Chapter 370: Shen Rong’s Pregnancy

Chapter 370: Shen Rong's Pregnancy

Naturally, Shen Rong felt bitter about it. Although she believed that Song Rui's achievement of the top rank was largely due to his own abilities, the Prime Minister’s residence had also played a significant role behind the scenes.

At the very least, the poems and writings that Song Rui composed were spread widely thanks to arrangements made by her father.

Song Rui's sudden rise to fame over the past couple of days was largely thanks to the Prime Minister’s residence.

However, thinking about her Xuanlang, who hadn't even been able to enter the exam, let alone achieve a ranking, she felt a deep sense of injustice.

Why did her father have to be so hard on the Meng family and make things tough for Xuanlang?

Xuanlang was incredibly talented. If he had taken part in the court recruitment exam, he would have easily secured a top rank!

This was all so unjust!

Song Rui glanced at Shen Rong and gave her a polite nod.

"I didn't expect that the Prime Minister had arranged people outside the exam venue. It was my oversight."

"But now that the exam is over, there's no changing the outcome."

"You and Master Meng will need to consider other options."

Shen Rong's expression changed.

"What other plans can we even make? How can Xuanlang enter officialdom if he didn’t even take the exam?!" she asked in a low voice.

Yes, she was furious with Song Rui.

Just before the exam, she had found out she was pregnant.

At that time, after discussing with Xuanlang, their original plan was to confess to her father.

They hoped her father would accept Xuanlang for the sake of their unborn child.

However, after Song Rui learned of the situation, he advised them against it.

Song Rui told them to wait until after the court recruitment exam, believing that once Xuanlang achieved a good rank, the news would have a better chance of being accepted by her father. And she wouldn’t face severe punishment.

Shen Rong and Xuanlang had complete trust in Song Rui and agreed.

But the result was that Xuanlang hadn't even been able to enter the exam venue.

Meanwhile, Song Rui, with the help of her father's influence, had achieved the top rank and now was a prominent figure in the capital's literary world.

Now, not only her father but also her mother had changed their attitude towards Song Rui.

This made her suspect that Song Rui might have ulterior motives toward her or the Prime Minister’s residence.

Hearing Shen Rong's words, Song Rui's expression remained unchanged.

"Given the current situation, as long as the Prime Minister is in power, Master Meng will likely have no chance to rise."

Seeing Shen Rong looking at him, Song Rui continued, "In order for Master Meng to take the exam smoothly, I did everything that should and shouldn't have been done. The Prime Minister is actually not completely unaware."

Shen Rong's face showed surprise.

Song Rui sighed and then continued, "On the very first day of the court recruitment exam, the Prime Minister summoned me to his study and mentioned Master Meng."

Shen Rong's face turned pale.

"At that time, the Prime Minister warned me. He told me to stay out of Master Meng's business."

"He also warned—"

"He also warned what?!" Shen Rong asked urgently.

Song Rui gave Shen Rong a troubled look.

"He said that if I continued to get involved, Master Meng might encounter trouble."

"Moreover, even without my involvement, Master Meng would never be considered for marriage into the Prime Minister's family."

Shen Rong swayed unsteadily.

Song Rui reached out, but she instinctively pulled back, regaining her balance.

Song Rui withdrew his hand and looked at Shen Rong worriedly.

"To ensure Master Meng's safety and to prevent you from acting impulsively, I only informed Master Meng about this."

Shen Rong's expression changed.

"Xuanlang knew—" the last word was slightly hoarse.

No wonder Xuanlang missed the exam but kept telling her not to act rashly and to listen to Song Rui.

So, was it because of this reason?

My father has already destroyed the Meng family, and now he intends to harm Xuanlang?

Song Rui nodded with a difficult expression.

Shen Rong stumbled again.

She steadied herself by gripping the trunk of a nearby tree.

Song Rui looked worried.

"Miss, please take care of your health. If not for your own sake, then for the sake of—" he said, glancing at Shen Rong's abdomen.

Shen Rong's expression changed, and she instinctively covered her belly.

Her eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at Song Rui.

"You—know—" she said with some panic.

Only Lier and Xuanlang were aware of her condition.

Lier could never have told Song Rui the secret.

So, Xuanlang had also informed Song Rui about this?!

This concerned her reputation and virtue! How could Xuanlang place such blind trust in him?!

Song Rui nodded.

"Meng Xuanlang is a good friend of mine, and since he trusts me, Miss Shen, you can trust me too." He spoke sincerely.

Shen Rong's expression froze.

Seeing this, Song Rui's expression softened a little.

"Moreover, Miss Shen, you have saved my life and shown me great trust. I feel deep gratitude and want to repay your kindness in any way I can."

After looking at Song Rui for a moment, Shen Rong finally nodded.

"Just now, I lost my composure. I must have seemed pretty flustered."

Song Rui's expression was gentle.

"Miss was just anxious; it's understandable," he responded.

Shen Rong smiled awkwardly.

"Since Xuanlang trusts you, I trust you too. In your opinion, what should Xuanlang and I do next?" she asked urgently.

My father has already made threats against Xuanlang's life.

Now, I need to be extremely careful.

Song Rui looked at Shen Rong.

Seeing her anxious expression, he hesitated for a moment before finally speaking.

"I've been thinking about this for the past few days."

"What?" Shen Rong asked quickly, as if she had grabbed onto a lifeline.

Song Rui looked hesitant again.

Just before Shen Rong was about to ask again, he finally said, "Before I share my plan, I want to ask you a question."

"What question?" Shen Rong frowned.

"Do you really love Master Meng?"

Shen Rong's expression turned angry.

"Or rather, how genuine is your love for Master Meng?"

"If Master Meng can never become an official, and can only live as an ordinary person, or even live a very impoverished life, would you still be willing to be with him?"

"Furthermore, if you leave with Master Meng, you will never be able to see the Prime Minister and Madam again in your life. Would you still be willing?" Song Rui continued.

Shen Rong's expression changed drastically.

It hit her like a wave.

"I am willing."

"As long as I can be with Xuanlang, I don’t care about fame or fortune."

As she spoke, Shen Rong touched her own abdomen.

Regarding my father and mother, Father holds the position of Prime Minister, with great power and influence. Mother, on the other hand, is well taken care of by Father. Even if I'm not by their side, they will still live comfortably...

Xuanlang, on the other hand, only has her and their child. She couldn’t bear to leave them behind.

Song Rui’s expression shifted.

He confirmed that Shen Rong’s decision matched what he and Meng Xuan had anticipated. Without hesitation, he laid out his plan to Shen Rong.

Shen Rong was taken aback when she heard it.

"Do you really think this will work?" she asked, her voice tinged with doubt.

Song Rui nodded reassuringly.

"I’ve thought this through carefully, and this is the best approach."