Chapter 59: Offspring

After returning to her mansion, Feng Bai Su immediately went to the study.

Looking at Cong Bai standing in a subordinate position, she asked in a deep voice, “What exactly is going on with this Master Gao?”

“In response to Your Highness, this servant doesn’t know much either. This Master Gao became famous because he revived several people who were on the brink of death. Thus, rumors spread throughout Feng Ling City. It was said that he was a reincarnated immortal, coming to save the disaster-stricken people. As the rumors spread among the city’s residents, Her Majesty came to know about it. Then she ordered the Fifth Princess to bring this person into the imperial palace.”

“The Emperor is not one to easily believe rumors. Why does she favor this person so much now?”

Feng Bai Su thought of the scene she had just witnessed, feeling that the behavior between the two was somewhat too intimate.

Hearing this, Cong Bai paused, then said, “This servant only heard from others. It’s said that this master’s appearance and demeanor are strikingly similar to the Male Empress when he was young, so Her Majesty treats him very closely. Moreover, the pills he refines have miraculous effects, able to bring people into a celestial realm to learn the ways of immortality and imperial arts from immortals. Her Majesty has personally experienced it, and it’s said that she even met immortals in her dreams and learned imperial arts and the way of longevity.”

“Nonsense!” After hearing this, these words immediately popped into Feng Bai Su’s mind.

She couldn’t help but frown, her brows furrowing.

How could there be such things as celestial realms and immortals in this world!

In her view, the Emperor was clearly experiencing hallucinations due to those so-called pills!

When she saw the Emperor in Xuan Wu Hall today, she clearly felt that her body was much worse than before. If these pills really had miraculous effects, why would her body be so weak?

Thinking of that Master Gao, Feng Bai Su hadn’t carefully observed his appearance, so she hadn’t noticed any similarities with the Male Empress. However, the aura between the two was somewhat similar, both giving people a sense of warmth and friendliness.

Although the Male Empress had a gentle temperament, he couldn’t hide the innate nobility and elegance in his bones.

This Master Gao seemed even more approachable and gentle.

Thinking of how the Emperor now seemed to be covered in a layer of gloom, no longer as clear-minded as before, Feng Bai Su frowned and asked, “Aren’t there any ministers in the court who have raised objections to this person? Do they just allow the Emperor to be close to him and use those pills of unknown origin?”

“The Marquis of Zhenbei and several ministers have indeed remonstrated many times. But each time, Her Majesty would fly into a rage and rebuke them. Her favor towards this Master Gao has only increased.”

Hearing this, Feng Bai Su couldn’t help but press her hand to her forehead. Finally, she changed the subject: “How is Sixth Elder Sister now? Hadn’t her condition improved significantly? Why has it suddenly worsened again?”

As soon as Cong Bai heard her ask about the Sixth Princess, her expression became somewhat heavy, “The Sixth Princess’s condition has temporarily stabilized, but…”

She couldn’t bear to continue, only explaining, “When the Fifth Princess went to Sichuan to manage the snow disaster, she had some unpleasantness with the Duke of Gongyang from Shu. Who knows what she wrote in her memorials. During that time, Her Majesty was extremely dissatisfied with the Duke of Gongyang, and would often take out her anger on the Sixth Princess. On those cold, snowy days, the Sixth Princess was often punished by Her Majesty to kneel outside.”

Cong Bai’s voice became somewhat low, “Since then, the Sixth Princess’s health has been deteriorating more and more.”

Hearing this, Feng Bai Su fell silent, her body’s pressure dropping low, her hands on the desk tightly clenched.

A daughter who makes herself feel humiliated and unwelcome, naturally the Emperor wouldn’t care about her health!

—

Feng Bai Su returned to Lang Yue Court.

When she walked into the room and saw Wei Jing Mo, her entire person seemed to relax, a hint of fatigue tingeing her eyes.

Wei Jing Mo had been sitting on the soft couch lost in thought, but upon hearing footsteps, he immediately raised his head.

Seeing the weary expression on Feng Bai Su’s face, he quickly got up to greet her, softly calling out, “Your Highness…”

Feng Bai Su walked up to him and rested her head in the crook of his neck. Smelling the faint fragrance on his body, she finally felt at ease.

