Shen Qiulan and the other female family members were stunned for a moment before becoming overjoyed. Even Yang Chenghong was beaming with happiness, more so than when he’d heard about his wife’s pregnancy.
"Honghong, quick, send someone to notify your grandparents and let them share in the joy," Shen Qiulan hurriedly said.
Just as Yang Chenghong was about to obey, Sister Jin timely intervened, "Third Madam and Sixth Young Master shouldn’t rush. The Crown Princess Consort isn’t yet three months pregnant; this happy news should not be spread yet to avoid jinxing the Little Prince’s fortune."
Upon hearing this, Shen Qiulan quickly came to her senses, nodding continuously, understanding that she had been overly excited, and considering Jiujiu’s special status, it really wasn’t appropriate to publicize this too early.
Honed by years of business, Yang Chenghong was extremely sharp and noticed something was amiss. Recalling a secret letter from the Xibei Steward, which mentioned someone secretly buying up and hoarding large quantities of grain, he realized the matter wasn’t so simple. Knowing that his brother-in-law was off today, he immediately went to Crown Prince’s Mansion to find him after settling the female family members.
Shen Qiulan and the other women kept Yang Mengchen company, sharing various amusing stories about their pregnancies.
Yang Mengchen knew medical skill, but in her previous life, she had never borne a child. Now, she listened patiently, occasionally interjecting a comment or two as they chatted merrily.
It wasn’t until Sister Jin reminded them that lunch was ready that they reluctantly stopped, and before long, Long Xuanmo and Yang Chenghong returned. Yang Chengyou, who had finished his duties for the day, along with Grand Prince who had heard the news, came directly to the Princess Mansion. Everyone gathered around and had a lively meal together.
After lunch, the men retired to the study, while the female family members gathered to chat idly.
Yang Mengchen had Sister Jin distribute three months’ worth of bonus silver to the servants of both mansions and also added a set of new clothes in the child’s name. Thanks to the future little master’s blessings, all the servants were grinning from ear to ear. However, after listening to Sister Jin, He Junyuan, and Ji Jinheng’s warnings, all of the servants kept silent, not revealing any news outside, so that even their closest relatives didn’t know about the good news.
Bai He, married to Crown Prince’s Store Manager Ning Simin and not living in the mansion, came to pay her respects to Yang Mengchen every day. She found the behavior of Sister Jin and the others a bit odd in the previous days, and learning the good news today, she immediately went home to tell Ning Simin she wished to stay in the Crown Prince Mansion.
When Ning Simin asked the reason, Bai He only mentioned she was over three months pregnant, and with the Crown Princess Consort’s exceptional medical skill, it would be good to handle any issues promptly. Ning Simin thought it over and agreed, considering also his wife’s close relationship with the Crown Princess Consort.
Bai He immediately packed her belongings and moved to the Crown Prince Mansion, joining Wu Tong and Shao Yao to put in utmost effort to meticulously care for Yang Mengchen’s food and housing needs. Hai Tang and the others were highly skilled in martial arts, but in other areas, they didn’t match the attentive care of Bai He, Shao Yao, and Mu Jin, which was why she was insistent on staying in the Crown Prince Mansion.
Mu Jin was nearing her due date, but upon hearing the happy news from her father-in-law, she came to visit Yang Mengchen with He Changli by her side. She repeatedly admonished Wu Tong and the others to be doubly cautious and careful before she went back home, praying daily for the well-being of Yang Mengchen and her child.
Long Jingxi, with her children, came to the Crown Prince Mansion and was very happy to hear the news. These days, Min Luozhan was also leaving early and returning late, and she guessed somewhat what was happening. Therefore, after hearing Sister Jin’s advice, she indeed did not tell anyone.
The child was well-behaved, and Yang Mengchen showed no discomfort, only experiencing an increase in tiredness as her pregnancy progressed. Without needing any persuasion from Sister Jin and the others, she delegated the affairs of her businesses to the stewards and focused only on the overall situation.
Meanwhile, Long Xuanmo, Grand Prince, and Yang Chengyou also became increasingly busy. Even Yang Chenghong often wasn’t at home, but the men tacitly kept the women in the dark, quietly reinforcing the defenses of both mansions.
The ninth day of the ninth month was Yang Mengchen’s birthday. Long Xuanmo had declared early on his intention to celebrate it alone with his wife, not inviting even their closest families.
The Emperor, Empress Dowager, and Empress were quite displeased, as they had wanted to celebrate Jiujiu’s birthday properly. But Long Xuanmo vehemently refused, saying he didn’t want anyone disturbing him and his wife. The trio was both annoyed and amused, but the Emperor, recalling recent secret reports, understood Long Xuanmo’s intentions and gently dissuaded the Empress Dowager and Empress, simply sending birthday gifts instead.
With the three most esteemed individuals in Dong Chu acting in such a way, others naturally did not dare to disturb Yang Mengchen and left after presenting their gifts.
As three months passed, Yang Mengchen’s pregnancy was stable, and she planned to announce the good news to the Emperor, Empress Dowager, Empress, and a few close families. But Long Xuanmo and the other men unanimously opposed it.
Yang Mengchen did not say anything at the time, but as soon as she was alone with Hai Tang, she immediately summoned Birdy to inquire.
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