Chapter 75

Life in the capital city proved to be an overwhelming adjustment for Song Dingxiang. Despite the vibrant bustle outside her window, she found herself utterly uninterested in venturing out to experience it.

Whispers of jealousy began to circulate throughout the city, suggesting that the title of county princess held little sway among the privileged elite who had grown up in the capital. At times, she was even treated as a mere jest, her presence met with mocking laughter and dismissive glances.

Zhou Yinuo was not anxious, but as the New Year approached, he couldn't just leave at that moment, so he had to postpone most of his social engagements and stay at home with Song Dingxiang.

On the evening of New Year's Eve, he had to attend the royal banquet, and on New Year's Day, he had to participate in the sacrificial ceremony to the heavens, so he had no choice but to go. Over the course of a few days, Song Dingxiang had lost a significant amount of weight, her formerly round chin now appearing sharp.

"I have already submitted a memorial to the emperor, stating that we have been away from the Northern Region for a long time, and it's better for us to return now that the New Year has passed," Zhou Yinnuo felt extreme heartache.

He let Song Dingxiang lean against his chest, patting her back as if comforting a child.

"I'm very scared..." Song Dingxiang clutched his garments, her voice trembling, "The longer I stay here, the more afraid I become. In this capital city, every few steps you encounter a noble, and every few steps a relative of a high-ranking official. All I am is a county princess, but in the end, just a commoner with no background. Do you know? I'm afraid of saying the wrong thing, doing the wrong thing, of burdening you, burdening my parents, burdening our family."

"I'm sorry, it's all my fault..." Zhou Yinnuo had never seen his wife in such a state, and it pained him deeply. "If I had just been content with being a soldier and not thought about achieving great things, we would have come back sooner, without getting involved in any formalities..."

Song Dingxiang placed her index finger on his lips and hushed him, "Nonsense! These are your biological parents, your family. It's just that I come from humble origins, and I'm afraid of causing trouble for you."

"You're the one talking nonsense. Without you, I might have died long ago!" Zhou Yinuo was on the verge of tears, his voice trembling as he held Song Dingxiang tightly.

"We will return home soon, and never come back again. I always feel like the people in this capital are like cannibals, even scarier than foreign invaders. While I think about upholding justice, they only think about tearing us apart and humiliating us. They have lost their conscience!"

The princess sat on a chair, tightly gripping the armrests. "What else have they said?"

Her close servant, Liuyun, spoke softly, "I haven't heard much from the maids, only that the young master and young mistress are both feeling distressed. Especially in these past few days, the young mistress has visibly lost weight, unable to eat anything and her complexion has worsened. Zhenshu suggested calling the imperial physician, but the young mistress insisted it was just a matter of adjusting to the new environment and refused to seek medical help."

The Prince sighed, "After all, they are a young couple who have been through hardships together, so their bond is naturally deeper than others. What was initially a good thing now seems to have strained the relationship between us and the children."

The Princess closed her eyes briefly, then opened them with anger in her gaze, "Have you investigated the rumors in the capital?"

The Prince replied, "Yes, it seems to have originated from the House of the Minister of Works."

The Princess sneered, "Such a talented woman in the capital, isn't she trying to become the General's concubine? I will grant her wish." She cherished her son so much, even though his wife may not be her first choice, she was the one her son loved.

While she hadn't said anything about it, the chaotic group of people around them were impatient.

The Prince also sighed, "Minister Liu is getting old, and there are many young talents in the capital now. It's time for that position to be taken up by a younger person."

The Princess and the Prince changed clothes and entered the imperial palace, where they stayed for most of the day before emerging. Soon after, the approval for Zhou Yinuo's departure was granted, with the emperor reassuring him of his role in guarding the country and specifically stating that both he and the county princess were essential contributors to state affairs and would not be wronged.

The continuous stream of tributes sent to the Eighth Prince's mansion did not bring much joy to Song Dingxiang; instead, it was the departure approval that she held and read several times.

