In the morning, the Rong princess paid her respects, claiming she was unwell and couldn’t attend regularly. She soon left after a short visit. Clever palace maids whispered that the princess slept all day, craved sour foods, and needed help bathing. Though Weilin had just married, she worried, especially after Xi Linxuan’s words about the princess “disappearing soon.”
The princess paid her respects without meeting outsiders, and her attendants were replaced by Rong people. In this mansion, she seemed more like a guest but rumors began to spread. Weilin was quick-tempered.
Although this woman had not stolen her husband, she couldn’t tolerate anyone tarnishing her reputation. One day, when Xi Linxuan was absent, she decided to confront the princess. The maids tried to stop her, but after some persuasion and threats, they let her pass.
The princess appeared worried and had lost weight since arriving. Weilin suppressed her anger and adopted a caring smile: “I heard the princess is ill. Has the national doctor seen you? It seems there’s been no improvement. Why don’t I examine you? We in Yan Kingdom have a unique diagnostic method. I learned a bit during my time in the inner chambers.”
The princess agreed, and Weilin, who had only read medical books superficially, carefully examined her through a mix of coaxing and intimidation.
“Madam, good news. Looking at the pulse, it should be about a month along,” Weilin said slowly, observing the madam’s expression.
“I know; don’t worry, it’s your lame husband’s child. Marrying him was just an expedient measure,” the madam replied contemptuously.
Weilin stared at her and suddenly slapped her: “As a lowly concubine, how dare you speak of your husband with such disdain. My husband may be limited in mobility, but his noble character is something a mere concubine could only look up to.”
Although some say the Rong people do not understand etiquette and shame, one should not let others look down on them. Kindness should not be forgotten.
It was the first time she had raised her hand to hit someone, and her hand and heart both ached.
What wrong had she and Xi Linxuan done to endure such humiliation? Heavens, how unfair!
This was the first time Wei Lin, who had always accepted her fate, felt dissatisfied.
