The Virtuous Concubine

Lu's eyes dimmed instantly. She stared at her empty hand in a daze, feeling aggrieved.

She didn't understand why Nalan suddenly became so cold. Did she do something wrong? A while ago, she had just gotten close to Nalan, and he had finally gotten some good looks from her.

Later, she became pregnant several times, and her life became easier and easier. She thought she had finally seen the light, but she didn't expect that within a few days, Nalan had changed again.

It has become even more unreasonable than before!

He used to ignore me, but now he looks at me as if I were an enemy!

Mrs. Lu bit her lips lightly, trying hard to hold back her tears, and said gently, "Husband, is there anything bothering you? You might as well tell me, maybe I can help you share your worries."

Nalan remained silent, with a gloomy face. He walked to the side and sat down alone, forcing Lu away with his silence.

Mrs. Lu looked at Nalan helplessly, tears welling up in her eyes. But Nalan had no intention of being soft-hearted. As a pregnant woman, she couldn't stand for too long, so she had to turn around slowly and leave with heavy steps.

When she went out, she had wiped away her tears and looked dignified and gentle again - if others knew, especially her mother-in-law knew that Nalan didn't even value her when she was pregnant, how would she establish her authority in front of the servants in the future?

Mrs. Lu let the maid help her back to the yard, then she found a corner and cried secretly.

She knew she couldn't just let things go on like this, she had to find a way to win back Nalan's heart. To win a man's heart, of course... But she was pregnant now, and the fetus was unstable.

Even though Mrs. Lu was heartbroken, she began to select a few maids with outstanding looks from among her own chamber maids to be concubines for Nalan.

She didn't want to either. After all, she and Nalan had gone through so much trouble and racked their brains to have physical contact and then have a child. She was already feeling very happy at the time.

She didn't want the Nalan family's son. If Nalan liked him, he would have slept with him long ago. Why would he wait for her to recommend him?

And because of her mother-in-law's face, she couldn't discipline him too much. It's better to be with one's own family when it comes to matters between the bed and the curtains.

Although the candidate was chosen quickly and she knew that her mother-in-law would praise her for her tolerance and consideration, Lu's heart was still filled with anxiety and uneasiness.

She was worried that these concubines would take away the little attention that Nalan had for her, and she was also afraid that if she didn't do this, Nalan would drift further and further away from her.

But as long as Nalan's heart is still in this family, then I have a chance! How can a concubine fight against the mistress?

Nalan was still immersed in his longing for Malu and his helplessness about his marriage. He resented his father and mother, the emperor, and Lu.

If his parents hadn’t forced this marriage on him, if the emperor hadn’t kept Malu, if Lu hadn’t seduced him… If no one had passed the news of Lu’s pregnancy to the palace…

I would not have made the mistake I made today, and Malu and I would not have come to this point!

Nalan was filled with resentment but had no place to vent it, so he immediately left the study and prepared to go to the suburbs to ride his horse to relax, but the pain and entanglement in his heart followed him like a shadow.

He mounted the horse, squeezed his legs against its belly, and the horse galloped away like an arrow. The wind whistled in his ears, but it could not blow away the annoyance in his heart.

Arriving at the outskirts of the city, Nalan let go of the reins and let the horse run freely. At this moment, a bird flew over his head, and Nalan's eyes were attracted by it. He watched the bird flying freely in the sky, and his heart was filled with envy.

Fourteenth was his child. But the one in Lu's belly was also his child. He was responsible for both children.

Malu probably knew that it was impossible for him to inherit the Nalan family business without a wife and children.

It can even be said that this child and Fourteen are half-brothers and the closest blood relatives. This child will become Fourteen's most powerful supporter in the future.

After comforting himself like this for a long time, Nalan gradually gained some confidence in his heart. He decided to find a suitable opportunity to pass these words to Malu, so that she would know his considerations and responsibilities, and not be angry with him anymore.

Nalan stayed in the suburbs for a long time, and only rode back slowly when the sun was setting. When he got home, he remained silent, but he felt much more relaxed.

Faced with Lu's gentle reminder, he did not refuse and obediently took the boots handed to him by Lu.

"You are already pregnant, and it is time for you to rest. You should not overwork yourself."

When Mrs. Lu heard his rare caring words, tears instantly filled her eyes. She lowered her head slightly, trying to hide her excitement.

For so long, Nalan had always been cold and distant to her. Today's sudden concern made her feel a glimmer of hope. She said softly, "I am very touched that my husband is so considerate. But I dare not take credit for it. These boots were carefully prepared by Xue Ning."

As she said this, she took a step back and asked a maid who was lowering her head beside her to come forward and stand in front of Nalan.

Nalan looked at the maid in front of him. She lowered her head, so her appearance was not clear, but her figure and manners were good. The skin on her exposed hands and neck was very white, no wonder she was called Xue Ning.

Everyone knew what Lu meant.

Nalan looked at Lu, and her gentle eyes and slightly bulging belly made him feel even more guilty. He sighed and said, "Take good care of your baby, and don't worry about other things."

As she said this, she turned around and wanted to leave. Seeing this, Madam Lu said quickly, "My husband, you don't have to say more. I understand your intentions. As long as you can occasionally care about me and my children, I will be satisfied."

"It's just that... my husband cannot be without someone to serve him. I think my husband is very busy, and if there is someone caring to take care of him, I can rest assured to take care of my baby. Xue Ning is a well-behaved and sensible girl, and she is also very hardworking. She will definitely serve my husband well. I hope my husband will not refuse."

Nalan felt helpless. He knew Lu's intentions, but he didn't like this arrangement. But looking at Lu's expectant eyes and thinking of his difficult mother, he couldn't bear to refuse.

After a moment's silence, Nalan said calmly: "It's up to you." Then he left without looking back.

Mrs. Lu looked at Nalan's departing back, feeling disappointed but also a little relieved. Her efforts might make Nalan pay more attention to her, and her husband didn't seem very happy.

Agreeing but not happy is the outcome that Lu is looking forward to the most. Xue Ning stood quietly by the side, tightly pinching her palms, trying to suppress the ecstasy in her heart. This is the eldest young master! The eldest young master!