The cruel little princess

In the days that followed, everyone ate, drank, and had fun, interacting with each other every day. Those mansions that had good relationships with each other frequently visited each other and strengthened their relationships. Since Old Man Shen was at home, Shen Youyou naturally had a lot more ease, and all the reception affairs at home were handed over to Old Man Shen to take care of.

As for her, she took the time to visit Xu's house several times, took Xu Qingxue's pulse and performed acupuncture on her, and also left behind recipes for medicinal baths and medicinal meals.

In fact, Xu Qingxue originally had a generous and cheerful personality, but she became depressed because of a momentary depression. Later, she saw Shen Youyou busying herself for her and smiling all the time, not affected at all.

Xu Qingxue couldn't help but feel a little puzzled: "Sister Youyou, are you really not worried at all about not having children in the future?"

Shen Youyou asked back, "Why are you worried? Don't you trust my medical skills?"

Xu Qingxue quickly explained: "Of course not! I believe that Sister Youyou's medical skills are very superb, but... what I want to say is, what if my body is too weak and I still can't have children even after marriage?" She seemed a little lacking in confidence.

"Without offspring, are you no longer yourself?" Shen Youyou asked her. "Don't worry about whether you have offspring or not. Just think carefully: Did you come to this world just for offspring? Aren't your poems, your calligraphy, and your works of art proof of your existence? Regarding offspring, just let it go. Our lives are only a few decades long. Don't always focus on trivial matters. There are always other more important and meaningful things waiting for us to do!"

Shen Youyou looked at her bewildered expression. She knew she was a traditional woman, raised to marry, have children, and raise them. So she needed time to process these words, so she continued, "Furthermore, children aren't everything in life. If a woman pins all her hopes on having children, she'll lose herself and become anxious and sensitive. Look at those ladies who are busy with the affairs of the harem all day long. All they have to worry about are their husbands and their children. When do they truly think about what they need? What do they want? Do they even have a genuine smile on their faces? Is this the kind of life you really want?"

Hearing this, Xu Qingxue finally couldn't help but retort: ​​"But, I still feel it's a pity not to have children..."

Shen Youyou smiled and said, "See, this is your fixed mindset. You always think that not having children is a flaw, but in fact it is just a choice. Everyone can choose the lifestyle they like without being bound by traditional concepts. You can pursue other things, you can write poetry and paint, you can make friends, you can travel around. These are all part of your life. As long as you can find things that make you happy, then even if you don't have children, your life will still be wonderful."

"If you bloom, butterflies will come to you. When encountering problems, think more about the mistakes of others and less about blaming yourself!" Shen Youyou said to her earnestly, "Remember this sentence, it will help you overcome many difficulties. No matter what difficulties you encounter, you must believe in yourself and believe in the future. Because only when you truly love yourself can you receive the love of others. So, stop worrying about the issue of offspring and love yourself well!"

Xu Qingxue listened silently, her heart churning. She suddenly realized she'd been stuck in a dead end, always focused on meeting others' expectations while neglecting her own true needs. Ever since she was little, her parents had hoped she would be a qualified mistress of a wealthy family. They'd raised her to that standard. She was proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, but none of them were her passions.

Now, she seems to have found a new path, which is a little confusing but full of hope.

"Thank you, Sister Youyou." Xu Qingxue said gratefully, "You're right. I can't go on like this. I need to re-evaluate my life and find the happy and confident me I once was."

Shen Youyou smiled and nodded, saying, "You're welcome. This is what I should do. I hope you can get out of this predicament soon and live a happy and fulfilling life. If you have any further questions, feel free to come and talk to me." With that, she gently patted Xu Qingxue's shoulder and left the room. Xu Qingxue was left sitting there quietly, pondering her future. Her silence, though silent, was deafening.

Shen Youyou also sincerely hopes to help a woman who only knows the three obediences and four virtues to find herself, rather than being bound by the rules and regulations of the harem.

After acupuncture for several days, Shen Youyou announced that Xu Qingxue only needed to continue with the medicinal baths and medicated diet, and she would be cured within half a month.

Xu Qingxue was also smiling happily. She started to busy herself with reorganizing her collection of paintings and calligraphy every day, and found a new hobby.

As for His Royal Highness Prince Jin, after much persuasion, he finally persuaded his uncle Prince Heng to agree to go to the Shen Mansion to propose marriage on his behalf.

At first, Prince Heng was dead set on agreeing. A woman who had lost her fertility couldn't possibly enter their royal family! But then His Royal Highness Prince Jin reminded him that the Rui'an County Lady's master was a legendary doctor! Couldn't she even cure her minor ailment? Uncle Prince Heng was clearly looking down on the old doctor's skills!

Prince Heng was momentarily unsure how to respond. After all, the man was a direct disciple of the old genius doctor, so his medical skills were naturally not bad. However, he was cautious by nature, and after a moment's contemplation, he said, "This matter is of grave importance, concerning the prince's heir. I need to discuss it with my brother before making a decision."

After hearing this, His Royal Highness Prince Jin nodded slightly and said firmly, "I have received the permission of my father. If the uncle has any doubts, he can come to the palace to see the emperor and ask for his will at any time."

On the morning of the eighth day of the first lunar month, during the imperial court, Prince Heng did not leave the palace and return home as usual. Instead, he turned and walked deeper into the palace. He went straight to the door of the imperial study and reported to the eunuch Xiao Xizi at the door, requesting an audience with the emperor.

Eunuch Xiao Xizi quickly passed the message and soon welcomed Prince Heng into the imperial study. Once inside, Prince Heng quickly stepped forward, knelt down and saluted, saying, "Your Majesty, your humble servant greets you!"

The emperor looked up at Prince Heng, a trace of helplessness and fatigue flashed in his eyes, and he sighed softly: "Get up, Prince Heng, what do you want from me today?"

Prince Heng stood up, his eyes filled with anxiety and worry, and said with a cupped hand, "Royal brother, I heard that our ninth son Huai Jin is planning to propose marriage to Miss Shen, the Rui'an County Lady?"

The emperor took a deep breath, frowned slightly, and said slowly: "Yes, I know about this."

Prince Heng was surprised and asked hurriedly, "But isn't the Rui'an County Lady... How could Your Majesty allow Old Nine to act so rashly? This is a matter of great importance to the nation and society. Please reconsider!"

The emperor pinched his brows helplessly, "Forget it! Children and grandchildren have their own blessings! What is his, no one can take away! If it is not his, no one can get it! I have already agreed to it. My brother, please ask the Imperial Astronomical Observatory to find an auspicious day to propose marriage! Just consider it as a blessing for the two lovers to finally get married..."

Upon hearing this, Prince Heng said no more, bowed and said, "I obey your order!" Then he withdrew.