Chapter 340

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Protagonist:

Shen Yao

Relying on a pair of eyes that could see through strange phenomena's disguises, Shen Yao avoided trouble all the way and returned home smoothly.

Before going to sleep, Shen Yao reminded Qing Shui that no matter what sounds she heard at night, she must not get up to check; "If there's something, wait until tomorrow to speak."

Qing Shui: ……Eh?

Qing Shui's face was full of alarm; she did not understand why her master spoke like this, but she still nodded cutely and obediently.

But if "this young lady's side" temporarily needed someone, she wouldn't come either?

"I won't get up at night," the neighbor was very lively tonight, joining the commotion would cost one's life.

Waving her hand to send Qing Shui away, Shen Yao touched her loose, flowing hair, then simply pasted a few defense talisman papers around the bedside.

Pulling the quilt over herself and closing her eyes, Shen Yao fell asleep with anticipation in her heart.

The night was quiet, the bright moon hung high.

Separated from the small courtyard by only a wall, the Li family was bustling and clamorous; the returned favored concubine, contrary to her usual habit, did not rest but dragged the mansion's servants into revelry.

That Li family master had not yet returned; the only one in the house who could make decisions was that favored concubine.

The favored concubine refused to settle down, so the other servants could only accompany her in playing.

The night was deep like rushing flowing water; a wisp of invisible black mist drifted from afar, slowly floating into the Li family residence.

Abruptly, accompanied by piercing screams, the Li family residence turned eerie and terrifying.

…………

Shen Yao slept extremely well this night; when she got up in the morning she even checked the talisman papers on both sides of the bedside, intact and undamaged.

Qing Shui entered carrying washing utensils; seeing her master awake, she hurriedly set the things down and helped her up.

With a cautious expression, she glanced at the doorway, then Qing Shui said in a low voice that something had happened at the Li family last night.

"Master, I heard quite a few people from the Exorcism Office arrived; many corpses were carried out of the Li family."

Qing Shui had also heard this from others; given the Li family's stinking virtue, though she was afraid, she still hoped it was true.

Qing Shui spoke these words carefully, her eyes never leaving Shen Yao.

Shen Yao took it lightly; she walked calmly to the dressing table and faced the mirror, "Many corpses? Was Master Li not at home last night?"

Qing Shui shook her head, "I heard only that side madam was there," not the proper main wife, usually acting arrogant and domineering, serves her right to be unlucky.

Qing Shui truly disliked that person; not only had that sharp-tongued woman offended Shen Yao, but even before Shen Yao arrived, that one was not very honest.

Counting new grudges and old hatreds together, Qing Shui naturally had no good words.

"Truly a pity, Lady Li was so young in years," tsk tsk tsk, one could say a beauty's life is thin.

Reaching out to tidy the hanging tassel hairpin, Shen Yao stood up and went to the front courtyard to dine.

The Li family matter was like a gust of wind; Shen Yao did not need to deliberately inquire, someone would deliver the latest news to her.

That Li family favored concubine was gone after all; because she had direct contact with a strange phenomenon, according to Wei State statutes, not even a skeleton was left.

The Li family directly changed residence after this battle; the house was sold to a family surnamed Zhao.

Shen Yao privately learned the new neighbor's temperament, found it relatively law-abiding, so she did not take it too much to heart.

Liu Jingyan arrived at the small courtyard again after being separated for half a month. Though he looked less spirited than before, his words and bearing were much more relaxed.

It turned out Liu Jingyan's grandfather had already left seclusion; although Liu Jingyan's father disagreed, he could not withstand his grandfather's support, so now he could be considered to have suffered to the end and found sweetness; Shen Yao no longer needed to be nameless and without status.

Liu Jingyan eagerly ran over to tell Shen Yao this good news, and by the way set their wedding date; the process might wrong Shen Yao a bit, but he guaranteed he would definitely treat Shen Yao well.

Shen Yao: ……Why does it feel like a scumbag vibe? Is it an illusion?

The two chatted, inevitably mentioning the situation of the neighboring courtyard.

Although Liu Jingyan had not experienced that night's danger, leaving Shen Yao alone in the small courtyard, he still felt lingering fear and worry.

"Had I known earlier, I should have gone to Xingye Ward," Liu Jingyan owned property in all three wards; putting aside some internal Liu family issues, Liu Jingyan was still a rich young master with abundant personal assets.

Vexed that he was not there at the time, Liu Jingyan specially stayed in the small courtyard for one night this time, leaving reluctantly only at noon the next day.

Shen Yao did not say she was pregnant; she had once indirectly asked Qing Shui about the Liu family's internal situation, learned Liu Jingyan had several troublesome concubine-born brothers, and understood the Liu family also had the common ailment of great clans.

Legitimate and concubine-born sons contending, wives and concubines in crowds; she could only delay as long as possible.

