Chapter 57: A Double Blessing

“How… is that possible?”

Ning Junruo’s astonishment was plain to see, her brows furrowed with an unmasked surprise.

Her eyes shimmered with a complex, unreadable light, fixed intently on Xiao Yunji as she searched his expression for any clue.

“Oh my, what a joyous announcement! If Consort Side is truly with child, then our Liang Prince’s residence will be doubly blessed, a great fortune indeed!”

Madam Chen, standing beside the Grand Dowager, wore an exaggerated yet sincere smile, her high-pitched voice nearly piercing the rafters.

“Congratulations to Consort Side and the Prince; this is truly a blessing for the Liang Prince’s household!”

Chen Qinghe forced a smile and offered her congratulations begrudgingly, but behind that smile, tears welled in her eyes.

She pondered silently: lately, the Prince had mostly stayed overnight at the Listening Rain Pavilion. Though Xiao Yunji was not favored, she was now pregnant, while on her side, there was no sign of life at all.

Why should it be this way?

That bitterness sliced through her heart like a sharp blade.

The Grand Dowager’s gaze was icy and piercing as she fixed Ning Junruo with an unyielding stare. Her voice was cold, devoid of warmth: “Princess Consort, may I ask what you mean by ‘how is that possible’?”

Ning Junruo kept a gentle smile on her face, but within her eyes flickered a subtle chill.

In her memories from a past life, the Prince had only one son, Zhao Enqing, and Xiao Yunji had never been pregnant.

If Xiao Yunji truly was expecting, then this child...

She dared not think further, overwhelmed by a tangle of emotions.

“Mother Dowager, please do not overthink. I simply find it hard to believe. After such a long day, I should return to rest.”

Ning Junruo rose slowly, her tone gentle yet resolute, skillfully evading the Grand Dowager’s further questions.

Zhao Shenxing’s eyes, slightly glazed from drink, suddenly cleared as if the brightest star in the night sky had been ignited.

He quickly urged the household physician, “Go at once to check on Consort Side. Confirm if she truly is with child!”

“Yes, my lord. I will go immediately.”

The physician responded promptly and hurried toward Xiao Yunji, drawing all attention within the room to him.

***

“Yunji, how do you feel now? Any discomfort?”

The Grand Dowager asked with unprecedented tenderness and hope shining in her eyes.

Xiao Yunji shook her head slightly, forcing a faint smile: “Thank you for your concern, Mother Dowager. My stomach still churns a bit; I crave something sour to settle it.”

“Oh, a sour little one—such wonderful news for our Liang Prince’s residence, a joy long awaited!”

Madam Chen, who had grown up in the Xu household and maintained a close relationship with Xiao Yunji’s mother, was even more delighted than the Grand Dowager upon hearing of the pregnancy.

“Consort Side is truly blessed now. Her status will surely rise with a son.”

A voice, neither too loud nor too soft, reached everyone present. After hearing it, a hush fell before whispers began anew.

“Indeed, if she bears a young lord, her position will be entirely different.”

“The Princess Consort has borne no children all these years. Looks like she might have to step aside.”

Every word landed clearly in Ning Junruo’s ears. She sighed quietly and was about to turn away when Chen Qinghe grabbed her arm.

“Princess Consort, won’t you offer congratulations to Consort Side?”

Ning Junruo glanced back with a faint smile. “You haven’t congratulated her either, have you?”

With that, she gently pulled free and walked away gracefully.

On the way back, Zi Su whispered in puzzlement, “Miss, does this mean our previous suspicions about the Prince were mistaken?”

Ning Junruo shook her head firmly, voice unwavering: “Impossible. My judgment is not wrong.”

She knew well the household physician Zhang came from a family of skilled doctors, especially adept in gynecology. She had inquired privately earlier and confirmed that none of the ladies in the residence had any serious health issues.

The difficulty in producing heirs, Ning Junruo recalled having mentioned in Yilan Residence, was actually due to the Prince’s own condition.

Even the steadfast nurse Wei was now wavering: “The Prince’s health was problematic in the past, but I heard he has sought out numerous famous doctors over the last two years. Perhaps he has finally been cured?”

Ning Junruo thought back to the grandeur of Chang Yu Niang’s full-month banquet in her previous life, then to her current frail self, facing paralysis, and sighed deeply. Could it be that his body had truly recovered?

As everyone fell into contemplation, Tumi suddenly spoke up: “I recall Consort Side has been going out frequently lately. Mu Mian once accidentally saw her going in and out of Yu Yi Hall multiple times.”

“Yu Yi Hall?”

Ning Junruo was startled. The name was oddly familiar, as if she had heard it somewhere before.

***

“That’s right. Yu Yi Hall is said to have a Taoist nun named Miao Shan, who specializes in gynecology and is known as the Lady Who Brings Children. Many couples struggling with fertility have successfully conceived thanks to her aid,” Tumi explained earnestly.

Her words triggered a recollection in Ning Junruo.

She wondered how Xiao Yunji, who seemed perfectly fine, could suddenly be pregnant...

A delicate smile curved Ning Junruo’s lips. This household was growing ever more intriguing.

Just as she turned into the round gate of Yilan Residence, Ling Xiao slipped her a note, lowering his voice: “Princess Consort, Young Master Xu says there is now a lead on that matter.”

Having lent money to Zhao Shenxing earlier, Ning Junruo had her own plans.

Only by keeping Zhao Shenxing occupied and diverting attention from herself could she discreetly pursue her true objectives.

She unfolded the note and read it. Upon seeing its contents, a smile blossomed across her face, and she seemed lighter somehow.

After reading, she gave Ling Xiao a faint smile. “Go quickly and reply to Young Master Xu. Have Master Guan bring that person to the inn and settle them comfortably, in case we need them.”

Ning Junruo tucked the note away, her gaze flashing with determination.

Though she had gathered enough evidence, it was far from sufficient to leave the Prince’s residence safely. One misstep could lead to irrevocable ruin.

She must proceed with utmost caution.

***

The following morning, Ning Junruo quietly made her way to Xiao Yunji’s quarters in the Xiaoxiang Pavilion under the pretense of a visit.

She deliberately slowed her pace, watching her surroundings carefully, as if searching for something.

“Princess Consort, you’re here so early?”

A startled servant’s voice broke the silence. Hearing this, Xiao Yunji hurriedly straightened her clothes and came to the door.

“Sister, why are you here so early?” Xiao Yunji greeted with joy, though a trace of subtle anxiety flickered in her eyes.

After a brief exchange, Ning Junruo casually brought up Yu Yi Hall: “By the way, I’ve heard of a Yu Yi Hall in the city that specializes in treating difficult gynecological ailments. Yunji, have you heard of it?”

Xiao Yunji’s expression shifted slightly before she regained composure.

“I’ve heard of it, but I’ve never been there.”