Chapter 057
Concubine Chen stayed in the Yongning Earl's Mansion. Although she controlled Shen Jin's food, she often went into the kitchen to cook for Shen Jin. Shen Jin naturally knew that both her mother and Nanny Zhao were thinking about her, so she was especially well-behaved and would eat even the food she didn't like.
At the beginning, Concubine Chen was a little worried about Chu Xiuming and Shen Jin sleeping together every day, but she knew that neither of them was a child who didn't know the limits and would make trouble, so she didn't say anything. Moreover, she saw that although Chu Xiuming was not talkative, he was considerate of his daughter in everything, so she felt relieved.
Not only that, Concubine Chen also carefully observed everyone in the mansion, especially Anping and An Ning. Seeing that the two of them not only took good care of Shen Jin, but also had no other thoughts, she was completely relieved. After staying in the Yongning Earl's Mansion for three days, she was ready to leave.
Shen Jin was naturally reluctant to let her go, but she was not ignorant of her limits. Concubine Chen held her in her arms like she did when she was a child, but she didn't say anything else. She just asked her to sit in front of the dressing table, combed her hair with her own hands, and soon made a beautiful bun. She chose a butterfly hairpin from the jewelry box...
Seeing her increasingly beautiful daughter, Concubine Chen felt filled with joy. Knowing that Concubine Chen was about to leave, Shen Jin became even more coquettish and leaned on Concubine Chen. When Chu Xiuming came over, he saw the mother and daughter talking affectionately. Concubine Chen then said that she was leaving, and Chu Xiuming said, "Mother-in-law, why don't you stay for two more days."
Concubine Chen said, "There must be something going on in the mansion. The princess is the only one supporting her, so she must be a little tired."
Chu Xiuming said, "Please ask mother-in-law to stay for two more days."
Shen Jin moved her lips and looked at Chu Xiuming, feeling a little uneasy. Concubine Chen frowned slightly, looked at Chu Xiuming's expression and nodded, saying, "Okay, I'll bother you for a few more days." She stretched out her hand and gently shook Shen Jin's, "Jin wanted to use sour bamboo shoots and chicken skin soup yesterday, I'll go to the kitchen to take a look."
"Sorry to bother my mother-in-law." Chu Xiuming said.
Concubine Chen smiled and went out. Chu Xiuming reached out and held Shen Jin's hand and said, "Can I go for a walk with you?"
Shen Jin nodded, and stood up with the help of Chu Xiuming. The two of them walked slowly into the garden. In front of Chu Xiuming, Shen Jin couldn't hide his feelings, and showed some uneasiness. Chu Xiuming said, "I'm afraid I'll have to go out in a few days."
"Will he come back safely?" Shen Jin didn't ask where he was going or why he wasn't with her. She just wanted to know whether he would come back safely.
Chu Xiuming gently picked up Shen Jin, let her sit on his arms, and said, "Yes."
Shen Jin responded with a bright smile on his face and said, "Then I'll wait for you."
"Yes." Chu Xiuming did not explain anything, but just said, "In two days, the court's order will come down, and I will send you back to the Rui Palace."
"Okay." Shen Jin's eyes were red, but she didn't cry. She just said coquettishly, "You have to come back early to pick me up, okay?"
Chu Xiuming agreed, but he didn't carry Shen Jin back immediately. Instead, he walked slowly in the garden with her in his arms.
When they returned, Shen Jin had already smiled again. If Chu Xiuming had not discovered that Shen Jin was secretly crying in her sleep at night, she would have kept it a secret. Chu Xiuming did not say anything, but just reached out and gently stroked Shen Jin's back. Shen Jin's body trembled, and then he turned over and no longer hid his feelings. He looked at Chu Xiuming with red eyes. Chu Xiuming simply got up and sat on the bed, and Shen Jin moved into his arms, put her arms around his waist, rested her cheek on Chu Xiuming's chest, and began to cry softly.
