The status of the eldest legitimate son was incredibly noble. It was even uncertain whether Liu Meng Han's unborn child would survive.
Feng Ruo Yan had always wanted to give birth to Chu Yan Xi's eldest son, to gain prestige through her child. Could she truly tolerate Liu Meng Han giving birth to the eldest legitimate son?
Once the eldest legitimate son was born, the position of heir apparent would naturally fall to him. Even if Feng Ruo Yan gave birth to a son immediately after, there would be a world of difference in status and position compared to the eldest legitimate son. It was likely that Liu Meng Han's child would not survive.
"I don't care if it's a boy or a girl, as long as the child is born safely and healthily. As for gender, I'd actually prefer a daughter, how thoughtful they are. However..."
A hint of shyness crossed Liu Meng Han's face. "However, Your Highness wants a son. Your Highness has been deeply worried since Sister Yan's miscarriage. Now that I'm pregnant, Your Highness is paying special attention and has specifically asked me to stay in his courtyard."
Feng Jin listened to Liu Meng Han's boasting indifferently, her gaze falling on Feng Ruo Yan opposite her. She truly looked displeased.
However, she felt that Liu Meng Han was deliberately provoking Feng Ruo Yan, and there must be some hidden agenda.
After all, Liu Meng Han's schemes were deeper than Feng Ruo Yan's. Compared to Feng Ruo Yan's petty tricks, they were like a drop in the ocean. However, Feng Ruo Yan had Lady Sun behind her, so in comparison, they were evenly matched. Feng Jin was now starting to become interested to see who would win when these two women clashed.
Just as Feng Jin was lost in her thoughts, Feng Ruo Yan appeared beside them at some point.
"Sister, you are now heavily pregnant and it's not advisable to stand for long. Please go back and sit down to rest, lest Your Highness worry about you."
Feng Ruo Yan reached out to help Liu Meng Han, feigning a caring demeanor. Coupled with her beautiful face, she appeared pitiable.
"Thank you for your concern, Sister Yan. It's my fault; I feel very close to Madam Ling upon meeting her and always want to chat a bit longer."
Liu Meng Han subtly withdrew her hand from Feng Ruo Yan's grasp. "I shouldn't bother Madam Ling any further. I'll visit your mansion another day and have a good chat with Madam Ling."
"The Princess Consort is pregnant; she should rest more and avoid excessive movement."
Feng Jin didn't want to see Liu Meng Han all day, as it would ruin her good mood for the entire day. She used a common excuse to politely decline.
Having gone through so much to get pregnant, Liu Meng Han cherished the fetus in her womb immensely. After all, it wasn't just a child; it was her future.
She had witnessed the brilliance of Feng Jin's medical skills. Upon hearing Feng Jin's words, Liu Meng Han couldn't help but be startled and firmly kept them in mind. She sat steadily throughout the entire banquet, not daring to move casually.
Even when Feng Ruo Yan deliberately acted intimately with Chu Yan Xi to provoke her, she pretended not to see it.
After all, nothing was more important than the fetus in her womb at this moment. As long as she safely gave birth, she wouldn't fear anything, and her position would be secure, even without Chu Yan Xi's favor.
After Liu Meng Han and the other woman left, Feng Jin's expression relaxed. Neither of them was easy to deal with. Their clash was quite entertaining.
The Third Prince's manor was unusually lively. She wondered how Chu Yan Xi managed amidst these two women.
Feng Jin's gaze swept to the man beside her and she suddenly remembered she hadn't clarified one thing. "When did you first meet Liu Meng Han? What exactly happened that makes her so unforgettable?"
She fully believed what Liu Meng Han had said, as Ling Mo Han's face indeed possessed the ability to make one unforgettable.
She wondered what had happened between them that caused Liu Meng Han, a person of such meticulous mind, to openly display her ardent admiration for Ling Mo Han in public.
Look at this man's charm; she herself had often had to deal with the "peach blossoms" around him.
"I honestly don't know what madness possesses her to cling to me. I can guarantee that absolutely nothing happened between us. And look at her, she's so ugly, not even a tenth as beautiful as you. Could your husband have such poor taste as to get involved with her? It's obvious she's deliberately clinging to me, trying to sow discord. You mustn't believe her nonsense."
Ling Mo Han urgently sought to clear his name, fearing that unfounded accusations would tarnish his long-standing reputation.
If his reputation were damaged, he would definitely seek justice from Liu Meng Han.
Feng Jin was initially upset, but upon hearing Ling Mo Han's remark that Liu Meng Han was not even a tenth as beautiful as her, her anger subsided considerably.
"Considering your good attitude, I'll let this slide for now. If there's a next time, don't blame me for being impolite." Feng Jin threatened fiercely, making a throat-slitting gesture with her hand.
"There will definitely not be a next time," Ling Mo Han vowed fervently, thinking that if there were, he wouldn't spare himself.
"His Majesty has arrived, Her Majesty the Empress has arrived, Her Majesty the Noble Consort has arrived."
The eunuch's shrill voice rang out, and the entire hall fell silent. Everyone stood up in unison and knelt on the ground.
"All ministers, rise."
Emperor Xuan Wen waved his hand and majestically took his seat at the head.
"Your Majesty, the envoys from Xiliang have arrived. Should they be granted an audience outside the palace gates?"
"Have them enter."
In a moment, the Xiliang envoys stepped into the hall.
"Princess of Xiliang, Mu Rong Jin Yun, greets His Majesty."
"Envoy of Xiliang, Bai Li Xi, greets His Majesty."
"Your journey here has been arduous. Eunuch Fu, please escort them to their seats."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Mu Rong Jin Yun curtsied slightly and sat on the cushion. Her gaze swept across the hall, and when she spotted Ling Mo Han, her eyes suddenly lit up.
"Princess, you have traveled a long way. Are you comfortable? If there is any inconvenience, please do not hesitate to mention it."
Emperor Xuan Wen, with imposing authority, gently inquired of Mu Rong Jin Yun.
"Thank you for Your Majesty's arrangements. Everything is fine."
Mu Rong Jin Yun rose and replied softly, her gaze uncontrollably drawn to Ling Mo Han.
Bai Li Xi sensed something and coughed lightly to remind Mu Rong Jin Yun.
"Your father has already conveyed to me his country's desire for a marriage alliance between our two nations."
Emperor Xuan Wen had initially guessed some of it, but he hadn't expected the Emperor of Xiliang to be so direct. Even more astonishing was that he allowed Mu Rong Jin Yun to personally choose her husband. The ways of the Xiliang people were truly lacking in etiquette.
"Your Majesty, my father's letter also stated that I am to choose my own husband."