Cultivation Begins with Caring for Sister-in-law

Chapter 813 - 819, - 820: Admonishing Yang Qingqing

Lin Xuelan met each of the sisters in the mansion one by one. She was both nervous and serious, not daring to make any mistakes. It would be embarrassing if she ran into one of them elsewhere in the mansion and couldn’t remember their name.Compared to Lin Xuelan, Xingyao was much more at ease. As a Commandery Princess of the Yelang Kingdom and a member of the royal family, she was accustomed to dealing with many more concubines than those in Chen Mo’s harem. Recognizing them took her several days back then.

Moreover, the rules in the royal family were much stricter. Mistaking the Princess Consort of the Third Imperial Uncle for the Princess Consort of the Fourth Imperial Uncle would be a major blunder.

Therefore, for Xingyao, the situation before her was just a small matter.

When it came to social graces, Xingyao was more skilled than Lin Xuelan. She took out incense pouches she had prepared from her bundle and distributed them to Wu Mi and the others, speaking gently and coolly, "These incense pouches contain top-grade natural spices from Yelang. They can invigorate and refresh the mind, and in summer, they repel mosquitoes. The fragrance lasts for several months and is safe for children and pregnant women."

The incense pouches were pleasing in color and exquisitely designed, embroidered with birds, beasts, and flowers, which girls generally liked.

Lin Xuelan, standing aside: "..."

Lin Xuelan had also prepared gifts, but she had left them with Yu Zhu, so her hands were now empty, making her feel awkward. Fortunately, Xiao Ya, having encountered similar situations, rose to help Lin Xuelan out of the predicament by taking her hand to the card table and teaching her to play ma.

Chen Mo did not interfere and let them get acquainted. He walked over to the couch, sat down, and asked attentively, "How’s the baby?"

"Doing well, and with Ms. Mi taking care of me, drinking the prenatal soup has been more comforting than during my first pregnancy." Having gone through childbirth once, Xiao Yunxi had the experience and wouldn’t make the same mistakes again.

Chen Mo could tell. He slipped his hand under Xiao Yunxi’s blanket to feel her belly. It was only three to four months along, just slightly raised and not very noticeable. He smiled gently, "As long as everything’s fine. Once matters in the Western Regions are settled, I’ll have plenty of time to spend with you all."

Xia Zhiqing, who had just sat down, chimed in: "Husband, I heard there’s a Wintersweet Forest in the Imperial Palace. The scenery must be wonderful this season. Once the snow stops, how about we visit the Imperial Palace?"

By now, almost everyone in the Celestial River knew that the Great Song was about to change dynasties.

The Imperial Palace had become more like the Prince Wei’s Mansion’s back garden.

"It’s still early; it should be just right to visit next month," Yue Ruyan added.

"Then let’s go next month."

While Chen Mo spoke, his hand moved unrestrained under Xiao Yunxi’s dress, gradually moving upwards.

At home, since Chen Mo had been away lately, Xiao Yunxi hadn’t bothered with elaborate grooming. She was dressed in a nightgown, with nothing underneath.

Chen Mo easily grasped the truth, feeling the softness and the temperature rising gradually.

Xiao Yunxi let out a soft sigh. Luckily, everyone in the Warm Pavilion was engaged in conversation and didn’t hear. She quickly turned her head to the side, her cheeks flushing. This man was always so bold.

With the child present, Chen Mo didn’t go further. Satisfied with just feeling, he then joined in the conversation with the other women.

...

After Chen Mo returned, the atmosphere in the mansion immediately became relaxed and joyful.

With newcomers to the mansion, the kitchen was busy preparing a grand feast to welcome them.

The sumptuous dishes made Lin Xuelan feel valued, and her unsettled heart since entering the Prince’s Mansion finally found some peace.

After lunch, Chen Mo planned to take Lin Xuelan and Xingyao on a tour of the mansion to familiarize them with its layout, but a servant came to report that Geng Songfu requested an audience.

The Great Song had just stabilized, and it was a busy time. However, Chen Mo had left for the Western Regions for a short time, during which many matters had accumulated, awaiting his return for decisions.

The first issue concerned Xiliang.

The Court’s control over Xiliang was still weak, and the thousands of "Lu Army" soldiers originally stationed there were leaderless and gradually became local bandits, severely affecting the peace of the Xiliang populace and needing to be addressed.

Geng Songfu and his colleagues had already discussed solutions and awaited Chen Mo’s approval to implement them.

The procedure couldn’t be bypassed because it involved mobilizing the army, which couldn’t be simplified.

The second issue concerned the Yelang Kingdom.

When Chen Mo arrived in Xiliang earlier, the Black Crow had informed him that Lu Sheng and King Chong’s families had escaped to Yelang in Xiliang. The Inspector was negotiating with the Xing Clan, hoping that Yelang would hand them over.

This created a gap in information since the Court was unaware that Chen Mo had resolved the matter. Coincidentally, when Chen Mo went to Yelang, the personnel sent by the Inspector to negotiate with Yelang returned to Xiliang, reporting Yelang’s refusal to hand over the families to the Court.

Therefore, Geng Songfu’s current intent was to formally dispatch an envoy to Yelang on behalf of the Great Song, strongly demanding Yelang to hand over the families, and, if necessary, mobilize the troops going to Xiliang to enforce compliance.

Regarding the second matter, Chen Mo smiled and handed Geng Songfu the letter written by Xingluo, saying, "The issue with Yelang has already been resolved by me."