Chapter 62

Chapter 62

The princess's eyes darkened as she looked at Shiqie Li.

After a long pause, she said, "Rise. Your pregnancy is fragile—stop exhausting yourself with all this commotion."

Shiqie Li looked up at the princess with tear-filled eyes, hoping the princess would answer.

The princess said calmly, "The prince's offspring are my offspring. Of course I'll protect them."

"Go back and take good care of yourself. Just focus on carrying the child full term and raising it properly."

Shiqie Li's eyes gradually brightened as she carefully mulled over the princess's words.

The princess agreed to protect them, mother and child!

She also said the princess would allow her to raise the child!

In that moment, Shiqie Li felt as though she had grasped a ray of infinite light from the deepest abyss.

Instead of rising, she solemnly knelt and bowed her head three times to the princess.

"Your Highness's great kindness, this servant will never forget."

The princess sighed and called out, "Nanny Li."

Nanny Li immediately stepped forward. "Lady Li, you and the child in your womb are what matters most. If you kneel any longer, the princess will be grieved."

Shiqie Li rose and wiped her tears with her hand.

The princess reminded her calmly, "The mansion physician will report your pregnancy to the prince."

Shiqie Li: "I know. I can no longer hide my pregnancy."

The princess: "Your pregnancy is fragile. Last time, I asked Noble Consort Rou for two nannies. One was given to Shiqie An, and the other I'll give to you."

"Take good care of yourself. You still have a chance at the position of Shu Fei."

With the princess's assurance, Shiqie Li finally felt a bit more at ease.

The princess also had Nanny Li personally escort Shiqie Li back to Qingzhu Courtyard.

The princess also sent generous gifts along with her.

Before long, everyone in the rear compound knew that Shiqie Li was pregnant.

"What a coincidence? But her luck isn't that great—she's just a step behind Shiqie Han, and the Shu Fei position that was within reach is now gone."

"Indeed! I heard her pregnancy is rather fragile too. This child coming at such a time—probably not one blessed with fortune."

"Speaking of which, the child in Shiqie Han's belly is the truly blessed one! Just a little earlier, and it earned her the Shu Fei position. If Shufei Han proves capable in the future, she might even become a secondary consort."

"Look at Shiqie Li returning from the princess's place with so many gifts. She probably knew the Shu Fei position was hopeless and took the chance to get more gifts."

"I heard her pregnancy is fragile. For these gifts, she's really risking her life. I thought she was aloof, but it turns out she's no different from us!"

"The Shu Fei position is already gone. What else could she ask for but gifts? However aloof she pretends to be, she still needs silver to eat and live."

When Shiqie Li returned from Qingsong Courtyard, many people were gloating at her.

Likewise, the talk that she and her child had no luck spread throughout the rear compound.

Feishuang and Fei Xu were so angry they cried.

"If this servant finds out which wretch started these rumors, I'll rip her mouth off!"

"My mistress and little master are the most fortunate! That empty belly of Shiqie Han—does that count as fortune?"

"Fei Xu!" Shiqie Li frowned, her tone stern. "Don't say such things again!"

Fei Xu realized she had slipped up and quickly admitted her mistake. "I spoke without thinking. I won't dare say it again."

Shiqie Li reached out and gently stroked the silk and satin on the table, showing no sign of sadness.

She said to herself, "Shiqie Han will definitely try to get pregnant with the prince's child during this time."

"As soon as she gets anxious, she'll be easier to deal with."

"Blessed?" Shiqie Li suddenly looked at Feishuang, a meaningful smile on her face. "Feishuang, think of a way to let everyone in the rear compound know that the child in Shiqie Han's belly is a blessed child."

"Great fortune, indeed..."

Feishuang immediately agreed, saying bitterly, "Now it's all splendor and blazing fire. The grander the show, the better when it collapses."

Shiqie Li added, "In two days, find a way to spread the news that Shiqie Han is faking her pregnancy."

Shiqie Li didn't want to wait three months for Shiqie Han to slip up.

She needed to cause some trouble for Shiqie Han, preferably making her show her hand.

If that didn't work, she'd at least keep her busy so she had no time for others.

"A blessed child? Her?!"

When Fang Yuaner heard these words, a sarcastic smile appeared on her face.

Although she was under house arrest, the household staff not only treated her kindly but always sent her the finest things.