rslcontracting Chapter 519 - 511: Partial Favor
Chapter 519 - 511: Partial Favor
Prince Shou saw his daughter protecting Gu Yifeng like this, feeling simultaneously angry and jealous. Yet, when he noticed his daughter’s occasional pitiful glances toward him, he ultimately could only laugh.
"I came just to discuss the matters he handled. He intended to stand up for you, but his methods were inappropriate. As a result, even more people in the Capital believe those drunken words to be true." Prince Shou paused there, looking at Lin Youning, "Are the rumors true? When you were his aunt, did he tease you?"
Lin Youning listened to her father, not expecting him to abruptly bring this up, she was momentarily stunned before replying, "It was just a word, not really teasing."
Prince Shou snorted, dissatisfied, and directed his annoyance toward Gu Yifeng, "As a Marquis, while you handle court matters well, you should also manage the inner court affairs properly. How could your own son do such a thing? I wonder how you educate in your household. Once Sister Ning has given birth, I think it would be better for the child to stay by my side. I’m afraid you’ll lead them astray."
Lin Youning worried that her elder brother might get angry, quickly interjected, "Father overthinks, the Marquis never meddles in the inner affairs of the Marquis Mansion anyway. Moreover, when the young master was in the house, the Marquis was at the border. After his return, he soon left for the border again, and by the time he returned, the young master was at the academy."
Prince Shou snorted, "A girl speaks for the outsider; I merely said a few things about him, fearing he’ll spoil the child in the future, yet you immediately defend him. Do you know if he’ll bully you in the future?"
Lin Youning blushed, "The Marquis has always treated his daughter well since childhood, Father needn’t worry."
Gu Yifeng wasn’t angered by Prince Shou’s words at all. Instead, when Sister Ning spoke up for him, his eyes glistened, and the two gazed at each other affectionately. Prince Shou covered his forehead, only feeling like he was the villain here.
Seeing his daughter’s anxious look, with her large belly, he lost the desire to continue, "Alright, alright, I won’t say more today. Look at you now, heavily pregnant, yet dealing with so many things every day."
Even after saying he wouldn’t continue, he went on anyway.
Lin Youning couldn’t help but want to laugh, but she didn’t say more. Gu Yifeng stood up and admitted wrongdoing, "It was inconsiderate of me, causing Father-in-law to worry. I won’t make such mistakes in the future."
"You still think there’ll be a future?" Prince Shou raised an eyebrow, but when he heard his daughter’s voice calling him, he softened his tone, "Right, and about your sister-in-law, try to talk to her. All these years, she only had Sister Ling, and now at your elder brother’s age, though I don’t want to meddle, having just one daughter isn’t enough. Don’t you have an experienced doctor? Have him check your sister-in-law. It’s not something I should say too much about."
Lin Youning nodded in agreement. Then she and her elder brother escorted their father out, and Lin Youning breathed a sigh of relief, "The Crown Prince’s wedding day is approaching, isn’t it? Consort Zhou will be sent to the Royal Temple after the New Year, but what’s going to happen with the Second Prince?"
Feeling a bit awkward, Lin Youning could only continue with the topic of conversation.
Gu Yifeng noticed but didn’t point it out, "You’re getting closer to giving birth with each passing month. Recently, I’ve noticed you’ve been eating less. What did the doctor say?"
"He said as the due date approaches, the baby pressures my stomach, so I eat less. It should get better once I’m closer to delivery." Speaking about the approaching birth, Lin Youning felt somewhat anxious. "I don’t even know if this baby will be obedient."
She had heard that many had complications during childbirth. She almost forgot how she gave birth to Brother Zong in a past life, only remembering that she hadn’t seen him for months after he was born.
Now, her anticipation for the baby in her belly made Lin Youning hope it was still Brother Zong.
Gu Yifeng held her in his arms, sensing her body stiffen at once, and couldn’t help but feel a tender affection, "We’ll just have this one child, regardless of gender. I’ll summon all the Imperial Physicians and the most experienced midwives when the time comes; everything will be fine."
Gu Yifeng didn’t voice the words in his heart; if something were to happen, he would choose to save the mother rather than the child. But such words were inauspicious, so he didn’t say more.
Lin Youning also took her father’s discussion about her sister-in-law to heart and sent a letter to Prince Shou Mansion the next day. After receiving it, Liang Hui came directly, looking somewhat downcast.
"I know Father has always been displeased that I haven’t borne an heir for the mansion. I’ve been discussing with your brother about finding a concubine for him, but he has always disagreed." Liang Hui spoke with her head lowered.
However, Lin Youning could sense her sister-in-law’s gloom, so she smiled and consoled, "Though Father is anxious, he has never mentioned finding a concubine for my brother to me. He only suggested I find a doctor to examine you, so don’t overthink. I trust that Father would never interfere between you and Mother. Don’t worry, sister-in-law. The most important thing now is to focus on your health rather than dwelling on upsetting matters. Brother’s refusal indicates his feelings for you."
Liang Hui raised her head, her eyes already red, "Over the years, I’ve consulted many doctors, including those in the palace. They all say I have a cold womb. It was a miracle to have conceived once, but it’s impossible to force it again. The amount of medicine I’ve taken is countless, yet there’s no result."
Lin Youning lowered her head, "Don’t be heartbroken, sister-in-law. Hearing this pains me as well. I understand the pressure you’ve been under alone all these years. When I first married in, I, too, showed no signs of pregnancy. Despite staying silent, I was anxious inside. As I said, now that you’re aware of the issue, it’s easier to address. Let’s have some Imperial Physicians take a look. If it’s truly not feasible, then perhaps we are not destined to have children in this life. I’ll talk to Father about adopting one. Moreover, worrying too much can make it harder to conceive. Sister-in-law, you should relax; having gone through this, you should understand these reasons better than I do."
Liang Hui laughed, touched by Lin Youning’s words, "You little girl, your tongue has become sharper, now even I can’t win against you."
But thanks to Lin Youning’s words, Liang Hui truly felt relieved. Though she had considered finding a concubine for her husband, he disagreed. If she sought treatment and still couldn’t conceive, they might not approve either, should her father-in-law resist. Now it’s like taking a calming pill.