Lu Nianfu counted her silver at home for several days. During this time, Suxin visited twice. Lu Nianfu turned her away both times, citing indisposition. Suxin, seeing that her complexion was indeed not good, did not dare to insist.
After all, she was now the Ruo Prince's Consort, a genuine royal relative.
If it weren't for the fact that her deed of sale was in someone else's hands, she truly would not have wanted to involve Lu Nianfu. The cost of involving her was too great; a single misstep could mean losing her life.
But there was no other way. Not only was her deed of sale held by the Earl of Pingning, but her life was as well. Despite the apparent prestige she and Suyue enjoyed in the Earl of Pingning's mansion, both of them were poisoned. Every month, they had to obtain an antidote from the Earl of Pingning, or they would suffer excruciating pain for two days and two nights before dying a miserable death.
As it turned out, the Earl of Pingning was indeed resilient. Even though Lu Nianfu had not returned, he was still alive.
However, he was living in great anxiety.
His dependence on Lu Nianfu's blood was gradually increasing. Zeng Weiyang's blood had, to him, become a substitute.
While it offered some effect when used in medicine, it was incomparable to Lu Nianfu's.
After drinking another bowl of medicinal soup brewed with blood, the Earl of Pingning felt the changes in his body and immediately threw the bowl away. "She still refuses to come?"
Suxin replied with lowered eyes, "Your servant has already requested her twice. However, the eldest young lady has not only not come to the mansion these past few days but has also never left her residence. Your servant observed that her complexion wasn't very good either; she might truly be ill."
"Even if she's ill, she must be brought here. Otherwise, what am I to do?" He had finally found such a good medicinal ingredient, only to find it unusable after just a few times. Who could tolerate this?
Had that little brat sensed something?
Suxin said, "Shall I go and request her again?"
"This situation cannot continue. A permanent solution is best. Go and summon the second young lady."
"Yes."
Zeng Weiyang both hated and feared this father, but fear predominated. Standing before him, she trembled uncontrollably. The Earl of Pingning had no interest in admiring her like a lamb destined for slaughter. Suxin offered a cup of tea. "Second young lady, please."
Zeng Weiyang did not want to drink it.
However, years of oppression had become habit. She couldn't even resist Suxin, let alone the Earl of Pingning.
Seeing her drink the tea with a tremble, the Earl of Pingning finally spoke. "Think of a way to invite your sister to Ruyi Nunnery for a day's outing."
Zeng Weiyang immediately shook her head. "But Father, Sister and I are not close. Even if I invite her, she might not agree to go."
"That is your business. If you succeed, I will permit you to marry. If you cannot get her to come, the tea you just drank will make you understand the consequences."
"You, what did you give me to drink?"
"Don't worry, it won't take your life. At most, it will cause you some pain."
Zeng Weiyang's face instantly turned ashen. In the past, when she refused to have her blood drawn, the Earl of Pingning would force her to test medicines. Some were gentler, but most would torture her to the brink of death.
The Earl of Pingning patted her small face. "Go. If this succeeds, I won't need you anymore."
Zeng Weiyang's heart leaped, and a twisted joy welled up within her.
Had her father finally decided to make a move against Lu Nianfu? Would she, from then on, be free?
This thought was too beautiful, and Zeng Weiyang was so immersed in it that she almost lost herself. Without the Earl of Pingning needing to urge her, she spontaneously began to devise a plan. It was better for a fellow traveler to die than for oneself, and besides, Lu Nianfu was not even a friend to her.
Lu Nianfu lived a leisurely life for half a month, eating and sleeping, sleeping and eating. Her face visibly rounded.
One day, she was startled by her reflection in the mirror. She leaned closer and examined herself meticulously. Yes, she had truly gained weight. She stood up abruptly. No, this could not continue.
Such a beautiful face, becoming as round as a pancake, how could she face anyone?
More importantly, Ah Yan was already surrounded by rivals. If she ruined this beautiful face, wouldn't that be pushing him to seek comfort elsewhere? After all, no man would be interested in a plump woman.
"Qingya."
"What is it, Miss?"
"I want to take a walk in the garden."
"But you haven't had lunch yet."
"Lunch? I'm not eating."
Qingya was stunned. "Miss, what's wrong? You've lost your appetite?"
No, she had a good appetite. In fact, her mouth watered at the mention of lunch. But she still nodded firmly. "Yes. Ask Aunt Cui to make two light vegetarian dishes."
"How can that be? You are eating for two now, and vegetarian dishes lack nutrition. Besides, your body hasn't recovered the blood you lost."
This master-servant pair fell into gloom together at the mention of blood.
How had the blood gone missing? They had pondered for days but found no clues.
Just then, Mian'er came to report that the second young lady from the Earl of Pingning's mansion had arrived.
Zeng Weiyang.
What did she want? Could it be that the Earl of Pingning's health had worsened again? Once, twice, but not thrice. She had already refused to go twice. If she didn't go again, she herself would feel unfilial, let alone anyone else saying it.
But…
She touched her stomach. To be honest, she truly dreaded the scent of medicine filling the courtyard. It wouldn't matter if it bothered her, but it would be bad for the little one inside. With so many medicinal ingredients, who knew if there was one that the baby couldn't tolerate?
Perhaps she should directly inform them that she was pregnant? She thought her father would be considerate.
Lu Nianfu pondered much, but Zeng Weiyang's proposal was to invite her to Ruyi Nunnery to pray for a peace amulet for the Earl of Pingning.
"Where is Ruyi Nunnery?"
"Not far. It's in the East Market, and you don't even need to leave the city. It's about a fifteen-minute carriage ride away."
It was indeed not far. If she brought more people, her pregnancy should be safe. In those times, filial piety was paramount. She seemed to have no reason to refuse this. Moreover, she was bored at home, and an outing would be good. She asked, "When should we go?"
"Tomorrow. We should leave early, and maybe we can be among the first to burn incense."
"How early is that?"
"Maoshi." (A period of two hours, approximately 5-7 AM)
Lu Nianfu gasped. That was the same time as the imperial court. She quickly shook her head. "Too early. Let's go a bit later. We can have a vegetarian meal there."
"That's fine too. Ruyi Nunnery's vegetarian meals are the best in the capital. Sister can try them."
The matter was thus settled.
Zeng Weiyang did not expect things to go so smoothly. Although she felt a hidden sense of guilt, her steps were so light they almost flew. As long as this plan succeeded, Lu Nianfu would be disgraced and divorced, only to return home. Her father would have a new blood source, and she could embark on a new life.
Ideally, she could find a marriage into a prominent family during this time.
She dared not aspire to the position of primary wife for someone of Rui Prince's status. She would be content with a concubine. However, this might be difficult. She sighed and walked with her head down, only to bump into someone.
"Ah." She cried out in surprise and, just as she was about to fall, was caught by the waist and pulled up.
She met a very familiar face and gasped. It was the King of Ning.
Situ Jue steadied her. "Why is the young lady coming out of Rui Prince's mansion?"
"I, I came to find my sister."
"Who is your sister?"
"The Rui Prince's Consort."
Situ Jue looked at her twice more. She was passable, but far inferior to her sister. However, he did not show this comparison and smiled even more gently. "So, you are the second young lady from the Earl of Pingning's mansion. I am Situ Jue, the King of Ning. May I invite the second young lady for a cup of tea?"
Zeng Weiyang was startled and stammered, "Of, of course."
"Then, please, second young lady."