Chapter 290: 290: Willing to Eat Bran and Swallow Vegetables.
Chapter 290: 290: Willing to Eat Bran and Swallow Vegetables.
Now that Ms. Zhao had been driven away, Li Hongyuan’s backyard was left with only these two women and one palace maid. Any person with power and influence in Chang’an City had more women at home than him.
In the past, the Emperor urged him to have children and often mentioned it.
However, now that he has an eldest son and daughter, the Emperor is content and no longer brings up the matter.
Aside from the emperor’s eldest grandson Li Tingqian, Prince of Yu’s Crown Prince Li Wenzan, and the Princess Consort of Huai, the Emperor now has three imperial grandsons.
Today, as the Prince of Huai becomes the Crown Prince, Prince of Yu has gone from the center of attention to being unloved and pitiful, with no one left to serve him. Nobody cares about him.
The Emperor even allowed Jiang Ning and the two children to stay in Chang’an City.
Jiang Ning felt that Li Yuanyuan looked gentle from the outside but was very cunning. She was indeed capable and considerate, though she seemed like a white lotus. As for Ms. Fang, she had the beauty of a vase, and wasn’t short of schemes, but didn’t genuinely love Prince Yu; she was only clinging to his riches and glory.
If she had to leave the life of luxury and suffer with the Prince, she would be unwilling.
Honestly, Jiang Ning felt quite sorry for Prince Yu.
Such a magnificent Prince Yu, a dream lover of countless noble daughters, was believed to have lived such a beautiful life.
Who would have known that in the end, even a concubine would abandon him?
Li Yuanyuan sneered at Ms. Fang.
Ms. Fang didn’t care about her, just pitifully begging Jiang Ning to let her stay and serve the Princess Consort and the young Crown Prince and Princess.
“If you don’t want to leave, stay.”
Li Hongyuan’s cold and emotionless voice came from behind.
Everyone hurriedly bowed.
Ms. Fang knelt down, sobbing, “Your Highness, that’s not my intention. I willingly follow you for better or worse. However, you know that my family still has a frail old father and a young brother. If I leave… they won’t be able to survive.”
Li Hongyuan said indifferently, “In that case, go home and take care of your family.”
“As a servant, I can still serve the Princess Consort…”
“I dare not accept your service.” Sitting in a wheelchair, Jiang Ning lazily laughed, “You are so heartless to your lover, let alone me. I can’t rely on you for loyalty. Don’t add to my troubles.”
Ms. Fang was stunned, “What should I do then?”
“Now, either beg His Highness to take you or go back to your parents’ home. His Highness won’t even be living in the Wangfu anymore. What use do I have for a concubine?”
Ms. Fang stood still for a moment, then decisively turned around and knelt in front of Li Hongyuan, “Your Highness, please take me with you. I am willing to share the hardships with you, even if it means eating coarse food.”
“Isn’t it too late to say these things now? You really couldn’t bear to leave the life in Chang’an City. Just go back to your parents’ home and fulfill your desire.” Li Yuanyuan went to support Li Hongyuan’s arm and softly said, “Your Highness, let me help you into the carriage.”
Li Hongyuan, however, looked at Jiang Ning.
Now that the weather had turned warm, she no longer wore heavy layers but returned to the refreshing look of a white skirt.
Having a child had no impact on her appearance or figure, still as light and youthful as before.
That determined and nonchalant demeanor, which he used to find annoying, now made him feel tender and unwilling to leave her. No matter what, he couldn’t take a step forward..