Chapter 308: Chapter 308: You Think Having a Child Is That Simple
This spring hunt outing was filled with sudden incidents, few of which pleased Emperor He. Especially en route, the dense, swirling crows overhead cried out with their crude, hoarse calls of mourning.
This was certainly not a good omen.
Not until the news that the Fourth Prince Consort was fiercely vomiting, and the Imperial Physician diagnosed a pregnancy pulse, which was revealed by Princess Consort Jing, did Emperor He finally manage a smile. He repeatedly uttered "good" three times.
There are taboos associated with the first three months. The news had not yet spread, known only within the Imperial Family.
Empress Zou inevitably admonished the Crown Princess Consort sitting beside her.
"Over these years, the Fourth Prince Mansion has had one piece of good news after another. Last year, they were blessed with a divine son, and now, it seems the Fourth Prince Consort is pregnant again. In contrast, the Eastern Palace is cold and quiet."
The Crown Princess Consort, frightened, knelt on the ground: "Your daughter-in-law is not competitive enough."
Empress Zou did not allow her to stand up but instead gently and softly said with a smile, "How can I blame you? It’s fate that has not yet brought this fortune. Over the years, you have managed the trifles of the Eastern Palace and have never shown jealousy personally striving to take concubines for the Crown Prince. Mother has seen it all."
There was a crisp sound. She delicately put the tea lid back on the cup: "However, you should act faster. The Emperor values the legitimate line, and only the child you bear is the most precious."
"Yes."
Empress Zou looked down at the person on the ground, but her expression showed disappointment. The Crown Princess Consort was chosen by Emperor He. Her family background was naturally exceptional, certainly no worse than that of the Wen Family.
But, her appearance was somewhat lacking. She couldn’t capture Ji Zhui’s heart.
Nor was her womb competitive.
The Crown Princess Consort kept her head bowed, resentment surging higher and higher within her heart. She desperately wanted to tear the palace handkerchief in her hand. When the carriage stopped at the station, she threw herself onto the bed and wept.
As soon as Ji Zhui entered, he heard the Crown Princess Consort sobbing.
"In the previous years, when there was no sound of pregnancy, I was more guilty than anyone, afraid that I might be infertile, unworthy of the Crown Prince, failing to live up to this identity. But I was pregnant not long ago."
Ji Zhui felt a chill through his body, his face darkening as he turned and walked away.
Indeed, Ji Wang’s hand reached the Eastern Palace, harming the heir he had so difficultly awaited.
Why does Ji Wang have another child!
He has to be the one being plotted against?
————
"The Fourth Prince Consort had a miscarriage, the cause unknown."
As soon as this news came out, Cui Yun immediately looked towards Xie Xun. He gently smoothed the wrinkles on his robe, his thin lips moved slightly: "Who do you think did it?"
Xie Xun said, "The Fourth Prince Consort was diagnosed with a pregnancy pulse just yesterday, and the Crown Prince also heard the rumor; he had enough time to take action."
The moment the words fell, they heard Cui Yun speak indifferently: "If the Crown Prince wants to act without notice and avoid the watchful eyes of the Fourth Prince, I’m afraid it’s easier said than done."
Xie Xun said nothing.
Cui Yun said, "I have a more suitable candidate in mind."
Cui Yun slowly articulated: "The, Third, Prince."
Xie Xun suddenly looked at him.
"Don’t be nervous."
Cui Yun spoke softly: "My lips are sealed."
Xie Xun completely darkened his face.
That night, Emperor He flew into a great rage. Prince Gong witnessed with his own eyes Ji Zhui being fiercely kicked by Emperor He.
"Scoundrel! Was it your doing?"
Ji Zhui groaned and fell to the ground.
"Father, how could your son engage in such despicable acts?"
He indeed had the intention to act, but had not found a suitable opportunity before he received this joyous news; he didn’t know which gallant individual had helped him!
History repeated itself. Ji Wang kneeled and refused to rise, begging for a thorough investigation.
"Father, first it was the Eastern Palace, now your son, I fear the person behind this has malicious intentions."
He mentioned not a word about Ji Zhui, his words were gallant while also clearing away the previous misunderstanding of Ji Zhui accusing him of foul play.
