Chapter 95: Love and Affection
In the early summer, the sunlight was warm and gentle, pleasant but not scorching.
However, within the inner quarters of Prince Duan’s Mansion, a suffocating and strange atmosphere prevailed.
Li Huan had been frequenting Mu Yue Residence more and more lately.
This matter spread quietly throughout the mansion, utterly unbelievable.
Prince Duan’s poor sleep was something everyone in the mansion knew.
Previously, apart from the one night each month dedicated to the Princess Consort, regardless of which concubine he favored, Li Huan never stayed overnight elsewhere.
He had always acted with strict adherence to etiquette and rules, and never lingered excessively during intimate moments. After finishing, he would return to his own courtyard, having been accustomed to living alone for a long time.
Yet, in just half a month, he had actually stayed in the Princess Consort’s chambers for several nights…
Within the Prince’s Mansion, Consort Yuan was known for her impatient temper.
She vaguely sensed a crisis and, after much thought, summoned Consort Zhang to her room to discuss a plan.
“Doesn’t my sister find it strange? Why is His Highness suddenly so attentive to Mu Yue Residence?”
Consort Zhang came from a humble background and had always acted cautiously, rarely socializing.
In the past, Yuan Qingzhu had often shown her disdain, but now that Xue Yuechen was favored, it made Yuan Qingzhu restless. Looking at this childhood friend of the Prince, Madam Zhang, she no longer felt as repulsed as before.
“Sister, have you thought of any solution? It’s been two months, and His Highness hasn’t visited my Shu Yu Pavilion once…”
“Sister…”
Madam Zhang lowered her eyes, her voice soft.
“I believe His Highness is worried about the matter of heirs…”
Yuan Qingzhu was displeased, “Then shouldn’t he be visiting your and my courtyards more often?”
Madam Zhang’s eyes seemed unable to open, full of weariness. She spoke in a delicate voice, “Prince Xian and Prince Wei both have legitimate sons, yet only our Prince Duan’s Mansion has no legitimate heir. His Highness values ancestral rites and legitimate sons the most. It is only natural for him to stay more often at the Princess Consort’s.”
Hearing her defend Xue Yuechen, Yuan Qingzhu became even more infuriated.
If, ten years ago, they had known that Daoist Ling Xu was a charlatan, and that the so-called “Eight Auspicious Star” was a lie, how could her aunt have allowed Xue Yuechen to become the Princess Consort?
The child she should have given birth to would have been the legitimate heir.
Pity her daughter, who was now merely a commoner young lady…
The son she would have in the future would also be unable to escape the status of a commoner son.
Yuan Qingzhu sneered, “Sister, do you perhaps think that as long as you gain the Prince’s favor and don’t provoke Xue Shi, you can rest easy?”
She raised her eyebrows, “Don’t forget, Xue Shi is the Princess Consort. If she truly gives birth to a legitimate son, will there be any place for you and me in this mansion in the future? When you have children, they will also be suppressed by his children. Are you willing to accept that?”
Madam Zhang lowered her head, “That is also unavoidable.”
Yuan Qingzhu looked at her obedient demeanor with utter annoyance.
She only knew how to pretend to be good, but in reality, her mind was full of schemes.
Consort Yuan snorted and looked up, “Hasn’t my sister ever wondered why His Highness suddenly changed his disposition? And why he has become so affectionate towards the Princess Consort?”
Madam Zhang shook her head in confusion.
Consort Yuan said, “This matter is peculiar! I have already sent people to investigate thoroughly. The Princess Consort and that little Xue Shi were not close ten years ago either. For ten years after she was abducted, she never sent anyone to look for her. Yet, at the beginning of the year, they suddenly became intimate and searched everywhere…”
She suddenly turned her head and stared at Madam Zhang.
“Everyone outside is spreading rumors that this little Xue Shi is extremely wicked. Could it be that she is causing trouble, helping the elder Xue Shi use some dark arts to bewitch His Highness?”
Madam Zhang’s face turned pale with fright.
“No, that can’t be right? Sister, please don’t speak carelessly. His Highness detests superstitious matters the most.”
Yuan Qingzhu pouted, her brows almost furrowed into a knot.
“There must be something strange in Mu Yue Residence. Otherwise, why would His Highness always run there? Those two sisters must have used some unspeakable methods…”
Flinging her handkerchief, she gritted her teeth.
“I will definitely investigate this matter thoroughly!”
–
Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, it was May.
The summer of the thirteenth year of Chongzhao was exceptionally hot.
Old Madam Cui’s birthday was approaching. Third Madam Qian Shi sent someone to deliver a message, inviting Xue Sui back to the mansion. It was the Old Ancestor’s birthday, and the managing Third Madam, fearing any mistakes, wanted her to return to offer advice.
Xue Sui happily agreed.
The next day, Xue Sui prepared gifts and, with a few maids and servants, took a carriage back to the mansion.
In Prince Duan’s Mansion, it was inconvenient for other concubines to go out. They needed the Mistress’s permission and had to endure the Mistress’s displeasure.
However, Xue Yuechen was now favored by Li Huan and was very close to Xue Sui, almost obeying her every word. These rules no longer constrained Xue Sui.
She could enter and exit the Prince’s Mansion freely.
As the carriage stopped in front of the Xue Mansion gate, maids immediately rushed to Shou An Courtyard to report.
“Old Madam, Sixth Miss is back!”
Old Madam Cui quickly sat up straight and, with the support of Third Madam, walked to the entrance of Shou An Courtyard to welcome her.
