The Double-Chapter 557 - 165 Banquet_5

Mei Xiang quickly reached into her sleeve and pulled out a small vial, poured out a pill, and then poured a cup of hot water for Princess Yongning. All of these were fetus-preserving medicine. Having just married into the Li Family, she couldn’t openly brew medicine, so Princess Yongning had people make these pills in advance for easy consumption before this.

She was exceedingly cautious and careful with the child in her belly. Afraid that even the slightest mishap would occur, first because she truly cherished this child she had with Shen Yurong, and second, if there were any complications, she was afraid the matter wouldn’t stay hidden. Should the Li Family learn of this, she didn’t know what the consequences would be. Although she relied on Prince Cheng and Empress Dowager Liu, and they wouldn’t dare move against her directly, Princess Yongning was still frightened by the thought of their covert sabotage.

In the Li Family, she was ultimately alone.

"Is the wine ready?" Princess Yongning asked.

"It is ready, Your Highness."

Come evening, when Li Xian returned to the room, Yongning would drink another cup of wedding wine with him. After drinking this cup, Li Xian would become unconscious. When the next day arrived, he would believe that they had consummated their marriage and everything had come to an end.

"He really is getting off easy," Princess Yongning huffed lightly.

...

Li Xian stepped outside.

His attendant asked, "Young Master, there is still a maid by the Princess’s side."

"Find a way to send her off later," Li Xian said impatiently.

He didn’t like Princess Yongning, in fact, he didn’t like any woman at all. This marriage seemed unwelcome to Princess Yongning, but little did they know he was reluctant too. His father had told him he must go through with this marriage, as it was a royal decree not to be defied. Moreover, it was considered a good thing to become in-laws with Prince Cheng.

Li Xian didn’t think it was a good thing at all; he wouldn’t touch Princess Yongning. Even if initially the decree had married Princess Yongning to Li Lian, matters wouldn’t have been so difficult now. He couldn’t touch Princess Yongning, and how could she not notice it eventually? Over time, issues would naturally arise. If Princess Yongning reported this to Prince Cheng, after all, Prince Cheng might become displeased with him for neglecting Princess Yongning.

So he had to think of another way.

For instance... letting another man fulfill the marital duties. As long as he kept Princess Yongning from conceiving, and perpetually deceived her, it might be feasible. Princess Yongning could maintain her position as Eldest Lady Li, preventing others from suspecting anything. If one day Princess Yongning could no longer endure and sought separation, the matter wouldn’t concern the Li Family. It would all be Princess Yongning’s doing.

Li Xian’s expression became more relaxed. That’s why he thought women were troublesome, especially the kind he couldn’t refuse. Compared to them, he preferred the little creatures in his courtyard who were much more obedient to him and absolutely submissive.

... ƒree𝑤ebnσvel.com

In the outside hall, after partaking minimally in the wedding banquet, Jiang Li stood up and left. With the toasting and merrymaking going on around her, she didn’t feel comfortable in such settings, and Jiang Yuanbai couldn’t always be tending to her. Lady Lu was having a delightful time chatting with familiar ladies, and without interrupting, Jiang Li quietly made her way to the outside courtyard.

There she saw Jih Heng had already arrived, not knowing how long he had been standing there.

"Why has the Duke come out?" Jiang Li inquired.

"The dishes are not to my taste."

Jiang Li was taken aback, then suddenly thought of the meals supposedly personally cooked by Jih Heng at the Duke Residence. To be fair, the meals today certainly couldn’t compare to his cooking skills. Thinking this, she couldn’t help but chuckle.

Jih Heng raised an eyebrow: "What are you laughing at?"

Jiang Li reined in her smile: "I wasn’t laughing, the Duke must have seen wrong."

Jih Heng leisurely squinted his eyes: "I find that you’re becoming bolder."

"It’s that the Duke is becoming more approachable," Jiang Li said with twinkling eyes.

One does not strike a smiling face, and upon being faced with such a soft and warm smile, it was hard for anyone to remain indifferent. Jih Heng looked away, chuckling: "You’re becoming more troublesome."

"I’m still fairly manageable," Jiang Li laughed: "For the Li Family and Princess Yongning, the Emperor’s arranged marriage is the real trouble that cannot be avoided."

"You take such delight in other’s misfortune; it could cost you your head," Jih Heng said indifferently.

"Perhaps it’s because I’m always with the Duke that I’ve started to enjoy watching dramas as well. Consider this drama my treat for the Duke, and I hope the Duke will accompany me to the very end," she said.

Jih Heng chuckled: "The very end?"

"Li Xian can’t produce a son, and doesn’t want a son, yet Princess Yongning has arrived with a son in tow. It’s fair to say there is a conflict of interest, I just don’t know, in this dispute, whether the Li Family will come out on top or Princess Yongning. I guess..."

"What do you guess?"

"I guess it will be a lose-lose situation."

"Isn’t that your intention?" Jih Heng chuckled, then looked at her with profound eyes, "That must be what you referred to as your most important business."

Jiang Li was startled.

The gentle gaze from the young man leaning over felt very tender, but his words were a chilly reminder.

The time was nearly up, the time he "lent" her wasn’t indefinite.

Once she completed this task, she would have to give up her life.

"Indeed," Jiang Li paused for a moment and then slowly smiled again. Her smile was not as merry as before, but it remained serene, as if she had long anticipated this outcome.

"The Duke can keep your promise, I never lie; I do as I say," she said.