Reborn as the Crippled King's Beloved

Chapter 60: Chapter 60: Don’t Pester the Princess Consort
 

The arrival of General Fu’s family lifted the siege around Murong Jiu.

For some reason, she always found herself blushing and her heart racing at Jun Yuyan’s words.

His voice was too gentle, and those deep eyes seemed so tender. Although Murong Jiu knew he had no other intentions towards her, she couldn’t help but feel her heart sway slightly.

This was not right; he already had someone in his heart, and she needed to find her child’s father. There was no possible outcome for them, and she should not entertain any thoughts.

As soon as she entered the drawing room, she heard General Fu’s hearty laughter.

The family of five was radiantly happy. Fu Baozhu was cooing about something, and everyone’s face bore a look of indulgence.

Murong Jiu felt envious in her heart. Such a family was what she had longed for since her childhood. That’s why in her previous life, she was completely subservient to both the Marquis and Marchioness, allowing Marquis Mansion to drain her.

Only to realize just before her death that no one in Marquis Mansion was her kin.

And even now, she still didn’t know who her real parents were.

Upon seeing Murong Jiu and Jun Yuyan enter, their laughter stopped, and they greeted the two.

Fu Baozhu looked proudly at Murong Jiu’s dejected expression, her lips curving up slightly.

“Princess Consort, this is our token of thanks, a modest gift, albeit lacking proper respect.”

General Fu, with a smile, looked at Murong Jiu, still marvelling that Baozhu didn’t resemble Princess Consort Ling as much as his deceased wife did.

In the past, his wife and the Marchioness were not only best friends but also cousins, so the resemblance was merely surprising rather than thought-provoking.

After his wife’s untimely death, General’s Mansion had no further interactions with Marquis Mansion.

General Fu felt a pang of sympathy for the child Murong Jiu, who was about the same age as Baozhu yet had suffered immensely. He thought Marquis Mansion was utterly inhumane for abandoning the child in the manor over a birthmark and a so-called fate.

“General, you are too kind. It was merely a helping hand that day, and I would have done the same for anyone else.”

Murong Jiu was pleased that she had resolved the vendetta between the former Minister of War and General Fu’s families. She liked doing things that could change the course of events, making her feel she could completely alter her own and some people’s destinies.

The gentle and noble Third Young Master Fu Heng said:

“Perhaps for the Princess Consort, it was just a helping hand, but for us, it was a great favor. Please accept these gifts.”

Murong Jiu glanced at the gifts in the box. They were all valuable items, especially a small jade Guanyin that clearly was of great worth.

“I will accept the other items, but please take this Jade Guanyin back. It’s too precious.”

Fu Baozhu sneered inwardly, not expecting this bumpkin to recognize something so valuable.

This little Guanyin was an heirloom of the Fu family. Its jade was translucent, and the quality was superb, especially the jade bottle and willow branch in Guanyin’s hands, which were imperial green.

Additionally, it was carved by a master jade sculptor from a previous dynasty, whose artistic conception was extraordinary. It could literally be deemed priceless, as it would serve as a family treasure.

It was the most valuable item in General’s mansion’s storeroom!

She couldn’t believe her father had decided to bring such a treasure as a gift for Murong Jiu. She had tried persuading him repeatedly on the way here, but both her father and brother were adamant about giving the best to Murong Jiu, without considering whether she was deserving.

Hmph, it seems Murong Jiu also has the sense to realize she isn’t worthy of this Jade Guanyin.

“I feel that the Princess Consort, like Guanyin, has a kind heart, and this Jade Guanyin suits you well.”

Third Young Master Fu Han said aloud.

General Fu laughed, “There’s nothing too precious. We choose gifts based on their suitability, and you should just accept it, Princess Consort.”

Jun Yuyan told her, “Accept it, Princess Consort, as a token of General Fu’s sincerity.”

Murong Jiu looked at him, then glanced at Fu Baozhu, who was secretly gritting her teeth in anger, and nodded, “If that’s the case, I shall humbly comply.”

Seeing her accept the gift, the smiles on General Fu and his sons’ faces grew even broader, but Fu Baozhu only managed a forced smile.

General Fu and his family had visited, and Jun Yuyan had already arranged for Steward Lin to host a banquet for them.

However, the banquet was still some time away, and General Fu wanted to discuss military affairs with Jun Yuyan, so the men headed to Jun Yuyan’s study. Fu Baozhu, naturally, could not go, so Murong Jiu took her to the back garden to admire the flowers.

“Princess Consort Sister, do you know about Miss Murong’s pregnancy?”

As soon as Fu Baozhu spoke, she caught Murong Jiu by surprise.

Nanny Fan subtly tugged at Fu Baozhu, signaling her to say no more.

Fu Baozhu knew she had misspoken, but she was too upset. Why should the Jade Guanyin, which should have been hers, end up in Murong Jiu’s hands? She just wanted to provoke Murong Jiu to see if Murong Jiu could still face her and act affectionately with the Prince!

Having already spoken, she continued:

“It seems Princess Consort Sister is uninformed. Yesterday, your cousin went to see the Prince, and who knows, maybe the child in her womb is the Prince’s seed!”

Murong Jiu’s cold eyes narrowed, “How ridiculous, Miss Fu, you spout words that could tarnish two people’s reputations. Why don’t you ask the Prince directly?”

She was just surprised to learn of Murong Qian’s pregnancy.

But she believed that the child in Murong Qian’s belly couldn’t possibly be Yu Yan’s. If it were, given Yu Yan’s responsibility, he would have told her.

Since he hadn’t mentioned it, then it wasn’t important.

She also suddenly recalled the rumors from her previous life after Murong Qian was tragically killed in the street, accusing her of being promiscuous, having countless men, and having secret engagements.

At the time, she thought those accusations were exaggerated, but hearing of the pregnancy today, it seemed to align with the rumors from her past life.

So, when Murong Qian visited the Prince yesterday, could it have been to have the Prince acknowledge the child in her womb?

Wait, she remembered that in her past life, Yu Yan was supposed to make Murong Qian his Concubine, but just a few days after the news broke, Yu Yan denied it.

Then Murong Qian asked her to meet at a teahouse, she almost fell for a trap but was saved by Yu Yan, while Murong Qian met her own miserable fate, dying disheveled on the streets.

Thinking of this, she became more confused.

Murong Qian and Yu Yan must have had some connection; otherwise, why would she seek out Yu Yan and not someone else?

“What is there for me to be curious about? I am just kindly warning you, Princess Consort Sister. Don’t let your dear sister scheme against you. Princess Consort Sister, you misunderstand me; Baozhu is heartbroken.”

Fu Baozhu’s tone was sorrowful as she took out a handkerchief to wipe the corner of her eye.

Murong Jiu’s brows furrowed, just as she was about to speak, she saw Third Young Master Fu Han approaching them.

She looked at Fu Baozhu, who seemed greatly wronged, wondering if Third Young Master was here to make accusations.

She didn’t want to explain anything; after all, people always side with their own kin, don’t they?

Fu Baozhu was pretending, obviously to get Fu Han to support her.

However, upon arriving, Fu Han sternly said to Fu Baozhu:

“Baobao, do not make unreasonable trouble in front of the Princess Consort!”

Murong Jiu’s eyes widened slightly.

Fu Baozhu was incredulous, her mouth agape.