Lady Shen knew her daughter’s sharp eyes, so when she claimed to be pregnant, it was most likely true.
She hurriedly helped Xiao Wanyi sit down and urged, "Quickly, let Li’er examine her pulse again."
Xiao Wanyi’s mind was still blank, but she instinctively extended her hand.
She felt a bit nervous because her menstrual cycle had indeed been delayed for several days.
She had thought it was due to her own health issues and never expected to be with child. After all, Chu Ye had been busy with his promotion and only returned home once or twice a month, let alone their intimate moments.
The more she thought about it, the redder her cheeks became. It had happened just over a month ago...
Nanli had already carefully examined Xiao Wanyi’s pulse.
She smiled and said, "Sister-in-law, it has indeed been over a month, and both the mother and the fetus are healthy."
With this confirmation, Xiao Wanyi’s nose tingled, and she touched her flat belly. Though there was no visible change, she couldn’t help but feel excited.
"Great!" Lady Shen was also overjoyed. She stood up and went to inform everyone in the main hall of this good news.
Before long, the Dowager arrived, surrounded by a crowd.
She couldn’t hide the smile on her face. "It has been over a month, is it true?"
Xiao Wanyi stood up. "Sixth sister-in-law has examined me, it is true."
"Ah, you child, sit down quickly." The Dowager hurriedly supported Xiao Wanyi. "Be cautious during the first three months."
Xiao Wanyi had no choice but to sit down slowly.
She looked up and saw Chu Ye approaching.
Overwhelmed with excitement, he couldn’t find the right words to say, but he tightly held her hand.
"Fantastic." Chu Ye suddenly burst into laughter, like a child who had just received their favorite candy.
Chu Shuo and the others quickly congratulated their eldest brother.
Chu Ye nodded repeatedly, his face filled with joy that lingered for a long time.
Upon learning of Xiao Wanyi’s pregnancy, Shen insisted on going to the kitchen to change some dishes. Chu Shuo, on the other hand, dragged his siblings to his own storeroom.
However, he had more than one storeroom, as he was wealthy. He flipped through the books and had the servants bring out various longevity locks, followed by different patterns of soft fabrics.
Chu Huan exclaimed, "Second brother, you have collected too many longevity locks."
Chu Yang’s mouth twitched. "They are too dazzling. These golden locks almost blinded my eyes."
Chu Yan, on the other hand, was unfazed. "Fourth brother, let’s stand farther away."
Chu Ye gave them a disdainful look and pulled Nanli over.
"Sixth sister, take a look. What kind of longevity lock should we give to our eldest nephew? Also, these fabrics are top-notch. Help me choose a few, I’ll send them to my sister-in-law later."
Nanli knew that he had fallen into his habit of giving gifts again. Helplessly, she said, "Second brother, it’s only been a little over a month since your sister-in-law became pregnant. There’s still more than half a year before your eldest nephew is born."
"I know, but we need to prepare other things during this half year. The baby’s cradle, toys, shoes, socks, hats..." Chu Shuo listed many items without taking a breath.
"We should start preparation now."
The brothers couldn’t help but applaud him, their faces filled with admiration.
Chu Shuo continued, "You should also choose something for your own child."
This time, Chu Huan’s mouth twitched. "Second brother, I can understand, but the fourth and fifth brothers are still young."
Chu Yan shrugged. "Yeah, second brother, your sister-in-law is already pregnant, and you haven’t married yet. If you delay here, it won’t be easy for the third brother to arrange a marriage."
After all, their third brother was the newly crowned top scholar, and many families were already inquiring about him.
But the brothers had a sense of order, so they had to wait for the second brother to marry before it was the third brother’s turn.
Helpless, Chu Shuo said, "Enough, I asked you to choose things, not to mock me. Sixth siste, you should also choose. If you don’t like these styles, I’ll have someone make a few more until you’re satisfied."
Nanli said, "Weare not in a hurry. But what the fourth brother said is right, second brother, you should be concerned about your own marriage."
Lady Shen had considered Chu Shuo as a potential match, but since he had no intention of entering the court, not many families were interested.
Chu Shuo’s gaze flickered slightly. "Are you all trying to drive me crazy? I’ll talk to Mother later and tell her not to worry about me. I’ll handle the marriage arrangements for the third brother first."
Seemingly annoyed, he wasn’t satisfied with the items in the storeroom.
He then had the servants bring more from the shop, so that the eldest brother and sister-in-law could choose what they liked.
After having lunch, Ye Siheng and Nanli returned to the Mansion.
They each had their own tasks to attend to.
One dealt with official affairs, while the other focused on refining the Fetus-Protecting Pill.
During the evening meal, Qing Feng approached with a letter, claiming it was sent by the Prime Minister’s residence.
Ye Siheng took it and casually handed it to Nanli to peruse, remarking, "Seems to be an invitation to Lu Zheng’s wedding."
Nanli opened it and blinked, saying, "Indeed it is."
Ye Siheng was well-informed because he had received news of the two families’ interactions.
After all, he kept a close eye on the movements of government officials.
"He’s marrying the daughter of the Minister of Justice," Ye Siheng said as he served her a shrimp ball.
"A match made in heaven, it seems."
The Minister of Justice’s daughter?
Her name seemed to be Zhong Mingyu, renowned in the noble circles for her grace and virtue, excelling in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.
Nanli had caught glimpses of her several times in the past, but they hadn’t crossed paths since Zhong Mingyu became occupied with managing her shop and clinic.
"Will you be attending?" Nanli asked.
Ye Siheng replied, "As the legitimate son of Prime Minister Lu, I must offer my congratulations. I imagine your parents will also attend."
Nanli nodded, hoping her brothers would also be present.
The Residence of Zhong family.
In anticipation of the joyous occasion, the entire household had been renovated, adorned with red silk and lanterns.
A maid carried a late-night snack, shivering as a gust of wind swept by, feeling its eerie and chilling touch.
She glanced around but saw nothing peculiar.
After reassuring herself, she quickened her pace.
The snack was to be delivered to Zhong Mingyu.
While Zhong Mingyu’s appearance was not striking, she possessed a round and lustrous beauty that exuded an air of elegance upon closer inspection.
However, the maid couldn’t help but notice that in recent encounters, her mistress’s eyes had become increasingly captivating and enchanting.
Zhong Mingyu sat before her dressing table, having already removed her hairpins.
This maid was of the third rank and usually not permitted to enter her mistress’s chamber.
Yet tonight, for some unknown reason, her mistress allowed her inside.
"Mistress, the late-night snack..."
The maid placed the food box down, keeping her head lowered, her voice as soft as a mosquito’s buzz.
For some inexplicable reason, as soon as she entered the room, she felt waves of coldness enveloping her, making her feel uncomfortable all over.
"Come closer." Zhong Mingyu slightly turned her body, her seductive eyes narrowing with a hint of a smile.
The young maid hesitated for a moment before approaching.
Just as she was about to inquire about her mistress’s orders, Zhong Mingyu raised her delicate jade hand, resembling a sharp blade, and pierced it directly through the maid’s chest.