Chapter 90

◎“There’s no need to wait until after giving birth.”◎

The news that Prince Feng had postponed his trip to the capital reached Jiang He's ears. It wasn't that she had specifically inquired about it, but because she carried the title of Prince Feng's prospective son-in-law, some people told her the news as soon as they received it.

It seemed like he was trying to take credit, but it was also to curry favor with her.

Prince Feng is of noble status, and the family of Prince Feng's eldest son is also a family with a history of hundreds of years. Such a person marrying into the Jiang family will truly bring glory to the Jiang family, not to mention that the child born will have half royal blood flowing in his veins.

However, Jiang He now harbors doubts about Prince Feng and is not so looking forward to her marriage.

The back wall of the Xue residence had never been repaired and was unguarded. Whenever Jiang He had free time, she would climb over the wall to see Xue Lingyu. However, Xue Lingyu was already quite far along in her pregnancy, and her father no longer allowed her to go out as freely as before, lest she bump into something or get into some kind of accident.

Xue Lingyu was cooped up at home, but when Jiang He came over, she would bring him some little trinkets from outside. This time it was a simple little windmill, the kind of toy a five or six-year-old child would like to play with. Yesterday it was a string of candied hawthorns, and the day before it was a roly-poly toy. Xue Lingyu was starting to think that Jiang He was treating him like a child.

Thinking about it this way, Jiang He found that she could find time to visit him almost every day.

Fortunately, not many servants pass by his place, and even fewer people are able to enter his room, so Jiang He has not been discovered yet.

Xue Lingyu gently blew on the windmill, and it started to spin. His smile was somewhat childlike as he held up the windmill to show it to Jiang He.

Jiang He looked at him and laughed along.

Perhaps thanks to her efforts, Xue Lingyu finally gained some weight, and her body felt better to the touch than before. She was also soft and comfortable to hold, and in particular, she had grown in all the right places, which made Jiang He very satisfied.

She bent down to help Xue Lingyu tidy his hair. He hadn't styled his hair or applied any makeup today, his face was just plain, but his little mouth looked even more red and luscious, making him extremely charming in her eyes.

Jiang He had another thought in her mind. She put her arm around Xue Lingyu's shoulder, but then she heard his muffled voice, "I heard that Prince Feng was delayed in coming to the capital due to some business. Are you a little disappointed?"

Xue Lingyu opened her bright eyes, clearly waiting for her answer.

Jiang He found it somewhat amusing. Where did she get the idea that Xue Lingyu was disappointed? She was clearly in high spirits. Even the windmill in his hand wasn't something he bought casually; he had specifically searched for a long time before finding such a little trinket, thinking that Xue Lingyu would probably like it.

It wasn't that she treated Xue Lingyu like a child; rather, sometimes, he really was a child.

Considering His Majesty's bestowed marriage, Xue Lingyu's words had a deeper meaning.

"It's better if she comes to the capital later, then I won't be so busy." Once Prince Feng arrives in the capital, it will be possible to thoroughly investigate whether she was the one who stirred up trouble in the North Ward. If it really was Prince Feng, Jiang He will find a way to make this arranged marriage end without a trace and make Prince Feng pay the price for it.

When the two families merge into one, it's hard to say whether she will marry her husband or have her entire family business swallowed up by the other party.

"What are you busy with?" Xue Lingyu asked, but before Jiang He could answer, he put his arm around her neck and ended the conversation.

What else could she be busy with? Naturally, she was busy preparing for her wedding, her wedding to the eldest son of the Prince of Feng.

At that time, all the powerful and influential people in the capital will come, and even His Majesty may come in person.

Jiang He, who was originally standing, picked him up from the chair because of Xue Lingyu's initiative, sat down in his seat, and let Xue Lingyu sit on her lap. To prevent him from falling, Jiang He held his waist with her hands.

The woman's warm breath sprayed on his neck, and Xue Lingyu felt Jiang He's breathing becoming heavier and heavier, and her hands were constantly wandering over his body, so he knew what she wanted to do.

He had been led to do such things during the day so often that he no longer felt much shame, but he was worried about the child in his womb.

He bit his lip and whispered, trying to stop Jiang He's hands from untying his belt, "It's been more than eight months now, I'm afraid... I'm afraid it won't work."

She was due to give birth soon, and at this crucial moment, nothing could go wrong.

"Just bear with it. After the baby is born, I will... I will..." Xue Lingyu was too ashamed to say it out loud. Such words were too direct, making it seem as if he was still thinking about that kind of thing even after the baby was born, and was deliberately trying to seduce Jiang He.

