Chapter 67
Chapter 67: Pregnant (Part 1)
There were a number of young females that were sent to San Fu Ban. Some of these females were still young and there were also some that were old and faded but as long as they were sent in, it meant that they would not have any way out of there for the rest of their lives, and the only thing waiting for them were deep despair and a bleak ending.
Today was also the same.
When the two vivid little maids were thrown in, they stuck out like two sore thumbs in the pile of haggard and wilting females.
“From what I see, there is no need to fix them up.” The fierce looking Mama took a look at them, “Look healthy and also have fine and tender skin but one does not know how long can it be maintained. Whatever. Bring them into the tea room.”
The two maids were scared so much that they were shivering. They were not other but Yan Mei and Shui Bi that were sold to a ninth ranked brothel with Ren Wan Yun’s instructions.
Yan Mei and Shui Bi had served Shen Qing since young and were considered the most prestigious of the maids and had not suffered any bitterness. But now? They saw the entire way of the scene of human purgatory, and were scared so much that tears did not even fall. Moreover that Mama’s words shattered that last hope of theirs. She said, “Watch them carefully and do not let them commit suicide.”
Could not commit suicide, so they could only be like those women driven into prostitution that constantly pick up customers all day. Thinking of this, Yan Mei and Shui Bi could not help but feel the earth spinning.
At this moment a young male walked into San Fu Ban. This man looked quite young and his body and bearing did not seem to be one who did rough work. The lady who was outside welcoming said, “Did this young brother walk the wrong way? This is San Fu Ban. Lou He Ge is further in front.”
The words implied that with this young man’s identity, even if he was finding for pleasure he needed not come to such a place. This was a place where the poorest of people would go to.
“How interesting could those be.” That young man lowered his voice, “Are there new ladies that just entered here?”
The female at the door was surprised for a moment before her mind cleared. Most likely this person had never come to a lowly place and wanted to find something fresh, which was nothing new. Wealthy folks would play a variety of games and since one came to San Fu Ban to play, the price was not expensive and everyone could play. She smiled, “This young brother came to the right place. There are two girls that just came in today. They were maids who did some wrongs in some official residence and previously served the official’s daughter. They look full of life but they are higher in price.”
“Take me to look.” That person said.
The female led this young man into the tea room.
San Fu Ban was considered the lowest of brothel not only because this was where those hard labourers go to, but also because this was where the ladies were the cheapest. With only an effort of a cup of tea, if the lady’s craft was better, tone was gentler, it was also an ability to make the customer pay for one more dish.
However in general, the guest here would only order a pot of tea. First it was because the ladies did not want to spend the effort as no matter how much money there were, it would not be spilt with them. Second, the customers that come here were stingy and would not be willing to spend more than a copper coin.
But today this young man ordered a pot of tea and a plate of snacks. This was regarded as a very generous customer to San Fu Ban. That female who led him quickly called the two girls to be brought in.
Yan Mei and Shui Bi were forced to change into thin clothes and went to the tea room filled with humiliation. Both of them were shivering in the middle of autumn since the clothes were unable to get rid of the cold and their hearts were so fearful.
When the female who led saw that the people were brought over, she flattered the young man, “Young brother, slowly drink the tea. This servant will retreat first.” When she passed by Yan Mei and Shui Bi, she used a threatening tone, “Serve this lord well.”
After the female left, Yan Mei hesitated for a bit and seeing that there was no movement from the young man, she softly said, “Lord…” She felt deeply humiliated when she spoke. Previously when they were in Shen residence, they were Second household’s Young Lady’s personal maid. Not to mention Cai Yun Yuan, even in the entire Shen residence, the servants that saw both of them would be respectful towards them. However now they would need to be below thousands of people and even being abused by strange men.
All of this was from the grace of Ren Wan Yun. It was Ren Wan Yun who threw them into this lowly brothel. More than ten of years of master and servant relationships became like smoke and they were treated worse than enemies.
