Chapter 453: Spilled Medicine

Lin Ziqi felt unsettled; ever since Qin Wan returned from her parents’ home, her words carried a hidden edge, becoming increasingly disrespectful.

Yet, he smiled sincerely on the surface: "Naturally. My father-in-law has been kind to me, allowing his precious daughter to marry me. Brother Heng also respects me greatly. If I were to succeed, would I begrudge a few pieces of silver? As the saying goes, ’With my beloved wife, I reach the heights of success, and to her, I gift ten thousand taels of gold.’"

This made Qin Wan’s expression look much better.

At this moment, there was a knock on the door, and Yanhong said from outside, "Madam, the master’s medicine is ready."

Qin Yuan then said, "Bring it in."

Yanhong brought in the bowl of medicine, with Lady Yu’s figure flashing by behind her.

Seeing this bothered Qin Wan, prompting her to ask, "Was Cousin just here?"

Yanhong replied, "When your servant went to fetch the medicine, Cousin was in the kitchen talking to the little maids."

Qin Wan nodded, took the medicine, placed it on the table, and softly said to Lin Ziqi, "Drink the medicine, husband."

Listlessly, Lin Ziqi looked at the bowl, "I’ll let it cool a bit before drinking."

Then, he asked Qin Wan, "Didn’t the doctor also prescribe you some medicine? Why not boil it?"

This was one of the rare instances of concern Lin Ziqi showed in recent days, lightening Qin Wan’s mood. She laughed, "It’s nothing serious; the doctor said to take it when I feel uncomfortable. I’ve been well these past two days."

Lin Ziqi nodded: "You must be careful; this is the Lin Family’s first grandson. Mother has been eagerly waiting to hold a grandchild."

Qin Wan gently stroked her abdomen, her eyes filled with a smile, her entire demeanor softening, saying, "I know. This is my first child too."

In recent days, she had thought through much.

Because of this child, she set aside all suspicions and discontent toward Lin Ziqi for the time being.

After all, she’s finally going to have her own child in this lifetime.

The child she had longed for for so long.

Seeing that Lin Ziqi was taking his time with the medicine, Qin Wan suggested, "If you really can’t drink it, have Yanhong bring some candied fruit from my mother. Sweeten your mouth after drinking and it won’t be so unbearable."

Lin Ziqi nodded: "Alright then."

When Yanhong returned with the candied fruit, Lady Yu followed in. Qin Wan felt irritated at the sight and furrowed her brows slightly. Lin Ziqi, feeling something amiss as well, asked, "Cousin, why did you come in like this?"

Lady Yu was indifferent: "I came to see if Cousin’s headache is better. Also, to catch up with Cousin-in-law."

Yanhong secretly curled her lip.

Qin Wan couldn’t be bothered to entertain her, so she simply said, "I’m not feeling well and don’t have the energy to entertain people."

Lady Yu stared intently at the medicine bowl, her expression strange: "No matter."

Seeing she wouldn’t leave, Qin Wan couldn’t be bothered to speak further, only watching Lin Ziqi.

Lin Ziqi pretended not to notice the undercurrents between the two women, raising his hand to pick up the medicine.

At this moment, Lady Yu’s face betrayed jealousy and faint expectation, but as she saw Lin Ziqi bringing the bowl to his lips, she suddenly panicked and hurriedly said, "Cousin, I have something to tell you."

Her voice was sharp and piercing.

Qin Wan cast a puzzled glance at Lady Yu.

Even Lin Ziqi was somewhat annoyed, moving the bowl aside with irritation, and said, "Whatever it is, speak later. This medicine is too bitter. I’ve been drinking too much recently and am greatly annoyed; today it even smells strange. I need to drink it in one go. A dose costs one Silver Tael, after all, we can’t waste it."

Lady Yu hurriedly advanced with large strides, almost knocking the bowl over.

Fortunately, Yanhong was quick, swiftly supporting Qin Wan to prevent her from being hit.

Yanhong angrily retorted, "Cousin, you must be careful with your words and actions; the madam is expecting, and should anything happen, can you bear the responsibility?"

