The Eldest Daughter Returns: Imperial Uncle, I'm Pregnant!

Unexpectedly, the Emperor not only didn't think about their past, but because that vile Consort Xi laughed, he made her continue performing and not allow her to stop. She has been dancing for an hour now, and the Emperor not only doesn't care about her, but also says that she is too old, which makes Consort Lan extremely sad.

What saddened her even more was that, despite both being concubines, why did she have to dance for Consort Xi like an actress to please her?

Gu Qingwan didn't interrupt. Just as Xiao Jingchen was about to say something, he suddenly felt a little sleepy. He looked up and saw that Consort Xi's hood had fallen off, revealing her face.

Gu Qingwan also saw it, and just as described below, Consort Xi had a cinnabar mole between her eyebrows, which made her fair skin look like fresh blood.

The Emperor noticed that Prince Chu was staring at Consort Xi without blinking, and he coughed a few times in displeasure. Consort Xi seemed startled and quickly lowered her head. Gu Qingwan also realized what was happening and reached out to tug at Xiao Jingchen's sleeve.

Xiao Jingchen's eyes darkened. He gripped Gu Qingwan's hand tightly, then turned his gaze to the Emperor and bowed, saying, "It was my fault for being disrespectful in front of Your Majesty, but just now, upon seeing Consort Xi, it felt as if I had seen an old friend, so..."

The Emperor's displeasure vanished instantly, and he excitedly asked, "Jingchen, do you also think that she and..." The Emperor trailed off, not finishing his sentence.

Xiao Jingchen interrupted the emperor, saying, "An old friend is an old friend. Even if you miss them, they are no longer an old friend."

"you……"

"Your Majesty, it's getting late. My wife and I still need to pay our respects to the Empress Dowager. Would you like to come along?"

When the Empress Dowager was mentioned, the Emperor couldn't help but sigh. The Empress Dowager also disliked Consort Xi and had refused to see him for some time.

"Alright, I have other matters to attend to. I won't accompany you to keep the Empress Dowager company today. You can convey my regards to the Empress Dowager and have lunch with her before you leave."

"Yes!"

"Fuming, instruct the imperial kitchen to prepare a few dishes that the Prince of Chu likes and send them over."

After speaking, the Emperor lost interest in strolling in the garden and returned in the imperial carriage with Consort Xi. Gu Qingwan and Xiao Jingchen watched the Emperor leave. At this moment, Consort Xi, who was sitting next to the Emperor, suddenly turned around with a strange smile on her face. Gu Qingwan could see a hint of determination and provocation in her smile, especially the cinnabar mole between her eyebrows, which was too eerie.

Gu Qingwan subconsciously turned to look at Xiao Jingchen, only to see him with his brows tightly furrowed.

"What's wrong?" Gu Qingwan looked around to make sure no one was there, then asked in a low voice.

Xiao Jingchen shook his head and said, "That woman is definitely not an ordinary person. This is not the place to talk. I'll talk to you properly when we get back."

Gu Qingwan nodded. She felt that Xiao Jingchen's palms were covered with a thin layer of sweat, but she didn't feel that Xiao Jingchen's hands were hot. Instead, she felt that his hands were a little cold.

She instinctively gripped Xiao Jingchen's hand, wondering what Xiao Jingchen had just discerned that made his pulse pound so hard.

Surprised, Gu Qingwan quickly took out a calming pill from her purse and fed it to Xiao Jingchen.

Xiao Jingchen felt a little better in his chest after eating it.

Back in the Empress Dowager's palace, the Wen family mother and daughter did not leave. They had already learned that the King of Chu would come to the Empress Dowager's palace to pay his respects, and it took them a lot of effort to wait for him to arrive.

However, Xiao Jingchen clearly had no intention of paying them any attention.

Lady Wen, however, couldn't help but chime in with a sarcastic remark.

"Princess Consort Chu is indeed young. In this cold weather, she is not dressed as bulky as us. If you ask me, health is the most important thing. Even if you are young, you should take good care of yourself. Look, the prince doesn't look well. Princess Consort Chu should take good care of him."

The Empress Dowager looked at the Prince of Chu and saw that his complexion was indeed not good. She couldn't help but feel a little resentful towards Gu Qingwan.

"I told you long ago that if you can't take good care of the Prince, I'll send more people to take care of him, but neither of you is willing to do so. It's really... Chen'er, should we ask the imperial physician to take a look?"

"No need, Your Highness did a good job." Xiao Jingchen remained concise and unwilling to say more. In fact, if Gu Qingwan hadn't been willing to stay and dine with the Empress Dowager, he would never have stayed to dine with them, given his previous personality.

"Mother, please don't say anything more. The Prince and Princess are a loving couple. Although you mean well, it may upset them," she gently advised.

"It's just your aunt showing concern for the younger generation, Rou'er, don't overthink it," the Empress Dowager kindly comforted her.

Lady Wen raised her voice slightly in response, "That's right, we are all truly one family. Your Majesty's concern for His Highness is genuine. Seeing that His Majesty's lineage is so prosperous and blessed, now all that's missing is His Highness. I also hope that Your Highness can take good care of herself and His Highness. In that case, the Empress Dowager will be able to hold her grandson, which would be a truly joyous occasion."

The Empress Dowager frowned. The two had been married for a long time, but she had not heard any news from them.

Having offspring is the most important thing for the royal family. Is there something wrong with Gu Qingwan?

Xiao Jingchen put down his cup and glared coldly at Lady Wen.

Gu Qingwan remained calm and asked softly, "I never had the chance to sit down and have a proper chat with the Duchess before, but now I can sit face to face with you and Miss and have a meal and chat. I suppose this is the kind of happiness that ordinary people can have."

It seems like everyone knows how to talk about tea.

These words made the Empress Dowager feel that the atmosphere was indeed warm. If the Emperor were here too... But, that scoundrel Emperor is currently all lovey-dovey with his mute concubine. Just thinking about it makes me angry.

Lady Wen was somewhat taken aback and asked, "We were just talking about you and the Prince, how did we suddenly get dragged into this?"

“It wasn’t sudden. Madam just said it was just a casual chat. Although I’m not very good at it, I’m willing to try my best to fit in and make Mother Empress happier.”

The Empress Dowager felt gratified. Although she was still a little unhappy about the issue of the Chu Princess's offspring, she thought that the Chu Prince's changes were all because of Gu Qingwan, so she was able to be a little more tolerant.

"It's good that you think this way. But what your aunt said makes sense. You two should take good care of your health. Next spring will be a good time to get pregnant."

"I will keep Mother's words in mind." Gu Qingwan breathed a sigh of relief. The fact that the Empress Dowager said that meant she did not intend for the couple to return with a group of people.

If that really happens, the prince will probably just leave on his own, without caring at all about the Empress Dowager's feelings.