“Do you both want to leave here?” That young man suddenly asked.
Yan Mei and Shui Bi were surprised for a moment before they quickly recovered. Shui Bi was somewhat suspicious but Yan Mei was so moved that she immediately knelt down and said, “If this Lord can bring us out, this servant is willing to serve this Lord for the rest of the life.”
For Yan Mei, it was better to be dead than living here thus it would be better to follow a man. At least it would be better than suffering in this forsaken place.
Shui Bi was reminded by Yan Mei’s words and also followed with a kneel, “Begging this Lord to save these servants! These servants… These servants will do everything per Lord’s wishes!”
When the young man hear this, he almost choked on the tea in his mouth and involuntary turned somewhat away. This person was not someone else but the outer courtyard guard, Mo Qing. Today he came to this San Fu Ban upon Shen Miao’s order. Even though he did not understand how an unmarried young female like Shen Miao would know about the brothels in the capital, he came here for something important. Even though it was somewhat embarrassing, he still followed the instructions and did it.
“I can buy your life contracts and you need not have to follow me as you would be free to go.” He said.
When Yan Mei and Shui Bi heard that, they stared at Mo Qing incredulously. They did not understand why would there be such a person here since this was a place where men came to look for pleasure. The person in front did not look like someone who did hard labour. Yan Mei was one who was naturally cautious and she asked, “What does this Lord want these two servants to do?”
“Simple.” Mo Qing said, “Heard that both of you were the personal maids of the General residence’s Second household’s Di Young Lady. How did you fall into such a situation?”
Shui Bi bit her lips and said hatefully, “Because a wrong was committed and thus kicked out of the Shen residence. But the two of us did not make any mistakes. But since one is a servant, what master says, goes.”
Until now, Shui Bi would not have revealed the key points, it seemed that there were still some attachments to the Second household. Mo Qing said, “Then do you hate?”
Both of them were silent.
Hate? Of course they hated. It would be fine if a cup of poisonous wine was given but this method was purposely used, which made one live in a way that was worse than death, like a walking corpse on earth. But what wrong did they made? That night no one knew what exactly happened. Shen Qing inexplicably disappeared and it was their fault. Even though they were anguished that their Young Lady met with a mishap, but to push all the sins to both of them, even a saint would also feel heartless.
“Would think that you both also felt hatred. Yan Mei, I heard that you have a younger sister working as a second rank maid in the Shen residence’s Second household. Shui Bi, you are also respected in the Shen residence and have many sisters around.”
Yan Mei and Shui Bi were surprised as this person actually knew clearly where they come from. Yes, when Yan Mei and Shui Bi were sold to the Shen residence, they initially said they were orphans but that was only purposely hidden the truth so that they were chosen. Yan Mei’s blood younger sister was working in Ren Wan Yun’s courtyard as a second ranked maid and because of Shui Bi’s lively temperament, she had many good sisters in Cai Yun Yuan.
“There are no free trades in the world. I will bring you out and you must think of a way to tell me the news of the Second household of the Shen residence.”
Both of them looked up at once. Yan Mei cried out, “You want to deal with Furen!”
This person had investigated both of them clearly but that he still needed Second household’s news meant that he wanted to install spies in the Second household. Naturally Yan Mei and Shui Bi can no longer return to the Second household but their sisters were still in Cai Yun Yuan and it would be possible for news to be privately passed through.
“What do you want to do?” Shui Bi asked.
“What does that got to do with you?” Mo Qin said, “The Second Furen of the Shen family sold you both to a ninth ranked brothel and want you to live worse than death. Even enemies are not treated like that. Unless you still have attachment to that master and servant relationship? Every person for themselves else the heavens and earth will combine to destroy oneself. It does not matter if you both want to be loyal servants, I do not have time to talk nonsense with you. Since this deal is unsuccessful, then fine.” He stood up and prepared to leave.
