Chapter 91

◎"She had a girl, named Mian'er."◎

After Xue Lingyu and his son left, it took Feng Wang a while to slowly come to his senses. No matter how similar they looked, even if their names were so alike, it could not possibly be her Yu'er.

She watched Yu'er die in her arms, and the pain of losing her child is still unforgettable, even etched into her very bones.

Her trusted aide looked at her with great concern, "Your Highness, are you alright?"

After the death of his eldest son, Prince Feng's health gradually declined. His temples turned white, and he looked extremely old. The doctors said that if Prince Feng continued to be immersed in grief and unable to get out of it, he would probably only live for a few more years.

Prince Feng waved his hand and shook his head, saying, "I am fine."

She couldn't help but cough a few times, swallowing the blood in her throat, and instructed her confidant, "Go and investigate the identity of that person from earlier."

The pregnant young man just now seemed to have an extraordinary bearing, and his clothes were made of the finest materials. He must be from a prominent family in the capital. The fact that the lord recognized Prince Feng suggests that he must have a noble lineage.

This was the first time the confidant had seen someone who looked so much like the eldest son. Regardless of who the other person was, it would at least bring some comfort to Prince Feng and alleviate some of his longing for the eldest son.

The trusted aide obeyed, "Yes, Your Highness."

Although the person was no longer in front of him, Prince Feng still couldn't forget the scene of seeing Xue Lingyu. His eyes were exactly the same as Yu'er's. It was a pity that Yu'er was weak and had never been out of the house many times, and was unable to have children normally like him.

Prince Feng clenched his teeth and sighed in regret.

Xue Lingyu was unaware that Prince Feng had sent people to investigate him. After returning from outside, he originally planned to lie down for a while after dinner, but his stomach suddenly started to hurt, and he immediately fell to the ground in pain. The servant was terrified and hurriedly went to call Xue's father, saying that the young master was probably about to give birth.

Xue's father went to invite Ji Weinian to come with him. When they arrived, Xue Lingyu was no longer in pain, but her face was a little pale.

Ji Weinian stepped forward to check on his condition and took his pulse.

"The eldest son's water has broken, and he is indeed about to give birth, but we will have to wait. Lord Xue can go and prepare the things needed for the delivery, and call a few pallbearers to be on standby."

Upon hearing this, Xue's father immediately ordered his servants to make preparations, and the several stewards who had been invited to the mansion were also brought over immediately.

Xue Lingyu's pain came in waves, and he felt a contraction in his abdomen. All his attention was focused on his stomach, worried that something might happen to the baby.

Ji Weinian told him to eat more so that he wouldn't be too weak when he gave birth. Xue Lingyu ate some more and suppressed the urge to vomit, but tears still streamed down her face.

Giving birth is really painful.

He lay on the bed, panting, until finally he felt so much pain that he lost consciousness, but this was only the beginning.

As soon as Prince Feng entered the capital, Emperor Wei received the news and immediately summoned Prince Feng to the palace for an audience.

Prince Feng was invited to the Imperial Study. Her expression was solemn. As a prince, she should have been pampered, but she looked like she had been through a lot. When she met His Majesty, she was holding a box tightly in her hands and bowed to the Emperor with trembling hands.

"This old minister pays his respects to Your Majesty."

Emperor Wei quickly helped her up, saying, "Aunt, please get up."

Seeing the wrinkles on Prince Feng's face and his haggard, aged appearance, Emperor Wei couldn't help but ask, "Aunt, what has happened? You look so different from three years ago. I remember the last time I saw you, you had a full head of black hair, but now..."

Although time takes its toll, it seems that the Prince of Feng has encountered some kind of change, which even the Emperor Wei finds alarming. However, in the past three years, no major events have been heard of in Feng.

Prince Feng choked up, not answering immediately. Emperor Wei couldn't help but glance behind her, and finding that she was alone, he asked again:

"Where is my cousin Yu'er? Didn't he come with you?"

The imperial edict issued by the emperor ordered Prince Feng to bring his eldest son to the capital, but now that Prince Feng has arrived, his eldest son is nowhere to be seen.

Although Emperor Wei thought that Prince Feng might be reluctant to let his eldest son marry out because he doted on him too much, this action was still a crime of disobeying the imperial decree.

Emperor Wei was waiting for King Feng's explanation.

Although she valued the relationship between aunt and niece, she could not tolerate it repeatedly.

Prince Feng raised the box in his hand, his aged voice trembling with grief, tears streaming down his face as he said, "Yu'er... has come with this old minister too."

Emperor Wei stared at the box, then asked in surprise, "Is this my cousin Yu'er in this box?"

