The smile on Liu Meng Han's lips deepened. Although Feng Jin's words were harsh, they suited her perfectly. The imperial physicians had already diagnosed that the child in her womb was very likely a boy.
As long as she gave birth to the legitimate son, her position would be secure for the rest of her life, and no one would be able to shake it, not even Feng Ruo Yan, who was favored at the moment.
With a legitimate son by her side, she had nothing to fear. A man's affection was fleeting, warm and passionate with you one moment, and whispering sweet nothings to another woman the next. Hadn't the Third Prince doted on Feng Ruo Yan immensely before? Yet now he was entwined with other women every night.
She no longer cared about those ephemeral affections. Liu Meng Han placed her hand on her slightly protruding belly. This was her hope for the future.
"Young Madam, you jest. We don't even know if it's a boy or a girl yet. Even if it is a legitimate son, isn't there an elder brother above him? The order of seniority must be maintained."
As Liu Meng Han spoke, a malevolent glint flashed in her eyes. Feng Ruo Yan's unborn child was like a thorn in her side, a constant irritant.
Every time she saw Feng Ruo Yan's bulging belly, she ground her teeth in hatred. If it were a daughter, it would be one thing. But if it were a boy, how could she allow a concubine's eldest son to usurp the position of the legitimate son? It was no wonder she was heartless.
"An elder son is still just a concubine's son. With the Empress supporting the Prince Consort, do you really need to worry that the concubine's eldest son will rise above the legitimate son? Besides, the Empress has always disliked my concubine sister. Prince Consort, you need not worry too much."
Feng Jin's words were venomous, yet each syllable struck a chord with Liu Meng Han. She had been worried about the concubine's eldest son surpassing the legitimate one.
After Feng Jin's words, her heart felt much more at ease.
It seemed her efforts over these past few days had not been in vain. Feng Jin, such a difficult person to win over, was now leaning towards her side. To disparage her own sister to her face showed that she must trust her implicitly.
Lin Yu Wei, a bystander, listened with bated breath. Sister Feng Jin had always acted with careful consideration, always polite to everyone she met. Why was she acting so rashly today?
Even if she wanted to form a connection with Liu Meng Han, she shouldn't have slandered Feng Ruo Yan and her unborn child in such a manner.
After all, the child in Feng Ruo Yan's womb was still a child of the imperial family, a genuine descendant of the phoenix. If these words were to get out, the entire Ling family would be implicated.
"Sister Feng Jin, you..." Lin Yu Wei subtly tugged at Feng Jin's sleeve, whispering a gentle reminder.
Feng Jin turned to look at Lin Yu Wei and responded with a reassuring gaze.
The reason she was acting this way was to deceive Liu Meng Han and to obtain some useful information from her.
"Hearing the Young Madam's words has certainly put my mind at ease. Everyone has their selfish desires, and I am only human, naturally unable to escape such things. I can tolerate my husband's affection for other women, but I cannot tolerate someone snatching what belongs to my child..."
As Liu Meng Han spoke, her eyes were filled with deep concern, displaying the image of a doting mother.
"It is also thanks to the Young Madam for telling me these things today that my heart feels somewhat comforted. For the sake of my child, I am willing to do anything, even if others call me viper-hearted."
"Princess Consort, you must relax. Only then can the child in your womb grow up safely."
Feng Jin said with a smile, her eyes betraying her words.
Lin Yu Wei watched the two of them converse back and forth, suddenly unsure of what to do. Should she say something, or continue to smile foolishly? Just as she was contemplating, an unwelcome guest arrived.
"Sister, it seems lively here. In the entire manor, only your quarters are this lively. The Princess of Jing and you are here as well."
When Feng Ruo Yan's gaze fell upon Feng Jin, a vicious glint flashed in her eyes.
The moment she saw Feng Jin, she wished she could tear her to shreds.
"Sister, you're here. Your body has grown heavier. Please, sit down quickly."
Liu Meng Han gestured to the chairs behind her, busily inviting Feng Ruo Yan to sit.
"It's windy outside. Sister, you should have worn more clothes before rushing over."
"I have a warm constitution. I feel hot even in these clothes. I heard from the imperial physician that pregnant women who are warm are likely carrying male fetuses."
Feng Ruo Yan stroked her bulging belly, her gaze towards Liu Meng Han filled with triumph.
"If it is a male fetus, then it will be the Prince's eldest son. Sister, you are truly blessed to be able to give birth to the Prince's eldest son. I wonder if I have such fortune. If I can give birth to a healthy and safe child, I will be content."
Seeing Liu Meng Han's feigned demureness, a look of disgust flickered in Feng Ruo Yan's eyes. Was she not just using this fragile facade to deceive His Highness and the Empress?
If Liu Meng Han had been badmouthing her to the Empress, why would the Empress dislike her so much? It was all Liu Meng Han's fault.
She had no idea how she had managed to deceive the Prince to conceive this child.
Yet, the Empress cherished Liu Meng Han's pregnancy so much. Despite all her schemes, she still couldn't get rid of this child.
Furthermore, she kept using the child as an excuse to pull the Prince away from her. Fortunately, she had acted promptly, helping the Prince take so many beautiful concubines to keep his heart.
The newly taken concubines in the manor were all obedient to her and followed her commands. Just the presence of these concubines constantly hovering around Liu Meng Han daily was enough to make her angry. Even with all this, she could still remain calm.
"Sister, you are blessed with good fortune and have the Empress's protection. You will surely have a safe delivery for mother and child. Moreover, there are many sisters in the manor now helping to care for the Prince. Sister, you need only focus on your pregnancy."
As expected, Liu Meng Han's expression instantly soured upon hearing these words.
Feng Ruo Yan's lips curved into a satisfied smile. This was exactly the effect she desired. It was not a waste of her dowry money to bring these beautiful ladies into the manor.
Feng Jin quietly sipped her tea, observing the intricate machinations of the two women.
Her visit had yielded quite a bit of useful information. Those concubines were actually all taken in by Feng Ruo Yan.
She had truly spared no expense. One had to consider that Feng Ruo Yan's position in the Third Prince's manor depended entirely on Chu Yan Xi's favor.
By doing this now, she was essentially pushing Chu Yan Xi away. One never knew when a man's heart might change, and who could guarantee that Chu Yan Xi wouldn't fall for someone else? It had to be said that Feng Ruo Yan had truly paid a heavy price this time.