Chapter 1065 - 452: Tingzheng Is Injured
Mingzhu spoke again of the Ministry of Revenue officer who favored his concubine over his wife, and after finishing, she said discontentedly, "Tell me, why are there so many men who favor their concubines over their wives?" Mingzhu truly didn’t understand. The wife managed household affairs and taught the children, even taking care of the concubines and children born out of wedlock, yet the husband’s heart still remained with the concubine. Thinking about it, Mingzhu felt it wasn’t worth it.
The reason for Mingzhu’s anger this time was because she knew the officer’s wife. Although Mingzhu didn’t particularly like her, she couldn’t deny that the woman was excellent in every way. Mingzhu didn’t understand why such a capable and wise woman had to suffer the disdain of a concubine daily.
Yueyao smiled and said, "Not everyone is as lucky as you. You have no idea how many women envy and are jealous of your good fortune. So, you must truly cherish your current life, understand?" Not to mention others, Yueyao herself was once very envious of Mingzhu.
Mingzhu had heard Yueyao say this many times before, but she never really felt it. However, in the past few years, with more exposure to the world, she truly understood the meaning of Yueyao’s words. Indeed, compared to many women, she had truly fallen into a pot of honey.
Mingzhu involuntarily embraced Yueyao, whispering, "Actually, all my good fortune comes from you, Yueyao." Not to mention the past affair with Ning Lixuan, Yueyao gave her that Picture of Guanyin for Blessing with Children, allowing her to give birth to three sons in three years. This alone was enough to let her walk proudly within the Niu Family. The Old Master, because of this reason, even with many complaints, did not make things difficult for her, let alone place a concubine with Niu Yanghui.
Yueyao laughed, "This is your own blessing, not because of me." How could the Picture of Guanyin for Blessing with Children be so efficacious, she didn’t believe in it!
Mingzhu gazed at the Picture of Guanyin for Blessing with Children hanging at the bedside, "Yueyao, how can you not believe it? It’s truly effective!" Not only she but even her sister-in-law believed Yueyao’s Picture of Guanyin was very effective.
Yueyao didn’t bother to argue with Mingzhu and said, "If I bear twins in my next pregnancy, I’ll believe your words." Twins were not something easy to come by.
Mingzhu clasped her hands in front of the Picture of Guanyin for Blessing with Children on the wall, sincerely praying, "Goddess of Child-Giving, please grant Yueyao twins in her next pregnancy, just like mine!"
After praying, Mingzhu turned to Yueyao and said, "Yueyao, don’t worry. The Goddess of Child-Giving has already agreed. Your next children will definitely be twins."
Yueyao smiled, "Then I look forward to it."
The two continued to chat for a while, then when Mingzhu mentioned entering the palace to see the Empress Dowager, Yueyao’s heart stirred, "Tingzheng has been at the Western Mountain Travel Palace for almost two months now. I wonder when he’ll return?" The Empress was unwell and went there to recuperate, so Tingzheng was transferred to the Western Mountain Travel Palace.
Mingzhu frequently entered the palace, so she was well-informed, "At the latest, he will return at the end of June, which is soon." It’s already the end of April now, in a little over a month, Tingzheng would be back.
Mingzhu found Yueyao a bit strange. In the past, when Tingzheng went out with Li Guoxing, Yueyao hadn’t seen him for five years and wasn’t this concerned. But now, after only two months apart, Yueyao was so worried.
At that time, Yueyao was pregnant and not in the best spirits, not giving much thought, letting An Zhichen arrange everything. But now she regretted it, feeling she shouldn’t have let Tingzheng go to the Imperial Forest Army. It’s not that she worried about Tingzheng’s appearance causing trouble, but she recalled something: the Crown Prince seemed to have passed away the year she turned twenty, which meant the Crown Prince should die next year. She didn’t know the exact circumstances, but since the Crown Prince’s passing was reported everywhere, she even heard about it in the Nunnery. Now, with the Crown Prince suppressing from above, the princes below were fiercely competing privately, but the overall situation remained stable. Once the Crown Prince was gone, the struggles would intensify. She feared Tingzheng might get embroiled in it. Anyone caught in the vortex of the struggle for the throne rarely met a good end.
Mingzhu wasn’t concerned with external matters before, but now, having gradually come into contact with these affairs, knowing more would prevent her from being maneuvered or used: "Hearing you say this, I also feel it’s not good for Tingzheng to remain in the Imperial Forest Army. Why not find a reason to have Tingzheng withdraw?" Upon saying this, she realized she was speaking foolishly, even if Yueyao wanted Tingzheng to withdraw, Tingzheng wouldn’t be willing.
This matter was very troubling for Yueyao. If only she had insisted on having Tingzheng take the imperial exams instead of joining the Imperial Forest Army back then.