Chapter 981: Chapter 828, Princess Consort Ma Dies

Princess Consort Ma truly was a veteran of the inner palace halls, her sense of awareness in all matters could not be said to be anything less than sharp.

These past few days, though Luo Qiong went to great lengths to conceal it, every time she visited Chen Courtyard, the Princess Consort saw the panic in her eyes.

If it were just the maidservant’s words before, she might have approached the situation with suspicion seeking confirmation, but after Luo Qiong returned from the Duke Residence and then immediately wanted to go to the temple to pray for blessings, the Princess Consort’s suspicions soared.

Luo Qiong was definitely hiding something!

The more Princess Consort Ma thought about it, the more angry and resentful she became, while also becoming somewhat fearful and worried, worried that Luo Qiong had indeed done something to betray her son.

No, it couldn’t be.

Princess Consort Ma shook her head, refusing to believe her suspicions. After all, Luo Qiong was a legitimate daughter brought up by the Duke Residence, and it was impossible that she would act unchastely–that would not just be a disgrace to her son, but also a smear on the Duke Residence.

Although Princess Consort Ma was denying to herself that Luo Qiong could have betrayed Xiao Yechen, on the other hand, she became even more anxious to find someone to ascertain the gestational age of the child in Luo Qiong’s womb.

“Go tell the Big Nanny, I’ll join her later for the temple prayers.”

After instructing the maid, Princess Consort Ma immediately summoned the nanny who managed affairs: “I remember there was a midwife skilled in delivery and medicine in my sister-in-law’s chamber, go back to the Ma Residence and bring that old woman to the temple.”

She had thought about calling for the Imperial Physician to the residence, but the thought of Luo Qiong possibly having wronged her son extinguished that idea.

She had to consider her son’s reputation. If Luo Qiong had really conducted herself unchastely, the matter had to be dealt with secretly and privately, not a hint of it could be leaked.

When Luo Qiong learned that Princess Consort Ma would be joining her at the temple, she became extremely agitated: “It’s all Yan Yiyi’s fault, if she hadn’t carelessly mentioned my belly’s size, Mother and husband wouldn’t be paying so much attention to it.”

Xue Ling and Xue Qiao both stood to the side, heads bowed, not daring to respond.

Xue Qiao glanced at the bulge in her mistress’s abdomen–if it had been winter, they might have had a chance to conceal it, but now that the weather was getting warmer and clothes were naturally lighter, anyone paying even a slight bit of attention could see that the month of her pregnancy was not right.

Originally, there had been no conflict between Pingxi Hall and Chen Courtyard, but after the mistress got pregnant, she had to go and provoke the Second Lady. The Second Lady was tough to begin with; it’d be strange if she didn’t clash with the mistress.

Regardless of her reluctance, in the end, Luo Qiong could do nothing but put on a forced smile and join Princess Consort Ma in the same carriage.

As soon as they left, Xiao Yeyang personally led people to follow them.

…

The Duchess from the Duke Residence, who had been keeping a close watch on Prince Ping’s residence, also learned for the first time of Princess Consort Ma taking her daughter to the temple to pray, worried that the Princess Consort might secretly have a doctor check her daughter’s pulse. She immediately ordered the preparation of a carriage and hurriedly followed.

After Luo Qiong arrived at the temple with Princess Consort Ma, she behaved herself and stayed closely by her side, without looking for an opportunity to leave alone.

Big Brother Chi only asked her to pray at the temple, but did not tell her how to make contact or meet up. Therefore, she could do nothing but wait patiently for him.

Princess Consort Ma secretly watched Luo Qiong’s reactions, and seeing that she was calmly and earnestly praying, she breathed a sigh of relief.

She kept persuading herself that though not many women showed signs of pregnancy in the first three months, it was not unheard of. Perhaps her daughter-in-law had a special constitution?

At this moment, Princess Consort Ma even lost the desire to have the Ma family’s midwife check her daughter-in-law’s belly.

However, it was at this time that the Duchess made her appearance.

Seeing the full-faced, beaming Duchess walking towards them, Princess Consort Ma frowned again, and the doubts she had just put away surged back, stronger than before.

In her eyes, the trip to the temple for prayers today was a prearranged plan by mother and daughter.

Luo Qiong looked at the Duchess in surprise, not understanding why her mother had come.

However, with the arrival of the Duchess, it didn’t take long for Luo Qiong to meet Xiao Yechi.