She stretched out her arms to wrap around Wei Jing Mo’s waist, holding him tightly.

In a low voice, she said, “Feng Ling City is likely to start becoming chaotic! Sixth Elder Sister’s health has worsened again…”

“Your Highness…”

Wei Jing Mo wrapped his arms around her in return. Seeing her in such a low state, his voice contained a hint of heartache, “Jing Mo will always be by your side.”

Feng Bai Su rested against his shoulder without speaking, only tightening her hands around his waist, as if she could draw strength from him this way.

—

The next day

Since Wei Jing Mo had returned to Feng Ling City, he naturally had to pay a visit to the Marquis of Zhenbei’s mansion to report his safe return.

Therefore, early in the morning, he took Dong Qing and Dong Gua with him and rode in a carriage to the Marquis of Zhenbei’s mansion.

Feng Bai Su didn’t accompany him this time, but instead went to the Sixth Princess’s mansion.

Although Cong Bai had already said that Feng Bai Jiang’s condition had temporarily improved, without seeing it with her own eyes, Feng Bai Su was still somewhat uneasy.

She had already sent Cong Bai to the Sixth Princess’s mansion to announce her arrival. Therefore, when she arrived, Hua Luo was already waiting at the door.

Seeing her dismount from her horse, Hua Luo immediately came forward to greet her, “This servant pays respects to the Seventh Princess.”

Her face, which had been somewhat worried due to Feng Bai Jiang’s illness, finally showed a hint of a smile, “Your Highness, you’ve finally returned. My mistress has been eagerly awaiting news of you!”

“How is Sixth Elder Sister now?”

Hearing this, the smile on Hua Luo’s face faded again, her eyes containing a hint of dejection, “My mistress’s health is still alright, there are no signs of worsening for now.”

Feng Bai Su’s expression paused, only saying in a low voice, “Take me in to see Sixth Elder Sister.”

Then she followed Hua Luo into the mansion.

It was now the season when red maples were in full bloom. The red maples in the courtyard were a sea of fiery red, gently fluttering down with the breeze.

Hua Luo led the way in front, seeing Feng Bai Su’s gaze fall on the red maple leaves covering the ground.

She explained, “My mistress loves these red maples the most. So she ordered the servants not to sweep the maple leaves in this courtyard.”

Feng Bai Su nodded and withdrew her gaze.

When they reached where Feng Bai Jiang was staying, Hua Luo called out softly towards the inside, “Your Highness, the Seventh Princess has arrived.”

She opened the door and invited Feng Bai Su to enter, then closed the door behind her.

As soon as Feng Bai Su walked in, a bitter smell of medicinal herbs assaulted her nostrils. The strong medicinal scent permeated the entire room, indicating how frequently the occupant must be taking medicine.

Feng Bai Jiang was currently sitting on the bed, her back resting against the headboard.

The weather in September wasn’t too cold yet, but Feng Bai Jiang was already covered with a winter quilt.

She was wearing a white cotton robe, with a thick cloak draped over her shoulders. Her complexion was much paler and weaker compared to before, her eye sockets and cheeks slightly sunken, looking like someone in the late stages of illness.

The only thing unchanged was the gaze she turned towards Feng Bai Su. Her eyes were pale but contained infinite gentle smiles.

“Little Seven, you’re back.”

Feng Bai Su’s throat suddenly felt dry, her peach blossom eyes becoming somewhat moist. Seeing Feng Bai Jiang in such a haggard state made her heart ache.

Her voice was a bit hoarse as she replied, “…I’m back, Sixth Elder Sister.”

“Come quickly, sit over here.”

Feng Bai Jiang, sitting on the bed, pointed to the chair beside her. Her pale lips curved up slightly, seeming not to think there was anything wrong with her current appearance. She was still the same as always.

Feng Bai Su stood frozen in place for a moment before slowly walking to the bedside and sitting down.

Her peach blossom eyes fell on Feng Bai Jiang’s emaciated face, her voice hoarse as she said, “…Sixth Elder Sister needs to take care of her health. Even if not for yourself, think about your husband and Han’er. Han’er is still a young child, how can you bear to leave the father and daughter behind?”

Hearing this, the forced smile on Feng Bai Jiang’s face gradually faded away. She lowered her eyes and remained silent for a while.