“There’s no need to wait until after the baby is born.” Jiang He held Xue Lingyu’s hand, her gaze deep, and her voice was hoarse as she said, “You can come and help me now.”

Xue Lingyu suddenly stopped, stunned. Jiang He covered his lips with hers, tasting them lightly, and said, "Your mouth is fine too."

Within fifteen minutes, Xue Lingyu couldn't help but tear up.

He tugged at Jiang He's sleeve and asked softly, "Will you be in the capital this month?"

"Probably." Unless it's a big business deal in another city, Jiang He will not go there to negotiate, but such situations are rare. The Jiang family's business is mainly in the capital.

"Why would you ask me this?" Jiang He felt that he was hiding something in his heart, as if he was afraid that she would leave.

Xue Lingyu touched her belly and said slowly, "The doctor said I might give birth this month, or at the latest early next month. I'm afraid you won't be here by then."

Xue Lingyu wanted Mian'er to see her mother as soon as she was born. With Jiang He around, he felt more at ease. If something unexpected happened, he could see Jiang He one last time.

Jiang He noticed the worry in his eyes and thought that he must be afraid to face that scene alone. Although the child's mother had run away, she had spent a long time with the child and should at least show some consideration.

She ruffled Xue Lingyu's hair and said decisively, "I'll be with you then."

Xue Lingyu nodded, her heart finally at peace because of those words.

Because Zhou Dian caused too much trouble, even for the sake of Zhou Yu's reputation, Prince Feng had no choice but to deal with this mess.

At the same time, Prince Feng also issued an order to warn everyone that there had only ever been one son in Prince Feng's mansion, Zhou Yu, who was merely a servant. If anyone else was loyal to Zhou Dian and intended to seize Prince Feng's mansion, they would be immediately killed and thrown into the mass grave.

Prince Feng has received news that Prime Minister Xue Lingyi has discovered that Zhou Dian used her name to acquire land in the capital and resorted to underhanded means to try to enter the capital's business circle and stand on equal footing with the Jiang and He families.

That's wishful thinking!

Although she entrusted half of the Feng Prince's Mansion's assets to Zhou Dian for management, she had explicitly forbidden him from extending his reach into the capital. The current emperor was not born of the eldest son of the legitimate wife, and although he respected the elders of the imperial clan after ascending the throne, he was still quite wary of him.

When the late emperor was discussing the succession, the princesses argued endlessly, and none of them could completely convince the court officials. Some even brought up the story of the founding empress passing the throne to her younger sister, urging the late emperor to abdicate in favor of Prince Feng. The late emperor simply laughed it off.

But it's still hard to guarantee that someone will remember.

Therefore, after His Majesty ascended the throne, Prince Feng requested to go to his fiefdom and never got involved in the affairs of the capital again. He never opened any businesses in the capital, and he even refused to see officials from the capital to pay their respects, in order to show his absolute loyalty to His Majesty.

If His Majesty were to find out what Zhou Dian had done, regardless of the truth, he would certainly hold her responsible, which would inevitably arouse suspicion.

Although she considered herself to be upright, if she brought disaster upon herself and the Feng Prince's Mansion fell into ruin, she would not be able to protect her husband and son after their deaths. This would be unfair to both her husband's instructions and Yu'er.

Therefore, she absolutely could not allow anything to go wrong at the Prince Feng's residence.

The confidant then reminded him, "The prince has already lingered for quite some time. If he doesn't come to the capital soon, His Majesty will become suspicious."

Prince Feng sighed and said, "I know that if it were just a matter of bestowing a marriage, it would be fine. Yu'er has been gone for three years. I was immersed in grief and thought that he had not really died from that cold, so I did not report his death to the royal family. Now that he is gone, the marriage can only be dissolved. However, Zhou Dian is targeting the Jiang family. I don't know how to explain this to the Jiang family."

The Jiang family is the father's family of Fengjun. Emperor Wei has already made it clear to the civil and military officials that once the princess born to Fengjun grows up, she will be made the Crown Princess. The Jiang family is now an in-law family, and their eldest daughter, Jiang He, is very capable. Even if she doesn't go into business, she will at least have a hereditary title of Duke.

In the matter concerning the Jiang family, Prince Feng had to consider the presence of Princess Feng and the princess.

After analyzing the pros and cons, the confidant suggested, "After Your Highness arrives in the capital, why not first sound out the Jiang family's opinion? Zhou Dian is dead, and he was the one who caused this whole mess, so that can be considered half an explanation to the Jiang family. As for the lost money, we might as well discuss it with the Jiang family and then make compensation."

