"How is that possible?" Lu Nianfu exclaimed, her beautiful eyes widening in disbelief.
When considering the person behind Yan Qing, her first suspect was the wife of the Marquis of Pingning, Madam Ban. After all, it was she who had personally chosen Zeng Weiyang back then, abandoning her to the bandits without a second thought, and it was she who had repeatedly prevented Lu Nianfu from returning to the Marquis's mansion.
If that were the case, how could she possibly go to such lengths to have Yan Qing help her, and leave behind such a considerable fortune that would ensure her a lifetime of wealth and security?
Qing Ya's expression was also rather awkward. Having been by Lu Nianfu's side all along and being her most trusted confidante, she naturally understood the significance of the person behind Uncle Yan to her young lady.
She also knew very well how her young lady's own mother, the Marchioness of Pingning, treated her.
To suddenly be told that these two individuals, with such completely opposing stances and attitudes, were in fact one and the same, was hard for anyone to accept.
Qing Ya sighed and whispered, "There's one more thing. You must remain calm after you hear it."
Lu Nianfu remained silent, looking at her with a blank expression.
What could possibly be more unsettling than discovering that the mother who had personally abandoned her had actually been helping her all along?
Qing Ya whispered, "When I followed them, the two wet nurses accompanying the Marchioness of Pingning were guarding the place. I didn't dare to get close, but you know my ears have always been sharp. Even from a distance, I could vaguely hear a few words."
"So, what exactly did you hear?"
Qing Ya moved her lips and decided to take the plunge, "Uncle Yan said he wanted to take the Marchioness of Pingning away. It seems they had a past together."
Lu Nianfu: ...
This world had become truly bizarre.
Qing Ya boldly speculated, her face unable to hide her gossipy nature, "Do you think there's a possibility that you are actually Uncle Yan's daughter? That's why the Marchioness of Pingning kept driving you away while also arranging your future, and even had Uncle Yan personally guard you in Xiangshui County."
Lu Nianfu's head was already buzzing. Hearing this, she couldn't help but rap Qing Ya on the head, "Can you say something more reliable?"
If this went on any longer, she might actually start believing it.
Qing Ya truly lived up to her reputation as someone who had read countless storybooks. Her logic was so smooth.
Qing Ya pouted, "I'm summarizing this based on my years of experience reading storybooks. Bold assumptions, careful verification. Why don't you try to get some information from Uncle Yan? Alas, if this were true, then for them to be separated for so many years despite being a pair of mandarin ducks, it would be truly tragic."
Wouldn't the real tragedy be for the Marquis of Pingning, who was cuckolded?
Lu Nianfu couldn't help but press her forehead, "Alright, stop talking. Just let me have some quiet time."
The carriage finally grew quiet.
Lu Nianfu's mind was a chaotic mess. Upon alighting the carriage and seeing Yan Qing, she felt dizzy and collapsed.
Qing Ya was startled and barely managed to catch her.
Yan Qing immediately shouted, "Quick, fetch a doctor!"
From the main gate to the inner courtyard, the Rui Prince's manor was in chaos. There was no manor physician. Qing Ya slapped her forehead and quickly told the driver to find a doctor, while she herself carried Lu Nianfu inside.
She was anxious but also cautioned herself not to run too fast.
What if she jolted her young lady?
Suddenly, a figure flashed before her eyes: "What's going on?"
Qing Ya trembled and finally saw the pillar of support, "Young Master, the young lady has fainted."
"Why did she faint?"
Qing Ya shook her head in confusion.
Situ Yan took her into his arms and, as they walked, ordered, "Little Wu Zi, take my token to the palace and have Imperial Physician Ji come over."
Lu Nianfu's complexion was truly poor. Situ Yan had no mood to inquire about the reason for a while and just stayed by her bedside, holding her cool hand.
Seeing her every day, he hadn't noticed, but now, upon calmly observing her, he realized that his wife had somehow lost so much weight.
The physician found by the driver arrived before Ji Jin.
Situ Yan quickly made way.
The physician was a resident doctor. The driver had not mentioned the details when hiring him. Upon entering the Rui Prince's manor, he realized he had a very important client. He was immediately startled. Not everyone could treat the illnesses of nobility.
If he accidentally got entangled in some conspiracy, he, a humble physician, wouldn't be able to handle it.
But since he was already here, and seeing the driver's anxious look, he couldn't just turn around and run. He could only nervously follow him inside.
When he learned that the patient he was to examine was the Rui Princess, his heart pounded even harder.
His hand, as he took her pulse, almost trembled.
Fortunately, as soon as he touched her, he realized. He breathed a sigh of relief and wiped his sweat, "Congratulations, Your Highness. The Princess is with child."