Chapter 96 Instigation

“The Prince…the Consort…the Nian family…how can he get all the good things…”

...

After the news of Nian Shilan's pregnancy spread, the main courtyard fell into silence.

When Yixiu received the news, she was checking the account books. She paused for a moment, then said nothing. But the maids serving her could tell that she was in a bad mood.

"Madam, the concubine is pregnant, isn't she...?"

Of the four maids—Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter—Xiuxia and Randong were assigned to care for Honghui. Now, only Huichun and Jianqiu remained by Yixiu's side. The one who made this suggestion was none other than Huichun, who had finally returned to serve the Fujin (the young lady's wife). Her words were sharp, but she was wholeheartedly dedicated to relieving her mistress's burdens.

Yixiu closed the ledger, glanced indifferently at the bold Huichun, and said calmly, "What are you saying? It's a joyous occasion that the concubine is pregnant."

“What the Lady says is true.” Jianqiu, who was tidying up the books and writing materials on the table for Yixiu, agreed gently.

Huichun, standing to the side, couldn't help but feel anxious, thinking that her master and Jianqiu were being too simplistic. As a loyal servant, she had to speak up for her master's safety.

Then Huichun knelt down on the ground with a thud and spoke boldly.

"Forgive my bluntness, Madam, Consort Nian is already favored and comes from an outstanding family. If she were to give birth to the young prince, wouldn't that threaten the young master's position?"

"Huichun!" Seeing Yixiu's ugly expression, Jianqiu scolded her sharply, not understanding how Huichun could be so bold. Wasn't this instigating her master to make a move against the concubine?

Yixiu suppressed her anger, looked coldly at Huichun, and said, "No need for further words, and you are not allowed to lay a hand on me behind my back. Get out."

"Fujin..." Huichun was somewhat apprehensive. She was doing it for her mistress's good. In the backyard, it was always the east wind prevailing over the west wind, or the west wind prevailing over the east wind. Why didn't her mistress understand?

"go out!"

Yi Xiu scoffed, and Hui Chun could only retreat in humiliation.

“Madam, your and the young master’s positions are secure. Huichun just hasn’t figured it out yet…” Jianqiu gently advised. Compared to Huichun, she was more valued by Yixiu and knew more about her.

They naturally knew that the Prince had caught them the first time they tried to harm Consort Song, and they were afraid that Yixiu would be persuaded by Huichun and repeat the same mistake.

"Have someone keep a close eye on Huichun," Yixiu ordered coldly, sitting at the table with her eyes closed.

“Madam, Huichun wouldn’t…” Jianqiu was startled. Could it be that Madam doubted Huichun’s loyalty?

Yi Xiu suppressed her anger, opened her eyes and said, "Hui Chun doesn't have the brains for this; she wouldn't think of these things."

"Is someone trying to use the Fujin (Prince Consort) to harm the Consort?" Jianqiu instantly realized. No wonder she had felt something was off. Given Huichun's personality and intelligence, she shouldn't have thought of such things.

Yi Xiu sneered, "I'd like to see who dares to use me!"

“Yes, what about the concubine…” Jianqiu asked hesitantly.

Yi Xiu didn't have any other thoughts. She knew the prince's methods, so she wouldn't harm Nian Shilan. But that didn't mean she would try to save Nian Shilan; she wasn't a good person.

"To be showered with love is to be showered with resentment. Mr. Nian, may you have good fortune."

...

Upon receiving the news that Nian Shilan was pregnant, Qi Yuebin at Qinghezhai was only stunned for a moment before saying nothing more.

Instead of worrying about whether she's pregnant or not, it's better to spend time teaching Hongyun to read. The prince dotes on the eldest prince the most, so she should spoil Hongyun a little more; everyone loves their own child.

Moreover, Hongyun is a well-behaved, sensible, and lovable child.

"Come here, Hongyun, tell your mother, what character is this?"

“Hong and Yun are Hong Yun’s names.”

"Yes, that's our little Hongyun's name..."

