Chapter 77

Chapter 77 Concubine Han wanted to curry favor with the Prince, but with the child in her belly, she couldn't be too obvious about it. She was growing anxious about this very matter. Now that Fang Yuan'er had voluntarily handed her an excuse, how could she not make full use of it?! Hong Nao's face instantly shifted from anger to delight. "After all the grievance our mistress suffered today, the Prince must surely offer her a few words of comfort." She went happily to the front courtyard. The Princess Consort had never concerned herself with the concubines going to the front courtyard to seek the Prince's favor. In the Princess Consort's view, if you managed to win his favor, that was your own skill. If you angered Prince Jing instead, that was your own doing. Concubine Han was rather fortunate—Prince Jing happened to be free that day, idling about in the front courtyard. Upon hearing that Fang Yuan'er had sent a physician to make trouble at Concubine Han's courtyard, he only felt a headache coming on. "These women—why must they stir up so much trouble?" "They're under House Arrest, and still they can't stay put!" Prince Jing's House Arrest of Fang Yuan'er was partly to protect her pregnancy, but it was also meant as punishment. The Prince's residence was Prince Jing's word alone; he had no need for such games of favoring one and neglecting another. Even if Concubine Ning were truly dying, she shouldn't have been beaten to death by Fang Yuan'er. Fang Yuan'er's outburst had disrupted Prince Jing's plans, and she deserved punishment for that. Yet after only a few months of behaving herself, she was already stirring up trouble again. Prince Jing couldn't help but feel a measure of disgust. Especially since Fang Yuan'er had gone to all that trouble at Concubine Han's courtyard and come up with nothing at all. Prince Jing had heard quite a few rumors about Concubine Han's supposed false pregnancy. But he paid them no mind. Several house physicians had examined Concubine Han and confirmed her pregnancy—if they said she was pregnant, then she was pregnant! If ten months passed and she failed to produce a child, then punishment could be discussed. To claim Concubine Han was faking her pregnancy, one would need solid evidence at the very least. Prince Jing wasn't about to question the authenticity of Concubine Han's pregnancy over mere gossip. He wasn't that idle! After hearing Hong Nao's report, Prince Jing said coldly, "Shi'an, have the Princess Consort properly discipline Consort Fang." "If Consort Fang has too much time on her hands, find her something to do!" Hong Nao could tell. The Prince's tone was flat, but his words showed clear displeasure with Consort Fang. She felt a secret thrill of joy. Prince Jing looked at Hong Nao. "Your mistress has been wronged. I'll go see her later." Hong Nao bowed, her voice tinged with tears: "My mistress said she doesn't mind the grievance herself—it's the child in her belly she worries for." "The young master is not yet two months along, and already subjected to such slander. Who knows what other ugly rumors await in the future." Prince Jing lowered his gaze. "The Princess Consort has been busy lately, and has neglected managing the servants." Hong Nao naturally wouldn't dare criticize the Princess Consort, so she offered a few words in her defense. Prince Jing grew impatient with such talk and dismissed her. When Hong Nao left, Prince Jing had bestowed quite a few gifts as well, by way of comforting Concubine Han. When Fang Yuan'er heard this news, she couldn't help but be angry. But she quickly calmed down. "For now, this is just a show to watch. I'll simply wait eight months and see what she manages to birth!" Among those who had any standing in the residence now, besides Concubine An, Fang Yuan'er and Xie Run had the most seniority. Their networks and influence were also the greatest. Two months ago, Fang Yuan'er had heard rumors about a false pregnancy formula. Such rumors couldn't have spread without reason. Someone must be waiting behind the scenes to scheme! Fang Yuan'er had simply been bored during her pregnancy, and irritated by all the talk of the auspicious child, so she'd suddenly made this move. Consider it a push to Concubine Han and whoever was behind her. At the evening meal, Prince Jing arrived as promised. Pearl Court had long since been joyfully prepared. Concubine Han had dressed up early, from her fingertips to her hair—every detail exquisitely alluring, even her body carrying a bewitching fragrance. She was naturally fair-skinned and seductive, with a crabapple blossom painted between her brows in rouge, like a reincarnation of Daji. Her eyes were flirtatious and alluring, as if they could ensnare one's very soul. Prince Jing hadn't visited Pearl Court in a long while. Seeing Concubine Han in her full splendor at first glance, he was momentarily stunned. But after the initial surprise, all that remained was a frown. Prince Jing: "How fragrant. Did you apply scented powder?" As he spoke, Prince Jing's eyes fixed on Concubine Han's face. Thinking to himself, she did look paler than before. Concubine Han's face was wreathed in smiles, her eyes shimmering, as her soft hand already rested on Prince Jing's arm. "The Prince has such a keen nose! I've switched to a new fragrance, and the Prince detected it with a single sniff." Prince Jing's expression showed no pleasure, only a flat tone: "You're with child now. Use less of these powders and creams—they're not good for the baby in your belly." This was the sort of thing Fang Yuan'er often nagged in Prince Jing's ear. Something about cosmetics containing heavy metals... Prince Jing didn't understand it, but having heard it so many times, a few words had stuck. In the Prince's residence, if anyone loved dressing up, Fang Yuan'er would be first without question. She was wealthy too, never stinting on herself, going as extravagant as possible. Even so, after Fang Yuan'er became pregnant, she hadn't touched any of those rouges and powders, and rarely even wore fine clothes. With Fang Yuan'er's example fresh in mind, Prince Jing found himself less than satisfied when he looked at the elaborately dressed Concubine Han. Concubine Han was also a woman of keen perception. Her smile remained unchanged as she spoke, "This concubine thanks the Prince for his concern. But this incense was specially blended by someone I commissioned, and it is harmless to pregnant women." "If the Prince dislikes it, this concubine will refrain from using it from now on." Prince Jing nodded. "Consort Fang is quite particular about such matters. If you are unsure, you may send someone to consult her." Concubine Han lowered her head, her smile gradually shifting to one of unease. "This... I fear I am not favored by Sister Fang, and dare not presume to visit her unannounced." Only then did Prince Jing recall what Fang Yuan'er had done earlier that day. His visit to see Concubine Han now was also meant to comfort her. Prince Jing spoke again, "What happened today—you have been wronged." Concubine Han's eyes reddened at just the right moment. "In truth, this concubine does not mind the injustice. What pains me is the child in my belly, being sullied by these baseless rumors for no reason." "Now people only say this concubine is faking her pregnancy—in a few more days, will they be saying the child in my womb is not of the Prince's blood?!" Concubine Han was bold indeed, showing no restraint whatsoever in front of Prince Jing. But she knew well that Prince Jing, like many men under heaven, preferred his women to be "candid" with him. Thus, before Prince Jing, she deliberately cultivated a persona of boldness and forthrightness. In her speech, she was quite unguarded. "Both of us carry the Prince's children—others are treated fine, and only this concubine must suffer such humiliation." As she spoke, tears began to fall from her eyes. Prince Jing raised his hand and patted her shoulder by way of comfort. "This matter was wrongly done by Consort Fang. I have already instructed the Princess Consort to discipline her." "The rumors in the household will soon disappear as well." Concubine Han leaned half against Prince Jing, her voice like the gentle chirping of an oriole. "This concubine thanks the Prince." Prince Jing inhaled the fragrance emanating from her, feeling that it was somehow familiar.