Chapter 431: Since a child is to be born, might as well be his.

Chapter 431: Since a child is to be born, might as well be his.

Even after the family division, there was much to do, like handing over the management of the estates and shops. But the division was fair, and there was mutual trust among the family members, making the transition smooth, allowing current stewards to report directly to their new masters without the need for changes in management.

Upon hearing of the Dingguo family’s division, Emperor Li Jingyi bestowed many gifts upon them, which were divided into four parts, one for Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai, and one for each of the three siblings.

Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai were bemused upon receiving the gifts; Emperor Li Jingyi truly considered himself part of the family.

A few days later, as everything settled down, Xie Xihua found out she was pregnant, bringing joy to the family once again. Tang Shuyi called Xiao Yuming to her side to remind him to be more understanding and patient with his wife during her pregnancy.

As for pregnancy care, Tang Shuyi didn’t offer unsolicited advice, leaving it to Mrs. Xie who would surely have many instructions. Nevertheless, she sent many nourishing gifts to Xie Xihua and Jia Ning.

Though the family was divided, Tang Shuyi’s dowry and Xiao Huai’s personal wealth remained substantial. They were still rich enough to provide for their daughter-in-law’s nourishment without concern.

“This is also good,” Tang Shuyi remarked. “After Xihua gives birth, we can set out, avoiding any gossip about us being unfair if we were away from the capital during her pregnancy and delivery.”

Parents must strive for impartiality; many family conflicts arise from favoritism and unfair actions.

With a nod, Xiao Huai felt that this would allow them to travel with one less worry.

As they conversed, Steward Zhao came with news that the Prince of Yong had arrived. Xiao Huai stood to greet him in the front hall and found the prince looking anxious yet hesitant to speak.

Being acquaintances, Xiao Huai asked directly, "What's troubling you?"

Indeed, the Prince of Yong should have returned to the northwest by now, but for reasons unknown, he lingered.

"I..." The prince's face twisted with embarrassment, prompting Xiao Huai to sit and sip tea patiently until the prince finally said, "Please, summon your wife; I need to ask a favor of her."

Puzzled, Xiao Huai sent for Tang Shuyi. She arrived, looking curious, and the prince stood up to greet her with the due formalities.

Once seated, Tang Shuyi inquired, "What brings you here?"

The prince clenched his fist in evident struggle before confessing, "Changping is with child."

Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai were stunned, not expecting that Princess Changping would be involved with the Prince of Yong, much less pregnant with his child.

The prince, embarrassed yet compelled to face the situation, blurted out his dilemma to them.

"Sister-in-law," he began, seeking a more intimate appeal, "Princess Changping is carrying my child. The deed is done; I won't deny it. Yet, she refuses marriage and won't let me take the child after birth. What a predicament!"

Tang Shuyi was speechless.

What could she say? Perhaps Princess Changping had intended to conceive independently from the start.

"Sister-in-law, you have a close bond with Changping. Please persuade her to either marry me or let me take the child after its birth," he implored Tang Shuyi earnestly.

His child should not be left to wander.

Tang Shuyi responded after a pause, "I will convey your wishes to the princess, but I can't guarantee her decision."

Personally, she would opt for the father to keep the child. However, Princess Changping's choice of partner was questionable, and the Prince of Yong was known for being uncompromising.

The prince was dissatisfied with her response; he had hoped Tang Shuyi would strongly advocate on his behalf, but her words did not necessarily imply she would urge Princess Changping to marry him or surrender the child.

Rising, he bowed deeply to Tang Shuyi and said, "Please speak kindly for me. Marrying me or entrusting the child to me would be beneficial for both her and the child. How will people speak of her and the child if she, an unwed woman, bears a child alone?"

Tang Shuyi assured, "I will speak to the princess."

The ultimate decision now rests with Princess Changping.

The Prince of Yong realized that Tang Shuyi might not be entirely in his corner, yet in all of the capital, she was his only hope to persuade Princess Changping. The time was not right for the emperor and the dowager empress to learn of the matter.

"I'm deeply grateful for your help, sister-in-law," the prince said, bowing again in thanks.

Without delay, Tang Shuyi took a carriage to the princess's residence. Upon entering Princess Changping's courtyard, she found her comfortably reclining on a divan, attended by several maids massaging her shoulders and a nanny advising her on pregnancy care...

The scene was the epitome of comfort and indulgence. Remembering the prince's anxious and awkward demeanor, Tang Shuyi couldn't help but chuckle to herself.

When Princess Changping noticed her arrival, she gestured for privacy. Tang Shuyi, sitting across from her, asked with resignation, "Out of all people, why did you choose the Prince of Yong?"

Shifting her posture, the princess replied, "He walked into this himself; I'm not to blame."

"What happened?" Tang Shuyi inquired, her curiosity piqued.

Princess Changping recounted her story with the prince, leaving Tang Shuyi speechless yet again.

It all started at a palace banquet which both had attended. Finding the event stifling, they stepped out for air and happened upon each other in the imperial gardens. Though they were strangers, they recognized each other and exchanged courtesies.

Ordinarily, they should have parted ways after the pleasantries, but influenced by wine, they struck up a conversation and surprisingly found common ground. Neither were particularly conventional, and soon enough, both harbored certain intentions.

A couple of days post-banquet, they crossed paths again at Lakeview Pavilion. The spark already kindled and fate seemingly at play, they agreed to share a meal and drinks, and what was meant to happen, happened naturally.

Such encounters, once started, often repeat, and in the days that followed, their meetings grew frequent.

"I never intended to pick him as the father of my child," confessed Princess Changping with a helpless expression, "but we were remarkably in sync in every aspect, and I thought, since I'm going to have a child, why not his?"

Tang Shuyi was rendered speechless.

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