When Feng Chen Bi left Changxin Palace, her expression was rather peculiar.
She showed the shyness of a newly married woman, mixed with the frustration of someone under threat, and deep in her eyes lurked a measure of controlled contempt. Holding her maid Xiang Cao’s hand, she lifted her chin slightly and let out a light snort.
Xiang Cao glanced at Feng Chen Bi and asked softly, “Did the Noble Consort give the Princess any difficult tasks?”
Feng Chen Bi hadn’t forgotten her status—she was now the Princess of Cheng. Being instructed by Feng Ling Su was expected; after all, the entire Duke’s mansion had relied on Feng Ling Su’s influence to survive.
Understanding this, Feng Chen Bi released the frustration in her heart.
“Mother ordered me to… to bear children for His Highness the Prince of Cheng soon…”
The palace maids following them kept their distance, so Feng Chen Bi wasn’t worried about others overhearing, and Xiang Cao was her confidante.
Xiang Cao blinked and smiled, “That’s a good thing, isn’t it? Why isn’t the Princess happy?”
Feng Chen Bi snorted again, “She said… she would arrange for two people to attend my chambers…”
Coming from a noble family, Feng Chen Bi was accustomed to having personal attendants, but Feng Ling Su’s arrangement displeased her. Her intimate affairs with Yan Qi were extremely private, something even her servants should be discreet about. Now, Feng Ling Su was brazenly arranging her people in the Prince of Cheng’s mansion to oversee her most private matters, giving her a sense of humiliating intrusion.
After all, she was no longer just the young lady of the Loyal Duke’s mansion.
Xiang Cao’s expression also darkened as she whispered, “Is Noble Consort too anxious? This…”
Directly arranging people to attend her young mistress’s bedchamber was too unseemly.
Feng Chen Bi lifted her chin, “Even though the Empress may not be favored, she still has a son and daughter, but Mother only has the Prince of Cheng. She’s carried this burden all these years. If the Prince had a brother, the current situation would be very different.”
The Prince of Cheng had too few people to rely on. Speaking of maternal family, the Loyal Duke’s mansion couldn’t compare to the Assistant General’s mansion. Though the Crown Prince had no brothers, he had a sister. Princess Yan Zhen was the Emperor’s only princess, and because of this precious pearl, the Emperor showed more affection to the Crown Prince—another advantage the Prince of Cheng lacked…
Xiang Cao blinked and blurted out, “It’s truly strange. Prince Cheng was born when Noble Consort was still in Prince Luo’s mansion, yet in all these years since, she’s never conceived again.”
Xiang Cao wasn’t alone in this thought—many in the palace wondered about this.
Because Feng Ling Su was so favored, yet oddly hadn’t had a second child in over a decade.
When palace servants discussed it privately, they felt Feng Ling Su’s fate was both fortunate and unfortunate.
Hearing this, Feng Chen Bi sighed and suddenly said, “I heard there was a small incident back then.”
Xiang Cao blinked, confused. Feng Chen Bi seemed irritated by Feng Ling Su today and wanted to vent by sharing some of her past. Looking around, she lowered her voice, “When His Majesty was rescued, wasn’t he severely injured for half a year? It seems during that time, Mother did something, and His Majesty became very cold toward her. Before that, His Majesty had been extremely fond of Mother, but for those many months, he didn’t see her privately at all.”
This happened too long ago, when the current Emperor, then Prince Luo, was gravely injured and hovering between life and death. Xiang Cao asked, “Could it be… that Noble Consort harbored different loyalties then? Or was she somehow involved in that incident?”
Feng Chen Bi shook her head, “I only heard Father and Mother mention it occasionally. I don’t know.”
Feng Chen Bi hadn’t been born then, so naturally didn’t know the details.
“Also…” Feng Chen Bi’s expression suddenly showed interest, “Though His Majesty has greatly favored Mother these years, she’s become increasingly obsessed with techniques for preserving youth and longevity…”
Xiang Cao was slightly surprised, “How could a Noble Consort believe in such things?”
These supposed techniques for preserving youth and longevity were merely tricks created by Taoist priests to deceive people. If believers practiced them for self-cultivation, that was one thing, but believing in actual immortality seemed foolish.
Feng Chen Bi pressed her lips together, “Because… they say… though His Majesty often stays in Changxin Palace, he doesn’t…”
The last few words were barely whispered between her lips, but Xiang Cao still heard them. Her expression suddenly changed, her gaze becoming extremely strange, “Such a thing… how is that possible… Could it be that His Majesty…”
As soon as the words left her mouth, Xiang Cao became vigilant and stopped speaking. They were still in the palace, and though the attending maids were far behind, Xiang Cao felt as if eyes were watching them, making her afraid to continue.
