Lu Jingning responded obediently, "I will listen to Mother in everything."
"Don't take it too much to heart. Take good care of yourself and make sure to keep Xuan'er focused. After all, in families like ours, the legitimate son is the most important! And when Xuan'er achieves something, you'll have more honor," the Crown Princess said, holding Lu Jingning's hand.
"Yes, Mother, please don't worry. Your daughter-in-law has been taking the prescribed medicine for conditioning. I have never dared to slack off on my husband's studies," Lu Jingning replied gently.
Qin Xuan was forced to study, his heart filled with reluctance. His attitude towards Lu Jingning was obvious.
Initially, out of guilt, he had been somewhat gentle with Lu Jingning. However, he couldn't stand her constant reminders: studying, the imperial examinations, becoming an honored lady.
Qin Xuan even yelled at Lu Jingning, "Why don't you just marry a top scholar and become a scholar's wife! Scholars are all good at studying and will surely meet your demands."
Lu Jingning calmly replied at the time, "Unfortunately, I am already married to you."
Afterward, Lu Jingning naturally wept profusely. She understood that Qin Xuan would not refrain from saying such hurtful words in the future. She also knew that she had to swallow these hardships alone. No one in this manor would truly stand by her side.
She was, in this manor, utterly alone.
"Jingning?" the Crown Princess's voice rose slightly, "Why are you suddenly lost in thought?"
Lu Jingning snapped back to attention, "I was just thinking about what to prepare for my husband's dinner tonight. He works hard studying, so he needs good nourishment."
The Crown Princess was increasingly pleased with her daughter-in-law. If nothing else, her meticulousness in caring for others was beyond reproach. She had initially thought that as a pampered young lady from a Grand Scholar's mansion, she wouldn't know how to care for people. To her surprise, her care was so satisfactory that even the mother was extremely pleased.
"That's very thoughtful of you. It is Xuan'er's good fortune to have married you. He is young and spirited now and doesn't see your worth. Rest assured, time will reveal your true qualities, and he will eventually see how wonderful you are," the Crown Princess comforted Lu Jingning.
A faint, serene smile touched Lu Jingning's lips. "Mother speaks wisely."
"I'll also have someone send some things to Concubine Qi later. You should send something as well, to show respect to the Princess Consort," the Crown Princess added. "Mother knows this might make you uncomfortable, but if the Princess Consort shows favor to Concubine Qi and we don't respond, it means we are disrespecting the Princess Consort."
"Your daughter-in-law is not uncomfortable. Concubine Qi is carrying my husband's child, and it is my duty to take good care of her. Mother, please rest assured, I will make arrangements as soon as I return," Lu Jingning said gently.
The Crown Princess decided not to say anything further. Instead, she beckoned her head maid to bring over a sandalwood box. "Jingning, these are my jewelry from when I was young. Now that I am older, they don't suit me as well. Take them back. Wear what you like, or have them melted down and remade into new styles."
Lu Jingning politely declined a couple of times. Seeing that the Crown Princess genuinely wished to give them to her, she finally accepted. This was a way to preserve her dignity. Her grandmother had bestowed good items upon a concubine, yet she, the legitimate granddaughter-in-law, had received nothing. At this moment, the servants in the manor were undoubtedly laughing at her.
Let them laugh. As long as their words didn't reach her ears, she would pretend not to know.
Let Qi Mingzhu be smug. She would not let her remain smug forever. What if she was once of noble status? She was still just a concubine now. What if Grandmother favored her more? As long as the Grand Scholar's mansion stood, her position as the principal wife would not be shaken. In the future, she would be the Crown Princess, and she would be the Princess of the Commandery. Only she, and only she, could stand with Qin Xuan before outsiders.