Chapter 150

Chapter 150: Pregnancy Song Yu secretly glanced at her mother, thinking she wouldn't notice. "You may speak frankly," Cui Lingrong said. "This is private conversation between mother and daughter—there's no need for hesitation." "I think Father will ultimately forgive County Princess Rongjia, but after this incident, the feelings between him and County Princess Rongjia won't be as good as before. No matter how solid a wall is, once it has a crack, no matter how you try to repair it, the crack remains a hidden danger." Song Yu said, then asked with confusion, "There's one thing I can't figure out—Father and County Princess Rongjia were married by imperial decree, and County Princess Rongjia was even marrying for the second time. Did Father truly treat County Princess Rongjia so well just for power and influence?" Speaking of power and influence, Song Yu disliked it very much. If Father truly valued Mother, how could he let Mother be schemed against time and time again? Cui Lingrong said she didn't understand the specifics either. "Your father dreams of promotion day and night. Saying he's clinging to the Rong Prince Mansion—that's certainly true. But his attentiveness and care toward County Princess Rongjia show no signs of pretense." What comforted Cui Lingrong was that her daughter had grown up and could see things clearly. She continued, "Your father's promotion is a good thing for you. Xuan-ge and Jin-ge are boys—they can carve out their own futures. You're different. I hope you can have more choices." When the topic turned to marriage, Song Yu finally showed a maiden's shyness. "Mother, I'm still young." "You're not that young anymore. You can start thinking carefully about what kind of life you want in the future. If you want modest prosperity and peace, Feng-ge'er is a good choice. But if you want wealth and power, you'll need to learn more skills." Cui Lingrong looked at her daughter with affection. "I somewhat regret now that I didn't teach you more about navigating the world when you were little." The mother and daughter talked for a long time. That night, Song Yu slept at Qiushuang Zhai. The next day, Song Mingjin came over. When he learned his elder sister had slept at Qiushuang Zhai, he was somewhat upset. "Mother is biased! You let eldest sister stay with you but didn't even call for me!" Song Yu pinched her younger brother's chubby face. "You ungrateful little thing! If not for Mother, you'd still be at the Guozijian reading and studying characters all day. How could you go to the Duke of Dingguo's mansion to practice martial arts?" At the mention of martial arts practice, Song Mingjin's eyes lit up instantly. When he studied at the Guozijian, even with books he'd already learned, a few more glances still made him drowsy. Ever since he started martial arts training, he woke up early on his own every day and would urge his attendants to hurry up. Although his body was tired, he was especially full of energy. Cui Lingrong asked, "When you practice martial arts at the Duke of Dingguo's mansion, how do you get along with that one from the Lu family?" Besides Cui Zeyu, the Lu family had also adopted Lu Weijie, who happened to be the same age as Jin-ge. The Duke of Dingguo had hired a martial arts instructor. For studies, they attended the Lu family's private school—half a day for reading, half a day for martial arts. "You mean Lu San-ge'er? He's no fun at all. When I try to talk to him, he ignores me. If I get praised a bit more, he won't even rest at noon. He wants to compete with me in everything!" Song Mingjin said, getting worked up. His thinking was simple. "In the training ground, it's just him and me as students. He won't play with me, and the people at the Lu family school don't pay me any attention either. It's so boring!" Fortunately, he didn't like studying anyway—it just so happened that the tutor's lectures were good for sleeping, so he wouldn't go out of his way to please those people. Cui Lingrong understood. "Lu San-ge'er is valued by the Duchess of Dingguo. He's in competition with your maternal uncle, so naturally he doesn't like you. As for the Lu family's private school, I'll speak with the Duke of Dingguo later. When it's time for studies, I'll still send you to Lingyun Academy." "No need!" Song Mingjin refused immediately. "Mother, switching back and forth is too troublesome. Just let me study at the Lu family school. Don't worry—your son has hard fists. No one dares bully me!" At the Lu family school, the tutor didn't pay him much attention because he wasn't a Lu family member—he was just there to audit. If he went to Lingyun Academy, the tutors there were too strict. They'd hit his palms with a ruler every two or three days. Cui Lingrong saw how quickly Jin-ge refused, his