Hearing Liu Mian Tang’s question, Cui Fu scoffed, “What else could it be? Since I left the Guo family, they’ve been desperate to find someone better. But they’ve realized that the mighty Qing Guogong Manor holds little sway in the capital. They’re too tainted for high-ranking families, with their improper household and scheming concubines. Yet the Madam is too proud to settle for a lesser match. Meanwhile, my brother’s career is flourishing in the Ministry of War. After all this comparison, they’ve decided I’m not so bad after all. Guo Yi has written to me several times, hinting at reconciliation…”

Liu Mian Tang’s eyebrows shot up. “Nonsense! Why try to mend a shattered mirror? Has their household changed? Are the concubines gone? Has Lady Gai passed away? If not, why return to that misery? Sister, don’t be foolish. You mustn’t soften!”

In her anger, Mian Tang forgot all her carefully learned etiquette, her bandit-leader persona emerging. She was a breath away from cursing the Qing Guogong family’s ancestors.

Seeing Mian Tang’s agitation, Cui Fu hurried to pat her back. “My dear, watch your voice in your condition! Don’t risk the baby. Rest assured, I’m too content now to return to their torment. But you must be careful. Even a small scratch on you would spark rumors of my brother abusing you!”

Mian Tang calmed down and chuckled, “Are people still saying he mistreats me?”

Cui Fu gave her a stern look. “You haven’t been seen in public for so long. Naturally, idle gossip is inventing palace dramas. Some are even preparing… Never mind, let’s not discuss such idle talk.”

Cui Fu cut herself off abruptly, but the clever Mian Tang immediately guessed. She looked directly into Cui Fu’s eyes and asked, “What? Are people already lining up potential second wives for the Prince?”

Cui Fu regretted her slip and tried to backtrack. “It’s just the delusions of social climbers. Xing Zhou wouldn’t entertain such notions.”

Mian Tang marveled at the audacity. She knew eligible bachelors were scarce in the capital, but to arrange a successor while the current wife still lived seemed beyond the pale.

Since Cui Fu had let it slip, the bored Mian Tang pressed for details about these potential candidates.

Cui Fu, having attended recent gatherings, had indeed heard numerous recommendations for suitable future sisters-in-law. Though reluctant to share, she was no match for her current sister-in-law’s interrogation skills. Within moments, Mian Tang had extracted every detail.

As Cui Fu spoke, Mian Tang felt a pang of jealousy. These women, it seemed, were all quite accomplished and from good families.

So when Cui Xing Zhou returned home, Mian Tang couldn’t help but comment, “The Guo family mistreated their daughter-in-law, so no one dares marry into their household now. But you, who allegedly plotted against your wife, have people lining up to be your next bride? Which families are so eager to throw their daughters into the fire?”

Cui Xing Zhou sat cross-legged on the heated kang, eating while glancing at her. “There are many willing to take the plunge. Too many flowers to recall all their names. You, occupying the position, should appreciate it. If you decide to vacate, someone will replace you instantly.”

Liu Mian Tang pursed her lips, knowing Cui Xing Zhou was deliberately provoking her. “Then you should prepare several backups. In case something unfortunate happens to me, you’ll need someone to tend to your daily needs.”

Though Cui Xing Zhou had started the banter, he was deeply displeased when Mian Tang alluded to her potential demise. He set down his chopsticks forcefully. “Don’t speak nonsense! You should recite some sutras to clear away this ill fortune.”

Mian Tang leaned her face against his shoulder. “Didn’t you say I’m as sturdy as an ox? What are you worried about?”

Cui Xing Zhou didn’t respond, simply putting an arm around her.

He had never given much thought to the dangers of childbirth before. But lately, irritating rumors had been buzzing around. Although he had sternly rebuked them all, they had still affected him.

He had hired no fewer than six midwives and kept several renowned obstetricians on standby at the manor.

Now he couldn’t bear to hear words like “difficult labor,” “accident,” or “unforeseen circumstances.” Mian Tang often slipped up, and he had made her recite half the Heart Sutra as penance.

Though he remained silent, Mian Tang could feel his tension in the tightness of his embrace.

Her sister Cui Fu had told her that women often become anxious and prone to overthinking as their due date approaches.

Surprisingly, in their household, it was the man who seemed more nervous than the expectant mother.

Seeing his continued silence, Mian Tang intertwined her fingers with his large hand. “Since you’re so wonderful, I naturally can’t let anyone else have you. I must keep the capital’s most eligible bachelor all to myself!”

Cui Xing Zhou’s face remained impassive. “You dare mention ‘death’ again! Recite more sutras!”

Mian Tang’s face finally fell. “If you make me recite anymore, I’ll shave my head and become a nun. Marquis Zhao told me you once planned to use me and then abandon me in a nunnery!”

