Chapter 1540: Chapter 1547: The Fierce Qing Luo The Prince’s Wife (5)
Xiang Yun, being flustered by his sudden interruption, momentarily forgot her indignation over having her intelligence insulted. Instead, she happily said, “It’s nothing major. She just told me she’s also pregnant, and she’s actually expecting triplets! Who would’ve thought His Majesty Nangong was so awesome? It’s truly hard to believe!”
Upon hearing this, Wanyan Jingchen’s expression instantly darkened. His own woman praising another man’s prowess right in front of him—it was utterly stifling.
Squinting his eyes slightly, he shot her a sidelong glance and asked with a frosty tone, “Xiang Yun, what do you mean by that? Are you looking down on my abilities? How about this: after this pregnancy, I’ll double my efforts, and next time we’ll aim for twins or even triplets ourselves?”
“Uh… no need, no need…”
Xiang Yun quickly waved her hands, inwardly regretting that she had shot herself in the foot with her words. Even without him putting in extra effort, his strength was already overwhelming for her. If he genuinely doubled his efforts, wouldn’t she end up being completely dismantled?
Seeing the man’s sour expression, she put on a flattering smile and said obsequiously, “Your Highness, your abilities are already unparalleled, truly the best in the world. There’s absolutely no need to work harder—really…” She gave him a big thumbs-up, diligently singing his praises.
At her sycophantic demeanor, Wanyan Jingchen’s expression softened slightly. He let out a faint chuckle and said, “At least you’re knowledgeable.”
With that, he grabbed her hand and led her out.
As they walked, Xiang Yun turned her head and called out to Brother Ying, who was circling behind her, “Little guy, you wait here, okay? I’ll write a letter to Cai Wei after I return, and oh, when I come back, I’ll get you some tasty treats!”
Even while speaking, she had already been taken out of the courtyard by Wanyan Jingchen…
Middle Palace
The Emperor and Empress of Qing Luo Kingdom resided in the Jiqing Hall at the center of the palace. Although Jiqing Hall was the Middle Palace, it was quite simple. Even the bright yellow cushions on the kang were somewhat worn, and the furnishings in the hall were basic. There were just some commonly used teacups and teapots, a few fine inks and Duan inkstones on the bookshelves, and some rare ancient books. A few calligraphic inscriptions by famous individuals were hung on the walls, but there were no luxury playthings such as gold, jade, or coral anywhere in the hall.
The lifestyle of the Emperor and Empress was equally modest. While staying in the palace, they wore cotton clothes rather than silk, finding them more comfortable and durable. Their meals were simple fare, typically plain tea and coarse food, with meat dishes being a rarity. Their way of living was completely unlike that of a noble emperor and empress, resembling instead an ordinary elderly couple from commoner households.
When Xiang Yun and Wanyan Jingchen arrived at the Middle Palace, before they could perform any formalities, the Empress, Na Muhan, grabbed Xiang Yun’s hand and led her to sit on the kang. She said, “Yun’er, how many times has Imperial Mother told you? You’re carrying a child, so stop with the formalities; be careful not to strain the baby.”
Xiang Yun lowered her head and softly replied, “They say propriety mustn’t be dispensed with, and I dare not overstep as a subject.”
“Oh, look at you. We’re all family here, so why bother with such empty courtesies? Filial piety isn’t demonstrated through these formalities. From now on, you can skip the morning and evening salutations. When you feel like visiting me, just come by. If you don’t, stay peacefully in your Chongyang Hall and focus on nurturing the fetus. If you feel like getting some fresh air outside, make sure to take a few reliable attendants with you, and wear more layers. The spring wind is chilly—don’t let it get to you.”
The Empress’s stream of warm and motherly words melted Xiang Yun’s heart. She was deeply moved, but thinking of how harshly she had dealt with the Empress’s only niece the previous day, guilt crept into her heart again.
With a cough to clear her throat, she awkwardly said, “Imperial Mother, about what happened with Lord Jingyang yesterday—it’s like this…”
“This matter isn’t your fault!”
Before Xiang Yun could explain, the Empress interrupted, “I know your character, child. You’re not someone who behaves unreasonably or loses your temper for no reason. It’s Jingyang’s restless heart that’s at fault. Teaching her a lesson might do her some good, sparing her from developing worse ideas in the future.”
Wanyan Jingchen added, “If that’s how you feel, Imperial Mother, then why ask Yun’er to apologize to Jingyang? Yun’er is the Crown Princess and the future Queen—asking her to apologize to a mere county lord is placing far too much importance on her.”
The Emperor of Qing Luo nodded and said, “Jingchen has a point. I, too, don’t think we should indulge her. Back then, out of pity, we gave her the title of County Lord, but who would’ve thought she’d repay our kindness with insolence? Trying to make the future Empress of Qing Luo Kingdom apologize to her—this truly shows no sense of place.”
Na Muhan heaved a sigh and said apologetically, “I know asking Yun’er to apologize is inappropriate, but that girl Jingyang hasn’t eaten or drunk anything for an entire day. You know she’s the last bloodline my poor brother left behind. If something were to happen to her, I… I really couldn’t live with myself.”
“Say no more, Imperial Mother. I’ll go!”
Xiang Yun spoke sincerely, “Imperial Mother, please don’t be upset. I’ll go and apologize to her.”
“I’ll go with you!” Wanyan Jingchen added.
Though the Emperor of Qing Luo was reluctant to let his son and daughter-in-law apologize to the niece of his brother-in-law, for the sake of his wife, he begrudgingly agreed.
Na Muhan said, “Xiang Yun, I know this matter has wronged you. That girl Jingyang lost her parents young and grew wild. If she’s offended you in any way, just think of me and don’t bother stooping to her level.”
Xiang Yun smiled and said, “Don’t worry, Imperial Mother. Yun’er will remember your words and won’t take her seriously.”