Too high to reach

Chapter 364: Getting off the donkey
Recently, someone presented the crown prince with a beautiful woman as a tribute.

Her skin was as soft as spring water, and her eyes were like those of a deer.

This greatly aroused the Crown Prince's protective instincts...

Now, when he returns to the backyard, he either consults with the Crown Princess about family matters or goes to see that beauty.

Mo Yuan breathed a sigh of relief, knowing he would never come to Mo Yuan's room again. But then she remembered all of Mo Yi's nagging earlier... and couldn't help feeling a little annoyed. He really had been right...

That's why she didn't pin her hopes on the Crown Prince; otherwise, she would have fallen out of favor after only six months in the palace!
How could one live like that? What's the point of living a life of luxury?
I can only console myself that this is a way of going with the flow. Otherwise, it would be like putting a millstone on a cart and whipping it... Just thinking about it sends chills down my spine.

But that afternoon, she had just woken up from her nap, finished dressing, and was planning to go for a walk.

The crown prince entered the room...

"Your Highness, you've arrived?" Mo Yuan greeted him warmly, concealing her inner fear, and made tea and poured water for him.

"Hmm, haven't you been to Prince Qi's residence recently?" the Crown Prince asked as he sat down.

“I passed by a few days ago and went in.” Mo Yuan became even more nervous. Why was he asking this?

Did he suspect that he was passing on a message?

She's overthinking it!

"Princess Qi is more than two months pregnant. Why didn't you mention it when you came back?" The Crown Prince's tone was extremely kind, but he was somewhat displeased.

She's actually hiding something from me?

Actually, he hadn't thought about it much; they hadn't been able to meet and talk for a long time.

"Huh?!" Mo Yuan was still puzzled, her mouth agape. "She's pregnant? More than two months along?!"

"I don't know! She didn't say!"

Judging from her expression... she really didn't know. The Crown Prince felt a little more at ease and didn't mention it again.

"Your Highness, you don't know this. Generally speaking, it's not announced before three months have passed."

"Your sisters are all pregnant, don't you want that too?" The Crown Prince reached out and pulled Mo Yuan closer, his attitude somewhat ambiguous.

This startled Mo Yuan so much that she almost jumped out. She restrained herself and smiled, "This concubine... is thinking of helping Your Majesty give birth to the little prince, and then considering having one of her own. Otherwise... I wouldn't have enough to keep me busy!"

"Tch!" The Crown Prince laughed. "What use are you when the Crown Princess is giving birth? Besides, is it up to you to decide that?"

Mo Yuan's eyes darted around. "It's a decision made jointly by Master and Yuan Yuan!"

The prince laughed heartily and embraced her.

"Hmph, so incompetent and so playful," Mo Yuan cursed inwardly, quickly hiding herself. "Master, during the day... cough cough. Do you want me to be punished by the Empress later?"

The prince laughed again. Just then, a little maid came to report from the door: "My lord, our concubine is not feeling well and is crying. Please go and see her."

Upon hearing the voice, the Crown Prince knew that this was the little maidservant serving his new favorite.

So, without thinking, he let go of Mo Yuan and got up to go and see.

Mo Yuan grabbed him, her eyebrows raised: "Hey! I've heard of it but never seen it! So, there really are people running into other people's courtyards to compete for favor and steal people? Your Highness, don't go, let me go and meet her!" She rolled up her sleeves, looking like she was about to fight.

This performance pleased the seemingly refined and noble but actually vulgar Crown Prince greatly, who laughed heartily, "Alright, I'll go take a look. That day she hurt her waist... cough cough!"

Mo Yuan let go with a mischievous smile, and the Crown Prince raised an eyebrow triumphantly before leaving.

He never came back...

……

After arranging things at home, Mo Yi finally reported her pregnancy to the palace.

Then, the Emperor, Empress Dowager, Empress, Imperial Concubine, and Consort Liang bestowed a whole host of gifts upon them.