From the moment she entered until now, Prince Feng has been holding onto this box and refusing to let go. Even when the chief eunuch, considering her age, wanted to lend a hand, Prince Feng sternly refused.

Emperor Wei thought it was something valuable, but it turned out to be Zhou Yu's ashes.

Zhou Yu is dead?

Although he was a bit weak, he was fine a few years ago. How could he have died just like that after being betrothed?

Prince Feng knelt on the ground, tears streaming down his face, and said, "Your Majesty, I have come to beg for forgiveness. Your Majesty should know how important Yu'er was to this old minister. He was frail from childhood, practically raised on medicine. I have always taken great care of him, but I never imagined that my adopted son would harm Yu'er for the sake of the Feng Prince's estate. Yu'er originally only had a cold, but in the end, he passed away..."

“Since Yu’er passed away three years ago, this old minister has been devastated and has not even wanted to leave the mansion. He has also handed over his property to his adopted son to manage. This old minister has not reported to the imperial family, because he still deceives himself into thinking that Yu’er is still alive. If it weren’t for His Majesty’s bestowal of marriage, this old minister would not have opened Yu’er’s coffin, and would not have discovered the vicious schemes of his adopted son over the years.”

"Your Majesty, Yu'er has been gone for three years. This old minister is grateful for Your Majesty's bestowal of marriage, but it is a pity that the Feng Prince's Mansion is not fortunate enough to have this marriage..."

Every word that Prince Feng spoke came from the bottom of his heart, and he recounted the matter with tears streaming down his face, holding the ashes of his eldest son.

The fact that the legitimate son was murdered by the adopted son is a scandalous affair for the imperial clan. Therefore, Prince Feng did not report the news of the marriage as soon as it was announced, but chose to report it to the emperor in person.

Emperor Wei never expected things to turn out this way. Zhou Yu had already passed away, so the marriage was naturally off the table.

She helped the kneeling Prince Feng to his feet and said emotionally, "Aunt, I really didn't expect such a thing to happen. I was also very saddened when I heard about it. It was hard for you to come all the way from Feng to the capital."

Prince Feng said, "The reason I delayed for so long was to deal with that heartless adopted son. Although he has been executed, I still cannot quell the hatred in my heart."

The hatred on Feng Wang's face was genuine. Even though she had raised Zhou Dian for many years, in her heart, her only child was still Zhou Yu.

"This old minister knows that this matter has put Your Majesty in a difficult position. This old minister can personally explain this matter to the Jiang family." Prince Feng also had another purpose in doing this, which was to meet Jiang He. After all, she had to clean up Zhou Dian's mess and she still needed to see Jiang He.

The Emperor nodded: "Then I will summon the eldest daughter of the Jiang family to the palace. I think she will understand you."

A marriage arranged by the two families is a matter between the two families, and it would be best if the two families could discuss it themselves.

Moreover, after Zhou Yu's death, the Feng Prince's Mansion had no heirs, and it was unknown who would inherit it a hundred years later, which was a difficult problem.

"Then this old minister will wait here."

Two hours had passed, and the intervals between Xue Lingyu's pains were getting shorter and shorter. He even bit his lip until it bled. He held his father's hand tightly and looked up, saying, "Father, my stomach really hurts."

Father Xue took a handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his forehead, saying with heartache, "Yu'er, my good child, just bear with it a little longer. Physician Ji said that once your cervix dilates, the midwife can deliver your baby."

However, this kind of pain is beyond what ordinary people can endure, and Xue Lingyu is most afraid of pain. Even a scraped skin can make him teary-eyed for half a day. Now, this is almost his limit.

He twitched the corners of his mouth and said with reddened eyes, "Father, am I going to die?"

Mr. Xue immediately retorted, “Don’t say such nonsense! Having a baby is a joyous occasion!” The next second, his eyes welled up with tears, just like Xue Lingyu’s. “You’ll be fine. Didn’t Master Huiyuan say you would be safe and sound? He also said the baby in your belly wouldn’t cause you any worry. You can just wait to enjoy your life.”

These are all fake, he made them up. Xue Lingyu moved her lips, but in the end she didn't tell her father the truth.

His fingernails dug into his flesh, the pain making his head spin even more, until finally, he couldn't hold back his sobs and cried out, "Father, I want to see Jiang He..."

At this point, Xue's father disregarded everything else and immediately agreed, "I will send someone to the Jiang residence right away."

The Emperor's decree arrived at the Jiang residence, ordering Jiang He to enter the palace immediately.

