Chapter 6

Ning Yuan knew that Jiang Huai’s father had been sent to work as an official over ten years ago. At that time, he didn’t bring his three children, including Jiang Huai, out of the capital because they were too young. Later, when Jiang Huai’s grandfather became seriously ill, the Holy Emperor sent Jiang Huai’s father back to the capital. The Emperor, Jiang Xianzong, allowed him to return and inherit the title of Marquis. 

This happened just in the past two years.

Because of this, Ning Yuan didn’t think that Jiang Huai’s parents truly understood him. This was also why Ning Yuan felt safe to meet Jiang Huai’s mother alone today.

On this humid August night, the air was warm and sticky.

The sounds of insects and birds could be heard in the distance, and the sweet fragrance of blooming lotus flowers floated in the air.

Ning Yuan paused, thinking for a moment, and then asked:

“Is it a lotus?”

“Yes, Prince Hui Shizi^[1]is a Chinese term that refers to a “crown prince” or the heir apparent to the throne.,” the young man replied.

The young man seemed to remember something and continued while lowering his head:

“The lotus flowers are blooming this year. They’ve grown well and have produced many lotus seeds. The old lady said she’ll sift them and send the best ones to Lady Lu.”

In the Marquis Family, everyone knew that Lady Lu was highly favored. She had a special relationship with the Crown Prince, which helped her rise in status. After all, she used to be just a wet nurse’s daughter before becoming the Crown Prince’s first concubine.

The young man added this to show loyalty.

“Don’t worry, no one in the house has dared to look down on Lady Lu in the past three months,” he said.

Ning Yuan listened coldly, thinking that Jiang Huai probably enjoyed hearing this.

“Then prince’s wife doesn’t like lotus seeds?” Ning Yuan asked.

The young man thought the prince was joking, because it was rare for the prince to ask about the Young Madam. But the prince waited for an answer.

Reluctantly, the young man answered, “Young Madam, she doesn’t like them.”

Ning Yuan didn’t need to see the young man’s face to know he was lying. 

Ah Qiao, Jiang Huai’s wife, loved peeling and eating lotus seeds. 

Whether they were raw or cooked, she always ate them with great enjoyment.

“Really?” Ning Yuan asked, clearly unconvinced.

He understood that servants often flattered certain people while belittling others.

“But if this gets out, people might think that prince dotes on his concubine and neglects his wife,” Ning Yuan said.

Before he could finish, the servant quickly knelt down and apologized, saying:

“Sorry, Your Highness, I didn’t mean any harm.”

The servant had only wanted to gain favor with his master, but he hadn’t realized that this could lead to trouble.

If the prince were criticized for this, the servant might be in serious trouble.

Understanding the situation, Ning Yuan sighed and spoke more seriously:

“For the sake of the reputation of the entire Xuanwu Marquis Mansion, you should know what to do.”

The servant understood immediately, saying, “Yes, Your Highness.”

Those who didn’t understand wouldn’t dare to challenge the prince’s decisions, especially when it came to his wife.

“Now that you understand, I will deduct three months of your salary as a warning,” Ning Yuan added.

The servant quickly agreed, not daring to argue.

He had to find a way to send those lotus seeds to the Young Madam.

After handling this small issue, Ning Yuan arrived at the dining hall.

However, he didn’t expect that a concubine of Jiang Huai would be serving Mrs. Jiang.

The woman noticed him entering and bowed.

“Your Majesty,” she greeted him.

She helped Mrs. Jiang stand up.

Mrs. Jiang looked happy, her face glowing with a smile. She walked toward him and supported his arm.

Ning Yuan didn’t like being touched by others, but since he was in someone else’s body now, he tried to stay calm and tolerate it.

“Mother.”

I think he should say this too.

“Okay, okay, sit down and eat first.”

After sitting down, Ning Yuan wasn’t surprised to see the woman next to him start serving Mrs. Jiang.

Knowing something serious was coming up, Ning Yuan quietly ate his meal and waited for Mrs. Jiang to speak.

Sure enough, after a few bites, Mrs. Jiang began to speak indirectly.