“Lord, do hold on!” Yan Mei suddenly said, “This servant is willing to make the deal with this Lord, as long as this Lord is able to bring this servant out, this servant is willing to do anything.”
“Yan Mei…” Shui Bi felt somewhat hindered.
“Shui Bi, think of how you had treated Furen and how Furen actually treated you! What this Lord said was correct, every person for themselves else the heavens and earth will combine to destroy oneself. Unless you want to stay here for the rest of your life? Just like those women outside who still need to receive customers when they are sick?”
Yan Mei’s words were said fast and anxiously and there seemed to be a trace of cruelty. Thinking of those sickly women outside, Shui Bi could not help but break into a cold sweat and quickly said, “This servant is also willing to follow this Lord!”
“Then it is considered that a deal is reached.” Mo Qing smiled with satisfaction and his heart was somewhat surprised with Shen Miao’s deduction of the matter. Before he left, Shen Miao said that Second household’s Ren Wan Yun was a powerful person as her means were of high level, and could win over one’s heart thus all the servants in Cai Yun Yuan would be very loyal. Even if one were to be thrown to such a place, it would still be difficult for Yan Mei and Shui Bi to immediately concede without difficulties. But there was no need to worry, as the tragedies of the women in San Fu Ban would remind them of the complaints that these two maids had with Ren Wan Yun, and coupled with their fear of the place they would finally agree with Mo Qing’s conditions.
“When would this Lord take us out of this place?” Yan Mei anxiously said.
“This very night is possible. I will arrange for you to meet up with your sisters and you need to convince them to replay the news of the Second household to me. It is better not to play any tricks. Even if you were to inform this matter to the Second household for atonement, the Second household would not believe it.” Mo Qing threaten them at the end, “And since I can bring you out of this place, naturally I can make you return to this place where no one else will save you.”
Yan Mei and Shui Bi could see the murderous intentions from Mo Qing’s eyes and their heart could not help but jump and the last intention also flew away. They knelt down and kowtow to Mo Qing and said, “This servant would not dare and would definitely follow as what this Lord says.”
Mo Qing put down the cup of tea and walked out of the tea room himself. When that Mama outside saw him coming out so quickly, she thought that Yan Mei and Shui Bi did not served him well and quickly said, “This young brother must feel not satisfied, that two little hoofs are new today and still do not know the rules and after some days of tuning it would be fine. If young brother likes, there are still other girls here…”
“No need.” Mo Qing said, “I want to buy the two of them.”
Mama was surprised for a moment. The girls in San Fu Ban had never been bought before. This was not in accordance to the rules as most of them were criminals and the purpose of them being delivered here was to torment them. She said difficultly, “This young brother, the rules here are that the girls of this place are not for sale.”
“One hundred liang.” Mo Qing took out a piece of note and waved it in front of the Mama, “For the two girls.”
Mama’s eyes lit up and in a quick movement grabbed the note from Mo Qing’s hands, seemingly afraid that he would regret it. She smiled like blooming flowers, “Since young brother like them, it would be the fortune of these two girls. This servant will bring their life contracts over. But young brother must remember not to let other people recognise the two girls else there would be trouble for San Fu Ban and young brother would also attract troubles.”
One hundred liang. Even in those better brothels, the girls who were sought after would not be sold at such a price. Even if Yan Mei and Shui Bi did not eat and drink and just receive customers till their death, they would not be able to earn back this amount. The Mama here were all running business and there was no such thing as leaving the money aside. But she was worried that if it was found out by others, especially by the master of those two girls who sent them in, she would be in trouble. Now she would have to pretend that the two girls had died.
When the Mama happily went to fetch Yan Mei and Shui Bi out, Mo Qing felt somewhat regretful. A hundred liang was not a small sum of money and it was the amount of the entire box of Shen Miao’s jewellery that Jing Zhe pawned. But in order to install the spies, Shen Miao’s offer was indeed too great. Mo Qing thought but still gently shook his head as his heart dare not agree.