"Can we go home now?" she asked.

"We can go home!" Zhou Yinuo said, holding his wife's face and sweetly kissing her, "Mother has already started preparing our departure ceremony, and we will leave in two days."

Song Dingxiang breathed a sigh of relief, a smile on her face as she said, "That's great, I thought we would have to wait for a while longer."

Zhou Yinuo chuckled, "Even if you wanted to wait, I couldn't. By the way, I noticed that you've been very uncomfortable lately, not even calling for the imperial physician. What's really going on?"

Song Dingxiang smiled and said, "I know my body best, there's nothing wrong, just tired, a few days of rest will do. Back home during busy farming times, I used to do the same, rest a few days and recover. Calling the imperial physician for something trivial would just be a joke, wouldn't it?"

Just when they were preparing to leave in high spirits, the emperor issued a decree that shocked everyone in the capital.

The decree was for Liu Fei'er, stating that as she deeply admired the General and hero of state affairs, she was to be betrothed to the General of Zhen Nan and the wedding would take place after the lunar new year.

The General of Zhen Nan was already in his late fifties, his primary wife deceased for a long time, and his concubines all in their forties. Additionally, he had sustained a serious injury during battle and was unlikely to have children again.

However, he was fortunate to have several sons and daughters. Unfortunately, the general was known for his philandering ways, with numerous women and concubines, with his latest concubine being the thirteenth one.

Liu Feier, coming into the picture, became the youngest and fourteenth concubine.

The royal envoy announcing the decree chuckled, "The emperor has heard of Miss Liu's deep admiration for the great hero, and if we talk about heroes of state affairs, the General of Zhen Nan ranks amongst the top. Moreover, it's been said that Miss Liu is willing to be a concubine to the great hero, and the General of Zhen Nan is truly fond of her, seeking the emperor's permission. Miss Liu, we congratulate you finally realizing your wish."

After hearing these words, Liu Feier promptly fainted.

Overnight, Minister Liu aged a decade, his hair turning mostly white. "I am usually occupied, not caring about these family matters, are you, as a mother, also too preoccupied to guide and teach our children?"

He scolded his wife, "Who is Zhou Yinuo? He is the eldest son of the Eighth Prince, a son who was abducted as a child and only returned after twenty-one years of searching, all for the emperor's sake! Even if that county princess is not of noble descent, she was personally appointed by the emperor! Yet here you are, letting Fei'er cause mischief everywhere. Do you think that with Feier's abilities, she can win Zhou Yinuo's favor, even if it means pushing out the county princess?"

"I see you, you've all gone crazy! Those two people have gone through hardships together, and now they're finally together. Do you think that relying on Feier's beauty can get you everything? Beauty means nothing! I have truly spoiled you all, but starting today, the girls in the mansion are not allowed to leave until they are married. And as for Fei'er... make sure the maids watch over her. If they can't safely escort her to the General of Zhen Nan's mansion, they can forget about living!"

*

Song Dingxiang was completely unaware of all this, not just Zhou Yinuo, even the princess and the prince also instinctively didn't want these sordid affairs to reach her ears. As they were about to leave, the princess smiled and said, "This back and forth really is a hassle. Next year, don't come, I'll come to see you after the lunar new year, stay with you for a few days, and return after summer to cool off a bit."

"Mother, that can't be done..." Song Dingxiang felt obligated to fulfill her filial duties, even if she didn't want to come back.

The princess smiled, "What can't be done? It's mainly because my son is too charming. If he stays in the capital for a few more days, those young girls will undoubtedly be infatuated. For the sake of those young girls, I can't let my Sheng'er attract too much attention."

"Mother..." Zhou Yinnuo pursed his lips, then suddenly hugged the princess tightly, "Mother, when I'm not busy, I will come back to see you often."

