The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure-Chapter 1575 - 1571: Let’s Leave It at That

The Imperial Noble Consort was overjoyed upon seeing them, commenting that it seemed the Ninth Prince was inherently bound to Wang Yongzhu by fate. Evidently, the Ninth Prince recognized Wang Yongzhu as his lifesaver, hence why he smiled upon seeing his benefactor. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

If not for issues of status and rank, one might even wish for the Ninth Prince to acknowledge Wang Yongzhu as his foster mother.

On the day of the delivery, Wang Yongzhu had held the Ninth Prince. At that time, the Ninth Prince was red all over, resembling a peeling monkey, still covered in vernix, looking quite unappealing.

But looking at the Ninth Prince now, his skin had lightened and he had been cleaned; he was fresh and neat. Especially when he gave that toothless smile; though not without some ugliness, there was an endearing charm to it.

Not to mention, seeing the Ninth Prince immediately brought his name to mind, unintentionally evoking a smile. Unable to resist, yet cautious not to touch recklessly, she reached out to gently stroke the Ninth Prince’s little fist.

As if by coincidence, the Ninth Prince, whose fist had remained tightly clenched, opened his fist as Wang Yongzhu reached out, grasping one of her fingers tightly and refusing to let go.

He then yawned and closed his eyes, falling back asleep.

At this, not only the Imperial Noble Consort and the attending Palace Maids, but even Wang Yongzhu, couldn’t help but wonder if the Ninth Prince could truly sense who his lifesaver was.

Just as these thoughts filled her mind, she heard a merciless voice shattering her fantasy: "This is because your practice of Intermediate Level Gymnastics has induced the flow within your body that, in your time, would be referred to as inner strength. At the time, to save him, you channelled your inner strength into him, causing him to expel the amniotic fluid."

"The remnants of your inner strength within his body can sense the magnetic field of your inner strength, which is why he’s particularly close to you. As an Honorary Citizen of the Alliance, trust in science!"

The voice was Chen Xing’s.

Wang Yongzhu, speechless, continued to fiddle with the Ninth Prince’s small fist while mentally communicating with Chen Xing: "Why are you taking the initiative to communicate with me today? Is something the matter?"

Though Wang Yongzhu didn’t frequently communicate with Chen Xing, she knew Chen Xing was not the type to engage in idle chatter. Every second was spent handling numerous affairs of the Alliance, wasn’t it?

After a suspicious pause, Chen Xing finally spoke: "There’s a very important matter that requires your help. We’ll discuss when you’re free, how about that?"

Wang Yongzhu, noting Chen Xing’s serious tone, though curious, replied cheerfully: "Alright, I’ll contact you when I return in the evening."

Chen Xing promptly cut off the communication.

Once the Ninth Prince was deeply asleep, Wang Yongzhu carefully withdrew her finger.

The Imperial Noble Consort, having admired the craftsmanship of the Hundred Blessing Garment for half a day, couldn’t help but comment: "Wang Family sister, where did you find this embroideress? Such exquisite embroidery, superior to those in the palace."

Wang Yongzhu’s heart stirred. Although the embroidery shop she ran with Lady Shen mainly sold to the Western Region, if it truly aimed for prominence, it needed the recognition of the palace.

Lady Shen’s family heirloom needlework, now presented as the perfect opportunity to become renowned worldwide.

She thus shared Lady Shen’s background with a hint of reservation, saying: "Currently, she manages the shop for me, teaching some young embroideresses. The Hundred Blessing Garment was made by her following my designs. If Your Highness likes it, she can make more as offerings to Your Highness."

The Imperial Noble Consort genuinely liked it and, for her, Shen Family matters were trivial.

As long as arrangements were proper, she could mention it before the Emperor at any time.

Selling favors to Wang Yongzhu was naturally agreeable to her.

She readily agreed and promised to wait.

Thus, it was decided.

By then, the feast outside was ready, and though the Imperial Noble Consort was reluctant, she could not keep guests any longer, reminding: "Do come visit us, mother and child, when you have time—"

Wang Yongzhu displayed a hint of regret as she replied: "I must apologize for not mentioning it to Your Highness. After the fifteenth, I plan to accompany my grandmother to the countryside for a while. She’s growing old and has a greater need for solitude and can’t tolerate noise. My mother is far in Chicheng County, so I must fulfill my filial duties and spend more time with her."

The Imperial Noble Consort, insightful and perceptive, understood immediately and replied with a cheerful smile: "Your filial piety is commendable, sister. Alright then, visit the palace when you’re free."

This topic was then swiftly set aside.

Heading out to dine, Wang Yongzhu’s seating was separate from the Imperial Noble Consort’s family’s.

Beside her sat the earlier scoffing Madam, appearing somewhat eager to converse yet restrained.

Ordinarily, one might initiate a brief exchange of pleasantries.

But Wang Yongzhu chose to ignore these people, lowering her head to focus on the meals before her.

Thus, enjoying a peaceful meal.

After eating, seeing others excusing themselves, Wang Yongzhu followed suit to bid her farewells.

The Princess Consorts and Madams grouped together, chatting and laughing incessantly.

Wang Yongzhu lagged behind alone, accompanied solely by Little Luzi from Changchun Palace.

Concerned for her comfort, Little Luzi endeavored to find topics to discuss.

Appreciating Little Luzi’s goodwill, Wang Yongzhu pulled out a sachet from her bosom and handed it to him.

Little Luzi adamantly refused, for to the inhabitants of Changchun Palace, Wang Yongzhu was a lifesaver. To accept her sachet, would he still be human?

Wang Yongzhu had to say: "It’s not those precious gold and silver jewels; these are pills for bruises, heat relief, and thirst quenching, stronger than those bought outside."

After considering briefly, she produced several more sachets, each containing such pills: "In any case, there are a few more; you take them back and distribute to Chief Steward Huai and Aunt Hong Fei."

Little Luzi was overjoyed.

Truthfully, at the level of Chief Steward Huai and his position, gold and silver no longer moved them.

In the palace, countless low-ranking concubines and subordinates sought favor with tributes.

Yet, though wealthy, they remained servants.

What they feared most was falling ill or injured; if the master was kind, they might receive an attendant’s diagnosis or be sent to the Imperial Medical Bureau for medicine, which was considered fortunate.

If the master was unkind and indifferent, they may have to endure alone.

The Imperial Physicians, despite not holding high official ranks, still looked down upon them, unwilling to treat them.

Moreover, prescriptions and diagnosis records from the Imperial Medical Bureau were strictly monitored; no physician would risk losing their official hat by treating them.

Even though they frequently entered and exited the palace, it forbade any medicine entry.

Now, the sachets given by Wang Yongzhu were indeed more cherished than any gold and silver to them.

These medicines could save their lives at crucial times.

Little Luzi’s eyes reddened as he bowed to Wang Yongzhu: "Little Luzi thanks the Wife of the Heir-Apparent on behalf of Chief Steward Huai and the other aunts!

Wang Yongzhu gestured for Little Luzi to rise: "Alright, just head back. Make sure to pass the medicines before Her Highness, to clear any potential future issues."

Little Luzi, realizing the gravity, promptly agreed with a serious tone.