Duan Yao spoke with a hint of weakness, "Hasn't it always been this way since ancient times?"
"Then why not change it?" Zhao Jiaqi felt that the mindset of these women was too ingrained, unwilling to resist at all.
Without resistance, they would continue to be oppressed, passed down in a cycle, thus being inherently humble.
Duan Yao had nothing to say and was too weary to say more. She realized that no matter what she said, it would be wrong, and she even began to question herself.
Zhao Jiaqi sighed, "Our path is still long. Setting aside living for others, at least we've come to this world, shouldn't we live a happier life?"
"A mother's strength is formidable. I don't know if you can understand this saying, but I feel it deeply. If anyone dares to harm my child even a little, I can wield a knife, unafraid of blood, unafraid of death, unafraid of the sky collapsing, unafraid of descending into hell in the next reincarnation, all just to forge a path for my child."
This time, Duan Yao was in full agreement.
The room fell into a terrifying silence. Duan Yao saw a different kind of light emanating from Zhao Jiaqi.
She also recalled that if her own mother had even a bit of the princess's courage, she probably wouldn't have died so early. Reflecting on her mother's life, Duan Yao found it tragic.
A silent change was occurring within her, making her realize that women could indeed be independent. As long as they disregarded the opinions of the world, they could stand as equals to men.
Now, Duan Yao understood why the couple had allowed Yumeng to join the army and agreed to her leading troops into battle. This was not a jest but held significant meaning.
As they chatted, Xiao Mi and Su Ya arrived, laughing and talking. Seeing this, Duan Yao seized the opportunity to excuse herself.
Only a few familiar faces remained in the room. Su Ya shyly greeted her, "Greetings, Princess."
Zhao Jiaqi looked at her flushed face, appearing a bit plumper than before. From her appearance, it didn't seem like she was being tormented by her mother-in-law.
She reached out and helped Su Ya up, "Look at you, you still seem to be in your honeymoon phase. You look beautiful."
Su Ya nodded shyly, remaining silent for a moment, unsure how to begin. Xiao Mi, standing beside her, spoke on her behalf, "Your Highness Princess, Sister Su Ya is pregnant. Her mother-in-law is protecting her very well now, not letting her do any chores, feeding her well, and taking good care of her. She's truly cherished."
This was not something Su Ya had told her, but rather from observing her mother-in-law's cautious demeanor and from the accounts of Sister Su Ya's maidservants, she had learned that Sister Su Ya was not suffering any grievances.
Pregnant?
Zhao Jiaqi was delighted. She pulled Su Ya closer to examine her carefully, truly happy for the couple.
"That's wonderful! I wish you two a child every three years."
Xiao Ce was already in his thirties, yet he had no children. Ironically, their children were already three, with the eldest being thirteen or fourteen. Speaking of which, Xiao Ce was quite unfortunate.
Now that he finally had an heir, she believed he would be overjoyed upon his return. No wonder his mother-in-law treated her so well.
With an heir finally in the family, they would naturally dote on her.
However, Zhao Jiaqi also cautioned her, "Eating well, drinking well, and resting well are essential, but you must also exercise. Otherwise, with excessive nutrition, the baby will be too large, and labor will be very painful. Do you understand?"
Su Ya nodded emphatically, her words sounding like a doctor's: "I understand. I will safely give birth to our child."
This was not only what Xiao Ce longed for but also her own aspiration. She was already in her late twenties, and many women her age already had several children running around.
Zhao Jiaqi, happy, kept her for lunch. Perhaps due to her joy, the food tasted exceptionally sweet. Unknowingly, she ate quite a bit.
In the afternoon, Zhao Jiaqi sent someone to escort Su Ya home, and along with her, she sent a large amount of tonics and precious medicinal herbs, giving them to her generously.
Ginseng and lingzhi mushrooms stored in the warehouse were just objects. Only when used could their value be displayed.
She never begrudged these things. Whatever she could think of, Zhao Jiaqi sent it all to Su Ya.
Seeing Su Ya's eyes redden, Zhao Jiaqi couldn't bear it and quickly waved her hand, repeatedly admonishing her, "Remember to exercise more. Not like practicing martial arts, but rather walk more, stroll around, and regarding food, even nutritious things, don't be too greedy!"