The princess smiled, lifting her hand to gently stroke her son's hair, "When Lin'er inherits the position of the heir, marries and has children to sustain the mansion, I'll come live with you. How can I not live with my eldest son? We must make up for those twenty years. Besides, in a couple of years, Dingxiang will have a child, and I also want to help raise your children."

After speaking, she gestured for Song Dingxiang to come over.

Song Dingxiang walked over slowly, and the princess took her hand, softly saying, "My child, I have wronged you. It was my oversight, I know that you've never suffered even in the countryside, and coming here, you've been unjustly treated. I feel guilty. I'm old, all I want is for my children to be safe and sound. You're a good child, I've always known that."

"Mother." Song Dingxiang also reached out, hugging the queen tightly, saying, "Mother, actually... it's this daughter-in-law who is too useless."

"If you were not useful, there wouldn't be many useful girls in this vast city. Go back and live well, the food you brought is very good, and if you can make more varieties, I would enjoy that," the princess patted Song Dingxiang's back, looking at them lovingly, "Hurry up and go, or you'll be delayed. When the weather gets warmer, I'll come see you, go."

After leaving the city, Song Dingxiang felt as if she had come back to life. Eating was no longer so distressing, and she ate more than before.

"Seeing you eat and drink, I feel relieved," Zhou Yinuo, concerned for his wife, didn't ride outside but sat in the carriage with Song Dingxiang.

"You silly thing," Song Dingxiang smiled.

Zhou Yinnuo: ??

"I'll tell you later when we get back," Song Dingxiang winked at him, then looked outside, "I remember there's a delicious scallion pancake in the next town, Zhouzi, can you buy me some with meat filling?"

Zhou Yinuo:...

"You just had a big bowl of porridge, and ate four big meat buns, didn't you?"

Song Dingxiang scolded, "Once we get to the town, I'll be hungry too. I haven't been eating well and drinking well these past few days, I need to make up for it."

Those meat buns were bigger than my fist...

Although his wife could eat and drink well, wasn't this too much food? Money was a small matter, but one mustn't overeat.

Weixian County had just experienced heavy snowfall, and the carriage struggled through the snow.

Song Dingxiang held a warm sweet potato, licking the sugar juice off her fingers, "We're home."

Zhou Yinnuo felt light-hearted, "I've already sent someone back on horseback to report, saying you want meat pies, dumplings, and stewed meat. Wife, you've really eaten a lot along the way, can you still eat more?"

Song Dingxiang grinned, "I'm happy just looking at it. Although the palace food is exquisite, I'd rather gnaw on the dumplings my mother makes, that's the most flavorful."

Zhou Yinuo, a mischievous glint in his eyes, playfully pinched Song Dingxiang’s rosy cheek. Though the arduous journey had left them all weary, Song Dingxiang seemed to have blossomed. Her once slender frame had filled out, her fair complexion glowing with a vibrant, healthy flush. She was a vision of beauty, her radiance undimmed by the rigors of the road. Her delicate features, softened by a hint of fullness.

"Oh, they're back!" Fang Shi had received the message early and ran eagerly to the alley, seeing the carriage turning the corner, she hurried over, "Your father and I thought you'd be back after the lunar new year but it's not even over, and you're already back."

"Mom, get on the carriage," Song Dingxiang poked her head out of the window.

Fang Shi said, "I'm not going up, it's all muddy... Dingxiang, what have you been eating? Why is your mouth all black?"

Song Dingxiang burst into laughter, "I had a roasted sweet potato." She retracted her head and asked for a handkerchief from Zhouzi to carefully wipe her mouth.

Back in her own courtyard, Song Dingxiang displayed a childish demeanor, linking arms with Fang Shi, "Mom, did the messenger say I wanted stewed meat, meat pies, and such when I came back? Why can't I smell any fragrances?"

