The decree for the Zhongyong Duke's mansion to inherit the title arrived with the decree for the establishment of the heir, a double blessing.
As soon as the eunuch who delivered the decree left, the mansion was adorned with red banners and decorations, preparing for the celebrations.
The next day was not Xiao Yun's day off, but he accompanied Wang Qingyao and the others, as no one in the Ministry of Revenue dared to find fault with him.
On the contrary, Consort Fang, considering herself a widow, feared she might bring bad luck to the joyous occasion and refused to attend the celebrations for her own brother and nephew.
If she didn't want to come, so be it. The Zhongyong Duke's mansion knew her temperament. Even if the Old Consort had permitted her to go, she still insisted on not attending, so they let it be.
Many people came to offer their congratulations. The Empress Xiaoxian had passed away many years ago, and the Fang family was no longer as prominent as they once were. Many people had drifted away from the Fang family due to the Wei family.
However, as Fang Zheng gradually rose to prominence, and with Prince Ding'an, the Emperor's favorite grandson, in their favor, people began to observe them again.
Especially this time, with the inheritance of the title and the establishment of the heir, the Wei family even showed up. What did this signify?
Regardless of what it signified, everyone followed suit.
Wang Qingyao and Xiao Yun traveled in the same carriage. Upon arriving at the Zhongyong Duke's mansion, Xiao Yun was escorted to the outer courtyard, while Wang Qingyao helped the Old Consort to the inner courtyard.
Madam Huang, now the legitimate wife of the Duke, was truly radiant with pride. Seated at the head of the hall, she basked in the flattery of the ladies and young ladies.
Fang Yuan sat with Zuo Yun, chatting idly, clearly lacking enthusiasm.
Fang Yuan had now seen through Madam Huang's true colors. Even when choosing a seat, she insisted on sitting between herself and Zuo Yun, as if afraid she would harm Zuo Yun's unborn child.
As soon as Wang Qingyao entered, she excitedly waved at her.
Wang Qingyao raised an eyebrow at her.
Seeing the Old Consort and the Princess of Ding'an arrive, everyone rose to pay their respects.
The Old Consort paid no mind to such formalities. Seeing Zuo Yun, who was heavily pregnant, about to bow, she quickly asked Fang Yuan to help her sit down. She then inquired about her due date and when she was expected to give birth, showing great kindness and eagerness.
Madam Huang chuckled and said, "The Old Consort is eager to hold her great-grandchild." She teased, "Princess, you must work harder!"
The crowd joined in the playful banter. Wang Qingyao thought to herself, *Heh heh heh.* Outwardly, she feigned shyness and remained silent.
Fang Yuan, indignant, said, "My cousin-in-law only got married a month ago, what's the rush?"
Madam Huang laughed, "What do you know, you little brat? Go on, go out. Lots of sisters are waiting outside, go and greet them."
Fang Yuan had long wanted to go out and play. She was only worried about leaving Zuo Yun alone. Seeing Wang Qingyao arrive, she gave her a meaningful look, entrusting the responsibility of protecting Zuo Yun to her, and happily went out to play with her friends.
With no unmarried young ladies left in the hall, the conversation naturally turned to childbirth.
Madam Huang smiled and said, "Princess, you correctly guessed that Wen Yuan Bo's daughter-in-law was expecting a girl. Why don't you take a look at A'yun's belly? Is this pregnancy a boy or a girl?"
Everyone looked at Wang Qingyao expectantly.
Wang Qingyao smiled and said, "I was just guessing when I spoke to Sister Xue. How could I be so amazing as to know at a glance?"
Madam Huang continued to smile, "But the Princess was so confident then, you spoke with such certainty."
"I just wanted to cheer up Sister Xue. She's about to give birth, and she's been hoping for a daughter for years. I couldn't let her go into labor with unhappiness, could I?"
Wang Qingyao tried her best to deflect, refusing to examine Zuo Yun's belly. The crowd began to doubt her alleged ability. After all, knowing a baby's gender at a glance was too incredible; guessing seemed more plausible.
Madam Huang glanced at Zuo Yun and said meaningfully, "Princess, you are too modest. When A'yun was only ten days pregnant, many doctors couldn't tell, but you could! Imperial Physician Lu from the Imperial Hospital even said that the Princess is a prodigy!"
One instance might be a coincidence, but two instances suggested true skill.
With Madam Huang's words, everyone recalled that incident and looked at Wang Qingyao with even greater anticipation.
The Old Consort cast a displeased glance at Madam Huang. What was Madam Huang thinking? Having just become the wife of the Zhongyong Duke, had she forgotten her place? How dare she pressure a Princess?
Just as she was about to speak, Wang Qingyao quietly tugged her sleeve. The Old Consort looked at her, puzzled, and then heard Wang Qingyao say with a smile, "Aunt, you have a good memory. Actually, I've learned a little bit of medicine, but it's just superficial. It works sometimes and not others, I can't be sure myself!"
"It's alright," Madam Huang said. "Just take a guess. Guess whether A'yun's baby is a boy or a girl."
This time, Wang Qingyao did not hesitate: "It's a girl."
Madam Huang showed a look of disappointment and turned to Zuo Yun, saying, "A'yun, don't be sad. First the flowers, then the fruit. Your second child will surely be a son."
Zuo Yun, however, showed no change in her demeanor. She patted her belly and smiled serenely, "Mother, you misunderstand. I would love a daughter very much too."
Madam Huang chuckled a few times, as if she thought Zuo Yun was pretending.
At this moment, Zuo Yun appropriately mentioned that she was tired. The Old Consort, knowing Wang Qingyao and Zuo Yun were close, asked her to accompany Zuo Yun back to her room.
As they reached the doorway, Wang Qingyao heard Madam Huang say to the Old Consort, "The Old Consort is so gentle with her granddaughter-in-law. Look at the Princess, she's as lively as she was when she was a young girl."
Wang Qingyao rolled her eyes, causing Zuo Yun to burst into laughter.