Shen Jin cried almost without making any sound, but her tears kept falling. In fact, it was not Shen Jin's fault. She just realized that Chu Xiuming's trip might be dangerous, otherwise he would not have hidden it from her. In addition, she was prone to having wild thoughts after getting pregnant, so she cried like this.
Chu Xiuming put his arms around Shen Jin and kept assuring her in her ear, "I will definitely return safely."
Hearing Chu Xiuming's voice, Shen Jin gradually fell asleep, not knowing whether she was tired of crying or felt relieved. Chu Xiuming looked at Shen Jin in her sleep, and felt a mix of emotions in his heart, including reluctance and a lot of heartache.
Shen Jin woke up very late. She was startled when she woke up. She saw Concubine Chen and Nanny Zhao sitting in the room sewing something. She sat up as if looking for something. Concubine Chen and Nanny Zhao noticed it and smiled at each other. Nanny Zhao got up and went to the kitchen to get something. Concubine Chen walked to the bedside, looked at her daughter, sighed slightly in her heart and said, "Are you awake?"
Shen Jin looked a little aggrieved. She pursed her lips and hugged Concubine Chen's waist without saying a word.
Concubine Chen was amused by Shen Jin, "Why is it still the same as when we were little? My son-in-law is in the study."
Shen Jin heaved a sigh of relief, "Yeah."
Concubine Chen didn't know whether it was a good thing or a bad thing that her daughter and son-in-law had such a deep relationship, but she said softly, "I'll call someone in. Stop acting like a spoiled child."
"Okay." Shen Jin took a few deep breaths before letting go of Concubine Chen. Although she didn't smile, her expression was much better. If she hadn't had to go, Shen Jin believed that Chu Xiuming would not just leave her like this. She blinked her eyes but found that she didn't have the sour feeling after crying.
Concubine Chen went to the door and opened it, and asked Anping and the others to bring in water and help Shen Jin change her clothes and wash up. Nanny Zhao also brought over some hot goat's milk. Because Shen Jin was pregnant, it was not convenient to add almonds to remove the fishy smell. Although the taste was not good, Shen Jin did not reject it and drank a bowl of it obediently.
Chu Xiuming also knew that Shen Jin had woken up. When he came over, Shen Jin had just finished dressing up. When she saw Chu Xiuming, she complained in a delicate voice, "I thought my husband had secretly run away."
"No." Chu Xiuming greeted Concubine Chen, then walked over and held Shen Jin's hand, "Let's eat."
"Okay." Shen Jin looked at Concubine Chen with a smile on his face and said, "Mother, let's go have dinner."
"I've already used it." Concubine Chen said with a smile, "Who wants to wait for a lazy guy like you to get up?"
Shen Jin wrinkled her nose, then laughed to herself, and walked towards the dining room with Chu Xiuming. The food was laid out, all of which were Shen Jin's favorites. Although Shen Jin and Chu Xiuming didn't say anything after they came back yesterday, they both saw the reluctance in Shen Jin's eyes and his more clingy attitude than usual. They had some guesses in their hearts, so they all got up early at the same time and prepared a lot of things that suited Shen Jin's appetite, just hoping that Shen Jin would be in a better mood.
In the afternoon, when Chu Xiuming was taking a nap with Shen Jin, someone came to the palace and Emperor Cheng urgently summoned Chu Xiuming to the palace. Shen Jin didn't say anything, but got up and asked someone to bring Chu Xiuming's official uniform, and then personally put it on Chu Xiuming, and then wrapped himself in a cloak and personally sent Chu Xiuming out of the courtyard. Chu Xiuming touched Shen Jin's face and said, "When you wake up, let the little one come and play with you for a while. I'll be back soon."
"Okay." Shen Jin smiled with the corners of his mouth raised.
Chu Xiuming glanced at Nanny Zhao, who nodded slightly. Chu Xiuming then turned and left. Although he did not look back, he knew that Shen Jin was still standing at the door.
When Chu Xiuming was no longer visible, Shen Jin blinked and said, "Mammy, let's go back."
Madam Zhao said gently, "The general will be back later, madam, there is no need to worry."
