BXBX NOVEL Chapter 328 - 328: Entering the Palace to Report Good News
“Your Highness?”
At this moment, Jiang Yan’s voice suddenly echoed from the entrance.
Seeing her come in, Pei Wu gave a bow and then promptly left.
Jiang Yan greeted Xiao Junhao with a bow and then took a seat beside him.
“Why has the Princess Consort come here?”
Due to their previous interactions involving silver, Xiao Junhao’s attitude towards Jiang Yan had become much warmer. Although they weren’t extremely close, their exchanges were amicable.
Hearing Xiao Junhao, Jiang Yan responded with a smile, “1 am here to share some joyous news with Your Highness.”
“Joyous news? What might that be?”
Hearing Jiang Yan’s words, doubt shone in Xiao Junhao’s eyes.
Meeting his puzzled gaze, Jiang Yan softly placed a hand on her belly, whispering, “Your Highness, I am pregnant.”
“What did you say?”
Xiao Junhao instinctively looked at Jiang Yan’s abdomen. Noting her gesture, his eyes reflected a hint of pleasant surprise, “Princess Consort, Is what you say true?”
“The doctor has already confirmed. Thus, 1 came especially to inform Your Highness of this wonderful news.”
“However, I’m also worried about any potential misdiagnosis. I’ve heard that Side Consort Lin is well-versed in medicine. Perhaps she could examine me too?”
“Someone!”
“Your Highness.”
As Xiao Junhao spoke, a servant by the doorway stepped forward.
Seeing him, Xiao Junhao said lightly, “Go and invite Secondary Consort Lin over.”
“Yes.”
After the servant left, Jiang Yan continued, “I heard that the Empress is also pregnant?”
“Indeed.”
Hearing Jiang Yan’s words, the elation in Xiao Junhao’s eyes vanished instantly.
Observing this, Jiang Yan whispered, “Your Highness, the Empress holds a significant position. If she gives birth to a prince, the other princes might become insignificant.”
“Of course, I am aware that the birth of a child isn’t something we can control.”
Xiao Junhao was acutely aware of everything Jiang Yan was hinting at.
Jiang Yan’s smile remained unchanged. After Xiao Junhao finished speaking, she lowered her voice, “Your Highness, given this uncertainty, why not eliminate this variable in its infancy?”
“You suggest that 1 should harm the child in the Empress’s womb?”
Hearing Jiang Yan’s words, Xiao Junhao subconsciously looked at her with a complicated look in his eyes.
Upon hearing Jiang Yan’s words, Xiao Junhao looked at her, his eyes filled with complexity.
Yet, Jiang Yan’s smile never wavered. Looking at Xiao Junhao, she quipped, “Your Highness, have you ever heard the phrase, ‘killing with a borrowed knife’?”
“Why should Your Highness personally intervene? The pregnancy of the Empress must be causing distress not only to you, but to others as well. After all, the Emperor has numerous sons.”
Jiang Yan ceased speaking as footsteps were heard approaching.
Submerged in thought after Jiang Yan’s words, Xiao Junhao’s mind was brought back by Lin Mengyao’s voice.
“Greetings, Your Highness and Your Highness Consort.”
Lin Mengyao approached the two and offered a soft bow.
Hearing Lin Mengyao’s voice, Xiao Jun Hao turned his attention to her.
Before Xiao Junhao could speak, Jiang Yan interjected, “Side Consort Lin, today, we’ve asked for you because 1 haven’t been feeling well. After consulting the doctor, he believes I’m pregnant.”
“I don’t trust the doctor’s diagnosis entirely. Knowing your proficiency in medicine, I thought it best to have you diagnose me.”
Jiang Yan’s voice was gentle, and her face radiated with a smile. But, her eyes lacked any hint of mirth when looking at Lin Mengyao.
Hearing this, Lin Mengyao’s expressions were equally intricate.
“Yao Er, please diagnose the Princess Consort.”
It was Xiao Junhao’s voice that brought Lin Mengyao back to the present.
Wearing a warm smile, Lin Mengyao approached Jiang Yan. After sitting, she said, “Your Highness Consort, allow me to take your pulse.”
Hearing this, Jiang Yan extended her hand.
Lin Meng Yao examined Jiang Yan thoroughly. Releasing her hand, she confirmed with a smile, “Indeed, Your Highness Consort exhibits signs of pregnancy.”
“That’s wonderful news!”
“Your Highness, if 1 bear a son, he will be the Emperor’s eldest grandson.”
“Indeed, the first of the Emperor’s grandchildren.”
“That’s right.”
Xiao Junhao’s eyes sparkled with joy.
“Your Highness, even though it’s not yet been three months and such matters are typically kept quiet, considering this child might be the Emperor’s first grandchild, perhaps it’s best you report this joyous news to the Emperor.”
“You’re right; this matter should be reported to Imperial father.”
“But, Your Highness, 1 have a request.”
“What is it?”
“The attendants by my side are rather clumsy. Since Side Consort is adept in medicine, might she look after me during my pregnancy? What do you think, Your Highness?”
“This?”
Hearing Jiang Yan’s words, Xiao Junhao instinctively glanced at Lin Mengyao.
The man seemed to have thought of something, and there was some hesitation in his eyes.
At this, Lin Mengyao interjected, “Your Highness, I’ve been tasked with matters you’ve previously assigned and am presently engaged with them. 1 fear 1 may not have the time to attend to the Princess Consort. If 1 were to neglect her, wouldn’t that be my fault?”
Then Xiao Junhao said, “Princess Consort, if you are unsatisfied with the attendants, 1 can arrange experienced maids from the palace to serve you.”
“Thank you, Your Highness,” Jiang Yan replied.
“Rest well. I’ll proceed to the palace to report the good news.”
Following these words, Xiao Junhao left, leaving Jiang Yan and Lin Mengyao seated.
Once he departed, the smile on Jiang Yan’s face vanished, replaced by a gloomy expression.
Looking at Lin Mengyao, Jiang Yan sternly remarked, “I’m well aware of your past relationship with His Highness. I won’t make things difficult for you out of respect for him. But never covet what isn’t rightfully yours.”
“What, in your eyes, rightfully belongs to me? And what belongs to you? His Highness, perhaps?”
Lin Mengyao fired back with a series of questions, making Jiang Yan frown.
“I have matters to attend to for His Highness. 1’11 take my leave now.”
After a respectful nod to Jiang Yan, Lin Mengyao promptly exited without a backward glance. Jiang Yan, watching her retreating figure, had a shadowed expression.
In the Imperial Palace.
Wang Kun discreetly approached Emperor Qi Ming, whispering, “Your Majesty, Prince Qing is here.”
“What is he doing here?”
Upon hearing Wang Kun’s words, Emperor Qi Ming set down his brush, replying indifferently, “Let him in.”
Moments later, Xiao Junhao entered the grand hall..