King Xiang of the Red Chamber

Chapter 673 Whose seed is it?

When Baochai returned to the palace, night had already enveloped the entire capital city.

But she did not rest immediately. Instead, she summoned several female officials in the palace and asked them whether the tasks she had been ordered to do today had been completed.

If it were a normal day, she wouldn't be so tired, it's just that today's schedule was different.

Only after confirming that all the ceremonial objects for mourning were ready did Baochai feel relieved, and then ordered several female officials to go down and rest.

"My queen, it's time to rest!" Ying'er stepped forward to remind her.

So after a simple wash, Baochai changed her clothes and lay down on the bed. Tonight it was Wenxing's turn to sleep with her, while Ying'er served as the "manager" of the maids on duty.

However, Baochai had fallen asleep for less than half an hour when a group of people came to the outside of the palace to announce the death.

A few minutes later, the news reached Tongxin Hall, and then Ying'er came to Baochai's bed.

"Empress...Empress..."

At this moment, Ying'er was no longer so calm and shouted in an anxious tone.

Baochai woke up and sat up with her black hair loose. Then she heard her ask, "What's the matter?"

"Your Majesty, at 3:45 pm tonight, the Emperor passed away!"

Baochai was mentally prepared for this matter, and the entire Prince Xiang's Mansion was also ready.

"Change my clothes!" Baochai said solemnly.

Soon several maids came into the room and began to help Baochai change her clothes, and someone else brought the outermost mourning clothes.

Standing there and letting the maids fiddle with her, Baochai continued, "Spread my words, the palace will mourn immediately, and all the guards, eunuchs, and maids will wear mourning clothes!"

"Yes!"

Before Baochai left the house, white silk had been hung outside the gate of Prince Xiang's Mansion, and all the mansions in the capital, big and small, began to mourn after receiving the news.

About an hour later, the two squares outside the Fengtian Hall and the Fengtian Gate were almost filled with people kneeling.

Members of the royal family, envoys, civil officials, and military generals in the capital all came to pay their respects. The busiest people at the scene were the officials from the Ministry of Rites and the imperial censors who were responsible for maintaining order.

The royal women and young members of the royal clan were all arranged to stay in the Ningshou Palace to guard the coffin of the retired emperor.

When the retired emperor passed away, the entire capital was in mourning, and the Jia family of Rongguo Mansion was no exception.

At this moment in Rongxi Hall, the Jia family set up a tablet for the retired emperor and summoned family members to worship him.

Yingchun was no exception, but she was in a dilemma at the moment.

On that night in May, she tasted the forbidden fruit with Zhu Jinghong, and she thought that everything would be fine after it was over.

But who would have thought that after just that one incident, she would become pregnant.

First my period stopped, and I thought it would come in a month, but it didn't come in the second month either.

Fortunately, Yingchun was smart and knew that such things should not be made public, so only Siqi knew about it.

They were master and servant, sharing honor and disgrace, and Siqi could only help her hide it.

But Siqi also knew that as the months went by, this matter would eventually become impossible to keep secret.

Fortunately, Yingchun was thin and her pregnancy was not very obvious, and her clothes were loose so she was not noticed.

The most important thing is that she has not had any morning sickness since she became pregnant, and she looks like an ordinary person, which has allowed her to hide successfully until now.

But today, Yingchun was in a dilemma as she had to hold a funeral for the retired emperor at home.

Because funerals require kneeling and kowtow, but her belly is big now, so it is not convenient for her to do these actions.

Siqi knew Yingchun's difficulties, but no one dared to hide from such a thing, so she could only persuade Yingchun to go first, kneel for a while and then try to leave.

"Girl, why don't you tell this matter to Princess Xiang and let her try to help you out!"

"I'm sure we won't be able to keep it secret in the end. This won't be a good thing!"

This was the third time Siqi advised Yingchun, because she was also very anxious about this matter. After all, they were master and servant and they would prosper and suffer together.

But Yingchun still shook her head and said, "If this gets known, I won't be able to survive!"

"Note"

There was no other choice, Yingchun could only go to Rong Xi Tang. At this moment, all the female members of the Jia family had arrived.

"Why are you here so late?"

