Chapter 153

Chapter 153 Xie Run and Concubine Lu exchanged a glance. Both of their eyes held only understanding, not a trace of surprise. When it came to winning people over, no one in the entire Prince's household could compare to Wan Linlang. By openly tormenting Jiang Baobao in her position as a mere concubine, Wan Linlang was making it clear that she was protecting Concubine Lian. Once Concubine Lian learned of this, she would likely regard Wan Linlang as her own flesh and blood. Especially given that the entire household looked down on Concubine Lian—to have such a good sister caring for her with such thoughtfulness and wholehearted devotion... Not to mention Concubine Lian herself, even Xie Run, if she held Concubine Lian's cards, would be utterly devoted to Wan Linlang. And after all the suffering Jiang Baobao had endured, how could she not hold a grudge? Whether that grudge would land on Wan Linlang or Concubine Lian remained to be seen. Xie Run only glanced at the scene before saying, "Send it to Consort Jiang." The two matrons quickly acknowledged the order. Tormenting Consort Jiang was never a pleasant sight to begin with, and being seen by a superior mistress made them uneasy as well. Concubine Lu suddenly spoke up: "Sister Xie, shall I go visit Concubine Lian in a couple of days?" Concubine Lu could barely be considered one of Xie Run's people now. Given Xie Run's status, it was hardly appropriate for her to lower herself to visit Concubine Lian. Concubine Lu could serve as her vanguard, and while she was at it, gather some information. This was probably why many people in high positions liked to keep their own trusted subordinates. There were many things one couldn't conveniently do oneself, so others could do them instead. Xie Run gave a slight nod. "It would be good for you to go see her." "I happen to have some new healing ointment that just arrived—take two jars with you." After a pause, Xie Run added, "The main kitchen just delivered crabs. I was going to send you a basket, but unfortunately your constitution runs cold, so you can't have them." Concubine Lu smiled nonchalantly. "Sister Xie has me in your heart—that alone makes me very happy." These were the first crabs of the season, not many in number, only distributed to the higher-ranked members of the household—quite a rare treat. Xie Run continued, "Yesterday my eldest sister wrote to me and included a prescription for treating cold uterus. It may not work miracles, but it should help improve your menstrual issues." Concubine Lu's eyes lit up. "Thank you so much, Sister Xie!" Ever since that winter years ago, her body had been abnormally cold. Every menstrual cycle was sheer agony. Last time, when she jumped into the freezing water to save Princess Ruyi, she went three months without her period. It did come this month, but she nearly died from the pain in her bed. Xie Run had happened to learn of this and said she would write to her eldest sister, who was a divine doctor, to ask for advice. Concubine Lu hadn't expected a reply so soon. Back at Spring Mountain Courtyard, Xie Run handed the prescription to Concubine Lu. She said in a gentle voice, "Take this prescription for seven days first. Have the household physician look at it first—after he takes your pulse, he can decide whether to adjust the formula." "If the pharmacy staff are snobbish and hold back your medicine, I'll send Dantao over." Tears welled up in Concubine Lu's eyes as she smiled. "Ever since Sister Xie helped me with the allowance matter last time, the servants in the household haven't dared to make things difficult for me." Concubine Lu had grown close to Xie Run, repeatedly serving as her vanguard, with the original intention of attaching herself to someone powerful. But the human heart is made of flesh. Even if it started as nothing more than an exchange of interests, when someone genuinely looks out for you day after day, how could you not be moved? Concubine Lu knew that keeping words of gratitude on her lips was worthless. To live up to Concubine Xie's kindness, she would have to handle everything beautifully. The next day, Concubine Lu brought the healing ointment and went to visit Concubine Lian. When she arrived, she happened to catch Concubine Lian in the middle of her morning meal. More precisely, she saw Wan Linlang feeding Concubine Lian her