My wife wants a divorce; if she ruins my life, I'll leave.

Ma had previously discussed a plan with Lü Ningshuang, and today they were going to find a doctor to examine Shen Yunlan's pulse.

Shen Yunlan wasn't stupid; how could she not guess their plans? Besides, this wasn't the first time Madam Ma and Lü Ningshuang had brought this up.

"Granny Li, see if the doctor has arrived yet."

When Tuanfu was sent to fetch Shen Yunlan earlier, Li Mama had already been sent to invite a doctor.

Granny Li bowed and said, "They are already waiting in the corridor."

Shen Yunlan did not expect that Madam Ma would go and invite a doctor first, so Ying'er, whom she had arranged, would be of no use.

Since she was invited by Ma, it wouldn't be easy for her to bribe her. However, if the doctor diagnosed her true pregnancy, she would have no chance of survival.

That damned Lu Yun never showed up again, and he didn't care about the child in her belly at all.

Shen Yunlan was flustered, and her expression was full of unease.

Seeing this, Lü Ningshuang across from her smiled smugly, "Since Second Madam dares to let the doctor take her pulse, please do so."

"Aunt Lü, there's no need to be so smug. No matter what, a son born of a concubine is still a son born of a concubine, and he can never become a legitimate son!" Shen Yunlan said with a faint smile. "I wonder if Xuan-ge'er and Yu-ge'er will still acknowledge you when they grow up and find out that their aunt is causing trouble like this!"

Lu Ningshuang was about to explode with anger, but when she saw Shen Yunlan's stomach, she swallowed the words that were about to come out. When she spoke again, she was much calmer, "Second Madam, don't try to threaten me. They crawled out of my intestines. If they don't recognize me, who else will they recognize?"

Shen Yunlan glanced at Madam Ma at the head of the table and said, “Aunt, I was young and hot-tempered back then. When I heard that Xuan’er had become the legitimate son, I was angry. But later I thought that whether the baby in my belly is a boy or a girl, it would be good to have a legitimate older brother. Moreover, Xuan’er is now old enough to start his studies. In a year or two, he can help teach his younger siblings to read and write.”

A look of agreement appeared in Madam Ma's eyes. "You're right. Xuan-ge'er is the most sensible and obedient. Study hard and he'll be the pillar of our second branch of the family in the future."

Even Ma felt that Song Chen'an was unreliable and had placed her hopes on the next generation.

Shen Yunlan smiled even more sincerely and said before Lü Ningshuang could speak, "Aunt is right. Therefore, I am thinking of taking Xuan Ge'er to Qingfeng Courtyard for education first. I will teach him to recognize some characters or recite a few ancient poems. After I give birth, I will personally find a good teacher to enlighten Xuan Ge'er."

Although Xuan Ge'er is already five years old, neither Song Chang nor Song Chen'an have thought of giving him his first education.

Madam Ma readily agreed, as Xuan-ge was her most cherished grandson.

But Lü Ningshuang immediately guessed Shen Yunlan's intention and screamed, "Shen Yunlan, don't even think about taking my Xuan-ge'er away!"

Shen Yunlan's eyes were full of sarcasm as she provocatively smiled at Lü Ningshuang and said, "Has Aunt Lü forgotten that I am their legal mother and have the responsibility to raise them?"

She chuckled softly, "Does Aunt Lü want me to take Yu-ge'er with me and raise him? I don't mind the trouble, but I'm afraid Aunt Lü won't be willing to do it."

Lu Ningshuang was furious, but dared not point at Shen Yunlan again. She said fiercely, "What can you teach? Don't think that just because you've studied for a few more years you're arrogant. A well-mannered young lady won't go around showing off her poetry and prose."

"Aunt Lü, you've gone too far! I am their legal mother. Taking them under my wing and raising them is to elevate their status. How can you be so ungrateful and speak so rudely to me!"

"I wasn't speaking ill of you; I was just telling the truth."

Shen Yunlan ignored her and turned to Madam Ma, saying, "Aunt, what do you think of my idea? The sooner we raise Xuan-ge'er to be a capable person, the sooner we can bring glory to our second branch of the family."

This struck a chord with Madam Ma, who longed to become a titled lady. She couldn't rely on her husband and son, but perhaps she could become a noblewoman through her grandson.

But... she glanced at Lü Ningshuang. After all, she was the one who gave birth to the child, and she couldn't disregard Lü Ningshuang's wishes.

Shen Yunlan didn't give the two of them a chance to speak, and urged, "Aunt, please agree. I'm also counting on Xuan-ge'er to make something of himself and be a support for his younger brothers and sisters in the future. Although I'm not very talented, I've studied for several years and I can teach a young child."

Madam Ma was indeed somewhat tempted. Shouldn't the eldest son love and care for his younger siblings? Moreover, if he were raised by Shen Yunlan, he would surely have a good relationship with the legitimate children in the future. A harmonious family is the way to prosper.

When Lü Ningshuang saw Ma's expression, she immediately became anxious. If Ma agreed, Xuan Ge'er would be snatched away by Shen Yunlan!

Xuan-ge'er was valued by Madam Ma, and she valued him as well. She was counting on Xuan-ge'er to earn her an imperial title in the future. If Shen Yunlan took him away, then the imperial title in the future could only be obtained by Shen Yunlan.

How can this be!

Lu Ningshuang stood up abruptly, took two or three steps toward Shen Yunlan, and shouted shrilly, "Shen Yunlan, you'd better give up on this idea."

Shen Yunlan's eyes were full of mockery. She slowly stood up, took two steps forward, and was only an arm's length away from Lü Ningshuang.

Suddenly, she raised her arm and slapped Lü Ningshuang. A crisp slap rang out, followed by Lü Ningshuang's piercing scream.

"Shen Yunlan, how dare you hit me!"

“Please, Aunt Lü, recognize your place. First, you cannot address me by my name. Second, I am Xuan-ge’er’s legal mother and have the responsibility to raise him. Third, if you continue to shout and act so rudely, how can your uncle and aunt trust you to raise their child?”

"That's none of your business!"

Lu Ningshuang was furious at Shen Yunlan's provocative gaze, especially since he was so close to her, making Lu Ningshuang feel extremely uncomfortable.

"What? Does Aunt Lü want to send Yu-ge'er to Qingfeng Courtyard as well?"

Enraged, Lü Ningshuang shoved Shen Yunlan.

Shen Yunlan had intended to provoke her, so her attack was within her expectations.

The two stood an arm's length apart, giving Shen Yunlan time to react even if Lü Ningshuang suddenly made a move.

Shen Yunlan took two steps back following Lü Ningshuang's force, and finally, unable to bear the weight, slowly collapsed.

She supported herself with her hands behind her back, her large pregnant belly swaying in front of everyone.

It was really slow, so slow that every movement was clearly visible.

Even though it was slow, Shen Yunlan still screamed, "Ah, my stomach, my stomach!"

Startled by her sudden scream, Lü Ningshuang took a step back, her mind suddenly jolted awake.

It's a frame-up! I think it's a frame-up, just like when she framed Meng Ruohua.

But no one noticed her thoughts. Shen Yunlan was still calling out, "Hong'er, quickly go and call the doctor!"

Mrs. Ma quickly came over, "How are you? Does your stomach hurt?"