The one who was questioned was Madam Xing. Now that she was the housekeeper's wife, of course she was responsible for these matters, not to mention that Yingchun was her daughter.

Thinking that this girl was almost seventeen years old and still hadn't found a good husband, causing the noble ladies in the capital to laugh at her, Mrs. Xing became furious and looked at Yingchun more and more displeased.

"Madam, I was not feeling well just now, so I was delayed!" Yingchun replied.

"Feeling unwell? I noticed that you've gained some weight recently. Why are you always feeling unwell?" Mrs. Xing became more and more dissatisfied.

Being held accountable in this way, Yingchun's habit of being a punching bag came back and she didn't know how to respond for a moment.

"Second sister, don't make the Madam angry, go over and kneel down!"

Fortunately, Tanchun appeared in time, pulled Yingchun aside, and then she bowed to Mrs. Xing.

Seeing Tanchun, Mrs. Xing's expression improved a little and she stopped making trouble.

"Second sister, what's wrong with you lately? Why do you always make mistakes?!"

Tanchun also discovered that something was wrong with Yingchun, but she couldn't tell what was wrong.

Kneeling on the futon, adjusting her skirt and posture to make herself feel better, Yingchun replied: "It's okay, I just feel a little stuffy!"

"Are you feeling a little depressed? Is there something on your mind?" Tanchun asked in a low voice.

"No...no!"

"You're still hiding it from me, do you think I don't know?" Tanchun said with a teasing look on her face.

Yingchun was shocked by these words, but she managed to keep calm and replied, "You...what do you know!"

"It has something to do with His Royal Highness Prince Xiang!"

Upon hearing this, Yingchun couldn't hold it in any longer and her face immediately changed color.

"Don't talk nonsense!"

The change in Yingchun's expression confirmed Tanchun's guess, so she lowered her voice and said, "I'm afraid the prince won't be back this year. You have to wait for him!"

"It would be such a pity if you suffocated yourself to death because of unrequited love!"

After hearing this, Yingchun was not so nervous anymore. She guessed that Tanchun might not know the truth.

"You...don't talk nonsense!" Yingchun just blurted out this.

"What are you two mumbling about? We are mourning for the Emperor, so just behave yourself!"

Wang Xifeng's voice silenced Tanchun and the other two, and then they knelt down obediently and kept silent.

Soon, Grandmother Jia also rushed over. Of course, she had to kneel with everyone else, but she was supported by maids on both sides, so she was not that tired.

Moreover, only half an hour later, Grandmother Jia left due to illness, but the younger generations did not receive such treatment.

The servants of the Jia family were kneeling outside, all of them kneeling with expressionless faces, all they were thinking about were what to eat for lunch and whether the mansion would arrange a midnight snack in the evening.

Only Siqi looked anxious at this moment, she was worried about Yingchun's situation.

She has been kneeling for half an hour now, because she is afraid that something might happen to her daughter.

Soon another half hour passed. When Siqi was extremely anxious, she suddenly heard a scream from the hall. It was Tanchun's voice calling "Second Sister".

This frightened Siqi so much that she stood up quickly and rushed into the lobby without caring about the rules and etiquette.

At this moment Yingchun has fainted. Wang Xifeng, Tanchun and Xichun are supporting her, and she is surrounded by other women in the mansion.

The one hugging Yingchun was Tanchun. As soon as she put her hands on her, she realized something was wrong because Yingchun's belly had grown a lot bigger.

So she searched again, and after making sure that she had touched the right place, Tanchun was completely petrified.

"This...what is going on?" Tanchun was extremely confused.

Mrs. Xing was already calling for someone to come and help Yingchun away, while Wang Xifeng was ordering someone to call for a doctor.

At this time, Siqi rushed into the room and hurriedly said, "No need to call a doctor, the girl is just tired, she will be fine after a rest!"

Siqi's action confirmed to Tanchun that she knew the inside story.

So the problem that Tanchun faces now is whether or not to help Yingchun cover up the past.

Just as she made a decision and was about to speak up for Siqi, Old Lady Jia walked out from the back hall.

"Since when has a maid been able to speak like this? Where have the rules of the mansion been?"

Grandmother Jia spoke in an angry tone and looked at Siqi with an unfriendly gaze. At this moment, she really disliked this unruly girl.

