Although Wei Yun was dead, the crimes she committed would not be forgotten because of her death.
Wang Qingyao was greatly "frightened" by this incident and "fell ill."
To appease her, the Emperor personally sent his close eunuch, Shun Feng, with gifts. Jewelry, fabrics, tonics, and so on; the Emperor's rewards were always similar, with no new tricks.
If the Emperor gave慰问品 (comfort gifts), the Wei family certainly couldn't stand by.
Thus, led by Imperial Consort Wei from the palace, Wei Qing and Wei Yu also sent gifts of apology.
Wei Yu's mother, Madam Ban, was also Wei Yun's legitimate mother.
Wei Yun's transgression meant that she, as the legitimate mother, had failed in her discipline. Not only was she punished by kneeling in the ancestral hall, but the Wei family also made her personally visit to apologize.
However, it was an unfortunate coincidence that when she arrived, Wang Qingyao was "asleep." Even with Wei Yu, the future Crown Princess, present, they had no choice but to return dejectedly.
Madam Ban only made this one visit. Although she did not see Wang Qingyao, she had at least come.
Well, there was sincerity, but not much.
At this moment, Wang Qingyao was reclining on the bed, leaning against a large bolster. She still wore the forehead cloth from her postpartum confinement, and her face was powdered, making her look pale and listless.
By the bedside, Zuo Yun and Fang Yuan sat on chairs.
They had also come specifically to "visit the sick."
Fang Yuan was very puzzled: "Sister Yaoyao, aren't you very brave? How could a mere side consort scare you like this? Do you usually brag?"
Zuo Yun replied: "One thing at a time. This has nothing to do with bravery. No matter how brave one is, knowing that one was almost poisoned to death, it's only natural to be startled."
Zuo Yun was intelligent. Even if Fang Zheng hadn't told her the truth, she could see that Wang Qingyao was faking her illness.
Wang Qingyao met her gaze, and they both smiled, understanding each other without a word.
Wang Qingyao nodded: "Sister Yun is right. It really scared me to death. I heard the poison she gave me was for rotting intestines and hearts and lungs. As soon as it took effect, the internal organs would slowly be corroded, turning into a pool of bloody water. Externally, it wouldn't show at all, only causing agonizing pain as one rolled on the ground..."
"Oh, please stop talking," Fang Yuan's face turned pale. "That's terrifying."
She paused and then added: "I never thought Side Consort Wei was so vicious."
It wasn't just Side Consort Wei; the entire Wei family were not good people.
Wang Qingyao mentally criticized everyone in the Wei family.
After Zuo Yun and Fang Yuan left, Madam Gu and Bai Junya also arrived.
With the Princess of Ding'an ill and the Emperor leading the way, visitors came one after another.
For those she was not familiar with, or had never even met, Wang Qingyao pretended to be asleep and refused to see them.
However, she had to see her maternal family. Their conversation was nothing more than polite pleasantries.
As they were leaving, Wang Qingyao instructed them: "If you encounter anyone from the Wei family, keep your distance and don't provoke them. They are all black-hearted and rotten people."
Speaking so plainly, Madam Gu was greatly surprised and instinctively looked around, afraid of being overheard by outsiders.
Bai Junya, however, was accustomed to it and nodded: "Mm."
Madam Gu looked at her several times.
Wang Qingyao then said: "Sister-in-law, please have a doctor examine you when you get back."
Bai Junya's heart skipped a beat, and she immediately looked up at Wang Qingyao: "Princess, I..."
Her eyes were filled with expectation.
Wang Qingyao nodded. Although her complexion was still poor, a hint of a smile appeared in her eyes.
Madam Gu was extremely puzzled. She looked at Bai Junya, then at Wang Qingyao, unable to understand their veiled conversation.
After Bai Junya returned, she sent for a doctor. Upon examination, it was indeed confirmed that she was pregnant.
Wang Qingzhen and Wang Qingzhu were the third group of people Wang Qingyao received.
They had not arranged to come together, but they happened to arrive one after another.
Wang Qingzhen's complexion was radiant, and her brows were relaxed. It was clear at a glance that she was living a very happy married life.
Her original appearance was delicate and charming. After marriage and becoming a wife, she exuded a certain dignity.
In contrast, Wang Qingzhu looked haggard. Even a thick layer of powder could not hide it.
Her attire was indeed luxurious: she wore a cloud-patterned brocade robe woven with colorful flowers and flying butterflies, a crimson feather crepe cloak lined with white fox fur, and small red boots with gold embroidery.
On her head was a complete set of hair ornaments, a dazzling display of gold. Her neck, wrists, and fingers were also adorned with numerous pieces of jewelry.
Although she looked opulent, it made her appear five or six years older.
Wang Qingzhen covered her mouth and chuckled: "Fourth Sister, have you worn your entire fortune?"
Wang Qingzhu's face flushed, then she proudly raised her chin and said: "What can I do? My husband buys me jewelry every few days. If I don't wear them, he gets unhappy."
Wang Qingyao opportunely recalled a saying: the more one flaunts something, the more one lacks it.
She had originally thought that if Wang Qingzhu were willing to confide in her sisters, she wouldn't mind helping her.
However, since Wang Qingzhu was putting on a brave face and being overly concerned with appearances, she couldn't say much.
Although Wang Qingzhen disliked Wang Qingzhu, she maintained her composure in front of Wang Qingyao. After a sarcastic remark, she began to chat about everyday matters.
Wang Qingyao, concerned about her married life, asked for details.
"...Ah Cheng can carve. Do you know, Second Sister? The little animals he carves are so lifelike, as if they were real." She then leaned closer to Wang Qingyao's ear. "See this pear blossom hairpin on my head? Ah Cheng personally carved it and gave it to me on our wedding night. Isn't it beautiful?"
Wang Qingyao glanced at it and smiled, nodding: "It's beautiful."
Wang Qingzhu mumbled: "It's not a gold hairpin, just some worthless wood."
Wang Qingzhen shot her a glare.
"Ah Cheng can also paint. The other day, we collaborated on a painting of a leisurely winter scene. I'll show it to you next time you visit my home."
Wang Qingyao nodded: "Okay."
Wang Qingzhu mumbled again: "How can something painted by oneself be as valuable as an ancient painting?"
Wang Qingzhen glared at her again, her eyes burning with anger.
She sneered: "Ah Cheng is good at everything, except he's too clingy. Even when I'm not feeling well, he insists on sharing a room with me. What can I do? I had to elevate one of the maids who serves Ah Cheng to the status of a concubine. I can't let the neighbors say I'm not virtuous."
"Fourth Sister doesn't have this trouble, does she?" Wang Qingzhen asked Wang Qingzhu with a veiled smile. "I heard that your husband has a cousin who is a favored concubine in his household, and she is very doted upon by Fourth Brother-in-law. You must get along very well, right?"
Mentioning Concubine Lian, Wang Qingzhu's expression soured.
She had suffered many hidden losses at the hands of Concubine Lian, and Pang Yan did not trust her.
The household management was overseen by his mother, and Pang Yan's courtyard was managed by Concubine Lian. She had neither her husband's favor nor the authority to manage anything. She had nothing.
Her eyes reddened, and she let out a sob, covering her face and running out crying.
Wang Qingzhen and Wang Qingyao exchanged glances.
Wang Qingzhen: "Heh, with such a low level of resilience, you dare to compete with me!"