Shen Jin smiled and said, "I know. Let's have someone pack the general's things. I don't know where he's going... Prepare some more medicinal herbs..."
Aunt Zhao smiled and said, "Madam is really thoughtful."
Shen Jin knew that Nanny Zhao was coaxing him, so when he returned to his room, he simply did not sleep. He changed his clothes and discussed packing with Nanny Zhao. Concubine Chen also came over. The three of them quickly made a list, and after checking it carefully, they added some more.
Nanny Zhao and her maids started to clean up. Shen Jin took out the sachet that she hadn't made for a long time and started to make it again. Concubine Chen stayed by her side, giving her some pointers occasionally.
When Chu Xiuming arrived at the palace, he found that many ministers had already arrived. Emperor Cheng looked unhappy. This time, he did not even wait for Chu Xiuming to finish his greetings. He said, "My dear minister, please stand up quickly."
Chu Xiuming listened to the words "My beloved minister", and his expression did not change at all. The old ministers were extremely cunning but did not show any sign of it. However, some young officials showed some cunning in their eyes, but they quickly restrained themselves.
Although Emperor Cheng said so, Chu Xiuming still bowed respectfully. Emperor Cheng said, "My dear, I just got the news today that the people in Fujian are..."
Prime Minister Chen lowered his eyes slightly but said nothing. He had known the news last night, and Emperor Cheng immediately summoned him to the palace to discuss how to deal with it. They had discussed the issue of pirates some time ago, but because something happened in Yongle Marquis' Mansion and the imperial physician was summoned, when Emperor Cheng knew about it, he spoke out in public to ridicule Chu Xiuming for the unrest in his family, and the issue of pirates was interrupted. Emperor Cheng did not take the pirates seriously and did not mention it again. Who would have thought that those pirates were so rampant.
What made Emperor Cheng most angry was that the people there actually colluded with the pirates, looted the county town overnight, and killed the county magistrate's family. This was reported to the emperor, and the officials in Fujian were all appointed by Emperor Cheng himself and were his confidants.
The reason why Emperor Cheng summoned Prime Minister Chen was not only to suppress the pirates, but also to take the opportunity to take revenge on Chu Xiuming. After all, Emperor Cheng did not take those pirates seriously. He just thought that the officials there might have been a momentary oversight. After all, a lot of pirates were killed there in the past two years, and even last year, Emperor Cheng specially bestowed rewards.
This time it's the common people over there who simply don't know how ungrateful the emperor is. I discussed with Prime Minister Chen last night and decided on a plan, and only today did I call Chu Xiuming over.
Emperor Cheng finished his story and looked at Chu Xiuming and said, "The Earl of Yongning has made great achievements in battle. They are just pirates. I think they can be easily captured."
Even though Chu Xiuming wanted to remain calm, he was filled with anger when he heard what Emperor Cheng said. He lowered his head but said nothing.
Emperor Cheng first praised Chu Xiuming, and then asked, "Will the Earl of Yongning help me to suppress the invaders?"
Before Chu Xiuming could speak, the Minister of Revenue came out and cried, "Your Majesty, the treasury is empty. After the border city was relieved some time ago, the supplies we sent to the border city were already done with great effort. Now we really can't hold much."
After the Minister of Revenue finished speaking, Emperor Cheng also looked embarrassed, but his heart was full of excitement. He pretended to be worried and asked, "Is it really gone?"
The Minister of Revenue knelt down and said, "This year's total harvest..."
Listening to the words of the Minister of Revenue, the ministers had their own thoughts. He spoke so accurately, and it seemed that he had prepared in advance. Even if they questioned it now, it would be useless. Emperor Cheng said with embarrassment, "Then how much more can you give?"
"Except for the money sent to Sichuan for disaster relief, there is not much." The Minister of Revenue reported a number.
Chu Xiuming's expression remained unchanged, but many people had already turned unhappy. The Minister of War directly accused him, "Are you going to let all the soldiers go to war on an empty stomach?"