Lin Ziqi frowned, slightly impatient, and sternly said, "What got into you today?"

"Cousin, listen to me," Lady Yu pressed further, nearly tipping over the bowl.

Lin Ziqi quickly and cautiously placed the bowl down, scolding sharply, "What’s gotten into you today?"

Lady Yu appeared panic-stricken, with a trace of grievance, and suddenly stumbled, falling towards the table, her arm striking the tabletop, inadvertently knocking the bowl off.

With a "clang,"

the liquid spilled all over the floor.

Some even splashed onto Qin Wan’s skirt hem.

Yanhong stomped in frustration, "What’s the meaning of this? Brewing the medicine is such hard work, the cost is so high, Cousin, what on earth are you up to?"

Smelling the strong aroma of the medicine, Qin Wan couldn’t help but retch and quickly instructed Yanhong.

"Yanhong, help me out of here, quickly."

Disregarding Lady Yu, Yanhong hastened to assist Qin Wan outside.

Lin Ziqi asked Lady Yu, "What’s this all about? Why so clumsy?"

Mrs. Lin, alarmed by the noise, came over and at the sight complained, "What’s all this mess? Truly those who don’t manage the home don’t know the cost. This dose of medicine costs one Silver Tael. Don’t we need to pay for the firewood to brew it? And such a fine bowl just got broken."

Lady Yu trembled, "Aunt, it’s all my fault. I wasn’t paying attention while talking to Cousin and knocked the bowl over. It’s all my fault, please don’t be angry."

Although fond of Lady Yu, Mrs. Lin prized money even more. Though her words weren’t harsh, she continued to grumble incessantly.

Lady Yu’s face flushed red, eyes brimming with tears, she picked up a dustpan and broom to clean up herself.

Yanhong, full of anger, assisted Qin Wan back to the inner chamber to lie down and asked, "Miss, is there any discomfort?"

Qin Wan quietly instructed, "Quickly, take off this skirt and keep it safe."

Yanhong said, "This skirt is dirty and can’t be worn again. I’ll have the nanny wash it."

"No," Qin Wan grasped Yanhong’s hand, "listen to me, keep it safe."

Yanhong hesitated slightly but soon understood, her voice trembling, "...was there something in the medicine?"

Qin Wan nodded emphatically.

Having lived a lifetime before, ever since discovering the affair between Lady Yu and Lin Ziqi, Qin Wan had been cautious.

In her previous life, Qin Yuan lost a child shortly after marriage.

Her mother used to whisper about it around her, thinking it fortunate that Qin Yuan lost the child; otherwise, she would have been even more embarrassed.

It wouldn’t be surprising if it was Lady Yu who caused the child’s demise.

Yanhong quickly helped Qin Wan change skirts, then stored the stained one away, wrapping it in oil paper, before asking, "Should we call for a doctor?"

Qin Wan hesitated.

At this moment, she was unsure of her decision.

Yanhong suggested, "I think maybe we should call a doctor. If there’s a problem, we should inform madam."

Qin Wan bit her lip lightly and after a while said, "Should we tell Mother-in-law and husband first?"

Yanhong hesitated slightly.

Qin Wan added resolutely, "We still don’t know exactly what happened. I only found her behavior odd and her expression wrong; if there is indeed something wrong with the medicine, I’ll make sure she leaves this house."

Yanhong called in the young maid who brewed the medicine for a detailed inquiry; the maid said Lady Yu chatted by her side and even helped with the fire at times.

The more Yanhong heard, the more alarmed she became.

"You must be careful when brewing medicine from now on, especially the lady’s medicine; don’t let anyone come near it, understand?"

The young maid nodded.

Yanhong instructed, "Don’t speak of today’s events outside. If anyone asks, just say I told you that nobody is allowed to approach the lady’s maternity medicine."

The young maid replied, "Got it."

Yanhong gave her a few copper coins, saying, "It’s not like the Jiujie Mansion here. Money is tight, take this to buy some treats, and when the lady gives birth to the young master, with more money, you’ll be rewarded more."