HomeAfter I Bloom Hundred Flowers DieChapter 714: The Prince Heir Comes to Bid Farewell

Chapter 714: The Prince Heir Comes to Bid Farewell

Royal grandchildren were scarce, with only two belonging to Zhao Wang. Now that Yu Sangning was pregnant again, she became the center of attention – after all, royal descendants were also weighed in the competition for the throne.

Although His Majesty was still in his prime and the princes were successively marrying, ensuring no shortage of royal descendants, who knew if His Majesty might suddenly meet with misfortune? Throughout history, many emperors have died unexpectedly in their prime.

The Crown Prince was known to have a short life expectancy, and at that time, having children would become a point of favor among clan members, especially with Zhao Wang being the eldest.

While Shen Xihe was present, many people remained somewhat restrained. After she left the ceremony early, Yu Sangning, as the eldest prince’s wife, became surrounded by admirers.

“Crown Princess, Yu Sangning is clever, but why would she announce her pregnancy so hastily?” Biyu couldn’t understand and asked Shen Xihe.

As Shen Xihe’s confidante, knowing her future path, these right-hand assistants could better help Shen Xihe by understanding more.

“To legitimize her position,” Shen Xihe answered without hesitation, gazing through the carriage’s gauzy window at the brilliant candlelight flickering in the night breeze along the streets.

When her maids showed willingness to learn and keep pace with her, she naturally taught them carefully.

“Legitimize?”

“The Zhao Wang Princess hasn’t worshipped at the family temple yet, nor been recorded in the royal genealogy. In common households, this would mean she’s not yet a recognized wife,” Zhenzhu explained to Shen Xihe. “She couldn’t even be buried with her husband after death.”

If not for His Majesty’s marriage decree explicitly stating she was to be the primary wife, she wouldn’t even qualify to be called Zhao Wang Princess.

The Bu Shulin incident, due to Yu Fifth Lady’s death, had implicated her natal family – something Yu Sangning hadn’t anticipated. Now her relationship with her family was extremely tense. The entire Yu clan understood what she had done and naturally opposed Yu Xiang showing her any leniency.

Her only support was Xiao Chang Min, who felt guilty knowing she had lost everything and become isolated for his sake.

But Yu Sangning was clever. Smart people knew Xiao Chang Min’s guilt wouldn’t last forever, so she couldn’t rely on his guilty conscience for life. She needed to find a way out quickly.

Her quick pregnancy would draw the clan’s attention – they couldn’t let her child be inferior to others. An early announcement meant earlier legitimization.

It was also good to let Xiao Chang Min compensate her while his guilt was still fresh.

Tomorrow, Xiao Chang Min would advocate on her behalf, and soon Yu Sangning would gain the right to worship at the ancestral temple and be recorded in the genealogy.

This was Yu Sangning’s goal. With offspring and people seeing the Zhao Wang Manor’s prosperity, they would pledge allegiance. With some maneuvering and bringing benefits to the Yu clan patriarch, she could regain recognition. With her natal family’s support, she could gain more respect from Xiao Chang Min.

Just as Shen Xihe was about to look away, she glimpsed Cui Jinbai drinking heavily by a restaurant’s upstairs window. She immediately ordered: “Stop the carriage.”

The carriage stopped aside to avoid blocking the path. Through the gauze window, Shen Xihe watched the dejected, drinking Cui Jinbai for a while before sighing softly and turning to instruct Zhenzhu: “Have Mo Yuan send someone to watch him, ensure nothing goes wrong.”

She observed the surroundings – Cui Jinbai seemed to be alone, likely not wanting many to witness his pain and dishevelment.

Events with Yu Sangning unfolded as Shen Xihe predicted. Soon Xiao Chang Min lobbied clan elders to petition His Majesty. The Youning Emperor ignored this, and the Director of the Clan Court dared not speak much, but Xiao Chang Min didn’t give up – he sought out Consort Su.

Whatever benefit he offered Consort Su, she eventually persuaded His Majesty to relent. His Majesty responded: “Wait until the pregnancy is stable before making a fuss.”

Though no specific date was given and his tone showed much displeasure, it conveyed a message: however much His Majesty disliked Yu Sangning, he would give a face to his grandchild.

“Has Consort Su allied with Zhao Wang?” Three days after Bu Shulin’s wedding, she brought Xiao Wenxi back home and to the palace to give thanks, naturally stopping by Shen Xihe’s place.

Bu Shulin didn’t know about the facade between Consort Su and Shen Xihe, only knowing Consort Su resented Shen Xihe. Now that Consort Su was helping Zhao Wang everywhere, Bu Shulin, knowing Shen Xihe’s wisdom, wanted to warn her: “You should be careful.”

“She dares not provoke me,” Shen Xihe said calmly.

Yu Sangning already feared her and would certainly not oppose her while pregnant. Yu Sangning knew how precious her unborn child was.

Yu Sangning, who yearned for wealth and status, clearly understood that her pre-marriage honor came from her father, and post-marriage from her husband. Now that she had gained what she wanted, she needed to extend this hard-won nobility, which depended on her son.

Since Shen Xihe understood the situation, Bu Shulin didn’t say more about it. After a pause, she said: “Youyou, I’ve come to bid farewell.”

Shen Xihe suddenly looked at her.

Bu Shulin returned her gaze, showing both reluctance and helplessness: “Father can’t hold on much longer. In a few days, his death will likely be announced. As his only son, even His Majesty can’t prevent me from returning for his funeral and mourning. Also…”

She paused, touching her abdomen: “I’m almost four months pregnant. It can barely be concealed now but in a few more days…”

It would become impossible to hide. In early summer, Bu Shulin couldn’t wear heavy clothing, and her belly was already showing signs of pregnancy. It would only grow larger – leaving early was the best solution.

“His Majesty won’t easily let you return to Shunan,” Shen Xihe expressed some worry. “Have you planned for this?”

“Crown Prince has already devised a strategy for me,” Bu Shulin said.

Bu Tuohai had early on sent news of his failing health to Xiao Huayong, hoping he would arrange Bu Shulin’s return to Shunan. Bu Tuohai voluntarily informed Xiao Huayong of Bu Shulin’s true gender, showing their sincere allegiance – once Bu Shulin returned to Shunan, the region would follow only the Crown Prince’s commands.

Shunan’s fifty thousand troops were an irresistible force.

Of course, Xiao Huayong’s help wasn’t because of this pledge or the military force – he had other ways to obtain those. His help was due to Bu Shulin’s friendship with Shen Xihe.

With Xiao Huayong personally devising the strategy, Shen Xihe felt reassured. That night when he returned, she asked: “How will you safely send Alin back to Shunan?”

Bu Shulin’s pregnancy added to the difficulty.

“When Shunan King’s death is announced, the Prince Heir must enter the palace to bid farewell. We’ll keep her in the Eastern Palace and send a body double back. I’ve found several people these past two months who can disguise themselves as her and leave the capital. We’ll first create a chase to distract His Majesty’s attention and make everyone lose track of the Prince Heir.” They would see many people resembling Bu Shulin heading toward Shunan in different directions.

This would mislead His Majesty’s people’s judgment while also dispersing his manpower.

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