Huang Yuhe married into the prestigious Xu family of Luzhou. The Xus were a reputable lineage, boasting over a dozen Jinshi scholars among their clan, a true noble and influential family.
Huang Yuhe was fortunate indeed. She married the youngest son of the direct branch patriarch. This young man possessed a good disposition, not burdened by the need to manage family affairs like the eldest son. All that was required of him was filial piety, which was highly valued. He held the title of Juren and was currently residing in the capital, preparing for the Imperial Examinations the following year. His future seemed boundless.
Whether he succeeded in further examinations or purchased an official post, his prospects were certainly not dim. Moreover, the Xu family had a tradition of never dividing their estate. With the family's protection, his future life would undoubtedly be secure.
Before Huang Yuhe's marriage, her mother, Liu Shi, had already been elevated to the status of Pingqi (an equal wife), though she was still of humble origin. Marrying into the Xu family was considered a significant upward move for her.
Rumor had it that the Xu family was not as 'pure and noble' as they portrayed themselves. They had seemingly agreed to Huang Yuhe's entrance into their family solely due to her friendship with the Ninth Princess Consort.
Regardless of the whispers, Huang Yuhe was currently living a good life, and that was what mattered most.
"Princess Consort, are you truly going?" Ziyan, now sporting a married woman's coiffure, served as the head stewardess in Li Man'er's household. She had given birth to a son two years prior.
"Of course. Yuhe is my best friend, and her children are twins. I must attend. It's rare for their family to be in the capital; if they were still in Luzhou, I wouldn't have time."
Ziyi murmured, "Your servant merely feels that those people will likely gossip again."
Li Man'er had been married for many years without a child, a fact that others often used to attack her. For years, aside from failing to bear a child for Qi Yihan, she had few other vulnerabilities they could exploit.
"Their mouths are their own. Let them say what they will!" Li Man'er declared, "If they dared to say it to my face, I might even respect them a little. But alas, they are all cowards, only capable of whispering behind backs."
On the day of the third-day ceremony, the Xu residence was indeed bustling. Numerous carriages were parked before the secondary mansion, carrying guests who had come to offer their congratulations.
"The Xu family claims to be of pure and noble stock; your servant doubts it is truly so."
"Pure and noble?" Li Man'er chuckled. "Don't take it too seriously."
Guests presented their invitations and entered the mansion. The Xu family members showed no signs of negligence. A steady-footed maid led the way, guiding them towards the inner courtyard.
Upon reaching the inner courtyard, a throng of familiar faces became apparent.
"The Ninth Princess Consort has arrived!"
The assembled female guests hastened to pay their respects. Among them were ladies from the Li mansion, including Liu Shi and Bai Shi.
"There's no need for such formality. I am here today to see the children, so please be at ease."
After Li Shu's death, the Marquis of Iron Courage's title was downgraded to Earl. The heir, Li Qingyun, inherited the earldom and soon after, married the illegitimate daughter of Minister Min of the Ministry of Revenue. The marriage took place three years after the mourning period.
Minister Min had played a shrewd game. By offering his illegitimate daughter, he secured an alliance with the Li family, thereby gaining favor with the Regent King and aligning himself with the Crown Prince – a truly masterful move.
However, the Li family was a powder keg. Li Man'er's inaction towards them was merely a matter of timing; it was not yet the opportune moment.
Perhaps her stillness had given the Li family a false impression of her current disposition, making them believe she was easier to manipulate. Thus, Liu Shi intentionally or unintentionally steered the conversation towards her, subtly implying her childlessness after many years of marriage with Qi Yihan.
"My affairs are none of your concern," Li Man'er replied without even lifting her eyelids, showing a dismissive attitude towards Liu Shi.
Liu Shi, from a humble background, was short-sighted. Her marriage to the Li family was akin to a widowhood.
Upon Li Shu's death, she became a widow. By rights, she should have abstained from attending joyous occasions at other families' homes. In ancient times, widows were expected to live secluded lives.
Could it be that someone believed Liu Shi, her stepmother, had the authority to control her?
Li Man'er found her own thought amusing. She watched their feigned performances with a detached amusement, like watching a play.
"Princess Consort, as you surely know, our Countess is already with child. Perhaps you could ask her for her health-preserving tonic recipe, so you too may receive some nurturing," Liu Shi declared, feeling a sense of exhilaration and a boost in her own status.
Li Man'er replied calmly, "Today is a celebration for the Xu family. We shall not discuss other matters, lest we offend our hosts."
She clearly wished to avoid causing discomfort to Huang Yuhe, fearing it might lead to lingering illness during her postpartum recovery. However, some perceived her desire for peace as weakness and her actions as an invitation to be bullied.
"The Princess Consort speaks wisely. Today is a good day. Princess Consort, perhaps you too will gain some of the Xu family's good fortune. Who knows, maybe good news will reach you soon."
Some guests dared not laugh openly, only offering low chuckles. Their expressions seemed to convey that no matter how high her station, a woman who could not bear children was committing a grave offense. Eventually, a man would seek new affections, and even if he didn't divorce his wife, he would likely take a concubine for the sake of an heir.
Li Man'er viewed them all as mere clowns, utterly dismissing them. Yet, her composed demeanor was interpreted by others in a different light.
She was known for her quick temper and sharp tongue. The subtle jabs and veiled criticisms that failed to provoke her into an outburst suggested to them that she was indeed in the wrong.
Just then, the hosts brought out the children.
The Xu family was a prominent clan in Luzhou and also had residences and relatives in the capital. The third-day ceremony was being presided over by Huang Yuhe's sister-in-law.
Two infants were brought out, cradled by the midwife, to undergo the ritual bathing.
Li Man'er had attended very few such ceremonies in her many years since her transmigration. She found it quite novel.
The louder the baby cried, the healthier and more auspicious its future was considered. This was known as "Xiang Pen" (resonating basin).
The basin was filled with blessings from friends and family, along with gifts of gold, silver, jade, and other precious items. However, these items ultimately went to the midwife, who profited handsomely.
Among the guests, Li Man'er held the most esteemed position. Therefore, everyone expected her to be the first to toss her gift.
Li Man'er presented two pieces of Qilin jade. The gifts were striking and valuable. The midwife beamed with delight, showering her with effusive praise.
Having fulfilled her obligation, Li Man'er lost interest in the remainder of the ceremony. As soon as the children were taken away, she went to meet Huang Yuhe.
"Seeing your radiant complexion puts my mind at ease," Li Man'er said. "Now that you have children, all is well. No one will dare to look down on you." She had secured her position within the Xu family.
Huang Yuhe had assumed Li Man'er would hear gossip and be troubled. Seeing her so calm, she thought the outside world was quiet and didn't think much of it.
"Man'er, I am different from you. I am rather foolish. It seems only by having a son can I truly live well. You are different." After speaking, she regretfully tapped her own head, feeling her words were becoming increasingly inappropriate.
Li Man'er responded, "Alright, you. I have other matters to attend to, so I must take my leave. I will return for the children's full moon banquet."
"Very well. Xiaotao, escort the Princess Consort."
"Yes."
Huang Yuhe sighed softly. Only after Li Man'er had walked away did she quietly mutter, "Why is she a physician? How could she possibly be?"