"This is all we can do now." Princess Feng sighed deeply, and with a weary expression, she waved her hand and said, "Let's set off."

Inside the Imperial Study, after finishing dealing with the affairs of the previous dynasty, the Emperor asked where Prince Feng was. The Grand Eunuch replied that Prince Feng had quickened his pace and would arrive in about ten days.

Emperor Wei couldn't help but frown. "What is it that Prince Feng has been dragging on for so long?"

The eldest son of Prince Feng was indeed a bit delicate, so to avoid a bumpy ride, the journey was slow. Emperor Wei did not find this strange, but what exactly did Prince Feng mean by "family matters"?

In previous years, Prince Feng could still be seen at the palace banquets, but in recent years he has not even stepped out of his fiefdom. It has been three years since she last saw this aunt. The Emperor couldn't help but be suspicious. Could it be that something happened that she didn't know about?

The eunuch's words interrupted the emperor's thoughts: "Prince Feng is, after all, His Majesty's own aunt. Moreover, I have heard that she dotes on her eldest son as if he were the apple of her eye. She is probably just reluctant to let him get married and wants to keep him for a while longer."

That's just like Prince Feng's style.

The eldest son of Prince Feng is only sixteen years old. If it weren't for this arranged marriage, Prince Feng would definitely have kept him for a few more years, and might even have been reluctant to let him get married. He would have found a son-in-law to live with him and keep his eldest son by his side for the rest of his life.

Emperor Wei closed his eyes and said, "Fine, let her be."

A palace attendant entered and announced, "Your Majesty, the Phoenix Prince has arrived."

The next moment, Jiang Wanyi entered. He was dressed in a bright red palace gown, with a phoenix hairpin symbolizing his status in his hair. Because he had left in a hurry, he only applied a touch of lip rouge to his lips to make his complexion look less haggard. However, his skin was already extremely fair, and the red lips complemented each other, adding to his beauty.

After giving birth to twins, Jiang Wanyi became even more charming and alluring, and the Emperor's favor towards her intensified, making her even more unrestrained.

After all, even the most cunning and pedantic ministers of the previous dynasty couldn't find a single fault with the emperor who doted on his empress.

The chief eunuch and the palace attendant tactfully withdrew at this moment.

When Emperor Wei saw Jiang Wanyi, he finally smiled and reached out to invite him to sit on his lap.

Jiang Wanyi maintained a certain reserve and said helplessly, "Your Majesty, this is the Imperial Study."

"I know." The emperor simply put his arm around his waist and pulled him onto his lap, leaving him no room to refuse.

The Emperor gently inhaled the fragrance of his hair and smiled, "So you've finally managed to put the two children to sleep and have time to come see me?"

Jiang Wanyi's attention is now focused on the two children. Even when she is serving the emperor at night, she will go to check on the children whenever she hears them crying. The emperor has to stop and let her leave. Several times, she almost gritted her teeth.

She remembers this very well, down to the last detail.

The Emperor had already planned that once the two children turned three, she would send them to the Imperial Study so that Jiang Wanyi could get some rest.

Jiang Wanyi said solemnly, "I have come to discuss with His Majesty the matter of the renovation of Consort Xue's Jiaofang Palace."

It is a blessing from heaven that Xue Taifu was able to wake up this time. Now the six palaces and four halls are showing signs of dilapidation and it is time to start repairs one after another. His Chaohui Hall is not a big deal, but Xue Taifu is the legitimate father of the Emperor, so naturally he should be treated first.

Jiang Wanyi heard that after Xue Taifu woke up, the Emperor initially went to pay his respects a few times, but later stopped going.

Since Xue Taifu was her legal father, Jiang Wanyi did not want the outside world to spread rumors that the Emperor was unfilial. So she wanted to ask the Emperor for his opinion on the matter, so that it could be said to the outside world that the Emperor was concerned about Xue Taifu and ordered him to repair Jiaofang Palace.

His mention reminded Emperor Wei of the cold face of Consort Xue.

Perhaps in his heart, he never treated her as a daughter.

Emperor Wei felt a pang of pain in his heart, buried his face in Jiang Wanyi's neck, and whispered in a hoarse voice:

"You are the Phoenix Lord, so you are in charge."

Jiang Wanyi sensed the Emperor's low spirits and couldn't help but reach out and hug her.

He wanted to tell Wei Di that no matter what happened, he and the children would always be by her side.

As his delivery approached, Xue Lingyu had no appetite for the food laid out on the table. Even if he ate, he would vomit it up. No matter what he tried, he couldn't relieve the symptoms. He had a bad feeling, but he didn't dare tell his father. He only told Jiang He.

