Reborn of the Rightful

In early November, Yanbei welcomed its first snowfall of the year.

Though this initial snow was not heavy, it lingered persistently for several days, blanketing the entire Yunyang City in a vast expanse of white when viewed from above. The bluestone-paved streets in the city, however, became treacherously slippery, causing pedestrians to stumble and even leading to several carriage collisions. Perhaps due to the recent increase in travelers passing through Yunyang City, the snow on the ground had not yet compacted before being trampled into slush. Despite the city defense office, responsible for the safety of the inner city, dispatching personnel daily to sweep the main thoroughfares, a layer of icy residue from the melted snow remained on the ground.

The imperial envoys arrived in Yanbei in mid-November. It was said that they encountered continuous wind and snow along the way, overturned a carriage, and were delayed for several days, thus failing to arrive in time for the Old Princess Consort’s birthday.

Though they arrived late, all who were meant to come had still come.

As in previous years, the Empress Dowager and the emperor bestowed many rare treasures upon the Old Princess Consort as birthday gifts, after which they expressed their condolences over the passing of the heir.

Following the heir’s death, the Yanbei Prince’s Mansion had sent people to the capital to handle the aftermath, retrieve the heir’s remains, and, to some extent, demand an explanation from the imperial court. However, as the heir had been suddenly assassinated and the few suspected assassins captured had immediately taken their own lives, there was ultimately no conclusive evidence. Naturally, the imperial court would not give the Yanbei Prince’s Mansion an opportunity to shift the blame onto them. In the end, without solid evidence to hold the court accountable, the matter was left unresolved. Yet, the rift between the Yanbei Prince’s Mansion and the imperial court remained.

Aside from two officials from the Ministry of Rites, the delegation to Yanbei also included several eunuchs and matrons from the Empress Dowager’s and emperor’s entourages. When official matters were nearly concluded, one eunuch addressed the Prince of Yanbei, saying, “Eunuch Lu from the Empress Dowager’s side has been in Yanbei for some time now. Before our departure, Her Majesty mentioned that once Eunuch Lu completes his tasks, he should return to the capital. Her Majesty finds it difficult to manage without his service.”

Eunuch Lu had long been handed over by Xiao Jingxi to Xiao Shun, and it was uncertain whether he was still alive. If he were dead, it would be simpler; if alive, he was likely living a fate worse than death.

Previously, in official correspondence to the imperial court, the Yanbei Prince’s Mansion had briefly mentioned that Eunuch Lu had been held accountable for the crime of deceiving the sovereign. At the time, the imperial court had not responded immediately. Now, with the Empress Dowager’s envoy bringing up the matter in front of the Prince of Yanbei, it was unclear whether the Empress Dowager was unaware of the situation or deliberately provoking a confrontation despite knowing.

Upon hearing this, the Prince of Yanbei raised an eyebrow thoughtfully and then asked with perfect composure the Princess Consort seated beside him, “Which Eunuch Lu is he referring to? I have no recollection.” When it came to feigning ignorance or acting obstinate, the Prince of Yanbei, accustomed to military life, had no qualms.

The eunuch: “…”

The Princess Consort pondered for a moment and gently reminded the Prince, “I recall Jingxi mentioning some time ago that the mansion had dealt with a few eunuchs who deceived the sovereign on behalf of the imperial court. However, I seldom involve myself in external affairs and am not entirely clear on the specifics.” The Princess Consort also skillfully evaded the issue.

The Prince of Yanbei stroked his chin and nodded, then said to the eunuch, “I am rarely at the mansion throughout the year and seldom concern myself with trivial matters. For something like this, you’d better ask my son.” With that, he shifted all responsibility entirely.The eunuch's mouth twitched, truly unable to speak.

Instead, an old nanny who had come with the eunuch and had remained silent until now spoke up: "May I ask where the Second Young Master is? This servant has another imperial decree concerning the Second Young Master. If he is in the mansion, could he come out to receive it?"

The Prince of Yanbei and the Princess Consort exchanged a glance. It was the Princess Consort who instructed Nanny Xin: "Send someone to the mountain villa to bring the Second Young Master back. Tell him the Empress Dowager's decree has arrived and he must return to receive it."

Xiao Jingxi returned to the mansion only after an hour. During this time, the eunuchs and nannies had been taken to rest once. As for the decree intended for Xiao Jingxi, they had not disclosed its contents beforehand since he had not returned, and the Prince and Princess Consort did not specifically inquire.