In the opposite Kuai Hou Lou, a black clad person appeared in front of the window and said, “Master, have investigated. That person is an external courtyard guard of the Shen residence. The two girls that were bought were the personal maids of the Di daughter of the Second household of the Shen residence. It seems that someone want to place eyes and ears in the Second household but it is not known about who was the mastermind.”
To even be so clear about the conversation between Mo Qing, Yan Mei and Shui Bi, this person’s skills were indeed very high that even Mo Qing was not aware that he was being eavesdropped.
Gao Yang narrowed his eyes, “It seems that it is not so peaceful in the Shen residence. That person do not even let go of a maid. This is indeed too pervasive.”
“Master, need to investigate that person?” The black clad person asked the purple clad youth.
“No need. I know who is he.” Xie Jing Xin raised his brows.
“You know?” Gao Yan looked at him, “Who is he?”
Who was he? Xie Jing Xing smiled and his eyes somewhat deepen. Shen Miao had found a high levelled martial art guard. Even though he was not on par with his men, it was enough to deal with those people in the Shen residence. Even now she did not let go of those girls in San Fu Ban. It seemed that she planned to take action.
However all these were not related to him.
“Shan Lang.” Xie Jing Xing said, “Write to Shu Yu to get him to return to the capital quickly.”
“You…” Gao Yang became solemn, “They have not found anything, why do you let them return?”
“Strike first to gain the upper hand.” The youth said lightly.
Chapter 67: Pregnant (Part 2)
As with the passage of time, the General residence seemed to have been restored to the previous peace.
Shen Miao has already been confined for a long period of time and these days she did not go to Guang Wen Tang. Gu Yu and Jing Zhe were afraid that she would fall behind with her homework but she did not take it to heart at all. It was better to have lesser problems in the residence than learning those useless poems that were taught in Guang Wen Tang.
If one were to say what was worthy of joy, it would most probably be that Mo Qing was able to bribe Yan Mei and Shui Bi and finally let them meet with their sisters. It was still fine with just Shui Bi sisters but when Yan Mei’s younger sister, Chun Tao, knew that Yan Mei was sold to a brothel, she had been trying to take revenge for her elder sister but because of her low status, even though the spirit was willing, the flesh was weak. Now that she met up with Yan Mei and knew that her elder sister was alright, she did not even say a second word before agreeing to pass the news to Mo Qing. It was coincidental that after Yan Mei and Shui Bi left, the two personal maid’s position were empty. When Ren Wan Yun saw that Chun Tao did things cleverly and dexterously, she selected Chun Tao to be Shen Qing’s personal maid. Like this it was even easier to gain knowledge of the Second household’s movements.
Now that Shen Qing’s health had improved a lot, even though her sanity has not completely recovered, it was already much better than before. Occasionally she would still go into a trance and mumble some words before shivering in fear. It seems that more time was still required for her recovery.
In this day, Ren Wan Yun was throwing a temper in the room and there were pieces of shattered cups all over the floor. Currently Ren Wan Yun’s temper was worsening. Previously things went smoothly with her so there were seldom times that she was unhappy, but now she would just punish others every now and then. Cai Yun Yuan currently was gloomy all day long.
“That no-conscience person!” Ren Wan Yun said angrily, “Only know how to run to that vixen’s courtyard. Qing-er had already become like this but he only came over to see a few times. Really have no conscience at all!”
She was scolding Shen Gui and the servants in the room dare not stand out. Ren Wan Yun was angry at Shen Gui but that was in fact not the case. But it was that the letter she wrote to Prince Yu of First Rank indicating that Shen Miao and Shen Qing had switched identities that night was stopped by Shen Gui. Moreover, did not know what method did Shen Gui used, Prince Yu did not know of the matter till now. She initially wanted to use Prince Yu to punish Shen Miao but Shen Gui happened to smash it apart. Ren Wan Yun was irreconcilable and could only put everything onto Shen Miao.
