Chapter 372: Chapter 359: Pregnant

“Are you living here now?”

“Yes.” Zhou Daya nodded and smiled, “We have found a place to stay, and I’m working in Little Sister Ning’s workshop. We plan on building another house here when we earn enough silver, to settle with my grandmother.”

“As long as you’re with Manager Zhuang, you’re certain to do well. These days we have all been commanded by Master Ding to accompany Manager Zhuang to Miao Village every day. If there’s anything you need us to help with here, just let us know,” Zhang Lin laughingly said.

“Thankyou, Brother Zhang,” Zhou Daya exclaimed with her eyes squinted in laughter.

After chatting for a bit, Zhang Lin and Shen Quan bid their goodbyes and left.

Zhuang Qingning then entered the courtyard and called Zhuang Qingsui to go with her to have dinner at Mrs. Wen’s house.

On their way, Shen Quan flicked his whip and asked, “Is Miss Zhou the same one who was almost thrown into Cuiwei Lake by those two villains some time ago?”

“Yes,” Zhang Lin nodded, “When we couldn’t find Miss Zhou and her grandmother during that time. Master Ding worried for quite a while. Now that they both are safe, it’s a good piece of news we can share with him. It would ease his mind.”

Shen Quan nodded and then laughed, “It’s quite a coincidence that she is working for Manager Zhuang now.”

“What do you mean?” Zhang Lin asked curiously.

“Master Ding didn’t want to create unnecessary trouble for Miss Zhuang, so he kept it a secret. It’s only natural for you not to know,” said Shen Quan. “Do you remember the young lady with her face covered by a sheer veil back at Cuiwei Lake?”

“I remember.” After nodding, Zhang Lin finally caught on and said, “You’re saying that…”

“That’s right,” Shen Quan confirmed but warned immediately, “Just keep it to yourself . Although the Qi Brothers have already been punished and may not survive to return, they surely have relatives and friends. If they are educated people, they might not hold a grudge. But if they are ignorant, they might harbor resentment. If they found out how much Miss Zhuang helped us then, they might not dare to give us trouble at the government office, but they would dare to bother Miss Zhuang.”

“If we disclose it carelessly, we may invite trouble for Miss Zhuang, which would not be a good thing.”

Zhang Lin nodded in agreement, but suddenly looked at Shen Quan suspiciously, “Wait a moment. If this information should be strictly confidential, why are you telling me? If someone gets wind of it, wouldn’t I be blamed for it?”

“I only told you because I noticed you taking a liking to Miss Zhou. I thought to give you a heads up. And you think I’m setting you up? I swear, goodwill is always mistaken for ill will. I’ll never be the good guy again!” Shen Quan immediately expressed his dissatisfaction.

“What nonsense are you talking about? When have I ever shown any interest in Miss Zhou?”, Zhang Lin retorted.

“If you aren’t interested, why are you blushing?” Shen Quan glanced at him.

With that glance, Zhang Lin’s slightly reddened face instantly turned bright red all the way to the roots of his ears.

“If you continue with this nonsense, the next time Miss Zhuang invites you for spicy stir-fried rice noodles, I’ll eat your portion as well,” Zhang Lin barked.

“Alright, alright, I won’t say anything any more….” Seeing Zhang Lin’s reaction, Shen Quan stopped teasing him and focused on driving the cart.

Zhang Lin finally sighed with relief, his red face starting to return to its normal color.

This rascal, always spouting nonsense!

But honestly, Miss Zhou is actually quite nice….

As dusk fell and lights began to shine.

In the Prince’s Mansion, servants were busy preparing.

Seeing the mansion lit up with lanterns and the festive decorations, and the table full of delicacies for the evening banquet, Mrs. Ruo’s gloomy face finally gave way to a bright smile.

“Your Highness, why did you come out? It’s windy at the entrance, be careful not to catch a cold,” Bi Tao quickly held onto her.

“It’s alright, just came to have a look,” Mrs. Ruo replied confidently, “Is the Prince back yet?”

“A servant just reported that the Prince is on his way home,” Bi Tao giggled, “He has specifically stopped by the Eight Treasure Restaurant to get your favorite peach blossom cakes. The Prince is so good to you.”

“Flatterer,” Mrs. Ruo laughed mockingly, but the smile in her eyes showcased her delight.

A glimmer flashed in her eyes.

No matter how crafty or competent the other women were, they wouldn’t be a match for her, a crafty vixen with a thousand years of experience.

Absolutely not afraid of a man’s playboy character, or the notion of an intelligent woman charming the capital city, they often use the same underhanded tricks, thinking that once they cling to the Prince, they will rise to power and become the phoenix?

Only in their dreams!

The people who can’t be on stage, are nothing but cheap skins after all. They dream of becoming princess consort, but they should see if they have the talent first!

Without realizing it, Mrs. Ruo’s hand moved to her belly, and her lips curled into a smile.

To hold a man, one must know what the man wants.

Even though the Prince of Qi had two sons under him, he took the issue of offspring very seriously, despite his libertine ways outside.

In the recent time, although she was somewhat frustrated, as soon as she announced her pregnancy, the Prince of Qi instantly became attentive and considerate. His heart full of concern and love, once again fell upon her.

He is planning a grand feast to celebrate her birthday.

He has even invited Chu Jinnian to dine at home, to show respect to her.

Mrs. Ruo didn’t want to see Chu Jinnian. The further away from the mansion Chu Jinnian was, the better. But remembering Chu Jinnian’s sarcastic remarks when she had dinner a few days ago, Mrs. Ruo thought it would be nice to have him back. He can see her current triumphant situation.

The more Mrs. Ruo thought about it, the more pleased she felt. She raised her hand and asked, “Where is Zhuo?”

As soon as she finished her sentence, Chu Jinzhuo appeared before her and sweetly called, “Mother Consort.”

After saluting correctly, he said, “I wish the Mother Consort good fortune, everlasting youth, and tranquility. I found this coral during my travels. It’s said to be the best for calming the mind. The Mother Consort hasn’t been sleeping well lately, so this coral should be good for placing under the pillow.”

Despite being less than ten years old, the child was very articulate, with a good demeanor in every move, already showing some resemblance to his father, the Prince of Qi.

Seeing her son so remarkable, Mrs. Ruo felt even more satisfied, “Zhuo is very considerate, Mother Consort is very fond of it.”

“Yes, the coral chosen by the Second Young Master is excellent. It’s so dazzling that I can’t take my eyes off it,” Bi Tao laughed, “I’ll place this coral in the Consort’s sleeping quarters right away, so the Prince can take a look upon his return.”

“That sounds good,” Mrs. Ruo nodded, “You all can leave now. I want to speak with Zhuo.”

“Yes.” Bi Tao, along with a few servants, left to display the coral, leaving only Mrs. Ruo and Chu Jinzhuo in the flower hall.

“How have you been these past few days? Is your schoolwork going well?” Mrs. Ruo asked him.

Chu Jinzhuo was studying at the Imperial College and was very busy every day. It had been a few days since Mrs. Ruo had seen him.