The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure-Chapter 1528 - 1525: Ominous Premonition

Wang Yongzhu knew that Du Zhongjing was genuinely worried about her; otherwise, he wouldn’t have waited for her at the palace gate.

She was touched and showed a very appealing smile: "Well, Senior Brother, let me explain—"

Du Zhongjing snorted coldly, "Go ahead, let this senior brother hear your excuses—"

Wang Yongzhu...

Why can’t I get past this hurdle?

She briefly mentioned the key points, and Du Zhongjing, having rolled around in the palace for many years, could easily tell that all this was most likely orchestrated by His Majesty himself?

Suddenly, the pent-up frustration dissipated, leaving only worry.

"What should we do? Even if Father intervenes, I fear it may be difficult to save the Imperial Noble Consort’s pregnancy, let alone us," Du Zhongjing knew the temperament of His Majesty, who had everything under control and allowed no defiance.

Therefore, even though Wang Yongzhu knew that the Imperial Noble Consort’s pregnancy was a pit of fire, she had no choice but to jump in.

Some things need not be concealed from Du Zhongjing, yet some things cannot be said.

Wang Yongzhu could only give a bitter smile: "Now we can only take it one step at a time. If heaven blesses us and the Imperial Noble Consort’s pregnancy progresses smoothly, then so be it. If luck is really against us, then there’s nothing we can do."

When Du Zhongjing was unaware, he was full of anger, thinking that Wang Yongzhu didn’t know her limits and dared to meddle in such affairs.

At this moment, seeing Wang Yongzhu like this, he couldn’t even manage to say a few words of comfort.

He could only weakly pat Wang Yongzhu on the shoulder: "Don’t be too discouraged. I’ll go back and look through the books left by our ancestors again, then return to the Imperial Medical Bureau and urge them to come up with something. We can’t just sit and wait for death, can we?"

Wang Yongzhu nodded and thanked Du Zhongjing.

She then apologized: "Originally, on this return to the capital, I should have visited your residence, but with the current situation, firstly, I can’t find the time, and secondly, it’s inappropriate to visit you without clarity on the situation, so please forgive me, Senior Brother!"

Du Zhongjing knew that Wang Yongzhu behaved this way because she feared implicating them and wouldn’t blame her, simply saying it was nothing.

Only then did Wang Yongzhu bid farewell and, climbing onto the carriage prepared by the palace for her, headed towards the Duke Weiguo Residence.

Upon returning to the Duke Weiguo Mansion, because of the escorts of those few little eunuchs from Changchun Palace, the Duke’s Mansion opened its main gate wide to welcome her.

Little Luzi, originally the adopted son of Chief Steward Huai, was exceptionally clever. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

From the vaguely hinted words of his godfather, he feared that the entire Changchun Palace was relying on the Wife of the Heir-Apparent to save them.

Solely due to their lady’s favor, it was worth him ingratiating himself profusely.

Therefore, he deliberately, after Song Hong and Lady Gao personally came out to greet her, publicly expressed that their lady was very fond of and favored the Wife of the Heir-Apparent, asking her to enter the palace daily to keep company.

He also deliberately listed the items rewarded by the Imperial Noble Consort one by one, giving Wang Yongzhu ample face.

Song Hong and Lady Gao exchanged a glance, not expecting Wang Yongzhu to be so favored by the Imperial Noble Consort, which was unforeseen,

hurriedly thanked the Imperial Noble Consort’s grace, and then had Little Luzi escorted out the main gate.

They then signaled Wang Yongzhu to follow them as they entered the courtyard where Song Hong lived regularly.

Upon entering the courtyard, Song Wu very tactfully instructed the other accompanying servants to wait outside.

Only he personally brought in the tea.

Just as he entered with the tea, he heard Song Hong eagerly ask, "What happened when you entered the palace today? Is the Imperial Noble Consort’s pregnancy stable?"

Thinking about it all day, if Song Hong were to give up on Song Chongjin as the heir now, he truly couldn’t bear it.

Song Chongjin was now a gem just beginning to shine; with his temperament and methods, after a few years of practice, he had great potential for the future.

The Duke’s Mansion could certainly be entrusted to him!

If they gave up now, none of the remaining sons could take on the responsibility.

Laosan was already wasted, Laosi was short-sighted, Laowu had fair qualifications, and Laoliu was clever but too young.

With Song Chongjin serving as a comparison, none of the others stood out.

Therefore, Song Hong was determined to give it a try: didn’t the Duke Weiguo Mansion rise from the ashes by allying with His Majesty back then?

Back then, His Majesty was not at all remarkable among the many princes, but it was Song Hong’s unique insight and fortuitous timing that resulted in his meritorious assistance and brought glory and status to the Duke Weiguo Mansion today.

Now, it was merely investing a bit earlier, perhaps a gamble worth taking.

With Lady Gao persuading him for half a day, he thought about it, waiting for Wang Yongzhu’s return to inquire further. If the Imperial Noble Consort’s condition was good, it wouldn’t be impossible to consider.

He didn’t expect Wang Yongzhu to leave for the palace in the morning and not return until the late afternoon, and even then, returned by a close eunuch from the Imperial Noble Consort’s palace.

This Little Luzi—others might not know, but Song Hong and Lady Gao did, as Huai Cai’s adopted son, who enjoyed significant favor!

In the palace, those lesser-ranked concubines had to be respectful and careful around him for fear of offending him.

But today, seeing his attentive manner towards Wang Yongzhu and the unusually generous rewards, Song Hong’s excitement grew stronger.

Song Wu, listening to these questions, couldn’t help but perk up his ears.

Then they heard Wang Yongzhu’s weary voice: "The lady’s condition is not good; the umbilical cord is wrapped around the Little Prince’s neck—"

"What?" Song Hong and Lady Gao were shocked, standing up abruptly.

"Clatter—" Song Wu’s hand shook, spilling the teapot, which shattered on the ground.

At that moment, no one paid attention to it.

Song Hong was extremely shocked: "Isn’t that a death sentence?"

The previous ambition and plans were suddenly doused with a splash of cold water.

Sweat appeared on his back—how close!

Fortunately, they understood the Imperial Noble Consort’s situation; if they’d wagered without knowing, it would have been disastrous!

Lady Gao was also stunned, taking a long time to regain her senses.

Upon regaining her senses, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of irony.

Everyone knew the Imperial Noble Consort was favored, especially during her pregnancy—a time of splendor and envy.

Who knew her glory would be so brief, and with the thought of her, once high and mighty, now facing a tragic end in a month, how could one not feel deeply?

Meanwhile, Song Hong had calmed down and recalled Little Luzi’s words: "If the Imperial Noble Consort’s pregnancy is so shaky, why would she bestow such considerable rewards upon you and have Little Luzi escort you back? And why ask you to enter the palace daily to accompany her?"

When something unusual happens, there must be a reason! Such a major incident in the palace—a consort knowing her demise is imminent—should cause chaos and cold resignation, if not anger directed at others.

Why would the Imperial Noble Consort lavishly reward Wang Yongzhu? Was there something unknown?

Song Hong didn’t know why, but a sense of ominous foreboding crept upon him.