Chapter 86 Holding Onto One’s Heart

Since the Crown Prince was poisoned, the Palace had been on high alert.

Physician Zhang, having received instructions from the Crown Prince and Shu Yuwan, naturally kept quiet about the matter.

Therefore, the news of Shu Yuwan’ pregnancy did not leak out.

Shu Yuwan calculated the timing; it was already the end of October, and it would be three months by the New Year. She decided to wait until then to announce the pregnancy.

During these two months, she planned to organize the people around her, arrange for a nurse, midwife, and others in advance to prevent the news of her pregnancy from leaking out and attracting unwanted attention.

Although Prince Ming Ge and Prince Cheng had gone to their fiefdoms, Empress Zhang and Empress Shu were still in Palace, along with the Virtuous Consort and the Fifth Prince.

She had to be cautious.

On the Crown Prince’s side, upon learning about Yuwan’ pregnancy, he was overjoyed.

However, for several days, he couldn’t get close to Shu Yuwan at night. The Crown Prince, who had just started to enjoy the intimacy, felt a bit frustrated, “Physician Zhang said we have to wait at least three months for the pregnancy to stabilize before we can be careful.”

The Crown Prince carefully embraced Shu Yuwan, looking a bit dejected.

Seeing his expression, Shu Yuwan couldn’t help but smile.

Typically, at such times, attendants would be arranged to serve the Crown Prince. When she married into the Palace, her mother also made arrangements.

Back then, when she married An Shaoyu, she was young and spirited. Although she didn’t oppose An Shaoyu taking concubines, she didn’t want to be given handmaids as part of her dowry.

But now, being married to the Crown Prince…

She let her mother arrange for attendants, as preserving her status and her family’s lives were the most important things when marrying into the royal family.

However, thinking about the Crown Prince’s statement that he would only marry her in his lifetime, Shu Yuwan hesitated but ultimately didn’t speak up.

She was afraid of displeasing the Crown Prince and decided to wait until he was ready to make arrangements.

As for being the only one in his lifetime…

Shu Yuwan wryly smiled, believing that the Crown Prince’s current intentions were sincere. However, people’s hearts change, and in the future, if the Crown Prince ascended the throne, becoming the supreme emperor, the variables would be even greater.

Just like back then when King Ning promised to marry Queen Ning.

She needed to remember to guard her heart, not to fall too deeply, to avoid ending up like Queen Ning, completely changed, and condemned by others as malicious.

Moreover, she didn’t have Queen Ning’s background, and the Crown Prince wasn’t like King Ning, who held real power.

Shu Yuwan stopped dwelling on it. She would enjoy the friendship of this lifetime and the passion of the moment.

Embracing the Crown Prince, she nestled into his arms, “If you can’t hold back and wants to find someone else, I’ll keep an empty room for myself~”

Upon hearing this teasing remark, the Crown Prince was actually pleased. He gently pinched Shu Yuwan’ ear, “When did I say I would go find someone else? In just a few months, I won’t be able to resist.”

“And as for others, I’m not interested.”

Avoiding her belly, he held her tightly in his arms.

These past two months, aside from her mother and godmother visiting, Shu Yuwan declined all other invitations.

Fortunately, she wasn’t fond of socializing much, so her refusal didn’t raise suspicions.

Besides quietly arranging for midwives and maid.

 Shu Yuwan spent her time with her daughter.

Now that she was pregnant with the Crown Prince’s child, she paid even more attention to her daughter’s company.

Others might see her daughter as a burden or proof of her second marriage, but to her, her daughter had been her companion for many years, someone she held dear to her heart.

However, Mother Zhao had been reminding her daily to take care of herself, as her daughter was still young and could be quite demanding. She advised Shu Yuwan to spend less time with her daughter.

One day, while playing with her daughter, Mother Zhao saw that there was no one around and quietly advised Shu Yuwan, “Crown Princess, now that you’re carrying the Crown Prince’s child, this is the foundation of your position in the Palace! You should rest now!”

This time, Shu Yuwan looked serious, had Qing Dai take her daughter further away, and said to Mother Zhao, “Mother, I understand that this child in my belly is precious, but my daughter is also my flesh and blood. If even you prioritize my daughter, how can she be valued in the Palace?”

Qing Dai, playing with her daughter and listening attentively, felt relieved for her daughter.

She understood Mother Zhao’s perspective but felt sorry for Palace, as they were all attendants by the young ladies’ side, and both the unborn child in the Crown Princess’s belly and Miss Palace were their young mistresses.

The people in the Palace would undoubtedly value the unborn child even more.

They would treat Miss Palace even more unfairly in the future.

Seeing Shu Yuwan’ displeased expression, Mother Zhao’s face changed, whispering, “Crown Princess, this child in your belly, if it’s a boy, you won’t have to worry anymore. Miss Palace will have someone to rely on in the future~”

As her maid, Shu Yuwan didn’t want to make things heavy.

Softly, she said, “I understand, Mother Zhao, you’re looking out for me. With you and the maid here, I can spend a little time with my daughter without any major issues. I have a sense of balance in this matter. But I don’t want my daughter to feel neglected because of this child. Do you understand, Mother?”

“In my heart, my daughter is extremely important. Now that you’re with her, I hope you prioritize her.”

Mother Zhao sighed softly, “I understand, Crown Princess, rest assured.”

Seeing Mother Zhao’s understanding, Shu Yuwan didn’t say much more.

She gestured for Qing Dai to bring the child over.

“Mother~”

The daughter ran towards Shu Yuwan’ arms.

Qing Dai hurriedly stopped her, “Miss Palace, remember what I told you. The Crown Princess isn’t feeling well lately and can’t hold you. Let me carry you while you talk to the Crown Princess~”

The daughter, almost two years old, could understand what adults were trying to convey. After listening to Qing Dai, she nodded understandingly, “I know~” She patted her mother’s back.

She reached out her little hand, lightly patting Shu Yuwan’ back as she used to do, showing her affection.

Shu Yuwan’ eyes softened as if they could overflow with tears, “You’re such a good girl, Mother feels much better~”

After playing with her daughter for a while and reciting the Three-Character Classic, the maid took the child to play.

Qing Dai accompanied Shu Yuwan back, and Shu Yuwan said, “Qing Dai, keep an eye on Miss Palace’s side as well. If I miss anything, make sure she isn’t mistreated.”

“I understand.”

“Also, see if there are any suitable and clever maids. You can start selecting some now to play with Miss Palace.”

Upon hearing this, Qing Dai understood that these maids were meant for Miss Palace’s upbringing.

“Yes, I’ll choose carefully.”