Chapter 16: The Domineering Aphrodisiac

Chapter 16: The Domineering and Potent Medicine

Ji Changyan blocked the way in front of the carriage, and even the driver did not dare to move recklessly.

More and more commoners gathered around to watch.

Ji Changyan pressed on relentlessly, "What is the rush? Do you not even have time to exchange a few words with His Highness?"

Was her third brother a fool?!

In the middle of a bustling street, she expected her to sit and chat with the Prince of Yong? Did he take her for some cheap woman?

Ji Qingwu endured and endured, suppressing her temper before finally speaking, "I am going to the Marquis of Zhongyong's manor. My eldest sister and brother-in-law are still waiting for me."

Upon hearing that she was heading to the Marquis's manor and that the invitation to tea was no longer on the table, Ji Changyan could not press further. She stole a glance at the Prince of Yong, waiting for him to make a decision.

In terms of rank, the Marquis of Zhongyong's manor naturally could not compare to a Prince like the Prince of Yong.

However, the Marchioness of Zhongyong was the Emperor's own aunt, and the Heir, Lu Juan, was the Emperor's cousin, currently highly trusted in the imperial court.

The Prince of Yong's expression shifted slightly. Half-threateningly and half-persuasively, he said, "Since you have matters to attend to, this Prince shall not trouble Fifth Cousin for tea. Do not refuse me next time."

The person behind the curtain remained silent.

Just now, Ji Qingwu had intentionally mentioned her eldest brother-in-law. Yesterday, she had heard Lady Qiao mention that her brother-in-law, Lu Juan, had grown up alongside the current Emperor; their bond was deeper than that of biological brothers, even surpassing that of the Prince of Yong.

The Ji family had married off their eldest legitimate daughter to him precisely to use this marriage to solidify the status of the Ji family and the Empress Dowager.

By the time Ji Qingwu's carriage reached the Marquis of Zhongyong's manor, servants and maids were already waiting at the entrance.

A page led the driver to find a place to settle the horses, while a maid bowed respectfully, "Fifth Miss, the Marchioness rose early just to wait for your arrival. Please follow me."

Ji Qingwu nodded with a smile.

Upon entering the courtyard, a grey brick path led straight to the main hall, dividing the estate into the East and West gardens.

"The Marchioness is in Ninghua Hall in the East Garden."

As Ji Qingwu followed the maid, she noted that the Marquis's manor was significantly larger than the Ji residence, and its scenery was incomparably elegant and refined.

On the way, they encountered a slightly plump woman dressed in luxurious attire. Before she even spoke, she smiled, "Xin'er, is this the sister of our Third Sister-in-law?"

"Second Madam, it is indeed the Fifth Miss. My mistress is waiting for her."

Ji Qingwu also nodded with a smile. So, this was Feng Shuang, the second sister-in-law her eldest sister had mentioned.

Feng Shuang invited her warmly, "Sister, you are truly a beauty. I simply love being around young and pretty girls. If you have time, do come and sit in my courtyard."

The two passed each other with polite formalities.

As soon as Ji Qingwu and Xin'er disappeared from view, Second Madam Feng Shuang's smile vanished instantly. Her tone turned mocking, "Her face is exactly like that sister of hers—nothing but a seductress. At such a young age, she's already had children with who-knows-who. A fallen flower like her dares to visit the Marquis's manor as a guest."

Her demeanor was a complete reversal of the welcoming face she had just worn.

The maid beside her hurriedly reminded her, "Second Madam, we are still in public."

Feng Shuang shot her a glance and said, "Find someone to look into it. See what business she has coming to the manor."

By the time she reached Ninghua Hall, Ji Qingwu was sweating at her temples.

Though her skirt was beautiful today, she could not take large strides and had to shuffle along with tiny steps.

However, in the eyes of the manor's residents, her moon-white outer skirt seemed to float like a soft cloud around her feet as she moved, with the pale blue lotus silk ribbons fluttering along. She looked like a celestial maiden descending to earth.

Ji Rong saw her through the lattice window.

As soon as her fifth sister entered, she teased, "Anyone who didn't know would think a divine concubine had arrived in my courtyard."

Once inside the room, Ji Qingwu slumped into a chair and began fanning herself with her hand.

"Eldest Sister, I wish I actually were a goddess so I could just fly in. This manor is so huge; I feel like I've walked several miles."

Ji Rong was amused by her sister's charmingly naive manner and instructed, "Xin'er, serve tea to Fifth Miss. Brew that newly acquired Snow Jasmine tea."

Seeing Ji Qingwu's flushed face, Ji Rong also had someone bring out a freshly scented handkerchief for her to wipe her sweat.

Ji Qingwu tilted her head back, enjoying her elder sister's gentle care.

"Fifth Sister, what would you like for lunch? I'll have the kitchen prepare it early. We shall dine here in Ninghua Hall today."

Ji Qingwu shook her head, "Eldest Sister, shouldn't everyone usually dine with the Old Madam in the manor? It's more lively to eat together with many people."

Ji Rong knew that her sister was being considerate of her current difficult situation, not wanting her to lose face at the Old Madam's place.

Xin'er poured a cup of tea for Ji Qingwu. Indeed thirsty, Ji Qingwu took a sip. "This is truly excellent tea."

It was sweet upon entry, without a hint of bitterness.

Ji Rong smiled and said, "It is perfectly fine to have a meal in one's own courtyard. I am not that useless."

Seeing that her sister did not seem to be merely acting tough, Ji Qingwu was happy to comply. When a large group dines together, there are so many rules that one can hardly say if they even get to eat their fill.

She winked at Ji Rong.

She hadn't yet attended to the real business of her visit today.

"Alright, you may all withdraw." Only Xin'er remained in the room to attend to them.

Xin'er took a kraft paper packet from a white rosewood cabinet with three drawers and carefully handed it to Ji Qingwu.

Upon opening it, Ji Qingwu saw that there were about ten contraceptive pills left. She picked one up and sniffed it.

"Xin'er, please bring me a bowl of plain water."

Once the water arrived, Ji Qingwu placed the pill in the water to dissolve. Watching the residue and the water turning a dark yellowish color, she pondered for a moment.

She then began to stir it with a silver hairpin.

Fearing she was interrupting, Ji Rong could not help but ask, "Fifth Sister, is there something wrong with the pill?"

Ji Qingwu looked up, her brow furrowed, her expression grim.

She said firmly, "The contraceptive pill is fine."

Hearing the negative answer, Ji Rong breathed a sigh of relief.

She had been anxious all last night; if the problem truly lay with the pill, she would have lived the rest of her life in regret.

However, Ji Qingwu said solemnly, "Eldest Sister, the fact that there is no problem is the biggest problem."

They had assumed that these contraceptive pills had damaged her physical foundation, leading to her infertility. But if that was ruled out, then what was the cause?

Not finding the cause was the most dangerous thing of all.

Ji Rong understood as well, and her heart grew heavy. Was she simply destined to have no children?

Ji Qingwu had checked her sister's pulse yesterday. She was certain that her sister must have taken medicine—and medicine so potent and aggressive that it had damaged her physical foundation.

She asked tentatively, "In recent years, have you suffered from any other illnesses or taken any other medicines?"

Ji Rong thought back and slowly shook her head.

Xin'er added, "Our Mistress hasn't had any major illnesses these years. There were minor colds, but she would recover after some nourishing soup; it never reached the point of needing medicine."

This was truly strange.