But just then...
Zhong Youyan changed tack and continued, "You must drink more of the Pregnancy-Calming Medicine, Sister. Otherwise, the baby will keep you up at night, and it pains me so. You mustn't drink less, or someone will be displeased!"
"All right."
Smiling, Zhong Youling laid her hand over her sister's, moving her fingers slightly.
Their years of sisterly understanding let her instantly grasp the meaning behind Youyan's words.
Youyan was telling her not to drink the medicine. She recalled how the Little Princess had stopped her earlier.
Something seemed to fall into place in Zhong Youling's mind. Her expression suddenly changed, and she turned to Jingjing.
"This medicine has gone cold. Take it away to warm it, then bring it back. I must listen to my younger sister, the Commandery Princess, and drink more."
Reassured, Jingjing lowered her head. "Yes."
She carried the medicine away to warm it.
The sisters returned to the courtyard. Zhong Youyan dismissed all the maids and older serving women, looked around, and shut the door.
"Jin Yu!"
Jin Yu emerged from the shadows and looked at Zhong Youyan.
"Keep watch. Don't let a single person come near."
"Yes."
Jin Yu withdrew briskly. He could guard this place single-handedly.
"Sister, there's something wrong with Jingjing, and that Pregnancy-Calming Medicine is no good either. Don't drink any more of it!"
Zhong Youyan spoke bluntly.
"What have you learned?"
Her face dark, Zhong Youling took her sister's hand and asked.
In truth, she had long felt that something was amiss.
A few days earlier, she had forgotten to drink the medicine once. That night, she had slept peacefully, and the baby had barely stirred.
When Jingjing discovered she hadn't taken the medicine, her expression had turned considerably uglier.
She had hurried to brew another dose and