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

Blessed with abundant blessings! May Heaven protect you!

These eight words, each like a needle, pierced Su Wanrou's heart.

She swayed, and if it weren't for Zhou's mother supporting her, she probably would have collapsed to the ground.

Over the years, she has drunk countless bitter medicines, endured countless cold stares, and suffered countless hardships in her attempt to conceive, but all to no avail!

Shen Yunshuang, an orphan of lowly status and a sickly girl born weak, has been the sole favorite in the mansion for several months and is now pregnant!

Why?! Is she really just lucky?! She's not reconciled! Not reconciled!

Overwhelming jealousy, resentment, and hatred clung to Su Wanrou like vines, almost suffocating her.

However, Dr. Zhang's words truly resonated with Madam Wang, who nodded in agreement with a beaming smile: "Dr. Zhang is absolutely right. Shuang'er is indeed a person of great fortune."

Wang Shi had always known about Yun Shuang's health, and now that she was able to conceive so quickly, what else could it be but a sign of great fortune?

Seeing Su Wanrou's discomposure, Madam Wang was displeased. As a woman herself, she could understand Su Wanrou's suffering from not being able to conceive for many years, but she absolutely could not allow her to have the slightest malice towards Yunshuang or the child in her womb.

Her smile faded slightly, and a hint of displeasure appeared in her eyes. She said to Su Wanrou, "Wanrou, Shuang'er's pregnancy is a joyous occasion. This pregnancy is hard-won, and everyone in the household must take good care of her and accommodate her in every way. No mistakes can be tolerated. As the Crown Prince's wife, you must prioritize the overall situation and take good care of the concubine so that she can give birth to her child safely."

These words were incredibly disrespectful to Su Wanrou. Under the intense gazes of Madam Wang and Pei Jingnian, Su Wanrou had no choice but to suppress all her anger. She clenched her teeth so tightly that she tasted blood in her mouth before managing a stiff smile and saying with difficulty, "Daughter-in-law... I will remember this. I am naturally happy from the bottom of my heart that my sister is pregnant."

On this joyous day, Madam Wang was overjoyed. Seeing that Su Wanrou had regained her composure and returned to her dignified demeanor, she did not pursue the matter further.

Pei Jingnian, on the other hand, did not spare a single thought for Su Wanrou from beginning to end. His mind and eyes were now only on the frail woman in his arms and their unborn child.

Thinking of Shen Yunshuang's vomiting and discomfort earlier, he couldn't help but worry. He turned to Doctor Zhang and asked, "Shuang'er vomited incessantly just now, is she alright?"

Doctor Zhang respectfully replied, "Your Highness, there is no need to panic. Vomiting is just a common symptom of morning sickness. If Your Highness is still worried, I can prescribe a few doses of mild herbal decoction to help stabilize the pregnancy and strengthen the body."

Although Pei Jingnian was over twenty years old, he had never been a father, let alone seen a pregnant woman. In addition, Shen Yunshuang was naturally weak, which made him paranoid.

Doctor Zhang's words were exactly what he wanted to hear, and he immediately agreed, "What you say makes sense. I would be grateful if you could prescribe a remedy to ensure a safe pregnancy based on Yunshuang's constitution, so that we can be completely at ease."

"Yes, Your Highness." Doctor Zhang bowed and replied, then carefully gave many instructions on daily taboos, saying that although the concubine's pregnancy was stable, she was naturally weak and needed to take good care of herself to stabilize the fetus. First, she should not get upset or angry; second, she should not be exposed to wind or cold; and third, she should not overwork herself. Pei Jingnian and Madam Wang listened very attentively, wishing they could hold Shen Yunshuang in the palm of their hands.

As Doctor Zhang spoke, Shen Yunshuang nestled obediently in Pei Jingnian's arms. Out of the corner of her eye, she kept observing Su Wanrou's expression. Seeing that Su Wanrou's face was pale and bluish, she was clearly furious, yet she still had to maintain the dignity of a principal wife. Shen Yunshuang felt extremely pleased.

As soon as Doctor Zhang finished speaking, Shen Yunshuang grasped Pei Jingnian's hand and said in a soft voice, "Young Master, Yunshuang is feeling tired and would like to return to Ningxiang Pavilion to rest and recuperate."

This warm pavilion was merely a temporary residence next to the Qinfang Pavilion, and it was not suitable for her to stay for long. Upon hearing that she was feeling tired, Pei Jingnian readily agreed and gently comforted her, "Alright, let's go back now."

Madam Wang was also giving instructions to the servants to prepare a sedan chair, clearly not wanting Shen Yunshuang to be even slightly tired. She then stepped forward and instructed Shen Yunshuang with eyes full of love and pity: "Shuang'er, you don't need to think about anything now, just focus on taking good care of your pregnancy. If there's anything in this mansion that makes you unhappy, just tell me."

Shen Yunshuang had a gentle expression, with a soft light in her eyes. She gently shook her head: "My aunt and the young master love me so much, how could Shuang'er feel wronged? Shuang'er only asks to live a peaceful life from now on and to give birth to the child in her womb safely."

Su Wanrou stood aside, watching helplessly as her husband embraced another woman like a precious jewel, with everyone in the mansion doting on her. She had only just been diagnosed with pregnancy, yet she couldn't even walk. Her heart felt as if it had been torn apart and shattered into pieces.

But at this moment, she had to suppress her jealousy and resentment, and adopt the attitude befitting a principal wife. She slowly stepped forward and forced a gentle tone, saying, "Sister, you only need to focus on your pregnancy. I will take care of all the affairs in the mansion and will not let any trivial matters bother you."

Shen Yunshuang blinked and smiled, "Thank you, sister."

Su Wanrou clenched her hands tightly in her sleeves. That feeling came again. The gentle tone and sweet smile sent a chill down her spine, as if a cold, venomous snake had coiled around her neck.

-

Shen Yunshuang was escorted back to Ningxiang Pavilion by Pei Jingnian and Madam Wang. Su Wanrou walked out of the warm pavilion, her feigned composure crumbling inch by inch, her eyes churning with an unyielding gloom. She returned to Jinlan Courtyard with a cold face, and as soon as she stepped into the room, she abruptly slammed down a row of teacups on the table.

"Splash—"

A piercing rustling sound suddenly rang out, and the broken porcelain scattered all over the floor was like Su Wanrou's collapsed rationality at this moment.

After dismissing everyone and closing the door, Madam Zhou went to help Su Wanrou, who had collapsed to the ground, to her feet. Her eyes were filled with heartache and pity: "Miss, I know you're suffering, but things are far from hopeless. You must hold on!"

Su Wanrou lowered her head, a bitter smile on her face. Her eyes were bloodshot, and her voice was hoarse and distorted: "Mother, I'm so unwilling! I've been married into the Marquis's mansion for three years, seeking medical treatment every day, hoping to conceive a child, but each time I've failed. Shen Yunshuang, on the other hand, became pregnant after only a few months in the mansion. What path do I have left? You saw how much pity the young master and the old lady showed her. Once the child is born, where will I have a place in this mansion!"

Her voice was shrill, each word filled with anguish. Seeing her pampered young lady driven to such madness by a concubine, how could Zhou's mother not feel hatred?

A cold, sinister glint flashed in her eyes, her voice low yet clear: "Ten months of pregnancy, one day of childbirth, and successfully delivering the child—it's not an easy thing. Why worry unnecessarily, Miss? As long as we plan carefully, whether we keep the child or let it die in the womb, it will simply be in accordance with your wishes."