After Xiao Jingxi returned to the mansion, the nanny who had brought the Empress Dowager's decree was invited back.

In the presence of Xiao Jingxi, the Prince, and the Princess Consort, the old nanny verbally conveyed the Empress Dowager's oral decree: it was to bestow a marriage upon Xiao Jingxi, specifically to the eldest daughter of the Yan family, the Empress Dowager's maternal family.

Upon hearing the Empress Dowager's oral decree, the Prince of Yanbei and the Princess Consort remained silent. The Prince of Yanbei glanced at Xiao Jingxi and calmly took a sip of tea.

Xiao Jingxi replied unhurriedly, "Thank you for the Empress Dowager's favor. Unfortunately, I am already betrothed, with the wedding scheduled for September next year."

The old nanny was unperturbed by this: "With the Empress Dowager's decree, you may simply annul your previous engagement. Could that young lady possibly be of higher status than Miss Yan?"

Xiao Jingxi smiled faintly. "This... I'm afraid it would be inappropriate."

Hearing this, the old nanny grew displeased. "So, does the Second Young Master intend to defy the decree?"

Xiao Jingxi sat in thought for a moment, then smiled at the old nanny. "Regarding status and nobility... perhaps you could help me weigh the matter? Miss Yan is a daughter of the Empress Dowager's maternal family, so her status is naturally noble. My betrothed, however, is the legitimate daughter of Commandery Princess Jiayi, the direct granddaughter of the late emperor. The Xiao Family serves the Li Family. For the Yanbei Prince's Mansion to break off the engagement without cause would make it difficult for the Xiao Family to face the late emperor."

The old nanny was left speechless, pausing before saying, "This servant knows nothing of any Commandery Princess Jiayi. All the princesses and commandery princesses of the late emperor are in the capital."

At this point, the Prince of Yanbei spoke up: "You have always been in the palace, so it's not surprising you don't know. Before the late emperor passed away, he left a final decree for Prince Xian, pardoning him and enfeoffing him as the Prince of Hezhong. Commandery Princess Jiayi is the legitimate daughter of the Prince of Hezhong."

The old nanny naturally knew of this matter. The Empress Dowager had been furious about it, and no one in the palace dared mention anything related to Prince Xian or the Prince of Hezhong, lest they lose their lives.

"That decree..." The old nanny opened her mouth to say the decree was fake, but as an experienced palace servant, she immediately realized the impropriety of her words. Whether the decree in Prince Xian's possession was genuine or not was not for a servant like her to judge. Even the emperor and the Empress Dowager had not publicly declared the late emperor's final decree in Prince Xian's hands to be false.

The old nanny broke out in a cold sweat, glanced at the Prince of Yanbei, and dared not speak recklessly again.

The Prince of Yanbei had no interest in arguing with a servant over words.The old matron, with her mission at hand, continued, "If this marriage alliance truly cannot be refused... the Second Young Master could follow the example of the old prince and take two wives. Miss Yan is also a reasonable and well-bred young lady from a noble family." This time, the old matron had grown wiser, only suggesting that Xiao Jingxi take two wives without specifying who would be the principal wife.

The Prince of Yanbei nodded and said, "For a man, having three wives and four concubines is quite common."

Hearing this, the old matron was delighted, thinking the Yanbei Prince's Mansion was about to agree. She was about to say a few more words when, unexpectedly, the Prince of Yanbei sighed again, glanced at Xiao Jingxi a few times, and said regretfully, "But I'm afraid my son lacks such fortune. He has been frail since childhood; it's already a blessing that he can marry at all. Marry two? Tsk... without the diamond, don't try to handle porcelain." The Prince of Yanbei shook his head.

The Princess Consort: "..."

Xiao Jingxi's eye twitched. It was only due to his deep composure that he managed to keep the smile from falling off his face.

But with the Prince of Yanbei acting so shamelessly and unreasonably, even the old matron found herself at a loss for words.

When the father himself openly declared his son incapable, saying his health couldn't handle two women, what more could anyone say? "To die under the peony, even as a ghost, is to be romantic"? That would no longer be matchmaking but deliberate murder.