Before the three armies move, food and fodder must be sent first. Baggage is so important. Each laborer can carry six dou of rice, and the soldiers can bring five days of dry food, which can last for eighteen days at a time. Even if they travel forty kilometers a day, it is more than a thousand miles from the capital to central Fujian. Even if they can take the water route along the way, according to the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, there is less than ten thousand soldiers' baggage to go from the capital to central Fujian. Although they can collect food along the way, it will also damage Chu Xiuming's reputation.
Another official said, "They are just pirates. There are prefects and generals in Fujian. I don't think it is necessary to send the Earl of Yongning."
"That's exactly what we should do." Someone else stood up and said respectfully, "If we send people from the capital to suppress the pirates, it would seem that the court is taking the pirates too seriously. It would be like making a fuss out of nothing, and the treasury is empty and can't afford it."
Prime Minister Chen said, "I think Your Majesty should send the Earl of Yongning, but he doesn't need to bring many soldiers from the capital, just go there quickly. Your Majesty can order the Earl of Yongning to lead the soldiers from Fujian to meet the enemy and strike hard at the pirates."
Emperor Cheng looked at Chu Xiuming who was standing still and said, "What do you think, my dear minister?"
Chu Xiuming said, "Your Majesty, how do you think the people in Fujian should be dealt with?"
"Kill without mercy." Emperor Cheng said without hesitation, "I treat the people well, but they colluded with pirates and murdered officials of the imperial court. They are the same as bandits."
Chu Xiuming asked again, "What if some officials collude with pirates?"
"Impossible." Emperor Cheng said angrily. He thought Chu Xiuming asked this question deliberately to embarrass him, because he was personally appointed the officials in central Fujian, and they were all his people. Chu Xiuming's words were undoubtedly a slap in the face of Emperor Cheng.
Chu Xiuming said calmly, "I will help your majesty and go to quell the bandits. Please give your majesty's order and I can do whatever I want in Fujian. Anyone who colludes with the pirates will be killed, regardless of whether they are officials or civilians."
Emperor Cheng was delighted when he heard this, so he asked in a difficult tone, "How much food and soldiers does the Earl of Yongning need?"
Chu Xiuming asked in return, "How much do you think is appropriate, Your Majesty?"
Emperor Cheng was troubled by this and said, "Why not let the Earl of Yongning bring a hundred men from the capital?"
"I obey your order." Chu Xiuming had no objection.
Emperor Cheng smiled and said, "Then I will issue an order right away. I will agree to what Earl Yongning requested." But he added, "The officials who were killed must have real evidence. Earl Yongning should not kill people indiscriminately."
Chu Xiuming didn't say anything else. Emperor Cheng immediately asked someone to draft an edict, but he winked at Prime Minister Chen and asked him to secretly send a letter to his confidants in Fujian, asking him to make sure that the Earl of Yongning died at the hands of pirates.
Emperor Cheng was so proud that he even stayed in the Queen's palace at night. However, who knew that his pride would only last until the next morning court session.
During the morning court session, Emperor Cheng had just announced the news of the Yongning Earl’s suppression of the bandits when suddenly an imperial censor impeached Prime Minister Chen. Before Emperor Cheng could react, he listed dozens of charges against Prime Minister Chen and produced a petition written in blood, accusing Prime Minister Chen’s relatives…
At this time, Chu Xiuming was personally sending Shen Jin and Concubine Chen back to the Rui Palace. Because she had sent someone to deliver a letter to Princess Rui in advance, Princess Rui had already had the courtyard cleaned up. She also knew that Emperor Cheng had sent Earl Yongning to Minzhong, so she didn't say much. However, after dinner, Shen Xuan told Chu Xiuming a few names and identities, "My mother asked me to tell you, these are all trustworthy people."
Chu Xiuming was not an ungrateful person. He had actually made preparations after knowing about the incident in Minzhong. He never expected that Princess Rui would tell him this. Shen Xuan said, "These were all arranged by my grandfather. My father didn't know about it either. Even I only knew about it one day earlier than you."
