TSWRLM -Chapter 380 Hired an Imperial Physician

Although Xiao Qinghe was very disappointed with Xie Fu’s performance, she still sent someone promptly to pass the news of Madam Yu to Chun Xi.

Early the next morning, Chun Xi asked her elder sister-in-law, Madam Qian, to visit the Yu family.

Before the New Year, Chun Xi had already arranged for Jiang Tao to come to the mansion to teach An’an dance. Because of the holiday, Jiang Tao had only come twice, but now that the Lantern Festival had passed, Jiang Tao arrived early at the Shen residence to continue teaching.

During the lesson, Chun Xi didn’t interfere. She waited until Jiang Tao finished teaching before bringing tea and snacks.

“Mother, do you think I’m amazing?”

An’an eagerly showed off what she had learned. Although her movements were clumsy and she showed no natural talent for dancing, Chun Xi still praised her, albeit against her heart: “Amazing! You’ve only learned three times, and your leg can already go that high. Even your mother can’t do that.”

An’an was delighted. After having a piece of snack, she ran off to demonstrate her dance to Nanny Zhang, Nanny Li, and her wet nurse maids.

As An’an left, Jiang Tao was also about to take her leave. Chun Xi called after her: “Miss Jiang Tao, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you. May I take a little of your time?”

Jiang Tao immediately bowed respectfully: “Please speak, Madam Shen.”

“Before the New Year, Madam Yu asked someone to find the eldest Miss Xiao. She said that Master Yu had transferred his affections elsewhere, and even went so far as to poison his original wife—Madam Yu—causing her multiple miscarriages. Now the poisoning is severe, and her life is near its end. Madam Yu asked us to intervene, to help her divorce Master Yu, and to claim half of his estate. What do you think of this?”

Jiang Tao’s eyes widened. She hadn’t expected Chun Xi to bring up Madam Yu, and Chun Xi spoke so directly.

After the initial shock, Jiang Tao lowered her head and said: “This is a matter between Madam and Master. I dare not comment.”

“From what I know, you are already pregnant. If Madam Yu dies, you could gain status through your child and be officially recognized. Master Yu’s estate would also eventually be inherited by your child. You would be the greatest beneficiary among them.”

Chun Xi hit the point precisely. Instinctively, Jiang Tao reached to touch her belly.

Her pregnancy was still in its early months, so her bump wasn’t visible yet. Touching her belly now yielded no sensation, yet there was indeed a small life inside her.

Pain flickered in Jiang Tao’s eyes. She shook her head: “I’ve never thought about gaining anything. I only hope this child can be born safely and grow up peacefully.”

“I heard that your dance carries the true legacy of Madam Yu. She taught you all her skills and clearly valued you greatly. Why would you repay her kindness with betrayal, snatch her husband, and even flaunt your pregnancy in front of her, pushing her to vomit blood?”

Chun Xi’s face turned cold, her tone accusatory. Jiang Tao, intimidated by her presence, stepped back and shook her head: “I didn’t. I was forced.”

“Who forced you, and how?”

Chun Xi stepped closer, pressing the question.

Just as Jiang Tao was about to answer, she realized Chun Xi was trying to trap her into speaking. She hurriedly denied: “I don’t know anything. I suddenly feel unwell. Madam Shen, I need to go home.”

She turned to leave, but Chun Xi held her back: “Miss Jiang Tao, although you’ve only taught An’an three times, I believe you’re not ungrateful. If the Yu family is hiding some unspeakable secrets, I hope you can tell me. Perhaps I can help.”

Chun Xi didn’t use force. Her hand was warm, and her words carried weight.

Jiang Tao had been confined in the Yu household and had contact with very few people. However, this job was recommended by Madam Qian, and Jiang Tao had already heard much about Chun Xi from her.

Madam Shen was an extraordinary woman, and in recent years, she had been helping women trapped in difficult situations.

The first time Jiang Tao came to the Shen residence, Madam Shen even gave her two boxes of sweet pastes to protect her throat.

Previously, anyone doing business with the Yu family would mock her voice. Madam Shen was different.

But she couldn’t speak. Otherwise, her child and family would suffer.

Jiang Tao lowered her head, avoiding Chun Xi’s gaze, and whispered: “I don’t understand what Madam Shen means. I really feel unwell. Please allow me to go home.”

Jiang Tao clearly knew something but refused to speak. Chun Xi didn’t push further, having the mansion physician check her to ensure she and the child were unharmed before letting her leave.

As soon as Jiang Tao returned to the Yu household, Yu Zhao came over. Before she could speak, he slapped her: “Wretch! Who told you to go to the Shen residence on your own?”

Yu Zhao used full force. Jiang Tao fell to the ground. She instinctively protected her belly and quietly explained: “Madam Shen paid three months of tuition. I thought, since the Lantern Festival is over, it’s time to continue lessons. Didn’t Master tell me to put extra effort into gaining Madam Shen’s favor?”

Yu Zhao had previously wanted to curry favor with the Shen family. But after discovering what Madam Yu had done behind the scenes, he now avoided them completely. He suspected Madam Shen’s sudden request for Jiang Tao to teach dance was a ploy to probe the Yu household.

Thinking this, Yu Zhao grabbed Jiang Tao by her hair to lift her: “During these visits, what has Madam Shen told you? Did you speak recklessly in front of her?”

Her scalp felt as if it were being ripped off. Jiang Tao cried in pain, denying repeatedly: “No, I only taught Miss Shen dance. I didn’t say anything else.”

Her expression was pitiful, but her ruined voice was coarse and harsh, leaving Yu Zhao feeling only suspicious, not pity.

He let her go coldly: “I’ll have someone refund your tuition to Madam Shen. You’re pregnant. Stay home and take care of yourself. Don’t go anywhere else.”

Jiang Tao’s face turned pale but she obediently replied: “Yes.”

Early the next morning, Chun Xi received the tuition refunded by the Yu family. As compensation, Yu Zhao had also selected some gifts, but Chun Xi only accepted the tuition and returned all the gifts.

Although Jiang Tao said nothing, the fact that Yu Zhao—having just learned of Madam Yu’s scheming—was so eager to keep Jiang Tao at home already revealed the Yu family’s problems.

Hearing that Xiao Yecheng was injured, Princess Hengyang couldn’t wait and dragged Chun Xi to the General’s residence.

When they arrived, Xiao Yecheng had just finished taking his medicine, with a small dish of candied fruit beside him.

Princess Hengyang raised an eyebrow: “General Xiao kills without mercy on the battlefield, yet he’s afraid of a little sour?”

Xiao Yecheng calmly picked up a piece of candied fruit and ate it, saying lightly: “Yes, I am.”

The candied fruit had been specially sent by the eldest Miss. If he weren’t afraid, wouldn’t it be failing to appreciate her kindness?

His serious expression made Princess Hengyang want to laugh. She was about to ask how he got injured when a servant announced that Xiao Qinghe had arrived.

The corners of Xiao Yecheng’s lips lifted noticeably, but before he could enjoy it, the servant said: “General, the eldest Miss is concerned for you and specially invited an imperial physician from the palace.”

Xiao Yecheng: “……”