Chapter 283: Consort Fang Is Pregnant
The entrance of the manor was littered with red firecracker debris.
Xie Shi'an pulled Xie Shiyun aside and said coldly, "I'll ask you one more time—when did you meet the Little Commandery Princess of the Prince of Pacifying the West Manor?"
Xie Shiyun's collar was gripped so tightly that he was forced to stand on his tiptoes, feeling immense pressure on his neck.
He struggled with all his might but couldn't break free.
He roared, "Why should I tell you? I won't tell you! Let go, let go..."
Yuan Shi heard the commotion and hurried over. "An Ge'er, what are you doing? If Yun Ge'er has done something wrong, just discipline him properly. Don't resort to violence..."
"Grandmother, this matter has nothing to do with you. Step aside." Xie Shi'an avoided Yuan Shi and continued staring coldly at Xie Shiyun, enunciating each word clearly, "I'll give you one last chance. Otherwise, you'll regret provoking me like this."
Xie Shiyun shuddered violently.
He thought of his concubine mother's death... how she had died at his eldest brother's hands.
His lips trembled, then he shook his head vigorously. "No... I haven't met her. I was just jealous of her, jealous that she was about to become Mother's child..."
Xie Shi'an stared at him for a while before suddenly releasing him.
Xie Shiyun staggered and fell to the ground.
"Well, if it isn't the young master of the Xie family. Here to attend the wedding banquet at the manor?"
A mocking voice came from nearby, and Xie Shi'an's back instantly stiffened.
He slowly turned to look at the person on the tall horse—it was the Sixth Prince. No, he should now be addressed as Cheng Wang.
After the Eighth Prince received his title, the Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Princes were also enfeoffed. The former Sixth Prince was now a prince, accompanied by several manor soldiers.
"This commoner pays respects to Your Highness."
Xie Shi'an bowed his head in greeting.
"Oh, you're quite well-informed, knowing that I've become a prince now." The Sixth Prince looked down at him from his high position. "Although we were once classmates and share some camaraderie, whenever I see your one-eyed face, I'm reminded of your arrogant demeanor at the Imperial College. Tsk, you're the one who appeared before me. Don't blame me for what happens next."
He lightly clapped his hands.
Four manor soldiers behind him stepped forward and surrounded Xie Shi'an.
"What are you doing!" Yuan Shi was utterly shocked. "In broad daylight, right under the imperial city's nose—all of you stop this..."
However, no one listened to her.
Xie Shi'an was beaten with fists and kicks by the four manor soldiers.
Xie Shiwei and Xie Shiyun were terrified, pulling Yuan Shi to quickly move aside.
Xie Shi'an continuously protected his head. After what felt like an eternity, the men surrounding him finally stopped.
"One-Eye, remember this: from now on, make sure to steer clear whenever you see me!"
The Sixth Prince sneered, turned his horse toward the Prince of Pacifying the West Manor, dismounted, and strode inside.
At that moment, the wedding ceremony was underway.
"Kneel, kneel again, kneel a third time!"
"Kowtow, kowtow again, kowtow a third time!"
The entire process of a royal wedding involved three kneelings, nine kowtows, and six bows—extremely elaborate.
The Emperor and Empress sat at the highest position, accepting the couple's bows.
The Emperor wore a beaming smile. This son of his, now twenty-six years old, had finally married, settling a major concern in his heart.
The Empress also wore a gentle smile on her face, but deep in her eyes lurked a barely perceptible shadow.Yun Silin now holds the titles of Pillar of the Nation Great General and Grand Commandant. Such a powerful and influential family has actually become the third prince's faction.
The second prince was already troublesome enough, and now the third prince is also rising in influence. The waters of the court are likely to become increasingly murky...
The guests seated below were all observing the ceremony.
The Crown Prince and Crown Princess sat in the front, with the Crown Prince's side princess consorts standing behind them. Among the two side princess consorts was Consort Fang, Fang Xinyan.
