Chapter 4 Nausea and Vomit?

"Master, Lady Li requests an audience with you," Jiang Fuhai reported from outside the door.

Chu Yu, feeling bored after finishing her breakfast, was lounging on the couch reading a book. Upon hearing this, she looked at Jiang Fuhai, feeling somewhat puzzled.

Jiang Fuhai shook his head slightly, indicating that he didn't know what Lady Li's intentions were.

The previous master had been ill, so there was no need for formal greetings. The concubines of the fourth prince would come to the main courtyard to offer their regards on the first and fifteenth of each month, but they wouldn't be able to see the master.

Today was neither the first nor the fifteenth, so why was Lady Li here?

Lady Li was currently in charge of the household affairs in the fourth prince's residence. There was no choice, as the previous master had almost been blacklisted by the fourth prince.

It seemed that Lady Li had more prestige in the fourth prince's residence than even Chu Yu, the main consort.

Although Chu Yu's marriage to the fourth prince had been arranged and lacked any real affection, she still felt a bit fed up with the concubines of the fourth prince.

"Let her in," Chu Yu finally said after a while.

Shortly after, Jiang Fuhai brought Lady Li in, followed by a young maid.

Lady Li was a stunning beauty. Today, she was dressed in a purple ceremonial gown, and her jewelry didn't seem particularly valuable, but it complemented her fair skin. She was tall, and as she walked in against the light, she appeared even more radiant.

Chu Yu thought to herself that the fourth prince was indeed fortunate. Although there weren't many women in the residence, she vaguely remembered that they were all exceptionally beautiful. Apart from Lady Li, there was also another beauty named Lady Song, who had a gentle and graceful demeanor.

In addition, there were two maidservants, one named Su and the other named Wang, both of whom were also quite attractive.

Not only was Chu Yu appraising Lady Li, but Lady Li was also appraising Chu Yu. She had seen Chu Yu with facial injuries before, and later, when she fell ill, she was unable to see her. There were rumors outside that the main consort had given birth to an ugly child, but Lady Li had also played a part in spreading those rumors, so she had never known what Chu Yu actually looked like.

Now, upon seeing her, she was astonished. She had never known that the main consort was so beautiful!

Chu Yu didn't bother to conceal her appearance today. She was casually dressed in a loose-fitting silver-red ceremonial gown, and her hair was casually arranged, but she still exuded a captivating allure.

In the palace, the universally recognized top beauty was the birth mother of the eighth prince, Lady Liang. Lady Li had the opportunity to catch a glimpse of her when she was participating in the selection process, and she felt that the main consort was not inferior to her in terms of beauty.

Although Lady Li was surprised by Chu Yu's appearance, she only paused for a moment before regaining her composure. She quickly suppressed her jealousy, thinking to herself that with such a bewitching appearance, the fourth prince probably wouldn't be pleased.

"Lady, may you be blessed," Lady Li stiffly greeted Chu Yu with a smile.

"No need for formalities, please have a seat," Chu Yu lazily leaned against the couch and casually gestured to the nearby seat.

"Thank you, Lady. How is your health?" After expressing her gratitude, Lady Li only sat on the edge of the chair, looking more composed now.

Chu Yu nodded but didn't say anything, idly playing with her fingers.

It seemed that Lady Li didn't notice Chu Yu's indifference. She signaled to her maid, who then handed Lady Li a wooden tray.

"I have been concerned about you these days, but I didn't dare to visit for fear of disturbing your rest. I personally transcribed a Buddhist scripture for you to pray for your well-being."

Chu Yu raised an eyebrow and then had her maid, Xing'er, take it away without expressing approval or disapproval.

Lady Li's expression turned sour. However, as an unloved main consort, she didn't care about her appearance. She had already lowered herself to this extent, so why should she care about what others thought?

But Lady Li didn't dare to be too presumptuous. Nowadays, even concubines had to tread carefully under the main consort's authority. Moreover, their main consort's reputation was already tarnished. In other words, the main consort was like a louse, and no one was afraid of her.