Just as she was thinking, she heard an exclamation from the room. Ren Wan Yun’s expression got serious as she quickly went in to look and saw that Chun Tao was feeding a small bowl of porridge to Shen Qing, but the porridge was spilt all over for unknown reason and Shen Qing was bending over in nausea.
“What is going on?” Ren Wan Yun snapped and stared at Chun Tao, “Let you take care of Young Lady, this is how you goof off!”
“This servant deserve to die.” Chun Tao quickly knelt down and said, “It just that Young Lady often feel nausea these few days for unknown reasons. Just now after having the porridge, she vomited. This servant would like to bravely ask Furen to invite a physician for Young Lady. Could it be that something bad was eaten?”
These days, the physician that was looking after Shen Qing did not often come over. This was because Shen Qing’s superficial injuries were almost healed and what was needed was rest. Ren Wan Yun often accompanied her so Shen Qing was able to gradually regain some sanity. Now hearing Chun Tao saying that, her heart became anxious. Just as she was about to call Cai Ju to invite a physician over, suddenly she was surprised for a moment, as if she had realised something. She looked towards Chun Tao and asked slowly, “You said that Qing-er felt nausea these few days?”
“Yes.” Chun Tao was somewhat puzzled, “But the food that were made specially by the kitchen were clean. Sometimes Young Lady would also feel giddy.”
Ren Wan Yun clenched her heart and suddenly there was a storm of clouds that gathered over her. Chen Tao was still young and did not know of this matter but she was one who had experience. Was it that Shen Qing was pregnant?
Her surroundings darkened and she almost fainted. Xiang Lan who was beside quickly supported her, “Furen!”
“Take my invitation and invite Physician Chen over.” Ren Wan Yun was stunned for a moment before she patted her heart, but her eyes that were looking at Shen Qing were filled with horror.
Chun Tao who was at the side lowered her head so that no one would be able to see the smile in her eyes.
As Shen Qing’s personal maid, naturally she did not only found out today about Shen Qing’s nausea. It was already going for a period of time but the first person she told was not Ren Wan Yun but Mo Qing, who helped her to pass the news. Mo Qing also told her that if Ren Wan Yun did not discover it then to temporarily hide the matter and disclose it later on.
But Chun Tao’s luck was not bad. After a long period of time, Ren Wan Yun still have not discover any problems with Shen Qing. Until today.
Physician Chen quickly came over under the urge of Xian Lan and Shen Qing’s external injuries were also previously treated by him. This was the physician that Ren Wan Yun’s maiden family gave to her when she was married off, and when Ren Wan Yun wanted to deal with whichever concubine and wanted to do something inconvenient, she would get Physician Chen to help. Physician Chen was Ren Wan Yun’s confidant and naturally did not have to avoid anything.
Ren Wan Yun could only watch as Physician Chen took Shen Qing’s pulse. Shen Qing was still somewhat fearful and shrinked in Ren Wan Yun’s arms. When Physician Chen let go, he looked serious at Shen Qing and shook his head at Ren Wan Yun.
“All of you leave.” Ren Wan Yun ordered the entire roomful of servants.
Xiang Lan, Cai Ju and Chun Tao quickly retreated.
When the servants had left, Physician Chen then sighed and said to Ren Wan Yun, “Eldest Young Lady’s pulse is smooth as a pearl. It is a pregnant pulse.”
Although she had expected it, but when she heard it out from the physician’s mouth, Ren Wan Yun still felt that the earth was spinning. She looked at Physician Chen and her voice could not help but shiver but it was still firm, “Physician do let Qing-er abort the child. Qing-er is still young and she cannot… Cannot be discovered by others.”
If it was only her body that was infected, as long as it was concealed well, there may be a way out in the future. But if there was a child, that would meant that was a child out of an illicit affair. Qing-er and the child in her would be drowned!
