Favoring a Hidden Mistress? Engagement Broken-Chapter 149 - 119

Their household was flourishing with descendants, making Mrs. Zhao proud. Even in front of the princess sisters-in-law, she held her head high.

Hearing this now, Xie Wanqing immediately understood.

Mrs. Zhao had surely picked up on some clues and knew about their unconsummated marriage.

Her inner thoughts were unknown, but judging by her eager probing and insinuations, it was clear enough.

Fortunately, Xie Wanqing was quite confident. She didn’t feel guilty upon hearing this and casually replied, "Thank you, aunt, for your concern. But the matter of offspring is destined by the heavens; it should be left to nature and can’t be rushed."

Mrs. Zhao’s smile remained unchanged, her hand slightly trembled with excitement.

No matter what she says, treating her words as mere stubbornness.

Having been married for over three months and seeing their relationship looking good, yet her niece-in-law still remained a virgin...

Mrs. Zhao’s unextinguished thoughts flared up almost instantaneously, with the fire of hope burning even stronger, practically leaping from her eyes.

Having dealt with this sister-in-law for decades, Princess Duan Yang merely glanced over and could read the other’s thoughts, chuckling softly, treating it as a mere amusement.

She had long made up her mind that even if in this lifetime there’s no chance to hug her own grandson, the title of Duke Mansion would not fall to the first branch, who hoped every day for her son to be childless.

As the adults exchanged toasts and chatted fervently, the young ladies led by Princess Pingning couldn’t sit still, merrily gathering with their cousins for some games outside.

Princess Duan Yang watched her daughter’s joyful demeanor and smiled at her daughter-in-law, "You should go and play with them, there’s no need to stay here with us."

Xie Wanqing gracefully stood up and bid farewell.

Sitting among the many ladies, she indeed felt somewhat ill at ease.

Outside the courtyard.

The uncles’ children were many, all sharing the same roots, making their rare gathering boisterous.

The girls organized a pitch-pot contest, and Xie Wanqing, considering herself an adult post-marriage, had no intention to join them but leaned against the railing watching these lively young girls, unknowingly smiling.

Suddenly, a figure appeared beside her. Xie Wanqing turned her head to look; a girl of about sixteen, with a dignified appearance, was smiling at her.

"Aunt won’t join the game?"

It’s Pei Lin, the eldest granddaughter from the first branch of the Pei Family.

Being addressed as ’aunt’ by a peer, even after three months of marriage, Xie Wanqing couldn’t quite reconcile with it.

She didn’t show any expression on her face, just nodded calmly, saying with utmost propriety, "It’s a game for children."

Having said that, she was initially reluctant to watch the other’s expression but at that moment, a man’s laughter came from behind.

Xie Wanqing turned back alongside Pei Lin.

Only to see a few young gentlemen from nowhere appearing at the back, separated by merely a gallery, led by a man who laughed, with sharp brows and graceful eyes, a style quite unique, whose expression slightly froze upon her sight, then his smile deepened.

Xie Wanqing’s brows slightly furrowed. She couldn’t quite remember those nephews and nieces of the Pei Family, but she recognized the Second Prince well enough.

Only, what was the Second Prince doing at the Pei Family’s banquet today?

To pay respects to his aunt?

Her thoughts raced, while her body swiftly responded, bowing, "Greetings, Second Prince."

"No need for such courtesy." The Second Prince paused, then smiled, "...Cousin-in-law."

"..."

Xie Wanqing’s expression didn’t look too pleased; though the term ’cousin-in-law’ was correct, coming from this dashing prince’s lips, it felt a bit playful.

Amid the slightly tense atmosphere, Pei Lin glanced in another direction and said, "Second Uncle is here."

Second Uncle...

Xie Wanqing turned her head, eyes meeting a tall, noble gentleman shaped like moonlit clarity.

She was stunned for a few seconds, then her eyes lit up, an unabashed smile blossomed on her lips.

The wind tousled her attire, wrapping around her slim waist with a palace sash, as this breathtaking girl tilted her head and smiled at the newcomer, unaware of her captivating beauty.

Pei Yuqing’s breath stalled for a moment, then, getting close, he held her hand. At the moment their fingers touched, his brows furrowed, "Why didn’t you bring a hand warmer."

Xie Wanqing stuffed her hand into his palm, smiling up at him, "I’m not cold at all."

Compared to the earlier cool demeanor like frost, she now seemed charming and lively, even Pei Lin couldn’t help but take a few more glances.

The smile on the Second Prince’s face completely froze, pausing for a few seconds before slowly saying, "Indeed, newlywed couples have the deepest affection. See, cousin is truly like a changed man."

The previous Pei Yuqing, not to mention holding a girl’s hand smiling radiantly, he was so reserved he didn’t like looking at people overly.

Be it man or woman.

Moreover, because of his health, he seldom attended banquets, living in seclusion and remaining quite a mystery. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

Being teased, Pei Yuqing didn’t seem the least bit uneasy. He simply looked down at the girl before him, his eyes full of tenderness.

Being looked at this way, Xie Wanqing couldn’t help but feel sweetened, her heart brimming like a hot spring, bubbling up sweet bubbles.

The Second Prince didn’t linger, exchanging a few pleasantries before heading to the flower hall to pay respects to Princess Duan Yang, soon thereafter taking his leave.

As the family banquet neared its end, Xie Wanqing tidied up everything, returning to Xuanhua Courtyard alongside Pei Yuqing.

The weather was chilly, yet Xie Wanqing was in the mood for sightseeing. Rather than sit in a palanquin, she held her husband’s hand to walk, taking in the garden’s scenery.

On the way, she curiously asked, "Why did the Second Prince come?"

Pei Yuqing didn’t hide anything from her, directly explaining, "Perhaps he heard that the Qingtian Guard is under my command, unable to resist probing for truths."

The Qingtian Guard, from its inception, served as the Great Khan’s ears, with every leader reigning as influential ministers celebrated throughout the realm.

For years, the Qingtian Guard’s name gradually faded from public sight, with many officials assuming it had fallen and become an abandoned tool of the Emperor, unable to reclaim its former glory.

The Second Prince somehow got wind that the Qingtian Guard was under Pei Yuqing, and unsure what it meant, he couldn’t help coming over to test the waters.

Thinking this way, Xie Wanqing ceased speaking.

The couple walked side by side for a stretch until the Xuanhua Courtyard gate came into view, and Pei Yuqing gently spoke, "Remember to keep your distance from the Second Prince in the future."

"Why say this," Xie Wanqing was taken aback, saying, "We don’t know each other well anyway."

She thought he was jealous again, but to her surprise, he said, "The Second Prince is reckless, lacking in personal virtue."

Xie Wanqing agreed, "The Second Prince is indeed promiscuous; his mansion teems with women, which I’ve heard even while in the boudoir."

"More than that, he also has a less known proclivity," Pei Yuqing stopped, pulling her close by the shoulders, awkwardly saying, "His Prince Mansion frequently hosts married women, as well as several unmarried noble girls."