Feng Chen Bi shook her head with a laugh, “Of course not. The Sixth Prince, Fifth Princess, Eighth Prince, and Ninth Prince… weren’t they all born later?”
Xiang Cao’s expression became even stranger, “Could anyone remain unmoved in such circumstances? Especially since His Majesty’s favor for Noble Consort these years hasn’t been false. This… is too strange…”
“That’s why, no one knows what Mother did back then.”
Feng Chen Bi snorted, then quickly composed herself, completely suppressing her disdain.
“You should keep these things to yourself, don’t speak of them carelessly.”
Xiang Cao certainly understood, “This servant would die before speaking half a word of this to others!”
Feng Chen Bi shook her head, seeming to realize she shouldn’t have spoken of such things. After pushing away these scattered thoughts, she fell into worry, “I also want to bear children for the Prince of Cheng, but the doctor said early on that my body is cold, making it most difficult to conceive.”
Xiang Cao hurriedly said, “Don’t lose heart. First, keep the Prince’s attention, continue taking Madam’s tonics, things will improve.”
Feng Chen Bi sighed, having to hold onto this hope. The group left the palace gates and took the carriage directly back to the Prince of Cheng’s mansion.
The carriage slowly stopped in front of the Prince of Cheng’s mansion. After Feng Chen Bi descended, she saw her trusted nursemaid behind the second gate. This nursemaid was her wet nurse and her most relied-upon person. At this moment, she stood anxiously at the door, and upon seeing Feng Chen Bi return, she seemed to see a lifeline and immediately rushed over!
“Princess, you’ve finally returned—”
Feng Chen Bi frowned, “What’s wrong? What happened?”
The nursemaid looked around, leading Feng Chen Bi inside while whispering, “Princess, just after you left today, there was news from that courtyard that Ninth Concubine wasn’t well. They called for a doctor, who didn’t say much and just prescribed medicine for a cold. But the spy I left behind said that Xiu Zhen later brewed a different medicine herself and sent it over. I was suspicious and had someone steal the medicine dregs. Princess, guess what it was?! It was medicine for protecting pregnancy—”
Feng Chen Bi’s steps suddenly stopped!
Pregnancy medicine?! Just as she was worrying about how to conceive, Qin Xiang was already pregnant?!
Feng Chen Bi clenched her fists tightly. No, she absolutely couldn’t let this child be born!
—
It had been a long time since Yue Ning had visited the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s mansion. This day, after leaving Prince Yi’s mansion, she thought for a moment and decided to actively seek out Qin Wan. Fortunately, Qin Wan was at home that day, so her trip wasn’t wasted.
The entire marquis’s mansion was very quiet, and it became even quieter as one approached Pine Breeze Courtyard. Walking along, Yue Ning felt something wasn’t quite right. After entering Pine Breeze Courtyard’s gate, she looked back and said softly, “Why do I feel something’s off?”
Qin Wan looked at her questioningly. Yue Ning said, “Has something happened in the marquis’s mansion recently? Why do the servants seem to avoid your area? It feels unusually quiet.”
Qin Wan laughed, noting that Yue Ning’s perceptiveness had grown increasingly sharp. “It’s nothing. This courtyard is rather remote, and I prefer the quiet.”
Yue Ning nodded, seeing Qin Wan’s composed expression. Unless Qin Wan wanted to speak of it, she could conceal all emotions.
“Come in and sit, it’s too cold these days, and you’re dressed too thinly.”
Winter was approaching day by day, and in the early morning, one could see white breath when speaking. Yue Ning shook her head unconcerned, “I have a strong constitution, you needn’t worry…”
Qin Wan made a sound of acknowledgment without saying more, “How is His Highness the Heir?”
Qin Wan knew Yue Ning went to care for Yan Ze every day, so she asked. Yue Ning replied, “He seems able to sense faint light, but still can’t see clearly.”
Qin Wan frowned, then after a moment said, “That’s a good sign. It seems something hasn’t fully recovered yet, rather like lingering symptoms of snow blindness.”
The mention of snow blindness naturally reminded Yue Ning of past events, “Ah, it was indeed snow blindness. Back then…”
Speaking of this, Yue Ning said, “I know Yan Li will inherit his title.”
Qin Wan nodded, she knew of this too and was somewhat surprised, though it was good news.
Yue Ning narrowed her eyes, “I didn’t expect this day would come. Perhaps His Majesty has let go of the past.”