“Eldest Young Lady’s health is frail and is young of age.” Physician Chen said, “If the foetus is aborted, it would only harm the body and if one is careless, would fear that it would be difficult to bear children in the future…”
One blow after another all fell onto Ren Wan Yun. If Shen Qing lost the ability to become a mother, even if she found a family in the future, Ren Wan Yun knew what kind of ending a female would have if she was unable to bear children. Women without children in the inner courtyard were like soldiers without any weapons on the battlefield, they would be defeated finally.
“Moreover Eldest Young Lady has yet to fully recover, if in addition the foetus is aborted, it would be very dangerous.” Physician Chen said.
“Cannot… Cannot be aborted.” Ren Wan Yun stood rooted on the spot and after looking at Shen Qing in her arms for a moment, she could not help but cry out in anguish, “My unfortunate Qing-er.”
If the child was aborted, perhaps it would make Shen Qing breath her last and even if she was able to preserve her life, perhaps in the future she would not be able to give birth. In any case, the foetus cannot be aborted but if it cannot be aborted then… How would Shen Qing future be like?
There seemed to be no way out of this situation and in Ren Wan Yun’s heart, there was only deep despair.
Outside the door, Chun Tao looked towards the door and softly said, “Older sister Xiang Lan, Eldest Young Lady… Is Eldest Young Lady…”
“Shh.” Xiang Lan warned, “Speak less. If Furen were to know about it, it would not be good for you.”
“Ai.” Cai Ju worriedly said, “With this, what can be done.” She and Xiang Lan naturally knew what exactly had happened. If Shen Qing was pregnant, what would the future of Cai Yun Yuan be? One was afraid that each step to take would need to be carefully weighed.
Chun Tao’s lips twitched but there was proudness that flashed in her eyes.
Physician Chen came out of Cai Yun Yuan and returned to his own residence at the Northern part of the city after leaving the Shen residence. When he entered the courtyard, he saw his Furen and children running out and could not help but wipe his sweat away.
Today before he went for the house call, he received a letter that he did not know who had delivered. It told him that when he take a look at Shen Qing later, he must say that Shen Qing could not abort the foetus, and find ways to ensure that Ren Wan Yun would protect the foetus else his entire family would be killed. His wife’s hairpin also came along with the letter. Physician Chen was scared and followed in accordance to that person’s words when he treated Shen Qing.
He was originally hired by Ren Wan Yun’s maiden family with lots of money to work for Ren Wan Yun but now betrayed his mistress. He was naturally scared and secretly thought about leaving the capitals. Nevertheless, Physician Chen still have some doubts in his heart. According to Ren Wan Yun’s words, even Ren Wan Yun herself only found out that Shen Qing had symptoms of morning sickness today. So how did that person who threatened him knew of the matter?
In the Western courtyard, Gu Yu walked in and whispered a few sentences to Shen Miao, who was playing chess in front of the table. After a moment, Shen Miao then smiled, “Not a bad job. Was the money sent to Physician Chen?”
“Mo Qing had already sent it over.” Gu Yu said, “Why does Young Lady feed him with such a generous amount of money? Since there is no need for money if his life is already used to being threatened.”
“That is not the same.” Shen Miao put the chess piece in her hand down and smiled, “People will change. If one were to blindly threaten, then Physician Chen will flee the capital with his whole family and it would be difficult in the future to continue the matter. But if one were to give him a large sum of money, guess what he would do?”
“This servant does not know.” Gu Yu shook her head.
“He would think that since he has already betrayed, he might as well betray all the way and get more money out of it to be worthy of his betrayal. He would continue to do so until his master discover his betrayal but till then, he would keep up with this lie.”
Gu Yu was surprised for a moment and could not tell what kind of feeling she had in her heart. Since when did her own Young Lady was able to tell what others thought in their hearts. “But,” Gu Yu was puzzled, “By maintaining this lie, what is it for?”
Whatever for?
Shen Miao laughed, “Let Mo Qing to tell Chun Tao to take good care of Eldest Sister’s pregnancy. The better the pregnancy is, the more favourable it is for us.”