I support the army through farming and business.

Chapter 267 Design
Upon receiving the message from Princess Xuan, the Shen family was overjoyed. Madam Shen stayed up all night consulting the almanac and chose an auspicious day to go to the Prince Xuan's residence with the matchmaker to present the betrothal gifts.

On the day of the betrothal, the Prince Xuan's residence was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, and the Prince Xuan almost couldn't hold back his tears.

He was prepared to support Gu Xuan for the rest of his life.

Consort Qin fell ill in bed, harboring a deep resentment and determined to find her daughter a better husband than Shen Jiawen.

Gu Fu carefully served Consort Qin her medicine without uttering a word.

As relatives of the Prince of Xuan's family, the Marquis of Zhongyong and his wife naturally attended the ceremony. After everything was over, the Marquis of Zhongyong's wife, Madam Zhao, apologized, "Rouyin has not been feeling well since she became pregnant. Since returning to the Marquis's residence for the Eighth Miss's birthday, she has been nauseous and has no appetite. As her mother, I feel so sorry for her."

"I have a request, Your Highness. I would like Rouyin to stay at her parents' home to rest during her pregnancy, and return to the Prince's residence after three months when the pregnancy is stable. What do you think, Your Highness?"

This was against the rules, but following the principle of avoiding trouble, Princess Xuan still agreed, saying, "Then I'll have to trouble you, in-laws."

Zhao quickly bowed and thanked her, saying, "Your Highness is too kind."

When Consort Han received the news, she was dissatisfied, but considering the child in Bai Rouyin's womb, she barely managed not to make a scene, and decided to set rules for Bai Rouyin after the child was born.

As May arrived, Bai Rouyin was three months pregnant. Under the repeated urging of Consort Han, Princess Xuan asked the Lady of Zhongyong Marquis to bring Bai Rouyin back to the palace to rest and prepare for childbirth.

Zhao was reluctant, but did not refuse.

"The Marquis said that it has been a long time since he has had a get-together with the Prince and Princess. Tomorrow is the Beginning of Summer, which is a minor festival. On behalf of the Marquis, I would like to invite the Prince and Princess to dine at the Marquis's residence."

Princess Consort Xuan hesitated for a moment, "I have no problem with it, but I don't know if Your Highness has the time."

"Let the Marquis handle things with the Prince," Zhao said jokingly. "Whether the Prince can be invited depends on the Marquis's abilities."

In the Northwest military camp, King Xuan readily accepted Bai Wei's invitation.

"We've been busy fighting these past few years, and it's been a long time since we've had a proper chat," King Xuan said, patting Bai Wei on the right shoulder. "Let's take this opportunity to have a good get-together!"

"Then this humble general will return to the residence to prepare."

After Bai Wei left, Tang Zhao and Gu Ci, who were hiding in the inner tent, came out.

"Father, are you really going?"

“Bai Wei personally extended an invitation, so I must give him face,” King Xuan said with a deep gaze. “I also want to see what he’s up to.”

Tang Zhao sighed.

That night, a dark figure climbed through the window and entered the study in the front yard.

Has King Xuan agreed?

Bai Wei nodded. "I agree. Tomorrow evening."

Wan Qian pulled a medicine packet from her bosom and tossed it to Bai Wei, saying, "This contains a poison that breaks the heart. Add it to the wine and I guarantee Prince Xuan won't be able to tell the difference."

Bai Wei reached out and took it. "What's in it for me?"

"His Majesty has instructed me to convey an oral decree to you that after the death of Prince Xuan, you will be appointed as the new commander of the Northwest Army, and your title of Marquis will be elevated to Duke. Your wife will be granted the title of First-Rank Lady, and your only daughter will be granted the title of Princess."

"The commander of the Northwest Army?" Bai Wei asked doubtfully. "What about Gu Ci?"

"After Prince Xuan dies, find a way to lure Gu Ci to the alley outside the Marquis's residence. The Flying Dragon Guards will be lying in ambush there," Wan Qian said confidently. "No matter how brave Gu Ci is, he won't be able to escape when surrounded by dozens of Flying Dragon Guards!"

Bai Wei reminded him, "And Tang Zhao too!"

Wan Qian laughed mockingly, "Don't worry, once you kill Prince Xuan and Gu Ci, Tang Zhao will have no one to rely on and will be at your mercy!"

