Chapter 240: The Principal Consort - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

 Chapter 240: The Principal Consort

“Previously, when you invited me to your study, there were never such fine pastries; only some overly sweet cakes. I remember you didn’t like them. Why have you suddenly started serving such elegant and refined treats?” Feng Jinxu suddenly stopped eating the pastries and said calmly.

“In the past, they were prepared by a concubine. Now it’s the lady of the house.”

“Oh? I thought you and this lady were still at odds. But then again, if you were truly at odds, how could you have a child? Your concubine might be hiding and crying, having lost the affection of the master. It’s not easy for her in the rear courtyard.”

The Sixth Prince had concubines and maids of honor, though not many. He was accustomed to the complexities of having multiple wives.

Feng Jinxu did not follow up on the Sixth Prince’s remarks. Instead, he picked up the tea and took a sip, feeling refreshed.

“Ah, you’re about to have another child. A few days ago, my mother asked me to come to the palace and also mentioned my marriage.”

Feng Jinxu was curious. The position of the Sixth Prince’s principal consort had always been vacant. His situation was awkward—royal by paternal lineage, he could not settle for just anyone. However, his maternal family was not influential compared to other princes, so the matter had been delayed for years. Why was it being discussed now?

“Has the Empress Dowager found a suitable candidate for you?”

“My mother said it’s Lady Fulin who wants to matchmake me with Elder Xu’s granddaughter. I’ve heard that Miss Xu is cultured and well-mannered, currently a teacher at Wenjin Academy. She’s reputed to be very scholarly. I’m worried that she might look down on me, given my awkward status has been a problem for quite some time.”

The Sixth Prince’s expression darkened as he spoke. Over the years, he had been a somewhat awkward presence in both the court and the harem. This had made him avoid the spotlight and never tried to ally himself with any powerful families for the position of principal consort.

Miss Xu seemed like a good choice—good family background, age, appearance, and temperament. However, he had barely spoken to her. If they were to marry, it was uncertain what their life together would be like.

Suddenly, a figure popped into his mind. If he could marry her, he would be quite pleased.

“I heard your sister will reach marriageable age in April. It seems that suitors will soon be swarming the Feng residence.”

At this mention of Ah Yao, Feng Jinxu wasn’t naive.

Could it be that the Sixth Prince was interested in Ah Yao? After a brief consideration, he replied calmly, “My sister’s marriage will be decided by my grandfather. As you know, his temperament is very stubborn; even my father and mother together cannot change his mind. So, whether or not there are suitors is something to be discussed later.”

Feng Jinxu had no intention of marrying Ah Yao into the royal family. Given her status, capability, and character, she could easily secure a position as a prince’s consort. However, after what happened with Lin Lang, he understood that less interference in marital affairs was better. Otherwise, the rear courtyard would be unsettled, and family relations strained.

He had learned the hardships of such situations and now, if given another chance, he would not take a concubine.

The royal family was different. As a prince’s consort, one had to accommodate various concubines and face palace intrigues. Life was far from easy.

He did not want Ah Yao to suffer. Hearing about Miss Xu, he felt some sympathy for her.

“Your Highness, it’s best to be cautious about your marriage. Miss Xu’s character, as seen from her recent breakup with the Liang family, suggests she might be hard to get along with. If she becomes your principal consort, the rear courtyard might not be peaceful.”

The remarks seemed to subtly criticize Xu Mingyue, but they were aimed more broadly.

Xu Mingyue and A’Yao were friends. It was likely they wouldn’t want their sisters to marry into the royal family and endure such a difficult life. Therefore, he boldly voiced his concerns.

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This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://eternalnovelhits.blogspot.com

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Sure enough, the Sixth Prince fell into deep thought. While he had no intention to reject the marriage, Feng Jinxu’s words had merit.

Miss Xu had a strong personality like Elder Xu. If any disagreements arose in the future, it might not end well. This marriage needed to be carefully reconsidered!

After sitting for a while, he left in a hurry.

Seeing him leave quickly, Feng Jinxu knew that his words had had an effect.

The Sixth Prince, in his haste, did not notice Feng Jinlin’s return.

Feng Jinlin, noticing the Sixth Prince’s departing figure, questioned the servant.

“When did the Sixth Prince arrive? What was his purpose?”

“He’s been here for about half an hour. Naturally, he came to see our master. From what I can tell, the Sixth Prince is quite impressive. Despite being from the royal family, he treats us with much courtesy, without any airs.”

The servant had a very favorable impression of the Sixth Prince, not only because of his refined demeanor but also due to his generous rewards.

Feng Jinlin grabbed the servant’s ear and reprimanded him.

“You little rascal, eating at the Feng family’s table and still praising others? Does our young master have any airs? How courteous he is, and you are just unaware of your good fortune!”

The servant, feeling a bit of pain, immediately changed his tune. “Yes, yes, yes! Second Master is right! The Feng family is the best, with kind masters who treat their servants well.”

“That’s more like it.” Feng Jinlin gave him some loose change and sent him off to buy tea.

Then, turning to Yin Canwen, he said, “When I return, I’ll bring some good wine to show Brother Fan. I don’t want them to keep saying we’re just mooching off their wine.”

Yin Canwen smiled faintly but felt uneasy.

Now there was a Sixth Prince, a person of high status.

If Miss Feng San’s marriage were truly settled, he would have no chance at all.

Desperate to see the examination results, he was confident that he could pass. With a title, he might have a chance to discuss this matter with the Feng family, with even a slim possibility of success!

Feng Jinyao slept soundly, unaware of all the attention she was drawing. Meanwhile, someone was looking at reports with a dark expression.

Yin Canwen, Wen Mengsheng, and now the Sixth Prince.

She was indeed well-liked!

Unfortunately, anyone he had his eyes on, if they wished to get involved with others, would likely face difficulties.