Chapter 382: No Conditions

“This is indeed a rare opportunity, Lan’er. Your younger brother will have to rely on His Highness the Crown Prince a lot in the future,” Wang Shi chimed in.

"Little girl!"

Shen Ruolan frowned unconsciously and glanced at Wang Shi with displeasure. "Brother, brother, you're only thinking about his good points again. Is it possible that one day I'll fall out of favor and won't even be a stepping stone for you anymore?"

Wang, in a fit of anger, flung her handkerchief aside and said, "What nonsense are you talking about, child? You two are siblings, shouldn't siblings help each other out?"

Coming to her senses and realizing she had been somewhat out of line, Madam Wang coughed lightly and said, "We've been talking for so long and no servants have brought up any fruit. I'll go check. You two continue your conversation."

Before leaving, she winked at Nalan Yujie, hoping she could help persuade her daughter.

Nalan Yujie naturally smiled and nodded in agreement.

After watching Wang leave, Nalan Yujie sat down beside Shen Ruolan, resting her chin on her hand and observing her slightly protruding, yet barely noticeable, belly with interest. "How does it feel?"

Shen Ruolan didn't turn around, but simply tilted her head slightly, raised her chin, and looked at her warily. "What exactly does the princess want to say?"

"What are you afraid of? I won't hurt you."

Nalan Yujie still had that smiling look on her face, tilting her body to look at her, "As far as I know, another concubine is pregnant, isn't she?"

What was it called again?

Without a second thought, Mi Shuang lowered her head and answered for her, "Xin Jin."

Shen Ruolan's expression immediately turned ugly, "You..."

“How would we know?” Nalan Yujie smiled and rested her fingers on her chin. “Not only that, but Xin Jin was also exceptionally summoned a few days ago to serve the Crown Prince’s daily life and meals, right?”

"The pregnancy was only diagnosed after that. Am I wrong, Your Highness?"

"What do you want to do to Brother Yuanchao!" Shen Ruolan slammed her hand on the table and stood up abruptly, her chest heaving rapidly.

"Don't get so angry. You haven't even settled in yet. Sit down and talk slowly."

Nalan Yujie poured a cup of tea and pushed it in front of her, saying, "Speaking of which, I, the princess, am practically your benefactor."

“Benefactor? What benefactor? I’m afraid Ruolan can’t possibly accept the princess’s favor.”

Whether by coincidence or not, Shen Ruolan suddenly felt a dull pain in her lower abdomen and had to sit down again, though her complexion was still very poor.

"Wasn't it this princess who helped you drive Yuan Siyin away?"

"If it weren't for my intervention, your Yuan Dynasty brother might not have given up so easily."

Shen Ruolan wasn't stupid enough to fall for it so easily. After listening, she immediately snorted coldly, "The princess knows perfectly well what her purpose is in driving her away. There's no need to beat around the bush here."

"Alright, let's be clear then. I will help the Crown Prince ascend the throne."

"What are the conditions? And why should I trust you?"

"No conditions."

Nalan Yujie turned her head and fiddled with the jade cup, laughing to herself.

Shen Ruolan stared at her for a while, then suddenly said mockingly, "The princess is becoming more and more like a person."

"That person has to be capable. If I don't think much of them, there's no need for me to imitate them."

Nalan Yujie replied lightly, showing no sign of anger. On the contrary, Shen Ruolan was quite angry after she realized what was happening.

Although she was unwilling to admit it, since becoming pregnant, she had become increasingly suspicious and irritable; otherwise, His Highness would not have turned his attention to others.

"Actually, it doesn't matter if the concubine doesn't agree. I have plenty of candidates, such as the eldest daughter."