Yuange smiled and said, "Miss, I heard that Prince Feng has come to the capital. His Majesty must be summoning you now to discuss your marriage. Perhaps Prince Feng's eldest son is waiting for you in the palace."

Jiang He remained silent; whether this person was friend or foe was still unknown.

Yuange escorted Jiang He to the gate of the mansion. Before Jiang He could even step out, her father, having heard the commotion, rushed over. He gave Jiang He a few words of advice, then straightened her clothes and said, "He'er, you must do your best."

To stop her father from nagging any longer, Jiang He nodded.

The guards had already led the Akhal-Teke horse to the gate of the mansion. Just as she was about to mount it, she saw a person dressed as a servant of the Xue family running towards her.

The servant, panting heavily and unable to straighten his back, cried out, "Miss Jiang, my young master is about to give birth and wants to see you!"

"Is Xue Lingyu about to give birth?" Father Jiang couldn't help but ask. Calculating the days, it should be soon. He thought that after leaving the Jiang family, Xue Lingyu would be so heartless as to remove the child in her womb.

She is, in a sense, the eldest grandson of the Jiang family, but Prince Feng is still waiting for Jiang He in the palace, and it is an imperial edict that summons her to the palace.

“Miss Jiang, my young master keeps crying out in pain. Physician Ji said that if he can't give birth naturally, they'll have to make an incision in his abdomen to remove the child. My young master also said that if it comes to a critical moment, he will definitely sacrifice his father to save his child…”

Jiang's father looked at Jiang He, wondering what choice she would make.

The servants' words stirred up Jiang He's memories. She remembered that she had promised Xue Lingyu that she would be there for him during childbirth, and that he was most afraid of pain. Even her brother, a man of such strong will, almost couldn't bear the pain during childbirth, let alone Xue Lingyu.

Faced with the imperial edict, Jiang He's gaze gradually hardened. She tightened the reins and said to her father, "Father, I'm going to see him. Please tell His Majesty that I will personally apologize to him tomorrow."

As soon as Jiang He finished speaking, she disappeared without a trace.

She rode her Akhal-Teke horse at breakneck speed through the streets of the capital. Those unaware of the situation, seeing this scene, thought something terrible had happened and all turned to look at her.

The Jiang residence wasn't far from the Xue residence, but Jiang He always felt it wasn't fast enough. She didn't know why she suddenly became anxious; it was just for a promise, and the child in Xue Lingyu's womb wasn't hers.

She had only known Xue Lingyu for three months.

Jiang He's heart suddenly ached, and her head was buzzing. She seemed to have forgotten something important. A thought popped into her mind: Could the young master in her dream be Xue Lingyu?

Did she and Xue Lingyu know each other before?

Jiang He didn't have time to investigate further. She didn't even tie her horse properly before entering the Xue residence. Xue's father had already informed the servants, and someone immediately led Jiang He from Xue Lingyu's courtyard.

Physician Ji said that if necessary, the baby would have to be delivered by cutting open the abdomen. Jiang He's biggest concern now is whether Xue Lingyu can hold on if that really happens.

She wouldn't allow him to die.

As soon as Jiang He stepped into Xue Lingyu's courtyard, she heard the loud cry of a child.

Xue Lingyu gave birth.

However, Jiang He was more concerned about Xue Lingyu.

She rushed into the delivery room immediately, and the men guarding the door couldn't stop her at all.

Jiang He was afraid that Xue Lingyu's stomach had really been ruptured; if so much blood couldn't be stopped...

Upon seeing Xue Lingyu on the bed, Jiang He couldn't help but call out, "Xue Lingyu!"

When Xue's father saw Jiang He arrive, he silently stepped aside.

Exhausted from the exertion, Xue Lingyu managed to utter a sound from her throat, "Jiang He..."

Jiang He walked to the bedside and saw that he was fine, but his face was too pale and there were traces of blood on the corner of his lips. He must have bitten himself because he couldn't bear the pain.

Jiang He felt a pang of pain in her heart. She bent down, took Xue Lingyu's hand, and whispered, "I'm sorry I'm late."

She promised to be there for him, but she was too late. He had to bear this pain all by himself.

Seeing the pain and reluctance in Jiang He's eyes, Xue Lingyu strained her voice and said intermittently, "Jiang He, bleeding really hurts, it really hurts."

He still had a bitter smile on his face.

The injuries Jiang He sustained while saving his mother must have been a hundred times more painful than his own.

Jiang He wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes and cleaned the blood from the corners of his lips. "Don't cry, you're not a child anymore."

Upon hearing this, Xue Lingyu obediently wiped away his tears. He was already a father and couldn't be so spoiled anymore.

