Chapter 94

Chapter 94

In the past, whenever trouble arose in the manor, Prince Jing would not spend the night in the rear courtyard.

It was clearly a sign of his disgust at the women in the rear courtyard causing trouble.

But today, after so many major incidents, Prince Jing came to Spring Mountain Courtyard—wasn't that surprising?

I'm afraid that by tomorrow, every woman in the rear courtyard will envy and resent Xie Run.

Prince Jing caught Xie Run's implication but didn't take offense. He merely said, "You seem gentle and soft, but today in Autumn Maple Courtyard, you were bold and meticulous, and quite composed."

Xie Run smiled warmly. "I'll take that as Your Highness's compliment."

"Although I am just a Shu Fei of Your Highness, I also represent Your Highness's dignity."

"If I panicked and lost my composure when faced with trouble, wouldn't that show Your Highness's poor judgment?"

In her own room, Xie Run wasn't afraid of speaking boldly.

She only smiled charmingly. "I stay steady and unflustered, which also tells everyone that Your Highness has good judgment and hasn't favored me in vain!"

"It is indeed a compliment," Prince Jing said lightly, but with a hint of satisfaction in his eyes. "It's not for nothing that I favor you."

If today Xie Run had lost her composure when Sang Cao tried to frame her, unable to defend herself, only crying and protesting her innocence,

even if Prince Jing later found out the truth and cleared her name, he probably wouldn't have favored her much.

Because she couldn't stand her ground.

Now, Prince Jing was satisfied with Xie Run's reaction, and was thus more willing to favor her.

That was why he came to Spring Mountain Courtyard at this time.

Prince Jing's dark gaze fell on Xie Run's jet-black hair. Suddenly, he raised his hand and touched her head, saying, "I like you like this."

"Like a lotus rising from clear water, naturally without adornment."

"Clean and pure, without those cold ornaments blocking the view, it makes you look even more beautiful and gentle."

Xie Run smiled slightly, her peach-blossom eyes reflecting the candlelight, looking even more affectionate and captivating.

She vaguely understood what Prince Jing liked. Instead of responding to his words, she asked softly, "Has Your Highness dined?"

Prince Jing glanced at the dishes on the table, which were ordinary home-style dishes, the only special one being a plate of fresh green vegetables.

It was truly rare to see such tender greens in this season.

But given Xie Run's favored status, she could manage to have them.

Prince Jing could see that Xie Run had made no preparation for his sudden arrival.

"I haven't eaten. I'll eat here."

With that, he lifted his robe and sat down on a chair.

Xie Run instructed someone to prepare a set of bowls and chopsticks, then took her own bowl, filled it with soup, and offered it to Prince Jing.

She showed no intention of discussing the day's events with Prince Jing.

She only asked softly, "Your Highness, this is fennel soup. Though it looks simple, it has a refreshing taste in winter."

"Would you like to try it?"

Prince Jing nodded coolly.

Xie Run handed him the bowl of soup.

Soon, a maid brought another set of bowls and chopsticks, and also filled a bowl of soup for Xie Run.

Xie Run's eyes sparkled as she smiled. "Ever since Sister Fang came up with the method of growing vegetables in a greenhouse, I've been blessed with good food this winter."

Prince Jing glanced casually and indeed noticed many fresh vegetables.

"She is indeed very talented in this area."

Xie Run smiled. "I just hope Sister Fang can come up with even more things next year, so I can enjoy the benefits too."

Prince Jing chuckled. "You're quite optimistic, thinking you'll enjoy a lifetime of ease."

Xie Run touched her belly and said sincerely, "I also feel that I must have suffered enough in my previous life to have such comfortable days without worries about food and clothing in this life."

Prince Jing looked at Xie Run's belly, his gaze softening a bit.

"Has the child been troubling you?"

Xie Run shook her head. "It's quite rare. This child has been really well-behaved during pregnancy."

"I didn't vomit in the first three months, and my appetite was fine—I was just a bit sleepy. After that, things went smoothly. Apart from a bigger appetite and better sleep, I've had no discomfort at all."

Prince Jing smiled. "It shows the child knows how to care for its mother—that's a good thing!"

"Like you, he'll be well-behaved and sensible in the future."

Xie Run thought for a moment. "Not necessarily well-behaved and sensible."

Prince Jing looked at her curiously. "What do you mean?"

"If it's a girl, being too well-behaved and sensible makes her vulnerable to bullying."

Prince Jing nodded. "That's true. I see Ruyi as having a somewhat soft nature, and I can't help worrying whether she will suffer at the hands of her husband in the future."

Xie Run nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Not everyone is a noble gentleman like Your Highness."

Prince Jing was amused by her compliment. "Noble gentleman? Suisui is the first to call me that."

With maids still serving around, Xie Run ignored his flirtation.

She said seriously, "If it's a boy, being obedient is even less desirable."

"If he's too docile and has no temper, when his wife and children are bullied in the future, he won't have enough masculine spirit to stand up—how can he be the pillar of the family?"

Prince Jing reached out and pinched her nose. "Just now you were as docile as a lamb, and now you're blathering on!"

"If the child really takes after you, it's probably just acting obedient, with shrewdness hidden inside."

Xie Run smiled as if playing dumb. "I'll take that as Your Highness's compliment."

Chatting and laughing, the two didn't actually eat much.

Prince Jing's mood had gotten much better.

That night when they went to sleep, Prince Jing glanced at Xie Run's baby bump and suddenly asked, "How many months until the baby comes?"

Xie Run got sleepy as soon as she hit the sack and replied lazily, "Three months."

Prince Jing stroked her hand and was silent for a moment. "Fine. I'll wait another three months."

Xie Run was about to fall asleep when she suddenly opened her eyes and looked at Prince Jing beside her, whose eyes were already closed, with slight surprise.

Did he mean what she thought he meant?

Xie Run thought for a moment, then gathered her courage and said, "I still have to recover from childbirth."

"I'm planning to take two months for postpartum care."

Prince Jing opened his eyes, his eyes dark and intense as he gazed at her.

That look carried undisguised desire and ambition.

Xie Run's face flushed, and she turned her back to Prince Jing.

Since it had come to this, Prince Jing wasn't about to let Xie Run off easily.

He lowered his voice and said, "Then I'm not waiting anymore!"

Xie Run tensed up. "Your Highness, it's not a good time."

Prince Jing snorted softly. "There are other ways to make it work."

With that, he pulled Xie Run's hand over.

At that moment, Xie Run really hated herself for having a big mouth.

He was the man in charge.

Why did she have to go and provoke him?!

The man's low grunts filtered through the thick gauze canopy, occasionally accompanied by a woman's soft moan.

Dan Tao, who was on night watch, listened, her cheeks burning red.