The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 3)

Chapter 431 - Contraceptive Decoction

In Zhong Cui Palace, Jing Xian Fei was once again copying Buddhist scriptures.

She had grown quite fond of this activity, having transcribed several volumes from last year to this year. Not only that, she often visited the Buddhist hall in the palace to recite scriptures, presenting an image of someone who was undemanding.

However, she herself knew best that her hands were stained with blood, and perhaps by offering more incense, she could atone for her sins in the next life. But she wasn't sure if the Bodhisattva would accept her offerings.

"Your Highness, I just saw some outsiders enter Jinglan Pavilion," a maid named Nian Zhu reported, carrying a stack of peony rolls.

Jing Xian Fei put down her brush and washed her hands with sandalwood.

"Jinglan Pavilion? That must be where Ying Wanrong lives. Her family is far away in Suzhou, and it's rare for her siblings to come visit, so of course, she'd want to see them. What's so surprising about that?"

Nian Zhu replied, "It wouldn't be unusual if it were just the Longsun family visiting, but this time they brought someone else—a cousin of Ying Wanrong's sister-in-law from her maternal family. I've inquired, and that person is from the Ruan family in Suzhou, which has been practicing medicine for generations."

That was different; bringing a cousin all the way to the palace to see Ying Wanrong could not simply be attributed to familial affection. The relatives from her sister-in-law's family had nothing to do with her and must have other intentions.

Currently, Ying Wanrong still had a chance to share the Emperor's bed once every month or so, but having been in the palace for some time now without getting pregnant, she must be anxious.

However, Ying Wanrong ultimately did not amount to much, and Jing Xian Fei was not very concerned.

She only instructed her maid to keep an eye on the situation.

At this moment, her thoughts were fully focused on the Second Prince, hoping he would prove himself and regain some of the Emperor's favor.

Meanwhile, in Jinglan Pavilion, Ying Wanrong wore a stiff expression, feeling as if she had entered an ice cellar.

It turned out that the secret formula she had been taking for so long was actually an abortion soup, not a remedy to promote pregnancy.

"Sister, are you sure about this? This is a recipe I painstakingly obtained from Ming Guifei; it was even given by the Emperor. How could it be an abortion soup?" Ying Wanrong asked.

"I have been practicing medicine for many years, and I am best at gynecology. I wouldn't make a mistake. But don't worry, Wanrong; this recipe is excellent. Although it prevents pregnancy, it doesn't harm your body. If you stop taking it for a month or two, you can conceive normally again," Ruan Shi replied.

This finally eased Ying Wanrong's mind.

She felt embarrassed and angry, having unknowingly wasted so much time.

She had diligently consumed it every day, especially needing to drink a bowl after sharing the Emperor's bed, only to discover it was an abortion soup.

"I'm really grateful my sister-in-law brought you here; otherwise, I would still be worrying about having children in the palace," Ying Wanrong said, furrowing her brow in frustration.

"Childbirth is a matter of fate; perhaps your time has not yet come. Wanrong, you can't be so anxious," Ruan Shi advised.

Ying Wanrong nodded and asked her to write out a proper recipe for nourishment before sending her off.