He gently nudged Jiang He, "Go and check on Mian'er."

Jiang He noticed the baby in Ji Weinian's arms. She took the baby and hugged it, and her arms even felt a little sore. The baby looked to be about the same weight as Ping An. It seemed that her insistence on Xue Lingyu eating more had caused him to suffer during childbirth.

She stared intently at Jiang Mian's eyebrows and eyes, then looked at Xue Lingyu, and felt that the child's mouth resembled Xue Lingyu's, but she couldn't tell who the rest of the child resembled.

Jiang He smiled and said, "Mian'er is a good name, and she's also beautiful."

Jiang He looked, and it was a girl.

Jiang Mian is Jiang He's child and the eldest daughter of the Jiang family. When Xue's father saw that Jiang He was willing to come to see Xue Lingyu, he guessed that the two might still have some connection. Now that the child has been born, the bond is even stronger.

However, since Prince Feng has already entered the capital, and this marriage was personally bestowed by His Majesty, Jiang He is determined to marry Prince Feng's legitimate son.

Xue's father led Ji Weinian out of the room so that Jiang He could have a proper talk with Xue Lingyu.

Jiang He sat on the edge of the bed, gently touching Xue Lingyu's face and whispering, "Go to sleep, I'll stay here and watch over you."

Since she had already mistakenly entered the palace, she might as well stay here and keep Xue Lingyu company.

Although her abdomen didn't rupture, Xue Lingyu's childbirth was extremely dangerous. Fortunately, Ji Weinian was there; otherwise, Jiang He couldn't imagine what the consequences would have been.

"Don't you have anything else to do today?" Xue Lingyu was a little worried that she might delay Jiang He's affairs. Jiang He's delivery today was also very sudden, and even she was caught off guard.

“No,” Jiang He said.

Jiang Mian fell asleep next to Xue Lingyu. The little one was just born, but she wasn't wrinkled at all. Her eyebrows and eyes were extremely beautiful. Jiang He touched her pink fist and couldn't help but smile. She loved children very much, especially such a well-behaved and cute one.

As if possessed, Jiang He said to Xue Lingyu, "I'll stay here with you and the child. Go to sleep."

With Jiang He by her side, Xue Lingyu closed her eyes in peace. The little one beside her was also sleeping soundly and even started blowing bubbles.

Emperor Wei summoned Jiang He to the palace, but Jiang He refused, which surprised both Emperor Wei and Prince Feng. In the end, it was only after a palace servant close to Jiang Wanyi quietly reported the whole story to Emperor Wei that his expression improved.

Xue Lingyu gave birth today. Perhaps the situation was too dangerous, because Jiang He rushed to the Xue residence after learning about it.

This is only natural, and Emperor Wei couldn't help but recall the perilous situation Jiang Wanyi faced on the day of her childbirth, feeling a deep sense of empathy.

Xue Lingyu is the prime minister's son, and Jiang He is the princess's sister, so she can't blame either of them.

Emperor Wei smiled at Prince Feng and said, "Prince Feng, why don't you rest in the palace first? I will summon Jiang He to the palace tomorrow."

Prince Feng only knew that Jiang He refused to enter the palace, and thought to himself that he did not expect this person to be so bold, and that the Emperor did not seem to intend to punish her.

Prince Feng was unaware that Jiang He had already considered him and Zhou Dian as allies, or regarded her as an enemy, which was why he was unwilling to show himself upon learning that she was in the palace.

With no more ties to Fengdi, there was no harm in staying in the capital for a few more days, since she would see Jiang He sooner or later anyway.

Seeing that Prince Feng nodded, Emperor Wei ordered people to clean up the palace where Prince Feng had lived when she was still a princess.

Jiang He barely slept that night, fearing that something might happen to Xue Lingyu, or that she might be thirsty and want water in the middle of the night. If she hadn't heard her, Xue Lingyu would have been thirsty all night.

The Xue family seemed to trust her completely. Apart from the servants keeping watch outside, she was the only one in the house. Jiang He felt that the Xue family parents' attitude towards her was also a bit strange.

She was clearly having an affair with Xue Lingyu in secret. Normally, a father would be worried if he saw his son associating with a strange man, but the head of the Xue family didn't even ask about her relationship with Xue Lingyu.

Perhaps there's something she doesn't know, and Jiang He plans to find an opportunity to ask Xue Lingyu about it.

The next morning, after confirming with Ji Weinian that Xue Lingyu was alright, Jiang He left the Xue residence.