"I understand." Chu Xiuming did not say anything to thank him. "I think the prince will return home soon. You don't need to worry too much."
Shen Xuan nodded. Although he didn't know what his mother's plan was, he still said, "Don't worry about Third Sister. She is my sister after all, and she won't be bullied by anyone."
Chu Xiuming nodded and smiled, "Okay."
The two of them said a few words and then separated. Shen Xuan went to see Princess Rui and told her Chu Xiuming's words and attitude in detail. Princess Rui nodded and said, "I understand. When your father comes back, I will discuss with him and arrange a marriage for you."
"Mother?" Shen Xuan looked at Princess Rui in confusion.
Princess Rui smiled but said nothing more. She already had a few candidates in mind, but she would have to meet them all before deciding.
Shen Jin is the wife of the Earl of Yongning, and it would be inappropriate for her to live in Mo Yun Courtyard while the Earl of Yongning is there, so Princess Rui specially had someone clean up a yard. The yard is not big but it is convenient for entering and exiting the street. After the Earl of Yongning leaves, Shen Jin can live here or in Mo Yun Courtyard if she wants.
Not only that, he also gave the treasured ginseng to Chu Xiuming.
Emperor Cheng only gave Chu Xiuming three days, so no one was willing to disturb the young couple.
In the court, Emperor Cheng's face was livid as he looked at the people who stood up one by one to demand a strict investigation of Prime Minister Chen. If Emperor Cheng wanted to protect Prime Minister Chen, it was not impossible, but after all, Emperor Cheng cared about himself the most. In the end, he let Prime Minister Chen resign, but did not put him in jail. He also specifically handed the matter over to another person who was promoted by him to investigate thoroughly.
Prime Minister Chen felt uneasy, but he had no other choice. He was able to reach the position of prime minister mainly because of his original merit in following the emperor and his daughter's status as queen.
The night before Chu Xiuming left, Shen Jin took off the warm jade from her neck and hung it on Chu Xiuming's body, then handed the sachet she had made to Chu Xiuming. Neither of them said anything and slept in each other's arms as usual. In the morning, they also had dinner together, and then Shen Jin saw Chu Xiuming off.
Princess Rui did not show up, but Shen Xuan and Shen Xi came personally to see Chu Xiuming off. Chu Xiuming took away two of the people brought from the border town, and left the rest to Shen Jin. Shen Jin only brought Nanny Zhao and the others, and most of the guards stayed in the Yongning Marquis' Mansion.
Shen Jin smiled as he watched Chu Xiuming get on the horse, "You promised me."
"Yeah." Chu Xiuming said, but didn't say anything else, and Shen Jin didn't say anything either.
Shen Xuan then said, "Take care."
Chu Xiuming nodded, looked at Shen Jin again, and rode away. The two guards also followed him. The soldiers sent by Emperor Cheng were waiting outside the city.
Shen Jin bit his lower lip before smiling, "Let's go back."
Shen Xuan said, "Big sister said she would come back and stay for a while in two days."
Shen Xi also said, "When the time comes, if Third Sister wants anything, just tell me and I will buy it for her."
Shen Jin smiled and said, "Okay."
Shen Xuan and Shen Xi were relieved to see that Shen Jin did not cry or make a fuss, and they also thought highly of her. However, because they were both old, they did not go into the backyard. Nanny Zhao accompanied Shen Jin and slowly walked towards the courtyard where she lived. An Ping and An Ning followed behind, but they didn't know what to say to make the lady happy.
Madam Zhao asked, "Madam, when is the best time to bring the little one over?"
"I'll ask mother." Shen Jin said. After all, the Prince Rui's Mansion is not like the Earl Yongning's Mansion. There are more people here. It would be bad if the little one scared someone. If they really wanted to bring the little one here, they should at least make a place for the little one to live in the yard.
Madam Zhao agreed, "I guess the little one misses you, too."
Shen Jin nodded and said, "I think so."
When she returned to the courtyard, she saw Concubine Chen waiting for her. When she saw her mother Shen Jin, she smiled and said coquettishly, "Mother, I want to sleep with you tonight."
