Chapter One The Crisis Approaches
743 Words
In the 18th century England, noble life was luxurious and comfortable. However, for Duchess Xue Ru of Westmoreland Castle, this autumn seemed to come particularly early. In early August, the ginkgo leaves in the mansion had already begun to turn yellow, as if foreshadowing the misfortunes that were about to come.
Duchess Xue Ru had been pregnant for several months, and she looked forward to the birth of her child, but she also felt deeply worried. Her husband, Duke Westmoreland, had been neglecting her since he met the beautiful and charming woman Pian Pian three months ago at a social event.
Pian Pian was a mysterious eastern woman who captivated the Duke's heart with her unique dance and charming smile. Soon after, Pian Pian became the Duke's mistress and moved into the castle.
Duchess Xue Ru knew that her position was precarious. Although she had been married to the Duke for ten years and had given birth to three daughters, she still couldn't stop the Duke's infatuation with Pian Pian. Now, she was pregnant with her fourth child, and Pian Pian was also pregnant. If Pian Pian gave birth to a son, her position would become even more unstable.
This autumn, Duchess Xue Ru felt particularly cold. Her wet nurse, Qin Nainai, kept whispering in her ear, "This time, you must give birth to a son! No matter what, it must be a son! You have to make up your mind!"
However, whether she gave birth to a son or a daughter was not something that Duchess Xue Ru could decide. She felt helpless and confused, not knowing how to face the challenges that lay ahead. On the other side of the castle, Pian Pian was preparing for the birth of her own child. She was full of anticipation and hope, hoping that her child would solidify her position in the castle.
Meanwhile, Duchess Xue Ru's friend, General's Wife Xue Qing, arrived at the castle. She and Duchess Xue Ru were close sisters who had grown up together, and their relationship was intimate. Xue Qing was a smart and decisive woman who was worried about Duchess Xue Ru's situation and decided to help her retain her position.
"This time, if it's a boy, everyone will be happy. If it's a girl, then we'll have to switch the babies. We have no choice!" Xue Qing said firmly.
Duchess Xue Ru was shocked. This was an old story in the royal family, a story that had been repeated many times. She had thought about it before, but "thinking" and "doing" were two different things. "Thinking" was not a crime, but "doing" was a capital offense. Besides, who could bear to part with their own flesh and blood and raise someone else's child as if it were their own? Could she do it? No! No! Absolutely not!
"If you don't do this, if Pian Pian gives birth to a son, she'll be elevated to the position of the Duchess and you'll be demoted to a concubine. Think about it carefully! Think about the misery of living in a cold palace and being alone for the rest of your life... Think about our second aunt, how tragically she spent her life because she didn't give birth to a son... Think about it carefully!" Xue Qing's tone was resolute and sharp, each word like a blade piercing Duchess Xue Ru's heart.
In the following months, Duchess Xue Ru experienced unprecedented torment and struggle. She hesitated under the dual pressure of morality and emotion, not knowing how to make a decision. Meanwhile, Pian Pian became increasingly arrogant and seemed to have already foreseen her own victory.
Finally, in the deep night of October, Duchess Xue Ru finally gave birth. The baby's cry was loud and strong, relieving everyone's tension. However, when Duchess Xue Ru saw the baby's gender, her mood immediately became heavy. It was another daughter! This made her feel hopeless and helpless.
However, at this critical moment, Xue Qing made an unexpected decision. She brought her own son into the delivery room and said to Duchess Xue Ru, "Take a quick look! I'm going to take him out to announce the good news!"
Duchess Xue Ru was shocked and grateful. She didn't expect Xue Qing to be willing to make such a sacrifice to help her. However, things had come to this point, and she had no choice but to accept this reality and exchange her daughter
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