Seeing her dredge up old grievances, Cui Xing Zhou felt a twinge of guilt. He quickly changed the subject, softening his expression as he caressed her swollen belly. “You must be a good child and not cause your mother any suffering. Otherwise, I’ll tan your hide!”

Just then, a small bump appeared on her belly, clearly the shape of a tiny foot.

Cui Xing Zhou couldn’t resist pressing his face against it, letting the baby kick its father’s cheek.

Mian Tang laughed at Cui Xing Zhou’s rare display of childishness. She now eagerly awaited the baby’s arrival, longing to hold and kiss the child.

Speaking of the impending birth, Cui Xing Zhou mentioned that his mother, Dowager Princess Chu, would be coming to the capital.

Initially, he had not wanted his mother to accompany him due to the uncertainties of his new position. Now that the Prince of Huaiyang had firmly established himself in the Ministry of War, the situation was no longer as precarious as when they first arrived.

The Dowager Princess had been feeling melancholy in Zhenzhou, missing her son. So Cui Xing Zhou planned to have her brought to the capital to settle permanently.

Mian Tang was delighted to hear this. “Wonderful! By my calculations, she’ll arrive just in time for the birth. She’s been worried about not being able to hold her grandchild, but now there’s no need for concern.”

However, when Cui Fu learned of their mother’s impending arrival, she became anxious.

To avoid worrying the Dowager Princess, she had never mentioned her separation from Guo Yi. Now, with her mother coming to the capital, it would be impossible to keep the secret.

Mian Tang tried to reassure her. “Since your brother handled everything, let Mother scold him if she must. Don’t worry, sister. Mothers always love their daughters. Once she hears how the Guo family behaved, how could she possibly take their side?”

Cui Fu replied, “I’m not afraid of Mother scolding me. It’s just tiresome to explain everything. And I worry the Qing Guogong Manor might try to sway Mother with their version of events…”

Mian Tang smiled. “When you were their daughter-in-law, our Huaiyang Prince’s Manor wasn’t afraid of them. Why should we be cautious now?”

As they were talking, a servant came to report that people from the Qing Guogong Manor had come to take Jin’er. Before Cui Fu could respond, Mian Tang instructed, “Tell the Qing Guogong people that Jin’er is ill and can’t go out in the wind today. They can come back when our Huaiyang Prince’s Manor informs them he’s recovered.”

Jin’er was, of course, perfectly healthy. But since the Qing Guogong household couldn’t mind their words around the child, it was best they didn’t take him.

The Qing Guogong envoy rebuffed in their attempt to collect Jin’er, returned home dejected to report the news.

When Lady Gai, the Madam of Qing Guogong, heard this, she angrily threw her teacup. “How dare the Huaiyang Prince’s Manor be so imperious! Have they forgotten that Jin’er is our legitimate grandson, merely fostered in their home? How can they refuse us the right to see him?”

The Qing Guogong, more level-headed, snorted. “They’ve always allowed visits before. Why deny us now? Think about what you’ve done. You had to meddle, telling a young child to discourage his mother from remarrying! Did you think everyone in the Huaiyang Prince’s Manor was a fool? Once Jin’er repeated your words, they surely guessed you were stirring up trouble. How could they be pleased?”

Lady Gai, unconvinced, retorted, “It all stems from the Huaiyang Prince being besotted, marrying a woman of bandit origins. When Cui Fu first married into our family, everything was fine. It was only after visiting her maiden home and being influenced by that bandit woman that she demanded a separation from our son! The Huaiyang Prince’s Manor lacks proper elders, leaving us with nowhere to air our grievances.”

The Qing Guogong glared at her. “If you hadn’t caused trouble, leading to Cui Fu’s miscarriage, would they have proposed separation? And you must understand, that the Huaiyang Prince’s position in the Ministry of War grows stronger by the day. His Majesty relies on him, and even the Gong family daren’t move against him. Your baseless antagonism of the Cui family means they’ll no longer treat us as relatives. Find an opportunity to apologize to Cui Fu and smooth this over.”

But Lady Gai couldn’t accept her husband’s view. “As the saying goes, ‘One night as man and wife creates a hundred days of affection.’ She was part of our Guo family for so long, surely she must feel some attachment? Our son is a fine man, not some greasy commoner. Perhaps she regrets her hasty decision and wishes to reconcile with our son.”

The Qing Guogong hoped his wife’s words held some truth.

The court was currently in a three-way stalemate: His Majesty’s old Eastern Palace faction, the Prince of Sui’s party backed by the Empress Dowager and the Gong family, and the Huaiyang Prince’s Zhenzhou faction.

Unfortunately, the Qing Guogong Manor couldn’t align with any of these groups. Their son’s future looked bleak. If they could restore their kinship with the Huaiyang Prince’s Manor, it would be the best possible outcome.