Free Web NovelChapter 1293: Chapter 1282: Illegitimate Son
In January of the following year, Zhong Yi successfully gave birth to a son, named Ye Sian by Ye Qiu. He said that he would strictly educate him in the future, but in fact, he only had the basic wish for him—peace and safety in all four seasons. This was the best blessing a father could give his child.
After giving birth to a son, Zhong Yi seemed relieved, even though Ye Qiu never cared about it. Yet, there was always a bit of pressure in her heart.
Because she married Ye Qiu in a social climb, and almost no one from her maternal family, without a son to rely on in the future, she always felt that this happiness was somewhat unreal.
Ye Qiu was not unaware of her insecurity, but the better he treated her, the more she felt she was unworthy. He knew that after the child was born, her mindset would change, so he went along with it.
Fortunately, Zhong Yi did not hold on too tightly. She was much more at ease after the son was born. He couldn’t understand her behavior but chose to respect it.
Just three days after Ye Sian was born, far away in Nanyue, Ye Jing also went into labor. Thanks to her years of wellness practices, the childbirth was very smooth, and she suffered hardly any pain.
"This old woman has never delivered such a fair child in her life!" exclaimed the midwife with surprise. "Oh my, can you imagine? Just born and his eyes are already open? This child is so clever; surely he will be blessed with great fortune."
The midwife spoke loudly enough for Prince Kang, outside the room, to hear every word. He couldn’t suppress his delight—great fortune? What kind of fortune could be greater than being born into a family like theirs? He knew better than anyone.
"Prince, the rain has stopped. Look, there’s a rainbow in the sky. Truly a good omen."
Prince Kang looked up and saw the sky clearing after rain, with a rainbow stretching across it. A rainbow came just as the child was born—isn’t this a sign of blessing?
Originally just a passing thought, Prince Kang increasingly felt that his son was no ordinary child. To be accompanied by such a sign at birth, does he even need to worry about his future?
"Bring him out quickly so I can see!" He said excitedly.
"Prince, look, the little master’s eyes are always open, he’s watching you!" the midwife excitedly said, "In all my years of delivering babies, this is the first time I’ve seen such a fair and beautiful child."
Prince Kang couldn’t help but adore him but still honestly commented, "Fair? Red as a monkey’s bottom, more like."
The midwife disapproved, countering, "Who would say that about their own child? Being red at birth is good, the redder now, the fairer later."
"Really?" In the Daru Dynasty, both men and women cherished fairness. Even though Ye Jing was fair, he wasn’t. So he was pleased to hear the midwife’s words.
"You’ll see in a couple of days. Congratulations to the Prince. This child is strong and healthy, and the Lady gave birth effortlessly. Surely, he will be a wise and understanding child."
Prince Kang, hearing this, rejoiced: "People, reward her!"
As he looked at the swaddled baby, he felt increasingly enamored. He finally had a son, and such a healthy one at that. The midwife had said this was the first time she saw a newborn with eyes open on the first day! Truly, he was born accompanied by good omens.
Ye Qiu did not expect his nephew to choose to be born at such an hour—right when the rain stopped and the sky cleared with a rainbow overhead. No wonder Prince Kang had such joy.
He decided to develop in Nanyue to avoid disaster, originally a reflection of cowardice, but since arriving in Nanyue, only good things followed one after another. And now with such omens, doesn’t this prove that his choice was right?
Although Ye Qiu didn’t believe in omens, it was good to have Prince Kang’s recognition of his nephew, saving countless words for the future.
This time, even though everyone knew that Prince Kang’s concubine had given birth to a healthy, full-term little master, no one acted again. After two attempts, they concluded that Prince Kang would no longer be a threat to them.
However, someone looked different upon hearing this news.
"Princess Consort, are you alright? The Prince must have a young master someday, no matter what, you are the Princess Consort, and he still holds feelings for you, we should set our minds at ease." The nanny urged compassionately.
"Feelings? After all that I’ve done, he no longer has feelings for me. He knows not how long he will stay in Nanyue, yet he did not take me with him. Do you not understand his intentions?" The Princess Consort said bitterly.
"Isn’t it because the Prince Mansion still needs a hostess to manage it? The two Little Commandery Princesses still need the care of the Princess Consort!"
"Don’t comfort me anymore. It’s nothing more than concubine daughters, is it even worth my personal care?" said Princess Kang with a cold smile, "He still resents me for helping others harm his child back then."
"Mind your words, Princess Consort, the Prince never said such things."
"Why so tense, nanny? Now, who cares about our deserted Prince Mansion? He said nothing back then, but his actions spoke volumes. I know he was heartbroken, yet why could he not think from my perspective?"
"Princess Consort?" The nanny’s expression twitched.
"Did he know how difficult my situation was then? Did he realize my maternal family was threatened? Even if I didn’t take action, others would have. He blames me? Shouldn’t he blame his own lack of capability?" The Princess Consort bitterly exclaimed.
Saying this, she resentfully swept the teacups off the table: "He was not only incapable but also cowardly, clearly the legitimate eldest son, yet couldn’t even dare to vie for the throne, fleeing to Nanyue in panic. I truly look down on him!"
The nanny growing anxious, hurriedly pulled her: "Princess Consort, did you have a nightmare during your nap? Go and rest now, I’ll ask the Imperial Physician for some sleeping pills for you."
Being pulled like this, the Princess Kang also regained some clarity, a hint of panic flashing in her eyes. Although she now managed the Prince Mansion, the Empress was still in the palace. If she knew those words, if she learned of those deeds, the Empress would only need a slight maneuver to plunge her into despair.
Outside the door, a figure silently retreated, not reporting this to the Empress, but sending a letter to Nanyue.
Half a month later, Ye Jing heard that ever since Prince Kang received a letter from the capital, he had been in a poor mood, and she contemplated. She guessed it was likely something the Princess Consort did.
Because if it were official business, he wouldn’t keep quiet about it to her, and now avoiding her as he did, it only confirmed her speculation.
But knowing this did not invoke any feelings within her because her relationship with Prince Kang now resembled more of a partnership. After all, she was just a concubine, and it was because her brother could offer advice to him, and it was after she bore him a son that he valued her, wasn’t it?
