The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

When the news from Youyuan Courtyard arrived, Song Zhiqing was talking with Aunt Shen.

Aunt Shen’s eyes flashed, looking at the person opposite who hadn’t moved, she said, ”Master, should you go over and take a look?”

Song Zhiqing felt a bit uneasy and hummed in response.

Aunt Shen raised her brows; this was a bit unusual.

In the third household with one wife and two concubines, the one who was actually most favored by Song Zhiqing should be Bai Shuilian, with her lotus-like disposition, his attitude clearly indicated that.

As for herself, being a recent presence, still in the freshness period, was like being an understanding flower.

But recently, Song Zhiqing had been spending more time at Moyun Inn, even staying in the east wing rather than the main bedroom at night, while his visits to Youyuan Courtyard had visibly decreased.

Aunt Shen was self-aware and wouldn’t presume that it was because she was carrying a beloved treasure in her arms that warranted his attention. It must be for another reason.

What happened? Could it be that they quarreled? It didn’t quite seem so.

Aunt Shen pondered quietly, while Song Zhiqing himself was also caught in suspicion. Ever since the eldest had hinted at something before him, a thorn had settled in his heart, and he couldn’t help but wonder if Bai Shuilian was truly as innocent as she initially seemed or was wearing a mask that he couldn’t see through.

If so, how long had she worn that mask?

Song Zhiqing was somewhat flustered; if Bai Shuilian was indeed a spy planted by those remnant rebels, and if the Emperor found out, would he be accused of treason?

With these doubts, he dared not go to Youyuan Courtyard, both avoiding and wanting to wait for Song Zhiyuan to present tangible evidence.

”Master?”

Song Zhiqing snapped back to reality, raised his head and exclaimed, standing up, ”Then you rest.”

Aunt Shen rose, accompanied him to the door, watched him leave the courtyard gate, then returned to the house holding the hand of her close maid Cai Yun, thought for a moment, and said, ”Bring the cloak, I’m going to speak with Madam.”

Cai Yun glanced at the sky and said, ”Auntie, it looks like it’s going to snow soon.”

”No matter, just be careful,” Aunt Shen stroked her belly, her lips holding a faint smile.

Madam Lu was talking with Song Ruwei, and upon hearing Aunt Shen coming over, she glanced at the southern window’s sky and instructed a maid to lift the curtain.

Aunt Shen walked in, holding the maid’s hand, just about to salute but was stopped by Madam Lu.

Madam Lu chided, ”You’re a pregnant woman, don’t be too formal, be careful not to harm the child.”

”Madam is considerate of me, I can only be grateful, but the etiquette cannot be discarded.” Aunt Shen placed her hands on her waist, performed a shallow bow, then stood up.

Madam Lu was somewhat helpless, let the maid help her sit, and then ordered longan tea to be made for her.

Song Ruwei also saluted Aunt Shen, didn’t disturb the conversation between the two, and retreated.

”Seeing the sky darken, why did you come over? What if it snows halfway?” Madam Lu asked with concern.

Aunt Shen said, ”Both maids and servants followed. If it really starts to snow, we can send someone to fetch an umbrella and carry a soft sedan chair.”

”Even so, you can’t be careless, the pregnancy has just stabilized.” Madam Lu glanced at her belly and sighed, ”If you’re blessed, here’s hoping this one is a boy, then you’ll have a support in the future, and Zhou’er will have a brother to rely on.”

Aunt Shen placed her hand on her belly, smiled, and said, ”Whether it’s a girl or a boy, I like them all, they are all Madam’s children, I rely on Madam’s care in education.”

Madam Lu listened and sighed inwardly, fearing that she might not be as clever.