Concubine Chen gently tapped Shen Jin's forehead and said, "You already have a child, why are you still so squeamish?"
Shen Jin pursed her lips and smiled, but didn't say anything. Concubine Chen didn't blame her daughter, but after saying this, she looked at Madam Zhao and said, "Madam, please pack up your things. I'll take Jin girl back to Moyun Courtyard first."
Nanny Zhao agreed, and Concubine Chen kept the maid beside her and left with Shen Jin. An Ping stayed to help Nanny Zhao pack up, and An Ning stayed by Shen Jin's side to serve her. Because Shen Jin was pregnant, Concubine Chen did not walk fast and held her daughter's hand.
There were some changes in Mo Yun Courtyard. Many things were put away and there were many more cushions. The smile on Shen Jin's face disappeared after he entered the yard. He hugged Concubine Chen from behind, with his chin resting on her shoulder, and walked around with her.
"That's enough." Concubine Chen said softly, "I can't carry you."
"I'm walking by myself." Shen Jin said in a low voice.
Concubine Chen gently patted Shen Jin's hand, and Shen Jin reluctantly let go of Concubine Chen and sat on the newly added chaise longue in the room. An Ning squatted down to take off Shen Jin's shoes and asked, "Madam, can you rest for a while?"
"Yeah." Shen Jin lay down on her side. Concubine Chen went to get a blanket to cover Shen Jin, and then sat beside her.
Shen Jin held Concubine Chen's hand. Concubine Chen sighed inwardly and said gently, "Sleep for a while."
"Yes." Shen Jin said with his eyes closed, "I'll go to my mother in a while."
Concubine Chen agreed, thought for a moment, and then sang softly the song that she used to put Shen Jin to sleep when she was a child. Looking at her daughter's appearance, Concubine Chen felt a little lost and melancholy. Even though she knew her daughter was pregnant, she still felt that her daughter was still a child, a child who was sensible too early. But seeing that Shen Jin looked a little sad because of Chu Xiuming's departure, she had to admit that her daughter had grown up and became a woman who understood the taste of love.
She was afraid that she would never know such a feeling in her life. If she had not entered the palace, would she also be sad and regretful because of her husband's absence? Concubine Chen's eyes flashed and she looked down at her daughter's profile, slowly revealing a smile. She had no regrets. She would never regret having Jin Yatou as her daughter.
Tears welled up in the corners of Shen Jin's eyes, but he didn't open his eyes. In his heart, he felt that he missed her already since they had just separated.
Because Shen Jin and the others had just moved to Prince Rui's Mansion, many of their things were still in the boxes, so it was convenient to pack up. They quickly moved their things into Mo Yun Courtyard. After everything was settled, Shen Jin woke up, changed into a light purple dress, and went to the main courtyard with Concubine Chen.
Princess Rui was trimming a pot of flowers with a pair of small scissors in the courtyard. When Concubine Chen and Shen Jin came in, Princess Rui asked Cui Xi to move the things downstairs and brought some water to wash her hands. Then she waved to Shen Jin and said with a smile, "Why didn't you rest for a while?"
Shen Jin sat down next to Princess Rui, and smiled affectionately at her, "I came here to eat for free. I haven't eaten the food from the small kitchen in the mother's courtyard for a long time."
Princess Rui smiled and said, "Silly girl."
Shen Jin complained quietly, "My mother only allows me to have a few pieces of cake every day, and she even has them made to be the size of a fingernail."
Princess Rui laughed when she heard this, "Why are you still acting like a child?"
"In front of my mother, I have always been a child." Shen Jin said with a smile.
Cui Xi brought up the tea. The one for Concubine Chen was her usual tea, while the one for Shen Jin was made with red dates slices. It was obvious at a glance that it was specially prepared for Shen Jin. Not only that, there was also a small dish of peeled walnut kernels and fresh fruits, but no cakes or the like.
Princess Rui said, "I heard from Xi'er that you have a big dog?"