He clutched his pounding chest, grasped Jiang He's hand, and said fearfully, "I've been feeling a bit anxious these past few days."

Jiang He had already asked Doctor Ji in the manor about Xue Lingyu's situation, and he said that prenatal anxiety in pregnant men is a normal reaction.

She gently comforted Xue Lingyu, "Don't be afraid."

"I heard that Imperial Physician Ji has already been sent to the Xue residence by Imperial Physician Xue. With her there, you don't need to worry so much."

Jiang He still remembers that her brother's childbirth was extremely dangerous, but it was thanks to Physician Ji's miraculous skills that her brother was able to give birth safely. Physician Ji was a national expert, so there was no way anything would go wrong.

Moreover, her brother lost a lot of weight and was weak during his pregnancy, which is why he didn't have the strength to give birth. Xue Lingyu, on the other hand, has become much more plump and looks very healthy during this time, so she is unlikely to experience the same situation as her brother.

Even after hearing Jiang He's words, Xue Lingyu was still flustered. He couldn't help but tighten his grip on Jiang He's hand, and with a furrowed brow, he asked as if possessed, "I heard that Prince Feng will be bringing his eldest son to the capital in the next few days. Do you really want to marry him?"

He had once seen the eldest son of the Prince of Feng. His waist was as thin as a willow branch, and his every frown and smile was sickly and delicate. He was a true beauty.

On the other hand, he is now heavily pregnant and hasn't dressed up in a long time, so he certainly can't compare to the eldest son of the Prince of Feng.

Jiang He stared at him silently for a long time. Judging from the current trend, she was indeed going to marry the eldest son of Prince Feng. Everything would have to wait until Prince Feng came to the capital.

She moved her lips, wanting to speak, but found that she couldn't utter a single word.

Xue Lingyu released her hand, a bitter smile tugging at the corner of her lips:

"I see."

Initially, she was attracted to Xue Lingyu's good looks. Seeing him get pregnant and then cruelly abandoned, although she didn't know the specifics, Jiang He still felt some pity for him. She said softly, "Don't think too much about it."

She had to rush back to deal with the business, and there were still a bunch of account books she hadn't looked at, so she couldn't stay with Xue Lingyu for too long.

Xue Lingyu didn't say anything when she said she was leaving. He sat alone in front of the dressing table without uttering a sound.

Jiang He walked to the window, but couldn't help turning around just before she reached it. She found that Xue Lingyu wasn't looking back at her, but was instead tidying up her jewelry box.

The jewelry box contained items that Jiang He had given to Xue Lingyu in the past. Xue Lingyu took out the red jade and agate hairpin, as well as the "Longing for You" hairpin, which he carefully treasured.

Jiang He knew that Xue Lingyu cherished that red jade and agate hairpin, and had long guessed that it might have some special meaning to him, perhaps it was a gift from his former sweetheart?

Looking at his slightly red eyes, Jiang He felt a pang of sadness for some reason.

She was only attracted to Xue Lingyu's good looks; she had no other feelings for him, nor could she possibly have any.

Jiang He kept repeating this sentence to herself.

From that day on, Jiang He never came to Xue Lingyu's place again. She was busy with the matter of Prince Feng's trip to the capital and simply couldn't spare the time.

If it was indeed at the behest of Prince Feng, who wanted to cultivate power in the capital, then the fact that he almost forced her to close her shop would surely cause a complete falling out between the two sides, and the marriage would definitely be impossible to continue.

This has happened countless times. The city's night watchmen have all gone home to sleep, but Jiang He is still reading the account books by lamplight. Even though she is tired, she has to keep going. As the heir of the Jiang family, she cannot fall down easily, and she cannot admit defeat easily.

Seeing that Xue Lingyu was due to give birth in half a month, Xue's father went out to buy things to prepare. Although the family had prepared a lot, he was still afraid that it would not be enough.

The more clothes, toys, and daily necessities a child has, the better.

Since we don't know yet whether it's a girl or a boy, we need to buy two sets of clothes.

Mr. Xue's face was beaming with joy. Just as he was about to leave, Xue Lingyu grabbed him and said, "Father, I want to go with you too."

Mr. Xue looked at his stomach and was a little worried. He thought it best for him to stay at home to avoid any accidents happening outside.

Xue Lingyu pleaded, "Father, I've been feeling a bit tight in my chest and short of breath these past few days. I want to go out and see what's going on. Besides, I haven't been out for a long time. After I give birth, I'll be stuck in the house for another month. I'll really be living in complete darkness."