breakfast. Concubine Lu's face showed surprise. "Why is it this hour and Sister Lian still hasn't had her morning meal?" Concubine Lian instinctively turned her face away, presenting her uninjured side to Concubine Lu. Right after the incident, she had mostly wallowed in self-pity over her background and the child in her womb. But once things settled down, she found it hard to accept the scar on her face. These past few days, whenever she saw anyone, she would always hide her injured side. Wan Linlang said calmly, "It's just that Sister Lian doesn't have much of an appetite today." "That's good to hear." Concubine Lu let out a light sigh of relief. "I was worried the main kitchen might be mistreating Sister Lian." Wan Linlang set down the bowl in her hand and let out a light laugh. "People like us—even if we truly were mistreated, what could we do about it?" "Not like you, Sister Lu. With someone backing you, you speak with more confidence these days." Concubine Lu pretended not to understand the mockery in Wan Linlang's words, and smiled. "It's fine if Sister Wan has to endure some grievances." "But Sister Lian is carrying the Prince's child—how can she be made to suffer?" "I expect the main kitchen doesn't have the nerve." Wan Linlang furrowed her brows, a flicker of disgust passing through her eyes. Though she didn't dare contend with the several Concubine Consorts, she also looked down on girls like Concubine Lu who had climbed into bed to rise in status. In the past, no one in the household thought much of Concubine Lu. Now that Concubine Lu had somehow attached herself to Concubine Xie, she even dared to come before her and gloat with sarcasm. Wan Linlang said, "Since Sister Lu already knows, why bother asking that extra question?" Concubine Lu replied frankly, "I just saw Sister Lian eating at this hour and asked casually—that's all." Her skin was thick, and she didn't take Wan Linlang's words to heart in the slightest. She added, "I've acquired some new healing ointment, hoping it might have some effect on Concubine Lian's facial wounds." Before the two could respond, Concubine Lu had already spoken up: "Since Sister Wan is here, I'll trouble you to examine Concubine Lian and see if this medicine can be used." Concubine Lian instinctively looked toward Wan Linlang, as if she couldn't make decisions on her own. Wan Linlang gave a faint smile. "In that case, I'll gladly oblige." Taking the medicine from Concubine Lu, Wan Linlang examined it thoroughly. Concubine Lian felt a bit embarrassed standing by, but Concubine Lu remained perfectly composed. After the examination, Wan Linlang smiled. "This is indeed a fine healing ointment. It's thoughtful of Sister Lu to go to such trouble." "No trouble at all. As long as Concubine Lian and the child in her belly are safe, no matter how precious the ointment, if I have it, I'm willing to give it to her." Concubine Lian said gently, "Thank you, Sister Lu." Concubine Lu was always quick to seize an opportunity, and she took advantage of this to stay in Concubine Lian's courtyard for most of the day. She didn't leave until the sun had set. The next day, she again came calling at Spring Mountain Court. Xie Run was painting a portrait of Taotao, quite absorbed in the task. Seeing this, Concubine Lu first went to the wet nurse's quarters to see Taotao and play with the child. Taotao was laughing when she heard Dantao whisper in her ear, "The mistress is here." Concubine Lu rose and bowed: "Sister Xie." Xie Run had just washed her hands, and a maid came forward with hand cream to apply for her. She took the opportunity to say, "This morning, a letter arrived from the Prince." Concubine Lu was taken aback. "Is there good news?" She wasn't favored by Prince Jing and had difficulty conceiving. Her original scheme of climbing into his bed was merely to become a concubine, and she held no particular feelings for Prince Jing. Hearing about the Prince now, she only thought that if it were good news, that would be better than bad news. Xie Run's lips curled into a smile, with a hint of meaning: "Naturally, there is." "On his way to Yunzhou, the Prince passed through Taiyuan and happened to discover Prince Taiyuan's intention to raise troops in rebellion. He captured him in time and rendered great merit." "Prince Taiyuan has now been escorted back to the capital."