Repeatedly broken branches

After that, Yin Fu'an really never came again, and Chen Lanhe finally believed that what he said was true. But it was good that he didn't come, so she didn't have to try to please him.

During her pregnancy, she was anxious and restless, but her appetite did increase significantly. Compared to the various discomforts of her last pregnancy, this baby seemed to be repaying a debt of gratitude, not making her feel nauseous at all. On the contrary, she could eat and sleep well, just like a normal person.

Yin Fu'an told her to go out as little as possible, and she understood the implication: he was afraid she would cause trouble if she went out. But she wasn't like Xia Yunzhi. Speaking of Xia Yunzhi, they hadn't seen each other for over a year. She heard that Xia Yunzhi was also pregnant, a month earlier than her, and she was genuinely happy for her.

Liang Yuxue no longer stayed indoors, because Consort Qing had lost power. Although she still managed the six palaces, the emperor no longer visited her. The wind blows whichever way, and her followers have been reduced by half.

Yin Fu'an has been acting strangely lately, not summoning any of his concubines. Some say it's because he wants to take in new women, and they wonder which unlucky woman is it.

"Sister, this is a scripture handwritten by Consort Xian, for your use in ensuring a safe pregnancy." Song Xinning took out a thick stack of scriptures from her bosom. Consort Xian's handwriting was very delicate and pleasing to the eye.

Chen Lanhe was also surprised that Consort Xian could put aside past grievances and even hand-copy scriptures for her, without any hesitation that she was the one who had taken away her position as Empress.

She has a very narrow view of people.

"Did Consort Xian personally give it to you?" Liang Yuxue turned to look at Song Xinning and couldn't help but ask. Consort Xian had been staying at home for half a year and hadn't seen anyone. Why would she suddenly be willing to see people because of this?

Song Xinning shook her head. "No, it was Si Liu, who was by her side, who gave it to me. Si Liu said that Consort Xian is in very bad condition. She cries every day and looks ten years older. It is impossible for the Emperor to favor her anymore."

Chen Lanhe and Liang Yuxue instantly understood the meaning behind Song Xinning's words. Yin Fu'an liked young and beautiful women, and since Consort Xian was already in this state, she could no longer move the Emperor's heart. He would never put her in his heart again, or even in his eyes.

I had heard in my youth that Yin Fu'an and Consort Xian had a very good relationship. Although they had no children, I knew how good Yin Fu'an was to her and how understanding, gentle, and considerate Consort Xian was. They were arguably the most enviable couple in Chen Kingdom.

Now everyone knows that it's not Consort Xian's fault. Overnight, she lost her country, her father and relatives, everything she had before, and also her husband who loved her dearly and cherished her like a treasure.

Anyone else might have given up and committed suicide, but she was willing to follow him, even if it meant being criticized. She loved Yin Fu'an, and because of that love, she tolerated everything he did, even the murder of her father.

"If we hadn't gone to the palace, what would we be doing now?" Liang Yuxue blinked her bright eyes and looked at the two people beside her, asking curiously.

Song Xinning said, "Let's travel around the world."

She will not marry anyone; her heart belongs only to Shi Yan. Carrying his obsession, she goes to every place, belonging to no one. She is simply herself, without the threat of her father or the constraints of the palace. She is just Song Xin Ning, Lu Shi Yan's Song Xin Ning.

Chen Lanhe smiled bitterly, "I don't know either. Maybe it was arranged by my family that I married someone who would help my father's career."

“I don’t know what I’ll be doing. Maybe I’ll be arranged to marry by my family. Why are women treated like objects and subject to manipulation? I want to leave the palace. I want to go home…” Liang Yuxue lowered her eyes. Staying at home for so many days had made her see through many things. She just wanted to stay by her parents’ side and be a carefree little girl.

Speaking of home, Chen Lanhe couldn't help but twitch her lips. She no longer had a home. Her father was only focused on working for Yin Fu'an, and the only family she had were some distant aunts and siblings. Apart from her older sister, who was kind to her, there was no one else.

Deng Yizhi used to treat her like a younger sister, but now he's far away. She envies Liang Yuxue, whose parents are loving and whose older brother dotes on her. So her innocence is also due to her family.

……

The news that Bai Jiaoyu, the most beloved little princess of the Western Regions, was coming to Chaoyang City spread throughout the city. Everyone wanted to see this princess who had been pampered by the king and the crown prince since childhood. They heard that the princess had skin as white as snow, a pair of deep and mysterious eyes like a gem hidden in the snow, and a sweet and charming voice. They didn't know if it was true or not.

Upon hearing this news, Xie Huai immediately closed his shop for several days and hid in the palace, refusing to accept any orders. He was most annoyed by Bai Jiaoyu. He was almost driven crazy by her harassment in the Western Regions, and now she had actually chased him to Chaoyang. In all the world, where could he escape this plague?

Originally, Yu Yanjing did not intend for Xiao Mu to attend the welcome banquet because of her pregnancy and discomfort, but Xiao Mu insisted on attending, so he had no choice but to assume that it was just because the two sisters had a good relationship.

