Chapter 94

Chapter 94 In the past, whenever trouble stirred in the residence, Prince Jing would never spend the night in the rear courtyard. It was plainly obvious that he found the women of the rear courtyard's squabbling distasteful. Yet today, after so many major events had just occurred, Prince Jing had come to Spring Mountain Court—wasn't that surprising? No doubt by tomorrow, every woman in the rear courtyard would be green with envy toward Xie Run. Prince Jing caught the implication in Xie Run's words but didn't take offense, only saying, "You appear gentle and soft, yet today at Autumn Maple Court, you were bold yet meticulous, and steady enough as well." Xie Run smiled warmly. "This concubine will simply take that as Your Highness praising me." "Though this concubine is merely a Concubine Consort of Your Highness, I still represent Your Highness's reputation." "If I were to panic and lose my composure at the first sign of trouble, wouldn't that also suggest Your Highness has poor judgment?" In the privacy of her own room, Xie Run wasn't afraid of saying something that might offend. She only smiled brightly. "This concubine staying steady and unflustered in the face of trouble is also telling everyone that Your Highness has excellent judgment and hasn't spoiled me in vain!" "It was indeed praise." Prince Jing's tone was indifferent, but there was a hint of satisfaction in his eyes. "Truly, you haven't been spoiled in vain." If Xie Run had been rattled by Sang Cao's false accusations today, unable to defend herself, and had only wept and cried out for justice— Even if Prince Jing later uncovered the truth and cleared her name, he probably wouldn't dote on her as much. Because she wouldn't have been able to stand on her own. As it stood now, Prince Jing was pleased with Xie Run's response, and so was all the more willing to pamper her. That was why he had come to Spring Mountain Court at this hour. Prince Jing's dark, deep gaze fell upon Xie Run's glossy black hair. Suddenly, he raised a hand and patted her head, remarking, "I like you like this." "Clear water yields lotus blossoms, naturally beautiful without adornment." "Clean and pure, without those cold hair ornaments blocking the view—it only makes your beauty and gentleness more apparent." Xie Run smiled, her peach-blossom eyes reflecting the candlelight, appearing all the more tender and alluring. She vaguely understood what Prince Jing liked, but didn't respond to his words directly. Instead, she asked softly, "Has Your Highness eaten yet?" Prince Jing glanced at the dishes on the table—ordinary home-style fare, the only special item being a plate of vibrant green vegetables. To see crisp, tender greens at this time of year was truly no small feat. But given how favored Xie Run was, she could certainly manage it. Prince Jing could tell that his sudden arrival had caught Xie Run completely unprepared. "Not yet. I'll eat here." With that, he lifted the hem of his robes and sat down in a chair. Xie Run instructed someone to prepare an extra set of chopsticks and a bowl, then reached for the bowl in front of herself to ladle Prince Jing a serving of soup. She showed no intention whatsoever of discussing the day's events with him. She only asked softly, "Your Highness, this is fennel soup. Though it looks simple, in winter it has a uniquely refreshing flavor." "Would you care to try some?" Prince Jing gave a lofty nod. Xie Run passed the soup bowl over. Soon, a maid brought another set of chopsticks and a bowl, and filled a bowl of soup for Xie Run as well. Xie Run's eyes sparkled as she smiled. "Ever since Sister Fang came up with the idea of growing vegetables in the heated greenhouse, this concubine has been blessed with good food this winter." Prince Jing cast a casual glance and indeed noticed many fresh vegetables. "She truly has a gift for such things." Xie Run smiled. "I only hope that next year Sister Fang can come up with even more innovations, so this concubine can enjoy the benefits as well." Prince Jing chuckled. "You've got it all planned out, haven't you? Enjoying a life of ease for the rest of your days." Xie Run touched her belly and said sincerely, "This concubine does feel that I must have suffered enough in a past life, to be blessed with such a good life of plenty in this one." Prince Jing looked toward Xie Run's belly, his gaze softening a few degrees. "Is the child giving you any trouble?" Xie Run shook her head. "Oddly enough, this child has been remarkably well-behaved." "I never vomited in the first three months, and my appetite was fine—I was just a bit sleepier than usual. After that, everything went smoothly. Aside from a bigger appetite and sleeping even better, I haven't had the slightest discomfort." Prince Jing smiled. "That shows the child knows to cherish its mother—a good thing!" "He'll be like you—well-behaved and sensible in the future." Xie Run considered this, then said, "Not necessarily well-behaved and sensible." Prince Jing looked at her curiously. "What do you mean by that?" "If it's a girl, being too well-behaved and sensible makes her an easy target for bullying." Prince Jing nodded. "That's true. I've noticed Ruyi's temperament is rather soft, and I can't help worrying whether she'll be pushed around by her future husband." Xie Run nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Not everyone is a noble and upright gentleman like Your Highness." Prince Jing was pleased by her flattery. "A noble and upright gentleman? Suisui is the first to praise me in such terms." There were still maids in attendance around them, so Xie Run ignored his teasing. She said seriously, "And if it's a boy, he should be even less well-behaved." "If he's too obedient and lacks a temper, then when his wife and children are bullied in the future, he won't have the backbone of a man to stand up for them. How could he be the pillar of the family?" Prince Jing reached out and pinched her nose. "Just a moment ago you were as meek as a quail, and now you're off on a grand speech again!" "If the child truly takes after you, I suspect it will only be feigned obedience—with plenty of cunning hidden inside." Xie Run played dumb and smiled. "This concubine will simply take that as Your Highness praising me." Laughing and chatting, the two of them didn't actually eat much. But Prince Jing's mood had improved considerably. At night, as they were settling down to sleep, Prince Jing glanced at Xie Run's slightly protruding belly and suddenly asked, "How many months until the birth?" Xie Run felt drowsy the moment she touched the bed and said lazily, "About three months." Prince Jing rubbed her hand and was silent for a moment before saying, "Enough, I'll wait another three months then." Xie Run was about to fall asleep when she suddenly opened her eyes, looking at the Prince Jing beside her, who had already closed his eyes, with slight surprise. Was this what she thought he meant? Xie Run thought for a moment, then boldly said, "There's also the postpartum confinement period." "This concubine plans to do a double confinement period." Prince Jing opened his eyes, his gaze deep and dark as he looked at her. This look carried undisguised desire and ambition. Xie Run's face flushed with embarrassment, and she turned her back to Prince Jing. Since the words had already reached this point, Prince Jing wasn't about to let Xie Run off the hook. He said in a low voice, "Then I won't wait!" Xie Run's whole body tensed. "My Prince, this concubine is not in a convenient condition." Prince Jing gave a light snort. "There are always convenient ways." With that, he pulled Xie Run's hand over. At this moment, Xie Run truly regretted her loose tongue. He was the boss. Why did you have to provoke him for no reason?! A man's low grunts came through the thick gauze curtain, occasionally accompanied by a woman's soft moans. Dantao, who was on night duty, listened with her cheeks flushed red.