"Hurry up and get down!" Mrs. Xing scolded hurriedly.

"Mrs……"

"Get out!" Mrs. Xing shouted angrily.

So Siqi had no choice but to go out, and Grandmother Jia also ordered: "Hurry up and find a doctor. This girl has not been feeling well recently. It's time to ask someone to come and see her!"

After all, Yingchun has returned recently, and everyone in the mansion has actually noticed that they haven't asked a doctor to see her for such a long time. Now looking back, it seems even more abnormal. "Grandma, the second sister may be tired. Let your granddaughter take a rest!" Tanchun interrupted at the right time.

"How can you understand pathology? If you are sick, you must treat it. If you delay it, it will only get worse!"

"Why don't you send someone to call a doctor?" Grandmother Jia looked at Wang Xifeng.

Wang Xifeng was about to make some arrangements when Tanchun handed Yingchun over to Xichun. She then stood up, walked to Grandmother Jia's side and whispered, "Madam, my granddaughter has something to report!"

Tanchun knew that if the doctor really came and told the world that Yingchun was pregnant, she would be dead.

Whether for the sake of the family's reputation or Yingchun's life, Tanchun must "keep this matter secret".

"What's the matter?"

"Second sister..."

Tanchun whispered a few words, which shocked Grandmother Jia.

Grandmother Jia was offline for a few seconds before she came to her senses. Her face showed surprise, anger and even resentment.

"This girl, reading those crappy books all day long, exhausting herself like this, is simply stupid!"

After scolding her in public, Grandmother Jia ordered Tanchun, "You and Xichun, help her get inside to rest!"

"Yes!"

After Tanchun agreed, she hurried back to Yingchun and wanted to help her walk together with Xichun.

Wang Xifeng was right next to them. Although she didn't understand what was going on, she instinctively went forward to help when she saw her two sisters struggling.

Then she stretched out her hand and found something wrong, so she touched it carefully again like Tanchun did.

Wang Xifeng was horrified and then looked at Tanchun, who was also staring at her and telling her with her eyes not to say anything.

"What are you still standing there for? Help him back quickly!" Grandmother Jia scolded anxiously.

But in the eyes of others, they just thought that the old lady was concerned about her granddaughter and didn't think too much about it.

What puzzled them was that the second young lady had exhausted herself to such an extent after reading those books.

A few breaths later, Yingchun was helped to Jia's grandmother's courtyard. All the serving maids were called out, and only the grandparents and grandchildren were left in the room.

"Fourth girl, go outside and watch, don't let anyone come over!"

Xichun didn't think too much and left the room after hearing this.

Grandmother Jia sat on the chair, looked at Wang Xifeng and Tanchun, and then asked sternly: "When did you know about this matter?"

"Grandma, what...what's the matter?" Wang Xifeng asked. She was not sure what Grandmother Jia meant.

Glancing at Yingchun lying on the couch, Grandmother Jia said angrily, "What else could it be?"

"Grandfather, my granddaughter just found out. My second sister fainted and I helped her up, and then I discovered something!"

"Me too!" Wang Xifeng quickly replied.

Grandmother Jia had already felt Yingchun's belly when she pressed on, "She has been like this for at least three or four months. How could you not know when you spend so much time with her?"

Obviously, Grandmother Jia did not agree with this because it sounded unreliable.

Tanchun explained: "In recent months, my second sister has been avoiding us. I just thought she was unhappy and didn't notice her..."

Tanchun was telling the truth, so Grandmother Jia didn't make any more trouble.

Besides, things have come to this point, there is no point in asking further questions. The key is to get things clear.

For example, the adulterer is that bastard...

"Wake her up!" said Grandmother Jia with a cold face.

"Yes!"

Tanchun went forward personally, moving very carefully, pulling while calling softly.

"Second sister, second sister..."

After calling several times, Yingchun finally woke up slowly. When she turned her head, she saw Lady Jia, and Tanchun and Wang Xifeng standing on her left and right.

"Second girl, what's going on in your stomach?" Grandmother Jia asked directly.

As soon as these words were spoken, Yingchun was petrified on the couch.

