At the family dinner, the atmosphere was so good that Lanqin was surprised. Lingzhu had become a good husband, a good father, and a good father-in-law from beginning to end. Yang and her son were no longer mentioned, not even once.
Finally, Lanqin and Lingzhu brought up the future of their two half-brothers. Lanqin told Lingzhu that they had sent away the maids in their rooms and then locked them up to study. As descendants of the Niohuru family, they couldn't really be ignored. They couldn't go into business like ordinary people either. So, if a scion of a noble family didn't have the ability to become an official, he was practically a useless person, and could only be kept at home doing nothing.
Lingzhu was already worried about Yang's two sons, but he didn't expect Lanqin to bring up their future. Lingzhu was both moved and touched. He never thought that this once frail daughter of Anjia would be so broad-minded and capable.
Cui Niang noticed that it was getting late. Normally, someone of Lan Qin's status shouldn't be spending the night outside. However, seeing Lan Qin, Ling Zhu, and An Jia Shi enjoying themselves so much, she didn't want to say anything that would spoil the mood.
Niu Gulu Zheng asked Lan Qin about what the Fourth Prince had been busy with lately. Lan Qin naturally evaded the question, not wanting her family to know that she could speak so freely in front of the Fourth Prince, even influencing his decisions. She didn't want Lingzhu to develop excessive needs, but she also wanted him to see the truth and realize that he could no longer favor his concubine over his wife. If the Niu Gulu family wanted to prosper, it had to follow her lead.
"I won't go back today, I'll leave tomorrow. Cui Niang, go and make arrangements so that Wuxiha can go to sleep early." Lanqin looked at Cui Niang's expression and knew that she was struggling with whether or not to go back.
“Yes, Qin’er, your mother has a lot to tell you. You’re not allowed to leave today,” Anjia said quickly when Lanqin mentioned leaving.
"Yes, I'll stay home for today and leave tomorrow," Lanqin said with a smile.
After thinking for a moment, Cui Niang decided not to say anything.
That night, Lanqin stayed in her own room as usual. Wuxiha was taken to bed by her wet nurse, while Anjia stayed with Lanqin and talked to her.
“Qin’er, why did you mention her two sons to your father? Thinking back to the old days still makes me feel very uncomfortable. Now your father has finally stopped spoiling her, and her two sons haven’t amounted to much. I’ve finally made it through.” Anjia said, sitting on Lanqin’s unmarried bed.
Lanqin glanced at Anjia, understanding that Anjia couldn't possibly know that she and her son would one day move into the Forbidden City with the Fourth Prince, and even ascend the throne. Therefore, it was best for the Niohuru family, as the maternal clan, to remain peaceful and prosperous, which would benefit Lanqin and the unborn Qianlong Emperor—at least not tarnish their reputation. If she were to leave Yang's two sons unattended now, Lanqin couldn't guarantee what kind of people they would become. She feared they might rely on her and commit some lawless acts, leaving her to clean up their messes. It was better to prepare now and nip the problem in the bud.
“Mother, now that Second Sister is in the palace, I am in the Fourth Prince's residence, and Fifth Sister is in the Seventh Prince's residence, we all have some connection with the royal family. It wouldn't be good if something shameful or damaging to our reputation happened in our household. Yang Shi is getting old, and Father can no longer favor her as much as before, so Mother is still the head of the household. It's only a matter of time before you decide to control her. However, Yang Shi's two sons are, after all, of the Niohuru bloodline. If it can put them on the right path, then give them a push. This is not for Yang Shi's sake, but for the Niohuru family.” Lanqin said calmly.
Seeing that Lanqin had put it this way, Anjia's discomfort dissipated considerably. She hadn't expected that Lanqin, who had only been married for two and a half years, was so completely different from her previous daughter. Originally, she had thought Lanqin would suffer, but now not only was she not being bullied, she was even doing very well and could come back to visit whenever she wanted.
“Mother is short-sighted. If Yang stops causing trouble and simply fulfills her duties as a concubine, Mother will no longer bother with her. Now that you are kindly advising your father to pave the way for her two sons, let’s see if she is smart or not.” Anjia understood Lanqin’s thoughts.
"Mother, don't worry. If Yang doesn't see things clearly, I'm afraid Father won't tolerate her anymore," Lanqin said, pulling on Anjia's arm.
"Hmm. Alright, let's not talk about her anymore. Your mother came to ask you how you are doing in the Fourth Prince's household. You're pregnant again, which shows that the Fourth Prince treats you well. You must serve him well and not take advantage of his favor. You should do your duty as a concubine." Anjia turned to Lanqin and asked.
"Mother, is Qin'er really your biological daughter? Why do you make it sound like I'm the one who bullies others?" Lanqin said, both amused and exasperated.
“You silly girl, what nonsense are you talking about? Of course you are my daughter. Your mother is just worried that you will be mistreated by the Fujin (principal wife). Now that you are pregnant, I’m afraid the Fujin will overthink things,” Anjia said worriedly.
"Don't worry, Mother, I know what I'm doing," Lanqin said sweetly, nestling in Anjia's arms. She didn't want to say anything more to Anjia, fearing it would only make her worry more.
"Qin'er, the Fourth Prince treats you well, so you should do even better. After all, the Fourth Prince is a prince, and he can't possibly have only one concubine. If this child is a prince, then your mother will be at ease. Only then will you truly have a solid foundation in the Fourth Prince's mansion for the rest of your life," Anjia suddenly said.
Sigh, is she worried about falling out of favor? Lanqin knew what Anjia was thinking.
“Mother, Qin’er will give birth to a prince,” Lanqin said.
"Yes. Your mother is going to Huangjue Temple to draw a fortune stick for you, praying that Guanyin will send you a prince," Anjia said in a rambling voice.
Lanqin was speechless for a moment, then laughed and said, "If Guanyin is so effective, there would be no one in this world who is down on their luck."
Anjia was speechless for a moment, then said, "It's never a bad thing to beg. You've grown up so much, much better than your mother. I just hope your favor will last a while, so you can have more children and have someone to rely on in the future."
Lanqin smiled and said, "Mother, don't worry, Qin'er's favor will last a long time."
Anjia laughed too, "Shameless, but your mother believes in you and that you will definitely live a better life than your mother."
Lanqin smiled as she nestled in Anjia's arms. The mother and daughter chatted for a while, and then she fell asleep again.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