Fang Shi pinched her arm impatiently, "Are you always this gluttonous? Didn't you eat enough of the delicious foods in the city? The wool mill is open, and everyone is busy there. I'm waiting here with you. There's sweet millet porridge warming on the stove, you and Zhouzi can each have a big bowl later, then nap on the kang. We can have stewed meat in the evening."

Song Dingxiang chuckled, whispering a few words in Fang Shi's ear.

Fang Shi looked surprised and asked, "Is it true?"

Song Dingxiang replied, "I don't know either. Mother, can you find a physician to check on me?"

"What a big deal, and you say you don't know??" Fang Shi was at a loss for words. Zhouzi opened the curtain to let them both into the house, and Fang Shi asked, "How long has it been?"

Song Dingxiang felt comfortable seeing her own kang, so without waiting for Zhouzi's help, she took off her cloak, kicked off her boots, and climbed onto the kang, "It's been over a month, right?"

Fang Shi exclaimed, "Over a month? Do the prince and princess knows? Your body can't bear it at this time. Zhouzi, hurry and call the physician from the town. Oh, my daughter, why are you so foolish? It's so much better to stay in the capital city. I heard there are imperial physicians there, you wouldn't have to worry about food, drink, or medicine."

"Mom..." Song Dingxiang shook Fang Shi's arm, "I don't want to stay in the capital city, I want to come back."

Even though Fang Shi was usually straightforward, she sensed something was wrong, "What's wrong? Did they mistreat you there?"

"No!" Song Dingxiang said, "I couldn't eat well or sleep peacefully there, I just wanted to come home. I was scared that if I settled down there, I wouldn't be able to come back, so..."

"You silly child," Fang Shi didn't probe further, "Coming back is good, I'll take care of you. I've raised the most children in this household, so I have experience."

Song Dingxiang just smiled.

Fang Shi had not suffered much in her family, and after marrying into the Song family, she had no issues with her mother-in-law either. With good health, a loving relationship with Song Zhiyuan, she gave birth to six children one after another, all of whom were raised well, comparable to the ancestors.

Giving birth to a child is originally a risky process, and whether the child born with great effort can be raised is another matter. Fang Shi had five children by the time she was in her thirties and then had another one, which was considered a miracle in the entire Song family.

Moreover, she managed to raise all these children well.

Her ability to bear children made the young women in her family highly sought after.

"Mom, I heard from Zhenzhu that she wants to invite a physician?" Zhou Yinuo entered the room, standing at the door brushing off the snowflakes on his body.

It was snowing heavily outside.

"You silly boy," Fang Shi looked at her son-in-law with amusement, "Hurry up and get warm in bed, I will bring you some millet porridge." She pushed Zhou Yinuo towards the kang, not allowing him to leave with a smile on his face.

Zhou Yinuo placed his cloak on the edge of the kang, took off his boots, and approached Song Dingxiang, asking, "Who did mom invite the physician for?"

Song Dingxiang pinched his chin and said, "Guess?"

Zhou Yinuo held her mischievous hand to his lips and kissed it, "For you? You weren't feeling well in the capital, but you were fine on the way back. Now you're uncomfortable again? Overeating?"

"You fool!" Song Dingxiang rolled her eyes and said, "You're the one who overate. Can I eat well?"

Just then, Fang Shi brought in two bowls of red sugar millet porridge, and Zhenzhu also brought the physician back.

"Congratulations, General, Lady, you are pregnant, it has been two months already!"

Zhou Yinuo was stunned, then unbelievably ecstatic, "Really? Pregnant? I'm going to be a father?? I'm going to be a father!!!"

Song Dingxiang held back a laugh and signaled to Zhenzhu. Zhenzhu handed a purse to the physician and asked, "Is there anything else my lady should pay attention to?"

The physician said, "Lady is healthy, just need to pay attention to diet. The first three months are the most crucial, but it should be better after that."

Zhou Yinuo was overjoyed. He ran around the room, then ran outside in the courtyard for several laps, before bursting back in, "Haha, I'm going to be a father."

