As Geng Youran had predicted, Honghui was reporting his studies to Ulanara at that very moment.
"Madam, Princess Geng has arrived."
"Oh, let her in."
Geng Youran and Xinyi, who was carrying a food box, walked in. When they saw that the Fujin and Honghui were there, they quickly greeted them and handed the food box to the maid next to them.
"You've just finished your postpartum confinement period, why are you working so hard?"
When Ulanara saw the familiar food box, she knew that Geng Youran must have made some new food again, so she teased him.
"I am clumsy, but it is rare that my wife likes this craft, so I should naturally show her more respect."
Ulanara nodded.
"You're still so sensible."
Honghui, who was standing nearby, had already run over to the maid and sniffed the food through the box.
"Gege, what new treats have you made this time? They smell so sweet."
Geng Youran smiled:
"These are just some snacks made with seasonal fruits. I hope you like them, Your Highness."
Ulanara shook her head indulgently.
His son always acted very serious in front of the prince, only changing his demeanor when he saw snacks.
"Honghui, your father will be back to check your homework in a little while. Go study first, and your mother will have someone bring you some snacks later."
Honghui probably knew that the adults had something to say to each other, so he went back to his study to review his lessons.
"Tell me, you came to see me not long after you finished your postpartum confinement period. It must be more than just bringing some snacks."
"This servant has come to explain the pregnancy to the Princess Consort."
Ulanara smiled; she hadn't expected Geng Youran to be so cautious.
"Alright, you don't need to say anything more. The prescriptions and times you use for your medicine have always been on file in our household. There's no need to explain anything."
"Madam..."
“You Ran, since that’s the case, I’ll be frank with you. The Prince has always valued having children, and I couldn’t have any more after giving birth to Honghui. People outside say that the Prince has few children because I’m jealous, but I wouldn’t do anything to a child. Otherwise, Consort Li’s child wouldn’t be alive today.”
Geng Youran awkwardly dug her toes into the ground, thinking that Ulanara was really as ruthless as in modern TV dramas.
Indeed, we must truly listen and observe to understand everything.
"I understand."
"Hmm. There's one more thing I need you to do right now."
"Please give your instructions, Madam."
“The other day, Prince Li said that His Majesty bestowed Niohuru Wanru, the daughter of Niohuru Lingzhu, a fourth-rank official, upon you as a princess. You should assist Consort Li in handling this matter.”
Geng Youran perked up when she heard the surname; she knew this one well—it was Qianlong's mother.
Actually, there wasn't much trouble. All the rules were already set. All she had to do was help Consort Li tidy up the princess's courtyard and select the servants in advance.
Not long after, Niohuru Wanru entered the mansion.
That very night, the Fourth Prince Yinzhen favored her, and the next day, everyone in the Prince's mansion saw this princess in the Princess's courtyard.
Rumor had it that this princess was extremely beautiful, and after seeing her in person, Geng Youran felt that the rumors were true.
As the newcomer entered the household, Geng Youran heard those same sour remarks she had heard before, and silently complained to herself:
"These people didn't even change their words, they're really unoriginal."
After the tea ceremony, the elders bestow gifts upon the newlyweds.
Geng Youran didn't know what to give as a gift, so she asked Xinyi to bring the Guanyin statue that the Fujin had bestowed upon her before the New Year, which symbolizes the granting of a child.
"Oh, little sister, why don't you keep such a good thing for yourself?"
Yuan Gege, whom we haven't seen in a long time, now appeared with a pregnant belly and made a sarcastic remark.
Everyone else present, except for the First Lady and the Second Lady, was waiting to see Geng Youran make a fool of herself.
Everyone knows that not long after Geng Youran's miscarriage, good news came from Yuan Gege, which was clearly more than just showing off.
"I'm so grateful for your concern, Princess Yuan. But the other day, Prince Bei said that I'm still young and it's not the best time to have children, so I'm not in a hurry."
They're still young.
People in ancient times married young. Geng Youran was only 15 years old at this time, while Yuan Gege was given as a gift. She was pretty, but she was already 20 years old.
The others covered their mouths and laughed; Geng Gege's words were clearly a veiled mockery of Yuan Gege for being old.
"All of you shut up! Today is the second day that Sister Wanru has entered the manor. You all better behave yourselves."
Yuan Gege dared not defy the Fujin, so she had no choice but to shut up.
This Niohuru Wanru was sharp-eyed and quick-witted; she immediately saw through the battle situation in the Fourth Prince's backyard.
Consort Li is now focused on taking care of the children and assisting the Fujin in managing the inner quarters, while Geng Gege has the Fujin's support behind her.
As for this Yuan Gege, she doesn't seem like a good person, and I doubt she'll be easy to get along with in the future.
After everyone came out of Ulanara's courtyard, Niohuru Wanru took the initiative to call out to Geng Youran:
"Sister Geng, thank you for the Goddess of Mercy who grants children."
Geng Youran smiled politely:
“The royal family values offspring the most, but you are still young, so you should prioritize your health first. There’s no rush to have children.”
Geng Youran's words were sincere. Before Niohuru Wanru came to the mansion, she accidentally learned about the new princess's birthday, which was four years younger than her.
In modern times, someone that age would still be considered an underdeveloped elementary school student.
In this wicked old society, she had already become a married woman.
Even if we're thinking about the future, now isn't a good time to have children.
"Thank you for your concern, sister. I will remember it."
After the two parted, Niohuru Wanru returned to her courtyard, where her maidservant couldn't help but start complaining:
"Princess, you don't just believe that Princess Geng, do you?"
Wanru calmly took a sip of tea, and then said:
"What, you don't think she's trustworthy?"
The maidservant, seeing the princess's unhurried demeanor, said anxiously:
"Princess, before we came here, Master went to great lengths to investigate the affairs of the Fourth Prince's inner quarters. This Consort Geng is not only favored, but she also has an excellent relationship with the most powerful primary wife and secondary primary wife in the mansion. If she tries to trip us up in the future, we won't be able to guard against it!"
But Wanru didn't think so. She felt that Geng Youran had something that made her different from all the other women here.
But she needs to observe more closely to find out exactly what it is.
"I heard from Father that she is a good cook and even worked in the Hall of Mental Cultivation?"
"yes."
"Alright, tomorrow you go and invite her over. Tell her I want to learn a few of the dishes that the Prince likes to eat from her."
The head maid, Qingming, was puzzled:
"Princess, I heard that Fourth Master loves the snacks and dishes made by Princess Geng the most. If you want to learn, I'm afraid she won't teach you."
Wanru smiled:
"You can go and invite them."
"yes."
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