When Feng Chenbi emerged from Changxin Palace, her expression was rather peculiar.
She carried both the bashfulness of a young woman newly wed and the resentment of one coerced by threats, while deeper in her eyes lay a restrained disdain. Leaning on her maid Xiangcao's arm, she lifted her chin slightly and let out a soft humph.
Xiangcao glanced at Feng Chenbi and whispered, "Did the Noble Consort assign you some difficult task, Princess Consort?"
Feng Chenbi naturally hadn't forgotten her status—she was now Prince Cheng's consort. Being directly instructed by Feng Lingsu was expected; even before this, the entire Duke Loyalguo's household had depended on Feng Lingsu for their livelihood.
Coming to this realization, Feng Chenbi exhaled the pent-up frustration in her heart.
"Her Highness instructed me... to bear His Highness Prince Cheng a child soon..."
The palace maids following at a distance were too far to overhear, and Xiangcao was her confidante.
Xiangcao blinked and smiled, "That's wonderful news! Why aren't you happy, Princess Consort?"
Feng Chenbi humphed again, "She said... she would assign two people to my chambers..."
Having been raised in an aristocratic family, Feng Chenbi was accustomed to being attended closely, but this arrangement by Feng Lingsu displeased her. Her intimate affairs with Yan Qi were private matters, taboo even for her own attendants. Now, Feng Lingsu blatantly planned to send her own people to the royal residence to oversee what Feng Chenbi held most personal, making her feel insulted and humiliated.
After all, she was no longer the young girl from Duke Loyalguo's residence.
Xiangcao's expression also darkened as she murmured, "Is the Noble Consort too impatient? This..."
Sending people directly into their young mistress's chambers was truly improper.
Feng Chenbi raised her chin, "Even if the Empress is not favored, she has a son and a daughter. But Her Highness only has Prince Cheng. Over the years, she's carried this burden. If Prince Cheng had a brother, the situation would be vastly different now."
Prince Cheng had too few allies. In terms of maternal lineage, Duke Loyalguo's household couldn't compare to the General Supporter's residence. Although the Crown Prince had no brothers, he had a sister—Yan Zhen, the Emperor's only princess. Because of this treasured daughter, the Emperor showed more affection to the Crown Prince, another advantage Prince Cheng lacked...
Xiangcao blinked and blurted out, "It's truly strange. His Highness Prince Cheng was born when the Noble Consort was still in Prince Luo's residence. Yet in all these years since, she never conceived again."
It wasn't just Xiangcao who thought this; many in the palace shared the same doubt.
Feng Lingsu enjoyed extreme favor, yet she hadn't borne another child in over a decade.
When palace servants discussed it privately, they felt Feng Lingsu's fortune was both blessed and cursed.
Hearing this, Feng Chenbi sighed and suddenly said, "I heard there was a minor incident back then."
Xiangcao blinked in confusion. Feng Chenbi, seemingly irritated by Feng Lingsu today, felt compelled to vent by recounting some old story about her. After glancing around, she lowered her voice and said, "When the Emperor was rescued back then, wasn't he severely injured for half a year? It seems around that time, Her Highness did something that made the Emperor quite distant. Before that, the Emperor doted on her immensely, but for those six months, he never met with her privately."This matter was truly too far in the past. At that time, the current Emperor was still Prince Luo, severely wounded and hovering between life and death. Xiangcao said, "Could it be... that the Consort had wavering loyalties back then? Or was she also involved in what happened that year?"
Feng Chenbi shook her head, "I only overheard bits from my father and mother occasionally. I don't know the details."
Feng Chenbi hadn't been born yet at that time, so naturally she couldn't know the specifics of these events.
"And..." Feng Chenbi's expression suddenly took on a hint of intrigue, "Although His Majesty has doted on Mother Consort immensely over the years... she has become increasingly devoted to those youth-preserving and longevity techniques..."
Xiangcao was slightly surprised, "How could Her Ladyship believe in such things?"
What passed for longevity and youth-preservation techniques were nothing but tricks devised by Taoist priests to deceive people. If one followed the Path for self-cultivation and mental discipline, that would be understandable, but to genuinely pursue immortality and eternal youth seemed rather foolish.
Feng Chenbi pressed her lips together, "Because... it's said... although His Majesty often stays overnight at Changxin Palace, he doesn't..."
The last few words were uttered so softly they were barely audible, yet Xiangcao still caught them. Her expression abruptly changed, her gaze turning profoundly strange, "Such a thing... how could it be... Could it be that His Majesty..."
As soon as these words left her mouth, Xiangcao cautiously fell silent. After all, they were still within the palace walls. Although the attending maids were following at a distance, Xiangcao felt as if unseen eyes were watching them, making her too afraid to continue.
