Reborn as the Crippled King's Beloved
Chapter 358: Does the Princess Consort Also Think I’m Rebelling Against the Norms?

Chapter 358: Chapter 358: Does the Princess Consort Also Think I’m Rebelling Against the Norms?

Su Kai and Lady Yao came to Prince Ling’s Mansion to express their gratitude.

What happened between the two, only they themselves knew; it was not to be discussed with outsiders.

But the way Heir Su cherished Lady Yao showed that he didn’t blame her for faking her death and leaving. On the contrary, he valued her like a treasure all the more for having regained what he had lost.

He was incredibly careful with the child too, holding him constantly, even though a wet nurse had been hired. When the baby cried, it was he who soothed him.

Lady Yao seemed to have come to terms with her situation, her demeanor much more open and natural, as if an invisible shackle had been unlocked from them both.

Before they left, Murong Jiu had people send over items like persimmon and corn from the Glazed Pavilion, and also said that if Lady Yao was free, she could bring the child to the Prince Mansion.

Their three children were close in age, and would be able to play together as they grew a little bigger.

It was unexpected that, just after sending the two of them off, a visiting card was sent from the residence of the Minister of Dali Temple, Sikong Fu, Lord Sikong.

It turned out to be a visiting card from Miss Sikong, who wished to visit the Prince Mansion.

Considering that Miss Sikong was engaged to Lou Zixi, and Lou Zixi had a quite evident relationship with Prince Ling’s Mansion, Murong Jiu replied to Miss Sikong’s card, inviting her to the Prince Mansion to appreciate the peonies.

There were several centuries-old peonies in Prince Ling’s Mansion of esteemed varieties that were gradually blooming, making it the perfect time for flower viewing.

The next day, Madam Sikong brought her daughter for the visit.

Murong Jiu had seen Miss Sikong in her dreams, with only a few brief encounters, and found her just as graceful, elegant, intelligent, and well-spoken as she remembered, revealing no lack of decorum, full of grace and charm.

Madam Sikong was also quite dignified, speaking neither hastily nor slowly, occasionally showing a bit of wit, clearly a very interesting lady.

In fact, Miss Sikong was very much like her mother, and over time, Murong Jiu saw that beneath the surface, she was quite endearing and amusing, not as lofty as her exterior might suggest.

This "lofty" is not a pejorative term, as most who meet Miss Sikong for the first time would feel she comes from a scholarly family that seems unapproachable, a noble girl of high stature.

Murong Jiu felt that this contrast within Miss Sikong might be a surprise for Lou Zixi.

Madam Sikong did not dare to impose too much on the hospitality of the mansion, so after having lunch there, she excused herself.

Miss Sikong seemed to have something she wanted to say to Murong Jiu, hesitating as a faint blush spread across her cheeks.

Murong Jiu did not need to guess to know that Sikong Wan wanted to ask her about Lou Zixi. She probably wanted to learn more about her fiancé.

Lou Zixi had come to Capital City from a distant place, with most of his friends and relatives lost in a flood, leaving only Manager Chai as his non-blood relative.

But Sikong Wan couldn’t possibly go to Manager Chai to inquire, so she had come to herself.

She thought Madam Sikong was quite admirable, for bringing her daughter to inquire rather than resigning herself to a marriage without understanding, having agreed upon the engagement.

While it was true that Sikong Wan indeed has affection for Lou Zixi, she believed Madam Sikong would not hesitate to cancel the marriage arrangement if Lou Zixi turned out to have bad character traits.

Murong Jiu laughed and said, "Princess Consort, I have taken quite a liking to Ah Wan, may I keep her company a while longer to speak in private?"

Madam Sikong smiled and replied, "Ah Wan rarely finds such true companionship in the Capital City, and it’s her good fortune to be treated warmly by the Princess Consort. Then, as you wish, let Ah Wan stay in the Prince Mansion to keep you company and relieve your boredom. I’ll come to pick her up in the afternoon."