Bai Jiaoyu made quite a grand entrance, with over two hundred people accompanying her, including more than a dozen maids. However, all sorts of rare and precious treasures filled ten carriages, and she entered the palace in a magnificent procession.

Looking at her after so long, Xiao Mu felt her hatred and anger burn even more fiercely. Upon seeing her, she was reminded of the deceased Xiao Su and her sister. However, she was now the mother of the nation and had to be mindful of her emotions, words, and actions at all times. She could not bring shame to Yu Yanjing or the entire Chaoyang Kingdom.

It's not worth it for Bai Jiaoyu.

"Your Highness, Your Majesty."

Bai Jiaoyu raised her chin and bowed haughtily to Yu Yanjing and Xiao Mu, her body ramrod straight, her eyes filled with disdain.

Yu Yanjing could tell at a glance that she was probably not someone to be trifled with, and she couldn't understand why Xiaozhi was so close to this sister.

Xiao Mu still smiled and said, "Sister, it's been a long time. You've become even more beautiful and charming."

Bai Jiaoyu glanced at her but ignored her, her gaze immediately locking onto the empty seat next to Xie Huai. She sat down without even waiting for Yu Yanjing to offer her a seat. Everyone present looked at her, surprised that the legendary Princess Bai was so rude.

"Xie Huai, it's been a long time." Bai Jiaoyu spoke to Xie Huai in a gentle, girlish tone, but Xie Huai knew her character well, which made her seem even more affected.

Xie Huai ignored her, his gaze sweeping over the emperor and empress sitting high above him, a look of envy appearing in his eyes. However, he couldn't read his own thoughts into his mind, so he could only lower his head and silently drink a cup of wine.

You's hands trembled as she poured water for Xiao Mu. She hadn't seen Bai Jiaoyu for a long time, and seeing her again brought back memories of their first meeting.

She was only fifteen years old at the time. Her mother and younger brother had just given birth and were too weak to go out and find work. Her younger sister was too young to understand anything, so she had to go out alone to see if she could find something to do. As a result, she met the person who would change the course of her life.

That was Bai Jiaoyu. She pulled a short knife from her sleeve and pressed it tightly against You's neck. She threatened, "I know you have younger brothers and sisters. Your brother was just born. If you don't want them to die, listen to me and do my bidding."

You looked up and realized that this was the White Princess who had paraded with the King earlier. She was so beautiful, even though she was now threatening her with a knife.

"how should I do?"

You was terrified, but for her mother and younger siblings, she had to remain calm, because she could clearly feel how cold the knife was.

"what's your name?"

"My name is Ye Ran." At that time, You was still using her previous name, which her mother had given her. They were called Ye Ran, Ye Qi, and Ye Tan respectively.

Bai Jiaoyu smiled nonchalantly and said, "From now on, your name will be You. Follow me, and your family will live a good life. Otherwise, they will be hung on the street tomorrow. I mean, corpses."

She had done many bad things for Bai Jiaoyu and was already deeply sinful.

You didn't even know why it was her, why among so many people, Bai Jiaoyu chose her.

She didn't dare ask, and Bai Jiaoyu never brought it up either.

This reunion was like waking from a nightmare, like having a wound slowly reopened. She was just a lowly servant doing things for her. She couldn't say no to the decisions her master made; she could only grit her teeth and do them. Otherwise, Bai Jiaoyu wouldn't punish her, but she would punish the old woman who took care of her mother and younger siblings by not giving them food.

This was undoubtedly a powerful remedy for You.

Bai Jiaoyu glanced at You and revealed a meaningful smile.

After the banquet ended, Xiao Mu felt exhausted and sat down at her dressing table early to remove her jewelry. However, Yu Yanjing was always by her side, so she could neither do anything nor say anything.

All she knew was that her enemy was right in front of her.

She felt she owed them something if she didn't avenge them in a day, and she felt she didn't deserve to live. Why?

"Your older sister doesn't seem like someone to be trifled with," Yu Yanjing suddenly blurted out from behind her.

Xiao Mu, however, showed no emotional fluctuation and replied in accordance with his words, "Just like her name suggests, she is my maternal grandfather's precious feather."

"So you're also your maternal grandfather's precious feather?" Yu Yanjing asked with a smile.

The light in Xiao Mu's eyes dimmed instantly. She turned to look at Yu Yanjing, her expression extremely disappointed. She said softly, "I am not, but my mother is!" After saying that, the light in her eyes brightened a little. When she mentioned her mother, she could feel very proud.

Yu Yanjing smiled as she looked at her, understanding the meaning behind her words. So what if she wasn't her maternal grandfather's precious feather? She was her own precious feather, the softest feather in her heart, a feather more important than her own life. Wasn't that enough?

Was he well-behaved today?

"What?" Xiao Mu asked, her face filled with confusion.

Yu Yanjing reached out and carefully touched her flat stomach, whispering, "Our child, did you feel uncomfortable today?"

Xiao Mu gently shook her head. "No, he was very well-behaved today, much better than you."

Yu Yanjing said dejectedly, "He's only the size of a soybean, but now in your eyes, he's bigger than me?"

