"Mother, as far as I'm concerned, I will respect whatever you decide. And it's perfectly normal for you to want a child," Qi Zhenzhen said earnestly.
Although Qin Tingxue had married Xie Chen, and Xie Chen did not look down on her for being remarried, Qin Tingxue always felt she wasn't good enough for Xie Chen. In such a situation, having a child would create a deeper bond between them. It would also allow Qin Tingxue to face herself more squarely in this relationship.
"But Ah Nian..."
"Mother, you are very important to Ah Nian. And no one wishes for your happiness more than Ah Nian," Qi Zhenzhen interrupted Qin Tingxue. "No matter when, Ah Nian will always be your support."
Gu Sinian was not good at expressing his inner feelings, but that didn't mean he didn't love Qin Tingxue.
As if Qi Zhenzhen's words gave Qin Tingxue confidence, her hesitant gaze gradually became firm.
"Zhenzhen, please help me," Qin Tingxue said.
—
As Qi Zhenzhen had expected, Gu Sinian showed no displeasure or anger upon learning of Qin Tingxue's plan. He merely asked Qi Zhenzhen, "Is this Mother's own decision, or...?" If Xie Chen had forced her, he would not have let it go so easily.
"It's Mother's own decision," Qi Zhenzhen replied.
Gu Sinian hummed in acknowledgment. "That's quite good." He had always worried that Qin Tingxue was too caught up in the past. However, having a child in the future would be beneficial for her relationship with Xie Chen and for herself.
"I've already written to Wanqing," Qi Zhenzhen said.
"During the Grand Court Assembly, Lu Chen will bring envoys from the Nanchang Kingdom to Da Feng. Luo Wanqing, as the Crown Princess of Nanchang, should be accompanying him," Gu Sinian stated. The Grand Court Assembly was only about a month away.
"So, they should have already set off for Da Feng?" Qi Zhenzhen asked, pleasantly surprised.
"Barring any unforeseen circumstances, yes," Gu Sinian replied. Those attending the Grand Court Assembly typically arrived a few days in advance to guard against any unexpected issues on the road that might delay their journey.
"Then my letter will likely miss Wanqing, but it doesn't matter. We can talk in person then. I haven't seen her in so long, I wonder how she's doing?"
"It's arduous, but worthwhile," Gu Sinian said. Nanchang Kingdom had experienced internal political instability previously. Crown Prince Lu Chen was constantly constrained, and his brothers were devising ways to oust him. Without Luo Wanqing's assistance, Lu Chen's position could not have been stabilized so quickly. This assistance was not easily given; it required significant mental and physical effort. Fortunately, their efforts yielded rewards. According to intelligence from spies, Luo Wanqing was a welcome guest among many noble ladies and was highly respected. This respect was not merely due to her status as Crown Princess, but because she had resolved many difficult and unspoken issues for those noble ladies. While it sounded simple, the hardships involved were not something that could be explained in a few words. Lu Chen was his close friend, and Lu Chen consistently advocated for friendly relations with Da Feng. Therefore, his reign was something both Gu Sinian and Emperor Chongwen desired. Under Emperor Chongwen's instruction, Gu Sinian had provided considerable assistance, both openly and covertly.
"One must govern according to their position," Qi Zhenzhen mused. "He who wishes to wear the crown must bear its weight." Wanqing was truly working hard! Previously, Wanqing had told her that her dream was to become a renowned physician, relieving the suffering of those afflicted by illness. Now, it seemed that dream was unlikely to be realized. As the Crown Princess of Nanchang Kingdom, how could she have the leisure to travel the world? However, perhaps she was willing to endure it for Lu Chen, finding contentment in her sacrifice.