Xu and Tao Chenghui’s expectant faces and suddenly felt a great weight of pressure.

Neither she nor Xiao Jinyan were so eager about the arrival of a baby. Yet, Consort Xu and Tao Chenghui were anticipating it so much.

It was as if the ones expecting and becoming mothers were them—

Before dinner, Chun Xi asked Shen Chuwei, "Young mistress, after His Highness treated you like that last time, this servant will not add salt to his dishes tonight."

Shen Chuwei looked at Chun Xi in shock, "You dare not to add salt?"

Chun Xi puffed out her chest, "What’s there to fear? If His Highness asks, I’ll just say I forgot."

Shen Chuwei gave a thumbs up, "Admirable courage!"

It was an incident from several days ago, yet Chun Xi still remembered it.

"This servant will now prepare His Highness’s favorite dishes. I’ll leave out the salt on one of them." Chun Xi chuckled twice and headed towards the small kitchen.

Seeing Chun Xi was serious, Shen Chuwei quickly called out to her, "Chun Xi, you must add salt; otherwise, the dish will be inedible."

Chun Xi asked in confusion, "Young mistress, why are you so protective of His Highness? His Highness bullied you."

Shen Chuwei paused, then explained, "Of course, I’m worried about His Highness getting angry. He’s so busy all day, and when he finally gets to eat some warm food, if there’s no salt, he’ll definitely get furious. Watch your little head."

Chun Xi was startled and then diligently and properly set about cooking the meal.

Shen Chuwei saw that Chun Xi had gone to the small kitchen, hopefully she understood—

At dinner time, Xiao Jinyan arrived as promised for the meal.

Chun Xi laid out the dishes one by one on the dining table.