Nanli’s words carried weight as she addressed the pregnant woman, whose initial confusion was quickly replaced by a mix of respect and uncertainty. She had initially thought Nanli was a swindler, but the accuracy of her observations about family harmony and wealth struck a chord.
"Madam, you are quite astute..." the pregnant woman murmured, momentarily impressed.
However, her maidservant, Rong, intervened bluntly, "Madam, she must have spied on us beforehand to be so accurate. From ancient times, it’s said it’s better to let someone die than to divorce them. She’s not just a swindler; she’s also malicious!"
Despite her noble background and lavish dowry, the pregnant woman found herself drawn to Nanli’s dignified demeanor, contrasting sharply with the flashy opulence of others. Ye Siheng’s presence further emphasized their status.
"Rong, mind your manners," the pregnant woman cautioned.
But Rong persisted, "Madam, do you truly believe her? If she’s so powerful, why doesn’t she guarantee that you’ll have a son next?"
These words struck a chord of doubt in the pregnant woman’s heart. She had visited numerous temples and spent considerable sums on offerings, yet her wish remained unfulfilled. Glancing at Nanli’s composed face, a glimmer of hope sparked within her.
"Madam, I don’t wish to divorce my husband," she began tentatively, "Could you guide me further? If there’s a chance for me to bear a son, I will be deeply grateful."
Nanli looked at her earnestly and replied, "According to fate, it’s not that you were destined to be unable to bear sons. It’s more likely that your current husband has a fate that precludes him from fathering a son to inherit the family legacy. If you truly desire a son, you might need to consider changing husbands."
The pregnant woman bit her lip, considering Nanli’s words carefully. But Rong exploded in anger, "Shut your mouth! If you curse my master again, I’ll tear your mouth apart!"
Nanli’s gaze lingered on the pregnant woman’s belly for a moment, then she smiled faintly, "Time will reveal everything."
Observing the woman’s face, round and full, Nanli sensed a history of accumulated merits, both in this life and possibly in past lives. She didn’t wish for the woman to incur bad karma by aborting her child. From her pouch, Nanli produced a celestial pen and a piece of talisman paper, chanting a spell before gracefully writing two lines.
She then flicked the talisman towards the pregnant woman, saying, "My advice ends here. Please consider your decision carefully, Madam."
She had done what she needed to do. Any further interference might disrupt the natural course of karma for others.
The pregnant woman’s eyes widened as she caught the talisman. Nanli’s intervention had solidified her belief in Nanli’s abilities. As she unfolded the talisman, words gradually appeared:
"Your destiny as a daughter is extraordinary. Abandoning this child will create a vengeful spirit. Your maid is pregnant, over two months along."
The pregnant woman froze, her gaze shifting involuntarily to Rong. However, Rong appeared puzzled, "Madam, this talisman is completely blank. What are you looking at?"
Startled, the pregnant woman realized why Nanli had prevented Rong from seeing the contents of the talisman. Her heart clenched in turmoil, but she composed herself and said firmly, "It’s just superstition. Let’s pay and return home."
Relieved, Rong sighed quietly. Nanli’s piercing gaze earlier had unsettled her deeply. The pregnant woman touched her belly, finding a moment of solace before settling their account and departing.
The elderly woman at the shop paid little heed to the commotion, focused on receiving her payment.
Nanli’s mood was somewhat somber on the way back to the residence. To her, whether the child was a boy or girl made no difference. The thought of aborting one’s own flesh and blood to secure social status and retain a husband was deeply distressing.
"Don’t let it trouble you. Even if those girls are born, they won’t be cherished by their families. It’s sometimes better for them not to come into this world," Ye Siheng murmured softly.
Nanli glanced at him, her expression unreadable. "Your perspective is rather interesting," she remarked.
"I happen to prefer girls," Ye Siheng continued, "That way, I can present all the good things in the world to my daughter and let her know there’s nothing her old man doesn’t have. She shouldn’t be easily fooled by those rotten men."
Nanli squinted slightly, hesitated for a moment, then decided to impart a cruel truth, "But based on your physiognomy, you don’t seem likely to have daughters..."
Ye Siheng’s usually calm demeanor shifted instantly, his face darkening. "You... Are you sure?" he demanded.
Nanli nodded firmly, "I wouldn’t lie to you."
Knowing Nanli’s predictions were always accurate, Ye Siheng sighed heavily and slouched back against the soft cushion, revealing an unusually despondent expression.
Nanli blinked, then casually remarked, "A son would also be good, to inherit your throne."
"Please, let’s not talk about it. I just want some peace," Ye Siheng replied, turning away. The thought of not yet consummating his marriage with A’Li only added to his frustration.
Although Nanli preferred not to interfere in others’ karma, her concern for the pregnant woman grew. She couldn’t shake the feeling that the child within Ming Ying’s womb was a rare and promising seedling.
Reluctantly, she sent Qing Feng to gather information discreetly. Nanli wanted to understand what had driven Ming Ying to make her decision.
Qing Feng was quick and efficient. Soon enough, she reported back that Ming Ying hailed from a wealthy family in Jiaodong and had brought a substantial dowry to the Yuan family when she married Yuan Liang, the current head of the family in Capital.
Yuan Liang, despite his initial prospects as the legitimate eldest son, had a string of failed business ventures that left the family coffers depleted. Moreover, both Ming Ying and his concubines had only borne daughters, causing discontent among the family elders.
Facing pressure to relinquish his position as head of the household, Yuan Liang found himself cornered. It was then that Ming Ying stepped forward, using half of her dowry to cover the losses and silence the family’s objections, thereby securing Yuan Liang’s position.
Upon hearing the report, Nanli frowned deeply and muttered to herself, "She truly is infatuated."
Now more than ever, Nanli worried about the unborn child within Ming Ying’s womb.
Sensing Nanli’s concern, Qing Feng hesitated before speaking, "Your Highness, it’s someone else’s family matter. Perhaps it’s best not to dwell too much on it?"