Feng Chenbi shook her head with a wry smile, "Of course not. The subsequent Sixth Prince, Fifth Princess, Eighth Prince, and Ninth Prince... weren't they all born?"
Xiangcao's expression grew even more peculiar, "Could there truly be someone in this world who remains unmoved by temptation? Especially when His Majesty's affection for Her Ladyship over these years hasn't been feigned. This... is too strange..."
"That's exactly why. No one knows what Mother Consort did back then."
Feng Chenbi snorted lightly, then composed her features, completely suppressing that flicker of disdain.
"Just keep these matters to yourself. Don't speak of them carelessly."
Xiangcao certainly understood, "This servant would rather die than breathe a word to anyone!"
Feng Chenbi shook her head, seemingly aware that she shouldn't have spoken of these things. After dismissing these tangled thoughts, she first sank into her own sorrows, "I also wish to bear a child for Prince Cheng, but the physicians long ago said I have a cold constitution, which makes conception most difficult."
Xiangcao quickly reassured her, "Don't lose heart, Your Highness. First focus on retaining the prince's favor. Continue taking the tonic medicine your mother provided - it will surely help in time."
Feng Chenbi sighed, having no choice but to cling to that hope. The party exited the palace gates, boarded their carriage, and headed directly back to Prince Cheng's residence.
The carriage came to a gradual stop before Prince Cheng's royal residence. As Feng Chenbi alighted, she immediately spotted her trusted Momma waiting beyond the second gate. This Momma was her wet nurse, the person she relied on most. Currently standing at the entrance with an anxious expression, the moment she saw Feng Chenbi return she rushed forward as if grasping for a lifeline!
"The princess consort has finally returned—"
Feng Chenbi frowned, "What's wrong? Has something happened?"The Momma glanced around, ushering Feng Chenbi inside while lowering her voice, "The princess consort just went out today when word came from that courtyard that Ninth Concubine was unwell. We called a physician, who didn't say anything upon leaving and even prescribed medicine for a cold. But the informant I left behind reported that Xiu Zhi later personally decocted a different portion of medicine and delivered it. Feeling suspicious, I had someone steal the dregs of that medicine. Princess Consort, guess what it was?! It turned out to be medicine for stabilizing pregnancy—"
Feng Chenbi's steps faltered abruptly!
Medicine for stabilizing pregnancy?! Just as she was worrying about how to conceive, Qin Xiang was actually pregnant?!
Feng Chenbi clenched her fist tightly—no, she absolutely couldn't allow this child to be born!
……
……
Yue Ning hadn't visited the Loyal Marquis Manor for a long time. That day, after leaving the royal residence of Prince Yi, she thought it over and decided to take the initiative to visit Qin Guan. Fortunately, Qin Guan was at the manor that day, so she didn't make a wasted trip.
The entire marquis manor was unusually quiet, and the closer she got to the Pine Breeze Courtyard, the more silent it became. Walking along, Yue Ning felt something was off. Once she entered the courtyard gate, she glanced back and whispered, "Why does it feel strange to me?"
Qin Guan looked at her puzzled. Yue Ning said, "Has something happened in the marquis manor recently? Why do the servants seem to avoid this area? It's eerily quiet."
Qin Guan chuckled—Yue Ning was becoming more and more perceptive. "It's nothing. My courtyard was always somewhat remote, and I prefer the quiet."
Seeing Qin Guan's calm expression, Yue Ning nodded. Unless Qin Guan wanted to talk about it, she could conceal all her emotions.
"Come in and sit. It's been so cold these days, and you're dressed too lightly."
Winter was approaching day by day; in the early morning, one's breath formed white mist when speaking. Yue Ning shook her head indifferently, "I have a strong constitution, no need to worry..."
Qin Guan gave a noncommittal "hmm" and didn't press further. "How is the Crown Prince?"
Knowing that Yue Ning went to care for Yan Ze every day, Qin Guan asked this way. Yue Ning replied, "He can probably detect faint light, but still can't see clearly."
Qin Guan frowned, then said after a moment, "That's a good sign. It seems some part hasn't fully recovered yet, somewhat resembling aftereffects of snow blindness."
Mentioning snow blindness naturally reminded Yue Ning of past events. "Ah, it is indeed snow blindness. Back then it was..." Then she changed the subject, "I heard Yan Li is going to inherit the title."
Qin Guan nodded—she had heard this too. She was somewhat surprised, but it was good news.
Yue Ning narrowed her eyes, "Never thought we'd see this day. Perhaps His Majesty has let go of the past."
Qin Guan didn't know the details of what happened back then, so she refrained from commenting. But Yue Ning continued, "After grandmother learned about this, she burned incense and prayed for a long time, as if finally setting her mind at ease. She went to the palace early this morning, probably to have a private talk with the Empress Dowager. Third Brother was also very happy when he heard..."
