Free Web NovelChapter 175: His Choice
I had to say that the way her face softened when she laughed was quite unexpected. Plastering the best smile that I could muster on my face, I tried my best to stand my ground. It was absolutely evident that she saw me as nothing more than a baby-making tool to produce her great grandchildren.
She continued to observe me starting from my face before her eyes travelled slowly down my body. When she was done, she started frowning and her lips were set in a grim thin line.
“It’s been a long time...and still no signs of pregnancy?” the old woman said softly but no one would miss the edge of her voice.
“It’s all my fault, grandmother...” Ren replied before bowing to his grandmother.
“Ren’s probably been working too hard...there were issues that he had to handle...” the emperor chimed in to help protect his son.
It was clear from the way he spoke that if this didn’t go well, he would also be blamed for the fact that Ren and I have not been able to start a child.
“I never asked for your explanation...” the dowager empress said without even glancing at her son.
“I will pay extra attention to My Lady for the benefit of our bloodline and empire,” Ren said determinedly. freёweɓnovel.com
I listened to Ren while I pray that she would be satisfied with his words of commitment.
“You haven’t been paying enough attention to Lady White Lotus...or is it that she no longer captures your attention?” the old woman asked as her eyes narrowed at me.
Great. Now she’s implying that Ren’s bored of me? If this conversation had taken place many months before this, we would probably be completely lying to her since we haven’t slept together yet. However, despite what Ren wants or doesn’t want, his actions could have impregnated me. We’ve been constantly engaging in sexual activities, so despite what we wanted, it wasn’t like we were not trying to conceive.
We just...haven’t been successful...yet. Perhaps, thankfully so.
I held my breath as I waited for Ren’s next words. As instructed, I will not say anything unless I absolutely had to, and I will let Ren handle all of the talking. Ren’s words came back to me from the time when we discussed this.
“Don’t say anything if you can help it. I’m not saying this because I don’t trust you but...sometimes no matter what you say, everything will be interpreted unfavorably...” Ren warned.
“I understand but it is that bad?” I couldn’t help but ask.
“Yes. For example, if or when she asks why we haven’t conceived a child. If I say that I’ve been busy, then she will suggest that the emperor strip me off of my duties. On the other hand, if I say that I haven’t been paying enough attention to you, she will blame you for not being enticing enough to capture and hold my attention. Worst case, if I say that we’ve been trying our hardest, but we haven’t conceived, she’s going to ask for you to be replaced because she will think that there’s something wrong with your body that led to your failure to conceive...” Ren explained rapidly.
“Oh...that’s...” I whispered in shock.
That’s insane...
“Whatever we say will never be good enough for her. However, if I had to pick an outcome, I’ll choose one that doesn’t affect your position as my Lady White Lotus,” Ren said before smiling at me.
So...what will Ren say now?
“Not at all, grandmother. I am deeply in love with My Lady and intend to start a family with her. However, as the emperor had mentioned, I am sometimes quite busy with work and have been neglecting her from time to time...” Ren replied before bowing apologetically.
So...Ren chose...
“Then your duties will have to be reprioritized...” the dowager empress said sternly.
...to let go of some of his duties...
“Of course, I will work with the emperor to transfer some of my duties to Prince Kin and other high-ranking officials,” Ren replied flawlessly.
“Kin...” the old woman said while shaking her head in disapproval.
I didn’t miss the fact that the current empress made a face at the mention of her son’s name. The dowager empress was clearly not fond of Prince Kin and didn’t bother to hide it.
“I am sure Prince Kin will do well in fulfilling some of the crown prince’s duties,” the empress spoke up softly.
“The second prince will always be just that...the second prince...” the old woman said as if she was just talking to herself.
However, that comment managed to shut up everyone who might have anything more to say on the topic. The entire hall was silent as everyone waited for the dowager empress’s next words.
“I am looking forward to seeing the faces of my great grandchildren...soon...” the old woman stated firmly. freewёbn૦νeɭ.com
“So am I...” Ren replied with a warm smile.
He’s such a good actor! I wanted to squeal...
With a dismissal wave of her thin and wrinkled hands, our conversation came to an abrupt close. Ren supported me as we walked away from the center stage. Finally, it’s over. I sighed so loudly when we were finally out of her sight.
“You did well...” Ren complimented me when we were alone. I smiled a little at him. I didn’t really do anything but stand by his side though.
“I think I almost fainted. She’s so...fearsome...” I admitted weakly.
“She’s not a bad person. She’s just very strict...with everything...” Ren said as he put an arm around me and kissed my temple softly.
“But was it really fine for you to give up some of your duties?” I asked what had been plaguing my mind.
“Would you rather I give you up instead?” Ren asked with a teasing smile.
“No...” I muttered admittingly.
Ren smiled knowingly at me. I was still surprised that he would give up some of his duties just like that. Since Ren seemed to like working so much and he took his responsibilities seriously, it just didn’t seem like him to do that. The other question that I had on my mind was...
“Did you mean it...when you told her that you’re looking forward to seeing our child?” I asked hesitantly.
--To be continued...
