On such a joyous occasion, it was intentional for Old Madam Wang to bring up the Xiao family's curse.
Ever since Wang Qingyao broke free from her control, she had been constantly plotting to regain her hold over her.
But now, Wang Qingyao was no longer the same. If Old Madam Wang dared to accuse her of filial impiety, she would retaliate by accusing Old Madam Wang of harming the Wang family's offspring. No one would emerge unscathed.
Old Madam Wang had no other recourse but to utter a few words to make her uncomfortable.
Upon hearing this, Wang Qingyao indeed frowned, and Old Madam Wang secretly rejoiced.
"Grandmother is also thinking of you; don't be unhappy."
"Grandmother probably forgot why I was betrothed to Prince Ding'an," Wang Qingyao said. "Imperial Astrologer Feng Fu said my destiny is precious and can break the Xiao family's curse."
Old Madam Wang scoffed dismissively.
"Speaking of the Xiao family's tradition of only one son for three generations," Wang Qingyao said with a smile, "it seems it will be broken with me. This pregnancy of mine is fortunate; it's twins."
"Ah," everyone's heads snapped towards her in unison, a mixture of envy and jealousy in their eyes.
No wonder Princess Ding'an's belly looked so round; it was twins!
Old Madam Wang froze for a moment, looking at Wang Qingyao's belly in disbelief. Wang Qingyao met her gaze, smiling gently and gracefully. Even her wrinkled face couldn't help but contort into a "joyful" smile as she said insincerely, "Yao Yao is indeed blessed."
Some women struggle to conceive even one child, yet Wang Qingyao was pregnant with two. What incredible luck! How could she be so fortunate?
Old Madam Wang thought with resentment.
A new round of flattery from the subordinates began.
"Imperial Astrologer Feng Fu's predictions are indeed accurate. He said Princess Ding'an could break the Xiao family's curse, and indeed, ever since Princess Ding'an married into the Xiao family, their fortune has begun to flourish. It seems the curse will be broken soon."
"Yes, only someone with Princess Ding'an's destiny can stabilize the Xiao family."
"Fortune is predetermined; it's clear Princess Ding'an was born with great luck."
Wang Qingyao didn't blush at these words. If she were truly born lucky, why would her parents have died when she was so young?
Wang Qingyao smiled and remained silent.
Some even inquired about the secret to having twins.
"There's no secret, really. Perhaps it's heaven's favor," Wang Qingyao replied.
Han Suqin looked at Wang Qingyao with envy. It wasn't the twins she envied, but Xiao Yun's affection for Wang Qingyao—the kind described in books, a love that lasts a lifetime with only one partner. How many women in the capital dared to even dream of such a thing?
Such fortune was true fortune.
"Are you tired, Qin'er?" Old Madam Wang redirected everyone's attention back to Han Suqin. "Would you like to rest for a while? I've had your former residence cleaned daily; nothing has been touched, it's just as it was."
Han Suqin appropriately displayed a touched expression.
Wang Qingzhen rolled her eyes again. Where was Lijing Pavilion Han Suqin's former residence? How long had she even lived there?
Heh, the old madam had probably forgotten she had another granddaughter named Wang Qinglin.
As Wang Qingzhen felt disdain, a wave of sorrow washed over her.
What cold-hearted kinship this was!
"I am a little tired," Han Suqin said. "Then I'll go rest for a bit."
As she spoke, she glanced at Wang Qingyao, her eyes filled with anticipation: "Sister, are you tired? Would you like to go rest together?"
Wang Qingyao nodded and left with her.
Wang Qingzhen was displeased.
"Do you have something you want to tell me?" Wang Qingyao asked Han Suqin once they were out of the main hall.
Han Suqin gave a bitter smile and glanced sideways at the four maids accompanying them. "Sister worries too much. I just thought Sister looked a bit weary too..."
Wang Qingyao chuckled, "I thought you were going to ask me for the secret to having twins!"
Han Suqin's lips twitched slightly, a faint smile.
The two walked hand in hand towards Lijing Pavilion.
"You may all withdraw."
Han Suqin was indeed a little tired. She lay down on the bed, and soon her eyelids began to droop.
Wang Qingyao waved for the attendants to leave. The four maids from Prince Qi's mansion hesitated for a moment, unable to find a plausible excuse, and left along with Zhenzhu and the others.
As soon as they were gone, Han Suqin sat up.
Wang Qingyao made a "shushing" gesture. Han Suqin immediately glanced at the door warily.
Of course, she saw nothing.
With her clairvoyant eyes, Wang Qingyao saw one of the four maids furtively pressing her ear against the door. Zhenzhu watched her coldly, but the maid showed no sign of embarrassment.
In reality, the bedroom was at the very back, so she wouldn't be able to hear anything like this.
However, Wang Qingyao walked over and abruptly pulled open the door.
The maid, caught off guard, stumbled into the room. Wang Qingyao stepped aside, and she fell face-first.
"Princess Ding'an... Your Highness, I, I, I..." Her face flushed red as she scrambled to her feet, stammering incoherently.
Wang Qingyao gave her a cold glance. "Prince Qi's mansion truly has its own rules!"
The maid's face turned even redder.
"Zhenzhu," Wang Qingyao commanded sternly, "keep a close watch. There are two pregnant princesses in here. We can't let any scoundrels take advantage and cause harm!"
"Yes."
The maid shamefully retreated to stand elsewhere. The other three maids, who had been standing obediently outside the door, also moved away sheepishly under Wang Qingyao's icy gaze.
Only then did Wang Qingyao close the door.