"Cough... cough..."
Lin Yuwei coughed violently, the food in her mouth getting stuck in her throat. After a long, hard cough, it finally went down.
How could Liu Menghan turn her guns on her? How could she bring up the matter of offspring in front of so many people? How shameless could she be?
"Have some water to help it down."
Feng Jin kindly offered a cup of tea to Lin Yuwei. Such a small thing had scared her into this state.
"It's all my fault, I almost forgot that Second Imperial Sister-in-law is thin-skinned. I shouldn't have brought this up in the open."
After drinking some water to moisten her throat, Lin Yuwei felt much better. "It's alright, I was the one who was impolite."
After all, she was a lady raised in a prominent family, and in terms of etiquette, Lin Yuwei was undoubtedly impeccable and flawless.
"But speaking of which, Second Imperial Sister-in-law, you've been married for over a year and still have no children. The imperial family especially values offspring, so you should have a child by your side."
Lin Yuwei said nothing, merely nodding lightly. This was not something that could be achieved by her alone...
She couldn't help but recall what Feng Jin had told her that day. Could it really be Chu Chenyi's problem... If that were true, then she would be... would be...
Perhaps she should find an opportunity to ask Sister Feng Jin for help.
"I was looking for you, sister, and found you here."
Feng Ruoyan walked towards everyone, twisting her waist, her smile not reaching her eyes as she scrutinized them.
"Why are you here? Everyone sitting here is a legitimate wife. Your status isn't suitable to be here, sister."
Feng Ruoyan was not qualified to attend such banquets. If it weren't for her consideration for the Third Prince, she would never tolerate Feng Ruoyan's constant arrogance.
What else could she do when Feng Ruoyan had the Third Prince's protection and had now given birth to their eldest son? Without the Empress's consent, she dared not go too far. For now, she could only restrain her sharpness and endure whatever she could.
"Not suitable... I've done many things that aren't suitable. Even if I do something wrong, His Highness is here, so it's not your place to boss me around. Sister, you'd best behave yourself if you want to stay in this mansion for a while longer."
Feng Ruoyan's politeness had vanished. Now that she had an eldest son by her side, did she still need to endure humiliation? His Highness had already promised her that after Liu Menghan gave birth, he would find an excuse to deal with her.
If Liu Menghan could behave herself, she would tolerate her for a few more days. Otherwise, she would show no mercy and throw her out immediately.
"You... you are merely a concubine, yet you flaunt His Highness's favor and the child you've borne, wanting to step over me. Don't forget that I have the Empress behind me. If the Empress learns of this, she will absolutely not forgive you easily."
Liu Menghan was filled with suppressed anger. Due to the presence of so many people, even her reprimand to Feng Ruoyan was kept to a lower volume.
She was afraid of becoming a laughingstock. If this reached the Third Prince's ears, given his protection of Feng Ruoyan, he would end up blaming her for everything. If she could endure it for a moment, she would endure it.
Feng Ruoyan let out a cold snort and walked up to Liu Menghan, her tone mocking. "The Empress... If it weren't for the Empress protecting you, His Highness would have divorced you long ago. While you have the time, you should kneel before the Buddha and pray that the Empress remains healthy and lives a long life. This is also praying for yourself."
Wasn't it precisely because of the Empress's protection that she could stay in this mansion for so long and even snatched away her rightful position as the main wife? She didn't believe the Empress could protect her for a lifetime.
"You have such audacity to disrespect the Empress! Liu Menghan stood up and walked in front of Feng Ruoyan, bending down and whispering in her ear, "His Highness is currently in a struggle for succession. If you disrespect the Empress to her face, these words, once spread, will be a charge of unfilial conduct against His Highness."
"I advise you to leave this place immediately. His Highness has already suffered much criticism due to your existence. You can only rely on His Highness now. I advise you, for His Highness's sake, to just shut your mouth and leave."
"You..."
Liu Menghan's words startled her. Her only reliance was Chu Yanxi. If anything happened to Chu Yanxi, she wouldn't have a good life either.
She hesitated for a moment before leaving sheepishly. As she left, she couldn't resist glaring at them with venomous eyes before unwillingly departing.
The resentment she felt towards them deepened. Liu Menghan, that slut, dared to humiliate her in public, and she would never let her go. And Feng Jin, gloating at her misfortune, must be very happy...
One day, she would not let any of them go. She would reclaim all the humiliation they had inflicted upon her.
"Miss, where are we going? Aren't we going to the front hall?"
'Slap!'
As soon as the maid finished speaking, she received a heavy slap on her cheek. The maid quickly covered her face, kneeling on the ground in a panic, unsure of what mistake she had made.
"You blind fool, can't you see I've been driven out? Why would we go back now and let those bitches laugh at us!"
Feng Ruoyan yelled at the maid in fury. Only after venting her anger did she feel a little better. Her chest heaved, and her breathing grew heavier.
If they didn't want her at the banquet, then they shouldn't expect to be at peace either. Wasn't it all about driving her away so that someone could monopolize His Highness? If she was uncomfortable, then that bitch Liu Menghan shouldn't have a good time either.
"Go tell His Highness that I feel unwell in my chest and ask him to come and see me."
"Ah..."
"What 'ah'... Hurry up and go. Can't you even understand my words? Hurry up!"
"Yes... yes... Miss, your servant will go now."
The maid repeatedly agreed and hurried away.
...
"I apologize to everyone for the scene just now." Liu Menghan bowed gracefully to everyone, then walked towards Chu Chenyi.
"Your Highness, today is a joyous occasion for our child. Shall we toast all the guests together to express our gratitude?"
"Good, let's go."
Chu Yanxi's expression was unusually gentle as he agreed. He had to admit that Liu Menghan was indeed a qualified main wife. She managed the household impeccably, leaving no room for error.
It was a pity, however, that he still couldn't accept Liu Menghan's presence in his heart. Ultimately, he would fail her.