She held a handkerchief in her hand, which was almost twisted to shreds.
From the side, she could see Yun Chu's face. Just a side profile was enough to make her extremely jealous, and she couldn't even imagine how stunningly beautiful the full face must be.
But no matter how beautiful she was, what right did a worn-out shoe have to become the Princess Consort of the Pacifying West?
And she, Fang Xinyan, the legitimate daughter of the Fang family, a noble lady of outstanding character and appearance, could only be a side princess consort. On such an occasion, she didn't even have the right to sit down.
Thinking of this, a wave of intense jealousy surged in Fang Xinyan's heart.
Perhaps due to her overwhelming anger, she suddenly felt a churning in her chest, as if she were about to vomit.
"Sister Fang, what's wrong with you?"
The other side princess consort quickly inquired.
Fang Xinyan was actually only slightly uncomfortable and would recover in a moment.
However, she couldn't bear to watch the man she loved happily marrying another woman. Why did they get to have such a perfect wedding...
She clutched her temple and collapsed on the spot.
"Sister Fang!"
The other side princess consort cried out in alarm, immediately drawing the attention of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess.
The Crown Princess frowned. "What's wrong with Consort Fang?"
"No matter what, she shouldn't have fainted during the third prince's wedding ceremony!" the Crown Prince said coldly. "Take her away immediately. What bad luck!"
Several matrons hurried over, helped Fang Xinyan up, and escorted her out, trying to avoid drawing too much attention.
Fang Xinyan had only been slightly uncomfortable, but after this humiliation, her head and heart began to ache intensely...
"The ceremony is complete! Escort the newlyweds to the bridal chamber!"
As the officiant announced loudly, the newlyweds were led to their new room.
Shortly after, a matron hurried over and whispered into the Crown Prince's ear, "Your Highness, the physician has just examined Consort Fang. She is with child."
The Crown Prince was overjoyed.
He had only one son under his care, which was far too few. Naturally, he hoped for as many sons as possible.
It seemed Consort Fang hadn't fainted on purpose. After all, it was normal for a woman's body to weaken during pregnancy.
The Empress glanced up and saw her son grinning foolishly. She couldn't help but sigh. She had told him many times that a ruler must not show emotions on their face, keeping their feelings hidden from others. Despite teaching him for so many years, the Crown Prince had learned nothing.
She walked over, gently patted the Crown Prince's shoulder, and whispered, "Mind your composure."
The Crown Prince grinned. "Mother, Consort Fang is pregnant."
"It is indeed a joyous occasion," the Empress shook her head. "The wedding banquet is about to begin. The Emperor and I will return to the palace first. Keep your wits about you in all matters."
After the Emperor, Empress, and Yin Fei departed for the palace, the atmosphere among the guests relaxed considerably.
Although the Prince of Pacifying the West Manor was spacious, there were too many guests, and the front courtyard couldn't accommodate everyone. Male guests were seated in the front courtyard, while female guests were arranged in the rear courtyard. The entire manor was bustling with excitement.
Chu Yi, dressed in bright red wedding attire, stood up with a wine cup in hand. "I am deeply grateful to all the esteemed guests for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend this wedding banquet. I offer this toast to everyone. Please enjoy the food and drinks to your heart's content."The officials rose to their feet, raising their glasses in celebration.
After setting down his wine cup, Chu Yi picked up an empty bowl, filled it with various dishes, and under the bewildered gazes of the crowd, carried the large bowl of delicacies toward the rear courtyard.
Gong Xi Prince couldn't help but curl his lips in disdain.
He had just been released from house arrest when he came to attend the third prince's wedding banquet.
He simply couldn't understand why the Empress would allow the third prince to marry a daughter of the Yun family—this was even worse than marrying Princess Guli.
Just look—in order to win over the Yun family, this third prince who usually scorned everything was now carrying a bowl of food to the rear courtyard in full view of everyone. How ridiculous.
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