"Cough... cough..."
Lin Yuwei coughed violently, the food in her mouth stuck in her throat. After a long and severe coughing fit, it finally subsided.
Why did Liu Meng Han suddenly turn her attention to her? How could she bring up the matter of heirs in front of so many people? How dare she?
"Have some water to help it down."
Feng Jin kindly offered a cup of tea to Lin Yuwei. Such a small matter had scared her into this state.
"It's all my fault. I almost forgot that Second Imperial Sister-in-law is delicate. I shouldn't have brought this up so openly."
After taking a few sips of water to moisten her throat, Lin Yuwei felt much better. "It's alright, I was the one who was rude."
After all, she was a young lady raised in a prominent family, impeccable in her etiquette.
"But speaking of which, Second Imperial Sister-in-law, you've been married for over a year. The royal family especially values heirs. Second Imperial Sister-in-law, you should have a child to rely on."
Lin Yuwei merely nodded faintly, remaining silent. This was not something that could be achieved by her alone...
A thought of what Feng Jin had said to her that day surfaced in her mind. Could it really be Chu Chen Yi's problem? If so, then she would... she would...
Perhaps it would be best to find an opportunity to ask Sister Feng Jin for help.
"I was looking for you, Sister, and here you are."
Feng Ruo Yan sauntered over, her waist swaying, and eyed everyone with a forced smile.
"Why are you here? The ladies present are all principal wives. Your status might not be suitable to be here."
Feng Ruo Yan was not qualified to attend such a banquet. If it weren't for the Third Prince, she would never tolerate Feng Ruo Yan constantly acting so high and mighty over her.
She had the Third Prince's protection, and now she had given birth to his eldest son. Without the Empress's explicit instructions, she wouldn't dare to go too far. For now, she could only suppress her own ambitions and endure one step at a time.
"Not suitable... I've done many things that are not suitable. Even if I've done wrong, His Highness is here, and it's not your place to dictate to me. Sister, you should behave yourself if you want to stay in this estate for a while longer."
Feng Ruo Yan abandoned her usual polite demeanor. Now that she had her eldest son, did she still have to endure humiliation? His Highness had already promised her that once Liu Meng Han, that wench, gave birth, he would find an excuse to deal with her.
If Liu Meng Han could be obedient and mindful of her duties, she might tolerate her for a few more days. Otherwise, she would not hesitate to turn her back on her and kick her out immediately.
"You... you're just a concubine. To act so presumptuously just because of His Highness's favor and the child you've borne, don't forget that the Empress is behind me. If the Empress were to learn of this, she would never forgive you lightly."
Liu Meng Han felt a fire burning in her heart. However, with so many people present, even her scolding voice was lowered.
She feared being made a laughingstock. If the Third Prince heard about it, given his protection of Feng Ruo Yan, he would eventually blame her for everything. She would endure for now.
Feng Ruo Yan let out a cold snort and walked up to Liu Meng Han, her tone mocking. "The Empress... If it weren't for the Empress protecting you, His Highness would have divorced you long ago. You should spend your time kneeling before Buddha and praying for the Empress's good health and longevity. That would be praying for yourself as well."
Wasn't she just relying on the Empress's protection to stay in this estate for so long and to snatch away her rightful position as the principal wife? She didn't believe the Empress could protect her for a lifetime.
"How dare you disrespect the Empress! Liu Meng Han stood up and walked towards Feng Ruo Yan, bending down to whisper in her ear, "His Highness is currently in the competition for succession. If these words of yours, spoken in front of the Empress, spread, it would be a crime of unfilial piety in His Highness's eyes."
"I advise you to leave this place quickly. Your existence has already caused His Highness much criticism. You can only rely on His Highness now. I advise you, for His Highness's sake, to shut your mouth and leave."
"You..."
Liu Meng Han's words suddenly startled her. Her only support was Chu Yan Xi. If anything were to happen to Chu Yan Xi, she would have no good days ahead.
After a moment's hesitation, she left dejectedly. Before leaving, she glared fiercely at the group with venomous eyes before unwillingly departing.
The resentment she felt towards them deepened. That wench Liu Meng Han dared to humiliate her in public, and she would never let her off. And Feng Jin, who was probably delighted to see her in such a sorry state...
One day, she would not let any of them go. She would reclaim all the humiliation they had inflicted upon her.
"Miss, where are we going? Aren't we going to the front hall?"
'Slap!'
As soon as the maid finished speaking, she received a heavy slap on her cheek. The maid, covering her face, quickly knelt on the ground in a panic, not knowing what mistake she had made.
"You blind fool! Can't you see I've been driven out? Why would I go back now and let those wenches laugh at me!"
Feng Ruo Yan berated the maid furiously. Only after venting her anger did she feel slightly better, her heaving chest breathing more heavily.
If they didn't want her to stay at the banquet, then no one would have a peaceful time at the banquet either. Wasn't it just to drive her away so someone could monopolize His Highness's attention? If she was unhappy, then that wench Liu Meng Han shouldn't have a good time either.
"Go tell His Highness that I feel unwell in my chest and ask him to come and see me."
"Ah..."
"What 'ah'... Hurry up, don't you understand what I'm saying? Hurry up!"
"Yes... yes... Miss, this servant will go immediately."
The maid repeatedly agreed and scurried away.
...
"I apologize for the scene just now, which must have been amusing to everyone." Liu Meng Han bowed gracefully to everyone and then walked over to Chu Chen Yi.
"Your Highness, today is a joyous occasion for the child. Shall we toast all the guests together to express our gratitude?"
"Alright, let's go."
Chu Yan Xi, with a rare gentle expression, agreed. He had to admit that Liu Meng Han was indeed a qualified principal wife, managing the affairs of the estate impeccably, leaving no room for error.
It was a pity, however, that he could not accept Liu Meng Han's existence in his heart. Ultimately, he would still fail her.