A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1409 - 1407: Pressured (1)

By the time she snapped back to reality, she’d already been dragged out of the courtyard gate.

Great!

A subtle, unnoticeable cold smile crept onto her lips.

’Grounded for half a year? It’s only half a year, isn’t it?’

...

The affair at Pingan Marquis Mansion finally ended with Maternal Aunt Tan being grounded.

For such a grand family born to wealth and power, grounding a concubine really wasn’t a big deal.

Not only did they keep it tightly under wraps outside, even people within the mansion might not truly know what had happened.

It showed the Old Lady Hou’s ability to control everything in the mansion and her authoritative management.

The year-end drew near.

Under Yilan’s meticulous ’care’, Nan Yunze’s health indeed improved significantly.

Every day, the Old Lady Hou sent people to inquire, following up with rounds of praise.

"My daughter-in-law sure understands!"

"If anyone ever says again that my daughter-in-law isn’t considerate or gentle, I’ll be mad!"

As for Yilan.

Even she felt somewhat embarrassed.

Through this matter, she realized how shallow her previous understanding of the Old Lady Hou had been.

She used to think she was just an old lady who’d spent her life within deep mansions, with little experience besides immersing herself in household trivialities and spoiling her son.

But now she finally understood a phrase.

What it meant to be ’wise yet seeming foolish!’

The Old Lady Hou seemed to live a life of luxury, spoiling her son, but she held the big picture in her heart and mind.

If she truly indulged him, she would surely go along with her son in all matters.

Rather than being so mindful of the overall situation as she was now.

Reflecting on these thoughts filled Yilan with a sense of bittersweet humor.

’Initially planning to separate in the future, now it seems... it’s even harder!’

Besides, the Old Lady Hou being such a considerate and understanding person, she certainly wouldn’t let things escalate to that point.

"Alas!"

Yilan leaned back against the soft couch and sighed deeply.

Li Hua held the Beauties’ Mallet and massaged her legs.

"County Princess, why aren’t you happy? Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve! We should celebrate happily!"

Yilan furrowed her brows and said:

Happy for what!

Just thinking about not being able to separate in the future and having to spend a lifetime being slowly tortured made it impossible for her to feel happy.

"No matter what? Now, Master Prince still only has you by his side!"

Li Hua continued to console her.

From her perspective, the County Princess had endured quite a bit of grievance with Maternal Aunt Tan’s arrival.

Previously, the relationship between Master Prince and the County Princess was so good; ever since hearing about Maternal Aunt Tan’s impending arrival, the County Princess hadn’t been happy again.

Thus...

"County Princess, I don’t think that Maternal Aunt Tan can rise again, you don’t have to pay attention!"

Yilan: "..."

She gazed at Li Hua, somewhat bitterly.

A profound sense of frustration filled her, feeling as if ’even the closest people don’t understand her.’

"Alright, if there’s nothing, just hurry and rest!"

"Oh!"

Li Hua exclaimed joyfully.

See, after her persuasion, the County Princess’s mood seemed to have improved quite a bit!

...

The next day was New Year’s Eve.

Yilan and Nan Yunze went early in the morning to pay respects to the Old Lady Hou.

The Old Lady Hou was delighted, chatted with them about family matters for a long time, and insisted they stay for breakfast before allowing them to leave.

Upon leaving the Old Lady’s courtyard.

Nan Yunze disappeared directly, and Yilan was content, fully relieved.

She returned to the inner courtyard and collapsed onto the couch to rest, but before closing her eyes.

A reward from the palace arrived, requiring her to get dressed and go out again, along with the house to greet it, and then bow and express gratitude.

By the time she returned, after going through the process two or three times, the completely exhausted Yilan had lost interest.

"County Princess, why not take another rest?" Li Hua advised.

"No way!"

Yilan forced her tired, bloodshot panda eyes open.

"I’m about to accompany mother for lunch, and in the afternoon, I have to go to the palace to express gratitude. Where’s the time for sleep?"

Li Hua felt a bit heartbroken.

"But you didn’t sleep well last night!"

"I’ll go fetch you a bowl of tonic soup!"

After speaking, she dashed off.

Yilan couldn’t stop her, so she simply let her go.

Lying on the couch, she groggily thought.

In the past, celebrating New Year didn’t feel so tiring, how come now it’s utterly exhausting?

Or was it? Back then, she was a young girl? Not having many social engagements?

Hmm...

After ruminating for a while, she concluded it’s better not to marry!

She must still advise Wei Yu not to marry rashly, and it’s best not to marry at all; even better to remain unmarried for a lifetime.

Hmm, just like that!

Thinking these thoughts, she finally drifted off to sleep.

Missing lunch altogether.

When she awakened again, seeing the dim skies outside.

She jolted awake, startled.

"What time is it?"

Li Hua came over, grinning.

"It’s already You Hour!"

"You Hour!"

Yilan was startled once more.

"Why didn’t you wake me? I still have to accompany mother to the palace, why didn’t you wake me!"

She hastily got up and dressed, urgently issuing orders.

"Quickly comb my hair, mother will definitely think I’m unruly!"

This isn’t just a matter within the mansion, to be glanced over.

This concerns the reputation of the Hou Mansion, truly! Just truly!

She’s simply at a loss!

Li Hua not only remained unmoved, but continued smiling.

"Hurry!"

"No need!"

She replied warmly.

"The Old Lady Hou just came to see you and, finding you sound asleep, instructed the maids not to disturb you!"

"The Old Lady Hou specifically instructed that you must rest well, the Madam will cover things outside for you!"

Yilan: "..."

Her brain spun rapidly, turning several corners before fully processing.

"What’s going on!"

Under what circumstances would a mother-in-law show such consideration to her daughter-in-law? Of course, if she’s pregnant!

Under what circumstances might one miss such an important occasion? Also, if pregnant!

But...

The Old Lady Hou hadn’t explicitly stated anything.

So, regardless of whether she’s pregnant, she would have an explanation for missing such events in front of the Honored Ladies.

And herself...

If she were truly pregnant, that would be one thing; if not, in everyone’s eyes she’d be failing her mother-in-law’s good intentions!

The Old Lady Hou had chosen her least guarded moment, using an unimaginable method to pressure her into pregnancy.

Indeed, Jiang still aged wisely!

Yilan leaned back against the large pillow on the soft couch, overwhelmed by endless exhaustion.

’Ha, it’s all fake!’

’What venting, matchmaking, consideration, protection! It’s all fake!’

’Only I truly exist!’

She closed her weary eyes.

Li Hua dared not persuade further, quietly draped a thick blanket over her, and turned silently away.

...

Outside the porch.

As soon as Li Hua exited, several little maids surrounded her.

The group chattered away with questions.

"Li Hua sister, is Madam Imperial Concubine really pregnant?"

"Li Hua sister, no wonder Madam Imperial Concubine is so weak, she didn’t even go to the palace!"

"Li Hua sister! If Madam Imperial Concubine gives birth to a little young master, and needs more staff in the future, please help mediate for us!"

"Oh dear!"

Li Hua laughed, playfully pushing them aside.

"What nonsense are you all spouting!"

"The Madam is just tired, don’t make wild guesses!"