The Self-cultivation of a Salted Fish Concubine

On the 16th day of the first lunar month, Xiao Shu took Yueyaer to pick up food. On the way, she suddenly heard the news that Fang Yuaner had sent someone to Zhenzhuyuan.

Xiao Shu hurriedly said, "Go back and tell the master!"

Yueyaer nodded quickly and trotted back to Chunshan Courtyard.

Xie Run was still sitting in his room reading when he heard Yueyaer's voice through the window, "Master, Concubine Fang has asked the imperial physician to go to the Pearl Courtyard to check Concubine Han's pulse!"

Xie Run was holding a piece of cake in his hand, his movements frozen in place.

She put down the cakes and the book, picked up a handkerchief and wiped her hands, her tone quite helpless, "She's already under house arrest, how can she still get involved?!"

The fake pregnancy of Han's concubine has been brewing for so long, and all it needs is a fuse to set it off.

Xie Run thought of the princess, Concubine Yun and Concubine Li, but he didn't think of Fang Yuaner.

Dan Tao helped put the books away and said with a smile, "This girl has never been a quiet person. The confinement is just because the prince wants to protect her. After being suppressed for a while, I'm afraid her temper will get worse."

This was an idea that Xie Run had never thought of.

Xie Run also laughed, "So, she only asked the imperial physician to go to the Pearl Courtyard, and didn't come to the door herself. Is that considered as being patient?"

"Isn't it? At least he's still under house arrest." Dan Tao discussed with Xie Run leisurely.

While chatting and laughing, Qiuxiang had already brought Doctor Qian to the Pearl Courtyard.

Concubine Han's expression was gloomy, "What does Concubine Fang mean by this?!"

Qiuxiang said softly, "My mistress heard that Mistress Han was feeling unwell during her pregnancy. Just as the imperial physician had finished taking her pulse, she asked Imperial Physician Qian to check on Mistress Han as well."

Although King Jing had already declared Jin Han's concubine a concubine, she was still a concubine until the enthronement letter and the golden seal came down.

A concubine is not qualified to summon an imperial physician to diagnose her pulse.

Fang Yuaner asked Doctor Qian to come and take Concubine Han's pulse, which was a favor to Concubine Han and also a respectful gesture.

If Concubine Han refused right away, it would make her look guilty and confirm the rumors that she was faking her pregnancy.

But if I agree, and if something is really diagnosed... that would be fatal.

Hongnao and Luyu became visibly nervous, but Han Shiqie was just a little annoyed.

"Since it's Sister Fang's intention, I can't refuse."

"But Sister Fang brought people to my house without even saying hello. Those who know her say that Sister Fang loves me, while those who don't think that Sister Fang can't bear to see me suffer."

Qiuxiang smiled and said, "Master Han, you really misunderstood!"

"My master is a straightforward person. He wants to be nice to whoever he likes."

"She's heard some bad rumors about the mansion a long time ago. She often scolds the maids and servants for gossiping. Sooner or later, they'll have their tongues cut out." Qiuxiang said sincerely, "We've sent the imperial physician to take Master Han's pulse. It's also to testify on his behalf and put those fabricated stories to rest."

Concubine Han sneered, "Since it's completely false, why should we settle it?"

Qiuxiang sighed, "Rumors are stronger than tigers. Even if Master Han doesn't think about herself, she should at least think about the child in her belly."

"If even more unpleasant rumors were to spread, wouldn't that ruin you and your child's lives?"

Concubine Han's eyes narrowed, "Are you threatening me?"

Qiuxiang immediately showed a look of fear on her face, "How dare this servant? If Master Han doesn't agree, I will take Doctor Qian and leave the Pearl Courtyard immediately."

Concubine Han gritted her teeth and said, "Forget it. Since Sister Fang is so sincere, I naturally cannot let her down."

Qiuxiang retreated to advance, and Han Shiqie thought about it again and again and decided to take a gamble.

Doctor Qian pretended not to hear what the two were saying and silently stepped forward to take the patient's pulse.

After a while, he slowly put away the handkerchief and said, "Master Han's pregnancy is stable, but her appetite has been a little poor recently. I will consider prescribing some appetite-stimulating medicine for her."

Concubine Han glanced at Qiuxiang with her narrow eyes.

"Then I'll trouble you, old doctor."

"No trouble! No trouble!"

After receiving the prescription, Han Shiqie said with a forced smile, "Hongnao! I will personally send your sister Qiuxiang off. You must let everyone in the mansion know how grateful I am to Sister Fang."

Hongnao saluted and said, "As you command!"

Hongnao sent Qiuxiang away, and the backyard of the palace was in an uproar.

"Really pregnant?"

"The imperial physician diagnosed it personally, and Concubine Fang's people were watching. How could this be fake?!"

"It seems that what was spread before was just rumors. It shows that someone has ulterior motives and wants to tarnish Concubine Han's reputation."

"That's normal. Who wouldn't want to be a concubine?"

Concubine Han was half leaning on the couch, covered with a small quilt and holding a hot water bottle in her arms.

As soon as Hongnao came in, she raised her hand and dismissed the maids around her, leaving only Luyu and Hongnao.

Luyu asked, "Did they send the people away?"

Hongnao looked unhappy and said, "Let's go!"

"They've come all this way with all the fanfare, really thinking no one can see what they're thinking. And yet they're using the excuse of doing good for our master. How disgusting!"

Concubine Han's eyes were half-open and half-closed, her posture was indescribably lazy and charming, and the moment she opened her mouth, one's bones would melt.

"If it's not her, it will be someone else."

Concubine Han chuckled lightly, "Now I have to thank her for coming here and clearing up the rumors in the mansion for me."

As early as when the news of the Son of Fortune spread throughout the palace, Concubine Han noticed something was wrong.

She guessed that someone was behind it.

Sure enough, not long after, news of her fake pregnancy spread in the backyard again.

The two pieces of news, one positive and one negative, completely pushed her to the forefront.

At first, Concubine Han was indeed panicked for a moment.

However, the other party did not take action, which gave Han concubine enough time to react.

She has been taking medicine secretly these days.

False pregnancy, vomiting, and menstrual suppression... every aspect has been taken into consideration, just for this day.

Hongnao frowned, "That's what I said, but it's disgusting after all."

Lu Yu laughed and said, "Apart from the princess, the concubine is the most honorable in the palace. Now she is pregnant again, and the prince is protecting her. Isn't she going to be arrogant?"

"Look at her being so proud now, but once the master's foundation is established, she will surely have her day of misfortune!"

Concubine Han was very satisfied when she heard what her maid said.

"Thanks to Fang's help, I was just worried about having no excuse to go to the prince."

If Han's concubine wanted to cover up the fake pregnancy, she had to become pregnant with King Jing's child within one or two months.

Unfortunately, around the New Year, King Jing and the Princess were very busy.

King Jing rarely stepped into the backyard. He only came to visit a few pregnant women occasionally, and then left after sitting for a while.