CHAPTER 568: CHAPTER 557: THE MARCHIONESS’S MAID

Zhong Lang was not oblivious to the way Zhong Huaiwen looked at Zhong Jue; he only felt it ironic and at the same time, desolate. From now on, it seemed he was abandoned by his father!

Ha! He deserved it, after all. What was taken from others always has to be returned; this was just his karmic retribution.

From that day, Aunt Wei was confined, Zhong Yin didn’t leave the residence as frequently, and Zhong Lang studied more fiercely than ever. He was determined to achieve good results in the Imperial Examination three years later; he absolutely could not let himself be outshone by Zhong Jue.

In the Marquis Wei Yuan Mansion, Zhong Lan looked admiringly at her elder brother: "Did you really compel Zhong Lang to sign an agreement on how the property will be divided in the future?"

"Yes," Zhong Jue replied nonchalantly.

"Aren’t you afraid of what others might say?"

"What would they say about me? I don’t care about these things. Lord Wenping is about to get married and come here, I have to offer her a relatively peaceful environment."

Zhong Lan admired him greatly: "Brother, you are really something," and she gave a thumbs up.

Zhong Jue smiled and asked her again with concern, "How are you doing? How are the two children in your belly? Are you comfortable living in the mansion?"

After hearing this, a gentle smile appeared on Zhong Lan’s face: "Everything is fine, the two children are quite obedient, the Old Marquis treats me well, and Second Madam often comes to keep me company. The whole mansion is centered around me, how could anything be bad?"

Zhong Jue looked at her indulgently: "As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters. By the way, have you been in contact with the Marquis? How is he at the border?"

Speaking of the Duke Wei Yuan, Zhong Lan smiled even more: "He’s also doing well. Brother, don’t worry about that, better focus on preparing for the wedding."

However, not long after Zhong Lan spoke these words, an incident occurred with Duan Rongjing. News of his disappearance from the border arrived, and there were even rumors that he had defected to the Turkic. The atmosphere in the capital suddenly became tense, and the military even sieged the Marquis Wei Yuan Mansion.

"Lady, don’t worry, didn’t the Marquis send a letter earlier saying there would be some disturbances soon? If the Marquis could foresee this, it means he definitely has a plan to deal with it. You must not panic at this time, there are many who would like to see trouble befall you and your children. You absolutely cannot let them have their way," Ye Qiu comforted her calmly, though she was somewhat panicked herself, not knowing the script of this world or whether Duke Wei Yuan would ultimately be alright.

"But my heart just isn’t at ease! The Marquis Mansion has been surrounded," Zhong Lan fretfully paced.

"Why don’t we go to the Old Madam then? She must know more and surely has a way to handle this."

However, just as they stepped out of the main gate of Qingfeng Courtyard, they saw the Old Marquis coming with Second Mrs. Shen and the others.

"Grandmother, I was just on my way to find you. How did you all come here?"

The Old Marquis grasped Zhong Lan’s hand: "I was afraid you might overthink, so I came along with the second daughter-in-law to see you. Let’s go back; I have something to tell you."

So, the group returned to Qingfeng Courtyard. Seeing that the Old Marquis and Second Mrs. Shen didn’t seem very nervous, Zhong Lan’s anxiety was slightly eased.

"Old Madam, Second Madam, please have some tea."

"Lanlan, you must have been terrified by what happened early this morning." Second Mrs. Shen sat beside Zhong Lan and then commanded all the servants to leave, "Don’t be afraid, nothing will happen."

"But everyone outside is saying that the Marquis has disappeared, where is he now? Could he be in danger? How did he get involved with the Turkic?" This was what Zhong Lan was most worried about.

Old Madam, with her eyes that have weathered many storms, showed a glint of sharpness: "I believe in my grandson, nothing will happen to him, things at court are unclear, all I can tell you now is that the Holy Emperor’s health isn’t great, the Dean and several Imperial Physicians, who have been taking His Majesty’s pulse regularly, haven’t been home in three days."

Having been born in the Zhong Family, and with Zhong Huaiwen holding a not-so-high position at the Ministry of Rites which is comparatively idle, Zhong Lan didn’t understand these matters well, but anything concerning the Holy Emperor could never be simple.

Moreover, their Marquis Wei Yuan Mansion receives high favor from the Holy Emperor, what would happen to their mansion if something were to happen to the Holy Emperor?

"However, don’t think too much about it, whether the Holy Emperor can pull through is uncertain, and who will succeed him is also uncertain, Rong Jing has foreseen these matters, he wouldn’t be unprepared." Old Madam said with great confidence, "Without specific news from Rong Jing, no one can do anything to us."

Zhong Lan’s heart settled slightly, but her worried expression did not lift.

Second Mrs. Shen couldn’t help but express her concern: "Don’t worry too much, now the most important thing is you and the child in your womb."

"Aunt, I know, I will definitely give birth to these two children safely."

"You’re saying that the Marquis Wei Yuan Mansion has been surrounded by troops?" Inside a secluded small courtyard of the Zhong Residence, Aunt Wei was detained here, and excitement mixed with hatred sparkled in her eyes upon hearing the news from the old nurse next to her.

"Yes, I saw it with my own eyes, now Marquis Wei Yuan Mansion is heavily guarded, no one can enter or leave."

"Hahahaha... delightful, this is truly delightful, that’s their retribution!" Aunt Wei continued somewhat discontentedly, "Then the person I had placed near that wretch, Zhong Lan, can’t make contact either?"

"That’s correct."

"But it doesn’t matter, as long as Zhong Lan meets her retribution, it doesn’t matter who does it." Aunt Wei gritted her teeth with hatred for Zhong Huaiwen, Zhong Lan, and even more for Zhong Jue, feeling endlessly happy with the thought of Zhong Lan being punished.

She always said that wretch Zhong Lan would end up a widow after marrying, but now she would be a widow to a traitor, not even sure if she could keep her little life.

Just before the Dragon Boat Festival, news of a defeat at the border arrived again, Duan Rongjing being neither found alive nor confirmed dead, while the capital became increasingly tense, as if on the brink of chaos.

On the morning of the first day of May, Zhong Lan suddenly felt her stomach begin to contract in waves, and a thin, dense sweat immediately covered her forehead.

"Quick, Yang Chun, go inform the Old Madam and Second Madam that the Lady has gone into labor, Shen Dong, go and ask the soldiers outside to make an accommodation to help invite Doctor Wang and the midwife over, Liu Xia, you go to the kitchen and have the servants boil some hot water, and also stew a bowl of ginseng chicken soup." Seeing that Zhong Lan was not right, Ye Qiu promptly took her pulse, then methodically instructed everyone.

Perhaps it was her calm demeanor, Zhong Lan also lost her earlier nervousness, and the people of Qingfeng Courtyard also began working in orderly haste.

"How can it be half a month early? Fortunately, you are here." Zhong Lan grasped Ye Qiu’s hand, smiling weakly.

"Lady, don’t worry, you are carrying twins, it’s normal to give birth half a month early, and you have been consistently exercising and taking care with your diet, the children will be born smoothly, take your time, I will help you to the birthing room now." Ye Qiu said in a calm and steady manner.