bayedsolid Chapter 520 No Concubine for Now!
Chapter 520 No Concubine for Now!
After seeing Madam He off, Mu Xin Nuan couldn't be happy at all.
Madam He's intention was quite clear: the He family intended to form a marriage alliance with the Lu family. However, as a concubine's daughter from a collateral branch, she dared not hope to marry the second young master as his principal wife. Therefore, what she was seeking now was a concubine position by Lu Shaofeng's side.
This concubine was naturally different from an ordinary mistress.
If the principal wife is gone, then as long as the man does not remarry, the concubine can be elevated to the status of principal wife and become the second wife.
Mu Xin Nuan naturally understood this principle, but she didn't expect that Liu Shi had just given birth to a legitimate son, and someone was already starting to make things difficult for her.
In fact, there is some truth to what Mrs. He said.
After all, Lu Shaofeng only has two maids by his side right now, and Liu Shi's position is naturally the most secure now that she has a legitimate son. At this time, if she could take the initiative to help her husband take a concubine, it would naturally show her magnanimity and would not damage her position in the slightest.
However, Mu Xin Nuan felt that doing this would probably make Liu feel very aggrieved.
Thinking back, when she was Jin Hui's wife in her previous life, didn't she also arrange for him to take several concubines to show her magnanimity? One of them was even her own younger sister!
Mu Xin Nuan sighed softly. Perhaps it was because everything in this life had gone too smoothly for her, especially after marrying Duanmu Chu Ze, she had been living like a princess.
Duanmu Chuze did not take concubines, nor did he covet beautiful women; he doted on Duanmu Chuze alone.
Is my current worry about Liu Shi also due to his influence?
Seeing that her mistress was unhappy, Rongyue guessed what was going on and tried to comfort her, "Miss, you don't need to worry so much. You can talk to the eldest young mistress about this. Whether it will work out or not depends on Young Master Lu's opinion, right? If he doesn't agree, then the eldest young mistress has nothing to worry about."
One sentence was enough to wake up Mu Xin Nuan, who was still worried. "That makes sense! Look at me, I'm not as insightful as you are. That's right, since it's Lu Shaofeng taking a concubine, he has to give his approval first."
The next day, Mu Xin Nuan had someone invite Liu Shi to her door.
Liu entrusted the child to the wet nurse. She hadn't left the house for two or three months since giving birth. Today, as soon as she stepped out of the courtyard, she felt that even the air was sweet.
"I wonder what instructions Your Highness has for me?"
Looking at Liu's slightly plump figure, to be honest, she can no longer be compared to the Liu she used to be.
Although she wore light makeup, some freckles were still visible on her face. And with her plump figure, it would probably take her two or three months to lose weight.
"Madam He asked me to come here yesterday. She said that the He family intends to form a marriage alliance with the Lu family. In principle, I should have told Madam Lu about this, but since you and Lu Shaofeng have always had a good relationship, I thought I should let you know first."
Hearing her say that, Liu seemed to have guessed what was going on. "Your Highness, please speak frankly. I understand."
Seeing that her expression was relatively calm, Mu Xin Nuan explained Madam He's purpose for coming. While she was speaking, she kept looking at her to see how she would react.
Although a hint of melancholy flashed in Liu's eyes, she still maintained a proper smile on her face. "Your Highness, in this matter, it is fair to say that our Lu family has climbed the social ladder by marrying into the He family. However, such a significant matter should be discussed with my husband first."
Mu Xin Nuan nodded. "That makes sense. That's why I had someone bring you here to get your thoughts straight. Actually, if you ask me, you don't need to put on airs as a virtuous wife in front of Lu Shaofeng. If you don't want him to take another concubine, just say so. Perhaps, he'll feel sorry for you and give up the idea once he sees you're unhappy."
Upon hearing this, Liu gave a bitter smile. "Your Highness, how could I possibly have such good fortune as you? The Prince treats you so well, it's beyond words. I'm afraid I'm not destined for that."
"What are you saying? Why are you talking about fate? I don't think Lu Shaofeng is a heartless and ungrateful person. The key is your attitude as his wife. If you still have to pretend to be magnanimous in front of him and want him to think you are virtuous and generous, then your Lu Shaofeng will have to take a concubine sooner or later."
As Mu Xin Nuan spoke, she remembered what Duanmu Chu Ze had told her before. She gritted her teeth and said, "If a man truly likes a woman, he will naturally think about her. If you show a casual attitude, then I'm afraid he will have no choice but to give in to you."
Liu was taken aback. This princess was clearly younger than her, so how could she speak so eloquently?
"Sister Liu, that's why I say, a woman can pretend to be generous outside, but once she returns to her home, she shouldn't be too generous. What woman would truly be willing to hand over her man to another? Even a young lady from a prominent family, a lady from a noble family, would probably feel bitter inside when her husband stays at a concubine's residence, wouldn't she?"
Upon hearing this, Lady Liu held the princess in even higher regard.
For a princess consort to say such things to me shows that she truly cares for me and isn't even afraid of being called a jealous woman!
Considering Madam He's intentions and pondering the Princess's words, if Liu still doesn't understand, she would truly be too foolish.
After thanking the princess, Lady Liu returned to the Lu residence with a heavy heart.
After much deliberation, Liu explained the He family's intentions to him that very evening.
Liu did not act childishly as Mu Xinnuan had instructed; she simply remained indifferent, which was enough for Lu Shaofeng to understand her intentions.
"I'm currently very busy with official duties, so I don't have the time or inclination to take a concubine. Besides, our baby has already turned one month old, and I should be heading back to Huayang County. As for you, you should take better care of yourself and not neglect your health while looking after the child."
Liu felt somewhat relieved and gave him a slight smile. Lu Shaofeng stared at her smile for a moment, then sighed softly, "If anyone asks about this again, just tell them what I said. Actually, it will be easier for you to deal with these things once I go to Huayang County. Just put it on me, and that will be fine."
This time, Liu felt a little touched. She nodded at him with tears in her eyes and forced a few smiles.
When Lu Shaofeng saw her like this, he couldn't help but laugh out loud and said in a low voice, "I knew you were cunning all along, but this time, I've really experienced it for myself."