Zhao Guanjin followed his father into the imperial study and knelt down, not daring to breathe.
The Marquis of Wu'an admitted his mistake, asked the emperor for punishment, and handed over the military tally he had used to lead the troops. The emperor flew into a great rage.
Then, considering the Marquis of Wu'an's lifelong dedication to the country, he decided not to punish Zhao Guanjin. The father and son kowtowed profusely in gratitude.
"Lad, since you are in love with that common girl, do not fail her. Understand?"
"Your humble servant understands."
"You may withdraw."
"Yes."
Zhao Guanjin finally breathed a sigh of relief as he left the imperial study, his steps feeling much lighter than before.
After leaving the palace gates, the Marquis of Wu'an gave an instruction to his guards before mounting his carriage, looking dejected.
"Father, it is all my fault. Please do not worry anymore. I will definitely regain the military power in the future."
The Marquis of Wu'an slapped him hard across the face. Zhao Guanjin's cheek rapidly turned red and swollen, and his ears buzzed incessantly.
He covered his face, looking stubbornly at the Marquis of Wu'an.
"Father, is my son's happiness less important than military power in your eyes?"
The Marquis of Wu'an let out a sneer and again stuffed a handkerchief into Zhao Guanjin's mouth. He couldn't understand how he could have such a foolish son.
Even though they were in a carriage and there were few pedestrians on the road, his son's constant talk of military power, if overheard by someone with ill intentions, could be fatal.
...
Wei Qianrui had fainted from the pain, but the child was unharmed. Madam Song and the others were startled by the situation.
"Madam, perhaps we should..."
Madam Song made a throat-slitting gesture. The Marchioness shook her head, rejecting the idea. Wei Qianrui was a free citizen, not a servant.
If she were to kill her, it might be difficult to handle, as several people had seen Wei Qianrui being brought away by her.
Just as she was considering forcing Wei Qianrui to sign a deed of sale for her life, someone sought an audience from outside.
"Song Da, what is the situation?"
"Madam, please be assured, the Marquis and the Heir are safe. The Marquis asked me to relay a message to you: that young lady cannot be touched."
The Marchioness's hands trembled slightly. "May the Buddha protect us. It's good that she's alright. I understand. You may go."
"Yes."
The Marchioness turned and glanced at the room, her eyes full of disgust.
"Mama, please send for a doctor for her."
"Yes, Madam."
The Marchioness, with her attendants, turned and left to go to the mansion's entrance to greet the Marquis of Wu'an and his son.
Seeing the Marquis of Wu'an approaching, she immediately went to meet him. "My Lord, I was truly worried to death."
"It's over now."
Looking at Zhao Guanjin, who was cowering and needed support, the Marchioness's eyes suddenly reddened.
The family proceeded to the main hall, where only their own people were present.
Zhao Guanjin glanced at his father's expression and then turned to look at the Marchioness of Wu'an.
"Mother, where is Qianrui? How is Qianrui?"
"Look at you, so spineless. Do you think I would have eaten her?"
"Mother, I didn't mean that. I just want to see her."
"What love potion did she give you that you can't bear to be away from her for a moment? You have lost all semblance of the Heir of the Marquis's mansion."
"Qianrui is carrying my child. In this mansion, she only knows me. I am worried about her being alone."
"It's just a pregnancy. What could happen to her? I've instructed the maids to take good care of her. You should take care of yourself first."
Zhao Guanjin looked foolish. "Mother, you are truly too kind. Thank you for accepting Qianrui. She is a very good person."
The Marchioness gave a kind smile. "I will take good care of her for you. You are so seriously injured, the most important thing now is to recover."
"Thank you, Mother."
Guards helped him back to his room, and someone immediately came to clean and bandage his wounds.
For the next period, he would have to rest in bed and refrain from moving. Whenever he asked about Zhao Qianrui, the Marchioness would dismiss him with a few words.
The Marquis of Wu'an and his wife lay in bed. The Marchioness silently shed tears.
"Stop crying. There is no turning back from this matter. Choose a time to arrange their affairs."
"That Wei Qianrui is like mud compared to the Princess. Jin'er is being foolish. Why didn't you stop him earlier?"
"Hmph, I manage so many troops and am overwhelmed with work every day. How can I possibly manage his private affairs? That scoundrel! If he hadn't been unable to stand today, I would have beaten him again."
"Husband, don't be angry. Jin'er knows he was wrong. We'll pay more attention to these matters in the future."
"If I had known, I shouldn't have left him there alone. Arranging for disaster victims was meant to give him a good reputation. I didn't expect this beast to arrange himself into his own bed."
"Jin'er is naive, but that woman is not simple. I saw today that she is very cunning. And she has some luck about her, otherwise how could she have survived Madam Song's ordeal?"
"You oversee the matters of the inner courtyard. Do not cause any more trouble. His Majesty's intention is that the woman will be the Heir's wife."
The Marchioness was so angry she almost gritted her teeth. To be given the status of a concubine was one thing, but now she had to bring that little hussy with her when socializing.
Thinking of the amused glances from other ladies, the Marchioness already felt mortified.
"Your concubine will obey all of your arrangements, Master. How long someone lives is also determined by fate. With our family's background, it's not difficult to find a well-behaved secondary wife for Jin'er."
"Jin'er's future is likely ruined. You know how much His Majesty dotes on the Eldest Princess. We can only endure..."
"Your concubine understands."
The couple felt a deep sense of melancholy and couldn't sleep well all night.
After Wei Qianrui woke up, she clamored to see Zhao Guanjin. The Marchioness instructed Madam Wei and the maids to stay by her side these days.
"Miss, please stop making a fuss. The Heir was beaten sixty times because of you, and then knelt for several hours. Now he can only recuperate in bed, so please do not go to disturb him."
"Mama, please, let me see the Heir. Even if I can just see him from afar, I won't disturb him."
"Miss, these are the Madam's orders. Please do not make it difficult for this old servant. Drink your medicine first and focus on your pregnancy."
Although Wei Qianrui was suspicious of the medicine, she was outnumbered, and could only obediently take it and drink it mouthful by mouthful.
She thought, "Child, you must be strong. I don't want this either. Mother really doesn't want to lose you."
Seeing her obedience, Madam Song nodded with satisfaction.
"Miss, you are carrying a child now. It is important to take good care of your health and not to concern yourself with other matters. Miss was frightened yesterday, so I will take care of you from now on."
"I understand. Thank you, Mama."
"It is my duty."
Her meals and medicine were delivered on time, and Madam Song watched her every move. These days felt like being in prison.
Seeing that she had become more obedient and no longer spoke out of turn, the Marchioness finally allowed her to see Zhao Guanjin.