She still had to go to the palace to apologize to the Emperor. Although she had already explained the reason, she had still disobeyed the Emperor's orders and offended him. Moreover, there was the ungrateful Prince Feng. She returned to the Jiang residence, changed her clothes, and washed her face with cold water to keep herself sober.

When Jiang's father heard the news of her return to the mansion, he rushed over early in the morning to ask her whether Xue Lingyu had given birth to a girl or a boy.

"She gave birth to a girl, named Mian'er," Jiang He replied.

Yesterday, she was so anxious about Xue Lingyu, so her father must have already found out about their relationship. However, to her surprise, her father did not stop her from going to see Xue Lingyu.

She couldn't help but ask, "Father, why are you so concerned about whether he gave birth to a girl or a boy?"

It was as if the child in Xue Lingyu's belly was hers.

Immersed in the joy of finally becoming a grandfather, Jiang's father blurted out, "Why can't I care?" when he heard Jiang He's question.

This is the first grandchild of the Jiang family, and a girl at that—a girl who can inherit the family business, the granddaughter he has longed for for many years.

If it weren't for the fact that the Jiang and Xue families hadn't made a scene, Mr. Jiang would have wanted to see his granddaughter right now.

Jiang He was rebuffed by her father and said speechlessly, "As long as Father is happy."

She knew her father was desperate to have a granddaughter, but she never expected him to like someone else's granddaughter so much.

But if there were one readily available, wouldn't my father be happy?

Jiang He didn't have time to say more than a few words to her father before she hurriedly entered the palace.

As soon as she entered the imperial study, she saw the Emperor and an unfamiliar old man, who, judging from his demeanor, should be Prince Feng.

Jiang He bowed and said, "Greetings to Your Majesty, Greetings to Prince Feng."

Prince Feng was discreetly observing Jiang He. In terms of appearance, she was indeed quite good-looking, and her demeanor was also very superior. Not to mention that she was able to manage a business at such a young age, so her abilities must be outstanding. If she had such a son-in-law, she would be very satisfied.

"I was unable to enter the palace yesterday due to other matters, and I have come today to apologize to Your Majesty." Jiang He's attitude was very sincere, which made Prince Feng like her even more, and also made Emperor Wei nod.

"Wanyi has already told me that it is indeed an important matter, so I will not pursue it for the time being." The Emperor looked at Prince Feng, "Prince Feng has some things to say to you personally regarding the matter of bestowing the marriage today."

"The eldest daughter of the Jiang family is indeed worthy of her reputation," Prince Feng said, looking at Jiang He with admiration.

If Jiang Hezhen becomes her son-in-law, the Fengwang Mansion will certainly not decline a hundred years from now.

"Your Highness is too kind. I dare not accept such praise," Jiang He said, bowing her head. She was suddenly somewhat puzzled by the Prince's attitude.

"I wonder what Your Highness Feng has to say to this junior? Is it about the matter of bestowing a marriage upon you?"

Seeing that Jiang He had taken the initiative to get to the point, Prince Feng nodded.

“Indeed, it is a marriage decree. To be honest, I admire you very much. You have an exceptional talent for business. If I were to entrust the Feng Prince’s estate to you, I would have no more worries.” The Prince paused, a look of grief on his face. “It is a pity that Yu’er passed away three years ago and could not continue this marriage.”

Things turned out this way, which was something Jiang He had never imagined.

She composed herself and said with a heavy expression, "Hearing about this, I am also very saddened. Please accept my condolences, Your Highness."

Prince Feng sighed and looked at Jiang He, "I really don't want to announce Yu'er's death to the public. Today, in front of His Majesty, I have a request. Please choose another reason for annulment this time."

A note from the author:

The previous chapter was locked for 10 hours, but it has been released.

Thank you to all the little angels who voted for me or watered my plants with nutrient solution between 18:30:18 on March 8, 2022 and 19:41:25 on March 9, 2022!

Thank you to the little angels who watered with nutrient solution: Summer Moon (23 bottles); Misty Rain (1 bottle);

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

◎Latest Comments:

[Should we adopt Xue Lingyu as our son?]

I like the couple at night.

[This book has many plot holes, but I've still thoroughly enjoyed reading it. How to put it... the female lead loses her memory but still falls for the male lead... well, she's hopelessly in love. So, please don't complain. They should just get back together already; I want to see them live a sweet and loving life together.]

[Nutritional Solution (1/1) Achievement Completed. There is a certain chance of it dropping as an update. Please keep up the good work!]

[…That's it? They've made up already?]

[If you don't update, how am I supposed to buy your content? If I don't buy your content, how will I get any nutrient solution? What do you suggest we do?]

-over-