Upon returning to the mansion this time, Xue Sui felt a completely different reception compared to her first return.
Along the way, maids and servants who saw her all stood respectfully by the roadside, bowing and greeting her. The old women also flattered her, saying that Sixth Miss was more beautiful and radiant than before.
A faint smile played on Xue Sui’s lips as she quickly walked towards Shou An Courtyard.
Seeing Old Madam Cui waiting outside the door, she hurried forward and took the Old Madam’s hand, “Oh my, my Old Ancestor, why have you come out? The sun is so strong outside, don’t let yourself get overheated.”
Third Madam chuckled and teased from the side.
“It’s just that we’re thinking of our Sixth Miss.”
The Old Madam smiled, “I’ve been sitting inside for too long, I came out for some fresh air.”
Xue Sui gently wiped the thin sweat from the Old Madam’s forehead with her handkerchief, then helped her slowly into the room. Only then did she stand properly and perform a formal curtsy and greeting.
“Ping An greets Grandmother and Third Aunt.”
After some pleasantries, Xue Sui had Xiao Zhao and Ru Yi distribute the gifts she had brought, ensuring everyone received something.
Jinshu, being familiar with the servants in Shou An Courtyard, went to chat with them.
Old Madam Cui dismissed the maids from the room, pulled Xue Sui to sit down, and only allowed Qian Shi to remain by her side, beginning her interrogation.
“There are rumors outside that the Prince has not yet consummated your marriage. Is this true?”
Xue Sui smiled brightly, “Grandmother, that’s not a rumor, it’s true.”
Seeing her smile slyly, without any trace of nervousness, Old Madam Cui couldn’t help but put on a stern face.
“You girl, you are too undisciplined. Didn’t we agree that you would help your elder sister and quickly bear heirs for the Prince? Why are you so unconcerned?”
Third Madam quickly patted the Old Madam’s back and smoothed things over with a smile.
“Old Madam, please don’t worry. Having a child isn’t like pulling a radish; it can’t happen just because you want it to. Sixth Miss is clever. She must have her own plans for doing this…”
As she spoke, she gave Xue Sui a meaningful look, signaling her to be mindful of her words.
Although this Old Madam usually appeared amiable, she could be very stern when angered.
Xue Sui looked at Third Madam gratefully, then took Old Madam Cui’s hand and said with a smile, “Old Madam, setting aside my mediocre talents, unlike my elder sister who is gentle, generous, and dignified, when it comes to having children, do you think my child would be more noble, or would my elder sister’s child be more favored by the Prince?”
Old Madam Cui answered without hesitation, “Naturally, your elder sister’s.”
Xue Sui continued to smile.
She did not show any displeasure at the subconscious disparagement in the words.
“Therefore, my primary task upon going to Prince Duan’s Mansion is to help my elder sister give birth to a legitimate son.”
Saying this, she glanced at Third Madam again and lowered her voice slightly.
“Grandmother might as well send someone to inquire. Who is the most favored in Prince Duan’s Mansion now? It’s the Princess Consort. The Prince used to live alone, but now he often stays in my elder sister’s Mu Yue Residence. The consorts and other ladies in the mansion are almost driven mad with jealousy. This is unprecedented.”
Old Madam Cui was greatly surprised upon hearing this.
“So, the Prince and my elder sister have become affectionate?”
Xue Sui nodded heavily.
She smiled again, “If I were to interfere at this time, wouldn’t I be asking for trouble?”
Old Madam Cui’s gaze swept over her face, her expression complex.
It seemed like pity for the unfavored Xue Liu, and also like worry for the favored Xue Yuechen.
“Your elder sister is not blessed with luck. She hasn’t conceived in ten years. Even if she is favored now, it might be difficult for her to conceive… Without an heir, my heart is still uneasy.”
“Grandmother, don’t worry.” Xue Sui said slowly, “When I was in Old Mausoleum Swamp, in order to survive, I learned some techniques for women’s fertility from a midwife. My elder sister’s situation is not a physical problem. I suspect it has something to do with her previous diet.”
Old Madam Cui was startled.
“Could someone in the Prince’s Mansion be harming her?”
Xue Sui feigned contemplation and shook her head.
“This… your granddaughter cannot be sure at the moment, but I have already instructed the wet nurse and maids in my elder sister’s chambers to be extra careful and not to be negligent. Recently, I have been giving her acupuncture twice every two days and will pay even more attention. I believe my elder sister will have good news soon.”
Upon hearing this, Old Madam Cui’s heart eased slightly. She held Xue Sui’s hand and praised her incessantly.
“Look at my little lucky star, you are truly Grandmother’s darling… Ever since you returned to the mansion, everything has been going smoothly for Grandmother…”
Xue Sui merely smiled, not replying.
Third Madam also beamed with joy, “Our Old Madam has a face full of blessings. She clearly looks like a crane of longevity, and her life will be peaceful and long.”
Old Madam Cui smiled and pinched Third Madam’s arm, chiding, “You fiery tempered woman, your mouth is the most obedient, always saying auspicious words to make this old woman happy.”
Xue Sui’s lips curved slightly, her smile not reaching her eyes.
After sitting for a while longer, she rose to take her leave. First, she accompanied Third Madam to look at the preparations for the birthday banquet, the dishes, and the gift list, and then she would visit her birth mother, Xue Ji.
The Old Madam did not stop her but specifically cautioned her.
“Your father has invited distinguished guests to the mansion today. Be careful in your actions and do not offend them.”
