Gu Zhiqing was less than three months pregnant and her pregnancy was not yet showing.
When she met Jiang Shumiao, she knew of the other's abilities, so she smiled and asked, "Can the princess tell whether I'm carrying a boy or a girl?"
Jiang Shumiao saw through it at a glance, "It's a younger sister."
Xiao Yitang tapped her little nose. "She's not my sister, she's my cousin's daughter."
Jiang Shumiao was stunned for a moment, then realized that the child in Gu Zhiqing's womb was a generation younger than her.
"Oh right, she's my cousin's daughter."
She smiled, her eyes crinkling, and she looked very cute.
Gu Zhiqing also laughed.
She wasn't particularly concerned about gender; after all, she was still young and would have plenty of opportunities in the future. Lu Yanzhi wasn't one to philander, and their relationship was quite good. Furthermore, her elder sister-in-law had already given birth to her eldest grandson, so she felt no pressure.
Xiao Yitang was even happier.
"Is it really a girl?"
Jiang Shumiao nodded affirmatively.
"Yes."
Xiao Yitang's eyes lit up, and she couldn't stop smiling. "Great, that's wonderful. I've had three sons, and I'm always worried about them. Now I'm finally going to hold my granddaughter. Zhiqing, you're a great hero in our family."
Turning to her son, she instructed, "Zhiqing is pregnant, so you must take good care of her. Don't be out all the time, and avoid those trivial social engagements if possible. Spend more time with your wife. If they suffer any injustice, I will hold you responsible."
Lu Yan and Ziran should agree.
Gu Zhiqing felt comforted.
Her birth mother died early, and although her stepmother treated her well, she was too serious and difficult for her to get close to.
Despite her noble status, her mother-in-law was approachable and easygoing, never imposing any rules on her, which made her feel very close to her.
Jiang Shumiao never forgets to eat, no matter where she goes.
She glanced at this person and then at that person. Those who had died tragically in the Book of Fate were all living well now, each with their own new life trajectory.
very good.
On the way back, Xiao Yitang noticed that her daughter was unusually happy and couldn't help but ask, "Were the Lu family's pastries particularly delicious? Why are you so excited?"
Jiang Shumiao chuckled but offered no explanation.
Based on her inner thoughts, Xiao Yitang could roughly guess what was going on, but he didn't expose her.
Jiang Zhixu returned at the end of May.
Emperor Hongde's previous actions were too radical, but this time he did save face for the aristocratic families by only arresting and punishing a few of the ringleaders.
After all, powerful families are deeply entrenched. If they were all wiped out one by one, there would truly be no one left in the court.
However, this sweet date wasn't given away for nothing.
He then abolished the Nine-Rank System, and thereafter the imperial examination became the only channel for selecting talent.
This time, the opposition from the central and state governments was much weaker.
The main problem is that these powerful families have been getting too big for their britches in recent years, and they've been plagued by corrupt officials, causing widespread resentment among the people.
Those who cause trouble never end up well.
Most people then gave up on the idea.
There's nothing wrong with using the imperial examination system to select talent.
Aristocratic families always have a deep foundation. They have access to the best resources, enjoy the best education, and associate with high-ranking officials and nobles. Are they really inferior to a group of commoners from humble backgrounds?
Thus, the imperial examination system and the equal-field system were successfully implemented.
Emperor Hongde was in high spirits and praised Wen Zhixuan highly. He also specially conferred upon Shen Qinghe the title of a third-rank imperial consort.
Unfortunately, Shen Qinghe didn't live to enjoy it.
Her pregnancy was going quite smoothly. For the first six months, she didn't have much of a reaction, slept well, had a good appetite, and looked great.
But starting in the seventh month, she suddenly began experiencing morning sickness.
This is very unusual.
After taking his pulse, the doctor found nothing unusual.
She began to suffer from insomnia, vivid dreams, and loss of appetite, and her body became noticeably thinner.
Having no other option, Wen Zhixuan went to beg Jiang Shumiao for help again.
Jiang Shumiao reiterated, "The child is consuming her life; medicine is useless."
Wen Zhixuan remained silent for a long time, then asked another question, unwilling to give up.
Is there really no other way?
Jiang Shumiao gave him a strange look. "I'm telling you, you're ruthless when you should be soft-hearted, but hesitant when you should be decisive. Did I scare you so badly that you lost your mind?"
Wen Zhixuan: "..."
He took a deep breath, his face showing distress.
"If the princess truly cares about these old matters, even if she spares my life, she will certainly not give me a kind look. So why bring them up again? It's not that I'm being sentimental, but I made a grave mistake when I was in dire straits, and she is ultimately suffering because of me. If there is any retribution, it shouldn't be so soon."
He paused, then said softly, "She's only nineteen."
Nineteen years old, in his world, he was only a freshman in college.
Jiang Shumiao pouted.
If his conspiracy had succeeded back then, the entire Jiang family would have been wiped out, and he himself would have been a baby who was thrown to his death.
Who will show even the slightest pity?
Ultimately, fate has changed, and Wen Zhixuan has now repented and stopped causing trouble.
Let's not talk about it if we don't want to.
"She was implicated because of you, but she also brought it on herself."
Shen Qinghe's tragedy lies in her parents, yet she has to fill the void with the blood of others.
Even now, the evil thoughts in her heart have not completely disappeared.
The damage caused by one's family of origin can probably never be fully repaired in a lifetime.
"If you really feel guilty towards her, treat her well in these last two months so that she has fewer regrets and can leave in peace."
Shen Qinghe was troubled by the word 'love' throughout his life.
It seems that he has neither family affection nor romantic love.
Wen Zhixuan clearly knew what she wanted, but he was stingy in giving it to her.
This couple is really awkward.
Wen Zhixuan remained silent for a longer time, seemingly resigned to his fate, and then asked another question.
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