Rebirth of the Cannon Fodder in the Entertainment Circle
Chapter 509: Cannon Fodder Princess Consort (2)

Chapter 509: Cannon Fodder Princess Consort (2)

Luo Ning was deep in thought when Ziqing by her side turned her eyes.

She let out a sigh, "Princess Consort, tomorrow Imperial Concubine is likely going to suggest that you take in concubines for Prince."

Luo Ning responded indifferently, "She is Prince’s Consort Mother, what can I do?"

From her memory, she knew that this Ziqing was also a maidservant brought along as part of the dowry.

However, this person, unlike Zi Yan, had been bought over by the one in the palace.

The original body, upon discovering the affair between Luo Chun and Lu Xiao, fell ill upon her return.

And not long after Luo Chun’s son ascended to the throne, she fell gravely ill and never recovered—Ziqing had played no small part in this.

Ziqing didn’t notice Luo Ning’s coldness.

She advised, "Princess Consort, you just need to play dumb and refuse; Imperial Concubine wouldn’t be able to force you directly. Prince cherishes you so much; if you were to take in concubines for him, it would certainly hurt the love between husband and wife."

Luo Ning took another sip of tea and remained silent as if pondering what had just been said.

Seeing this, Ziqing lowered her head slightly, a smug smile flickering in her eyes.

After having lunch, Luo Ning took a walk around the back courtyard.

In the afternoon, Lu Xiao sent a servant to inform her that he would join her for dinner.

Indeed, during dinner, Lu Xiao arrived at the main courtyard.

Luo Ning looked at the handsome but unfaithful man, her face bearing an appropriate smile, but her eyes were devoid of warmth.

She used to be a celebrity; acting was her forte.

This was the Prince Mansion, and this unfaithful man was the most powerful; she had to engage in a façade with him for the time being in order to carry out various endeavors.

"Prince, you’ve arrived!" she said, smiling as she bent slightly in greeting.

Lu Xiao’s face showed a well-timed smile as he reached out to help Luo Ning, expressing his concern, "I heard recently you haven’t had much appetite, should I have the Imperial Physician come take a look?"

Luo Ning straightened up and avoided his hand, taking a seat on her own, "No need, it’s just the heat affecting my appetite."

"The kitchen has prepared dishes that you like, Prince. Let’s have our meal."

If he really cared, he wouldn’t have asked whether to call the Imperial Physician; he would have done it by now—hypocrite.

Naturally following her lead, Lu Xiao sat down, and the two began their meal in silence.

After the meal, Lu Xiao spoke meaningfully, "I heard that tomorrow Consort Mother has asked you to come to the palace?"

Luo Ning smiled lightly, "Yes, that’s right!"

She looked up, "Why do you ask?"

Lu Xiao showed a troubled expression, "Ning’er, it’s been over a year since our marriage and we still don’t have children; Consort Mother might bring this up tomorrow; you must not get upset."

"I only have you in my heart and will not take in any concubines."

Luo Ning inwardly sneered, but her face showed an innocent smile, "Then will you accompany me to see Consort Mother tomorrow? You can speak to her yourself."

The way he called her ’Ning’er’ sent shivers down her spine—it was disgustingly awkward.

Lu Xiao was taken aback; he certainly did not want to go to the palace and listen to Consort Mother’s nagging.

He chuckled unnaturally, "I have matters to attend to for Brother Emperor tomorrow, I won’t be able to get away."

"Don’t worry, I will go to the palace in a few days and persuade Consort Mother," he added soothingly.

Luo Ning gripped her skirt tightly, her lips pursed, "It’s been more than a year since I married you and still no child; it’s normal for Consort Mother to be unhappy."

Lu Xiao looked at her tenderly, "It’s fine, having children is a matter of fate; we’ll have them eventually, I don’t blame you."

Luo Ning appeared touched, "As long as you don’t blame me, that’s all that matters."

Let’s see if you can still say that tomorrow.

Lu Xiao hardly ever came to the main courtyard; how could there be children without sharing the same room?

This damn man just stands and talks without back pain, the epitome of hypocrisy.

With such a gentle and soothing demeanor, anyone who didn’t know better would think he truly liked her. No wonder her predecessor fell for him so deeply.

In modern times, he would probably be an Oscar-winning actor.

Of course, since she had arrived, it was impossible for Lu Xiao to touch her.

She raised her hand to touch her forehead, "The weather is too hot, I’m feeling a bit unwell, I’d like to sleep."

Lu Xiao’s eyes held a more genuine trace of amusement, "Then rest well, I will go to the study to work. If you really feel unwell, order someone to call the Imperial Physician."

Luo Ning nodded, remained seated without seeing him off, and simply said, "Alright, Prince, take care."

After Lu Xiao left, Luo Ning took a bath and went to bed.

She was now a Princess Consort and a human shield; if she were to propose a divorce just like that, Lu Xiao would not agree.

And it was unthinkable to propose a separation from the Prince without any reason; even the Emperor would not agree to that.

She had to find a way to rid herself of the damn man first.

She also had to clear the original persona’s reputation as a jealous woman; why should she take the blame for those two?

After carefully reviewing her memories, she had a plan in mind.

The following day, after breakfast, Luo Ning took a carriage to the Imperial Capital.

After the New Emperor had succeeded the throne, several mothers of Princes had been titled Imperial Concubines but were not allowed to take their sons out of the palace to support them; they still lived in the palace.

Imperial Concubines claimed they wanted to accompany the Empress Dowager, but in reality, wasn’t it the Emperor’s measure to control his half-brothers?

Her predecessor had only cared about love and had not paid much attention to the court, only knowing that this Emperor was hardworking and a good Emperor who loved his people.

It was just a shame that his life was not long.

Luo Ning did not believe that the Emperor would die out of anger due to his brother’s death in battle; there must be the workings of her "good sister" and "good husband."

The Crown Prince being crippled must also be related to these two people.

If she wanted a successful divorce and revenge against the vile couple, she must not let this Emperor die prematurely and also find a way to gain the Emperor’s favor.

As Luo Ning contemplated, she arrived at the Imperial Concubine’s palace.

Lead by a Palace Attendant, she entered.

She saw a dignified and elegant woman sitting at the head; well-maintained, she appeared to be in her thirties.

Luo Ning curtsied in accordance with her memories, "Greetings, Consort."

The Imperial Concubine gave Luo Ning a cold look, "Sit."

She had never been too fond of this daughter-in-law; no mother enjoys watching her son dote on his wife to the point of neglecting his mother’s wishes.

After some idle chatter, the Imperial Concubine got to the point.

She started, "Luo Ning, it has been a year since you married into the Prince Mansion, hasn’t it?"

Luo Ning nodded, "A little over a year."

The Imperial Concubine glanced at Luo Ning’s abdomen, "More than a year of marriage, and yet your belly is still not showing any signs."

"As a Royal daughter-in-law, you can’t act recklessly and cut off the Royal bloodline."

"You are the Princess Consort; even if Xiao’er has children with another, no one can surpass you, and the child will still have to call you mother."

She was prepared to continue reprimanding Luo Ning and then suggest taking in a concubine.

But Luo Ning didn’t want to listen to her scolding and looked up, "Does Consort wish for Prince to take another woman?"

The Imperial Concubine, having been interrupted, thought Luo Ning was trying to preemptively block her words and refuse to let her son take a concubine, which displeased her even more.

She huffed, "Yes, I have selected two women of clear backgrounds to bear Xiao’er’s children and spread his branches."

Luo Ning smiled, "Good, are two enough? Why doesn’t Consort help to choose a few more?"