Qin Wan didn’t understand the past events and didn’t comment unnecessarily. Yue Ning continued, “When Grandmother learned of this, she prayed and burned incense for quite a while as if finally letting go of something that had weighed on her heart. She went to the palace early this morning, probably wanting to have a private conversation with the Empress Dowager. Third Brother was also very happy to hear this news…”
Hearing Yue Ning’s words constantly referring to Yan Ze, Qin Wan smiled slightly, “The Heir must care for Yan Li too.”
At these words, Yue Ning seemed to hesitate, “Not entirely. While everyone is naturally happy about Yan Li’s inheritance, there’s also the matter of Princess Yi…”
Qin Wan was surprised—how did this relate to Princess Yi?
Yue Ning sighed, “Back then, after that battle, His Majesty was mainly treated by Princess Yi. Though the palace physicians were skilled, when it truly came to life-and-death situations, they had to be extremely cautious due to their palace positions. Princess Yi was different…”
Speaking of this, Yue Ning looked at Qin Wan, “Just like how you saved Tuoba Hong in Weishan.”
Qin Wan smiled, understanding that Princess Yi was her martial aunt’s generation.
“Princess Yi also helped save Princess Gong and Yan Li. If His Majesty hadn’t been saved then, even if the Empress Dowager wanted to protect Yan Li and his mother, she couldn’t have. The various princesses had been childhood friends before marrying and going their separate ways. The third Brother has been very caring toward Yan Li since childhood. Come to think of it, only Third Brother and your Yan Chi have been kindest to Yan Li…”
Qin Wan smiled at Yue Ning’s teasing, thinking of how warm Yan Li had been when Yan Ze first returned. She had understood then, “It’s a pity Princess Yi passed away so early, otherwise she would be very gratified.”
“Yes, it is quite a pity.”
Yue Ning sighed, looking at Qin Wan with something seemingly on her mind.
Qin Wan keenly asked, “What is it?”
Yue Ning’s expression was somewhat strange, “When Grandmother entered the palace today, besides discussing Yan Li’s matter, she probably wanted to discuss my marriage to Third Brother with the Empress Dowager. Third Brother seems to know about this too, though he hasn’t shown any reaction.”
Qin Wan didn’t understand, “What are you worried about?”
Yue Ning gave a bitter smile, “I can’t quite say, just feel something’s odd somewhere.”
“Do you feel that the Heir should have specifically said something to you about this?”
Yue Ning blushed, “Of course not, he’s been even kinder to me these days, but I still feel strange somehow.”
Qin Wan sighed, feeling her greatest concern had arrived.
“Are you feeling uncomfortable?”
Yue Ning looked up at Qin Wan, wanting to speak but unable to say anything, clearly showing that Qin Wan had hit upon her worry. Qin Wan continued, “If your discomfort is merely shyness and uncertainty, that’s normal. But if you feel twisted, awkward, or anxious, that’s problematic. Setting aside his eyes, you should feel naturally pleased and at ease, because if you truly like him, his shows of affection should be exactly what you desire.”
Yue Ning wasn’t young anymore, and though inexperienced in matters of the heart, she had her mature understanding. She wasn’t the type to become flustered after receiving reciprocation from someone she liked. Love was beautiful and positive. There was no deep hatred between them; on the contrary, they had received blessings from everyone around them.
Qin Wan couldn’t think of anything that should make Yue Ning feel so anxious and unsettled unless she saw Yan Ze’s eye condition as a burden and was consumed by guilt. But, after so many years, with Yan Ze’s eyesight improving, Yue Ning could view this issue quite rationally.
Yue Ning’s fingertips trembled slightly, and after a long while, she said, “I don’t know… I can’t see clearly…”
Qin Wan wanted to say more, but Yue Ning suddenly made a stopping gesture, “You don’t need to persuade me, I’ll figure it out myself. Perhaps I don’t have courage like yours…”
Qin Wan swallowed her concerns, then suddenly asked, “That day when the Heir had a nightmare, has it happened again?”
At this question, Yue Ning’s expression changed again. She nodded heavily, “Yes.”
Qin Wan frowned. Yue Ning seemed to suddenly shift all her attention, leaning forward with an urgent expression, “I was going to tell you even if you hadn’t asked. Third Brother’s nightmares seem to have been going on for some time. I only found out after questioning his servant for a long while.”
Her eyes showed distress as she continued, “And his nightmares are about losing his sight back then.”
Qin Wan frowned, “Just about losing his sight?”
Yue Ning nodded, “A few days ago I witnessed one episode. He was covering his eyes in great pain, but after waking, he couldn’t remember it. I wonder, could his eyes not improving be related to these nightmares?”