The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Upon hearing Song Ci’s question, Commandery Princess Shou Yang’s face blushed, unable to hide her delight.

”The Commandery Princess’s pulse is steady, and the fetal heartbeat is strong. The pregnancy seems promising, and it should proceed smoothly until the young lord is born,” Lin Qing replied with a smile.

Song Ci raised an eyebrow.

Princess Anping couldn’t contain her joy and asked, ”According to Doctor Lin, does this mean Qing’er is carrying a boy?”

”Judging by the pulse and pregnancy, it’s more likely to be a boy. But I’m not a divine doctor with heavenly insight; everything will be revealed once the child is born,” Lin Qing smiled faintly.

”No matter, as long as the child is healthy, whether it’s a girl or the firstborn son. These two are young, if this child isn’t, there will be more. Having a son for the firstborn adds prestige and eases pressure,” Princess Anping said with a smile, eyes crinkled. ”Doctor Lin, you must provide more guidance. She’s blunt, and might inadvertently break taboos.”

Commandery Princess Shou Yang also rose to present a formal bow to Lin Qing.

Lin Qing said, ”Now the Commandery Princess’s pregnancy looks stable, so there’s no need for any fetus-preserving medicine. Just pay attention to a balanced diet with fresh vegetables and fruits daily without too much concern. However, avoid cold foods; even though it’s autumn, eating crab is permissible but should be limited, and avoid barley...”

Commandery Princess Shou Yang listened closely, occasionally asking questions, and they moved aside to discuss in detail.

Song Ci then spoke to Princess Anping, ”If you wanted Lin Qing to check the Commandery Princess’s pulse, you could have sent a request instead of bringing her here personally. The refugees outside aren’t decreasing, and I’ve heard the epidemic hasn’t truly been controlled; what if she’s jostled on the way here?”

Princess Anping replied, ”When I travel, there is a full ceremonial escort, and ordinary people can’t approach the carriage. As for inviting Lin Qing, I know she has refused many invitations lately, so instead of making things difficult, I brought her along, which is better than having her visit Marquis Jing’an Mansion.”

Song Ci raised an eyebrow: ”You mean to say?”

Princess Anping took Song Ci’s hand and said softly, ”No matter the political situation in the court, my association with you is genuine and comfortable, and nothing to do with political alignment. Even if my brother were here, I would say the same, you are respected like a mother to me.”

Upon hearing this, Song Ci understood, realizing this was referring to her son-in-law, the Princely Heir of Marquis Jing’an.

Prime Minister Fan is indeed anxious, but the Emperor also supports a Princely Heir, Lu Ming, with an intent to subtly check Song Zhiyuan’s power, especially in recent months with the disaster relief efforts where Lu Ming has become increasingly favored.

The Emperor’s actions serve both as a constraint and as a means to nurture talents for the next Monarch.

Song Ci patted her hand and laughed: ”Do not worry, I understand it all. Those in power must adhere to the principle of balance, which is necessary. Don’t just think of the Emperor; even within the mansion, we elder family members govern by balancing, never allowing a single power to dominate.”

”I know you understand righteousness deeply, which is why I enjoy interacting with you; your life is enlightened,” Princess Anping smiled delightedly. ”By the way, I’ve heard you’re establishing a charitable school. How do you plan such a noble deed without involving me?”

”There’s no need for exaggeration. Although I don’t care about external criticisms claiming I’m seeking fame, what’s there to publicize? I simply want to do something meaningful. Since you’ve mentioned it, how about contributing bedding, tables, and chairs to this charitable school? For every donation, names will be inscribed on a memorial to be remembered,” Song Ci said with a smile.