Anxiety, fear, shame, self-blame... a series of messy thoughts all flooded into her mind at this moment.

In fact, Tanchun already had the answer to this question in her mind, but she didn't dare to make a rash judgment at this time.

"Second sister, what you have done is so evil!" Wang Xifeng sighed and felt deeply sorry for Yingchun.

According to current rules, no matter what the reason for Yingchun's loss of virginity, she will eventually die. After all, the Jia family cannot afford to lose this person.

"Hurry up and tell me!" Grandmother Jia stamped her feet in anger.

However, Tanchun knew that if it was really Zhu Jinghong who did it, Yingchun had to tell it out in order to have a chance of saving her life.

Seeing Yingchun kept silent, Tanchun reminded her, "Second sister, please speak quickly... otherwise you won't have a chance to speak!"

"If you don't think about yourself, you should think about the baby in your belly!"

Glancing at Tanchun, Grandmother Jia scolded, "What baby in your belly? That's a bastard!"

Tanchun didn't dare to say anything more and could only step aside. If Yingchun was really embarrassed to say it, she would help her sister speak it out at the last moment.

"Will you tell me or not?" asked Grandmother Jia.

"Second sister, what's going on? Tell me quickly!" Wang Xifeng also advised.

Yingchun was completely confused. She couldn't trust anyone here except Tanchun.

But when she looked at Tanchun, she still had an expression of encouragement on her face, which made Yingchun feel a little relieved.

"Yes……"

"Who is it?" Grandmother Jia was so anxious that she was about to die.

"Yes Yes……"

"You tell me!" Grandmother Jia couldn't help but stand up.

"It's Master Thirteen!"

After saying this, Yingchun closed her eyes. She was ready to accept her fate.

"Who? Master Thirteen? Why…"

This situation caught Grandmother Jia completely off guard and made her confused for the second time today.

Since it involves the royal family and Zhu Jinghong, this matter must be handled with caution.

Grandmother Jia had experienced a lot of worldly affairs, so she quickly grasped the crux of the problem and came to several conclusions.

First, the child must be kept, second, Yingchun must be safe, and third, the matter must be suppressed.

The most difficult question is whether this matter should be reported to the royal family and who should report it!
The last question is not urgent for the time being, but the previous things need to be done immediately. The longer you delay, the greater the risk of the news leaking out.

"What do you think...how should we suppress this matter?" Grandmother Jia stated her intention directly.

Hearing the word "suppress", Tanchun felt relieved and was glad that her guess was correct.

She had just been thinking about Lady Jia's question and had already come up with some preliminary ideas.

"Grandfather, there are too many people in the mansion, and it will be more and more inconvenient for my second sister to stay in the mansion!"

"Ok!"

After she responded, Jia's mother said, "There is a separate courtyard in the south of the city. Can we send her there and settle her there?"

"Sending it suddenly without a proper reason will only cause people to talk about it!"

"What should we do then?" asked Lady Jia.

Tanchun replied, "Say, Second Sister has been reading Daoist scriptures for a long time. Now that the Emperor has passed away, let's let Second Sister go to the other courtyard to practice in seclusion and pray for the Emperor!"

"Since he is in seclusion, there is no need for anyone to visit him, so he will naturally not be discovered. This also makes sense!"

It does make sense, because Yingchun likes to read Taoist canon, and everyone in the mansion knows it.

More importantly, what Lady Jia mentioned just now outside about "reading so many books" echoes this statement.

Of course, Tanchun has more considerations.

For example, asking Yingchun to pray for the retired emperor was actually to build up her reputation so that when she entered Zhu Jinghong's mansion in the future, she would not be too humble.

After thinking for a moment, Grandmother Jia nodded in agreement with the suggestion.

"Second girl, are you willing?" asked Grandmother Jia, her tone leaving no room for doubt.

This result was much better than Yingchun had expected, so she nodded quickly, and the matter was settled.

Grandmother Jia continued, "Rest for the next two days, and then you can leave the house in a few days!"

After Yingchun nodded, Grandmother Jia asked about the details of her pregnancy. Yingchun hesitated for a long time before telling her the whole story.

Thinking that her granddaughter was raped, Grandmother Jia's resentment towards Yingchun dissipated a lot.

(End of this chapter)