little eyes darting around. She quickly figured out what was going on. "This matter needs to be discussed with your father. You'd better hurry to the Duke of Dingguo's mansion—don't waste time." She wasn't going to be the bad guy. Song Mingjin then realized he'd spent too much time talking. He hurriedly ran out, only to come back, stuff the pastries from the table into his pockets, and then rush off again in a flurry. Song Yu found it amusing. "Jin-ge's thoughts are written all over his face. It must be that the Lu family tutor doesn't discipline him, which is why he refuses to switch. Mother, you really should send him to Lingyun Academy, or else he'll only grow in height, not in brains." "You girl, always so good at making up stories about your little brother." Cui Lingrong said with a smile. "Speaking of which, the female tutor who taught you before sent a letter. She has a good friend who is about to leave the palace to enjoy retirement. I was thinking of inviting her over to teach you. It's not that I want you to learn palace rules and etiquette—it's to broaden your horizons. There's no harm in knowing more." "Mother, wouldn't that cost quite a bit of money?" Song Yu asked. "Money is a small matter. A palace matron who survives to the day of retirement must have a wealth of experience. Besides, you won't be the only one listening. When the time comes, Fang Jie'er from the Jiang family will come too." Cui Lingrong had never been stingy when it came to spending money on her children. If a father doesn't teach his children, it's the father's fault. If one failed to raise one's children properly, it would become a source of misfortune in the future—not only could one not rely on them, but they would only drag one down. Upon hearing this, Song Yu had no objections. Mother and daughter had just finished a cup of tea when Caiyue rushed in hurriedly. She was drenched in sweat and flustered, which made Cui Lingrong frown. "How many times have I told you not to rush? What urgent matter has you so worked up this time?" "Re...return to Madam." Caiyue gasped for breath. "News came from Wutong Courtyard that Zhuqing is...pregnant!" "Pregnant with whose child?" Song Yu asked without much thought. Cui Lingrong replied, "Naturally, your father's." "But isn't she a menial maid who no longer serves Father?" Song Yu was puzzled. "She must have conceived during her earlier service, since it hasn't been long." Cui Lingrong remained composed and unruffled, showing no sign of agitation over Zhuqing's pregnancy. She asked Caiyue, "Has a physician examined her?" "Returning to Madam, it was the County Mistress who had a physician examine Zhuqing, and she personally brought Zhuqing to report the good news to Old Madame. That's how I learned of it." Caiyue felt anxious on her mistress's behalf. "Madam, the County Mistress cannot bear children herself. If Zhuqing gives birth to a son, the County Mistress will certainly want to raise him." Others might not know, but Nanny Qiu, Caiyue, and Caixia were all aware of these matters. If County Princess Rongjia were to have a child, wouldn't that threaten Xuan-ge and Jin-ge's position in the marquis household? It was the same situation all over again. But Cui Lingrong knew that County Princess Rongjia had learned her lesson once and would not repeat the same mistake. "Let's not even discuss whether Zhuqing can carry the child to term. Even if she does, there's a fifty percent chance it will be a daughter." Cui Lingrong told Caiyue to drink a cup of tea to calm down. "And even if it truly is a son... there are ways to handle it." In truth, Cui Lingrong also found it somewhat troublesome. Now that Song Shulan knew County Princess Rongjia could not bear children, the County Princess no longer needed to hide it. If one concubine couldn't conceive, the County Princess would simply arrange another concubine. One after another entering the marquis household—would Song Shulan refuse? No, he wouldn't. Although Song Shulan was not given to lust or excess, if someone proactively arranged young and beautiful women for him, he would not decline. At this rate, not only would Zhuqing give birth smoothly, but Lanxin or other women would also become pregnant. Dealing with just one Huadie had already exhausted Cui Lingrong's efforts and drained her spirit. Now she had to guard against so many women. At the root of it all, the problem still lay with Song Shulan. She couldn't help but think back to her conversation with Nanny Qiu that day. "Since Zhuqing is pregnant, Old Madame will certainly grant her a proper status. Caiyue, send gifts to Zhuqing according to custom." Cui Lingrong then summoned Nanny Qiu. "Go quietly to find Mrs. Luo and ask her to wait for me at the teahouse tomorrow. I have a favor to ask of her."