The status of the eldest legitimate son was incredibly noble. It wasn't even certain if Liu Menghan's unborn child would be safely delivered.
Feng Ruoyan had always desired to bear Chu Yanxi's eldest son, aiming to gain status through her child. Could she truly tolerate Liu Menghan giving birth to the eldest legitimate son?
Once the eldest legitimate son was born, the position of heir apparent would naturally fall to him. Even if Feng Ruoyan were to give birth to a son soon after, there would be a world of difference in status and position compared to the eldest legitimate son. It was likely that Liu Menghan's child would have difficulty being born.
"I don't particularly care if it's a boy or a girl. As long as the child is born safely and healthily, that's good. As for gender, I do wish for a son; daughters are always so considerate. However..."
A hint of shyness crossed Liu Menghan's face: "However, His Highness does want a son. After Sister Yan'er's miscarriage last time, His Highness was deeply worried. Now that I am pregnant, His Highness is exceptionally attentive, even letting me reside in his own courtyard."
Feng Jin listened to Liu Menghan's boasting indifferently, her gaze falling on Feng Ruoyan opposite her. She truly looked displeased.
However, Feng Jin felt that Liu Menghan was deliberately provoking Feng Ruoyan. There must be some scheme at play.
After all, Liu Menghan's schemes were far deeper than Feng Ruoyan's. Feng Ruoyan's petty tricks were nothing compared to hers. However, Feng Ruoyan had the backing of the Sun family. When compared in this way, they were evenly matched. Feng Jin began to find it interesting, wondering who would win when these two women clashed.
Just as Feng Jin was indulging in her thoughts, Feng Ruoyan appeared beside them at some point.
"Sister, you are with child now, so it is not advisable to stand for too long. Please return to sit and rest, lest His Highness worry about you."
Feng Ruoyan reached out to support Liu Menghan, feigning an understanding and considerate demeanor. Coupled with her beautiful face, she appeared utterly pathetic.
"Thank you for your concern, Sister Yan'er. It is I who am at fault; seeing Madam Ling makes me feel so friendly, and I always wish to say a few more words."
Liu Menghan subtly withdrew her hand from Feng Ruoyan's grasp. "I shall not trouble Madam Shao. I will visit your manor another day and have a good chat with Madam Shao."
"The Imperial Consort is with child and should rest more; it is not advisable to move about."
Feng Jin did not wish to see Liu Menghan all day, as it would ruin her good mood entirely. She found a standard, reasonable excuse to dismiss her.
Having conceived after much hardship, Liu Menghan was extremely protective of her unborn fetus. After all, it was not just a child, but her future.
She had witnessed Feng Jin's exceptional medical skills. Upon hearing Feng Jin speak thus, Liu Menghan could not help but be startled and firmly kept her words in mind. Throughout the banquet, she remained seated steadily, daring not to move about casually.
Even when Feng Ruoyan deliberately acted intimately with Chu Yanxi to provoke her, she acted as if she hadn't seen it.
After all, nothing was more important than the child in her womb at this moment. As long as she gave birth safely, she feared nothing. Her status would surely be stable, even without Chu Yanxi's favor.
After Liu Menghan and the other woman left, Feng Jin's expression relaxed. Neither of them was simple to deal with, and their encounter together was quite an exciting spectacle.
The Third Prince's manor was rarely so lively. Feng Jin wondered how Chu Yanxi was faring caught between these two women.
Feng Jin's gaze swept towards the man beside her, only then remembering that there was still one matter she needed to clarify: "When did you first meet Liu Menghan? What exactly happened that makes her so unforgettable to you?"
She truly believed what Liu Menghan had said. After all, Ling Mohan's face did possess the ability to make people unforgettable.
She just didn't know what had happened between them that made someone as meticulous as Liu Menghan openly display a gaze full of admiration towards Ling Mohan in public.
Look at that, this man's charm was truly immense. She hadn't done little to commit evil deeds by drawing her sword to cut off peach blossoms.
"I truly don't know what madness possesses her, insisting on clinging to me. I can guarantee that absolutely nothing has happened between us. Besides, look at how ugly she is; she doesn't even measure up to a tenth of you. Could your husband's taste be so poor that he would get entangled with her? This is clearly her deliberately clinging to me and wanting to sow discord. You mustn't believe her nonsensical ramblings."
Ling Mohan hurriedly defended his innocence. He couldn't have his reputation tarnished by these baseless accusations.
If his reputation were to be damaged, he would surely seek justice from Liu Menghan.
Feng Jin had been in a foul mood, but upon hearing Ling Mohan's words that she was not even a tenth of her beauty, her anger instantly lessened.
"Considering your good attitude, I'll let this matter slide for now. If there's a next time, don't blame me for being impolite," Feng Jin threatened fiercely, making a throat-slitting gesture with her hand.
"There will never be a next time," Ling Mohan vowed solemnly. If there were a next time, he wouldn't spare himself.
"His Majesty arrives, Her Majesty the Empress arrives, Her Highness the Imperial Consort arrives."
The eunuch's sharp voice rang out, instantly silencing the entire venue. Everyone straightened up and knelt on the ground.
"All ministers, please rise."
Emperor Xuanwen waved his hand and sat majestically on the main seat.
"Your Majesty, the envoy from Xiliang has arrived. They are waiting outside the palace gate. Should they be granted an audience?"
"Summon them in."
In a moment, the envoy from Xiliang strode into the hall.
"Princess Murong Jinyun of Xiliang pays her respects to Your Majesty."
"Envoy Baili Xi of Xiliang pays his respects to Your Majesty."
"Your esteemed presence is much appreciated. Eunuch Fu, please show them to their seats."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Murong Jinyun curtsied slightly and sat on the cushion. Her gaze continuously scanned the entire hall, and upon spotting Ling Mohan, her eyes suddenly brightened.
"Princess, you have traveled a long way. Are you accustomed to your accommodations? If there are any inconveniences, please do not hesitate to mention them."
Emperor Xuanwen, with his imposing demeanor, asked Murong Jinyun gently.
"Thank you for Your Majesty's arrangements; everything is well," Murong Jinyun replied softly, standing up. Her gaze uncontrollably drifted towards Ling Mohan.
Baili Xi sensed something and gave a slight cough to remind Murong Jinyun.
"Your father has already expressed to me his intention for the two nations to form an alliance through marriage."
Emperor Xuanwen had initially guessed some of it, but he hadn't expected the Emperor of Xiliang to be so direct. Even more astonishing was that he had allowed Murong Jinyun to personally choose her husband. The practices of the Xiliang people truly lacked propriety.
"Your Majesty, Father's letter also stated that I should choose my own husband."