After listening to Li Mama's account, the Fujin thought for a moment and then said to her, "Alright, send someone to Father's residence to invite Madam Liu over."
Lady Liu was Yan Yu's birth mother, a member of the Han Banner Army. Yan Yu likely inherited her looks, which is why she was so beautiful.
Not long after, Madam Liu brought several top-quality ginseng roots given to her by Fei Yanggu to the Fourth Prince's residence for the first time to see her daughter who was about to get married.
When a sedan chair landed at the gate, Yun Yuan, following Yan Yu's instructions, greeted it at the entrance. She saw that Madam Liu was dressed in a dark blue children's skirt, with a moon-white upturned collar and a front-opening jacket over it. Her hair was styled in a bun with a gold hairpin and several silver hair ornaments. Dark green jade pendants hung from her ears. She appeared composed and dignified, and looked to be in her late thirties, not yet forty.
“Madam, the princess is eagerly awaiting your arrival.” Yun Yuan immediately stepped forward to support Liu Shi’s hand and led her inside. Liu Shi only brought one personal nanny with her.
"Yun Yuan, you came in with the princess. Is Yu'er doing well in this mansion?" After all, she was her mother, and this was the first time she was worried about whether her daughter was doing well.
Yun Yuan was no longer serving Yan Yu closely. Fang Yun, because she was used to pleasing Yan Yu, was no longer as close to her as before. Hearing Liu Shi ask this question, she was also considering whether or not to tell Liu Shi.
"What's wrong? I've watched you grow up, is there anything you can't say?"
Seeing Yun Yuan's hesitant manner, Madam Liu raised an eyebrow and said, "She is also favored by Fei Yanggu. She has a principal wife above her and a wife who has given birth to a son beside her. Yet, she has managed to maintain her favor for more than ten years with only a daughter. She must have some tricks up her sleeve."
"Madam, I dare not speak carelessly. You will know when you see the Princess." Yun Yuan was a kind-hearted person. She disapproved of some of the things Yan Yu had done, but there was nothing she could do about it.
"Please take me to see the Fujin (principal wife) first. After all, we should pay our respects to the mistress of the house first."
Liu said.
Yun Yuan then led the two of them towards the Fujin's place.
When the Fujin heard that Lady Liu had arrived, she smiled slightly and told them to quickly invite her in.
The Fujin (principal wife) approved of Liu's attire. When Liu approached and was about to bow, Fujin stood up first, took Liu's hand, and said, "Auntie, that's fine. Why are you doing this? Xia Yu will get scolded in front of Father."
Madam Liu said, "Miss, what are you saying? Now that you are Yu'er's mistress, I should naturally pay my respects to you. As for your father, that's a matter for the Ulanara family, a separate issue."
The Fujin always thought that Liu was a sensible person, but she felt that although Yan Yu was born from her womb, she did not have Liu's shrewdness and understanding.
“Yan Yu is about to give birth, so please go and see her, Aunt. I’ll go see her later. You and your daughter must have some private things to discuss,” the Fujin said considerately.
After paying her respects, Lady Liu went to Yan Yu's place.
"Mother~~~" Yan Yu was already standing at the door. When she saw Liu Shi arrive, she cried out and wished she could rush into Liu Shi's arms.
"Be careful, you're almost a mother, and you're still so careless." Madam Liu looked at Yan Yu, held her belly, and said with heartache.
The two walked into the house hand in hand, and after waving away the others, only Yun Yuan and Fang Yun remained.
Madam Liu glanced at Fangyun, because she only recognized Yunyuan and did not know that Fangyun was now her daughter's most trusted confidante.
“Mother, her name is Fangyun, and she’s quite capable. You don’t need to worry about her,” Yan Yu said.
Madam Liu stared at Fangyun for a few moments before turning to look at Yanyu. Seeing that she was already over eight months pregnant, she said happily, "Oh, you're almost a mother. Yu'er, your mother just went to see your elder sister. In my opinion, if this baby is a boy, it would be better to give it to her to raise."
Upon hearing this, Yan Yu immediately became unhappy and said willfully, "Mother, if I give birth to a prince, why should I give him to my elder sister? She already has the fourth prince."
Madam Liu sighed and said, "Yu'er, she is, after all, your mistress and your elder sister. If you give your child to her to raise, he will have the status of a legitimate son. I think that's what she means too. It's good for both you and your child. If you give your firstborn to her, and once your rank is promoted, you can have another son or daughter, and your position will be secure. In the future, if your child is fortunate enough to become the heir apparent, she will be the legitimate mother, and you will be the birth mother. You will both come from the Ulanara family. What's wrong with that?"
Hearing this, Yan Yu became even more displeased. She hadn't expected that Liu Shi would speak to the Fujin as soon as she arrived, and without considering her perspective at all. Her face immediately fell, but she didn't lash out because of Liu Shi's status.
But Liu was her mother after all, so how could she not see through Yan Yu's thoughts? She immediately waved to the two maids and said, "You two go outside and stand there. I want to have a private talk with your princess."
Yun Yuan and Fang Yun tactfully agreed and left.
“Yu’er, I understand your thoughts. But your father wants you to assist your sister. Do you understand? Without the support of your family, can you stand firm in the Fourth Prince’s mansion?” Fei Yanggu had repeatedly reminded Liu Shi during her visit.
Yan Yu hadn't expected her father and mother to mean this, and she regretted calling Liu Shi. She thought Liu Shi could help her, but this was what she got in return.
“Mother, does Yu’er have to live in her shadow for the rest of her life? She has already adopted the Fourth Prince after losing the First Prince, and she’s still not satisfied? She can’t even raise her own son?” Yan Yu said, her long-suppressed dissatisfaction with the Fujin bursting forth like a flood, tears streaming down her face.
Seeing Yan Yu crying so sadly, Madam Liu felt a pang of sympathy. She had spent her whole life as a concubine, living under the watchful eyes of the mistress, and she naturally knew the resentment that Yan Yu felt.
"Oh, Yu'er, it's all because you were born into my womb, otherwise you wouldn't have suffered such injustice." Madam Liu pulled off the handkerchief on her chest, took Yan Yu's hand, and wiped away her tears.
"Mother, I must give birth to a son this time, and I must be promoted. You must help me." Yan Yu was afraid that Fang Yun would not be able to handle the matter alone, so she originally wanted Liu Shi to accompany her during childbirth. However, she did not expect that her own mother's idea was the same as that of the Fujin.
"Sigh. I'll only stay here with you until you give birth. After that, you'll have to rely on yourself. Anyway, don't be upset by what I said; it's all for your sake." Madam Liu knew that her daughter was carefree, but even carefree people need to consider the situation.
"Mother, if I give birth to a girl this time, even if we have to switch, it will be a son. Fangyun has already found a family outside, and when a boy is born, they will prepare him. On the day I give birth, if it's a girl, we'll switch him out." Yan Yu was completely obsessed, not considering the dangers of being exposed. She didn't even think that even if she gave birth to a boy, the Fujin (principal wife) wouldn't let her raise her first child.
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