The capital
Lu Nianfu, startled from her sleep, sat bolt upright. But the sudden movement, too forceful, pulled at her abdomen, instantly drenching her in a cold sweat.
Mian'er, hearing the commotion, quickly lit a lamp. Seeing the beads of sweat on Lu Nianfu's brow, she was greatly alarmed. "My lady, what is wrong? Someone, quickly summon the imperial physician!"
With a pregnant woman in the household, they could not solely rely on Imperial Physician Ji, who lived quite far away. Lu Nianfu had already hired Doctor Yuan from Xingren Hall at a high price to handle such emergencies. Before long, Doctor Yuan, carrying his medical bag, hurried over. It was a critical time, with the princess already over seven months along, the most dangerous period.
By then, Lu Nianfu had recovered somewhat. More than the pain in her belly, she was worried about the sudden palpitation she had just experienced. It was said that those who were close had a connection; she couldn't help but wonder if Situ Yan had met with misfortune.
She obediently allowed Doctor Yuan to take her pulse. Fortunately, the child was fine. After repeatedly cautioning Lu Nianfu to move carefully, he withdrew.
Mian'er wrung out a hot towel to wipe the sweat from her brow. "My lady, did you have a nightmare?"
"I can't say. Oh, has the prince sent any word?"
"You received a letter just three days ago, didn't you? Didn't it say everything was going smoothly?"
If everything were truly smooth, why would it be taking so long? That man was always one to report good news and conceal bad. Lu Nianfu placed a hand over her chest. "Tomorrow, you will wait outside the palace. When the young marquis finishes his morning court, please invite him to visit the manor at his convenience."
Indeed, pregnancy made one foolish for three years. Situ Yan had said he was safe and sound, and she had actually believed him. For matters in court, she could only inquire from Ouyang Wen. It had been nearly two months; his external injuries should have healed by now.
Mian'er nodded and then helped Lu Nianfu lie down. However, after such a scare, Lu Nianfu could not sleep. She tossed and turned in bed for half the night, finally drifting into a dazed sleep only when the sky began to lighten. When she woke, Qingya had already arrived, and Mian'er had brought back the latest news: "My lady, the young marquis did not attend court."
"Did he take leave?"
"No, it's said that the young marquis hasn't attended court since his injury. Perhaps his wounds haven't fully healed."
"How is that possible?" Ji Jin had clearly stated it was an external wound that would heal quickly.
Mian'er lowered her head. "I went to the Duke of Zhenguo's manor and Imperial Physician Ji's residence, but I couldn't see anyone."
Lu Nianfu pondered for a moment. "Then please invite Imperial Physician Ji here."
"My lady, don't you remember? Imperial Physician Ji is scheduled to come tomorrow to check your pulse."
Lu Nianfu couldn't wait until the next day and had him summoned that same afternoon. The reason was simple: she had experienced abdominal pain last night. Upon hearing this, Ji Jin rushed over. "I was outside the palace last night, why didn't you send someone to inform me?"
Mian'er replied, "Actually, my carriage was already prepared. Fortunately, my lady only had one episode of pain, and Doctor Yuan said it was nothing serious, so I didn't disturb your rest."
"Your mistress is at this stage of pregnancy, and you were afraid of disturbing me?" Ji Jin was quite displeased. "Girl, do you even know what is important and what is urgent?"
Mian'er lowered her head in shame. "This servant has erred."
Only then did Ji Jin let her off.
This time, the pulse-taking for her well-being lasted longer than ever before. Lu Nianfu couldn't help but ask, "Imperial Physician Ji, I am truly fine. It was mainly the nightmare last night that frightened me, causing me to move too much and disturb this little one in my belly."
"What dream could have frightened Your Highness so much?"
"I dreamt that Ah Yan met with an accident. Imperial Physician Ji, you are often in the emperor's presence, do you know what the situation is in Shanxi?"
Ji Jin replied helplessly, "My lady, I am merely a physician."
"Then can you ask the young marquis to visit? He enters and exits the court; he must know some inside information."
Ji Jin: "...The young marquis has gone out of the capital on official business and we don't know when he will return."
Lu Nianfu's heart leaped. "He didn't go to Shanxi, did he?"
Was the princess that sensitive? Ji Jin almost let slip. "You're overthinking things, my lady. The most important thing now is to take good care of yourself and give birth to the child safely. Too much worry is not good for you."
Lu Nianfu glanced at him but didn't press further. However, she had already formed a rough guess in her mind. The matters in Shanxi were definitely not as simple as Situ Yan had written in his letter. If they wouldn't tell her, she would investigate herself. "Qingya, go and invite Third Young Master Cheng to the manor."