In the small study, the mother and son spent a very warm and loving time together.

At this moment, Jixiang quietly entered and whispered to Qi Yuebin, "Master..."

Qi Yuebin frowned. Unless it was something important, Jixiang wouldn't bother her. So, she turned to Hongyun with a loving expression and said, "Shall we stop here for today? Didn't you want to go to the First Prince's place? Shall we have your nanny take you there?"

"Okay, okay, Hongyun will find Big Brother and play with him." Little Hongyun laughed happily, eager to find Honghui.

"Okay, then Hongyun must be good and not cause trouble."

"I know, Hongyun is the most obedient, and Big Brother likes Hongyun the most."

After arranging Hongyun's destination, Qi Yuebin then looked at Jixiang.

“My lord, Princess Me is waiting for you in the main house. She looks quite flustered.”

"Princess Mei?" Qi Yuebin asked, somewhat puzzled. Madam Mei was always known for her composure; he wondered what had happened. Seeing her deliberately avoiding Hongyun, could it be related to him?

When it comes to Hongyun, Qi Yuebin finds it hard to stay calm and hurriedly follows Jixiang back to the main house.

"Consort..." Upon seeing Qi Yuebin, Mei Qiyue rushed over as if she had seen a savior. Her ingrained sense of propriety made her remember to bow even at this moment.

"What happened?" At this moment, Qi Yuebin didn't care about etiquette anymore. He took Mei Qiyue's hand and asked with a solemn expression.

"..." Mei Qiyue opened her mouth, then glanced at the maids in the room, hesitating to speak.

"Everyone, leave." Understanding Mei Qiyue's gaze, Qi Yuebin waved his hand, dismissing everyone.

Seeing that only the two of them were in the room, Mei Qiyue breathed a long sigh of relief, twisted the handkerchief in her hand, and nervously explained, "Reporting to Consort Nian, ever since Consort Nian became pregnant, I have often heard the servants gossiping, saying that since Consort Nian is pregnant, the Second Prince has fallen out of favor and will surely be neglected by the Prince..."

"Nonsense! The Prince values ​​his offspring, how could he neglect Hongyun?" Qi Yuebin was angry and couldn't bear to hear anyone say anything bad about Hongyun.

“Of course I wouldn’t take the servants’ casual gossip to heart, but…” Mei Qiyue frowned, “But today, Shiya even spoke up to persuade me, her words practically urging me to take action against the other concubine…”

Qi Yuebin was startled and instantly understood Mei's fear. Shi Ya was Mei Qiyue's personal maid, and he wondered if she was a spy planted by someone else, or if she had been alerted by someone with ulterior motives.

As the owner of the courtyard, she was completely unaware of anything amiss and allowed others to infiltrate the area.

Fortunately, Madam Mei was rational. If she were to be persuaded and take action against Madam Nian, regardless of the outcome, it would inevitably implicate Qi Yuebin. Using someone else to do the dirty work, killing three birds with one stone, what a vicious plan.

Qi Yuebin's face was solemn as he reassured Mei Qiyue, "Don't panic. Just pretend you didn't hear it. I'll send someone to keep an eye on Shiya and see who's causing trouble behind the scenes. When you're not busy, just stay with Hongyun and don't get close to the concubine."

"Yes, I understand," Mei Qiyue replied, though she was only three parts fearful in her heart, she showed ten. She had no choice but to leave this harmful matter to Qi Shufujin to handle, as she was under someone else's roof.

Even if it seems like I won't achieve anything great, it's still better than being feared. For Hongyun's sake, I'd be willing to pretend to be weak for the rest of my life.

In truth, Qi Yuebin was fully aware of the situation but had no intention of exposing it. This was perfect; one of her adoptive mother and birth mother would inevitably have the upper hand, and she wouldn't mistreat Mei. But she wouldn't yield either. Now, Qi Yuebin looked outside. The sunlight was perfect, but through the light, she could already see the turbulent undercurrents. A storm was brewing; who was behind it all?