TSWRLM -Chapter 254 Going to the Father, Leaving the Son

Princess Hengyang’s reaction to pregnancy was far stronger than Chun Xi’s. She not only had little appetite, but was extremely sensitive to smells and could get nauseated at the slightest hint.

Under the pretext of “caring for Chun Xi,” Princess Hengyang took up residence for a while.

The two wet nurses she brought were indeed very experienced. When Chun Xi complained about unpleasant odors, they scented the entire residence with dried tangerine peel. When she said she couldn’t eat, they found ways to prepare light yet nourishing meals.

That afternoon, Princess Hengyang had just taken a bite of bird’s nest soup when she slammed down the spoon in frustration. “I think that damn man is jinxing me. That’s why this child is tormenting me—being pregnant is pure suffering. I don’t want this rebellious child!”

Having said that, she stormed toward the door. Chun Xi hadn’t had time to stop her before a servant arrived with news: “The Prince Consort has arrived.”

Princess Hengyang immediately turned back and sat down, warning Chun Xi, “Chun Xi, we’re on the same side. Don’t say anything reckless.”

Chun Xi nodded, pressing her lips together to signal she would stay quiet. She hadn’t told the Prince Consort anything, but if her family had found out and decided to inform him, that wasn’t her fault.

At that moment, the Prince Consort entered holding the embroidered mouse.

Compared to the winter hunt, the little mouse had clearly grown plump, its gray fur glossy. Held in the Prince Consort’s arms, it looked like a tiny, round furball, with only its large, grape-like eyes peeking out—absolutely adorable.

Princess Hengyang toyed with her bird’s nest soup and, without looking at Wen Yanshu, said casually, “I just came to chat with Chun Xi. Why did you follow me? Don’t you have your own matters to attend to?”

It was a bit harsh—telling a man who did nothing all day but chase after women that he had nothing better to do hurtful.

Wen Yanshu, however, was used to it. He nodded and said, “I don’t hold an official post, so I really don’t have much to do. Besides, Little Gray missed you. These past two days without seeing you, it barely eats.”

Little Gray was the mouse’s name. Princess Hengyang had picked it casually based on its fur color, not wanting to seem too doting.

Little Gray was very affectionate—it would nuzzle her hand and lie on its back to have its belly rubbed whenever she fed it.

Having raised it for a few days, Princess Hengyang found herself unable to resist. She looked at Wen Yanshu and then at Little Gray, finally saying, “Let me hold it.”

Wen Yanshu immediately handed over Little Gray and put a small plate of melon seeds on the table in front of the Princess.

Even though the house was heated with charcoal, it was still cold after the recent snow. But Little Gray, held warmly by Wen Yanshu, felt like a little natural hand-warmer.

The small, round, furry, warm creature in her hands made Princess Hengyang’s eyes curve in delight. She fed it a melon seed, about to say something else, when her stomach churned violently.

The nausea came too fast and strong; she couldn’t hide it, and she vomited the bird’s nest soup she had just eaten.

Wen Yanshu immediately stood beside her, one hand on her shoulder and the other patting her back. He also asked Chun Xi, “Could you please get the Princess a glass of water?”

Chun Xi quickly poured a glass. Wen Yanshu blew on it before handing it to Princess Hengyang and asked with concern, “Since returning from the winter hunt, Your Highness has had little appetite. This has lasted several days. Dragging it out won’t help—you should see the Imperial Physician. If there’s any illness, early treatment will help you recover sooner.”

“You’re the one who’s sick!” the Princess snapped. Drinking a few sips wasn’t enough to vent her frustration, so she continued, “I’m in this state all because of you! Why should I suffer for your sake?”

“Your Highness, why would I harm you?” Wen Yanshu said innocently.

Princess Hengyang felt suffocated in her chest and kicked him in irritation. “Oh, now you dare talk back to me? When this child is born, will you climb on my head and defecate too?”

The room fell silent. Only Little Gray, staring at the melon seeds it couldn’t reach, squeaked anxiously.

Wen Yanshu’s expression suddenly turned serious. “Princess… you’re pregnant?”

The Princess realized she had slipped, but stubbornly denied it: “No! I was just saying ‘if’ I had a child, you’d be even more reckless. I’m not saying I’m pregnant now; you heard wrong.”

“I heard very clearly. You are pregnant,” Wen Yanshu said, cutting her off. Then, with certainty: “You don’t want this child.”

He looked at her straight in the eyes, full of wounded accusation.

Princess Hengyang felt guilty and didn’t know how to respond. Wen Yanshu continued: “Before, it was you who said you wanted a child and asked to borrow my seed. If you only wanted to toy with me, you could have let me take medicine. Why wait until a real child exists and then reject it? Even if you don’t care for the child, shouldn’t you protect your own body?”

By the end, Wen Yanshu’s eyes were red, looking both angry and on the verge of tears.

Princess Hengyang, feeling guilty, also felt a twinge of mischief. This face was really made to be made to cry.

Lost in thought, she heard Chun Xi’s careful voice: “Um… the charcoal seems to be running low. I’ll add some more.”

Before she could reply, Chun Xi dashed out.

Outside the room, Chun Xi was still shocked by Wen Yanshu’s words. Borrowing seed? Toying with him? The Princess sounded… a little unfaithful?

Inside, Princess Hengyang whispered defensively, “I didn’t say I don’t want this child.”

“Then why won’t you admit you’re pregnant? Why hide it? Is it ‘going to the father, leaving the son,’ and you think I don’t deserve to know?” Wen Yanshu pressed, sharp and perceptive despite appearing fragile.

Flustered, Princess Hengyang faltered. “Besides your face, you don’t bring me much joy. If I want to ‘go to the father, leave the son,’ so what? You’re not indispensable. After a divorce, I could let you remarry.”

Wen Yanshu, who had been holding her, suddenly let go, muttering, “So everything was planned from the start…”

The weight lifted from her shoulder, and her heart felt light. She wanted to speak but didn’t know what to say. Being pregnant was already frustrating, and now he had to ask all these questions.

She hadn’t said she didn’t want the child yet—couldn’t she think things over?

Wen Yanshu spoke again: “I won’t go against your decision, but this child is mine. For these months, please let me stay by your side. Once the child is safely born, I’ll leave and never cling to you.”

Princess Hengyang: “……”

Outside the main residence, Uncle Hu reported to Chun Xi: “Your sister-in-law has gone to the Grand Tutor’s residence to work as a wet nurse. Lin Bao will keep watch over her there. Your brother’s side? I’ll keep an eye on that.”

Uncle Hu and Uncle Bao didn’t like idleness. After settling at Chun Xi’s, Uncle Bao secretly protected the Cao household, and Uncle Hu intensified training for the household guards.

Chun Xi, hiding her surprise, nodded: “Thank you for your hard work, Uncle Hu.”