The pregnant woman pressed down on the wife, and the cousin collapsed into the prince's arms.

Thinking of this, she composed herself and asked, "I wonder if Your Highness knows that... the two concubines' bodies have been ruined because they took a contraceptive soup with musk added. I think they came here to seek refuge with Your Highness."

Shen Yunshuang naturally knew everything about the contraceptive soup, but she only knew this secret because of her memories from her past life.

Now… she perfectly timed her expression to one of shock and astonishment, her brows furrowing slightly as she murmured, “Musk? How could such a potent blood-activating substance like musk be added to a contraceptive decoction?”

Lanru looked troubled and was very conflicted, but then she thought that the old lady must have had a reason for assigning her to the concubine.

The old lady truly loved the concubine, so it was right for her to tell the concubine about the Crown Prince's wife's actions.

Having thought of this, she no longer hesitated and told the whole story clearly.

Shen Yunshuang felt relieved. At least she knew that Lanru was on her side, and so was Wang Shi.

With her mind at ease, Shen Yunshuang said no more and let the maid continue to do her makeup.

After her hair was styled and she used pearl powder to even out her face and moisturize her skin, she was free from the weariness of the morning and left with only a fresh and radiant complexion.

She is stunningly beautiful without needing heavy makeup or elaborate adornments.

_

Linglan and Ruichu held warm teacups, having drunk most of the ginger and jujube tea inside. Just as Linglan put the teacup down, the brocade curtain in the inner room was lifted, and Shen Yunshuang slowly walked out.

I had already witnessed her beauty, but back then, Shen Yunshuang was still a young girl waiting to be married, still somewhat naive. Now, her long black hair was styled into a flowing cloud bun, adorned only with a simple hairpin. The mica crystal flower ornaments at her temples shimmered softly, swaying gently with her steps, making her exceptionally beautiful in the gentle winter light.

She was already stunningly beautiful, and now she has shed her childishness, her eyebrows and eyes are delicate and beautiful, and her wonderful eyes are calm and calm, yet even more captivating.

Linglan and Ruichu quickly stood up, both curtsied, and said with perfect manners, "Greetings to the Consort."

"No need for formalities, please have a seat."

Shen Yunshuang walked gracefully to the soft couch by the window and sat down, her tone gentle and relaxed.

Just as she had been scrutinized earlier, Shen Yunshuang was also subtly observing Linglan and Ruichu.

Linglan has clearly changed a lot. She used to be so thin that she was practically skin and bones, but now that she has rested and recuperated, she has become much fuller. She is wearing a lilac-purple jacket and skirt with rue patterns, which makes her face look rosy and her eyes look relaxed. She is no longer as sad and distressed as before.

As for Rui Chu, she wore a slightly worn, color-coated jacket and a moon-white pleated skirt. There was nothing wrong with her, but nothing particularly outstanding either. At this moment, she lowered her eyes and was clearly not very comfortable.

"Your Majesty has been promoted to a concubine. Rui Chu and I should have come to congratulate you sooner, but we were afraid of disturbing you, so we have delayed until now. We have prepared a small gift as a token of our appreciation, and we hope that Your Majesty will accept it."

As he spoke, he pulled up Rui Chu, who seemed a little uncomfortable in this situation and smiled somewhat awkwardly.

Then, the accompanying maid presented the things the two had brought. Linglan brought her own brewed wine, while Ruichu brought a pair of sleeves.

To be honest, these sleeves were made of the most common bluish-gray satin, with a thin layer of cashmere lining, and were nothing special.

But once your eyes fall on it, you can't look away. It is embroidered with silver and gray thread to depict the pattern of honeysuckle with intertwined branches. The stitches are fine and seamless. With the interplay of solid and void stitches, the petals are layered and the fine stems and tendrils are clearly visible, as if they are stretching in the wind, lifelike.

Ordinary plain satin becomes much more elegant and unique after being embellished.

Shen Yunshuang touched it and felt its softness and thickness. She couldn't help but praise, "Such skillful embroidery is truly rare. Ruichu, you've put your heart into it."

Rui Chu's face flushed red, and she spoke with a hint of restraint: "I'm glad Your Highness likes it."

Linglan then took the opportunity to praise Ruichu's needlework, and then, somehow, the conversation turned to Pei Jingnian's painting of plum blossoms in winter. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at the painting and exclaimed in admiration, "Your Highness's brushwork is exquisite, and more importantly, this little poem subtly incorporates your and His Highness's names, truly complementing each other perfectly. It's truly enviable that Your Highness has won His Highness's heart."

Although they were all compliments, Lily of the Valley had the ability to say them naturally without showing any flattery.

Her smooth-talking skills certainly make her a talented person.

Shen Yunshuang secretly calculated in her heart that although in this life she could take revenge on her own without relying on anyone, having more helpers would always be more beneficial than harmful.

Therefore, in the end, Linglan said, "Ruichu and I have been framed and have no way out. If we can get some protection from Your Highness, we will be at Your Highness's beck and call in any matter, big or small, that is of our use."

Shen Yunshuang stroked the jade bracelet on her wrist with her fingers, but did not respond immediately, and the atmosphere in the warm pavilion gradually became tense.

After a long pause, she slowly smiled and said, "What's this talk of assigning tasks? We're all in the Marquis's residence, so we should look after each other. I appreciate your kindness. If I need to ask my two younger sisters for anything in the future, I will ask."