After a long time, she finally spoke, “These past two years were already a blessing from heaven. I should be content! As for Han’er and…”

She raised her head and gave a light laugh, “Your Sixth Brother-in-law is the Duke of Gongyang’s only child. Even after I’m gone, he can take Han’er back to Shu. They shouldn’t live too poorly.”

But this smile seemed bitter and powerless no matter how one looked at it.

Seeing her put on such a brave face, Feng Bai Su’s peach blossom eyes darkened.

At this moment, the door was suddenly opened, and a little girl pushed her way in. She looked about three or four years old, small in stature, but her short legs moved very steadily. She was carrying a small white porcelain bowl in her hands.

When Feng Bai Jiang saw the little girl, a bright smile immediately appeared on her face. She said softly, “Han’er has come to bring medicine to mother again.”

“Mother, drink the medicine, and you’ll get better.”

The little girl spoke very seriously, her chubby little face full of earnestness.

Only after Feng Bai Jiang took the small porcelain bowl from her and finished drinking did she breathe a sigh of relief, as if she had completed a mission.

Feng Bai Su, sitting to the side, found this amusing and couldn’t help but poke the little girl’s chubby cheek with her index finger.

“Han’er, didn’t you see Seventh Aunt? Do you only have eyes for your mother?”

The little girl turned her head at the sound, her round eyes somewhat confused.

Feng Bai Jiang glanced at Feng Bai Su and rescued her precious daughter from Feng Bai Su’s clutches.

“If you like children so much, go have your own. Why tease other people’s children! You and your husband have been married for over two years now, aren’t you planning to have a child?”

“There’s no rush.”

Feng Bai Su squinted her peach blossom eyes and smiled, her expression relaxed.

Having children would happen naturally when the time was right.

Moreover, the current situation in Feng Ling City was not the best time to have children.

—

While Feng Bai Su was discussing children over there, Wei Jing Mo was also asked about the same topic by Shen Ke after returning to the Marquis of Zhenbei’s mansion.

“You two have been married for so long, why is there still no news of children?”

Shen Ke thought of something and his expression changed slightly. He lowered his voice, “Could it be that the Seventh Princess’s body has some—”

“Father!”

Wei Jing Mo immediately cut off his words, “The Seventh Princess is in good health, and so am I. We’re both fine, it’s just that the right time hasn’t come yet!”

He raised his hand to cover his abdomen. Of course, he was also looking forward to having a child with Feng Bai Su.

But such things couldn’t be rushed, everything had to happen naturally!

Wei Jing Mo was quite open-minded about the issue of children.

Perhaps it was because he knew that even if he didn’t have a child for now, Feng Bai Su’s feelings for him wouldn’t change, so he could be at ease!

However, Shen Ke didn’t know what Wei Jing Mo was thinking, and became somewhat anxious, “She is, after all, a princess. How could she not care about not having her own offspring?墨儿, don’t be foolish! If you let others take advantage of this opportunity and give birth to the Seventh Princess’s eldest daughter first.”

Hearing this, Wei Jing Mo frowned. It wasn’t that he really thought Feng Bai Su would do such a thing. Rather, hearing Shen Ke talk about others having a daughter with Feng Bai Su made him feel somewhat uncomfortable.

“Father, please don’t worry,” he interrupted Shen Ke’s words, “I know what I’m doing.”

Shen Ke wanted to persuade him further, but seeing him lowering his eyes and being unresponsive, he couldn’t help but feel a headache.

He felt that this child had been blinded by all this love and romance!

As the primary husband of a princess, if one couldn’t give birth to a legitimate daughter to rely on, it would always be somewhat precarious.

He took out a prescription from his sleeve and forcefully handed it to Wei Jing Mo, unable to resist advising, “Father has been through this before, I know that only with offspring can one stand taller! Do you want to end up like Ruo’er, being forced by the Male Empress to take in a side consort for the Fifth Princess? Maybe the Seventh Princess doesn’t mind, but you should also think about Liu Gui Jun in the palace. How could he tolerate his daughter not having children for so long?”

Hearing this, Wei Jing Mo’s hand, which had been refusing, suddenly paused, and he finally accepted the prescription.