"I'll go pick them up," Gu Sinian, who had already planned to do so, agreed with the old lady.
The old lady then nodded with satisfaction and added, "Your wife is pregnant and cannot attend to you. It's time to arrange some suitable people for you. I've been thinking about this lately and have picked out a few people for you. Their looks aren't the absolute best, but their temperaments are good, making them most suitable to be by your side. Rest assured, they are all discreet, and I've already advised them. There won't be any illegitimate sons or daughters."
Gu Sinian frowned, "Grandmother, you know I don't care about such things. Zhenzhen is pregnant and prone to overthinking. If I were to do this, it would surely affect her mood. Doctor Luo said that the mother's poor emotional state can affect the child in her womb. Moreover, if those people are truly placed by my side, and they taste some sweetness, wouldn't they have thoughts of their own? In this life, I only wish to have legitimate sons and daughters."
The old lady was unconcerned, "Which wife doesn't proactively arrange people for her husband when she's pregnant? I haven't seen any of them whose children turned out poorly. As for illegitimate sons and daughters, it's simple. Before sending them to your chambers, give each of them a bowl of fertility-inhibiting soup."
"Grandmother, I am about to have a child and wish to accumulate good deeds for them. Giving them fertility-inhibiting soup ruins a person's entire life," Gu Sinian said patiently.
"They are just playthings, they won't interfere with my great-grandson," the old lady insisted. "I'll send them to Qingfeng Courtyard later. If Qi Zhenzhen disagrees, tell her to come find me. I'll teach her properly what it means to be a proper wife."
Gu Sinian was somewhat impatient, but considering the old lady's current poor health, he didn't argue further. He patiently made small talk for a while longer, then said he had to rush to Taihe Temple to pick up people and needed to hurry.
Only then did the old lady stop him from talking further, reminding Gu Sinian to go and return quickly.
Leaving Yanniang Courtyard, Gu Sinian called for Gu Qing, "Guard Qingfeng Courtyard for me. Do not let anyone in. Even if the old lady herself comes, do not let anyone pass. If my wife's mood is disturbed by any extraneous people, you can go to the training grounds."
Gu Qing immediately perked up. Due to the previous incident with Xu Miaoniang, his body had been somewhat affected. Even though he was young and had a good foundation, the damage was irreversible. He had once followed the Crown Prince through life and death, but now he could only do tasks within the manor. Upon receiving the order, Gu Qing naturally took it very seriously. He wanted to help the Crown Prince guard Qingfeng Courtyard well and fulfill the Crown Prince's instructions.
Gu Changwei knew Gu Sinian had returned and was waiting in the study. However, after waiting for a long time and not seeing him, he sent a servant to call for him, only to learn that he had already left the manor again.
Enraged, Gu Changwei smashed an inkstone, "He doesn't even put me in his eyes anymore. Fine, very good."
In the past, no matter how tense their relationship was, Gu Sinian would report to him after completing his duties. Now he had grown capable, his wings had hardened, and he made all his decisions himself.
Gu Changwei played with a jade pendant in his hand. He also thought of Emperor Chongwen. Although he was the noble consort's elder brother, any matters should have been entrusted to him, not that rebellious son. Moreover, they were all his bloodline. He couldn't understand why his sister so disliked Siya. If his sister had helped, Siya would already have the title of Crown Prince. As for that rebellious son, Gu Sinian, how could he be so arrogant? He relied entirely on Emperor Chongwen and the noble consort. What if he couldn't rely on them anymore?