Chapter 21: With Child

Shen Qingyun had enjoyed a restful sleep, and upon rising, she heard that something had happened at the Warm Jade Pavilion.

"What happened?" She asked carelessly as her maid attended to her toilette.

"I heard that Fortune, who serves the Madam, was caught late last night. She was found in the stables, engaging in an illicit affair with a servant. She’s been tied up now, awaiting the Madam’s judgment once the household matters have been settled."

Yi Cui’s gaze flickered as she looked at Shen Qingyun before her. Unconsciously, nearly two months had passed since Shen Qingyun returned to the residence. Her complexion had grown ever fairer and more delicate; now, when she changed clothes, even the slender line of her neck and the curve of her cheek were exquisite to behold. In her every movement, there was none of the awkwardness or rustic air she once carried upon entering the household.

Yi Cui never dared to meet Shen Qingyun’s eyes directly. Though she was just a young girl, those deep pupils always seemed to carry a chill, as if they could see straight through to the heart.

Was Fortune’s predicament connected to Miss?

Yi Cui did not dare ask—she merely sped up her hands as she worked.

Once Shen Qingyun was dressed, she made her way to the Warm Jade Pavilion to see for herself.

Just as she reached the entrance, she saw Steward Wang standing outside in the courtyard, speaking to Madam Chen with an anxious and perplexed expression. “Madam, tell me the truth. I’ve heard something happened to Fortune—is it true?”

Clearly, rumors of such affairs spread quickly in a grand household like this; one night was enough for the whole residence to be abuzz. Steward Wang, however, found it hard to believe and thought it was just idle gossip among the servants.

After all, his own son, whether in looks, status, or prospects, was far superior to that stable hand Liu Shuan.

Madam Chen could only sigh repeatedly. “The Madam is busy with household matters and hasn’t yet questioned Fortune properly. You should leave now. But let me give you some advice—you’d best forget about that engagement and find a better match for your son.”

Steward Wang’s face turned grim. Clearly, her words implied there truly was an issue with Fortune.

He shook his head, defeated.

Shen Qingyun said nothing and walked straight inside, where several stewardesses were reporting on the affairs of the household. Two of them kept glancing around furtively, clearly trying to see if Fortune was present.

Seeing Shen Qingyun arrive, and as their business was nearly done, Lady Han sent everyone away.

“Mother, are you alright? Did you not rest well last night?” Shen Qingyun asked, noticing the dark shadows under Lady Han’s eyes and the exhaustion on her face, feeling a pang of concern.

“Qingyun, why are you here? You’re still young; you needn’t concern yourself with such matters. Go back to the Reed Pavilion,” Lady Han said, patting her daughter’s head, unwilling to let her be involved in such sordid affairs.

“Mother, I’m not a child anymore. Next year I’ll come of age. Let me stay and help you.”

Looking into her daughter’s clear, devoted eyes, Lady Han’s heart softened.

Indeed, after Qingyun came of age next year, they would have to consider her betrothal. She couldn’t protect her forever; life in a grand household was complex, and Qingyun would need to learn to fend for herself.

“Very well.” Lady Han sighed, bringing Shen Qingyun into her private chambers and instructing a maid, “Go and fetch Fortune.”

Madam Chen entered then, apparently after Steward Wang had left. She said nothing and simply stood silently at Lady Han’s side.

When Fortune was brought in, she was still wearing last night’s clothes, the faint stench of manure about her. Her eyes were vacant, her hair disheveled—gone was any trace of her former docility.

“Fortune, do you have anything to say for yourself?” Lady Han asked.

Startled by the question, Fortune looked up at Lady Han and finally burst into tears, kneeling and kowtowing. “Madam, I beg you to spare me. I was taken and violated by that stable hand—I am innocent, truly! I did not have an affair with him.”

Shen Qingyun looked puzzled. “Fortune, you were safe in the Warm Jade Pavilion. How could Liu Shuan have entered the inner quarters and dragged you out?”

Fortune’s body trembled. “Miss, I was feeling restless last night and couldn’t sleep, so I went out for some air. I didn’t expect… I didn’t expect…”

Perhaps recalling the humiliation of the previous night, she broke down, sobbing uncontrollably.

Seeing her like this, Lady Han felt a pang of compassion. Fortune had served her for many years, and she couldn’t believe she would take a liking to a crude man like Liu Shuan.

But something like this not only brought shame to Fortune, but also cast a shadow over Lady Han herself. She had to act.

“It’s come to this. You’ll be sent to the estate. If you are indeed innocent, with time, perhaps you may find an honest man to marry.” Lady Han could not bring herself to sell Fortune outright.

As for Liu Shuan, he was not so fortunate. He’d been soundly beaten last night, and this morning had been handed over to the slave broker—no doubt he’d be sold off for hard labor.

Fortune knew she couldn’t implicate the Marquis. This outcome was already a mercy. Besides, on the estate, she might still have a chance to see the Marquis. She hurriedly expressed her gratitude.

“Wait.” Shen Qingyun suddenly spoke, smiling slightly. “Mother, the stables are in the outer court. Even if Fortune was restless, could she really wander outside in the dead of night? Since she insists on her innocence, why not have her examined before making a final decision?”

Lady Han frowned, realizing that handling the matter so hastily might invite gossip among the servants.

But before Lady Han could reply, Fortune cried out shrilly, “Miss, can’t you let me live? I swear I am innocent!”

Her outburst startled everyone present. Madam Chen immediately scolded her, “Impudent girl! How dare you speak to the young lady like that!”

Realizing she’d lost control, Fortune dropped to her knees, weeping. “I didn’t mean it. It’s just, after what happened…”

But her rudeness to Shen Qingyun had already darkened Lady Han’s expression. No longer willing to listen, she waved her hand, signaling the stewardesses to take Fortune away for examination.

Now truly terrified, Fortune began to struggle, wailing and resisting violently. She even started to retch, a far cry from her usual meek demeanor.

Seeing this, Lady Han’s heart gave a jolt. Madam Chen exchanged a meaningful glance with another old maid, who quickly tightened her grip, stuffed a cloth in Fortune’s mouth, and dragged her out.

Madam Chen whispered, “Madam, I fear…”

Lady Han closed her eyes, pressing her hand to her brow, saying nothing, her brow knit tightly.

Shen Qingyun, however, sat calmly, sipping her tea, already considering how best to direct suspicion toward Shen Zhifeng.

After a while, one of the maids returned. “Madam, the girl… she is no longer chaste.”

Lady Han nodded, signaling her understanding. The maid, emboldened, added, “Madam, if I may… it seemed to me—perhaps I am mistaken—but the girl looks as if she might be pregnant.”