Chapter 415: Can You Swallow This Insult?

Chapter 415: Can You Swallow This Insult?

Jianing was pregnant, and while Xiao Yuchen was overjoyed, he was also at a loss, to the point of being afraid to hold her in his sleep. The next morning, he carefully escorted Jianing to the World Peace Garden for breakfast.

Jianing couldn't help but laugh and cry, "You don't need to be so cautious; I don't feel much different than usual."

Xiao Yuchen said earnestly, "Still, we must be cautious. Perhaps we should start using the small kitchen in our courtyard, so you can have breakfast here from now on."

"No," Jianing immediately replied, "I want to talk with mother and Yuzhu."

What could Xiao Yuchen say to that? He agreed, then tiptoed around, gently escorting Jianing to the World Peace Garden. Upon their arrival, a breakfast suitable for a pregnant woman had been prepared, especially instructed by Tang Shuyi for the kitchen to do so.

After breakfast, Xiao Huai and Xiao Yuchen left for their duties. Tang Shuyi had no personal experience with childbirth and couldn't offer much advice to Jianing, so she had a physician compile a "Pregnant Woman's Handbook" to teach her.

At that moment, steward Zhao reported the arrival of the Old Duke of Li's wife. Tang Shuyi and Jianing promptly got up to greet her at the entrance. The Old Duchess of Li, upon seeing Jianing, held her hand and inquired about her health, to which Jianing responded with a smile, and then the group proceeded to the Clear Wind Pavilion.

After chatting for a while, Tang Shuyi excused herself, leaving the grandmother and granddaughter to talk privately. The Old Duchess of Li held Jianing's hand and said, "With all those rumors outside, I was so worried I couldn't sleep. Now that you're with child, I can rest easy."

"I'm sorry to have caused you concern," Jianing said, linking arms with the Old Duchess. The child had come at just the right time.

"What about that girl from the Lan family, what do your mother-in-law and Yuchen say?" asked the Old Duchess.

Jianing smiled and assured, "Don't worry, she won't be entering the Duke's residence."

"That's a relief," continued the Old Duchess. "Though that girl from the Lan family is a concubine's daughter, her father holds the rank of a second-tier official. Should she enter the residence, she would not be a mere concubine."

"Moreover," the Old Duchess leaned in closer to Jianing, lowering her voice, "If your mother-in-law and Yuchen don't bring up taking a concubine, you shouldn't either."

It was customary for a principal wife, when pregnant and unable to attend to her husband, to suggest taking a concubine for him. This was the usual approach because if you don't offer it, he will likely take one himself. Few men would choose to deprive themselves.

However, the Duke’s residence was different; the Duke himself had no concubines, and the Duchess did not foist any upon her son, so Jianing had even less reason to trouble herself with a concubine.

Touched by her words, Jianing felt a surge of emotion, grateful for her maternal grandmother's thoughtful consideration. She too lowered her voice, "Yuchen said he will not take a concubine, for any reason."

The Old Duchess of Li clapped her hands in delight upon hearing this, "Good, that's truly wonderful."

These daughters of noble families were outwardly taught to accept that men would have multiple wives and concubines, and that a principal wife should be generous and virtuous. But no woman truly wished to share her husband with others; it was just that such sentiments were never expressed openly.

After their conversation, Prince Duan and Li Jinghao arrived, followed by many servants carrying various items—food, playthings, items for use, and even children's toys. Jianing was both warmed and amused by the sight, recognizing the silly things her foolish younger brother had bought.

Lady Dowager of the Rites was not fond of Prince Duan. After sitting for a while, she excused herself. Li Jinghao rose to see her out, leaving only Prince Duan and Jianing in the room. Prince Duan glanced at Jianing's belly and felt a tenderness arise within him.

He said, "Now that you're with child, take good care of yourself. Focus on nurturing the baby, and don't worry about managing other affairs."

Although his words were meant as care, they weren't very pleasant to hear. Nevertheless, Jianing didn't mind and said with a smile, "Thank you, Father."

Prince Duan grunted in acknowledgment, about to say that if there was nothing else, he would take his leave, when Jianing spoke again, "Father, have you heard about the rumors outside?"

Prince Duan asked with a puzzled face, "What rumors?"

Jianing replied, "The rumor about Miss Lan wanting to become a concubine to my husband."

Prince Duan was taken aback and then said, "Don't worry about it. Even if she enters our home, she'll be nothing but a concubine. And now that you're pregnant, she poses no threat to your position."

Jianing looked down at her teacup, the light brown tea inside emitting wisps of steam. With such a father, she no longer got angry at his actions or words, but still felt a bit uncomfortable inside.

She said, "She won't be able to enter the gates of the Duke's mansion."

"That's even better. What's there to worry about?" said Prince Duan.

Turning her head to look at him, Jianing said, "I come from the House of Prince Duan. By spreading such rumors, the Lan family is attempting to usurp my husband. Have they not considered my position, or even yours, Father?"

Prince Duan was startled again. He hadn't thought much of the Lan family wanting to give their daughter to Xiao Yuchen as a concubine; in fact, he found it rather disgraceful for them. A concubine, after all, was nothing but a plaything for a man. Were the Lans not ashamed to offer their daughter as such?

But hearing Jianing's perspective, he felt that perhaps the Lans had indeed overlooked his status. Frowning, he said, "Do you want me to give Lan Feibai a thrashing?"

"Our power may reside in our fief, but here in the capital, we should not be trifled with," Jianing added. "Father, can you tolerate such disrespect?"

Prince Duan thought for a moment with a furrowed brow, "Lan Feibai holds the rank of second class. If I were to kill him, the Emperor would never forgive me."

Jianing replied, "Our goal is to let the Lan family and everyone in the capital know that the House of Prince Duan is not to be provoked, and neither are you, Father. There's no need for anyone to die."

"Hmm, I understand. I will go find that old boy Lan Feibai right now," Prince Duan said as he made to leave. Jianing quickly pulled at him, "Father, to embarrass the Lan family and have a deterrent effect, it should be done when there are many witnesses."

Prince Duan frowned and asked, "Where will there be a crowd?"

Jianing looked at him with a smile, "Tomorrow happens to be the day of the early court session."

"Alright, I understand."

"You should do it like this..."

Jianing, worried about his reckless actions, gave him another set of instructions. The Duke nodded in response, signaling his agreement, and then strode out. At the doorway, he ran into Li Jinghao returning and said, "I've spoken to your sister. I'm leaving now."

Li Jinghao knew he was not one to sit still and did not stop him, letting him go. He then entered the hall of Qingfeng Garden, where he sat down with his sister for a talk. Jianing explained what she had instructed the Duke to do, to which Li Jinghao, gritting his teeth, said, "If father can't handle it, I'll go."

Jianing laughed, "Don't worry, he'll handle it better than you would."

Besides, he's the most suited for this task. Even if he ends up beating Lan Feibai into bed rest, the worst he would get is a scolding from the Emperor and a fine deducted from his stipend.