Contraceptive Medicine (Continued)

Gu Wanning, who used to be like a hedgehog, now has a much gentler temperament.

"It's alright, it's not like I've been wronged," Gu Wanning said.

The one who truly felt wronged has already chosen a new beginning.

"My husband has already told me about my sister's plans," said He Shi. "Sister, please be patient for a few more days and take good care of yourself... Also, since you've made up your mind, it's best not to get pregnant."

No one knows better than her the pain of being separated from one's own flesh and blood.

Thinking of her son, whom she had carried for ten months and who was taken away shortly after birth, He Shi's eyes also reddened.

Gu Wanning thought to herself, if people could get pregnant while sleeping in the same bed and on the same couch, the earth would have exploded from overcrowding by humans long ago.

However, He Shi He's words were clearly well-intentioned, so she nodded. "I understand."

"This is a contraceptive." He Shi secretly took a small porcelain bottle from her sleeve and slipped it into Gu Wanning's hand, her face slightly flushed. "This is a prescription that my husband found with the imperial physician. It's reliable. I've been taking it since your Ling Ge was born."

Gu Wanning was somewhat surprised, "Sister-in-law isn't having children?"

"My husband said he doesn't want it anymore." He Shi's face turned even redder, and she couldn't bring herself to say some of the words.

She actually wanted a daughter.

But her husband said that having children makes one age faster; he also said he hoped she wouldn't always be burdened by the children and would give him some time, as they spent too little time together.

Although Gu Wanning didn't need it, she didn't refuse He Shi's kindness and accepted the small porcelain bottle.

"But sister, if you change your mind during this period, don't keep quiet just because you're too proud to say anything."

Gu Wanning looked at her in confusion. "Change your mind? What do you mean, change your mind?"

"I heard that after you fell into the water, the Marquis went down to save you?"

"Hmm. I understand. Your sister-in-law thinks I'll be moved and won't get a divorce?" Gu Wanning said with a hint of amusement. "No way."

It's not that she can't be with Xu Weibei; it's that she's out of place in this world.

She was truly afraid of numbing herself, of changing her values by thinking "everyone around me does it," of becoming accustomed to men having multiple wives and concubines, and of compromising herself.

She is now firmly against it, but she is afraid that her resolve will waver over time.

Humans are social animals, and conformity is almost ingrained in our bones.

It takes a lot of calmness to maintain independent thinking.

Being immersed in this environment did her no good in maintaining independent thinking.

Because she now clearly realizes that a vast web of power and money has been laid out before her, just waiting for her to walk right into it.

Being waited on hand and foot, living a life of luxury, having everything done for her... these things will really spoil her, like boiling a frog in lukewarm water, slowly making her lose the ability to endure hardship.

Nobody wants to suffer.

But compared to the bitterness of wives and concubines fighting and scheming, Gu Wanning felt that she was still willing to endure the hardships of life.

Earn your own sweat, eat your own food; poor but content.

"I mean, in case... my sister wants my husband and me to find out."

"Okay." Gu Wanning smiled at He Shi.

He Shi is truly a wonderful elder sister-in-law; she handles matters with utmost care, no wonder the entire Gu family likes her.

Er Ya peeled a small handful of pine nuts and took them out to tease the parrot.

Ling Ge whispered, "Can I feed it?"

"Why not? Here, Second Young Master, this is for you." Er Ya placed the pine nuts in his hand.

During the "handover" of pine nuts between the two, the greedy parrot got impatient and flew over to peck at the nuts.

Your Ling Ge's tender little hand was pecked by its beak, and he couldn't help but cry out in pain.

Gu Wanning and He Shi came out upon hearing the news.

Perhaps afraid of being scolded, Ling Ge clenched his fists and said, "It's okay."

Gu Wanning, however, was afraid something might happen to the child—these were the flowers of the motherland, and this one was especially adorable—so she repeatedly called out to Er Ya, "Go and fetch a doctor to take a look!"

She saw the bloodstains and was extremely nervous.

The sight of this wound would be unbearable for her if it were on herself; seeing it on a Xiaoxiao child only intensified her heartache.

He Shi was also distressed, but said, "It's alright, no need to call a doctor. Ling Ge, let go, let your mother take a look."

When Xu Weibei returned from outside, he saw this chaotic scene.

He thought something serious had happened, and disregarding the fact that his brother's wife was present and he should avoid the matter, he strode forward and said in a deep voice, "What's wrong? Let me see!"

He Shi quickly bowed to him, saying, "It's alright, it's alright, it's just that the child is being naughty..."

Gu Wanning tried to coax him, but Xu Weibei immediately pried his Ling Ge's hand away.

When he saw the wound, which was almost healed, he couldn't help but look at Gu Wanning with disdain. "You're making such a fuss over this?"

If she went to the battlefield, wouldn't she have to shout herself mute?

Gu Wanning: "... Your Ling Ge was pecked by a parrot at the Marquis's Residence."

Do you even know what "politeness" means?

She discovered that Xu Weibei was completely ignorant of the social etiquette and interpersonal relationships in the backyard!

He Shi quickly smoothed things over, saying, "It's nothing, it's nothing, it's just a small matter. My sister is being too worried about your Ling Ge."

Upon seeing Xu Weibei return, she prepared to take her leave.

Your Ling Ge looked conflicted, as if he had mustered up his courage before speaking.

"Aunt," he looked up at Gu Wanning, his obsidian-like eyes pleading, "Aunt, it's my fault, please don't blame it, okay?"

Gu Wanning patted his head. "Okay. Come on, let's treat the wound first. The weather is hot, and the wound is prone to festering."

He Shi quickly said no need.

Gu Wanning insisted that Er Ya call her Third Concubine so that she could help treat her Ling Ge and apply medicine.

She then had some snacks brought back for her Ling Ge, and said to him, "If you like parrots, your aunt will give you one another day. This was just a gift from an elder, so I can't very well give it to you..."

Your Ling Ge replied, "Thank you, Aunt, but Grandfather doesn't like me indulging in frivolous pursuits."

Gu Wanning patted his head and saw He Shi mother out.