CHAPTER 485: CHAPTER 163: PALACE BANQUET, JOYOUS OCCASION_4

Thus.

She then can, based on the merit of her son.

The more she thought.

The more complacent Xie Ruilin became.

She deliberately held Song Yanqing’s hand, "Brother Yanqing."

Song Yanqing also took advantage, wrapping Xie Ruilin’s hand in his larger one.

The two indulged in such overt affection that Ming Yufang, upon seeing this, did not scold them anymore.

According to the rules, a concubine should not behave so arrogantly in front of the main wife, but now, because she was pregnant, they turned a blind eye.

Xie Ruotong watched indifferently as well.

Unmoved.

After a busy time.

Ming Yufang took Xie Ruotong and left Xie Ruilin’s courtyard.

Naturally, Song Yanqing would not leave, and would definitely stay by Xie Ruilin’s side.

On the way.

Ming Yufang said, "Ruotong, now that Xie Ruilin is pregnant, you should be a bit more tolerant. No matter how she behaves, the child is also a descendant of the Song Family. As Yanqing’s wife, you must exhibit the grace of a housewife."

Clearly, she was afraid that she might feel jealous.

"Mother-in-law, rest assured, I won’t be jealous of my sister. I am also very happy that she can bring children and blessings to our Song Family."

"I knew you are a good girl, virtuous and magnanimous. Mother entrusts the household to you with full confidence. Regardless, even if Xie Ruilin gives birth to Yanqing’s child first, your position in our Song Family is incomparable to hers."

"Mhm." Xie Ruotong smiled slightly.

In fact, she knew that Ming Yufang said this also because she was afraid Xie Ruotong might do something to Xie Ruilin.

"As a matter of fact," Ming Yufang said, "You and Yanqing have been together long enough, why is there still no good news? Should we have the doctor take a look in passing, so it’s not like Xie Ruilin, who only found out after three months?"

"No need, I just had my monthly period, there won’t be any good news," Xie Ruotong quickly replied.

She and Song Yanqing had never truly been together.

How could there possibly be a child.

However.

It was unexpected even for her that Xie Ruilin was pregnant.

It wasn’t that she thought it impossible for Xie Ruilin to have Song Yanqing’s child, just that it was unexpected.

Now that there was a child.

Xie Ruilin in this household, would have more rights.

Once there are many rights.

Xie Ruilin will certainly not stay content!

...

The next day.

Xie Ruotong dressed in magnificent palace attire, following Song Yanqing to the Imperial Palace to attend the palace banquet.

This of course wasn’t her first time entering the Imperial Palace.

She had been here with her grandmother before, but it was when she was very young, so now everything seemed unfamiliar.

She also felt somewhat nervous.

But the thought of possibly seeing Ye Qichi made her face light up with joy.

She and Song Yanqing sat in the carriage.

Song Yanqing turned to look at Xie Ruotong, seeing the faint smile brimming on her lips, he was somewhat mesmerized.

He had thought that Xie Ruotong would be nervous about going to the Imperial Palace.

After all, most people would be somewhat agitated during their first visit.

But unexpectedly, he saw Xie Ruotong beaming with joy.

Xie Ruotong’s smiling face was very beautiful.

Especially with heavy makeup, exuding charm.

At this moment, Xie Ruotong also noticed Song Yanqing’s gaze.

She slowly withdrew her smile and asked, "My lord, do you have something to say to me?"

Song Yanqing returned to his senses.

He shifted his gaze away, appearing nonchalant, yet seemingly hiding some inexplicable emotion, and said, "I thought you would be nervous, but you seem quite at ease."

"Actually, I am nervous, but I thought, as long as I follow my lord and abide by the rules, there surely won’t be any trouble."

"Hmm." Song Yanqing nodded.

Sometimes, Xie Ruotong’s independence made him feel somewhat dejected.

Xie Ruilin seemed to depend on him for everything.

Whereas Xie Ruotong, probably never did.

"By the way, about Lin’er being pregnant..." Song Yanqing spoke.

Xie Ruotong listened quietly.

"What I mean is, during this period as she experiences morning sickness and physical discomfort, I will try to accompany her when I have time," Song Yanqing said.

Xie Ruotong smiled.

Even if Xie Ruilin wasn’t pregnant, if it weren’t for parental disapproval, he would spend his time with Xie Ruilin anyway.

Essentially, there’s no need for explanations.

"During this time, I hope you can be more patient with her, as I’ve heard that pregnant women can become temperamental."

"Alright," Xie Ruotong agreed immediately.

Having said this.

Song Yanqing didn’t know what else to say.

The two of them clearly lived under the same roof for a month.

Yet they still felt horribly unfamiliar.

And still, overly polite.

"Have you ever thought about having children?" Song Yanqing suddenly asked again.

"Not at all," Xie Ruotong quickly replied, "My lord, rest assured, I haven’t thought about having children, nor will I be jealous of Lin’er giving birth to your child, you will regard their child as your own."

Song Yanqing watched Xie Ruotong.

At her firm words, he felt an inexplicable discomfort.

It was like.

Xie Ruotong was very afraid of having children with him.

Though they were husband and wife ... even without love, by convention, they should produce descendants for the Song Family.

Having expressed her inner thoughts, Xie Ruotong spoke no further.

The carriage proceeded quietly, arriving at the Imperial Palace.

Today was the Winter Solstice festival.

The palace held a grand banquet.

Upon entering the Imperial Palace, they could sense the festive atmosphere inside.

And indeed, the Imperial Palace appeared magnificent and grand, somewhat different from Xie Ruotong’s memories.

They were led by Palace Attendants to the banquet hall.

The noon banquet would be held here.

When they arrived, naturally other notable officials were also present.

Song Yanqing was considered the lowest in rank among them.

Though he was a top scorer, his position was not high.

However, since Scholar Song Yuanzhong did not attend, it was natural for Song Yanqing to represent him, and thus he would not be looked down upon.

Therefore, when they arrived, many people initiated conversations with him.

Naturally, another reason was that Song Yanqing was currently favored by the Emperor and Prince Chu, and his future prospects were immeasurable!

"The Emperor arrives!"

A high-pitched voice turned the originally somewhat noisy palace into utter silence in an instant.

All the ministers with their families hastily moved forward, kneeling to welcome.

"Greetings to the Emperor, long live, long live, long live forever!"