Xue Lingyu's tone was very sorrowful, even on the verge of collapse. Xue's father was very worried and had to reconsider.

If Xue Lingyu continues to keep quiet, she might develop some health problems. Besides, with her elders around, they can keep an eye on her and prevent any major issues from arising.

Mr. Xue finally relented and took him out with him.

Originally, Xue's father wanted to go to a more distant place, but now that Xue Lingyu was with him, they went to a few shops not far from the Xue residence.

First, he went to a clothing shop. Xue Lingyu found the shopkeeper somewhat familiar, and his intuition told him that the shop was most likely owned by the Jiang family. He didn't want the shopkeeper to recognize him, so while his father was talking to the shopkeeper, he took his servant and made an excuse to go to the other side of the shop.

Because a servant was with him, Xue's father didn't say anything.

This shop not only makes children's clothes, but also displays a wide variety of ready-made garments, which dazzles Xue Lingyu and makes him struggle to choose. He strokes his belly and thinks he might as well ask the child for his opinion.

But the child didn't react, as if he was overwhelmed by the choices.

Xue Lingyu suddenly felt a little tired, so he turned around to look for his father. Just then, he saw an old man walking towards him, his gaze seemingly fixed on him. Xue Lingyu smiled politely at the old man.

After arriving in the capital, Prince Feng did not immediately report to the authorities. Instead, he wandered around the city and happened to come across this shop.

In a daze, she seemed to see Yu'er standing in the shop. Although she knew it was impossible, she still walked in as if possessed.

Perhaps it was a blessing from heaven, for a moment, it was as if Yu'er was really standing in front of her.

Xue Lingyu felt a little strange as Feng Wang stared at her. For some reason, he thought he saw tears welling up in her eyes.

He asked gently, "Is there anything I can help you with, sir?"

Feng Wang wanted to walk forward, but she was so excited that she almost fell to the ground. Xue Lingyu subconsciously reached out to help her.

"Sir, please be careful."

Xue Lingyu was pregnant, but fortunately, Prince Feng reacted quickly enough, so he didn't use much force, otherwise he might have disturbed the fetus.

Just as Xue's father finished telling the shopkeeper what he wanted, he noticed the commotion from Xue Lingyu's side. He quickly came over and asked, "Yu'er, what's wrong?"

Xue Lingyu took her father's arm and shook her head, saying, "Father, it's alright."

"His name is Yu'er?" Upon hearing this name, Prince Feng was speechless for a long time.

Not only does she look like Yu'er, but even their names are so similar.

Father Xue turned to look at Prince Feng, recognized her, and bowed: "Your Highness Prince Feng, have you come to the capital?"

He had accompanied his wife to the palace to attend a banquet and had met Prince Feng, but he never expected that the once spirited Prince Feng would now be so haggard.

"Yu'er, Yu'er," Prince Feng murmured repeatedly, repeating these two names.

Seeing that Prince Feng had fallen into a trance, his confidant immediately stepped forward to help him out, saying to Xue's father, "I'm sorry, my prince has had a long journey and must be very tired right now."

"It's alright, Your Highness Prince Feng, you should go to the palace soon. His Majesty must have been waiting for you." After saying this politely, Xue's father took Xue Lingyu and left.

Prince Feng's behavior was truly strange, but Xue's father didn't want to delve any further, after all, Prince Feng's eldest son was about to marry Jiang He, and Jiang He was related to his own son...

This relationship is really complicated.

Back in the carriage, Xue Lingyu recalled the scene from earlier. Prince Feng had already entered the capital, so it seemed that the day when Jiang He and Prince Feng's eldest son would get married was not far off.

He couldn't laugh at all at that moment.

A note from the author:

Thank you to all the little angels who voted for me or watered my plants with nutrient solution between 19:58:23 on March 7, 2022 and 18:30:18 on March 8, 2022!

Thank you to the little angel who threw the landmine: 1 yogurt;

Thank you to the little angel who watered the nutrient solution: Mumu^_^ 3 bottles;

Thank you so much for your support! I will continue to work hard!

◎Latest Comments:

[Finally unlocked!]

[Is Emperor Wei really a hypocrite?]

He's so blind and inconsiderate, neglecting his family and not even lifting a finger when his beloved junior was forced into becoming a concubine. Now he's hypocritically seeking attention. It's truly disgusting.

[Keep it up, author! You write very well!]

【Hmm, let's take advantage of his impending birth and give Xue Lingyu a good beating, let him suffer a bit, hehe】

[Drink this nutrient solution, and you'll be ready to fight another 33,000 tomorrow!]

-over-