Du Jingyi’s curiosity was piqued. What could the Jia family possibly possess that would capture the interest of King Min’s Mansion? This question gnawed at her, and she decided to delve into the matter, starting with the third branch of the Dukes’s household. Even from a distance, the unfolding drama seemed as captivating as fireworks.
Her mother, Madam Du, cast a sidelong glance at Du Jingyi, a hint of displeasure clouding her features. Why did her husband have to bring up such complicated matters, further entangling their daughter’s already intricate situation? Madam . Du thus began to persuade Du Jingyi, her voice laced with concern.
“Don’t fret, your father and I are already looking into the Jia family’s affairs from the outside. There’s no need for you to get involved and cause yourself trouble. Your priority now is to secure your position, whether in Dongyuan or the General’s Mansion. Don’t let these things weigh on your mind; focus on what truly matters.”
Worry creased Madam Du’s brow. They could guide their eldest daughter’s marriage, but their influence couldn’t extend to their younger daughter’s union. For Du Jingyi to lead a smooth life, she would have to rely on her own resilience. The Duke’s Mansion was a labyrinth of hidden depths, and a single misstep could lead to a fall from grace. She couldn’t afford to squander her potential.
Du Jingyi, understanding her mother’s concern, offered reassurance. “Don’t worry, Mother. The General has entrusted me with the keys to the new mansion and the transfer arrangements. The chosen masonry team and servants are all ready. We’re just waiting for an auspicious day to move. When the time comes, I’d love for you, Father, and Sister-in-law to come and see it.”
The Du parents knew their daughter’s capabilities. With her at the helm, the General’s Mansion would undoubtedly be well-managed and comfortable.
“Very well, I’ll defer to your arrangements,” Madam Du conceded. “But I’ve noticed your husband has been rather close to you lately. Take advantage of it, but be careful not to let anyone exploit you.”
Du Jingyi nodded, remembering her mother’s previous warnings. What was meant to happen would eventually come to pass; worrying now was futile. She deftly changed the subject.
“Sister, your belly seems a bit larger than when I last saw you. Don’t eat too much. I heard Aunt Dou in the mansion say it’s best to have a moderately sized baby, otherwise, if the child is too big, both the child and mother will suffer during childbith .”
Du Jingxiang chuckled. “Don’t worry, do you think any of the doctors Mother finds for me would not do their utmost?”
“That’s good,” Du Jingyi replied, her relief palpable. She had only one sister, and she couldn’t bear the thought of anything untoward happening to her.
The Du parents watched their daughters with joy, pleased by their close bond. In time, these two sisters would be each other’s closest kin, and mutual support and care were the hallmarks of a true sisterly relationship.
While harmony reigned in the Du household, a storm of intricate calculations brewed within the Jia family. At their residence in the west of the city, a tense silence enveloped the front entrance. Yet, in the inner house’s study, a clandestine meeting was underway.
Jia Weiyou, the son, spoke, his voice tinged with frustration. “Father, I’ve managed the rice and grain business in Wangzhou, but Prince Min’s Mansion has been unresponsive. How can our people take over if we can’t even get a word from them?”
Mr. Jia’s face darkened considerably. The money they had already funneled to king Min’s Mansion far exceeded their profits from the Wangzhou business. Still, he was willing to continue, hoping to pave the way for future dealings. After all, business was an endless pursuit; losses in one area could be recouped elsewhere.
However,king Min’s Mansion’s once-favorable attitude had inexplicably cooled, leaving Mr. Jia bewildered. He turned to his daughter-in-law, Shang Liu Niang, who stood beside them, silently attentive. She had “accidentally” encountered Princess Min at Changchun Tower two days prior and might have gleaned some crucial information.
“Second daughter-in-law, what are your thoughts on this matter?” Mr. Jia inquired.
Shang Liu Niang, known for her candidness, spoke after a moment’s thought. “To be honest, Father-in-law, after that meeting with Princess Min, I did uncover a secret. She’s currently out of favor with the old prince, and her son’s position as an heir is also in jeopardy. She intends to introduce several young, beautiful, well-behaved, and sensible women into the household to help win over the old prince.”
Her words, once uttered, were indeed astonishing. Mr. Jia’s brows relaxed; if it were anything else, he might have been troubled, but this was a simple matter. Money could solve anything, couldn’t it? Just buy a few presentable women and send them on their way.
But what Shang Liu Niang said next stunned both Jia Weiyou and Mr. Jia.
“This is merely a public excuse. What the princess truly intends is to ‘steal a dragon and turn a phoenix’ – to provide the young heir with a son “
“What do you mean?” Jia Weiyou’s eyes widened in confusion. “The person you’re looking for is meant to bear a child for the heir of the prince ?”
Mr. Jia, with his vast experience, understood the hidden meaning in Shang Liu Niang’s gaze and was equally shocked. The scandals within the homes of kings and nobles truly knew no bounds. He scoffed, a cold glint in his eyes. “On the surface, they’re seeking a concubine for the old king , but in reality, the child born by the king will be registered under the heir ‘s name.Than brothers became father and son , … Prince Min’s Mansion has truly outdone itself!”
Jia Weiyou stared at his wife in disbelief, but Shang Liu Niang nodded, confirming his father’s interpretation. “The heir of the prince has been married and had concubines for over ten years, yet not a single child has been born. Seeing the sons and daughters of other concubine born princes’ , Princess Min fears they will threaten the prince’s position, so she conceived this plan.”
“We can’t let outsiders discover this truth, nor can we allow the old prince or others in the palace to see through this deception. Therefore, the princess specified that the chosen women should not be too young or incapable of handling such matters. Ideally, they should be closely related to our family, someone who can wholeheartedly keep this secret.”