Chapter 137: The Path to Ascension (3)

Chapter 137: The Path to Ascension (3)

Each seated in their own sedan chair, Lin Yingxue was returning to the Eastern Palace from the Empress’s palace, while Lin Baozhen had originally been about to leave the palace.

Lin Baozhen descended from her sedan chair to pay her respects to Lin Yingxue, finally realizing that her younger sister was indeed the Crown Princess.

As the daughter of the legitimate wife, her mother’s family was the prestigious Changqing Marquis's estate. She had been doted on by her parents and grandparents since childhood. Back in her family home, it had always been Lin Yingxue who bowed to her; Lin Baozhen had never had to return the courtesy. In fact, Lin Yingxue hadn’t even stepped down from her sedan chair this time, remaining above her, looking down from a lofty height.

It was clear that Lin Yingxue was living exceptionally well in the palace. Wrapped in a white fur cloak, her radiance surpassed that of her wedding day, like a fully blooming peony.

"Why don’t you visit my Eastern Palace for a while?" Lin Yingxue suggested.

Lin Yingxue could see that her elder sister’s arrogance had noticeably diminished.

Honestly, if it were just up to her feelings, Lin Yingxue had no desire to reminisce with Lin Baozhen.

However, she now had another identity—that of the Crown Princess. And her elder sister, Lin Baozhen, still held the title of wife to the Wei Wu Marquis.

Chenfei’s external support relied on the Wei Wu Marquis. If the Wei Wu Marquis were to turn against Chenfei, she would be as good as finished, like a mayfly after autumn.

Lin Yingxue knew that her husband had used every available strategy to secure his position. Though she personally disliked Lin Baozhen, she was willing to put on a show of friendliness for the sake of defending the Crown Prince’s position.

"No need," Lin Baozhen declined Lin Yingxue’s invitation.

Although Lin Baozhen had accepted not obtaining the position of Crown Princess, it didn’t stop her from feeling annoyed whenever she saw Lin Yingxue.

She had never been able to get along with this younger sister, and if possible, she would prefer to remain superior. But it was now clear that this was impossible. Lin Yingxue was firmly seated as the Crown Princess, so it was best to stay distant. She had no intention of continuously bowing and scraping to this younger sister.

"I’m pregnant now, and it’s about to snow. It wouldn’t be convenient if I returned late; I don’t want anything to go wrong."

Lin Yingxue smiled at Lin Baozhen. "In that case, I won’t invite you to chat. Please extend my regards to the Marquis; after all, we’re still family."

Lin Yingxue adjusted the blanket wrapped around her child. "It’s bitterly cold, and it’s not suitable to chat out here in the wind any longer. I’ll take my leave now."

At the signal from Lin Yingxue’s head maid, the eunuchs lifted the sedan chair and carried her off.

Lin Baozhen looked at the senior palace maid, who was from the Changqing Marquis Estate. She had made a fuss about refusing to serve but eventually ended up following Fei Yuan, who had been under Lin Yingxue. Now, Fei Yuan had become the right-hand woman of the Crown Princess.

Zhang Yan was also looking at Fei Yuan, her jaw nearly dropping in surprise. Fei Yuan actually had such an imposing manner?

"We should leave as well," Lin Baozhen said, seeing Zhang Yan lost in thought, and had to personally order the eunuchs to carry her out on a palanquin. "It really is about to snow."

Inside the palace, it wasn't proper to speak freely, but after they left the palace, Zhang Yan couldn't help but speak to Lin Baozhen. "Madam, the Crown Princess's presence is truly impressive..."

Zhang Yan felt somewhat resentful. If things had turned out slightly differently, Lin Baozhen by my side could have been the Crown Princess. In that case, she would have been in a position like Fei Yuan's.

"What are you thinking?" Lin Baozhen gave Zhang Yan a side-eye. "Do you think I'm the type to grovel and act subservient? The Crown Prince..."

If she had married Zhao Jiaze, he would still be part of the Fu family, with even the news about Uncle Fu Bin kept tightly hidden.

Thinking of that prophetic dream, Lin Baozhen felt angry. In the past, I had taken pride in it, but now, as her mother had said, it was all useless information.

"If I had married him, he would have kept everything secret, not even letting close relatives know." Lin Baozhen muttered this quietly.

Zhang Yan didn't hear clearly and asked, "Madam, what did you say?"

"Don't think too much about it," Lin Baozhen yawned. "Our life is pretty good too. I'm actually married quite well."

Lin Baozhen felt drowsy as she got off the carriage. Xie Yuan was already there, waiting at the door. Seeing Lin Baozhen staggering, he scooped her up in his arms, lifting her in his arms.

Lin Baozhen felt herself being carried into the mansion, with Xie Yuan carefully shielding her with his cloak from the freshly falling snow. She couldn't help but smile softly in his arms.

Actually, this kind of life was still quite good.

Xie Yuan carried her all the way back to the inner chambers before speaking. "Did Concubine Chen give you any orders?"

Lin Baozhen had dozed off in the carriage for a while and now, holding a cup of tea, she felt a bit more awake.

"She just looked upset. I relayed what you asked me to tell her and also advised her to relax a bit."

Lin Baozhen then tried to comfort Xie Yuan. "Don't overthink it. The Crown Prince has the blessings of heaven, earth, and people. If Concubine Chen had a child, she might still stand a chance against the Crown Prince, but what does she have now?"

Xie Yuan looked at Lin Baozhen, his expression unreadable.

His wife was truly naive and ignorant, knowing nothing. Concubine Chen enjoyed the emperor's favor, and she did bear a child of imperial lineage, though that child is no longer alive.

In the past, Xie Yuan would have pulled a long face for several days because of Lin Baozhen's foolishness.

But now that Lin Baozhen has a child...

Xie Yuan couldn't have children with other women, and as he grew older, he became increasingly fond of children. Now that Lin Baozhen has a child, he treats her even more gently.

One son isn’t enough; Xie Yuan wants another son, though a daughter would do just as well. They say daughters are more considerate. After all, Xie Yuan only has one child with her, and more children would be better.

Deep in thought, Xie Yuan still smiled at Lin Baozhen. "Our family is backed by Concubine Chen. As for the Crown Prince's side..."

At this point, Xie Yuan’s heart stirred. In fact, their Weiwu Marquis Mansion also had some connection to the Crown Prince's side.

However, if the Crown Prince’s side was a cold bed, he would be willing to warm it up. But the Crown Prince was already surrounded by many people...

"By the way, I met the Crown Princess in the palace."

Lin Baozhen's words shocked Xie Yuan.

Xie Yuan quickly asked, "What did the Crown Princess say?"

Lin Baozhen replied without hesitation, "She invited me to sit for a while in her palace, but it was almost time for the meal, so I didn’t want to stay. I told her it was about to snow and I needed to return. She mentioned that we are family and asked me to convey her regards."

"Let me ponder..."

As Xie Yuan pondered, he wondered if he should abandon Concubine Chen’s ‘big ship.’ Although he had done things for Concubine Chen, they were mainly against the current princes, and he hadn’t made any moves towards the Crown Prince yet.

If the Crown Prince sought a smooth transition, his allegiance might win the Crown Prince’s favor.

However, having worked for Concubine Chen for so long, he was hesitant to abandon her and join the Crown Prince’s side.

He ordered the meal to be served, allowing Lin Baozhen to finish and rest. As he looked out at the drifting snowflakes, the Weiwu Marquis ultimately made a decision.

The Crown Prince was destined by heaven, and what he did was in line with the will of heaven.