"Yeah." Shen Jin was just about to mention the little one's matter, but Princess Rui brought it up first.
Princess Rui said, "Why don't you bring it over? Xi'er described the dog as being very sensible. I still want to see it."
"I was just about to tell my mother." Shen Jin said with a smile, "When the time comes, I'll keep it in the yard. I won't let it run away or scare anyone."
Princess Rui nodded and said, "Just don't scare Li." Li was pregnant now and didn't need to be scared, so it didn't matter to others.
Shen Jin wrote it down and said, "Don't worry, mother."
"Xi'er even asked me to intercede for her. She wanted to take your dog with her to go hunting with Qi'er's husband." Princess Rui said, "He was too shy to come to you directly."
Shen Jin smiled and said, "If my brother likes it, then let him take the little one with him. It will also let the little one run around. I will have a guard follow him and will make sure the little one does not hurt my brother."
Princess Rui didn't care about these things, "Then you go and talk to Xier yourself." She had originally planned to let Shen Xi follow Earl Yongning, so she would naturally find a chance to make Shen Jin and Shen Xi closer and have a better relationship.
Shen Jin agreed. Princess Rui asked Shen Jin about his daily life and said, "Since Doctor Sun has been treating you from the beginning, let him check your pulse every other day. If you feel any pain, don't bear it. Don't go out during this period. I will take you out for a walk again after three months."
"Okay." Shen Jin agreed one by one. These were all for her own good. She was not an ungrateful person.
Princess Rui said a few more words and then started chatting with Concubine Chen. "I never thought that such a little girl would become a mother today. It seems that in the blink of an eye, she went from needing to be held to being able to run and jump, and in the blink of an eye, she got married and prepared to become a mother."
Concubine Chen also said, "But her temper is still like that of a child."
"That's good." Princess Rui said with a smile, "What I like most is Jin's transparency."
"If it weren't for the princess and the eldest princess, Jin girl wouldn't have developed such a personality." Concubine Chen said with gratitude on her face.
Shen Jin asked, "By the way, mother, is there anything wrong with my elder sister?"
Prince Rui was sent down to the clan house. With the temper of Marquis Yongle's wife, how could she not cause some trouble? When Prince Rui was doing nothing, she even brought a relative from her natal family to come.
Although Princess Rui did not smile, she did not look angry either. Instead, she said calmly, "The wife of Marquis Yongle is not feeling well and is resting in her room."
Shen Jinxing's eyes were filled with surprise and some doubts. Then he thought for a while and nodded, saying, "Then I'll ask the maid to send some herbs over."
"Yes." Princess Rui did not intend to say more, and smiled, "Wait until Qi'er comes tomorrow, then you two sisters can talk about it."
"Okay." Shen Jin smiled, "I miss my elder sister."
Princess Rui nodded and said, "If there is anything you want, just tell your brothers and ask them to buy it for you."
Shen Jin smiled and agreed when she heard it, without any intention of being polite. She knew in her heart that Princess Rui just wanted to see them get closer, and it would be bad if she was too polite.
Princess Rui seemed to have known that Shen Jin would come to dinner today, and she had instructed the kitchen to prepare food suitable for her in advance. After the meal, Princess Rui did not keep anyone else.
The next day, Shen Qi arrived early in the morning. He was personally brought here by the Prince of Yongle. However, he did not stay long. He just met with Princess Rui and then left. It was not that he did not want to stay longer, but he had something to do and did not dare to delay for too long.
"Mother, where is my sister?" Shen Qi asked after the Prince of Yongle left.
Princess Rui smiled and said, "I'm afraid she hasn't woken up yet. Jin is pregnant now, so she sleeps more than others."
Shen Qi nodded when he heard this, and Princess Rui lowered her eyes slightly and said, "I'm afraid your father will be coming out in the next few days. Then we can have a meal together as a family."
"Really?" Shen Qi looked at Princess Rui with surprise.
Princess Rui hummed nonchalantly and leaned back on the cushion without explaining anything. "When the time comes, send someone to tell the Zheng family."