"Fourth brother jokes. The perpetrator obviously had a premeditated plan. The news has not yet spread, and few know about it. I believe that even a tiger doesn’t eat its offspring."
Ji Wang’s face darkened: "The Crown Prince should be cautious with his words."
How could the station be calm that night?
Emperor He scolded: "Silence!"
Prince Gong hurried forward to soothe Emperor He, whose breathing was rapid and strained.
"Brother, calm down. Do not let anger harm your health."
Prince Gong: "Your brother believes that there is indeed something strange about this matter. It’s a provocation to the dignity of the Imperial Family and must be thoroughly investigated to prevent harm to our fraternal affection."
————
Shen Hua noticed the increased security at the post station, especially after hearing that they would rest for a day tomorrow before resuming the journey the day after.
There must have been an incident.
Late at night, Wei Yingying dragged Le Jia with her as they snuck into Shen Hua’s house. As soon as they entered, they unceremoniously grabbed the hand warmer she was holding.
Bothered by her own troubles, Shen Hua couldn’t be bothered to argue with such shameless scoundrels. She leaned on the couch, casting a sidelong glance at them.
"We just came from visiting the Empress Dowager."
Wei Yingying sat at the head of the bed: "Her old ladyship is most fond of the Crown Prince and the Fourth Prince. After the tiring travel at her age, and learning about the Fourth Prince Consort’s miscarriage, she fell into a swoon from distress. Once she fell, all sorts of ailments surfaced."
As the designated Third Prince Consort and Le Jia as the Seventh Princess Consort, both being daughters-in-law of the Imperial Family, they naturally went to tend to her.
Wei Yingying: "Do you have anything to eat?"
No wonder she asked such a question. They were so occupied with tending to the sickness that they had missed dinner, and although the post station did provide food, it was all cold and unappetizing.
With Wei Yingying and Le Jia being of little influence, the cooks at the post station would certainly not make special dishes just for them.
Upon hearing that the old woman was ill, Shen Hua raised her little finger with curved brows and twinkling eyes: "No."
"Cut it out."
Wei Yingying was a million times skeptical: "Marquis Cui has always provided you with good food and drink. I see that even the little princess doesn’t have as many snacks as you."
Shen Hua’s joy disappeared, and she pressed her lips together, saying nothing more.
Wei Yingying stared at Shen Hua seriously for a few seconds.
The girl’s rosy lips and white teeth, not a trace of her beauty marred. No wonder Xie Xun is so eager to please her!
Suddenly, Wei Yingying felt very proud.
Her sister has prospects!!!
Afterwards, she noticed Shen Hua’s perfunctory attitude.
"I saw that the Crown Princess Consort’s eyes were all swollen."
Shen Hua nodded.
"With this uproar, who knows when the results will come out. For some reason, I feel restless in my heart."
Shen Hua nodded.
"You might as well not go out tomorrow, thinking that the ladies from all the mansions will stay indoors."
Shen Hua looked gloomy and didn’t nod her head this time.
All day long, so many troubles! No idea who has offended her again. Wei Yingying rolled her eyes and saw Le Jia standing to the side, holding her head down, looking quite restrained.
In distress, Le Jia said: "Yesterday, my mother summoned me specifically to bring up the issue of having children again. I can’t just conjure one out of thin air."
Shen Hua didn’t react, merely lifting her hand and vigorously rubbing her ear. It was as if the tickling feeling of Cui Yun’s breath was still lingering.
Wei Yingying: "Then you should put in some effort!"
"No matter how hard I try, it’s useless."
Le Jia lowered her head: "He...he doesn’t like me."
Wei Yingying was after all half-clueless about matters between men and women.
"That’s not a difficult thing. You might as well entice him. It’s just a matter of kissing on the bed. It’ll only take a moment!"
Le Jia: ???
Do you think having a child is that simple?
Shen Hua on the bed was taken aback. Her body jerked upright, and with horror in her eyes, she grabbed Le Jia’s hand.
"Once you kiss on the bed, you will... you will conceive?"
Le Jia stammered. But she couldn’t explain further, so she simply nodded.
Shen Hua was devastated.
Her hand trembled as it moved to her lower abdomen.