Hoping her own child would be more promising in the future; to stand out in such a clan, one's own hard strength was indispensable.

Time passed bit by bit like this; Shen Yao maintained the efficiency of going out every few days, her relationship with the surrounding neighbors neither distant nor close.

Until one month after moving into the small courtyard, Shen Yao asked a doctor into the mansion due to physical discomfort.

Receiving a confirmed pregnancy diagnosis, Shen Yao immediately had the steward send a letter to the Liu mansion.

Within half an hour, Liu Jingyan personally came to the small courtyard, grabbing Shen Yao and wanting to return to the mansion.

No wonder Liu Jingyan was excited; one must know that in his generation, very few offspring were born safely; whether already married or with concubines serving, none had produced children with cultivation aptitude.

For this, Liu Jingyan's grandfather was very dissatisfied; after all, a thriving population is the hope of clan inheritance; without enough offspring, how to develop and grow.

The Liu family does not oppose clansmen marrying and having children, but Liu Jingyan, as the legitimate line, should have set an example; the result was he married an ordinary person of low identity and status.

But now an ordinary person is pregnant; this is a good signal.

Although in the eyes of most people in this world, illicit union without a matchmaker and being pregnant is extremely bad for one's reputation.

However, special circumstances receive special treatment; the Liu family does not care about these; only the offspring born is the focus of their attention.

"Yao Yao, the set wedding date cannot be advanced, but in other aspects the Liu family will spend money to compensate."

The matter of Shen Yao's pregnancy, several elders in the family already all know; Liu Jingyan rushed over this time wanting to take Shen Yao into the Liu mansion to settle her.

Of course, doing this harms Shen Yao's reputation; the Liu family will give compensation in other aspects.

Like the money Liu Jingyan mentioned, it was a bit of sincerity the Liu Family had put forth.

"A Yan, as long as you're here, I'm not afraid of anything," Shen Yao said softly, leaning her head against Liu Jingyan's chest.

Like a new mother who had just learned she was pregnant, Shen Yao looked forward to the child in her belly; perhaps the child had come at the wrong time, but to them, it was their own bloodline.

The two embraced for a long while until Qing Shui came over under pressure to ask, and only then did they remember it was late and they should return to the Liu Residence.

The carriage had already been prepared when they came, and there wasn't much to pack in the small courtyard; Shen Yao had Qing Shui do a simple packing, while she entered the carriage empty-handed, discreetly leaving with Liu Jingyan.

Qing Shui naturally went along with them, and Shen Yao also fulfilled her promise, bringing herself a loyal servant.

The situation in the Liu Residence was unclear; living inside, she definitely needed her own people.

After the carriage left the small alley, it departed in a hurry just as it had come.

…………

Shen Yao's residence in the Liu Residence was temporarily arranged in the courtyard next to Liu Jingyan's.

It was a courtyard not too large but decorated exquisitely, with a pond of pink lotus flowers inside; when the wind blew, it brought waves of lotus fragrance.

Liu Jingyan accompanied Shen Yao for a long time, only leaving when it got dark.

The Liu Family elders did not come over, but sent many gifts and tonics.

Afraid Shen Yao would think too much, Liu Jingyan explained there wasn't enough time, and that he would arrange for them to meet tomorrow.

"Don't be afraid, Grandfather and Mother are easy to get along with," as for his biological father, he was just a not very important person.

Liu Jingyan's words were full of disregard for his biological father; Shen Yao naturally noticed, and thinking of the many illegitimate siblings in the Liu Residence, she understood.

"With A Yan, I'm not afraid," what was there to fear? She had a trump card in her belly; before giving birth, no one in the Liu Residence would cause her trouble, and as for after giving birth? Aptitude was the best pass within the Liu Residence; she could rest easy and bide her time.

Seeing Liu Jingyan off with a smile, Shen Yao had Qing Shui organize the gifts into a register, so there would be a reference standard for returning gifts in the future.

Qing Shui had sold herself into slavery for many years, and this was also her first time entering the Liu Residence. Despite doing much mental preparation along the way, she still became emotionally excited.

Silently noting down the work she had to do, Qing Shui served Shen Yao in changing clothes and resting, while Shen Yao continued to work hard to gather internal information about the Liu Residence.

When Shen Yao woke up from her sleep, Qing Shui hurriedly presented the internal situation of the residence with both hands, and added a few words verbally, for fear that Shen Yao would be used by others because she was unfamiliar with the internal affairs.

Shen Yao was going to visit Madam Liu at the Main Courtyard today, choosing a pink-and-white gradient dress.

Her hair behind was tied up into a bun, with soft, smooth hair hanging down on both sides of her temples. She wore several jade step-shakes, with beautiful tassels swaying on them.

Breakfast had already been brought by the servants; considering Shen Yao's current condition, her food was specially taken care of, so Shen Yao had nothing to do, just needed to rest assured and nurture the fetus.