Murong Jiu smiled and saw Madam Sikong out.

After Madam Sikong had left, Murong Jiu, laughing, took the blushing Sikong Wan into the room, closed the door behind them, and teased her:

"Ah Wan, there’s no need to be shy. I’ve heard about your engagement with Zixi and have yet to congratulate you. On the day of your wedding, both the Prince and I will surely come to ask for a cup of wedding wine."

With a bashful expression, Sikong Wan admitted, "To be honest with the Princess Consort, I was quite nervous before coming here. Although I had long heard of your virtue, I never expected the Princess Consort to be so gracious and approachable. My father, at first sight of Young Master Lou, wanted to literally snatch him as a son-in-law under the matchmaking sign. When I first saw him, I too was captivated by his charm, but... but my mother is worried that I’m entrusting myself to the wrong person..."

"I understand, a mother’s concern for her daughter is boundless, and being extra cautious in choosing a son-in-law is only natural. If my mother were still alive, she would surely share your mother’s concerns about whether her daughter will lead a good life."

From conversations with her father and brothers, Murong Jiu knew that her mother was an extremely kind and gentle woman. She would have cherished her children just like Madam Sikong did.

"Rest assured, Zixi is of good character and has no bad habits. It’s just that his family has recently experienced a misfortune, which might cause him to keep his emotions more deeply hidden."

As she spoke, she explained to Sikong Wan the situation in Lou Zixi’s family.

This was what Jun Yuyan had shared with her the previous night. She had forgotten many things due to memory loss, and in her dreams, Lou Zixi had a completely different temperament. However, one thing was clear: Lou Zixi was a responsible man. Once he truly decided to marry a woman, he would certainly not let her down.

Sikong Wan was aware that a disaster had struck Lou Zixi’s family and his relatives had perished in a flood, but she didn’t know how difficult his journey to the Capital City had been, nor was she aware that his leg had been maliciously broken, and a corrupted court physician had intentionally set the bones incorrectly. She couldn’t imagine what would have become of Lou Zixi had he not met the Princess Consort who treated his injury.

If the Princess Consort hadn’t given him the chance to stand up again and participate in the imperial examination, she might never have met the confident yet reserved young man.

Upon hearing that the same family that had bullied Lou Zixi and Manager Chai had met with misfortune, and that the Lou Family’s old residence had been purchased and gifted to Lou Zixi by the Princess Consort, Sikong Wan felt an immense sense of gratitude toward Murong Jiu.

"A ’Boluo’ horse is common, but a ’Bole’ who appreciates its worth is rare. To Young Master Lou, you are as good as a second set of parents!"

"You’re overestimating my role," Murong Jiu replied, "I’m no second set of parents. Lou Zixi is exceptionally capable, and just like Manager Chai, he’s a born genius. I believe that in the future, Lou Zixi will indeed become a pillar of Great Yan, a mainstay of our country; he just hasn’t had the chance to display his full potential yet."

With sparkling eyes, Sikong Wan nodded deeply, "My father also speaks of Young Master Lou in the same manner as you, Princess Consort. He says that Young Master Lou will one day make significant contributions to Great Yan!"

"Indeed, whether in capability or character, your father has selected the finest husband for you."

At those words, Sikong Wan’s cheeks flushed even hotter, and she shyly said, "A man like Young Master Lou is also the kind of husband I have in mind. I don’t have far-reaching ambitions like you, Princess Consort, who can save people from dire straits and benefit the nation. My greatest wish, which may sound laughable to you, is to... to be a female teacher after marriage and educate students. Young Master Lou once said that women can also hold their heads high in public, so I think he wouldn’t stop me."

Now it was Murong Jiu’s turn to be surprised.

"You want to be a female teacher?"

"Does the Princess Consort also think I’m advocating radical ideas?"

"Of course not! In Great Yan, what we lack are female teachers. You do know, some old teachers only take male students and refuse to educate female learners. This is exactly the issue we face with the schools we’ve established in the Capital City."