Chapter 295 I'm not taking a concubine!
Princess Ning didn't mention one more thing: she only had one piece of ancient jade. If she gave it to her daughter, she couldn't give it to her son, and if she gave it to her son, she couldn't give it to her daughter.
However, both her son and daughter were equally dear to her, and she felt guilty towards either of them if she gave them to one of them.
Now, she has the perfect solution!
That means giving the ancient jade to Shen Wantang!
She gave such a generous gift that Shen Wantang would not stand idly by if her son or daughter got into trouble in the future. With her around, it would be much more reliable than any ancient jade!
Moreover, ancient jade has a limited number of uses and a limited number of conditions for detoxification. Shen Wantang is a human, so she has no limit on the number of uses. She can not only detoxify, but also treat illnesses and regulate the body.
Unfortunately, Xiao Qingxi couldn't understand Princess Ning's good intentions. She was very angry: "I think Mother was completely bewitched by Shen Wantang's sweet words and has become stupid! If I were poisoned, the first person who would want me to die would be Shen Wantang. How could she possibly save me!"
She couldn't understand, but Shen Wantang instantly grasped the Princess Ning's intentions.
The mother-in-law hoped that if Xiao Qingxi were ever plotted against or had any health problems in the future, she could protect Xiao Qingxi's life.
As long as she doesn't die, Xiao Qingxi's safety is not a concern.
However, Shen Wantang was unwilling to shoulder such a long-term and significant responsibility. Her relationship with Xiao Qingxi was terrible, and if she really tried to save Xiao Qingxi, Xiao Qingxi might think that she was harming her instead.
It's a thankless task, not worth the effort.
Shen Wantang placed the ancient jade back into her mother-in-law's hand, and said in a very soft tone: "This is a family heirloom of my mother's. I really can't take it. Mother, please keep it safe. When the princess's child is born in the future, you can continue to pass it down."
"Mother, don't worry. I'm usually careful and won't be easily poisoned. But if I unfortunately get poisoned in the future, I can ask you for it when I need it."
“The princess is born noble, so there should be no villain who would dare to harm her. Hopefully, she will not need this jade. If someone does try to harm the princess, we will not stand idly by.”
“Everyday matters are minor squabbles, but in life-or-death situations, a family will always help each other.”
Her words were tactful and sincere, which relieved Princess Ning; she was just glad that Princess Ning didn't hate Xiao Qingxi.
Moreover, since Shen Wantang had already said all that, she didn't force Shen Wantang to accept the ancient jade.
She put the ancient jade back into the brocade box.
Xiao Qingxi's expression softened somewhat, but there was a strange glint in her eyes as she looked at Shen Wantang: "You really don't want this ancient jade? You're not even tempted by such a treasure?"
Shen Wantang was indeed unmoved, because she was quite confident in her abilities and detoxification was not too difficult for her.
However, one cannot tell the truth when dealing with someone like Xiao Qingxi.
She said calmly, "Of course I'm tempted, my dear, but I'm not a greedy person. My mother has already given me so many good things, and I'm satisfied. The ancient jade is a treasure, and it was part of my mother's dowry, so it's better for my mother to keep it."
"Hmph, you're smart to know what's good for you!"
Xiao Qingxi had already made up her mind that if her mother gave the ancient jade to Shen Wantang, she would take it back no matter what.
Giving some gold and silver jewelry is one thing, but how can such a priceless treasure as ancient jade fall into the hands of outsiders!
However, Shen Wantang's refusal to accept the jade was indeed unexpected. Previously, her mother had always praised Shen Wantang, which she had always been dismissive of. But today, she suddenly realized Shen Wantang's remarkable ability—to suppress her greed in the face of a priceless treasure, something that ordinary people could not do.
Xiao Qingxi suddenly had some confidence that Shen Wantang would stop Huo Yunzhou from taking a concubine.
She couldn't help but urge Princess Ning, "Mother, why haven't you told her about that matter yet? Don't forget the bet we made!"
There was something else going on.
Shen Wantang suddenly realized why the gifts delivered today were piled up like a small mountain.
Seeing that her mother-in-law looked slightly embarrassed, she took the initiative to ask with a smile, "Mother, what bet did you make with the princess? May I hear about it?"
She gave Princess Ning a way out, easing her embarrassment.
Even if Shen Wantang hadn't asked, she would have told him anyway, but Shen Wantang's initiative made her look much better.
The daughter-in-law is truly filial and understanding. She even felt that she hadn't given enough today, and that it would be worth it even if she emptied the storeroom!
"Tang'er, I was thinking of asking you to help me think of a way to stop Huo Yunzhou from taking a concubine."
Princess Ning briefly recounted the bet she made with her daughter, and then said, "You are so intelligent and calm, far superior to Xi'er. All she does is argue and throw tantrums with Huo Yunzhou. It makes me so angry just watching her, but you can calmly analyze the situation. Why don't you help her? See if you can persuade Huo Yunzhou not to take a concubine and to focus on living with Qingxi."
Shen Wantang could only sigh. Had this hot potato finally been handed to her?
As she was pondering her words, Xiao Qingxi said smugly, "Hmph, if I win, Mother won't side with you anymore. If I lose, Huo Yunzhou won't take Lin Rouxin as a concubine! Anyway, whether I win or lose, I won't lose out!"
No wonder Xiao Qingxi apologized to her so readily; it turns out she was waiting for this!
Princess Ning truly dotes on her precious daughter, for she has come up with such a wonderful bet!
Just as Xiao Qingxi said, this bet meant that she wouldn't lose out regardless of whether she won or lost! No, not only wouldn't lose out, she practically made a killing!
But Shen Wantang wasn't stupid; why would she help with something like this? No matter how sweet her mother-in-law's words were, she wouldn't budge!
Last night, Huo Yunzhou refused to leave, insisting on complaining to her and begging for her help. As a result, Xiao Qingxi flew into a rage, falsely accusing her of having an affair with Huo Yunzhou and even injuring her face. Now she's asking her to repay evil with kindness, help Xiao Qingxi clear the obstacles, and win back her husband's heart? Is Shen Wantang such a victim?
If she really helps Xiao Qingxi, she will inevitably continue to have contact with Huo Yunzhou. If Xiao Qingxi accuses her of having an affair again, who will she cry to?
What does the bet between Princess Ning and Xiao Qingxi have to do with Shen Wantang?
Let them bet if they want; she won't get involved.
Just as Shen Wantang was about to refuse, the curtain was suddenly lifted and Huo Yunzhou rushed in.
Following closely behind him was Xiao Qingyuan.
"Qingxi!"
Huo Yunzhou called out in a hoarse voice. His eyes were bloodshot and there was a dark shadow under his eyes, indicating that he hadn't slept all night.
Xiao Qingyuan, who was following behind him, was in even worse condition. His eyes were as red as a rabbit's, and there was a patch of stubble on his chin. He looked much more haggard and aged.
The moment Xiao Qingxi saw Huo Yunzhou, her face darkened instantly: "Who let you in? Get out!"
"Qingxi, come home with me. I won't take a concubine!"
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