When she first married into the family, she was scolded by the main consort, and the fourth prince didn't say anything. Although she managed the household affairs, her foundation was still not stable.

If the main consort made another mistake and scolded her again, it would be pointless. It was truly infuriating!

Lady Li secretly pondered how to make Chu Yu suffer a bit.

Seeing Lady Li's change in expression, Chu Yu thought that she was not very skilled in handling such situations. She didn't bother to engage with her and directly asked, "Is there anything else you came for today?"

Lady Li, sensing Chu Yu's impatience, didn't dare to say much and quickly replied, "I came to see if you were feeling better. The household affairs in the Eastern Residence still require your attention."

Lady Li looked down on Chu Yu, but she was also a bit afraid of her. The main consort's methods were too crude, and she was like a shrew who only knew how to shout and scold. It wouldn't end well if they directly confronted each other.

However, she was also quite easy to deal with, unlike Lady Song, that little vixen who was cunning and sly.

Chu Yu was surprised by Lady Li's words. Were there still women who didn't care about managing the household affairs?

Despite her surprise, Chu Yu still firmly refused, "There's no need. If the prince wants you to manage it, then you should. I don't have the energy for that now."

She had taken over, but the fourth prince probably wasn't willing. Lady Li had likely come up with this idea, as Chu Yu had been given a foolish image.

Chu Yu really didn't want to bother. It should be managed well, but any slight mistake would be blamed on her.

In this lifetime, she just wanted to enjoy life. It would be even better if she could be carefree.

All these messy matters? Love who you want!

Lady Li wanted to say more, but Chu Yu interrupted her, "Is there anything else? If not, go back and attend to your own affairs."

Seeing Chu Yu's impatience, Lady Li didn't say anything more.

"In that case, I will take my leave. Lady Song has been feeling unwell these past few days, frequently experiencing nausea. I need to go check on her."

Chu Yu nodded and had Jiang Fuhai escort her out.

As soon as Li left, Chu Yu slouched on the couch, ignoring the book on the side table and grabbing a snack absentmindedly. Perhaps the snack was too delicious, as she squinted while eating.

Seeing Chu Yu like this, Xing'er became a little anxious, her eyes filled with reproach.

Chu Yu smiled at Xing'er, "Who has upset my Xing'er? You're almost tearing your handkerchief."

"Madam, how can you joke at a time like this? We need to come up with a plan," Xing'er urged anxiously.

"What plan?" Chu Yu was a bit puzzled.

Xing'er thought to herself, it seemed that her mistress didn't catch the implied meaning.

"From what Li Gege just said, it seems that Song Gege might be pregnant," Xing'er explained.

Chu Yu responded with an "Oh" and fell silent.

"Madam," Xing'er reproachfully called out to Chu Yu.

Chu Yu smiled, "Don't worry, let's just pretend we don't know."

This Li always beats around the bush, truly exhausting.

She had a good idea. If she could regain control of the household, Song's pregnancy would be a thorn in her side. It would be even better if there were some more disturbances, then she could reap the benefits!

Right now, there wasn't much going on in the Eastern Residence. Once they moved to the new mansion, perhaps all the household affairs could be handed over to Li.

Chu Yu wasn't one to waste her brainpower, she wasn't stupid.

She was quite satisfied with the intimidation effect the original mistress had brought. At least the concubines of the Fourth Prince were somewhat afraid of her and didn't dare to come to her without reason, which was a relief.

Seeing her mistress like this, Xing'er stopped talking, thinking that she was upset. In the mansion, with one mistress managing the affairs and the other pregnant, and the master not visiting the main courtyard, the days ahead would be long. How would the mistress endure?

If Chu Yu knew what Xing'er was thinking, she would definitely roll her eyes. She was a person with clear goals now.

She didn't care what the women in the Fourth Prince's backyard were up to. It was good as it was now, carefree.

There were too many beautiful things in this world, why waste life over a man shared by many?