In the end, the old matron from the Empress Dowager's side conceded defeat, thinking only of returning to seek the Empress Dowager's decision. The Yanbei Prince's Mansion was so adamant about defying the imperial decree that, to be honest, none of the palace attendants dared to confront them head-on within the mansion. After all, with Eunuch Lu's precedent still fresh, they might lose their lives without finding justice.

The envoys from the court did not stay long in Yanbei. They set off back to the capital and left Yunyang City the next day. However, news of the Empress Dowager's intention to bestow the Yan family's daughter in marriage to the Second Young Master of the Xiao Family still spread.

When the people of Yanbei heard this, they all discussed it fervently. Most believed that if the court insisted on the marriage, Second Young Master Xiao would likely follow his grandfather's example and take two wives. After all, marrying the Yan family's daughter would merely be for show. The Yan family was thousands of miles away from Yanbei, and even if they wanted to support their daughter, it would be like trying to put out a fire with distant water—too little, too late. There was no real need to offend the Empress Dowager and the Yan family over such a trivial matter. For a man, having three wives and four concubines was common, let alone for the Second Young Master of the Yanbei Prince's Mansion.

Ren Yaoqi naturally heard the rumors outside. Even if she didn't actively seek them out, because of her current engagement to Xiao Jingxi, people would bring the matter to her attention.

Thus, on this day, when Ren Yaoqi and Madam Li attended an old lady's birthday banquet, she overheard people discussing the matter in the garden.

One woman said with great interest, "I heard Miss Yan is a rare beauty, favored by the Empress Dowager because she resembles Her Majesty in her youth. It's a pity we haven't had the chance to see her. I wonder how she compares to Miss Ren in terms of appearance?"

Another replied, "It's not entirely impossible to see her. Perhaps she will marry into our Yanbei someday? Then we might have the chance to meet her."

"By the way, isn't the Eldest Young Madam of the Su family from the capital? I heard she met Miss Yan when they were both in their maiden days. If you're truly curious, you could ask the Eldest Young Madam of the Su family."Some people retorted discontentedly, "Are the young ladies of the capital really more beautiful than those of our Yanbei? I think the one from the Ren Family is extremely lovely. I heard she even resembles Consort Wan, who was once the most favored in the imperial harem."

"That’s true. Although we never had the chance to see Consort Wan, given how deeply favored she was back then, she must have been more... well, more outstanding in appearance."

Ren Yaoqi listened for a while. Although she hadn’t deliberately hidden her presence, these young ladies were so engrossed in their lively conversation that they hadn’t noticed her arrival at all.

It wasn’t until footsteps sounded from another small path, and several more people approached, that the two groups exchanged greetings. Ren Yaoqi also stepped forward, intending to walk past them, when someone exclaimed, "Oh? Isn’t that Miss Ren?"

Now that the third branch of the Ren Family had separated from the main family and Ren Yaohua had married, everyone simply referred to Ren Yaoqi as "Miss Ren," omitting her birth order in the address.

Ren Yaoqi had no choice but to stop and turn around. She saw that it was the second young lady of the Meng Family who had called out to her. Although she wasn’t particularly close to this Miss Meng, they had met a few times before.

Ren Yaoqi smiled and nodded, then walked over to greet the young ladies she knew.

The ones who had been discussing Ren Yaoqi earlier looked visibly uncomfortable. They weren’t sure whether she had overheard their private remarks. In contrast, the second young lady of the Meng Family, who had been present the whole time but hadn’t said much, showed no signs of embarrassment.

"Miss Ren, are you here to stroll in the garden too?" someone asked cautiously.

Although Ren Yaoqi’s previous status hadn’t been particularly remarkable, ever since Prince Xian transformed into the Prince of Hezhong and Ren Yaoqi became engaged to Xiao Jingxi, people’s perceptions of her had changed. Even among well-bred young ladies, there were distinctions of rank. Of course, there were undoubtedly many who felt envy, jealousy, or resentment.

Ren Yaoqi nodded with a smile. "I was just heading to the warm hall."

Seeing her calm expression, everyone breathed a sigh of relief, and the atmosphere grew livelier. These young ladies were all three or four years younger than Ren Yaoqi and didn’t usually socialize with her. Although they had occasionally crossed paths before, now that Ren Yaoqi’s status had changed dramatically, they regarded her with newfound curiosity and interest.

