Although Feng Yinwan had concocted a temporary suppressant for the Cold Light Art, its effectiveness, if it were to completely replace Zishen, would still require considerable effort.
Thus, the following morning, she brought out her small collection of medicinal ingredients and began to meticulously select the necessary herbs.
"Miss, the tonics previously bestowed by the Empress Dowager are all here."
Yu Ping placed the brocade box down. Before she could speak again, a young servant rushed in from outside.
"Eldest Miss, Miss Qin from the Mo Prince's manor is here seeking an audience. She claims the Emperor is concerned about your pregnancy and has specially bestowed prenatal supplements, which she is here to deliver to you."
Feng Yinwan had been struggling to gather the medicinal ingredients, and upon hearing this, her beautiful eyes suddenly gleamed.
"Invite her in."
The servant was quick on his feet. In just a moment, Qin Rulian was brought into the room.
Upon entering, she saw Feng Yinwan sitting on a small couch, holding a teacup and taking a gentle sip. Qin Rulian's eyes flickered subtly as she stepped forward.
"Rulian greets the Princess Consort."
Behind her followed two rows of maids, each holding a wooden brocade box adorned with red silk ribbons. The procession was far grander than when the tonics were delivered previously.
Feng Yinwan raised her beautiful eyes, lifting them slightly from behind her teacup, and feigned a question.
"What is this?"
Qin Rulian nodded, her expression one of meek submission.
"Replying to the Princess Consort, these are the prenatal supplements bestowed by the Emperor today. I was entrusted by the Prince Consort to deliver them to you specifically."
She gestured with her hand, and the maids behind her presented the tonics. A row of brocade boxes were opened in unison. Feng Yinwan peered closer and, to her surprise, spotted a small, inch-long piece of Zishen.
Zishen among the Emperor's bestowed tonics!
An immense wave of joy surged through her heart. Before she could step forward to examine it, she heard Qin Rulian speak.
"After yesterday's sermon, my aunt lectured me severely. Reflecting on it, since Consort Rong has entrusted me with the care of the Princess Consort's pregnancy, and the fetus's development is now slow, it is indeed my fault."
"Rulian feels deeply ashamed. However, as the Princess Consort is currently at the General's manor, I cannot personally oversee the care..."
The "white lotus" furrowed her brow slightly, "self-reproach" etched upon her face.
Without the patience to watch her act, Feng Yinwan raised her delicate eyebrows. Before she could utter the words, "This Princess Consort does not blame you," Qin Rulian preempted her.
"Perhaps it would be best if Shuangxi, who has been by my side for some time and is always cautious and disciplined, were to remain at the General's manor to assist. She could then attend to my elder sister's pregnancy on my behalf. What does my sister think?"
After all this preamble, this was her true intention.
Feng Yinwan's lips curved upwards, and a hint of coldness flickered in her eyes.
"I appreciate Miss Qin's concern. The General's manor has numerous servants, and I have those who care for me. As for Miss Qin..."
She cast a casual glance at her, then continued with a slight smile, "You have finally found a capable subordinate. It would be remiss of me to snatch her away from you. Miss Qin should keep her for herself."
This remark struck directly at Qin Rulian's sore spot.
Ever since Fei Se had been sent to the estate, the servants of the Mo Prince's manor had been obedient to Feng Yinwan, rarely paying heed to Qin Rulian's commands. If not for Consort Rong's order for her to regain authority, the Mo Prince's manor would have long since been under the control of this wench, Feng Yinwan!
She managed to suppress her resentment for a moment, and when she looked up again, her expression had returned to its previous soft and vulnerable appearance.
"Princess Consort, your words are mistaken. No matter how many servants the General's manor has, they ultimately do not represent the Prince's manor."
"Rulian's request for Shuangxi to stay is also for the sake of your pregnancy. I dare not be negligent for my own selfish reasons."
The "white lotus" lowered her eyes, her attitude seemingly resolute. Feng Yinwan's beautiful eyes narrowed, turning cold.
"This Princess Consort said it is not necessary."
She thought that placing someone by her side required more consideration than Qin Rulian possessed.
Unexpectedly, Qin Rulian's demeanor shifted. "The Princess Consort's pregnancy is of utmost importance. Both my aunt and Consort Rong are greatly concerned. Please, Princess Consort, allow Shuangxi to stay. This way, Rulian can be at peace."
"You are using the Empress and Consort Rong to pressure this Princess Consort?"
"Rulian dares not. Everything is for the sake of the Princess Consort's unborn child."
Though she claimed she dared not, her attitude was exceptionally firm. Feng Yinwan let out a cold scoff, put down her teacup, and said indifferently.
"Very well, then this Princess Consort will agree to your request and let her stay."
"Thank you, Princess Consort, for your consideration."
Having successfully placed her subordinate, Qin Rulian did not linger. She curtsied and, with the other maids, headed out.
In the spacious room, only the three of them remained.
Shuangxi stood at a distance, her hands clasped nervously. Feng Yinwan cast a cold glance at her, and she trembled slightly.
"Servant... servant Shuangxi, I am here to attend to the Princess Consort's pregnancy on behalf of Miss Qin. I await the Princess Consort's and Sister Yu Ping's commands."
After speaking, she stammered, already beginning to falter under the pressure.
Sensing Feng Yinwan's displeasure, Yu Ping quietly approached. "Miss, shall I send her away?"
Feng Yinwan's thoughts were preoccupied with the piece of Zishen. She nodded and went directly to examine the ingredients in the brocade box.
"Princess Consort, allow me to tidy up for you!"
Shuangxi's eyes flashed at this, and she immediately prepared to rush forward. However, before she could take a step, Yu Ping firmly blocked her path.
"The Princess Consort is unwell and requires rest. You may wait outside and do not disturb her!"
"But..."
"But what? Are you the Princess Consort's personal maid, or am I? If you disturb the Princess Consort's unborn child, how will you bear the consequences!"
Having been by Feng Yinwan's side for some time, Yu Ping was quite adept at being stern.
Unprepared for such a scolding upon arrival, Shuangxi, though unwilling, did not dare to retort easily.
"Sister Yu Ping is right. I will wait outside."
She then obediently withdrew. Yu Ping smiled triumphantly and then looked solicitously at Feng Yinwan.
"Miss, how was my performance just now? Was it good?"
Feng Yinwan caressed the piece of Zishen in her hand and nodded with a smile.
Searching far and wide, only to find it within reach. It was indeed good.
Outside the courtyard, Shuangxi intended to eavesdrop from outside. However, as soon as she pressed her ear to the door, it suddenly opened from the inside.
She stumbled a couple of steps and quickly retreated to the side.
Yu Ping, coming out, saw the situation and, knowing her unease, her face darkened. She immediately issued an order.
"Miss has two silk garments that need washing. Since you have nothing to do, take them and wash them."
She handed Shuangxi a copper basin nearby and sternly instructed, "These silk garments are very delicate. They must be washed by hand slowly. Be very careful!"
With that, she waved her hand and ushered her out. Suddenly assigned the task of a common maid, Shuangxi was somewhat taken aback.
Before she could utter a question, she saw Yu Ping glare at her again.
"Miss's belongings are not to be touched by unrelated people. The fact that you are asked to wash them is a sign of respect. Hurry up!"
"Yes..."
Unable to refuse, she had no choice but to take the copper basin and head out. As she stepped out of the courtyard, she bumped directly into a figure.