The return of Situ Yan cast a shadow over the Crown Prince, who felt he was being compared to his brother wherever he went.
However, such feelings could not be voiced. To show jealousy towards his own brother would make the dignified Crown Prince appear petty and petty, inviting ridicule. The Crown Prince felt as if he were suffering from internal injuries. Situ Jue, on the other hand, held a grand banquet. Although no betrothal gifts were presented to the Pingning Marquis’s mansion, Zeng Weiyang was joyfully welcomed into his residence.
This put Madam Ban at ease and greatly satisfied Zeng Weiyang.
Prince Ning still valued her; otherwise, a simple sedan chair would have sufficed to bring her into the household.
Filled with ambition, she vowed to use all her might to make Prince Ning’s eyes see only her. However, on their wedding night, Prince Ning was so drunk that he barely touched her.
The next night, Prince Ning did not return home. Yin Zhu spent two taels of silver to find out that Prince Ning had gone to Deyilou to meet a lover.
Her ambitions thwarted before they could even begin, Zeng Weiyang stood in the courtyard, basking in the warm sunlight, yet a chill suddenly ran down her spine.
Guangling Marquis Mansion
Situ Yan arrived with several gift boxes. Gu Rong welcomed him into the study. Excellent, he wouldn't have to deal with Madam Fang. Situ Yan breathed a sigh of relief and then began to chat with Gu Rong.
"Father, I heard that my third brother has gone to join the army and is doing well under the Fourth Prince?"
"Oh my, Prince Rui is truly humbling this subordinate. I can absolutely not accept the title of 'Father'."
"Once a father, always a father. Father, please don't mind these details. You haven't told me about my third brother yet?"
"He's doing alright. Though the military is dangerous, there are many opportunities for promotion. When he returns to the capital, he should be able to uphold the prestige of the Guangling Marquis mansion."
"Do you plan to establish my third brother as the heir?"
Gu Rong nodded. Gu Yandong was too eager for quick success, and it would not be good for such a person to manage the household.
Situ Yan thought of Madam Fang's favoritism towards Gu Yandong and asked curiously, "Does Mother know about this idea of yours?"
"A woman's place is in managing the inner chambers. Such important matters are not for her to interfere with. Ayan, if she makes any unreasonable requests of you in the future, just ignore her and tell me directly."
"Then I thank you in advance, son."
Gu Rong said with a pained expression, "It's good that Your Highness has this intention, but truly, let's not address each other as father and son anymore. I'm afraid the Emperor will punish me by making me kneel on cobblestones again."
"How could that be? I was in the palace the other day, and he even told me to interact with you more."
"Really?"
"Fabricating imperial decrees is a capital offense. Do you think I would lie about something like this?"
Gu Rong looked skeptical. He had been truly intimidated by Emperor Changwu after Ayan had just been recognized as a member of the royal family.
After leaving the Guangling Marquis mansion, Situ Yan had dinner at his Uncle Gu Er's house. In the late afternoon, he bought a rattle drum from the street to amuse the child. He had also wanted to buy pastries for Lu Nianfu, but when the shopkeeper heard that his wife was still in confinement, he repeatedly shook his head, saying that pregnant women could not eat such things.
Prince Rui's Mansion. Kitchen.
"Greetings to Your Highness." Upon seeing Situ Yan enter, the people in the kitchen immediately stopped their work and greeted him in unison.
Aunt Cui had been making noodles for him since they were in Xiangshui County, so she was bolder than the others. After offering her greetings, she stepped forward and asked, "Why has Your Highness come to the kitchen in person? Couldn't you have just sent Xiao Wuzi to convey your wishes for something to eat?"
"Xiao Wuzi has requested a long leave of absence, saying he needs to prepare for his wedding."
"That's right, that's right. Qingmiao girl has finally agreed, so he has to seize the opportunity, doesn't he? So, what would Your Highness like to eat?"
"No, I just wanted to see the food for the Princess Consort. What does she usually eat?"
"Mainly chicken soup. Imperial Physician Ji has also prescribed a few medicinal dishes specifically to nourish the Princess Consort's body."
"What about snacks?"
Aunt Cui looked troubled. "Your Highness, it's not advisable for women in confinement to eat these things."
"What if the Princess Consort craves them?"
"Uh."
What kind of woman in confinement would be like a child?
This question stumped Aunt Cui. After searching her mind for a while, she regretfully replied, "Then she can only endure it."
Situ Yan: ...
Being in confinement sounds too arduous.