The Aloof Lord's Mysterious Wife
Chapter 269: Children as Leverage

Chapter 269: Children as Leverage

Ye Siheng’s mouth twitched sharply, and he immediately retorted, "Brother, what nonsense are you talking about?"

"Then why haven’t you..." Emperor Muwu murmured, "Otherwise, with your looks, Miss Six shouldn’t have any reason to reject you."

Ye Siheng took a sip of tea and sighed, "She’s still young, there’s no rush."

What kind of reason was that?

As an emperor with many concubines, Muwu couldn’t understand.

He didn’t dare to suggest bringing in concubines for Ye Siheng, knowing it would cause a serious fallout with his brother.

With no solution here, the pressure shifted to Nanli.

After the former Marquis Zhenbei’s passing, Empress Xie had been in low spirits, recently regaining a bit of vitality.

Even so, she had lost considerable weight, her cheeks slightly sunken, her empty eyes gaining a spark only when she saw Nanli.

She smiled slightly and beckoned Nanli to sit beside her.

"I heard about the Sun Yaozu case. It was truly alarming. Was your third brother frightened?"

"Third Brother rested for a couple of days and is now back to his duties," Nanli replied. "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."

Empress Xie nodded, "That’s good. Chen Mama, bring the items."

Similarly, there were few palace attendants in the side hall.

Nanli thought Empress Xie was about to bestow some fine items upon her and was eagerly anticipating it.

To her surprise, Chen Mama brought several pieces of fabric as thin as cicada wings.

Nanli’s mouth twitched uncontrollably, "Your Majesty, this..."

"We’re both women, no need to be shy," Empress Xie said earnestly. "If you and your husband aren’t getting along in that area, you should have told me sooner. These sheer garments will surely help."

Nanli, no matter how thick-skinned, couldn’t imagine herself wearing these in front of Ye Siheng.

She took a deep breath and declined, "Your Majesty, we actually get along quite well."

Empress Xie looked saddened, "I’ve always treated you as my own daughter. Why hide such things? Marital harmony is crucial. Delaying consummation not only causes rumors but also affects your relationship with the Ninth Prince."

Nanli felt a headache coming on, "We’re truly not in a hurry regarding consummation."

"How can you not be? You must conceive early to secure your position," Empress Xie spoke sincerely, her expression grave. "Even in ordinary families, men might favor concubines over their wives. How much more so for the Ninth Prince? It’s not that I don’t trust him, but a woman must plan for herself. Even if his favor wanes, having children ensures you have leverage."

Nanli felt a pang of sadness.

Most women of this era were trapped within the inner chambers, with no other paths in life.

But she was different.

And so was Ye Siheng.

However, the concept of securing one’s future through children was deeply ingrained in Empress Xie, and Nanli didn’t want to argue. "I understand," she said.

Seeing that she accepted the advice, Empress Xie smiled contentedly, "Good, take these clothes back with you. They will come in handy."

Nanli thanked her just as Ye Siheng arrived to escort her out of the palace.

Rainbow carried the box with the clothes, but fearing an accident, Nanli took it herself and boarded the carriage.

Ye Siheng, curious about her careful handling of the box, asked, "What did the Empress give you that you’re so cautious with?"

Feeling embarrassed, Nanli could only say, "Just some trinkets."

Back at the mansion, she hid the items in the deepest part of the storeroom, determined never to let him see them.

Ye Siheng’s curiosity grew, "What exactly is it?"

He reached out to open the box, but Nanli, nervous, grabbed his hand, "Don’t ask, don’t look. Just be a good man, alright?"

Her strength was considerable, and she was one of the few who could restrain Ye Siheng.

He squinted his long, beautiful eyes and, with a smile, used his other hand to open the box.

The sheer garments immediately came into view.

He was stunned, his mouth moving, "What is this?"

Nanli’s cheeks flushed, and she slapped his hand away, chiding, "I told you, it’s just a small thing. Why don’t you listen?"

A small thing, yet she hid it so carefully?

Ye Siheng thought for a moment, then had a sudden realization, feeling somewhat embarrassed, "Why would the Empress give you such things?"

Nanli, seeing he had figured it out, felt annoyed, "There are rumors outside. The Empress is worried and wants me to conceive quickly to secure my position and keep you tied to me."

Ye Siheng coughed lightly, his face still unnatural.

"I love you, with or without children. There’s no need for such measures."

However, the Empress’s suggestion wasn’t bad.

His A’Li was exceptional. If she bore his child, her status would be even more secure, and no one could take her away.

Children were necessary, but not right now.

Nanli smiled brightly at him, her eyes crescent-shaped, "I think the same."

Ye Siheng then turned serious, "But it seems people have too much free time on their hands."

His private matters were not for others to discuss.

Returning to the Prince Yu Mansion, Qingyang had been waiting for a long time.

He had thoroughly investigated the officials and scholars present at the Dali Temple that day.

One person, who should have been on duty, was found at the Dali Temple, which was quite suspicious.

Nanli immediately understood, "He used a disguise talisman to take on another’s identity."

Which meant the trail had gone cold.

Qingyang said, "It appears the mastermind behind this has meticulously planned everything, leaving no loose ends."

Nanli, propping her chin with one hand, played absentmindedly with her cup.

"He struck with such lethal intent the first time, indicating deep animosity towards us. Don’t worry, he won’t stop. He’ll strike again."

Qing Feng asked, "Should we assign more shadow guards to the An’yang Marquis Mansion?"

Previously, all the young masters were accompanied by shadow guards to ensure their safety.

"Keep things as usual," Nanli said.

Though eager to root out the mastermind and solve the problem, with the trail cold, she wouldn’t waste more time on it.

Just then, a black-armored guard rushed in, reporting, "Your Highness, someone drowned in the moat. It’s said to be related to the previous water ghost incident."

Nanli’s face changed, and she immediately set down her cup.

"I’m going," she said, already out the door before finishing her sentence.

Ye Siheng was accustomed to her busyness. Glancing at the Empress’s "small trinket," he couldn’t help but smile.

He ordered Rainbow to store the items carefully, drank two cups of tea, and reviewed some documents before Qing Feng presented another list.

Casually, he spoke a few words, showing his disinterest.

These were all people who spoke nothing but filth.

Ye Siheng glanced at the list, memorizing the names.