Looking at the gift list, aside from the Emperor's generous gift and Consort Liang's thoughtfulness, the others were simply prepared by palace servants—things that wouldn't go wrong.

They also spread some cliché messages...

It seems no one took it too seriously. That's good. Once the news spread, friends and family started to react.

Some, fearing they might disturb her, only sent gifts.

Those who were closer to me went directly to my door.

When important people arrive, Granny Zhao is present. Others are received by Consort Tian and Aunt Mei in an orderly manner.

Liang You has already conveyed Mo Yi's intentions to Madam Liang.

Turbulent times produce heroes...

If things get chaotic, everyone will be affected to some extent. The right approach is to get involved and take advantage of the situation.

So they went through the main channel and made an urgent contact.

Madam Liang discussed her ideas with Mo Yi and Granny Zhao. "Your Highness is right. There aren't many of these people, so we should use them in the most crucial places, catching them off guard, for the best results. We've already sent a letter; they will contact the Prince."

Mo Yi nodded: "In addition, there's the capital. The Emperor's bestowed marriage has made the situation even more chaotic, and we don't know what will happen next. The arrangements in Cangzhou and the western suburbs have already been made. Also, there's Liang You here. He can play a big role in maintaining stability in the most crucial place."

Madam Liang nodded: "He understands, and has already begun to work on it."

Taking advantage of the opportunity to visit Mo Yi, some information and arrangements were taken over by the women in the inner quarters.

Of course, it's not just official business; there are also personal matters.

For example, Aunt Zhuang and Aunt Wang came together.

With Mo Fan's wedding approaching, Zhuang Shi arrived and went to discuss matters with Zhou Jiu Niang in private.

Aunt Wang was modest and respectful in front of Mo Yi, saying, "Your Majesty, your mother is also thinking of you. She and your aunt had arranged to come together, but your father was afraid that if she came, she would upset you again."

Mo Yi smiled but didn't say anything.

"Your Majesty, you have always been very insightful since you were a child. In the past two years, your knowledge has become several levels above ours. My aunt may offer advice, but Your Majesty certainly has your own ideas."

So, I just want to remind you again: everyone has their own personality. Some are formed later in life, some are innate. Your mother, that's how she'll be for the rest of her life. It's not that I haven't tried to advise her, but she understands when I say it! But when it comes to actually doing something, she goes back to her old ways.

If you dwell on these things, you'll only make yourself angrier. It won't change her! Now that you have your own nephew, what can you do about her?

Mo Yi smiled and said, "I understand all of that. Actually, my father and I don't want to change anything. Let her do whatever she wants. Just... don't provoke me or my father again, that's the bottom line."

"Yes, yes, your uncle and aunt will keep her in check."

……

There has been no news from Li Jing's side.

After learning that Mo Yi was pregnant, he wrote back a letter, without mentioning his own situation, only telling her to take all necessary precautions and not to be too careful... until he returned.

The more this happened, the more uneasy Mo Yi became.

Anxiety, discomfort, and busyness made her face look sallow.

They all claimed to be ill and did not attend the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet.

Consort Dong was straightforward, but not truly foolish; she understood the Empress Dowager's intentions.

But she pretended not to understand and sent a message about it to Prince Yong'an.

Prince Yong'an was unwilling before, but now, unsure of the situation there, he wanted an extra layer of assurance. He replied to Consort Dong, saying that they could agree to it for now and discuss it later.

This made Consort Dong very unhappy.

He maintained a cold expression throughout the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet.

Well... we're nearing the end. I have rough steel, but no fine steel... so writing this was quite difficult. I should probably take a break for about a week to sort out the story.

But the editor wouldn't let me stop. And I even had to sign some ridiculous agreement...

I'm so passive... I'm exhausted and incredibly annoyed. It's raining, and I have to rush to finish this and then take my cat to the vet.

This is a lesson learned; I must never write like this again in my next book.