“That’s all we can do.” Though he said this, that breath of anger remained stuck in his throat, making him unable to swallow or spit it out – an indescribable discomfort.

Seeing him maintain his stern expression, Jirong said quietly: “Husband, about the Second Young Master’s matter…”

Li Jiancheng raised his hand: “I’m not thinking about Shimin, but about that wretched Jinyang. This time both she and Shimin escaped unharmed, so presumably it won’t be long before she marries into the Prince’s manor. The thought of frequently seeing this wretch who always ruins my plans makes me very irritated, and who knows what other troubles she’ll cause in the future.”

Jirong wasn’t Li Jiancheng’s longest companion, but she understood his thoughts best. She immediately said: “Her marrying into the Prince’s manor as the Second Young Master’s equal wife is already a foregone conclusion, but… whether she can establish herself firmly in the Prince’s manor and how long she can maintain her position is another matter entirely.” Without waiting for Li Jiancheng to speak, she continued: “Husband, please leave this matter to me.”

“Very well.” After Li Jiancheng agreed, Jirong suddenly knelt and performed a perfect bow to him: “Congratulations, husband!”

Li Jiancheng was completely puzzled: “What is there to congratulate?”

Jirong smiled with quiet beauty: “His Majesty has passed away, and there are no suitable Yang family descendants left in the city. Presumably it won’t be long before Father-in-law ascends the throne as emperor. At that time, husband will be the crown prince of the dynasty. Isn’t this worthy of congratulations?”

“I see.” Li Jiancheng clapped his hands and laughed, then pulled Jirong’s hand closer, showing a rare tender expression: “If I become crown prince, the first thing I’ll do is make you a side consort. Only then will I not fail our mutual affection.” For crown princes, besides the crown princess, the two side consorts held the highest honor, like the two equal wives of ordinary men. The remaining beauties, talented ladies, good companions, and others all ranked below the side consorts. Jirong was Li Jiancheng’s fourth concubine, so by seniority, the position of side consort should never have fallen to her.

Jirong had been waiting for these words, her eyes sparkling with joy: “Thank you, husband.”

Li Jiancheng helped her up and said: “How is Chengzong? With so many affairs recently, I haven’t visited him in a long time.”

Mentioning Li Chengzong, a flash of helplessness crossed Jirong’s eyes: “He’s somewhat better than before – he can understand some simple lip reading, but he still refuses to speak much. I really don’t know what to do with him.”

Li Jiancheng said gently: “Don’t rush. Chengzong is still young; teach him slowly.”

Jirong nodded: “By the way, when I visited elder sister last time, she said you still haven’t named the child. I wonder if you’ve thought of one yet.” In March, Zheng Shi had given birth to a daughter for Li Jiancheng. She was already a month old but still hadn’t been given a name.

Li Jiancheng said impatiently: “With so many matters recently, where would I find the time to think about such things?” Although the Chengzong affair had ended with Nanny Tong’s suicide, he still harbored suspicions about Zheng Shi. Moreover, since she had borne a daughter, Li Jiancheng was even less pleased.

Jirong said softly: “I understand, but the child has been born for a month now. If she continues without a name, it’s not proper. Besides, she’s the eldest legitimate granddaughter of our Li family. Since you have time now, why not give her a name? It would also prevent elder sister from overthinking.”

“Fine.” Seeing her speak this way, Li Jiancheng reluctantly agreed. He lowered his eyes and thought for a moment, then said: “How about Liang Hui?”

Jirong took paper and brush, writing the characters “Liang Hui” on it. After studying them for a moment, she said: “These two characters have good meaning, but together they’re rather ordinary. If you called this name on Chang’an’s streets, I’m afraid many people would answer.”

Li Jiancheng thought this was true, so he said: “In that case, how about Su Xiu?”

“Dignified and gracious, beautiful and charming – it’s better than the previous name, but…” Seeing Jirong hesitate to continue, Li Jiancheng said: “But what?”

Jirong smiled: “Those who know would understand you’re calling our family’s young lady, but those who don’t might think you’re talking about Su embroidery.”

Hearing this, Li Jiancheng laughed mockingly: “You asked me to choose a name, but when I do, you find fault with this and that. Why don’t you just choose one for her yourself?”

Jirong shook her head: “How could I presume to name the child? Please don’t jest, husband.”

Li Jiancheng disagreed: “You’re the child’s aunt. Your willingness to name her is the child’s good fortune. What’s wrong with that? Think quickly.”

Unable to refuse further, Jirong had to agree. She lowered her eyes and pondered for a moment, then said: “How about calling her Ying’er?”

“Ying’er?” Li Jiancheng frowned: “You just said the name Liang Hui was too ordinary, but now this name Ying’er sounds even more common.”

Jirong smiled: “Though the name Ying’er sounds ordinary, it suits this child perfectly. She was born in March when the grass grew green and orioles flew, when spring was at its most beautiful. Every time this name is called, it’s as if one is placed in spring itself. Moreover, I hope this child will be like an oriole – free, carefree, and happy.” She then shifted her tone: “Of course, this is just my own thinking. If you find it unsuitable, I’ll think of another.”

“Ying’er… Ying’er…” Li Jiancheng murmured the name several times, then said: “When you put it that way, it really is quite good. Fine, let’s call her Ying’er.” He then ordered someone to bring red paper, wrote the two characters “Ying’er” on it, folded it, and handed it to a waiting servant: “This is the name I’ve chosen for the young lady. Take it to Madam.”

As the servant prepared to leave with the folded red paper, Jirong instructed: “Be careful not to drop it or soil it – that would be inauspicious.”

“This servant understands.” The servant bowed and withdrew, walking toward Zheng Shi’s courtyard. Zheng Shi was playing with the child who had just finished nursing. Learning that Li Jiancheng had chosen a name for the child, she was very pleased – at least he still remembered this daughter and hadn’t forgotten her.

After handing the child to the wet nurse, Zheng Shi smiled as she accepted the red paper. But her smile froze at her lips after opening it. Liu Ye didn’t notice her strange expression and laughed: “Miss, what name did the young master choose?”

As she spoke, she leaned over to look, but before she could see clearly, Zheng Shi had abruptly closed the paper and stared at the servant who had delivered it: “This is truly the name the heir bestowed upon the young lady? Did he hand it to you personally?”

“It was indeed handed to this servant personally by the heir.” Before the servant finished speaking, Zheng Shi asked again: “And this name – did you watch the heir write it on the paper?”

Having been married to Li Jiancheng for many years, how could she not recognize his handwriting? But she simply couldn’t believe that Li Jiancheng would give their daughter such a name – it was worse than what one might give to a cat or dog.