One of the more outgoing girls asked familiarly, "What do you like to do at home, Sister Ren? I enjoy kicking shuttlecocks, but unfortunately, now that it’s cold, the elders usually don’t allow us to leave our rooms."

Ren Yaoqi smiled. "I’m afraid of the cold. In winter, I just stay in my room reading or practicing calligraphy."

Seeing her friendly and approachable demeanor, everyone grew more enthusiastic.

Another girl chimed in, "I don’t like reading or practicing calligraphy, but my mother forces me to do it, saying she’s afraid I’ll embarrass myself at next year’s Thousand Gold Banquet."

Miss Meng laughed. "Speaking of the Thousand Gold Banquet, we should definitely seek advice from Miss Ren. She was one of the top winners in the last competition."

The Yun Family’s Thousand Gold Banquet was originally held every two years, but it hadn’t been held since the last one Ren Yaoqi participated in. It was unclear whether this was due to the incidents that occurred at the time or some other taboo. It wasn’t until recently that the Yun Family announced they would resume the banquet next summer. These young ladies from prominent families were all eager to make an appearance at the Thousand Gold Banquet, as achieving a good ranking could lead to a favorable marriage.Everyone gathered around Ren Yaoqi, asking her about the Thousand Gold Banquet, and she answered each question one by one.

Someone remarked, "I had thought the Thousand Gold Banquet would never be held again. I heard it was Eldest Miss Yun who persuaded Old Madam Yun and First Madam Yun."

"I also heard that many people inquired with Eldest Miss Yun about the banquet. Her temperament has always been gentle, so she agreed to plead with the elders in her family. Who would have thought she’d actually succeed?"

"I heard that because the banquet wasn’t held in the past few years, next year’s Thousand Gold Banquet will be even more lively than before. I wonder what kind of grand spectacle it will be."

"You’ll find out when the time comes. With your family background, you’re sure to receive an invitation from the Yun Family."

Ren Yaoqi listened quietly as they chattered excitedly about the banquet, not interjecting. However, when she heard that next year’s Thousand Gold Banquet was largely due to the efforts of Eldest Miss Yun, she felt a slight stir in her heart.

Afterward, the conversation shifted to other topics. Ren Yaoqi lingered for a little while longer before taking her leave and departing.

It seemed the Yun Family truly intended to make the Thousand Gold Banquet a grand affair. In the days that followed, Ren Yaoqi often heard others discussing next year’s banquet. However, she had no plans to attend this year.

And so, the twelfth lunar month arrived swiftly, bringing with it the most festive time of the year.

In previous years, the Ren Family would return to their ancestral home in White Crane Town for the New Year celebrations. However, this year, because Third Master Ren had been expelled from the Ren Family clan, their branch decided not to return to White Crane Town. Thus, long before the New Year approached, Madam Li and Nanny Zhou busied themselves preparing New Year goods, fearing they might run out of time once the twelfth month arrived. This was the first New Year they would celebrate on their own, so they were naturally cautious and meticulous, anxious to avoid any mishaps that might bring bad luck at the start of the year.

Just as Madam Li, accompanied by Ren Yaoqi and a group of maids and elderly servants, was busy preparing for the New Year, news arrived from the Lei Family that brought both surprise and joy to Madam Li and Ren Yaoqi.

Ren Yaohua was two months pregnant.

Ren Yaohua had married in the eighth month, and now, just as the twelfth month began, it was discovered she was two months along. How could this not be a delightful surprise?

Madam Li was even moved to tears of joy: "Thank heavens, thank heavens! This year, we must properly pay respects to our ancestors and the Bodhisattva, asking them to bless our Hua’er with a son and a safe delivery." If there was any regret in Madam Li’s life up to this point, it was that she had not borne a son for her husband.

This sense of guilt had left her without the confidence to retaliate even when Concubine Fang bullied her relentlessly in the Ren Family. She had always felt a lingering sense of shame toward Ren Shimin and the Ren Family.

So now, upon hearing that Ren Yaohua was pregnant, how could she not rejoice for her daughter?

Nanny Zhou, having served by Madam Li’s side for many years, naturally understood her thoughts and immediately teared up as well: "Madam, rest assured. Both our young ladies are blessed with good fortune. Eldest Miss is sure to give birth to a son."

Ren Yaoqi was also overjoyed for Ren Yaohua. With a child, Ren Yaohua would truly be able to secure her footing in the Lei Family.

