Chapter 447 (1/2)

Chapter 447 – Men aren't dependable (2)

It had been a while since Ji Man had seen Mu Shuiqing. She thought that Mu Shuqing looked better than before. Perhaps, it was because she had untied the knot in her heart and no longer had stress. Although her skin was a bit too pale, it was clear and glowing.

“What's the big deal about the emperor choosing concubines?” Ji Man handed her a snack.

“There'll be a lively drama to watch.” Mu Shuiqing chuckled. “Who doesn't know that Consort Shen is a jealous woman? Right now, Shen Clan and Xiao Clan are in-laws without any hostility, so the emperor's position is stable. However, once the number of people increased in the emperor's harem, there will inevitably be characters that are difficult to deal with. If something bad happens to Consort Shen, will there still be peace? Once a leg is missing on the throne, the emperor won't be able to securely sit on it.

Ji Man thought there were times that Mu Shuiqing showed great wisdom. Once Mu Shuqing explained this to her, she came to a sudden realization.

Zhao Zhe had always been a playboy. Once he ascended the throne, the imperial harem would increase at an alarming speed. Picturing Shen Youqing on the verge of facing off with a giant group of court ladies in competing for favor, Ji Man thought that it was actually better that Ning Yuxuan wasn't trying to compete for the throne. If he became the emperor and had palaces full of consorts, it would be difficult to avoid having the same ending as Zhao Li and Pengyue.

“I heard a lot of gossip from the servant girls while I was recuperating. Marquis Jingwen's daughter from a concubine is partic.i.p.ating in this selection. She's Marquis Jingwen's youngest daughter. She's turned sixteen this year. I'm not sure what happened after she entered the palace.”

Errong had a younger sister? Ji Man was initially somewhat surprised. However, after thinking it over, it wasn't surprising that she wouldn't know this. The statuses of concubine-born children were low, and it was inappropriate for women to leave their homes. Errong, who was a t.i.tled lady and the daughter of the deceased main wife, was an exception. It wasn't unusual that her concubine-born sisters wouldn't have much of a social presence.

—

After Haohao had been found, Errong didn't want to immediately return to Jing Province anymore. First, traveling was exhausting for a young child. Second, she was worried that her son, Rui-er, would feel lonely. If they stayed here, he would have Haohao as company. It was more fun for the older child and younger child to play with someone closer to their own age.

However, Nie Qingyun and Marquis Jingwen had to return to Jing Province because of work. When Ji Man went over to the southern courtyard, she saw that Errong was mirthfully laughing. Haohao and Rui-er were rolling around on a thick carpet.

“Careful, don't hurt yourselves. Errong, as a mother, how can you just sit there and laugh so happily?” Ji Man lightly scolded. She picked up Rui-er and put him on the bed, then looked at Haohao.

Haohao was also very happy. His cheeks were rosy. He had eaten lots of good food during the past few days, but his health hadn't fully recovered yet. He still looked a bit too thin and weak.

Ji Man stroked his head and softly said, “Heir, it's time for your nap.”

Haohao obediently nodded. He climbed onto the bed and went to sleep next to Rui-er.

Ji Man pulled Errong outside to talk. “What's your younger sister's name?”