Cultivation Begins with Caring for Sister-in-law

Chapter 827: Chapter 833: Princess Zhaoqing Is Pregnant

Prince Wei’s Mansion, the rear hall.

Wu Mi wore a blue Flowing Immortal Skirt, her face, once somewhat cold and defined before marriage, had softened and grown fuller after marrying and having children, and now carried a more grand and noble demeanor as the mistress of the mansion.

On both sides, Han Anniang, Xia Zhiqing, along with Xiao Yunxi, who was still pregnant, and Xia Zhining were also present.

When they learned that the Empress Dowager had given birth, and that the child was their husband’s bloodline, they were shocked.

Back when Yue Ruyan informed Chen Mo of the Empress Dowager’s pregnancy, Chen Mo instructed Yue Ruyan to return to the mansion and first inform Wu Mi.

This matter was of great importance, so Wu Mi didn’t reveal it to the other women.

Thus, at least half an hour ago, none of the women knew that the Empress Dowager was pregnant, or that the child’s father was their husband.

Xiao Yunxi exclaimed in surprise, "I really didn’t expect the Empress Dowager to not only be pregnant but to have already given birth. And it’s my husband’s child; it’s been kept secret for so long."

"It seems that when the Empress Dowager left the palace for a home visit, her real intention was to go home to nurture the pregnancy." Han Anniang pouted slightly, feeling a hint of resentment in her heart, surprised that Erlang had kept this from even her.

At that moment, a maid entered the hall and said to Wu Mi, "Princess Consort, the Prince has arrived."

As the words settled, quiet discussions in the hall came to a stop.

Soon, a young man in a white robe quickly stepped into the hall, glanced at the women, and focused his gaze on Wu Mi at the front: "Mi’Er, what’s going on?"

Wu Mi had summoned him urgently, making it seem like something serious had happened, making Chen Mo think there was a significant issue.

"Husband, Liang Family sent a message, the Empress Dowager has given birth to a boy and asks for your choice of a name?" Wu Mi said.

The letter had been passed to Xiao Yunxi, who handed it to Xiao Ya, and then Xiao Ya stood up to give it to Chen Mo.

Chen Mo took it and began to read.

Han Anniang, still pouting, asked, "Erlang, when did this happen between you and the Empress Dowager? Why haven’t I heard you mention it?"

"When returning from Xiangyang to the capital last time, Ruyan informed me. Given the magnitude, I only let Ruyan share it with Mi’Er for secrecy and haven’t told you all." As Chen Mo spoke, he saw the letter mention that mother and child were safe, breathed a sigh of relief, and raised his gaze to the women with an apologetic look: "Sorry for not telling you beforehand."

Han Anniang was indeed displeased, but she quickly shifted to understand Chen Mo’s position, showing concern: "Erlang, given the relationship between the Empress Dowager and the Royal Family, now that she’s had your son, can’t this son be publicly acknowledged? Or perhaps he can’t carry the Chen name?"

"Chen Family bloodline cannot take another surname." Xia Zhining also voiced.

Previously, upon hearing such news, Xia Zhining would have already started showing displeasure the moment Chen Mo entered.

But now, being pregnant herself, her mindset had shifted entirely to focus on the child.

"Husband, surely you don’t plan to use the Empress Dowager’s son to replace the Chu Clan’s throne under disguise, a ’peach replacing plum’ strategy, right?" Xiaolu pursed her tender, slightly pouty lips, speaking with wide imagination.

Chen Mo’s mouth twitched.

Even the women looked over, their eyes suggesting Xiaolu might be foolish.

Wu Mi gently said, "The Imperial Family isn’t foolish. Both the Empress Dowager and the Supreme Emperor have been without a child for so long, plus they don’t live together now. If the Empress Dowager has a child now, it’s evident it’s not Imperial heritage. It wouldn’t be possible to replace under disguise; in fact, publicly, this child shouldn’t have any ties with the Empress Dowager."

Upon hearing Wu Mi’s explanation, Xiaolu realized her comment was indeed foolish and quickly stuck out her sweet tongue to ease her awkwardness.

"This issue is easily handled, just bring the child to the mansion and raise him. In any case, it will be only a few months before Yunxi gives birth too, then we’ll say Yunxi had twins and place the Empress Dowager’s child under Yunxi’s care." Chen Mo already had a solution.

Upon these words, the women pondered a bit and nodded in agreement; it was undoubtedly a good plan.

"Tap, tap, tap..."

At that moment, urgent footsteps echoed outside the hall, prompting the women to glance out.

The visitor was not a house servant but somewhat unfamiliar.

Chen Mo recognized the newcomer; she was a maid beside Princess Zhaoqing from Copper Sparrow Platform.

The maid entered, first bowed, then said with some excitement and trembling, "Prince, in recent days, the Princess frequently vomited and hadn’t had her menstrual period for a couple of days, so she sent me to seek a doctor, and unexpectedly, the Princess is pregnant."

Chen Mo: "???"

What, Chu Ran is pregnant?

Soon, joy filled his heart.

At Copper Sparrow Platform, there were quite a few of Chen Mo’s people.

It’s impossible for Chu Ran to have an affair with another man, so the child can only be his.

And on New Year’s Day, he spent time with her, and the timing matched.

He turned to Wu Mi and said, "Mi’Er, I’ll go have a look."

Wu Mi gently pursed her rosy lips, with bright brows and eyes also spilling joy, saying, "What a great occasion, the Princess being pregnant is significant; husband should go first. If true, bring her to the mansion."

Since Chu Ran carries his child, she shouldn’t reside at Copper Sparrow Platform anymore; that wouldn’t be appropriate, a rightful status needs to be given.

Han Anniang, Xia Zhiqing, and the others had no objections either.

After all, now pregnant but still an outsider, Chu Ran’s child would be considered illegitimate; that wouldn’t do.

Chen Mo responded lightly, then rose and, with Chu Ran’s maid, left the mansion.

He didn’t immediately head to Copper Sparrow Platform but brought an Imperial Physician with him.

At the mansion, shortly after Chen Mo left, Xiaolu was quite frustrated.

Zhining’s pregnancy and departure were one thing.

Now even the lady from Copper Sparrow Platform bore a child before her.

People say first-come, first-served.

For her, it seemed the later ones caught up.

Xia Zhiqing, feeling slightly unsettled, looked at Wu Mi and said, "Princess Zhaoqing also has a child."

Chu Ran is, indeed, a legitimate Da Song Princess and was originally a musician courtesan bestowed to Chen Mo by the Court, even if now she regained her princess status, being connected with Chen Mo wouldn’t cause any rumors.

Wu Mi said, "This is indeed good news. Husband is now beneath one and above all others, naturally should have many sons for fortune."

Xia Zhiqing looked thoughtful, nodded, and said, "Indeed, that’s true."