The Grand Princess's Provocation (Continued)

"No, Second Sister-in-law," Gu Wanning earnestly explained to Princess Qingyi, "That would make it very difficult to conceive..."

Princess Qingyi looked sad, lowered her eyes and said, "I have actually guessed it before, but I can't believe it. I always feel that how could the consort not want his own flesh and blood?"

Gu Wanning wondered to herself, had she unintentionally set a trap for her second brother?

If she hadn't come, my second brother could have kept "lying" on her.

But then she thought again, it was her second brother who insisted on inviting her, and he hadn't told her beforehand what she couldn't say, so she didn't blame him.

"... I know the prince consort can't bear to see me suffer the pain of childbirth. But I really want to give him a son, just like him..."

In this way, it's as if she's become a part of his past.

A stronger bond formed between them, one that could never be separated again.

Gu Wanning: Okay, you don't need anyone to persuade you to be love-struck.

I managed to calm myself down.

"I'll have a good talk with the prince consort later," Princess Qingyi said sadly. "It's all my fault for not being well."

Gu Wanning: "Second sister-in-law, you should take good care of yourself. You're still so young, what's wrong with that? If it really doesn't work, talk to Four Fool and ask her to stay and teach you exercises to improve your health."

"Four Fools?"

"Haven't you figured out which one is the Four Fool?" Gu Wanning laughed.

Even the Third Concubine couldn't help but chuckle.

Princess Qingyi said, "Actually, I did notice a bit, but I felt that this form of address was a bit presumptuous."

"We're all very familiar with each other, so we don't hold back when joking around. You'll see later. Second sister-in-law, I brought mahjong today, let's play some mahjong together!"

"Mahjong? What's that?" Princess Qingyi looked curious, but also a little embarrassed. "I don't know much about this, Gu Wanning don't laugh at me."

"I wouldn't dare laugh at you, otherwise what if my second brother comes back and holds me accountable?"

After chatting and laughing for a while, Gu Wanning called in her Second Concubine and Fourth Concubine to teach Princess Qingyi how to play mahjong.

The First Concubine looked after the child, while the Third Concubine instructed Princess Qingyi.

After playing three rounds, Princess Qingyi was basically able to use it skillfully on her own. "Hua Ying, this time don't tell me, let me do it myself."

Third Concubine smiled and agreed.

Despite her noble status, she has no airs whatsoever; instead, she's as innocent and beautiful as a shy little princess next door—who wouldn't like that?

Princess Qingyi found enjoyment in this and wished she could drag everyone into a final battle until dawn.

But the good times didn't last long. A maid came in to report that the Grand Princess had arrived.

Gu Wanning paused for a moment, holding the mahjong tiles, then tossed them onto the table and laughed, "Second Sister-in-law has distinguished guests, it seems we'll have to reschedule."

"Gu Wanning, don't be afraid." Princess Qingyi's own hands were trembling, but she still held Gu Wanning's hand. "My great-aunt, she, she..."

"I'm not afraid," Gu Wanning said calmly. "My divorce from the Marquis was presided over by the Emperor. If she has any complaints, she can go to the Emperor."

Don't try to pick on the weak; she's not afraid.

Even if she caused a huge disaster, didn't her father still have a get- Death-Exemption Gold Plaque to save her?

Giving the "get-out -Death-Exemption Gold Plaque" to the son-in-law is a bit of a waste; if it were given to the daughter, the father would definitely be happy.

This will also let the Grand Princess see the Death-Exemption Gold Plaque she has been scheming for so long.

"You lot, step aside for a bit," Gu Wanning said to her four concubines. "And Jiaoniang, Second Sister-in-law, find a place for them to hide."

If the Grand Princess suffers mistreatment here, don't take it out on them.

"Especially you," Gu Wanning said, pointing at the Fourth Concubine, "Your senior brother has respect in front of the Marquis, but not in front of the Grand Princess. Unlike someone whose tongue has been cut out, he doesn't have to keep his mouth shut."

"I understand. Even a grown woman like me has her pride."

"If you act impulsively, the Grand Princess will punish you so severely that you'll lose all face and dignity."

"Go to the inner room. Your great-aunt won't go inside." Princess Qingyi led the group inside first, then tidied her appearance and went out to greet them.

Gu Wanning thought for a moment, then took Zhi Nu's hand and followed behind her, softly instructing Zhi Nu, "This is your second uncle and aunt's home. You don't need to be afraid of anyone here."

Zhi Nu nodded solemnly and said, "Auntie, I will protect you."

Gu Wanning chuckled and couldn't help but reach out and pat his head. "You can protect your aunt when you grow up."

The Grand Princess has arrived.

The Grand Princess not only came herself, but also brought a noble and beautiful young lady with her.

She didn't even glance at Gu Wanning, but said only to Princess Qingyi, "I had nothing to do today, so I came to drop by. I'm getting old and enjoy being around people, I hope you don't mind."

"Grandmother, you flatter me. Your presence is an honor to my Xiaoxiao abode. Come, let me help you, please take your time," Princess Qingyi said, stepping forward.

It was clear she was very nervous.

She was clearly not good at handling this kind of situation.

That was probably because her status as "sister-in-law" had put her in that position, so she was forced to put on a brave face.

Gu Wanning found it both funny and touching.

My second brother really "married" well.

Not only did he not suffer the princess's temper, but he was also respected and admired by her, enjoying the harmonious relationship of an ordinary loving couple. He was truly blessed.

After the Grand Princess entered the flower hall and sat down at the head of the table, she still didn't look at Gu Wanning, but only introduced the girls beside Princess Qingyi.

"This is the ninth young lady of the Xie Residence. Her given name is Yun. You can call her Sister Yun or Ninth Sister. From now on... we're all family."

When the Grand Princess said this, she finally deigned to glance at Gu Wanning.

Gu Wanning, however, squatted on the ground and teased Princess Qingyi's cat—she had already performed the proper courtesies, and if the Grand Princess pretended not to see it, then so be it.

In any case, you can't criticize her manners.

The Grand Princess's expression darkened, and her voice unconsciously rose, "We're family, do you understand what I mean?"