Xiao Yun informed Wang Qingyao that the Xia people had infiltrated the ranks accompanying the Silver Moon Princess's dowry, but they were being closely watched.
"They're quite clever, using temples as a front. The soldiers disguised themselves as monks and lived openly within the temple grounds. Their drills might even be mistaken for morning exercises. There are several such temples in Dasheng, indicating that Xia has been planning this for a long time. It's fortunate you were so vigilant, or we wouldn't have discovered their subtle maneuvers."
Wang Qingyao displayed a smug little expression.
She wasn't vigilant; she had simply read too many melodramatic novels and tended to overthink things.
"I've already reported it to His Majesty," Xiao Yun said. "The Emperor has dispatched the Shenwu Army to keep an eye on Princess Jinyang and Princess Silver Moon."
Wang Qingyao clicked her tongue. The Shenwu Army was comprised of elite soldiers, few in number but highly capable, specializing in assassination.
Prince Qi was truly unlucky. With the Shenwu Army watching Princess Silver Moon, it meant they were also watching Prince Qi's manor, and Prince Qi himself was completely unaware!
Wang Qingyao felt a touch of schadenfreude.
Not long after Han Suixin's wedding, it was time for Wang Da's wedding to the Gu family's daughter.
Wang Da was currently basking in glory. His niece was the Ding'an Princess Consort, his adopted daughter was the Prince Qi Consort, and now he was about to marry a young, delicate wife. He slept with a grin on his face.
The number of guests attending the wedding banquet far exceeded initial expectations.
Everyone was adept at reading the winds of fortune. Although Princess Qi was merely Wang's adopted daughter, she was married from the Wang family. At that time, the Han family had already rented a residence in Duanjing. Princess Qi's decision clearly indicated her priorities. In noble families, who didn't have their secrets?
The people of Duanjing were accustomed to grand affairs. It wasn't strange for someone not to be close to their maternal family and instead be close to their adoptive family. There were even more outlandish situations!
Wang Qingyao had originally intended to bring Feng Jiangduo along for some fun, but Feng Jiangduo declined. She had only been in Duanjing for just over three months and was already weary of the numerous banquets of various pretenses. When Wang Qingyao mentioned it, Feng Jiangduo flatly refused and ran off with Xiao Mo.
Wang Qingyao had no choice but to go alone.
To her surprise, Han Suixin was also present.
She was newly married and pregnant, and it hadn't even been three months yet. Yet, she was willing to come and lend face to the Wang family. This was true love!
Old Madam Wang's face was radiant. She held Han Suixin's hand and chattered on, making it seem as though Han Suixin was incredibly close to her.
Wang Qingzhen rolled her eyes beside them.
When Wang Qingyao arrived, the old madam also took her hand, pulling them both: "Grandmother loves you two the most."
Wang Qingyao and Wang Qingzhen exchanged glances, seeing mockery in each other's eyes.
Han Suixin seemed somewhat distracted. Wang Qingyao observed her closely and noticed her complexion wasn't good. Despite being adorned with gold and silver and exuding wealth, her complexion didn't reflect that of a newlywed. Even with makeup, the weariness in her eyes was hard to conceal.
"This child is quite taxing," Han Suixin explained. "I throw up whatever I eat and can't sleep well."
The servants began to flatter her.
"It must be a little prince; boys are more troublesome for their mothers."
"Exactly. When I was carrying the second child of the Wang family, I threw up so much I couldn't get out of bed and stayed there until full term."
"That's right. My sister-in-law threw up until her throat bled. Later, she indeed gave birth to a big, healthy boy."
"Quiet, well-behaved children who don't cause trouble are usually girls."
"Yes, carrying a girl must be comfortable. Girls are considerate and will dote on their mothers."
These people spoke one after another, their central theme being that Han Suixin's pregnancy was definitely with a son.
This finally brought a smile to Han Suixin's face.
At this point, everyone remembered that besides Han Suixin, there was another consort present who was pregnant and had never complained about the discomfort of pregnancy.
This caused a flicker of awkwardness on everyone's faces.
Old Madam Wang glanced at Wang Qingyao, a hint of coldness in her eyes.
"Yao Yao, is this pregnancy comfortable for you? You were still attending banquets at other families before you were three months along!"
Wang Qingyao smiled sweetly, "It's quite comfortable."
Old Madam Wang gently patted her hand and consoiled her, "First the blossoms, then the fruit. Daughters are more considerate than sons, and a younger brother can help raise her later."
Old Madam Wang's words, ostensibly comforting her for having a daughter, were actually cursing her with a daughter and gloating.
However, she didn't know that Wang Qingyao was from modern times and didn't care whether she had a son or a daughter.
Upon hearing this, she merely smiled, "Grandmother is right."
She smiled, and her smile seemed genuinely happy, showing no signs of displeasure.
Old Madam Wang couldn't stand her smiling so cheerfully and continued, "It's just that Prince Ding'an's situation is rather special. His family has had only one son for three generations, and there's a curse... alas, it's best to have a son in one go..."
Old Madam Wang appeared worried.
Only then did others recall the curse on Prince Ding'an's Xiao family.
Since her marriage, Wang Qingyao and Xiao Yun had been deeply in love, with no concubines in their household. People had witnessed her happiness, and for a moment, they had forgotten about the curse on the Xiao family.
Prince Ding'an would not live past twenty-five.
Prince Ding'an was twenty-one this year. If fate were unkind, he might die before the child was even born.
Even if the child were born, he wouldn't live for many years.
The crowd exchanged glances and unconsciously straightened their backs.
While their husbands might not dote on their wives as much as Prince Ding'an, at least they had long lives!