The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Song Ruqi is pregnant, but this pregnancy hasn’t stabilized yet. Song Ci decided to wait until it stabilized before making any public announcement and forbade the people in Chunhui Hall from spreading the news. This was done to prevent both the risks of a miscarriage and potential outside scheming.

Of course, while the news wasn’t widely spread, some astute observers could still glean a hint or two from subtle cues. But that wasn’t worrisome. Given the painful lessons from the past, Song Ruqi and Madam Song, among others, would only ensure that their defenses were airtight.

Upon confirming her pregnancy, Song Ruqi herself said she would stay until New Year’s before returning to the Duke Mansion.

Actually, if it weren’t for the timing, with just over a month till New Year’s, she would have wanted to stay at her maternal home until the child was born.

”You don’t need to worry too much, constantly on edge, which is harmful for nurturing the pregnancy. After the New Year, I’ll arrange for you to come back to the Prime Minister’s Mansion to give birth,” Song Ci said, seeing Song Ruqi looking as if she was facing a great enemy.

Madam said, ”That’s right. Being constantly on guard like that, you’ll scare the child too. It’s necessary to be cautious, but there’s no need to be overly paranoid, which can easily lead to traps instead.”

Song Ruqi gave a bitter smile, gently touched her abdomen, and said, ”It’s because I’ve learned a harsh lesson and am now fearful.”

”You should discuss this with your husband.” Song Ci said to Madam, ”Talk to the eldest son and let him select a discerning maid and servant to accompany her during meals and drinks.”

Madam also had this thought and readily agreed.

Song Ci thought for a moment and added, ”Their desire to harm you is nothing more than the fear of you having children, which might affect the succession of the Princely Heir title at the Duke Mansion. If you show a lack of interest in competing for power, they won’t be too focused on you.”

Song Ruqi pursed her lips.

”Your husband is the third son, and there’s already an eldest legitimate son who has been conferred as the Princely Heir. Before the third son, there is also a legitimate elder brother. Honestly, unless something happens to the eldest legitimate son, there’s nothing he, as the third son, could do in contention. In my opinion, your husband has his own prospects. Rather than vying for the already predestined Duke succession, it’s better for him to strive for his own rank or a General title. When the family is split in the future, wouldn’t it be satisfying for you to be the General’s wife and be in charge?”

Song Ruqian deeply agreed with Song Ci’s words: ”Grandmother is right. It’s more exhilarating to strive for something of your own rather than vying for what the ancestors left. After all, what you achieve on your own can’t be taken away, and it would avoid the conflicts. If both of you express disinterest in the position, others might even want to ally with you, especially when your husband is a Fourth Rank armed guard.”

Song Ruqi listened, blushing, and said, ”I understand now.”

Song Ci stopped at that, inquired about the situation at the Duke Ying Mansion, and increasingly realized the depth and complexity of these large families, with men contending while the young ladies in the house also competed.

”By the way, the second madam at the Duke Mansion has taken an interest in Duke Dingguo’s sixth daughter and wants my mother-in-law to help facilitate. A few days ago, Duke Dingguo Madam brought Guan Liu to visit.”

Song Ci paused in surprise; Guan Liu was young Shuyan.

Madam was also somewhat surprised, recalling the failure of her eldest son’s matchmaking. When hearing of Guan Liu’s possible arranged marriage, she immediately asked, ”They visited? And what’s the outcome, are they interested?”

Song Ruqi found her mother’s reaction unexpected and shook her head, ”It was just a visit as a guest and not aimed at a matchmaking. With Qi Zhen’s cousin’s reputation, it would be surprising if Duke Dingguo Madam favored him.”