Hearing Yue Ning constantly mentioning Yan Ze, Qin Guan smiled slightly, "The Crown Prince must also care deeply about Yan Li."
Yue Ning seemed hesitant to speak, "Not entirely. Everyone is naturally happy about Yan Li inheriting the title, but there's another reason involving Princess Consort Yi..."
Qin Guan was surprised—how was this related to Princess Consort Yi?Yue Ning sighed, "After that battle back then, the Emperor was actually mainly cured by Princess Consort Yi. The imperial physicians in the palace are all highly skilled, but when it truly came to life and death situations, they became overly cautious. Working in the palace, prudence is ingrained in their bones. Princess Consort Yi, however, was different..."
As she spoke, Yue Ning looked at Qin Guan, "Just like how you saved Tuoba Hong at Weishan."
Qin Guan smiled, understanding now—this Princess Consort Yi was actually her martial aunt.
"Actually, you could say Princess Consort Yi also saved Princess Consort Gong and Yan Li. If the Emperor hadn't been saved back then, even if the Empress Dowager wanted to protect Yan Li and his mother, she wouldn't have been able to. The several princess consorts had been childhood friends who grew up together, but after marrying, they each went their own ways. Third Brother had always looked after Yan Li since they were young. Speaking of which, only Third Brother and your Yan Chi treated Yan Li the best..."
Qin Guan was amused by Yue Ning's teasing. Thinking back to when Yan Ze first returned and Yan Li's enthusiasm, she had actually considered this too. "It's a pity Princess Consort Yi passed away early, otherwise she would have been very comforted."
"Yes, it is rather regrettable."
Yue Ning sighed, then looked at Qin Guan with some hesitation.
Qin Guan asked sharply, "What's wrong with you?""
Yue Ning's expression was somewhat strange. "When Grandmother entered the palace today, besides discussing Yan Li's matters, I'm afraid she also intended to discuss my and Third Brother's marriage with the Empress Dowager. Third Brother seems to know about this too, but he hasn't shown any particular reaction."
Qin Guan was somewhat puzzled, "What exactly are you worried about?"
Yue Ning smiled wryly, "I can't quite explain it either, but I just feel something is odd."
"Do you feel that after the Crown Prince learned about this, he should have specifically said something to you?"
Yue Ning's face flushed, "Of course not. In fact, he's been even better to me these past few days. But I still feel something is strange."
Qin Guan sighed, feeling that her biggest concern had arrived.
"Are you feeling uncomfortable?"
Yue Ning looked up at Qin Guan, hesitating but unable to articulate anything. Clearly, Qin Guan had hit upon her thoughts. Qin Guan continued, "If your discomfort is just shyness and uncertainty, that's normal. But if you feel conflicted, awkward, or anxious, then there's a problem. Setting aside his eyes for a moment, you should feel genuinely happy and at ease. Because if you truly like him, his affection towards you should be exactly what you've been hoping for."
Yue Ning wasn't young anymore, and although inexperienced in matters of love, she possessed her own mature mindset. She wasn't the type to become flustered and unable to accept reciprocated feelings from someone she clearly liked. Love is beautiful and positive. There were no deep-seated hatreds between them; on the contrary, they had received blessings from almost everyone around them. Qin Guan couldn't think of any reason why such a relationship would make Yue Ning feel anxious and unsettled, unless she saw Yan Ze's eye condition as a burden and was overwhelmed by guilt. But clearly, after all these years, Yan Ze's eye condition was improving, and Yue Ning had been able to view this issue quite rationally.
Yue Ning's fingertips trembled slightly. After a long while, she finally said, "I don't know... I can't see clearly anymore..."
Qin Guan wanted to say more, but Yue Ning suddenly made a stopping gesture. "There's no need to persuade me. I'll figure it out myself. Perhaps I just don't have the same courage as you..."Qin Guan swallowed the worries in her heart and suddenly asked, "That day when the Crown Prince had a nightmare, has it happened again since then?"
At this question, Yue Ning's expression changed once more. She nodded gravely, "It has."
Qin Guan frowned. Yue Ning seemed to have shifted all her attention to this matter, leaning forward with an urgent expression. "I was going to tell you even if you didn't ask. Third Brother's nightmares seem to have been going on for some time. It took me a long time to get the truth out of his attendant."
As she spoke, her eyes revealed compassion. "And his nightmares are exactly about the incident when he lost his sight."
Qin Guan frowned, "Just about losing his sight?"
Yue Ning nodded. "I encountered it a couple of days ago. He was covering his eyes in great pain, but when he woke up, he didn't remember anything. I'm wondering if his eyes not getting better has something to do with his nightmares?"
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