Chapter 2: The Enchanting Siren

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Flattery with no good intentions, as expected!

Ning Junru remained composed, withdrawing her hand and discreetly wiping it with a handkerchief hidden within her flowing sleeves.

“Madam Chang’s unborn child—whether boy or girl—is still unknown. Perhaps the prince might wait a few more months before deciding.”

It was the first time seeing them so intimate, and the Dowager Consort Xu smiled in satisfaction.

“In my opinion, this matter should not be delayed. If a son is born, it would be fitting to register him under the princess’s name. Of course, even if it’s a daughter, that’s wonderful too; perhaps her presence will bring joy and lift the princess’s spirits.”

“I do not agree.”

Ning Junru met her gaze steadily, neither humble nor arrogant, and said, “Although the prince says she comes from a fallen merchant family, I observe her to be delicate yet lacking dignity, smiling before she speaks. Her eyes hold a watery sparkle, and her manner is frivolous—not like one from a merchant household, but rather...”

Ning Junru turned her head sharply to fix her eyes on Zhao Shenxing. Seeing him lower his head guiltily, she continued resolutely.

“The Chang family is renowned in the capital for their noble lineage and strict family discipline. If my grandmother knew I had acknowledged such a cousin, I fear she would find no peace even in the afterlife. Forgive me, but I cannot comply.”

At the thought of that enchantress shamelessly flirting with her son before her eyes, Dowager Consort Xu felt a deep unease.

Though the princess had not spoken plainly, how could she not understand the implication?

Dowager Consort Xu’s expression immediately hardened as she looked at her son with displeasure. “Who exactly is this Chang Yuniang by birth?”

Zhao Shenxing lowered his head, stammering, “Actually, she’s an entertainer—a performer—sold to the theater at a young age, all alone and helpless...”

Dowager Consort Xu’s gaze was sharp as fire. “Just an entertainer?”

Zhao Shenxing raised his head, somewhat ashamed, clasping his fists. “I knew of her humble origins, so I kept her away from the main residence. Afraid Your Majesty would disdain her, I deliberately concealed her true background, saying she came from a merchant family.”

Heh, such a performer!

Zhao Shenxing, you unfilial son, even deceiving your own mother!

Ning Junru could no longer bear it. She rose slowly and said, “Mother, I may have caught a chill; I’ve had a headache these past days and wish to rest.”

Dowager Consort Xu waved her hand. After Ning Junru bowed respectfully, she turned to leave.

Just as she stepped outside, the sound of porcelain shattering echoed from inside.

“Wretched thing!”

Dowager Consort Xu scolded angrily, “Allowing her into the Yunmeng Pavilion and letting her stay here was already a gracious act by the princess. And you still foolishly hope to ally a mere entertainer with the Chang family? In my opinion, you should focus more on the princess and the heir—getting the heir born sooner is far more important than such nonsense!”

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Zhao Shenxing looked down at the broken tea cup like a child caught in wrongdoing, lowering his eyes obediently. “Her cold demeanor always reminds me of Grand Tutor Ning. It’s truly difficult to get close to her.”

“What do you mean by ‘cold demeanor’? The princess is refined and well-mannered, a true lady from a noble family—not like some entertainer who uses her looks to serve men!” Dowager Consort Xu said firmly. “Anyway, since she’s already moved in, I think it’s best to give it some time.”

Zhao Shenxing could only agree reluctantly.

In the courtyard, flowers bloomed in vibrant purples and reds, and the gentle spring breeze carried their fragrance.

In the bamboo-shadowed corridor, a few fallen petals were scattered about.

Ning Junru twisted the embroidered handkerchief in her hands, burdened with worry. Her personal maid Huai Xi followed closely behind, curiously asking, “Miss, how do you know that Chang Yuniang is a lowly entertainer?”

An entertainer?

In her previous life, Chang Yuniang’s true identity being exposed had led to countless tragedies!

Thinking of the bloody feud between the two Chang and Ning families, the hundreds of futile deaths—it was all her closest kin and dearest. How could she not know? How could she forget?

More than a decade of retreat and endurance had only ended this way.

Truly laughable to the extreme!

This time, no matter what, she would never tolerate it again...

After leaving the Ci’an Hall, Zhao Shenxing hurried to Yunmeng Pavilion.

Chang Yuniang, heavily pregnant, was supported by her maid Yuzhu, eyes shining as she gazed at the blooming peonies and paeonies.

“Never expected such gorgeous peonies on this frontier land. It’s truly a delight. No wonder everyone says the Liang Prince’s Mansion is a paradise in Liangzhou—it’s not an exaggeration.”

She cast a cold glance at Yuzhu, disdainfully asking, “By the way, what’s your name? Why are you the only one attending me?”

Yuzhu lowered her head and spoke softly, “Master, my name is Yuzhu. Currently, I am the only attendant close by. I believe the princess will arrange for more help soon.”

“What? Your name is Yuzhu?”

Chang Yuniang’s face fell. Even her maid had the character ‘Yu’ in her name—who arranged this?

Was it deliberately mocking her lowly origins?

She had planned to enjoy the flowers peacefully, but her good mood was ruined.

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Glancing at Yuzhu’s attire, she said irritably, “From now on, you’ll be called Xiaocui.”

Yuzhu, who had served in the princess’s Yilan Residence before being assigned to her, was already displeased, and could only nod reluctantly upon hearing this.

By the time Zhao Shenxing arrived, Yuzhu was already helping her inside.

“Zhao Lang even came to see me~”

Chang Yuniang’s coquettish voice made Yuzhu’s skin crawl.

“Haha, your lips sound like they’re coated in honey,” Zhao Shenxing’s furrowed brows instantly relaxed. “So, how do you find living in this courtyard?”

“Oh, ouch, ouch...”

Before Zhao Shenxing could sit, Chang Yuniang exclaimed exaggeratedly, “The little one keeps kicking me! The courtyard is nice, but…”

Seeing her suddenly stop smiling and pout as if she could hang an oil bottle from her lips, Zhao Shenxing’s heart tightened. “But what?”

“Zhao Lang broke his promise!”

Chang Yuniang pretended to pout and tease, “You said you’d give me a proper status—guess that’s not happening!”

“Could it be you have eyes and ears from afar?” Zhao Shenxing feigned surprise, widening his eyes. “I haven’t even said anything, how do you know I broke my word?”

“I don’t have eyes or ears from afar. Looking at your expression, I already know the result.”

Chang Yuniang wiped nonexistent tears from her eyes with a handkerchief as if changing her face, sighing.

“Zhao Lang clearly promised to give our son heir status and grant me the position of secondary consort. Look at you, heartless—just fooling me!”

She extended delicate, elegant fingers to tap his forehead firmly. “The princess’s fierce demeanor is truly intimidating. If I had known I’d remain nameless and without status, why would I have come to endure such treatment? If not for my feelings for you, I’d have left long ago...”

“Don’t say that!” Zhao Shenxing reached out and pressed her lips gently.

“You’re the only one in this whole mansion who truly cares for me. If you leave, what will I do? Rest assured and stay here. I promise once the child is born, you’ll have a satisfactory answer.”