"You're even jealous of your own child." Xiao Mu didn't want to talk to him, so she turned her back to him.

Yu Yanjing didn't react at all, only staring at her petite back. He sighed and said absentmindedly, "You like him more. You're not the same as before with me."

"Hmm? Then tell me, what was I like before?" Xiao Mu covered her lips with the blanket, actually trying hard to suppress a laugh.

Yu Yanjing suddenly became serious, his brows furrowing as he said more earnestly, "Before, you liked to hold me while we slept, but now you always sleep with your back to me. You used to cling to me, stick to me, and kiss me... but now, it's not as frequent."

Xiao Mu suddenly burst out laughing, huddled under the covers and trembling. She laughed for a long time before calming down and slowly moving to Yu Yanjing's side.

"I won't kiss you, but you can kiss me."

Her voice was soft and gentle.

Yu Yanjing was stunned for a moment, and found that Xiao Mu had turned around and was lying on her side with her arms wrapped around her. She could feel Xiao Mu's breathing.

Xiao Mu moved up a little, now at the same level as Yu Yanjing. She stared straight at him, then suddenly and quickly kissed Yu Yanjing on the cheek, before acting as if nothing had happened.

Yu Yanjing was stunned for a moment, his Adam's apple bobbed, his throat was very dry, and he suddenly felt a little hot, but he remained clear-headed and said to Xiao Mu in a low voice, "The imperial physician said... we can't... have sex."

"Ah!" Xiao Mu's face turned red instantly. "What are you saying? I didn't mean that! I just wanted to kiss you!"

Yu Yanjing looked at her blankly, "Really not?" His tone was full of disbelief.

Xiao Mu lowered her head, her face completely flushed with embarrassment. She said in a low, aggrieved voice, "Your Majesty, I only wanted to kiss you. I didn't expect Your Majesty to misunderstand."

Yu Yanjing couldn't help but chuckle. She rarely referred to herself as "Your Majesty" or "Your Majesty the Emperor," and even less so as "Your Majesty the Emperor." This polite manner was quite endearing.

"Alright, since there's nothing there and it was just a misunderstanding on my part, let's go to sleep early. Tomorrow, you can spend some time playing with Bai Jiaoyu."

Yu Yanjing held her in his arms, his body pressed tightly against hers. Xiao Mu could clearly feel him trying to control his desires, but the day's exhaustion made her fall asleep quickly.

The next day, if You hadn't woken her up, she didn't know how long she would have slept. She didn't even have breakfast and went straight to lunch.

She didn't know what was wrong with her lately; she was very sleepy and not in good spirits. She really shouldn't have boasted yesterday that she would accompany Bai Jiaoyu around, otherwise she really wanted to sleep for another day.

"Young Master Xie has arrived," You said, looking towards the door.

Xie Huai walked straight in, with Bai Jiaoyu following behind him.

"Didn't you say you were going to take me out to play? I've come to see you several times, and you're still asleep. Are you a pig?" Bai Jiaoyu complained, quite dissatisfied.

Xie Huai said, "She's pregnant now, so what if she's sleepy? Princess, please don't hold it against her."

Xiao Mu smiled slightly, "I had forgotten that my sister dislikes waiting the most."

"Then why are you treating me like this!" Bai Jiaoyu wanted to swear, but then she thought about it and realized that Xie Huai was still there. If she continued like this, what kind of person would she become? "Never mind, just get up. Let's go out together."

Although she didn't want to go out to play, nor did she want Xiao Mu to accompany her, she just wanted to stay with Xie Huai, and the purpose of this trip was also for Xie Huai.

In Bai Jiaoyu's eyes, there was never anything she couldn't do. From childhood to adulthood, her maternal grandfather had always granted her every request. As for Xie Huai, her maternal grandfather was sure he could satisfy her.

However, Xie Huai was not under the control of the Western Regions King, which made her extremely upset. She used to be so determined to win him over, but Xie Huai's attitude towards her was like pouring cold water on her.

"If you're not feeling well, then don't go. Why force yourself?"

Inside the carriage, Xie Huai looked worriedly at Xiao Mu, whose face was pale and whose lips were bloodless. This girl always liked to act tough. Now that she was going to be a mother, she was still so impulsive.

Xiao Mu shook her head and said, "I'm not that weak. Besides, you're here. You won't let anything happen to me."

Bai Jiaoyu seemed to sense that the relationship between the two was unusual. She could feel it from between the lines. Xie Huai was such a self-willed person, yet he could also care about others.

Back in the Western Regions palace, Xie Huai didn't even respect his maternal grandfather, let alone himself. Now, in the carriage, he doesn't say a word or even glance at him.

Xiao Mu touched the small curved knife hidden in her sleeve, glanced at Bai Jiaoyu without any emotion. If this trip was unsuccessful, it might not be so easy to get close to Bai Jiaoyu next time. Therefore, she had to be on her guard and not hurt herself. She looked at Xie Huai with gentle eyes, a half-smile on her face.

Xie Huai immediately sensed something was wrong. Her eyes revealed a firmness that was hard for others to grasp, but he could see it.