The implication was to call Shen Zi. Shen Qi nodded reluctantly and said, "I understand."
Princess Rui said, "Well, now that you are here, go visit the fifth girl."
"Mother, I think my fifth sister..." Shen Qi said hesitantly. She thought about it for a long time and felt more and more that something was wrong.
Princess Rui glanced at Shen Qi and just smiled, "No one is a fool. Having some little thoughts doesn't matter, as long as you don't try to be smart."
Shen Qi said, "I understand."
Princess Rui said nothing more, and Shen Qi said, "Then I'll go see my fifth sister first."
"Yes." Princess Rui nodded, and suddenly remembered something. "Concubine Xu and your fourth sister are overly worried about your father's affairs. The doctor said that they are afraid that it will not be good."
Shen Qi pursed her lips. She didn't care about Concubine Xu's life or death, but Fourth Sister was her sister after all. She couldn't help feeling a little melancholy after knowing that. Princess Rui said, "When you see Fifth Girl, tell her that she is her biological mother and sister after all." Princess Rui had not forgotten that Shen Rong wanted to plot against her and Concubine Chen. She asked Shen Qi to tell her about it just to warn her and make her behave. Just like what Princess Rui said just now, she is not afraid of people having ulterior motives, but she is afraid of some people who are too smart and think others are fools.
"I understand." Shen Qi agreed and walked out of the room before slowly letting out a breath.
Cui Xi poured a cup of tea for Princess Rui and said, "After all, the fourth lady is the eldest princess's sister. It's understandable that the eldest princess can't figure it out for a while."
Princess Rui smiled and said nothing. She could naturally not let Shen Qi know about this, but was it really okay? Princess Rui couldn't see what would happen next, and how long could she protect the children?
"The most unpredictable thing at this time is luck." Princess Rui said slowly. She never thought that among the children, the one with the best talent and the clearest insight is the quiet one. If Shen Jin's letter had not been sent from the border town later, Princess Rui might have underestimated her.
Cui Xi stopped talking. Princess Rui took a sip of her tea and said, "How is the Li family doing?"
"Madam Li was frightened by the prince's incident. She has taken the medicine prescribed by the doctor." Cui Xi said, "She has gotten much better recently."
Princess Rui nodded, and Cui Xi asked, "The prince still needs..."
"No need." Princess Rui lowered her eyes slightly and said, "Xuan'er's position is already secure."
"Yes." Cui Xi said nothing more.
When Shen Qi saw Shen Rong, she saw Shen Rong scolding a maid. When she saw Shen Qi, she sent the maid away and called out, "Big sister."
"Yes." Shen Qi's attitude was gentle, "Is there anything you need?"
"Not that I lack anything. My mother takes good care of me." The scar on Shen Rong's face has become much lighter, but it is still clearly visible. "I was worried about my father's condition and was a little impatient. I made a fool of myself, elder sister." This was an explanation for her previous behavior.
Shen Qi just smiled and didn't care, saying, "If there is anything you need, just tell me."
Shen Rong said with a touched look on her face, "Thank you, big sister."
Shen Qi asked Shen Rong a few more questions before he stopped smiling and sighed, "There is something I want to tell you."
"But father..." Shen Rong asked with horror on her face.
Shen Qi shook his head and said, "Father is fine, he is being taken care of by the imperial physician. I heard from my eldest brother that the environment there is not bad either, but no one dares to neglect him."
Shen Rong reached out and gently patted her chest and said, "That's good."
Shen Qi said, "It's Concubine Xu and Fourth Sister who are too worried about their father's affairs. I'm afraid it's not good."
Shen Rong's face suddenly turned pale, and her eyes were full of fear.
When Shen Qi saw Shen Rong's expression, his guess was confirmed. "Fifth sister, do you want to go visit? If so..."
"No!" Shen Rong refused sharply, as if she was frightened by herself, "Big sister, I feel a little unwell..."
"Then I'll take my leave first. If it doesn't work, call a doctor to take a look." Shen Qi said gently.
Shen Rong nodded, her body trembling slightly.
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