Zhao Jiaqi genuinely feared that as she was carrying her first child, she wouldn't know how to manage her diet and would end up having a baby that was too large, making childbirth difficult and potentially dangerous...
As this thought crossed her mind, she quickly spat, dispelling the ill and ominous thoughts.
Su Ya knew the princess cared for her, "Don't worry, I will take good care of myself. When I give birth, I hope the princess can come and help me."
Without her family by her side, she always felt uneasy. Now, the only person she could rely on was the princess.
Zhao Jiaqi readily agreed. Even if Su Ya hadn't asked, she would have gone.
She stood at the entrance of the prince's mansion, watching the carriage leave, and walked back with a smile. Midway, she encountered Helian Zhicheng and Baili Kaine.
The two parties exchanged greetings.
Baili Kaine directly blocked Zhao Jiaqi's path and asked, "Princess, do you have time? I need to discuss something with you!"
Something to discuss?
Looking at his solemn expression, it seemed like a significant matter.
Zhao Jiaqi immediately nodded, "Yes, let's go to the study then!"
As she spoke, her gaze fell on Helian Zhicheng, a suspicion forming in her mind. Could it be that only the Emperor of Xuanyuan Kingdom had something to discuss with her, and the Emperor of Dingbeiliao had nothing?
Helian Zhicheng saw the princess's suspicious look and quickly said, "I have nothing. Since the Princess and the Emperor of Xuanyuan have matters to discuss, you two carry on!"
With that remark, Zhao Jiaqi understood. Baili Kaine must not be looking for her regarding having children.
Then the rest was easy to figure out. Zhao Jiaqi, with a plan in mind, led him to the study. Xiao Mi served tea, placed pastries and fruits, and then withdrew to guard the door.
Only the two of them remained in the study. Baili Kaine, no longer fearing embarrassment, began, "Princess, it's like this. I heard from the Crown Prince that Princess Yumeng is cute, intelligent, lively, and kind-hearted. Fengge greatly favors Yumeng. I wish to seek marriage for my son. I wonder what your thoughts are?"
What?
Zhao Jiaqi seemed not to have understood. After her mind whirred for a moment, she realized he had come to propose marriage for his son?
This... this proposal should be made to her husband, shouldn't it? Given his patriarchal nature, why would he come to her?
However, since he had come to her, she naturally couldn't refuse. After a moment of thought, she gave him her answer.
"I cannot make this decision, nor can the Prince. It ultimately depends on Yumeng's wishes. If she is willing, she can marry after reaching adulthood. If she refuses, then even if she remains an old maid, it will be her choice."
Such simple words, such a direct refusal, yet it didn't sit well with Baili Kaine.
He was confused, "According to the decrees of parents and the words of matchmakers, since ancient times, children's marriages are decided by adults. If you dislike the Kingdom of Xuanyuan, just say so. Why use this as an excuse!"
Zhao Jiaqi was speechless at his unreasonable words.
"Let alone your Kingdom of Xuanyuan, even if the Crown Prince of Dingbeiliao or Yun Kingdom proposed, my answer would be the same!" Zhao Jiaqi said with a hint of anger, continuing, "Although you are kingdoms, my inner city is also an independent state. In terms of strong soldiers and generals, or wealth, we are no less than you!"
Her words were arrogant, causing Baili Kaine's face to turn red.
This was not even her most arrogant statement. What she said next was even more domineering, "The Prince originally intended to pass the throne to Yumeng, making her the ruler of this inner city. But my daughter disdains it, so let alone the position of Crown Princess for you."
To put it bluntly, Baili Fengge was currently the Crown Prince, but who knew if he would remain so in the future?
The Emperor of Dingbeiliao had only one son, Helian Jinli would undoubtedly be the future emperor. However, Baili Fengge had several brothers, and the struggle for succession was not unheard of. Perhaps history would repeat itself in his country.
Did he really think the dragon throne beneath him was such a good thing? Who knew how many farts had been released on that throne. To them, it was an unnecessary burden.
Her words were few, but they left Baili Kaine gasping for breath, unable to inhale.
The main reason was also shock. Listen to what she said, directly passing the throne to her daughter. Was that something a person would say?
Baili Kaine would never believe her plans. Who wouldn't want to leave their prized possessions to their son to pass on to the next generation?