“Siqing’s baby is already seven months old. She’ll probably give birth soon.”

“When that happens, we’ll need to choose a good name for the child.”

Ning Yuan just nodded, though in his mind, he cursed. He didn’t want to stay in this body until Jiang Huai’s children would call him “daddy.”

Although he was cold, Mrs. Jiang kept being enthusiastic:

“Speaking of which, this is your father’s and my first grandson. Lian’er isn’t in good health, and your father and I don’t have much hope that he will continue the family name.”

Then, while talking, Mrs. Jiang suddenly paused, set down her chopsticks, and said with frustration:

“My grandson was almost killed by that woman, Xu, before. Thankfully, she didn’t succeed.”

Ning Yuan didn’t react at first, but when he heard her accuse Ah Qiao, he finally stopped eating.

He tried to stay calm and not lose his temper.

“Do you have proof for what you’re saying?”

“Taking someone’s life is a serious crime, so why are you so sure of this?”

“Huai’er, you…” 

Mrs. Jiang didn’t understand why her son didn’t believe her.

“I was in charge of the food for Siqing’s front yard. Only the smell of mugwort mixed with musk came from that woman. Is that not true?”

Then, remembering something else, she continued, “Speaking of which, Huai’er, didn’t you go to confront her that night?”

“You walked out angrily. If she didn’t do anything, why would you be so upset?”

Everything had happened so quickly that she didn’t have time to deal with Xu yet.

“She is the bad luck star.” ^[2]phrase used to describe someone who brings bad luck.

Mrs. Jiang said angrily, as if Xu Lianqiao were truly her enemy.

Ning Yuan’s hand tightened under the table.

He thought Ah Qiao was just unpopular in this house, but now he saw how much jealousy and suspicion there was toward her.

“The mother misunderstood. I didn’t ask anything that night. In fact, now that I think about it, there is something odd about it.”

“Odd?”

Mrs. Jiang didn’t expect Jiang Huai to say this.

“In any case, trying to kill an unborn child is a serious crime. If this happens again, I will investigate it thoroughly.”

For some reason, Mrs. Jiang felt a little nervous despite her confident words.

She quickly grabbed the woman beside her hand and changed the subject:

“Huai’er, let’s not talk about this now. As your mother, I would never doubt you.”

“This is Ji Yu, do you remember that she is your sister-in-law?” The girl in our house is also your cousin. When you were unconscious, I decided to take her in. Now, she lives in Fanghua Courtyard.”

“I think it’s inconvenient for Siqing now, so why don’t we let Ji Yu take care of her?”

Ji Yu stood quietly beside them, looking slender and gentle.

She thought that after entering Jiang Mansion, she would live a lonely life as a widow, but…

Prince Jiang woke up half a month later, which made Mrs. Jiang see her as a lucky star.

Thinking of this, Mrs. Jiang couldn’t help feeling a bit shy.

Ning Yuan understood what she meant and gave her a polite look.

He refused and said:

“Mother, you know I just woke up, and it’s not appropriate to focus on beauty right now.”

What he said was true, except for one thing: the “beauty” in question wasn’t really all that beautiful.

How could she compare to Ah Qiao?

Mrs. Jiang paused, realizing he had a point.

She didn’t say anything more and fell silent in frustration.

When she thought of speaking again, “Jiang Huai” had already left.

Only the candlelight swaying in the evening breeze showed that there were three people here earlier.

_

The next morning, the light dew had just settled.

Xu Lianqiao woke up from her bed.

It was strange because she didn’t have a nightmare last night. In fact, she slept very well.

She had dreamed of her childhood, flying kites in the mountains, catching fish in the river, and eating simple meals at a temple with others.

She hadn’t dreamed like that in a long time.

She couldn’t explain why, but Jiang Huai’s awakening didn’t feel oppressive. Instead, it brought her peace.

Later, she found something even stranger.

At noon, she received some lotus seeds.

They weren’t the dry ones; they were plump and fresh.

Unable to resist, she peeled one open and tasted it.

It was so sweet, sweeter than anything she had tasted before.