Chapter 374: Chapter 366: Coercion

The young servant responded and withdrew.

Mr. Zhou, on his end, still couldn’t be at ease. He didn’t know why the Eldest Prince was acting this way, but it was clear the Eldest Prince was targeting that Madam from the East Mansion. Whether the person behind it all could be exposed would depend on this time.

In the meantime, over at the Vice Minister Wang’s Mansion, things were not so relaxed either.

Dong Boyun sat blankly on the soft couch. It wasn’t until she heard someone enter that she looked up and saw it was her husband. Only then did Dong Boyun muster some energy, standing up with a smile to greet him.

Wang Wen walked up to her briskly, gesturing that she didn’t need to stand, “I’ve noticed you’ve been preoccupied lately, looking very serious. Did something happen at the Dong Mansion? Should we bring Aunt over to stay with you for a few days? You’re pregnant now, and your term is getting closer. You should take good care of yourself. If there’s anything troubling you, tell me; I am your husband and naturally, I should share your burdens.”

“Husband, do not worry. There’s nothing specific wrong, but as the days go by and my body becomes heavier, I guess I’m just not used to it. You, on the other hand, are busy with work; you don’t need to constantly worry about me. Mother-in-law and father-in-law treat me well. If something comes up, I will certainly tell them.” Dong Boyun forced herself to smile, “And besides, I’m not some precious person; you chose me despite my being a concubine’s daughter.”

“Why bring that up now? I’ve always said what matters to me is character, not background. Didn’t you also not mind that I’m the second son of an Assistant Minister’s family? We are indeed a couple in adversity. If you’re still not uplifted, why not visit the East Mansion? I think you like going there. If Mother is worried about your health, I’ll speak with her.” Wang Wen was a gentle and considerate man.

Dong Boyun’s smile stiffened a bit as she nodded casually, without saying much more. Wang Wen didn’t think much of it either and left for the study in the front courtyard after chatting for a while.

Despite this, Dong Boyun’s heart was heavy, with a vague sense of worry. She had always felt insecure, particularly because of her status as a concubine’s daughter. She never dared to dream of marrying into a prestigious family. Marrying Wang Wen felt like the end of her hard times, but who could have anticipated such an incident?

These days, Dong Boyun had been feeling the burden of her conscience. Noticing her maid looking like she had something to say, Dong Boyun lowered her voice, “Do speak your mind.”

“There’s a message from the Dong Mansion. They said Miss Dong wants to come to see you, Miss Dong.”

“Why is she coming? Tell her I’ve already married. Her frequent visits aren’t appropriate, especially when she’s already engaged and should be at home preparing for marriage. She shouldn’t keep going out like this.” Dong Boyun waved her hand, instructing the maid to relay the message.

The little maid looked troubled, “I know you, Miss Dong, don’t wish to see Miss Dong, but she sent word through us. She says the matter you were supposed to handle is still unfinished. After all, you agreed to do it; you can’t just stop halfway. Also, she wanted me to tell you that your aunt is doing well at the mansion, thanks to your good fortune.”

“No need to beat around the bush. I know she’s using my aunt to threaten me.” Dong Boyun’s eyes reddened, but she said nothing more.

Seeing this, the little maid added, “Since you’ve agreed to let her come, I’ll go deliver the message. Miss Dong will visit tomorrow.”

The maid curtsied and retreated.

In frustration, Dong Boyun pounded the tea table but was helpless. If the maid had been one of her own, they wouldn’t dare speak to her like that. She hadn’t anticipated that among the maids her aunt selected for her was someone planted by Dong Poming.

The next day, while Lin Youning was making baby clothes with Shanmoi and the others, Hailan walked in with a heavy expression.

Hailan curtsied, “Miss, Li Si has just brought in news that Miss Dong is visiting Miss Dong.”

Lin Youning put down her work, “Has my elder brother been secretly keeping an eye on Miss Dong?”

Hailan nodded, “Indeed, Miss, your poisoning was quite suspicious. Moreover, many of the things you ate those days were from certain sources. The Marquis investigating Miss Dong was just to be assured.”

“I understand my brother’s intention, but seeing Miss Dong visit Miss Dong doesn’t imply anything,” Lin Youning lowered her head.

She didn’t want to lose the only friend she had to betrayal.

Hailan knew the thoughts in her heart, “But from what the people there say, Miss Dong visiting Miss Dong’s mansion has happened multiple times. Ever since you returned, Miss Dong went there often. Logically, since Miss Dong is getting married and will enter the Prince Mansion in winter, she should be preparing. With Mid-Autumn just days away, she shouldn’t be venturing out so frequently.”

“Yes, that’s precisely why it’s strange.” Lin Youning nodded with a sigh, “I am aware of the situation.”

“I share this with you to prepare your heart. After all, people have their own desires. Your friendship with Miss Dong is cherished by us, and we’re happy to see it. However, Miss Dong is in some inevitability, so don’t be too heartbroken.”

Lin Youning smiled and nodded.

Meanwhile, at Vice Minister Wang’s Mansion, Dong Boyun dismissed all the servants, leaving just Dong Poming to converse with her.

“The task I assigned you hasn’t shown any results. Is there a slip-up somewhere? You know this matter is under the Eldest Prince’s orders. It’s not just your aunt at stake, but the entire Dong Mansion. You’re not just carrying your aunt’s burden; you’re carrying the whole Dong Mansion. You’ve always been a filial person; I shouldn’t need to say more, right?” Dong Poming pulled a small packet from her sleeve, placing it on the tea table, “I have more medicine here. If you run out, use this. You’ve been given so much medicine; surely, you’re using it all, right?”

Dong Boyun widened her eyes, “You clearly said last time was the final time, yet here you are again. How can you break your promise? Dong Baiming, aren’t you supposed to be haughty? How can you do this?”

……

Highly recommend Seven-Star Grass’s “In the Seventies, A Bit Sweet”, Chief Engineer Huo, reborn once, we shall never miss each other again.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep