Chapter 1358: Neither Competing nor Contending
Chapter 1358: Chapter 1358: Neither Competing nor Contending
Song Zhiqing left in a huff, and Lu’s mind came to a halt, feeling a chill down her back. She couldn’t help but stagger a step back, crashing into the Arhat bed, and sat down on it.
Just now, Song Zhiqing’s gaze was too cold, as if he were looking at an enemy.
Lu smiled self-deprecatingly; she’s no stranger to his innate indifference, yet each realization seems to elevate her awareness.
Song Zhiqing left Plum Garden, and as the cold wind hit him, he couldn’t help but shiver. He thought for a moment and headed towards Shen’s place.
Upon seeing him arrive, Shen, with a rounded belly, ordered the servants to prepare hangover soup and a change of clothes.
Song Zhiqing held her, looking at her slightly rounder face due to pregnancy. Although her face grew a bit rounder, it appeared more amiable and pleasant, exuding a glow of maternal love.
"You won’t change, right?"
Shen paused for a moment, then smiled happily: "Is the master drunk?"
Song Zhiqing pulled her into his embrace, about to kiss her, but Shen stiffened slightly, pressed against his mouth, and shook her head: "Master, my condition isn’t convenient, perhaps you should visit madam instead?"
Song Zhiqing looked at her protruding belly, released her, and said: "I just came from Plum Garden, it’s fine, have someone bring water for me to bathe, and I’ll sleep in the west wing room."
Shen replied with a smile, instructed the servants, and as night fell, Song Zhiqing slept with a touch of drunkenness.
Upon hearing the report, Shen ordered the courtyard gate to be locked and furrowed her brows.
"Aunt, I’ve made inquiries; it seems the master had a spat with madam." Qiao’er reported softly to Shen.
Shen said lightly, "There’s no need to bother inquiring about such things."
Qiao’er said, "Naturally, not just that, I’ve also heard the maid named Xizhi by madam’s side is now the daughter-in-law of Steward Chen from the outer courtyard, and she gave birth to a chubby son a few days ago. Today, madam went to Chunhui Hall, seemingly to consult with the elderly madam about having Xizhi become the wet nurse for your little young master."
Shen was slightly startled, and after a while said, "Since she’s madam’s trusted confidante, naturally she’ll be diligent in nursing the child, and that’s his fortune."
She caressed her prominent belly, the child seemed to sense her touch and gave a strong kick.
Shen looked down, her gaze grew softer.
Qiao’er hurriedly said, "Aunt, it’s easy to say that, but after all, she’s madam’s person. The wet nurse and the little master always spend a long time together. If she persuades the little young master to distance himself from you, then wouldn’t you be..."
Left with nothing?
Upon hearing this, Shen’s expression turned cold, giving her a cool glance, and said, "Never bring up such things again. Since this child was conceived, I’ve told madam I want her to raise the child. If this child truly becomes close to madam, it’s his fate. If madam is kind-hearted, and willing to acknowledge him under her name, then that’s his great fortune. Whether I, as the birth mother, matter or not."
Qiao’er’s face turned slightly pale; was this a matter of not competing or fighting?
Shen looked at her and said, "I am alone, having left the palace, simply seeking a place to reside. The Prime Minister’s Mansion has now given me that, I am without worries. The arrival of this child is a pleasant surprise. For him to call me aunt is our bond as mother and child; beyond that, it is not something to fight for. If he succeeds, he will strive for his future prospects."
Qiao’er laughed awkwardly.
"Do not bring it up again, if you wish to incite me to compete for those illusory things, you’d better find another wise master. I cannot sustain you here," Shen implied a warning with these words.
Qiao’er knelt down with a pale face, repeatedly expressing her loyalty, not daring to bring up this matter again.