Allure of a Country Maiden
Chapter 818 - 816_1

Chapter 818: Chapter 816_1

Gong Qinghua pondered for a moment, and then made a decision. It was a decision that would achieve multiple benefits!

Indeed, Princess Rui of Minze Country remains too elusive, and he is determined to uncover her mysterious veil!

Gong Qinghua left his own palace and arrived at the study room of the Nangong Emperor.

At that time, Shangguan Wanru and Gong Zixuan were also there, with Gong Zixuan gently supporting Shangguan Wanru, as if she were as fragile as a porcelain doll.

With one hand on her lower abdomen, Shangguan Wanru blushed.

The Nangong Emperor also wore a pleased grin.

Gong Qinghua’s eyes flickered as he respectfully saluted the Nangong Emperor and Shangguan Wanru saying, "Father seems exceptionally joyful, may I ask if any auspicious event has occurred?"

Shangguan Wanru instinctively didn’t want him to know, yet the Nangong Emperor preemptively spoke, laughing. "Yes, there is indeed a cause for celebration. The crown princess is pregnant. It’s been just over a month. I shall be the grandfather of a grandson, haha..."

An old man always hopes for a house full of children. Unlike Minze’s tradition of appointing crown princes, Nangong Country emphasizes hereditary succession by firstborn males. The past three generations of Nangong have been all rightful firstborn sons. If there is no qualifying eldest son, they would consider later descendants, but always from the rightful lineage.

Now that the crown princess is pregnant, he will soon behold his rightful grandchild. How could he not be overjoyed?

Moreover, Shangguan Wanru has a unique status. Now that she is pregnant, it proves that her position as the Crown Princess of Nangong Country is secure, which is advantageous for relations between the two countries.

Although the Nangong Emperor had been dissatisfied with Shangguan Wanru since she had not brought significant benefits to Nangong Country after her marriage, this spring, they have even run out of super rice and wheat seeds. Apparently, due to several days of heavy rain during last year’s harvest, there weren’t many paddies suitable for use as seeds. Minze Country did not have enough for themselves, so they did not sell any. They would see how the harvest goes the following year and if it’s good, they would distribute some.

This explanation was too fine to be true. The scarcity of seeds was due to the sale to the Eastern Jin Dynasty! Moreover, 10 more stones were sold this year than the previous year. They blatantly gave Nangong Country’s share to the Eastern Jin Dynasty.

He knew full well that Minze’s actions aimed to send a warning to him due to their dissatisfaction with Shangguan Wanru’s treatment here.

Even though he was displeased by Minze’s lack of respect, he realized the importance of the super rice breeding method. It was not the time for the two countries to break ties!

At least they have to acquire the breeding method of the super rice before considering any conflict. If a war breaks out, while their soldiers have no military food, the enemy soldiers are gorging on rice, what are they supposed to do?

Though the Nangong Emperor had dissatisfaction towards Shangguan Wanru, without the super rice seeds, he could only swallow his resentment temporarily and had to provide for Shangguan Wanru.

Being a commanding emperor, even he treated Shangguan Wanru with a certain amount of respect, let alone the others who were always in step with him.

Consequently, Shangguan Wanru’s experiences in Nangong Country had been much better recently.

Upon hearing the Emperor’s words, Gong Qinghua responded with a smile, "This is indeed a joyous event. Congratulations, Crown PrinceCongratulation, Crown Princess."

Gong Zixuan smiled slightly, "Thank you, second imperial brother."

Gong Zixuan was also overjoyed about Shangguan Wanru’s pregnancy.

In spite of the fact that Shangguan Wanru harbored no affection for this sweet-talking, yet vicious person, at this moment, she still politely responded, "Thank you, second imperial brother."

The Nangong Emperor looked satisfied at his two sons following the usual decorum. His love for his favorite son was apparent when he turned to Gong Qinghua and asked kindly, "Hua’er, you are here to see me for a reason?"

Gong Qinghua seemed to remember his purpose, tapping his forehead, "Look at my memory. I was so elated upon hearing that the Crown Princess is pregnant that I forgot the matter at hand."

Upon hearing this, the Emperor’s joy intensified, "It’s a happy occasion that your elder brother now has a successor, but you too should work on it and give me more grandsons."

Gong Qingnian only had an eldest legitimate daughter so far and no son. He was anxious too.

"Your son will certainly try his best. Your son came here to tell you that you’re soon to have a birthday, and I want to leave the palace temporarily to find a birthday gift for you." Gong Qinghua, in front of the Nangong Emperor, usually presented himself as an easy-going person. He showed absolutely no interest in the throne, preferring to wander about and make friends across the world.

"You always abuse my name as an excuse to have fun instead of handling important tasks! Can’t you help me with the affairs of the state?" The Emperor glared at him!

"Father, you are indeed wronged. Your son is indeed going to find a birthday gift, and I promise to give you a surprise. The Crown Prince is helping you with the affairs of the state, and now that your health has improved, you can handle the state affairs yourself again. Please let me go!"

When the Emperor was seriously ill last year, he signaled him and the Crown Prince to handle the affairs of the state together. His manifested abilities was superior to the Crown Prince’s. The Emperor understood his capabilities by now. To avoid any suspicion from the Emperor, it is time to find an excuse to leave temporarily. Moreover, he wanted to investigate the abilities of Princess Rui of Minze Country!

"If it’s truly a surprise, otherwise I will not spare you!" The Nangong Emperor consented.

He had recently developed unease about so many officials supporting his second son for an unknown matter. Anybody would feel uncomfortable knowing that people covet his position even before his death.

Now that he has proposed to go find a birthday gift, the Nangong Emperor naturally concedes with the flow of events.

"Thank you, Father, for your approval!" Upon hearing this, Gong Qinghua showed a radiant smile and bowed.

"Alright, everyone is dismissed if there’s nothing else! Crown Prince, spend more time with the Crown Princess. Do not run around before the baby is stable." The Nangong Emperor was the kind of person who liked to hold all power in his hands. Hence, even though he was only a few years older than the Emperor of Minze, he looked older and gave the impression of burning his candle at both ends.

The three agreed and excused themselves.

After leaving the main hall, Gong Zixuan asked Gong Qinghua, "Imperial brother, where are you planning to go this time?"

"Your humble brother plans to visit Minze Country."

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Wanru frowned. Was he thinking of something shady?

Of all the places he could go, why did he insist on going to her homeland?

"Princess, is there anything you need me to convey to Prince An or the Crown Prince? If it’s on my way, I can help you convey it."

"Thank you, second imperial brother, there’s nothing."

"Princess, you’re too polite. I shall take my leave now!"

Gong Zixuan nodded, and he left.

Watching his retreating figure, Shangguan Wanru lapsed into contemplation, wondering what sort of scheme he was planning this time. However, since he had openly discussed it with her, he should not be creating any trouble, right!

Gong Zixuan, holding Shangguan Wanru, said, "Let’s go. We have to return to the mansion and share the good news with the King and Queen."

"Right, I almost forgot." Shangguan Wanru withdrew her gaze, deciding to write a letter to report the good news this time and asking her elder brother to keep an eye on Gong Qinghua in case he was causing trouble in Minze Country!

After Gong Qinghua left, he immediately instructed his people to pack a bundle and then left Nangong Country.