Zeng Weiyang's health had always been poor, a consequence of years of blood extraction.
Lu Nianfu thought of her own healthy body, and the resentment she once held for being abandoned now only brought guilt and gratitude. Guilt that she had hated her mother for so many years, and gratitude that even under such difficult circumstances, her mother had found a way for her to live and even prepared a dowry.
Though she had only provided two hundred taels of silver back then, the substantial dowry was earned through business ventures by Uncle Yan, using that very money.
Ultimately, Uncle Yan helped her only because of her mother's influence, didn't he?
However, she was slow to warm up to people, and the thought of rushing into Madam Ban's arms for a tearful embrace felt awkward. The word "mother" lingered on her tongue for a long time before she could finally utter it.
Never mind, they could take things slow for now.
She called for Qingya and asked her to go to the Ministry of Justice to inform Situ Yan to come home early for dinner.
Compared to Lu Nianfu, Situ Yan was much more brazen, addressing Madam Ban as "Mother-in-law" with such ease that it made her feel at ease. A prince who showed respect to his mother-in-law would surely not mistreat his daughter.
With Situ Yan acting as a buffer, the dinner was a delightful affair, with everyone enjoying themselves.
The couple escorted Madam Ban out together. As Madam Ban boarded the carriage, she was reluctant to leave, yet she still said, "Xixi, go back quickly. You are with child and will catch a chill if you stay out too long."
"It's fine, I'm not that delicate."
Situ Yan chimed in, "Mother-in-law, look. She's so careless about herself. You must visit the manor often and talk to her, otherwise, she won't even take herself seriously."
"Oh dear, I'll come again in a few days then."
"That would be wonderful. You can come and keep her company, so she doesn't spend her time poring over ledgers with such a large belly."
Situ Yan had had his fill of complaining, earning several glares from Lu Nianfu. But Madam Ban and Qiangwei in the carriage both had smiles on their faces. Qiangwei chuckled, "The Prince is truly good. He's actively inviting you to the manor to strengthen your bond with the Princess."
"If he has this intention, then I can rest assured."
When a daughter from a prominent family married, who truly knew how much hardship those women endured after their wedding?
In the past, Xixi at least had a father who was an Earl, and this status protected her, making her a lady of noble birth. This was why she hadn't firmly prevented Xixi from being recognized by the Earl's manor. She had thought that with her son-in-law's success, even the Earl of Pingning, if he had designs on her blood, would be more restrained. Who knew that person would be so deranged as to dare to harm even a princess?
Calculating the time, Xixi's blood had been drawn twice after she became pregnant.
The thought alone sent shivers down her spine.
Fortunately, retribution had come in a timely manner. Not only could Xixi be safe and sound from now on, but Weiyang's health could also be gradually restored. "Qiangwei, go and inquire later, how did Weiyang's matchmaking today go?"
The Earl of Pingning was nearing his end, and she had to quickly find a husband for Weiyang. After all, she was eighteen this year. Though girls in the capital often married at seventeen or eighteen, they had been engaged long before.
If a suitable candidate was found, even after the Earl of Pingning's death, the wedding could be held within the hundred-day mourning period. But if not, Weiyang would have to wait another three years.
A twenty-one-year-old unmarried woman, how could she find a respectable husband? She would likely end up as a second wife.
Qiangwei pursed her lips, unable to hold back, "Madam, haven't you realized yet? The second young lady is determined to marry into a prestigious family. She looks down on the men you introduce to her."
"What can be done? Even before the Earl fell ill, they couldn't secure a marriage into a high-ranking family, let alone now. The manor has no male heirs. In the eyes of others, the Earl of Pingning's manor is no different from a fallen household."
It had to be said that although the Earl of Pingning was immoral, as long as he stood, this was still the Earl's manor.
Qiangwei continued, "The second young lady likely wants to leverage the Eldest Young Lady's influence. Prince Rui has been in favor lately, and after taking charge of the Dali Temple, he also took over the Ministry of Justice. Everyone knows he is greatly favored by the Emperor. If the Eldest Young Lady is willing to bring her out to attend a few banquets, her value will naturally increase."
Madam Ban was silent for a moment.
Qiangwei quickly added, "Madam, you've finally managed to mend your relationship with the Eldest Young Lady a bit. You can't let the second young lady's foolishness ruin it. She never truly considered the Eldest Young Lady a sister. Otherwise, she wouldn't have willingly brought her into the manor to let Suxin extract her blood. If not for that, how could the Eldest Young Lady have fallen out with her?"
In the end, it was all her own doing.
Madam Ban sighed, "Who doesn't want to live? Ultimately, she is also a pitiable person."
Qiangwei's voice rose, "Madam!!!"
"Don't worry, I just feel a little sympathy for her. Between her and Xixi, I naturally know how to prioritize." She was just a weak woman; it was already difficult enough to protect her own child.