The birth of Prince Rui's second son sparked another round of discussion.
Having a son was a great merit for any family, and the merchant girl's position was now completely stable. Of course, some envious individuals held different opinions. Nothing lasts forever, and no one is always in favor. Princess Rui had already given birth twice; how much longer until she was past her prime? Even if Prince Rui were blind, he wouldn't cherish a woman who was past her youth, would he?
Just wait and see, there would be a day for her tears.
But despite their envy, the congratulatory gifts were delivered in earnest.
Lu Nianfu lay in bed, while Qingmiao sat by her bedside on a small stool, reading out the gift list.
This pregnancy had been much smoother than her first, and she had recovered her strength after a few days of rest. She had intended to read the list herself, but Qingmiao insisted otherwise, so they compromised with her lying down and listening.
"Wait, who did you just mention? The Marquis of Qiying's household sent gifts?"
"Yes, a jade ruyi, half a foot long, with excellent clarity."
"Are they crazy?" Lu Nianfu was incredulous.
"Who is crazy?" Situ Yan's voice sounded from outside the window, his tall shadow cast on the window lattice, bringing a sense of peace.
Lu Nianfu was still surprised. "Why are you back so early today?"
"Don't ask. I finally had a day off from the palace early, and I ran into Ah Jin, who pestered me for a while."
"It's about Shengguo, isn't it?"
Situ Yan grumbled, "It's deadly when a bachelor finally opens his heart."
Lu Nianfu covered her mouth and laughed. Qingmiao, suppressing her laughter, bowed to Lu Nianfu and left, not wanting to disturb the masters' private time, even if it was through a window.
"Oh right, who did you say was crazy earlier?"
"The Marquis of Qiying. Little Two's one-month celebration, and he sent such a generous gift. What does that mean?" She believed she had no connection with the Ning King's faction.
Situ Yan said "Oh" thoughtfully. "Likely seeking protection. With Situ Jue dead, their faction has lost its backbone, and morale is scattering too quickly. Coupled with the many people they offended in the past, the Marquis of Qiying's household is not far from ruin."
Lu Nianfu thought, "Serves them right," and pouted. "Then let's return the gifts."
"Return them for what? These are Little Two's things. Don't block your son's path to wealth."
"Are you actually planning to help him?"
"He sent gifts to my son; what does that have to do with me? I didn't force him to send them."
Lu Nianfu's lips twitched. "You were actually a bandit before, weren't you?"
Situ Yan chuckled twice, offering no reply, but Lu Nianfu understood his meaning. She advised, "Be careful. Don't ruin your reputation for a bit of money. Our family truly doesn't lack money now."
"I know, but some people's money is there for the taking, isn't it?"
Lu Nianfu: ...
If the people from the Marquis of Qiying's household heard this, who knew what their expressions would be.
Situ Yan chatted with her for a while, then went to tease their two sons. Yao'er had a new toy recently, and whenever he had nothing else to do, he would go to Little Two and poke his face with his finger. Madam Xu's repeated admonishments were in vain, so she could only check his fingernails three times a day, afraid he would scratch his brother's face.
Seeing Situ Yan, Yao'er's eyes lit up. "Father, my brother is so lazy. All day long, he just eats and sleeps, sleeps, sleeps."
"All babies are like this. You were the same when you were little."
Madam Xu had said the same thing. Yao'er blinked his big eyes, still unwilling to believe. "I wouldn't be. Only piglets are that lazy?"
Situ Yan laughed. "When you were little, Father called you Piglet."
Yao'er's expression froze, he pouted, and started to cry.