After the initial excitement subsided, Madam Li grew somewhat worried: "Hua’er is still young, and this is her first pregnancy. The Lei Family has no elders to look after her. I... I’m not at ease."

Nanny Zhou said, "Perhaps Eldest Miss sent someone to deliver this news precisely because she hopes for support from her maternal family? With the New Year approaching, the Lei Family must be overwhelmed with preparations."According to reason, it is not advisable to spread the news of a pregnancy before three months. Although Ren Yaohua had a strong personality, she also knew what was important and dared not push herself too hard.

Reminded by Nanny Zhou, Madam Li also realized that this year was Ren Yaohua’s first New Year in the Lei Family. As the matriarch of the Lei Family, she was responsible for overseeing all matters, including ancestral rites. Under normal circumstances, this would be manageable, but now that she was pregnant and still in her first trimester, how could Ren Yaohua possibly handle it all on her own?

Thinking this, Madam Li could no longer sit still. She stood up and said, "I must go to the Lei Family to see her. There are some things I need to teach her in person."

Nanny Zhou quickly stopped Madam Li. "Madam, it’s already quite late today. Why not go in a couple of days? This servant also needs to prepare some things that the eldest young lady might need, so we can send them to the Lei Family together."

Madam Li thought Nanny Zhou’s suggestion made sense and no longer insisted on visiting Ren Yaohua immediately. "Yes, yes, we must also prepare some people for her. Oh dear, no, it’s already the twelfth lunar month. I’m so busy here that I can hardly catch my breath, and the Lei Family must be even busier. Why don’t you go to the Lei Family first to help Hua’er? With you there, I’ll feel at ease."

"But what about matters at home…"

Madam Li immediately replied, "At home, there’s me and Qi’er. You should hurry and take a few capable people to the Lei Family to help Hua’er."

Nanny Zhou couldn’t help but glance at Ren Yaoqi.

After thinking for a moment, Ren Yaoqi also nodded. "Mother and Nanny’s concerns are reasonable. The matters at home have already been mostly taken care of, and with Mother and me here, nothing will go wrong. Nanny should go stay with Elder Sister for a while and return after the New Year festivities are over."

Nanny Zhou was also worried about Ren Yaohua. Seeing that both Madam Li and Ren Yaoqi agreed, she immediately packed her things, took a few highly capable maids and older servants, and hurried to the Lei Family.

Two days later, Madam Li took Ren Yaoqi to the Lei Family to visit Ren Yaohua, bringing along two large carts of food and supplies.

Upon receiving the news that Madam Li was coming to see her, Ren Yaohua had originally intended to go out to greet her, but she was stopped by everyone in the room. In the end, she could only wait in her own courtyard.

When Ren Yaoqi entered the room, she casually glanced around and noticed that almost all the servants attending in the room were Ren Yaohua’s dowry maids. There were also two maids from the Lei Family who could enter the room to serve, but they appeared ordinary in appearance and seemed honest and dutiful.

Ren Yaohua looked to be in good spirits and had even gained a little weight compared to when she was at home. When she saw Madam Li and Ren Yaoqi, her eyes were filled with joy, making her appear much gentler than when she was a young lady at home. After observing Ren Yaohua for a moment, Ren Yaoqi felt even more reassured—Ren Yaohua was doing very well.

Ren Yaohua chatted with Madam Li and Ren Yaoqi for a while, asking about everyone and everything at home. Madam Li also shared all the advice she had thought of over the past two days, and Ren Yaohua listened attentively. Although Madam Li rambled on and repeated herself, Ren Yaohua showed not the slightest hint of impatience.

Just as the atmosphere in the room was warm and pleasant, Wujing entered to announce that the young master had returned.As the head of the Lei Family, Lei Ting was extremely busy at the end of the year. However, because Ren Yaohua was pregnant, no matter how busy he was, he would return home for all three meals each day to accompany his wife and daughter, and he never went out for evening social engagements. Nanny Zhou had stayed at the Lei Family for two days and was now thoroughly satisfied with this son-in-law, beaming with joy whenever she saw him.

It wasn’t yet mealtime, and Lei Ting had returned early upon hearing that his mother-in-law had arrived.

The wedding date for Xiao Jingxi and Ren Yaoqi has been moved to September of next year. In case those who subscribed early missed the update, here’s a special note o(∩_∩)o.