Chapter 31 (2/2)

Pei Khan wrapped an arm around Yan Shi Ning’s neck and held a sweet bun with his free hand. He happily ate and wiped the crumbs stuck on his fingers onto Yan Shi Ning’s neck.

Yan Shi Ning felt something sticky on her neck and realised it was Pei Khan’s saliva and sweet bun crumbs. She glanced at Consort La who wasn’t looking at them so she lightly hit Pei Khan’s bottom.

Inside Consort La’s chamber, Pei Khan sat on Yan Shi Ning’s lap opposite Consort La.

‘Shi Ning, thank you for saving Pei Khan’s life,’ Consort La said sincerely.

‘Mother, you don’t need to be courteous,’ Yan Shi Ning said. ‘Thirteenth prince is a good child.’

‘Xiao Ning, you’re a good person,’ Consort La praised.

A maid entered the chamber and passed a small chest to Consort La.

Consort La opened the chest, picked up the butterfly hairpin decorated with gems and gave it to Yan Shi Ning.

‘This hairpin is for you,’ Consort La said.

‘Mother, this is too valuable for me to accept,’ Yan Shi Ning said.

‘Take it,’ Consort La said. ‘This is only a hairpin. Xiao Khan’s safety means more to me.’

Yan Shi Ning heard the sadness in Consort La’s tone.

‘I’m only six years older than you but my body can’t cope much longer,’ Consort La said.

‘What?’ Yan Shi Ning asked.

‘The makeup hides my body condition,’ Consort La said. ‘I was born with a weak body and after giving birth to Xiao Khan, my body became weaker. My family has no status and I have no friends in the palace. I’m worried about what’s going to happen to Xiao Khan after I…’

Yan Shi Ning didn’t know Consort La well. But she thought Consort La was a sincere person. Unlike other people, Consort La never arranged coincidental meetings with her or Pei Jin. Consort La only cared about Pei Khan’s safety and didn’t desire power.

‘Shi Ning, forgive me for being bold,’ Consort La said. ‘I’m asking you as a mother… if something happens to me, I hope that you and ninth prince will protect Xiao Khan.’

Yan Shi Ning saw the desperation in Consort La’s eyes. Consort La’s sudden request shocked her and she didn’t know how to react.

A while later Yan Shi Ning opened her mouth. ‘Mother, don’t talk about something bad. You need to take good care of yours and Pei Khan’s health. No one can predict the future.’

Consort La was a little disappointed. She understood Yan Shi Ning didn’t want to accept her request.

‘You’re right,’ Consort La said. ‘No one can predict the future. Forgive my boldness earlier.’

‘Mother, it’s nothing,’ Yan Shi Ning said.

Afterward Consort La and Yan Shi Ning talked about less heavy matters and they played with Pei Khan until Pei Jin escorted Yan Shi Ning to the horse carriage.

Consort La watched Yan Shi Ning leave then she looked sadly at the butterfly hairpin Yan Shi Ning left on the table.

In the evening Yan Shi Ning laid next to Pei Jin on their bed and recounted her conversation with Consort La.

‘You did well,’ Pei Jin praised.

‘In the future if something happens to Consort La, should we take care of Pei Khan or not?’ Yan Shi Ning asked.

‘Wife, do you want to take care of Pei Khan or not?’ Pei Jin asked.

‘Pei Khan is pitiful,’ Yan Shi Ning said.

‘Then we’ll take care of Pei Khan,’ Pei Jin said and took off Yan Shi Ning’s clothes.

‘Pei Khan has a loveable face,’ Yan Shi Ning said. ‘If I was younger I would tease him… ah… that hurts… don’t need to!’

Pei Jin bit Yan Shi Ning’s breast. ‘Of course we need to conceive a child together soon. How else can you have a child you can tease comfortably?’

***

End of Chapter Thirty-One