Chapter 229: Strange Scent

By the time Ye Jiayao and Xia Chunyu returned to the Marquis’ mansion, it was already dinner time. They went straight to the main house after changing their clothes.

Because both Qiao and Liu Li were pregnant, they were unable to join them for dinner and Ye Jiayao became the only daughter-in-law sitting at the dining table.

Xia You seemed to be in a bad mood as she asked, “Jinxuan, have you visited Liu Li?”

Ye Jiayao replied embarrassedly, “Not yet, Mother. I arrived late yesterday and I was afraid I would disturb Liu Li’s rest. This morning, I had to accompany Ah Ruan to the Helian Prince’s mansion…”

“It is just a visit. It won’t take much time,” You said, her displeasure clear.

Chunyu interjected, “Mother, our visit to the Helian Prince’s mansion has been scheduled since yesterday. We didn’t know that Third Sister-in-law is unwell at that time.”

You glared at her son. He’s always so eager to defend his wife, he doesn’t even see that his wife was in the wrong. How many times have Jinxuan gone over to visit Liu Li ever since they found out she’s pregnant?

Meanwhile, when she found out the Qiao was pregnant, she immediately went straight to visit her.

You was being hard because she wished for Jinxuan and Liu Li to get along better. Jinxuan’s older than Liu Li so she needed to act more mature. What’s wrong with being the first one to extend the olive branch?

Ye Jiayao noticed You’s sour look and quickly gave Chunyu a meaningful glance.

“Mother, I would go over to visit her with Chunyu after dinner,” she said.

No way she’s going over there without Chunyu. With two pregnant women in the house, she could not afford to offend anyone. If something goes wrong…

Chunfeng said, “Mother, you don’t have to be so worried. Liu Li’s condition is not that serious. She’s actually looking better today. Besides, Second Sister-in-law’s busy with business too.”

“A woman’s job is to assist her husband and educate her children. Don’t get your priorities wrong,” You said, her tone a little harsh.

Xia Chunyu felt his heart contract at the word ‘children’. What did his mother mean by that? She knew about Yaoyao’s struggle to conceive and yet she made that comment. Wasn’t she afraid that she’d make his wife feel bad?

He still hasn’t told Yaoyao about her condition and he purposefully steered clear of this topic, but his mother’s blowing the whole thing. Her comment was a clear shot at Yaoyao since out of the three daughters-in-law, she’s the only one who doesn’t have any children yet.

He opened his mouth to say something but he saw Yaoyao shake her head at him, her eyes pleading.

“We’re eating, why is there so much talking going on?” the Old Marquis finally said.

Xia You put her bowl down and said with controlled anger, “You guys finish your meal, I am full.”

When You walked off, Ye Jiayao moved to follow her, but the Old Marquis stopped her.

She had no choice but to sit back down. She pushed her food around, unable to gain her appetite back. She knew that her mother-in-law just wanted to improve hers and Liu Li’s relationship, but she couldn’t trust the Princess.

The more gentle and virtuous Liu Li appeared to be, the more she worried. Her gut has been telling her that something was wrong and she couldn’t let her guard down.

Xia Chunyu looked at Yaoyao, his heart aching. He peeled a prawn and placed it in her bowl. “Eat first and I will come with you to visit her later.”

Chunfeng piped in, “Second Brother, there is no need for that. Mother is just kicking up a fuss over nothing.”

The Old Marquis glared at Chunfeng and the latter quieted, turning his attention back to his food.

After dinner, the three of them proceeded to Liu Li’s room. However, since it wasn’t proper for a man to enter a woman’s bedroom, only Chunfeng accompanied Ye Jiayao in.

As soon as she stepped inside the room, Ye Jiayao smelled a particular strange fragrance. Her sense of smell has always been better than most people, but she couldn’t recall what the smell was off the top of her head.

Liu Li was leaning on the bed, her complexion pale, and her eyes unfocused.

“Liu Li, Second Sister-in-law is here to visit you,” Chunfeng said.

Liu Li woke up from her daze and turned to them, her lips tipping up into a smile upon seeing Jinxuan. “Second Sister-in-law, you’re here! Little Ya, quick, get a stool.”

Little Ya brought an embroidered stool over and placed it by the side of the bed.

Ye Jiayao took a seat and asked gently, “I heard that you are feeling unwell. Are you better now?”

Liu Li smiled. “It is not a big deal. I’m just getting bored. You know me, I love to run around outside. In the past springtimes, I would always be outside. This year, I can’t go anywhere because of my pregnancy.”

“Your baby is more important right now,” Ye Jiayao replied. “Once the child is born and after you have recuperated, Chunfeng can take you out.”

“That’s right. Just focus on the child right now. Once our baby’s born, we can go anywhere you want,” Chunfeng said.

Liu Li laughed bitterly. “That’s still months away. Right now, it’s so difficult to even find someone to talk to since Chunfeng has his work. Third Auntie used to visit me more often but now that Third Uncle has become the assistant minister, Third Aunt has more socializing to do. I can’t ask Big Sister-in-law since she’s also pregnant. Aye… I’m getting lonely cooped up in here alone.”

This was the first time Jinxuan heard her say something so sentimental that she almost started to sympathize with her.

