Chapter 438 - 436: Intense Scent of Aromatherapy

Chapter 438: Chapter 436: Intense Scent of Aromatherapy

Song Qingyun, who was following behind Xu Jing, couldn’t help but whisper, "What a nice fragrance."

Indeed, Consort Fang’s room was filled with a rich rose fragrance, so strong that it was almost overpowering.

In the rooms of Prince Ling and Princess Consort Ling, there was also incense burning, but the scent was more moderate and did not overwhelm like in Consort Fang’s room.

Governor Zhang couldn’t help but frown as well, but he said nothing and walked straight in.

Unlike Prince Ling’s rooms, where someone would guide them inside immediately, Governor Zhang awkwardly paused outside the curtain leading to the inner room and asked, "Consort, may I come in?"

Soon, the woman’s voice from before responded again, "Governor Zhang, please come in."

After Xu Jing and the others entered, they discovered Consort Fang sitting on the bed with her pregnancy showing, while a servant girl had just stood up from her feet, seemingly having just helped her put on shoes.

Everyone immediately understood why no one had opened the door for them earlier.

Consort Fang only had one servant to attend her, and being pregnant, it was indeed inconvenient.

Consort Fang seemed to realize she was neglecting her guests, apologized with a shy smile, and stood up, "Please, have a seat, forgive my poor hospitality."

"I only have Sanye here, and she has her hands full."

Consort Fang appeared very young, delicate and charming like a rose; her appearance was beyond reproach, and any normal man who saw her would likely feel some tenderness for her. However, her complexion and lips carried a slight paleness, and her watery eyes seemed a bit uneasy, like a startled little creature trying hard to appear calm.

The maid beside her, Sanye, was the complete opposite in looks, with thick eyebrows and big eyes. While not pretty, she was always cautious and protective of Consort Fang.

Upon hearing Consort Fang’s words, Sanye murmured discontentedly, "It’s just that our consort doesn’t compete or fight, so she’s traveling with a big belly and not many people to serve her. If it were someone else, they would have had a whole entourage around the consort..."

"Sanye!"

Consort Fang immediately stopped her, though there wasn’t much reproach in her tone.

Xu Jing glanced at them, bowed slightly, and smiled faintly, "It’s not quite appropriate that Consort Fang has only one attendant while being with child."

Consort Fang gently shook her head and said somewhat anxiously, "No, it’s not that. His Highness and the Imperial Concubine have always sent their people to take care of me, but... many people have gone missing these days. There are not many attendants left around His Highness and the Imperial Concubine, so there are no extra hands to send over..."

"I see."

Xu Jing nodded, suddenly looking at Consort Fang, "Consort, you don’t seem well. Should I call a doctor for you? Or, I have some medical knowledge; I can check your pulse for peace of mind."

Consort Fang paused, forcing a smile, "No need, I’m fine. There have been too many incidents lately; I’m just a little uneasy... Besides, the Imperial Concubine cares for me greatly, having a doctor look at me every other day. One even visited yesterday."

Seeing her firm attitude, Xu Jing did not insist further and said thoughtfully, "Speaking of which, the pregnant women I’ve seen before are usually very cautious about their daily living, afraid that a slight misstep might harm the baby. They wouldn’t eat carelessly, not to mention use incense lightly.

However, when I entered Consort’s room, I was surprised to find the scent was quite strong."

The fragrance was so intense that Xu Jing started feeling lightheaded.

Consort Fang’s complexion turned slightly pale, and she said with pursed lips, "That’s true, but I consulted a doctor about this rose incense, and it’s said to be harmless to pregnant women, so I used it."

Sanye interjected, "Consort was mainly frightened by the past few murder cases; Consort saw the horrific murder scene and was so terrified that she vomited for days and frequently had nightmares at night.

Even I felt nauseous for days; the bloody scent lingered stubbornly around my nose.

Moreover, a few days ago, even... even the Princess Consort was murdered, and her room was right next to Consort’s room. Consort has been under great stress these days, with not even a single person to talk to.

Hence, Consort lit such strong incense just to make herself feel a little better..."

As Sanye spoke, Consort Fang’s eyes turned red, confirming Sanye’s words.

Governor Zhang frowned slightly, clearly troubled, and said, "Consort, you need not worry too much. There are guards all around the inn now, making it very difficult for the murderer to act again."

Consort Fang raised her hand to dab the corner of her eye, "I hope so, I really... really don’t want to see anyone get hurt again..."

The sight of her indeed evoked sympathy.

It seemed she was really afraid something might happen again.

Xu Jing looked at her and suddenly said, "I’m here to ask a few questions, Consort. On the night the Princess Consort was murdered, you went to her room; can you tell me about that night?"

Consort Fang heard this, her face turning slightly pale again, before nodding after a long time, "No problem. That day... I went to present my respects as usual. Typically, the Princess Consort would quickly dismiss me, disliking to talk to me. But that day, she surprisingly chatted with me, and later... I heard from Nanny Lu that the Princess Consort was expecting to see her relatives from the Western Capital, which made her so happy."

"Oh? What did the Princess Consort say to Consort specifically?"

"Nothing special, just... just asking about my health, urging me to take care of the baby, complaining slightly about the tiring journey, and talked a bit about the Western Capital, which I had never visited..."

Xu Jing suddenly smiled, "It seems the Princess Consort was really in a good mood that day, usually unwilling to say a word more to Consort, yet she spoke so much that day, even expressing concern for the baby."

Consort Fang looked at Xu Jing warily, forcing a smile, "Naturally, she is the Princess Consort, and when this child is born, it will have to call her mother..."

"Indeed."

Xu Jing nodded and suddenly said, "I seem a bit thirsty, does Consort have tea here?"

Upon hearing this, the others looked at Xu Jing in confusion.

She hadn’t mentioned being thirsty at Prince Ling and Princess Consort Ling’s place.

And being thirsty wouldn’t warrant asking Consort Fang for tea so immediately, right? It didn’t seem like something Xu Jing would normally do!