Chapter 77

Chapter 77

Concubine Han wanted to curry favor, but because of the child in her belly, she couldn't be too obvious.

She was also anxious at the moment.

Now that Fang Yuaner had voluntarily handed her an excuse, how could she not make good use of it?

The anger on Hong Nao's face instantly turned to joy.

"Our mistress suffered such a great grievance today. The prince must give her some comfort."

She cheerfully went to the front courtyard.

The Princess Consort had never interfered with the concubines going to the front courtyard to seek favor.

In her view, if you managed to gain favor, that was your skill.

If you angered Prince Jing, it was your own doing.

Concubine Han was lucky. Prince Jing happened to be free today, idling in the front courtyard.

When he heard that Fang Yuaner had sent a physician to trouble Concubine Han's courtyard, he only felt a headache.

"How can these women be so troublesome?"

"They're under house arrest and still not peaceful!"

Prince Jing's house arrest of Fang Yuaner was partly to protect her pregnancy, but also a punishment.

The prince's mansion was his own realm; he didn't need to play games of favor and neglect.

Even if Concubine Ning were truly dying, she shouldn't be beaten to death by Fang Yuaner.

Fang Yuaner's fuss had ruined Prince Jing's plans, so she deserved some punishment.

But after only a few months of good behavior, she started making trouble again.

Prince Jing couldn't help but feel some disgust.

Especially since Fang Yuaner's trip to cause trouble for Concubine Han yielded nothing.

Prince Jing had also heard many rumors about Concubine Han's false pregnancy.

But he didn't care.

Several mansion physicians had diagnosed Concubine Han's pregnancy; they all said she was pregnant, so she was pregnant!

If after ten months she couldn't give birth to a child, then they could talk about punishment.

If one insisted she was faking pregnancy, they needed solid evidence.

Prince Jing would not question the truth of Concubine Han's pregnancy based on gossip.

He wasn't that idle!

After hearing Hong Nao's report, Prince Jing said coldly, "Shi An, instruct the Princess Consort to properly teach Secondary Consort Fang."

"If Secondary Consort Fang is too idle, then find something for her to do!"

Hong Nao could tell.

Prince Jing's tone was calm, but his words indicated he was angry with Secondary Consort Fang.

She couldn't help but rejoice inwardly.

Prince Jing looked at Hong Nao. "Your mistress has been wronged. I'll go see her later."

Hong Nao bowed, her voice tinged with sobs: "My mistress said that she doesn't mind the grievance herself, but she feels sorry for the child in her womb."

"The little master is not even two months old yet, and already has to endure such rumors. Who knows what harsh words await in the future."

Prince Jing lowered his eyes. "Lately, the Princess Consort has been busy, and has neglected the management of the servants."

Hong Nao naturally dared not criticize the Princess Consort, so she defended her with a few words.

Prince Jing was impatient with these words and dismissed her.

When Hong Nao left, Prince Jing bestowed many gifts, as comfort for Concubine Han.

When Fang Yuaner heard this news, she couldn't help but feel angry.

But she quickly calmed down.

"For now, it's just a show. I'll wait eight months and see what she can give birth to!"

Among the capable ones in the mansion now, besides Concubine An, Fang Yuaner and Xie Run were the most senior.

Their connections and influence were also the greatest.

Two months ago, Fang Yuaner had heard about the recipe for faking pregnancy.

Such news couldn't have spread without reason.

That meant someone was scheming behind the scenes!

Fang Yuaner was simply bored during her pregnancy and annoyed by the rumors about the lucky child, so she suddenly came up with this move.

It was a push for Concubine Han and the person behind her.

At dinner time, Prince Jing arrived as promised.

The Pearl Courtyard had already been joyfully prepared.

Concubine Han had dressed up early, from fingertips to hair, every part exuding delicate charm, even her body emanating a seductive fragrance.

She was naturally fair and alluring, with a begonia painted between her brows with rouge, like a reincarnation of the legendary femme fatale Daji.

Her eyes were coquettish and alluring, as if they could steal souls.

Prince Jing hadn't been to the Pearl Courtyard for a long time; seeing Concubine Han in her elaborate attire, he was briefly stunned.

But after the surprise, only a frown remained.

Prince Jing said, "So fragrant. Did you apply powder?"

As he spoke, Prince Jing's eyes fixed on Concubine Han's face.

He thought she looked even fairer than before.

Shiqie Han beamed, her eyes sparkling with charm as her soft hand rested on Prince Jing’s arm.

“Your Highness has a keen nose! I’ve switched to a new fragrance, and you picked it out instantly.”

The Prince showed no pleasure, merely saying flatly, “You are with child now. Use less of such powders and creams; they are harmful to the baby.”

These were words Fang Yuaner often harped on about in Prince Jing’s ear.

Something about heavy metals in cosmetics…

Though the Prince did not fully understand, hearing it repeatedly made some of it stick.

In the Prince Jing manor, if anyone loved dressing up, Fang Yuaner would be the undisputed first, with no one daring to claim second.

And she had the means, spending lavishly on her appearance, never skimping, always going for the most extravagant.

Yet even so, once Fang Yuaner became pregnant, she gave up all her makeup, rarely even wore fine clothes.

With Fang Yuaner setting such an example, Prince Jing found Shiqie Han’s dressed-up look somewhat displeasing.

Shiqie Han, quick-witted, kept her smile intact.

“I am grateful for Your Highness’s concern. But I had this fragrance specially blended to be harmless for pregnant women.”

“If Your Highness dislikes it, I will stop using it.”

Prince Jing nodded. “Shufei Fang is quite particular in this regard. If you are unsure, you can send someone to consult her.”

Shiqie Han lowered her head, her smile gradually turning into unease. “Well… I am afraid Sister Fang does not favor me, so I dare not impose on her.”

Only then did Prince Jing remember what Fang Yuaner had done today.

He had come this time to console Shiqie Han.

He added, “What happened today—you have been wronged.”

Shiqie Han’s eyes reddened on cue. “To be honest, I don’t mind the injustice. It is the child in my womb that pains me, being unfairly dragged through these rumors.”

“Now they say I am feigning pregnancy. In a few days, will they claim the child is not of Your Highness’s blood?!”

Shiqie Han was bold, not mincing words before the Prince.

But she knew that, like most men in the world, Prince Jing preferred his women to be “candid.”

Thus, she deliberately crafted a bold and straightforward persona in front of him.

Her words carried a certain unreservedness.

“Other women carrying your child are fine. Only I have to endure such insults.”

As she spoke, tears began to fall.

Prince Jing patted her shoulder by way of comfort. “This is Shufei Fang’s fault. I have already told the Princess Consort to talk to her.”

“The gossip in the manor will soon cease.”

Shiqie Han half-leaned on Prince Jing, her voice soft as an oriole’s chirp. “Thank you, Your Highness.”

Prince Jing caught a whiff of her fragrance—it felt oddly familiar.