Bai Wei was satisfied. "Then it's settled."

After receiving a reply, Wanqian turned around, climbed out the window, and disappeared into the vast moonlight.

On the evening of the Beginning of Summer, King Xuan and his queen arrived as promised. Marquis Zhongyong opened the main gate wide and stood at the entrance with his wife and daughter to personally greet them.

"Welcome, Your Highness and Your Highness!"

"Why stand on ceremony between us?" King Xuan laughed and stepped forward to pull Bai Wei up. The two chatted and laughed as they walked inside.

Princess Xuan looked at Bai Rouyin with concern, "Are you feeling any better? Are you still vomiting? Are you able to eat?"

Bai Rouyin smiled shyly, "Thank you for your concern, Mother. I'm feeling much better. I'm vomiting less and eating more."

Lady Zhao, the wife of the Marquis of Zhongyong, looked at her daughter with affection. "After three months of pregnancy, her appetite improved. She kept asking for sour food every day, but wouldn't eat anything else. It worried me so much."

"It's good that you like sour food. The old saying goes that sour food means a boy and spicy food means a girl. Rouyin's baby is definitely a boy."

"Boy or girl, it's all good," Zhao said, gently touching her daughter's belly. "Both are precious treasures of the Marquis of Zhongyong's mansion and the Prince's mansion."

The three of them chatted and laughed as they went to the banquet. On the way, Bai Rouyin suddenly stopped and raised her hand to support her waist.

Princess Xuan hurriedly asked, "What happened?"

Bai Rouyin lowered her head apologetically, "My back is a little sore, probably because I stood for too long."

Princess Xuan said, "Then you should go back to your room and rest quickly."

Bai Rouyin glanced at her mother and hesitated before asking, "How about a banquet?"

"The banquet is a small matter, but your health is of utmost importance!" Princess Xuan summoned Granny Meng and said, "Personally escort the Second Young Mistress back to her room to rest."

"Yes," said Granny Meng, helping Bai Rouyin as she walked away, turning back to look at her every few steps.

"Your Highness is too kind. Rouyin has been spoiled by me and the Marquis. She can't help herself if she feels uncomfortable. It's a good thing that Your Highness is such a kind and loving mother-in-law. If it were someone cruel, cunning and tormenting, I can't even imagine what kind of life Rouyin would have to live."

Princess Xuan held Zhao's hand and said, "With such a close relationship between our two families, the Prince and I have long regarded Rouyin as our own child. Now that Rouyin has married into the Prince's mansion, we will naturally treat her well."

Zhao looked grateful.

When Princess Consort Xuan and Lady Zhao arrived at the main hall, Prince Xuan and Marquis Zhongyong were already drinking. The two exchanged a smile, and Lady Zhao hurriedly ordered someone to serve the dishes.

Granny Meng helped Bai Rouyin back to her courtyard, where she and Lian Qiao helped Bai Rouyin lie down on the bed.

"It's time for you, grandma."

"It is my honor to serve the Second Young Mistress and the little master in her belly," said Granny Meng with a smile.

"Second Young Madam, please rest well. This old servant will take his leave now."

Bai Rouyin said, "Lianqiao, go see the old woman off."

Lianqiao saw Granny Meng out of the courtyard, then asked a maid to lead the way before returning to the house.

Bai Rouyin, lying in bed, asked, "Has Granny Meng left?"

Lian Qiao nodded, "This servant watched her walk away personally."

Upon hearing this, Bai Rouyin sat up from the bed and complained, "My parents clearly told me to pretend to be unwell and go back to my parents' home. Now that I've finally recovered at my parents' home, my parents want to summon the Prince and Princess to pick me up and take me back to the Prince's mansion!"

Bai Rouyin didn't want to go back. Although she had a child in her belly and Consort Han shouldn't be able to set rules for her anymore, the thought of living under the same roof as Tang Zhao made Bai Rouyin feel extremely uncomfortable.

Lianqiao lowered her head and dared not speak.

"You don't need to serve me here," Bai Rouyin said irritably, dismissing him. "Go to the front yard and inquire. Report back to me immediately if you find anything!"

Lianqiao's eyes lit up, and she couldn't contain her joy. She hurried to the large kitchen in the backyard.