“Second Sister-in-law, can you come often to chat with me in the future?” Liu Li asked, looking at Jinxuan with eyes full of anticipation.

Ye Jiayao almost agreed but then she remembered Reverend Ji Ren’s warning. “I will be busy these next couple of days. I will come to visit you when I am free.”

Seeing that Liu Li doesn’t seem to be very energetic, Ye Jiayao only chatted with her for a few more minutes.

Chunfeng walked both her and Chunyu to the entrance of the courtyard. Chunyu reminded his little brother to take good care of Liu Li before they parted ways.

“How is Liu Li?” Chunyu asked Yaoyao.

Ye Jiayao shook her head, lost in thought. “She doesn’t seem to be very well. She said that it’s just because she is too bored.”

“I guess it’s tough for a free spirit like her to be stuck in her room.”

She nodded absent-mindedly. No, something else was wrong.

Chunyu mistook her quietness as worry for Liu Li and immediately assured her, “She’ll be fine. If there’s a problem, Imperial Physician Li would have already reported it to the Empress Dowager.”

She just nodded again. She hoped so.

When they got to their courtyard, Xiang Tao came running over, a stack of paper in her hands.

“Heir-son Lord, Second Young Mistress,” Xiang Tao greeted hastily.

Ye Jiayao asked, “What is that in your hands?”

Xiang Tao smiled and answered, “These are some designs that I got from the embroidery room. The Dragon Boat Festival is almost here and I am going to make a pouch for Heir-Son Lord and Second Young Mistress!”

Suddenly, something clicked in Ye Jiayao’s mind.

Dragon Boat Festival, scented pouches, wormwood…

The fragrance she was smelling earlier was wormwood. It was masked by the strong scent of ambergris, but it was definitely there.

Wormwood is used for improving blood circulation.

Could there be a problem with Liu Li’s baby?

Ye Jiayao was now certain that the calamity that Reverend Ji Ren was talking about had something to do with Liu Li.

No matter what, she had to stay away from Liu Li’s place in the next few days. Not even her servants should go anywhere near her.

“What are you thinking about? We’re home,” Chunyu asked, lightly tugging at her hand with a smile.

Ye Jiayao came back to her senses and said a bit shyly, “Chunyu, I should be making you this pouch. I haven’t made you anything yet.”

He laughed involuntarily. Was that the only thing she’s worried about?

“I… I am not good with needlework,” Ye Jiayao confessed. She knew that in the ancient time, needlework was one of the important ways to gauge a woman’s capability. However, the original host was not good at it and she’s even worse. She could carve flowers from radishes, but it’s difficult for her to embroider a flower with needles.

“Qiao Xi and Xiang Tao are here to take care of these things. You cannot do embroidery but you can cook and you’re good at business. You’re more than capable. I can’t ask for more,” Xia Chunyu reassured her.

She was unconvinced though. When she was studying in university, she knitted a scarf for a senior that she had a crush on. It turned out like a belt so she didn’t bother giving it to him. Regardless, she knitted a scarf for another man, she must make something for her husband too.

She planned on asking Qiao Xi to pick up a simple yet pretty design so that she could make a pouch for Chunyu. She would insist that he brings it around with him everywhere.

While Chunyu was bathing, Ye Jiayao called Qiao Xi and Xiang Tao over.

“I will be going to the farmlands for a short stay with the Heir-Son Lord tomorrow. Xiang Tao, I am bringing you, Ying Tao, and Xue Ye along with me.”

Qiao Xi could not help but feel disappointed. Didn’t Second Young Mistress always bring her along? Did she do something wrong?

Xiang Tao nodded excitedly. This was the first time that Second Young Mistress would bring her out and she’s elated.

Ye Jiayao then ordered Xiang Tao to make some preparations and asked Qiao Xi to stay behind.

“Qiao Xi, do you know why I’m not bringing you along this time?”

Qiao Xi shook her head.

“Because I have an even more important task for you. You’re the only one I can trust this with.

Qiao Xi regained her spirit and looked at Second Young Mistress expectantly.

Ye Jiayao continued, “Yesterday in the mountains, Reverend Ji Ren told me that I would run into trouble with some villains. Just now, when I went to Third Young Mistress’s room, I could vaguely smell the scent of wormwood…”

Qiao Xi’s expression changed slightly. She understood what the Second Young Mistress meant. The trip that she’s taking was a cover to distance herself from the potential problems in the mansion. It was wise for her to heed Reverend Ji Ren’s warning.

“Therefore, I want you to stay behind and help me keep watch of the people in the courtyard. For these next days, do not leave unless necessary and never step foot in Third Young Mistress’ place. Do not interfere with matters that have to do with her. Even if you’re ordered by Madam, just pretend to be sick. Just stay away from them so that we don’t bring trouble to ourselves.

“You need to take charge of this Qiao Xi. There’s no one else I’d entrust this with.”

Qiao Xi nodded solemnly. “Second Young Mistress, I won’t disappoint you. I will follow all your instructions and make sure that everyone in the courtyard does too.”

She knew that if anything bad happens, it will implicate Third Young Mistress’ unborn child and that would mean death.