The Aloof Lord's Mysterious Wife
Chapter 329: Just Another Dead Pregnant Woman

Chapter 329: Just Another Dead Pregnant Woman

Chu Ye stood motionless, as if struck by lightning, unwilling to speak further.

Nanli sighed. Some people go their whole lives without a single romantic interest, yet others, like Chu Ye, are overwhelmed by unwanted attention.

Ultimately, Chu Ye’s distress stemmed from his devotion to Xiao Wanyi, his desire to spend his life with her and only her, which made the constant stream of unwelcome advances particularly agonizing.

Nanli pondered and said, "Big brother, while there are many charms and formations in books designed to attract romance, perhaps I can find something to help fend off these unwanted suitors. I’ll take a closer look later."

Chu Ye felt a lump in his throat. "Sixth Sister, you already have so much on your plate. I hate to burden you with this."

"You’re my brother; it’s my duty," Nanli replied, pursing her lips. "Don’t say such things."

Chu Ye nodded in agreement. "Of course, that’s true."

If Sixth Sister were in trouble, he would unhesitatingly offer his help, no matter the cost.

Chu Ye then asked, "Have you found out anything about that Chong Jiu?"

Despite the ghost fire incident being some time ago, Chu Ye knew Chong Jiu’s involvement with the water ghost and remained concerned.

Nanli frowned reflexively. "He helped me once but hasn’t appeared since. He must have a hiding place in the Capital since even the Black Armor Guard hasn’t found anything."

Chong Jiu’s mysterious actions puzzled her; she couldn’t discern his intentions.

When Ye Siheng learned of it, he had stared at her for a long time, eventually saying, "A’Li, your appearance has changed too much this past year."

Nanli had promptly stopped Ye Siheng from speculating further. She had encountered Chong Jiu twice and could read the emotions in his eyes clearly.

Chu Ye said, "Chong Jiu seems unusually interested in our family. We must be vigilant."

For this reason, Xiao Wanyi seldom left the house unless absolutely necessary.

Nanli’s eyes narrowed as an idea struck her. "Big brother, perhaps Chong Jiu’s target is sister-in-law."

Chu Ye’s heart skipped a beat, his expression immediately tense. "What did you say?"

Nanli explained the context.

Xiao Wanyi had been drawn into a dream but was protected by another charm. Having crossed paths with Chong Jiu, Nanli knew his magic was mediocre, yet his charms were top-notch. It made sense he’d have such intricate charms.

When the Marquis’s residence was besieged by ghost fire, Xiao Wanyi was trapped inside and unable to escape, explaining why Chong Jiu might have assisted her.

Chu Ye didn’t initially consider a romantic angle but rather said, "If Chong Jiu manipulated the water ghost to steal souls and now has his eyes on Wanyi, what is he plotting?!"

Feeling uneasy, he wanted to search the entire Capital immediately to find Chong Jiu.

However, such an idea was impractical. If even the Black Armor Guard couldn’t locate him, how could Chu Ye hope to catch him?

After a moment of silence, Nanli suggested, "Sister-in-law is due in a few months. Big brother, since you’re now entangled in unwanted suitors, why not feign illness and stay at the residence to accompany her?"

Chu Ye didn’t hesitate for a second and agreed immediately, "I’ve been thinking the same thing!"

Everything was secondary to the welfare of his wife and child!

Nanli surmised Chong Jiu’s intentions and resolved to protect her nephew’s safe birth from within the Marquis’s residence. She was determined to see what other tricks Chong Jiu had up his sleeve.

Feigning illness would naturally require the appearance of a court physician, and Dr. Shen was the first choice.

The next day, Ye Chengyan received Chu Ye’s leave request.

The symptoms described were nebulous: Chu Ye claimed rigorous training in the military had left him with heart palpitations, and the physician advised a period of rest, making it unsuitable for him to return to the camp.

Ye Chengyan approved, even sending orders to the capital garrison to have the commander assign someone to temporarily take over Chu Ye’s duties.

To outsiders, this was significant news.

With the Marquis of Anyang’s residence in the spotlight, Chu Ye was on the brink of a promising future. Why would he fall ill at such a critical moment?

Some speculated he wanted to avoid drawing too much attention to prevent trouble.

Others believed he had worked himself too hard in the camp, resulting in a severe illness and that "resting" might actually mean his days were numbered.

But given past lessons, these people only discussed their theories privately, not daring to voice them publicly.

---

In the Xue family’s inner chambers, Xue Shengnan was restless upon hearing the news.

She paced back and forth, her brows furrowed.

Her maid, seeing this, paused her needlework and said, "Miss, you’re making my head spin with your pacing."

"How can I be at ease knowing the First Young Master is so seriously ill he needs to rest at home for half a year?" Xue Shengnan glared at her maid.

The maid, having grown up with Xue Shengnan, shared a bond akin to sisters. During the bandit attack, Xue Shengnan had sent the maid ahead to seek help, leading to their timely rescue by Chu Ye.

Upon returning to the Xue household, Xue Shengnan had cleaned and stored the cloak and garments Chu Ye lent her, not hiding her feelings at all.

The maid sighed helplessly. "Miss, if he needs half a year to recuperate, he must be gravely ill. Why do you keep thinking about him? Just prepare for your marriage."

"No!" Xue Shengnan’s face hardened, her eyes sharp. "Now that he’s ill, I must advance my plans to get into the Marquis of Anyang’s residence sooner so I can take proper care of him."

The maid, seeing her mistress’s obsessive determination, sighed softly.

Well, since the Miss had always lived cautiously, following her father’s arrangements, if she now had something she truly wanted, it was the maid’s duty to support her.

"But even if you deal with Mr. Song, you might not get into the Marquis of Anyang’s residence," the maid said. "I hear Young Lord Chu and Lady Xiao are deeply in love, with a harmonious marriage. Even though Lady Xiao is expecting, Young Lord Chu hasn’t taken any concubines to serve him."

So, her lady had no chance at all.

Xue Shengnan sat down, smoothing her hair, and said, "He is a good husband, but he is also Mrs. Shen’s son."

The maid’s heart skipped a beat. "Miss, are you really going to use that method? If Young Lord Chu doesn’t agree, you’ll have no other prospects for the rest of your life."

"No gain without sacrifice." Xue Shengnan lowered her gaze, her voice resolute.

"Becoming a concubine..." The maid choked up. "Miss, you’re the legitimate eldest daughter of the Xue family..."

"Who said I want to be a concubine?" Xue Shengnan suddenly smiled. "Lady Xiao is pregnant. You know, pregnancy is always risky for women."

She wanted the position of Chu Ye’s primary wife.

The maid, seeing her mistress’s expression, felt a chill run up her spine. Swallowing hard, she said, "Miss, isn’t this too cruel..."

This would be a double homicide.

"Have you forgotten? To survive in the Xue family, our hands have long been stained with blood." Xue Shengnan stared at her without blinking.

It’s just another dead pregnant woman, isn’t it?