Xiao Cao patiently maintained her composure, speaking in a measured and calming tone. This seemed to soothe Lu Deyuan somewhat, and he gradually calmed down and sat back down, frowning but still filled with doubt. “Could it be a misdiagnosis? Perhaps it’s just that my fertility is weak…”

“When a man’s fertility is low, there are clear symptoms. Any doctor who isn’t an absolute quack would know these symptoms. Even if a physician didn’t originally think about infertility after one or two incidents, after many instances, it would be impossible not to make that connection. Has any doctor ever hinted to you in any way, either directly or indirectly, about this matter?”

Of course, there hadn’t been such a hint. His health had always been quite good, with no visible issues, and he rarely even needed to see a doctor throughout the year.

“Are your two children from the same mother? Was the pregnancy process smooth? Are the children healthy? And you probably have more than one concubine, right? Over these years, has anyone else become pregnant?”

Lu Deyuan clenched his fists tightly. After a long pause, he spoke with visible difficulty, “Yes, they’re from the same mother. The pregnancies were smooth, and the children are healthy. As for the others, none have ever become pregnant.” Clearly, even if he didn’t completely believe Xiao Cao’s words, a deep suspicion had been planted, and he was now questioning the children he once loved.

“If a man has low fertility and somehow manages to get a woman pregnant by luck, the pregnancy typically won’t go smoothly. There could be miscarriages, stalled labor, or premature births. Even if the child is born safely, they’re usually weaker than other children.

You can’t have been spending all your time with this one concubine, right? Other women must have had the chance to be with you. Given your feelings for your main wife, it shouldn’t be possible that you devoted all your time to the concubine. So here’s the question: none of the other women got pregnant, yet this one had not one, but two successful pregnancies with no complications. Isn’t that a little too lucky?

My adoptive father is a skilled physician. I studied medical texts from a very young age and have a knack for it. By six or seven, I was already diagnosing and prescribing treatments. Because I’m a woman, I’ve dealt mostly with gynecological cases. But I’ve also become quite familiar with male fertility issues. A simple pulse check can determine whether it’s infertility or just low fertility, with no risk of misdiagnosis.”

Lu Deyuan stared deeply at Xiao Cao. Though she was young and female, she spoke openly about medical issues relating to male fertility—a subject typically regarded as taboo for a girl. By speaking so candidly, she was risking her own reputation. Could she really be doing all this just to help a sister whom she had only met today? Because of this, Lu Deyuan almost entirely believed her.

And believing her made his face change drastically, alternating between shades of green and white with anger. During both pregnancies, his own mother had personally overseen the care for his concubine—something she had often argued about with his wife. Naturally, having a concubine pregnant and the mother-in-law personally caring for her instead of trusting her daughter-in-law symbolized an extreme lack of confidence in the wife.

He had more than one concubine serving him, but he had always been close to his wife and spent most of his time with her. Even when his mother urged him to spend more time with the concubine who had given him children, he didn’t want to hurt his wife’s feelings, so he visited the concubine’s chamber at most two or three times a month, while others would rarely get even one visit.

His second child had been conceived after just one night together. Later, when he tried to visit the concubine again, she had claimed to be unwell and declined. Not being the sort to force a woman, he let it go. Yet a month later, it was suddenly announced that she was pregnant. —Clearly, something was fishy.

So where was the supposed ‘”luck”? Where was this woman’s exceptional fertility? It was clearly someone else’s child—an illegitimate child!

Lu Deyuan’s face distorted with rage, his expression growing increasingly dangerous, as if he could tear someone apart. No matter how mild-tempered a man might be, no man could tolerate his woman presenting him with another man’s child!

“Brother-in-law, your family matters are none of my concern, and I trust that you’ll handle them appropriately. I guarantee you I’ll keep your confidence, and no third party will ever learn of this from me. My only concern is your medical condition…”

Lu Deyuan took a moment to recover, his simmering rage subsiding, before he asked in astonishment, “Are you saying, sister-in-law, that I could still be cured?”

“Yes, the damage has been severe over the years, and the medicine involved is quite potent. Your fertility has been almost entirely destroyed. However, with treatment, results might start appearing after about six months…”

“That’s fine. It doesn’t matter how long—be it six months or even longer, I’m willing to wait. When do we start? Can we start the treatment now?” Lu Deyuan couldn’t help but get excited. For now, the betrayal and suspicion could be pushed aside; he fixated instead on the possibility that he could still have children—children with his wife!

His overwhelming urge to run home and strangle that treacherous woman managed to subside momentarily. She could be dealt with slowly, discreetly, and whoever the adulterer was, he would be uncovered. But he must maintain his dignity and reputation and not rush into anything that would make him a public laughingstock.

Xiao Cao observed the man before her. His self-control was impressive, which affirmed her belief that her parents had picked well when choosing people to associate with.

“The treatment doesn’t need to start immediately. You can go home and consult with a reliable doctor for a proper examination. While the effects of the medicine are subtle, a deliberate investigation should reveal some clues.”

“That won’t be necessary. I trust you, sister-in-law.”

Xiao Cao smiled, “Still, it’s better to double-check, just in case.”

Lu Deyuan was slightly embarrassed. Clearly, his previous attitude had been less than gracious, and now his fourth sister-in-law was being cautious. He quickly apologized, “I apologize for my earlier behavior. Please forgive me.”

“No problem. Anyone in your position would have reacted similarly. I only suggest another consultation as a precaution. The treatment will take time, so there’s no rush. I’ll need to treat you at my place since I can’t go to your estate often. Naturally, you’ll need to explain things to your mother to avoid any misunderstandings with your wife.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll handle it properly. But when would be a suitable time to start the treatment?” Lu Deyuan asked, still feeling eager.

“Whenever you feel it’s appropriate, we can begin. I’ll be at home for the foreseeable future, so just come when you’re ready. Now, we’d better head out—your wife looks anxious.”

The two exited the room. Wenren Hui immediately approached, concerned about what had transpired, but she did not hold any grudges over her husband’s earlier outburst.

Fortunately, Lu Deyuan was a decent enough person to apologize for his earlier behavior.

“What’s going on?” This was Wenren Hui’s greatest concern.

To be honest, such an issue—bearing another man’s children and passing them off as her husband’s—was nearly impossible for a man to admit, even to his wife. Especially since this concubine had risen in status through children, often bossing around even his wife. His own mother, seeing the concubine as the mother of his only children, had constantly stood by her side. Even in matters where his wife, Wenren Hui, should have had the upper hand, he had unwittingly or deliberately asked his wife to be patient, using the children as an excuse.

Thus, there were certain things he simply couldn’t bring himself to confess.

Lu Deyuan averted his eyes, not daring to meet Wenren Hui’s gaze.

At a loss, Wenren Hui turned to Xiao Cao, hoping for some answers.

“I’m sorry, big sister. I can’t say anything. But it’s nothing serious. Don’t worry.”