Song Dingxiang:...

Oh, this silly boy.

Because Song Dingxiang was pregnant, she temporarily stayed away from the general's mansion. Since the Lady wasn't returning home, the General naturally stayed as well.

Zhou Yinuo happily wrote a letter to be sent back to the capital, saying, "If my parents come next year, they can hold their grandson."

Song Dingxiang glanced at him and said, "What if it's a granddaughter?"

"A granddaughter is also good, just like you, beautiful and smart. But she mustn't develop the spoiled attitude of those young ladies in the capital, or I won't be able to resist scolding her." Zhou Yinuo's head started to ache just thinking about those women.

The reply from the Princess arrived along with a cartload of medicinal supplements. By this time, Song Dingxiang was already three months pregnant, sitting in a chair slowly reviewing the account book.

In front of her stood eight store managers, each bowing respectfully with hands hanging down.

"Manager Wang, Manager Qi, Manager Sun... according to the account books you sent, does it mean that even in the first month of the year, you didn't make any profit?" These three managers respectively oversaw the restaurant, two clothing stores, and pawnshop.

Manager Wang replied, "To be honest, after the severe drought, the economy has been depressed. Even in the first month of the year, there weren't many people willing to eat at the restaurant."

Manager Qi added, "That's right. The people here are poor, and the clothes in the clothing stores are not cheap. They are hesitant to spend money."

Manager Sun, who looked prosperous and always had a smile on his face, said, "Running a pawnshop is not easy. Most poor people who pawn things don't redeem them, so the cash flow decreases over time."

Song Dingxiang didn't beat around the bush and said, "Since that's the case, it proves that you are not suitable to be managers. Find someone else to do the job."

Manager Qi widened his eyes in shock, "What do you mean by that, Madam? I have been managing these clothing stores for how many years! And I am also appointed by the Princess, even if you..."

Song Dingxiang took out a document and waved it in front of him, saying, "The Princess's subject?"

Manager Qi was stunned.

Song Dingxiang continued, "Do you want me to list how many pieces of clothing you sell each day, how many purses and handkerchiefs, how many embroidered fans, and how much profit you make? And as for the restaurant and pawnshop, do you think just because I have never visited the stores, I don't know anything?? Most of the people in this county are under my jurisdiction. Whatever you do, I hear about it quickly. Actually, I called you here this year to see if you are suitable, and if not, you won't be returning to the stores."

The three managers were shocked, as were the other managers.

"Do you think that just because I'm a country woman, I don't understand anything? Actually, when it comes to business, you might as well address me as 'Madam'. I've already seen your account books, and I was about to intervene, but I thought I'd let you enjoy a good New Year and see if you could make some progress in this first month. It's a pity..."

The three named managers knelt down with a thud, sweating profusely.

Manager Sun squeezed out a bitter smile and said, "Madam, but the pawnshop, this pawnshop..."

"The pawnshop? What's wrong with the pawnshop? Do you think you can fool me? But don't worry, my people have already gone to inspect your homes and the stores to see how many account books you have, and how much of my money you've been taking!"

These individuals were completely caught off guard. While they were here reporting accounts, this village woman had already sent people to search their homes and stores.

This realization sent shivers down their spines, causing their facial muscles to tremble involuntarily.

If they had known this would happen, they definitely wouldn't have signed a contract just because the Princess wanted to buy the stores, trying to flatter her. They had assumed the Princess wouldn't bother checking their accounts in this remote place, especially since Zhou Yinuo and Song Dingxiang were both rural folks who probably didn't know anything.

But who would have thought that Song Dingxiang wielded such formidable tactics!

——— Author's Note: Song Dingxiang: This is my territory, and I call the shots!!! I never want to go to the capital again!!!

Zhou Yinuo: If they send us there again, I will resign!

Song Dingxiang: Are you daft?

Zhou Yinuo: ????