Chapter 515 - 28: The Cannon Fodder Vase in the Scheming Novel (Part 28)

"I didn’t expect you to have some sense of aesthetics."

Little Buding snorted coldly.

"I’m praising the original host; it has nothing to do with you."

Her body was fleshy yet well-proportioned, with all the curves in the right places. The most striking part was her face, round and delicate, like a blooming peony, exuding a majestic beauty.

Jiang Lai naturally knew that the original host was beautiful; she was like a pearl covered in dust, destined to shine once polished.

What a pity she couldn’t see it herself.

Life now, though not indulgent in food and drink, was affluent enough for comfort. The Taishi had aligned with the Eldest Prince, whose major backing was the Second Prince, Chu Yunci.

Everyone in the court knew Chu Yunci was physically disabled and could not ascend the throne, so he supported the weak and incompetent Eldest Prince.

Currently, there were two factions in the court: one led by the Second Prince, the other by the Eighth Prince.

But as it stood, the Eighth Prince was assigned far away for disaster relief, not returning for a year or more, and with no offspring, his prestige in the court gradually waned compared to the Second Prince. Furthermore, as the old Emperor’s health declined, the Second Prince’s faction grew stronger.

With the Taishi following the Second Prince, the Eighth Prince now faced even more difficulties in the court, prompting many hesitant officials to defect to the Second Prince’s side.

As the situation settled, Chu Yunxuan’s days grew increasingly troubled.

All his strategists now urged him to produce offspring soon, to regain some favor with His Majesty.

Aside from having offspring, the Eighth Prince’s greatest advantage was the reigning old Emperor’s favor towards him. As long as he performed better, Chu Yunci’s influence, no matter how vast, could not override the Emperor’s preference.

Therefore, to stabilize court affairs before leaving for disaster relief, Chu Yunxuan frequently spent nights in Chun Niang’s chambers.

An experienced matron had already stated that Chun Niang’s fitness made her ideal for bearing children. A little effort could quickly lead to conception.

Moreover, Chun Niang was also striving diligently, continuously taking the nourishing medicines every day.

And all this was concealed from Zhao Ziyuan by Chu Yunxuan.

That day, Aunt Zhao once again came to the Taishi Mansion to report on the happenings at the Prince Mansion to Jiang Lai.

"That female physician still trusts this old slave significantly, and I add the medicine you provided daily."

With a sycophantic smile accompanying her self-praise, Jiang Lai naturally needed to offer some response.

"Hmm, not bad."

"Then when can this old slave return, Miss?"

The whole family lived in the Taishi Mansion while she was alone in the Prince’s mansion, living day and night in fear, cautiously minding the new master’s moods—a truly hard life.

Jiang Lai merely smiled.

"Do well, and naturally, you’ll return."

Aunt Zhao dared not ask further, suddenly remembering recent events in the mansion to report to Jiang Lai.

"Recently, something happened in the mansion. I noticed that the female physician has been acting petulant towards the Eighth Prince. Before, His Highness visited her daily, but now it’s been several days since he’s gone to her yard.

This made the female physician worry, unable to eat due to anxiety, subsisting only on the soup this old slave prepared for her.

Miss, you didn’t see her demeanor. It’s truly a case of the wicked meeting their downfall!"

Jiang Lai listened with interest.

After Aunt Zhao left, Jiang Lai continued to lie down, appearing indifferent and peaceful as time passed.

"Are you not going to see Chu Yunci recently?"

Wasn’t it said before that flattery never fails?

Now you’ve resorted to lounging lazily, entirely lacking the drive you had during assignments.

"Why waste energy when enough has been done?"

Now that the Taishi had pledged allegiance and Chu Yunci accepted Jiang Family, what mattered most to him were the benefits Jiang Family could bring, lessening the need for relentless flattery.

The Taishi, with his complex methods, helped Chu Yunci clear numerous dissidents within two months, proving a capable and mighty minister.

"My father can stand firm under Chu Yunci with his own skills. There’s nothing more for me to do; once Chu Yunxuan’s child is born, my task will be complete."

Little Buding looked utterly incredulous.

"Why? Once he has a child, rebuffs rumors, won’t he have a better chance at the throne?"

"Do you think Chu Yunci is naïve? In the original plot, Chu Yunci was invincible, losing only because the male and female leads united.

Now, the male and female leads are not unified; once the child is born, internal conflict is inevitable, leaving Chu Yunxuan with no leverage against Chu Yunci."

How to intensify their internal strife?

Is there a more effective way than the male lead having a child with another woman?

Jiang Lai leisurely smiled, eating the peeled grapes handed over by Little He.

Little Buding shook its head in disbelief.

With a countenance resembling a villain, even more so than Chu Yunci himself.

——

When Aunt Zhao returned, she bore a mysterious expression, whispered secretly with Little He, and quickly left again. Jiang Lai, just awake, was approached by an excited Little He with barely contained laughter.

"Miss, something big has happened."

"Does your expression look like something big has happened?"

Little He composed herself, then whispered close to Jiang Lai’s ear.

"Chun Niang, Lady Chun, is pregnant!"

The voice carried a hint of excitement amidst the gossip.

Jiang Lai nodded thoughtfully, then listened as Little He continued.

"Now it’s spread throughout the whole backyard that Chun Niang is pregnant, even that female physician knows!

A great show is coming."

Didn’t the Eighth Prince leave Miss alone in the mansion for over a year for the sake of a mere female physician? Now, it’s come to this— the physician failed to conceive, leading to a lady’s pregnancy!

Thinking of the troubles of the seductress made Little He unable to contain her glee, yet a thought turned to worry.

"Miss, Chun Niang is under your control, but now that she’s pregnant, would she become arrogant and unruly, not listening anymore?"

"She’s obedient enough."

The task of sowing discord was achieved, and Jiang Lai no longer needed Chun Niang.

At this time, within the Prince’s mansion, some were happy, others worried.

Chun Niang lay on her couch, constantly caressing her belly, laughing aloud occasionally.

Then a report came from outside.

Chu Yunxuan was here.

Chun Niang immediately tried to get up to greet him, but Chu Yunxuan strode in, stopping her.

"No need, lie down and rest. What did the Imperial Physician say after the examination?"

"He said the fetal position is good, and with a nine in ten chance, it’s a little grandson of the Emperor."

As she spoke, a smile graced Chun Niang’s lips.

Chu Yunxuan nodded, finally at ease.

With an offspring, he could stand firmer in the court. He was heading for disaster relief, but before that, he must ensure there were no unforeseen issues with the child in Chun Niang’s womb.