The princess consort was indeed a princess consort; even at this moment, she could still put on a compassionate act and ask everyone to take care of the children she was raising.
Most people saw through it but didn't say anything, but those like Madam Song, who couldn't hide their true feelings, couldn't suppress the sarcasm on their lips.
She had never been a Buddhist, and she didn't care about the concept of reincarnation. However, looking at the Second Prince beside the Princess Consort, it was rare to see him having some faith.
If a person commits all sorts of evil deeds, even if they are all talk and no action, they will still suffer divine retribution.
Because of severe morning sickness, and because the sweet soup served in the main courtyard was a bit too cloying, Li Chenjiao kept her lips tightly pressed together and didn't say much.
After the Fujin finished speaking, only Wu Shi chimed in with a couple of sentences. Liu Shi, no longer amused, simply echoed her with a couple of words.
When the time was almost up, the Fujin's face showed a touch of weariness at just the right moment. Wu Shi, who was always very good at reading people's expressions, quickly stood up and said, "It's getting late, so I won't disturb the Fujin any longer—"
The princess responded with a soft "hmm" upon hearing this.
"But this servant is truly worried about the Second Prince's health. I also raised the First Prince, and I understand how distressing these illnesses and ailments are for the younger princes. I only regret that I cannot share this burden with the Princess Consort—"
Upon hearing this, Madam Song quickly realized what was happening and stood up as well, feigning unease: "Yes, that's right. Sister Wu is absolutely right. The Second Prince is the legitimate son of the household, and we servants should, in principle, be by his side to attend to him."
Li Chenjiao raised her hand to cover her lips with a handkerchief, also blocking her nose, to shut out the sandalwood scent and to endure the nausea.
Listening to what Wu and Song said, who could not understand their intentions?
They either wanted to watch the spectacle, or they wanted to know if the Second Prince's health was actually good or bad.
Li Chenjiao didn't want to join in the fun, but if Song Shi and Wu Shi stayed, and she just left like this, it would seem like she was putting on airs as a concubine, not visiting the Second Prince and not hoping that he was doing well.
Once Li Chenjiao understood all this, she couldn't help but feel a headache coming on. She could only hope that the Fujin (wife of the emperor) wouldn't let the two of them cause trouble like this.
The princess consort was clearly unwilling to allow everyone to visit the second prince at first, but she quickly came up with her words.
However, Granny Qian, who was standing behind the Fujin, suddenly nudged her lightly. The two exchanged glances, and it was unclear what kind of consensus they reached, but in the end, the Fujin relented.
The Fujin forced a faint smile: "It's the time of year when the weather is cold. How can we let you all suffer from the wind and cold while running back and forth for the Second Prince? Your concern is commendable. It's also kind of you, Madam Song and Madam Wu, to think of him. In that case, come with me to see the Second Prince. However, the Second Prince is currently ill and prefers quiet, so there's no need for anyone to attend to him. Please keep your voices down and follow along."
Upon hearing this, Madam Song began to have second thoughts. Regardless of the Second Prince's health, the Fourth Prince was certainly concerned about him. If he knew that they had disturbed the Second Prince's peace and quiet today, he might punish them.
Upon hearing this, Lady Wu seemed completely oblivious to the deeper meaning behind the words of the Second Prince. She curtsied respectfully and said, "Of course, of course. Right now, everything must be done with the health of the Second Prince in mind."
Wu knew perfectly well that the Fujin (Prince Consort) now regarded the Second Prince as the apple of her eye, so she wouldn't use a sickly child to scheme against them.
Wu Shi did not believe that the Fujin (principal wife) could be so willing to abandon her own child, especially her only child whose life was hanging by a thread.
Wu Shi didn't believe it, and she had seen the little tricks of the upper-level wife and her trusted nanny Qian Shi earlier. The more they did so, the less afraid Wu Shi felt.
She needed to know the current condition of the Second Prince so that she could make plans for her First Prince as soon as possible.
Upon hearing Wu's words, Song swallowed back the words that were about to escape her lips.
Once the arrow is released, there's no turning back, especially for someone as concerned with saving face as the Song family.
The princess did not refuse. Li Chenjiao lowered her eyes to hide her surprise, but she always felt that this was a trap and did not really want to follow Song Shi and Wu Shi, who had different intentions, into the main courtyard.
However, neither Lady Song nor Lady Wu intended to include her, but the Fujin (principal wife) had not forgotten her at this moment.
"Why don't you go and see her, Consort? Last night, the Second Prince said before going to bed that he felt very close to you."
At first glance, there seemed to be nothing wrong with what he said, but both Madam Song and Madam Wu simultaneously revealed a meaningful expression.
How old is the Second Prince? What could he possibly remember?
The reason why the Fujin brought up Li Shi at this moment is probably because the Fourth Prince went to Li Shi's East Courtyard yesterday.
With such favor, and Li currently pregnant, and now that the Second Prince is ill, the Prince Consort will naturally see Li as a thorn in his side. No wonder the Prince Consort spoke up at this time.
At this point, it was naturally not Li Chenjiao's place to refuse. She stood up gracefully: "I originally thought that with Consort Song and Consort Wu visiting him, I, a heavily pregnant woman, could take a break. But since the Fujin has said so, I, as a secondary Fujin, naturally cannot refuse. However, since the Second Prince is ill and prefers quiet, it would be best if too many people visited him. Wouldn't it be perfect if it were just me, Consort Song, and Consort Wu?"
Li Chenjiao's words were measured and appropriate. She first made it clear that she did not intend to visit the Second Prince, so that it would be easier to deal with any problems that might arise. Her subsequent words were also very considerate of others.
After Li Chenjiao finished speaking, Bai Jiashi immediately curtsied and said, "Your Majesty, I have been coughing lately. I am afraid that visiting the Second Prince would only make things worse. Once I am better, I will definitely come to the main courtyard to visit you in person. I hope Your Majesty will not blame me."
Lady Baijia understood the situation clearly and naturally wouldn't choose to get involved in this mess at this time. Of course, she also remembered the kindness shown to her by the concubine.
The princess waved her hand, first expressing her concern, and then signaling the maid in the main courtyard to see Bai Jia off.
Bai Jiashi had long been a discarded pawn in her eyes, so naturally she didn't care about her anymore.
Liu had already thought it over in her heart, and after much hesitation, she still stepped forward: "Although I have only recently entered the household, the thought of the Second Prince, such a smart child, being sick is like a knife twisting in my heart. I only wish I could take the Second Prince's pain in his place. I also want to share some of the burden for the Princess Consort."
Regardless of how much truth or falsehood Liu's words held, Liu's current status and her previous actions ultimately brought some comfort to the Fujin (the wife of the deceased).
At least for now, Liu is a clever, young, beautiful, and perceptive pawn.
She understood that this was Liu's way of showing her loyalty, and after a long pause, she nodded.
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