Reborn as the Crippled King's Beloved

Chapter 40: Chapter 40: Emperor Father Wants to Hold His Grandson Soon

Murong Jiu knew that Noble Consort Qi did not like her.

When she was summoned to the palace, it was probably only to maintain the imperial family’s face, after all, she was Princess Consort Ling.

In her previous life, because Jun Yuyan was injured and performed poorly in his duties, he was punished, and Noble Consort Qi did not celebrate her birthday that year.

From this year onwards, Noble Consort Qi gradually lost favor and never regained her former glory. No one fawned over her to host a lavish birthday celebration for her anymore.

“I certainly must go,”

she nodded to Jun Yuyan.

...

Jun Yuyan had helped her a great deal, and accompanying him to palace to celebrate Noble Consort Qi’s birthday was the least she ought to do.

That day, Jun Yuyan still spent the night at her place.

It was strange, having an unfamiliar man sleep beside her should have made it difficult to fall asleep, but in reality, she had a comfortable full night’s rest and woke up feeling completely refreshed, with barely any morning sickness.

Because she had to go to the palace today, she got up and saw Jun Yuyan had not left, he was reading in the study.

Seeing him, Murong Jiu strangely felt as though she was truly married and living together with this man.

Jun Yuyan lifted his head from the book, his face was unmasked, and the scars on his face had faded more; he looked gentle and gave her a slight smile:

“Awake? Chun Tao, ask Eunuch Shi to serve the meal.”

“Yes, Prince!”

Chun Tao happily departed.

For some reason, Jun Yuyan’s gaze made Murong Jiu feel slightly embarrassed, so she nodded and shifted her eyes away.

Zhen Zhu came, diligently doing her makeup, saying it was because they were going to the palace where Chun Tao was too clumsy to arrange her hair properly.

She wanted to look good in front of Murong Jiu, hoping to accompany her to the palace.

She was worried the Second Prince would think she was incompetent and sought an opportunity to meet the Second Prince.

Moreover, she found Murong Jiu’s character very peculiar; she had never before commanded her to kneel in the rain as punishment, and it would be better to find an alternative path as soon as possible.

Murong Jiu did not expose her intentions and decided to go with the flow and take Zhen Zhu to the palace.

The day before yesterday she had not kept her appointment with Jun Haoze, and yesterday she had also disrupted Jun Haoze’s important plans when he was in a towering rage; she had to let him taste some success to avoid provoking him and causing trouble for herself.

Chang Chonghai had not returned yet, and she was not always in the Prince Mansion; if Jun Haoze found out she no longer had any feelings for him, knowing his character, he would mercilessly kill anyone who could hinder him.

There is an old saying, “thieves can’t be on guard every day,” but it was not yet time to burn all bridges.

As long as Jun Haoze believed she could still be useful to him and obey his commands in the future, both she and her child’s safety would not be threatened.

“Princess Consort, this cinnabar hairpin really suits you, it even makes your complexion look rosier,”

Zhen Zhu eagerly flattered.

Murong Jiu looked in the bronze mirror, where her face was reflected, and a black birthmark captured all the attention.

Just like everyone, the first thing they saw when they looked at her was the ugly birthmark, and after the first glance, no one wanted a second. Who would notice what sort of cinnabar hairpin she wore?

She only checked if the hairpin was suitable and then moved her gaze away.

The joy she felt from the fine silks and jewelries she received yesterday faded because of her face.

Beautiful clothes should match a beauty, and she was better suited to plain, inconspicuous attire.

After breakfast, Murong Jiu accompanied Jun Yuyan to the palace.

Noble Consort Qi’s residence was very lively because she was most favored. Many less favored concubines would fawn over her, seeking an opportunity to show their faces in front of the Emperor.

Speaking of which, the women in the palace were also pitiful. The Emperor was affectionate yet heartless, solely showing some kindness toward Noble Consort Qi.

The rest of the concubines were mostly forgotten once their novelty wore off.

The deep palace was like the Cold Palace, lacking the Emperor’s love; they couldn’t even wear a new set of clothes, let alone enjoy any glory or wealth.

The eunuchs and palace maids in the palace were best at flattering and stooping low, flattering those in power. Once they saw you had no chance of turning the tables, even a little palace maid could bully you.

Murong Jiu never thought the Imperial Palace was a good place.

“Your Majesty, Prince and Ninth Sister have arrived.”

As Murong Jiu and Jun Yuyan just entered Noble Consort Qi’s palace, they heard Murong Man’s familiar, soft voice.

She really was everywhere.

“Mother is well.” @@novelbin@@

Murong Jiu followed Jun Yuyan to greet Noble Consort Qi and then presented the birthday gifts Jun Yuyan had chosen.

Noble Consort Qi was in a very good mood, her delicate face all smiles.

Because yesterday Jun Yuyan had rendered great service by capturing the remnants of the previous dynasty who wanted to create trouble. Last night, the Emperor stayed in her palace, praising her for having such a good son.

She naturally was in high spirits.

The people in the palace were like weeds, swaying with the wind. After her son was injured, many people leaned towards the Empress, unaware that in the Emperor’s heart, her son was still the most cherished.

She looked at the other concubines, “You all may leave. I would like to speak with the Eldest Prince.”

Everyone said a few flattering words and left.

In the end, only Murong Man was left by Noble Consort Qi’s side, massaging her shoulders.

“Yu Yan, sit down. Yesterday, your mother didn’t get a chance to see you, and you returned to the mansion. Quickly tell your mother, did you get hurt yesterday?”

Noble Consort Qi asked with concern.

Murong Man’s eyes flickered, adding, “Yes, I heard that yesterday remnants of the former dynasty were killing people in the streets, and many died. It must have been dangerous for you, Prince, wasn’t it?”

Jun Yuyan replied indifferently, “To mother, your son had skilled experts with him and was not injured.”

“That’s good, that’s good. Manman told me that those remnants even had dead soldiers with them. Fortunately, you were prepared; otherwise, your mother dares not even think about it. It’s great that you rendered such a service, your father Emperor is very pleased, and your mother shares in the honor.”

Jun Yuyan’s expression became even more placid.

Actually, Murong Jiu had long noticed that the relationship between Jun Yuyan and his mother, Noble Consort Qi, did not seem very affectionate.

She had heard that when Jun Yuyan was first injured, his disfigurement was so severe that it terrified Noble Consort Qi, who then roamed around looking for medicines, aiming to have another child. Whether this rumor was true or not,

if it were, it would be normal for Jun Yuyan to feel cold-hearted.

Yet, the gifts Jun Yuyan chose for Noble Consort Qi clearly showed his care; perhaps he preferred to keep his emotions hidden deep inside.

At this moment, Noble Consort Qi suddenly said:

“Yu Yan, you are not young anymore. Your mother plans to marry a Concubine for you. Do you have someone you like?”

Murong Jiu raised her head. Noble Consort Qi really didn’t like her, blurting out such words directly in front of her.

But she didn’t mind. She and Jun Yuyan were merely a sham couple, and whether or not he married a concubine didn’t concern her.

Jun Yuyan, however, unconsciously glanced at her, and seeing her expression unchanged, the slightest frown formed beneath his mask.

“No need, your son has no plans to marry a concubine.”

Noble Consort Qi said, “You were originally supposed to marry Manman, but you ended up marrying Murong Jiu. Your mother feels you were wronged. Yesterday, I also discussed this with your father Emperor. He agrees with your mother’s idea and wants to see grandchildren soon. You must not be willful.”