The Eldest Daughter of a Rural Family
Chapter 707 Daughter is Unique (4)_1

Chapter 707: Chapter 707 Daughter is Unique (4)_1

Zhao Liniang, however, was completely unabashed; despite her big belly, she still managed to keep Pei Zongli in her room, and the next day she complained of backaches, poor sleep, and the need for nourishment.

Qian Wanxiu then instructed Mother Qian to purchase chicken, duck, fish, and meat every day to provide Zhao Liniang with daily nourishment.

The vendors at the market praised Qian Wanxiu’s generosity of spirit, saying that even though she was a concubine who had climbed her way up, if she needed to be nourished, Wanxiu would nourish her. A country girl is not a pampered young lady, hearty and robust; why nourish her every day?! Lady Qian, coming from a distinguished family, was too generous, too indulgent.

Then people began to say that Pei Zongli completely relied on Lady Qian, leaning on the Qian family, yet now he doted on his concubine. Lady Qian was so kind to the concubine, surely because Pei Zongli had ordered her to be.

Qian Wanxiu further arranged for the purchase of a considerable amount of bird’s nest from Runing Prefecture, "Our family now has many places to spend money, and the business in the shop isn’t too good. Bird’s nest cups are too expensive, and nobody in the house has ever been willing to eat them. Since Liniang is pregnant and needs to be nourished every day, I bought some broken bird’s nests to stew for her – it’s nearly the same."

"You’ve worked hard," Pei Zongli said as he took her hand. After thinking it over, he exchanged a jade thumb ring he had received as a token of respect for a jade ring, which he brought back and presented to her.

While Qian Wanxiu verbally protested against him wasting money, she frankly liked it and was very happy.

Pei Zongli smiled and pulled her into the bedchamber.

Zhao Liniang had never eaten such high-quality nourishment like bird’s nest before, and although it was just broken pieces, once stewed they became crystal clear and translucent, looking special. However, she was also cautious and had a doctor look it over before she began eating it.

Pei Qin came to watch over Silly Melon Seeds and check on the shop and, hearing of Qian Wanxiu’s ’virtuous reputation’, couldn’t help but chuckle to herself.

The wet nurse, seeing her expression, whispered, "Too much nourishment; the infant grows too large and will be difficult to deliver." Moreover, strong tonics like ginseng and deer antler should not be consumed by pregnant women; one mistake, and it could cost lives.

"If things get difficult during the delivery, that won’t be good," Pei Qin remarked with a cold snort.

The wet nurse saw her speaking with Old Man Chang and inquiring about the storage of melon seeds and peanuts for August fifteen. She took a detour to buy some pastries for Jiujiu, just as a woman who had come to buy pastries after purchasing new fabric was discussing Qian Wanxiu’s virtuous and generous nature. The wet nurse laughed, bought her pastries, and on leaving remarked, "Too much nourishment; if the infant is too big, it can’t come out, leading to a death of both mother and child!"

The two gossiping women took a sharp intake of breath upon hearing this. Having given birth themselves, they had heard of difficult deliveries in others’ homes, many caused by overly large babies. Thinking this over, they considered Lady Qian’s actions to be sinister!

This rumor spread quickly to several places, and soon everyone was talking about it. Qian Wanxiu’s display of virtue and generosity, by persistently nourishing the concubine to enlarge the baby, would lead to her inability to give birth, potentially resulting in the death of both mother and child, and hence, Wanxiu would receive undeserved acclaim.

Qian Wanxiu, with veins throbbing at her temples and her fists clenched tight enough to reveal the blue sinews, fumed, "It was indeed them!"

Such gossipy rumors spread rapidly and soon became widespread, and everyone speculated whether Lady Qian could be so malicious. On the surface, she seemed like a pretty decent person, and though she was married into Old Pei’s House, she couldn’t possibly be that cruel, could she?

The rumor quickly reached the ears of Zhao Liniang, who was terrified. Since she had crossed the threshold into the Pei family and got past the morning sickness, she had entered into a phase when she could eat well. There had never been a day without an abundance of meat, and she ate bird’s nest every other day. It turned out that Lady Qian, without showing any change in demeanor, intended to kill her and her child – utterly sinister and despicable!

When she raised the issue with Pei Zongli, he instead gave her a lecture, "Every day, the kitchen prepares nourishing food for you. You’re pregnant now; who would dare object? If the Lady had any intention of harming you, she wouldn’t have let you through the door in the first place! Don’t listen to some idle rumors outside and cause trouble at home!"

Zhao Liniang pouted grievously, "Sir! I’m scared! I’m scared for the child in my belly and for my own life!"

"Just rest assured! The lady won’t harm you or the child in your belly!" Pei Zongli said with some impatience as he stood up and then added, "Those who wish to sow discord are indeed likely to harm you, so you’d better be more observant!"

Zhao Liniang pursed her lips and turned her body away, wanting to throw a small tantrum, yet fearing that she might anger him. If she were neglected, life would certainly be difficult!

Qian Wanxiu called her over and spoke some grievous words, "...The bird’s nest has all been packed away, and from now on, the household will only buy meat once every three days, not to exceed a jin! Then no one will maliciously spread such rumors to frame others!"

Although Zhao Liniang was somewhat clever, she was no match for Qian Wanxiu. She immediately stopped her, "Madam, do not be angry, I don’t believe what those outside are saying! I am angry too, that there are people so maliciously instigating trouble, tarnishing Madam’s reputation, and disturbing our family’s peace."

"Our enemies are formidable and can win over others. With one careless move, we could be harmed!" Qian Wanxiu sighed.

Zhao Liniang’s eyes flickered. If what Pei Qin and the others had said was true, it might not all be false. She became cautious and after asking the doctor, knowing she couldn’t indulge in excessive tonics, she controlled herself a lot. Yet, with delicious food before her, she couldn’t help but indulge a little more from time to time.

Pei Qin was well-nourished before becoming pregnant, her body was strong, and the food at home had always been quite good. She had experienced no reactions to her pregnancy so far, and thus hadn’t paid it much attention. Everything continued as usual.

Pei Qian, however, was not at ease. After returning home for a few days, she came back to check, "When exactly will he leave?" Prince He Qing was still around.

Xiao Guangbi was seriously injured and had lost a lot of blood. Traveling could cause the wound to reopen and not heal properly, and might instead become worse and suppurate, so he rested for a few more days.

His men had already found their way here, but the experts who had come with him died by the half.

Mo Heng advised him to investigate his entourage first when he got back. His visit had been unplanned, known only to a few, yet someone had tried to assassinate him, which meant there must have been a leak.

Xiao Guangbi hated betrayal the most. Those close to him were his confidants, yet this secret trip had left him gravely injured. Thinking of the wound on his body and then looking at Mo Heng, there was always an indescribable feeling.

This time, he first discussed a route to return to his fief. Then he instructed his men to secretly survey two other routes. He couldn’t afford another assassination attempt.

Before leaving, Xiao Guangbi came over to hold Jiujiu.

"Prince! Your wound is not yet healed." Mo Heng reached out to take her.

Xiao Guangbi waved his hand, letting Jiujiu sit in his lap, looking increasingly fond of her, "I really like your daughter! I’m sure she will grow up to be even more outstanding than us. She’s not much younger than my princely heir." As he spoke, he took out a dragon-patterned jade pendant and smiled, "Let Jiujiu play with this!"

Pei Qin’s gaze darkened from the side.

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