Hidden among the branches of the ancient trees in the temple, Xiao Yeyang witnessed Xiao Yechi embracing Luo Qiong inside the wing room, his face still showing some surprise.

Surprise that Xiao Yechi had actually not died!

Surprise that Xiao Yechi had the audacity to return to the capital!

Even more surprising was that Xiao Yechi dared, under such circumstances, to have an affair with Luo Qiong, and even impregnated her!

Inside the temple wing room, Luo Qiong passionately returned Xiao Yechi’s kisses, attempting to make up for all the time they had missed.

At last, Xiao Yechi released Luo Qiong first, sat up, and placed his head on her stomach, “Has our son been giving you any trouble?”

Luo Qiong’s face carried a sweet smile, “The child has been very good, just some morning sickness at the start, but otherwise, he hasn’t caused me any trouble.”

While speaking, the smile on her face faded a bit.

“It’s just that my mother-in-law seems to be getting suspicious, saying she wants to find another Imperial Physician to take my pulse again. Brother Chi, what should we do about this?”

A murderous intent flashed through Xiao Yechi’s eyes, “Let her find one. I’ll make arrangements with the Imperial Medical Bureau. However, if she keeps on pursuing this, we might as well go to the extreme and simply kill her.”

Hearing this, Luo Qiong’s heart tightened. She didn’t like the Princess Consort of Ma Family, but she had never thought about killing her, “Let’s see how it goes. With my clothes being so thin, it really is hard to conceal my belly. If the second Imperial Physician examines me and she remains suspicious… then we’ll do as you say.”

A smile appeared on Xiao Yechi’s face, and he gently stroked Luo Qiong’s cheek, “That’s more like it. Being too kind-hearted is not good for a woman of Xiao Yechi.”

Luo Qiong replied solemnly, “Don’t worry, I will protect our child. I won’t let anyone who threatens him get away with it.”

Xiao Yechi’s gaze softened, embracing Luo Qiong and stroking her belly, “Qiongqiong, this child is the continuation of our lives. He must be born safely and grow up smoothly.”

Even though the Princess of Tartars had already borne him two sons, deep down, he still desired to have a child of pure blood, with only the blood of the Daxia people.

Luo Qiong nodded affirmatively, “He will be fine. I will raise him and make sure he inherits the title of the Prince Residence.”

Xiao Yechi leaned down and deeply inhaled the fragrance of Luo Qiong’s hair, “My woman should be just like you.”

Just as Xiao Yechi was caressing Luo Qiong’s cheek, intending to be intimate once again, he suddenly noticed a slight movement outside the window among the ancient trees. In an instant, he stood up, without saying a word, leapt out of the window.

Luo Qiong was startled but watched as Xiao Yechi disappeared from sight with a few swift jumps, a smile curling up on her lips. Her man should be just like this.

Decisive and brave in action, swift and vigorous in action, always in control; not like Xiao Yechen, who only knew how to pay lip service and had to fawn and flatter to seek status and position–a complete waste.

While pondering these thoughts, the door to the wing room suddenly creaked open.

Luo Qiong turned around and saw the Princess Consort of Ma Family walk in with a nanny. Sensing the nanny’s strange look at her, she smiled and quickly asked, “Mother Consort, where is my mother?”

The Princess Consort of Ma Family sat down on a chair before speaking, “Your mother has gone to pray for blessings and peace.” Then, turning to the nanny beside her, “Nanny Wang, go feel my daughter-in-law’s belly, check if my grandson is alright?”

Upon hearing this, Luo Qiong’s face drastically changed, and she began retreating, hands over her stomach, “Mother Consort, what are you trying to do?”

The Princess Consort of Ma Family watched Luo Qiong’s face, her gaze growing colder, “What are you afraid of? Nanny Wang is very good with pregnant women, let her take a look for you.”

Luo Qiong kept backing away, refusing to let Nanny Wang come close.

Nanny Wang looked towards the Princess Consort of Ma Family, “Your Highness, there’s no need to feel. The lady’s child is at least four months along.”

Hearing this, the Princess Consort of Ma Family slammed her hand on the table with a bang. Just as she was about to speak, she felt a warm liquid flowing down her neck. She reached up to touch it and then saw that her hands were covered in fresh blood.

The Princess Consort of Ma Family turned in shock and saw Xiao Yechi standing in the room, expressionless, watching her. Then she fell backwards with a ‘bang,’ taking her last breath with an expression of disbelief still etched on her face.

Indeed, she never would have thought she would die so quietly at the hands of Luo Qiong’s adulterous lover!