"There are dozens of masters in the Liu Residence, big and small, but only two or three cats have any standing," among them was also Father Liu's new favorite.

As for old flames? A few useless sons with no great ability; once Liu Jingyan's elder brother takes charge of the household, whether they can continue living in the Liu Residence is debatable—are they worth Shen Yao's attention?

"Visiting a few elders in the residence today, as long as I don't make a big mistake, they won't make things difficult for me," she was the wife Liu Jingyan had chosen, and her status would only become more stable after being pregnant.

Things that seemed incredible to others were not impossible when it came to the Liu Family or even Liu Jingyan.

Standing up, Shen Yao slowly finished her breakfast; when the appointed time arrived, she took Qing Shui and left with the maid waiting outside the door.

After turning who knows how many bends, Shen Yao arrived at the Main Courtyard where Madam Liu was.

The courtyard was filled with various precious flowers, vying for beauty and charm, with extremely beautiful postures.

Madam Liu stood at the doorway, looking like a gentle and quiet lady from a prestigious family.

"Greetings, Madam."

Shen Yao lowered her head and made a curtsy, but before she could rise, Madam Liu directly pulled her up.

Bringing her into the room to sit on the couch, Madam Liu first asked about Shen Yao's health, then said meaningfully, "You are somewhat different from the daughter-in-law in my heart."

Or rather, Madam Liu thought her son wouldn't like a woman of Shen Yao's type.

Shen Yao neither agreed nor disagreed with these words, thinking to herself what kind of woman she was—Liu Jingyan might not even understand her fully, and Madam Liu had only just met her; drawing a conclusion too early was too hasty.

"Accidents always happen, Madam; some things are better left looking forward."

The marriage into the residence cannot be changed; we mother-in-law and daughter-in-law shouldn't bear a grudge over this.

At least outwardly we are consistent; the Liu Family has many resources, and we must try to gather as much as possible into our own embrace.

Madam Liu:...

Madam Liu's expression was complex; Shen Yao had given her too many unique shocks. She neither disliked nor liked her; since the person was chosen by Liu Jingyan himself, then let's see how far they can go.

Leaving the Main Courtyard, Shen Yao had a few more valuable gifts in her hand, all things to nourish the body, carefully selected by Madam Liu.

On the road, she met a few illegitimate young ladies going out; seeing Shen Yao, a stranger, they only greeted her.

"Miss Shen, those few young ladies are inconsequential in the Liu Residence because their birth mothers are not outstanding," Qing Shui spoke up at the right time to supplement, also resolving some of Shen Yao's doubts.

"Let's go back," her cheap father-in-law was truly a flirt everywhere; the Liu Residence's courtyards were not small, yet they could encounter so many masters so frequently, showing that in quantity they were indeed unmatched.

It's a pity the quality wasn't good; except for the two children born of Madam Liu with outstanding aptitude, the others could only be considered average, with little cultivation value.

"The Liu Family doesn't lack Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures; Father wants them even more to make something of themselves."

"This time, a Royal Secret Realm will open outside Luojing City, full of opportunities inside; Father intends to let those illegitimate brothers of mine enter it."

Liu Jingyan waited in the small courtyard; seeing Shen Yao return, he looked heartbroken and devastated.

Knowing his biological father didn't care about him was one thing, but tilting the resources he could get toward his opponent was another; Liu Jingyan was feeling very miserable now.

This Royal Secret Realm about to open was very important; the Royal Family being able to distribute slots was entirely because the Secret Realm was full of dangers.

Liu Jingyan had always thought he would have a spot this time, but unexpectedly his biological father used Shen Yao's matter as an excuse to divide his share among other illegitimate brothers.

"A Yan, what's important in this matter is Grandfather's attitude; since you want to go, if Father won't agree, go beg Grandfather."

Given Liu Xiuwen's temperament, Liu Jingyan still had an elder brother placed with high hopes above him; if he wanted to go to the Secret Realm, Liu Xiuwen would definitely agree.

"Although Grandfather agrees, I don't want to harm Eldest Young Master's interests."

Liu Jingyan knew his chips weren't enough; interest exchanges within the clan were normal, but he didn't want his elder brother to suffer because of it.

He and his elder brother were ultimately different; his elder brother was the Qilin Son valued by the Liu Family, the leader of this generation of the Liu Family, and the future Family Head of the Liu Family.

Shen Yao had married into imperial relatives in Other Worlds before and understood some of the interest relationships within.

Liu Jingyan didn't want to use his elder brother's connections, so he could only rely on himself; but did he have any capital on his side to make Liu Xiuwen increase investment?

Shen Yao subconsciously touched her still-not-fully-rounded belly, thinking to herself: how did this child come at such an inopportune time? Just right to serve as an excuse to scheme for Qin Zi.

However, this matter still requires careful planning; in this Shijie there is no concept of Spirit Fetus, so she can only find another way.