Chapter 223 - 221: It’s Been a Year and Still No Movement in the Belly

Words : 1399 Updated : Sep 25th, 2025

"Enough!" Gao Zheng impatiently cut her off. Yin Shanshan’s constant remarks about "connections" irritated him to no end. As if he had no real talent or capability of his own! He said, "All of you leave. I need to speak with Madam Shen in private." "Zheng-lang!" Yin Shanshan, worried he might have some private interaction with Shen Yinning, clung to his arm with a coquettish pout. "You promised me it would always just be the two of us for life. I’ll wait for you outside, but don’t you dare stay with her too long!" After everyone had left, Gao Zheng spoke in a deep voice, "Madam Shen, this sacrificial prayer ceremony—I don’t necessarily need to attend. But the appointment as Minister of the Ministry of Justice, did you seriously try to secure it for me? What exactly did the Crown Prince say?" "Why are you in such a rush?" "How can I not be? It’s been so long! I see you staying at home every day. Have you even properly served the Crown Prince? Don’t act like some virtuous, untouchable woman—it’s merely a matter of the bedroom for you. You do it all the time anyway. Isn’t it far less effort compared to my hard work at the government office, striving to build political achievements? If you have any care left for this family, you should think of my interests and get things done quickly!" He spoke as though it was perfectly justifiable. Forgetting that Shen Yinning wasn’t even his wife, merely someone staying at his home temporarily. Shen Yinning tapped the desk with her fingertips. She stared at Gao Zheng for a long moment and said, "Do you think clinging to the Crown Prince is such an easy thing to do?" "What else?" Gao Zheng retorted self-righteously. "It’s just sharing his bed—how is that difficult? That’s the advantage you women have, isn’t it? A bit of companionship in bed, and you women earn endless benefits. Unlike us men, who have to rely solely on hard work and diligence to climb to any position of power. I’m not looking down on you women, but let’s be real—any woman who achieves something, like becoming a wealthy merchant or even a female general, has always earned it by selling her body and sleeping with who knows how many men behind closed doors!" Shen Yinning’s eyes grew colder. After a while, as if struck by a sudden thought, she smiled and said, "Master Gao, as expected of a scholar—keen-witted and sagacious, with unparalleled insight into human nature. Rest assured, since I promised to help, I will help you. Not only will I ensure you become Minister of the Ministry of Justice, but I’ll also take you to participate in the sacrificial prayer ceremony at Shengguo Temple. That way, you’ll make an impression in front of the Empress Dowager and the rest of the Imperial Family." Gao Zheng was overjoyed, thinking to himself that Shen Yinning indeed still had feelings for her "husband." After he left, beaming with satisfaction, Shen Yinning toyed with the cup in her hands, her gaze filled with mockery. She recalled that, within the Imperial Family, the current Emperor’s younger brother, Prince Zhuang, had a preference for men. If she delivered Gao Zheng to Prince Zhuang’s bed, she wondered whether he could still boast so confidently. She was giving Gao Zheng the same opportunity—earning a future through "companionship." He ought to be grateful to her for it. ... The day of the sacrificial prayer ceremony at Shengguo Temple arrived in the blink of an eye. As Shen Yinning prepared to depart with Gao Zheng, they ran into Yin Shanshan, Gao Yun, and Madam Gao. Yin Shanshan smirked smugly, "Sister, you’re so stingy, refusing to take us along to the sacrificial prayer ceremony—a trip you’re only making with your husband. Could it be that you want to enjoy a little romantic time alone with him? Such a pity! You underestimated my resourcefulness. I mentioned it to my brother yesterday, and he immediately petitioned the Crown Prince. Now, we’re also attending the sacrificial prayer ceremony. It seems your little plan for some alone time with your husband has gone up in smoke." Shen Yinning lifted the curtain of the carriage and glanced at her. "Since my dear sister is so concerned about him, let him ride with you all. I’ll go ahead." After all, she wasn’t keen on sharing a carriage with Gao Zheng. Yin Shanshan had shown up at just the right moment. Yin Shanshan huffed dismissively, interpreting Shen Yinning’s response as an embarrassed outburst after being found out. She yelled after Shen Yinning’s carriage, "I know you’re madly in love with Zheng-lang, but let me remind you, even jealousy has its limits! What proper wife acts as unreasonably as you? You’re nothing like the virtuous, refined women described in novels! If you were even a little nicer to me, I wouldn’t have deprived you of every chance to earn Zheng-lang’s favor!" Sitting in her carriage, Shen Yinning’s face darkened upon hearing Yin Shanshan say she wanted her to "earn" Gao Zheng’s favor. The carriage sped up, leaving a trail of dust for Yin Shanshan to choke on. ... This time each year, the Empress Dowager and the Emperor would lead the officials to perform the sacrificial prayer ceremony at Shengguo Temple. The royal banners stretched from the base of the mountain to the mid-slope temple. Only high-ranking officials and their families were permitted inside. The official sacrificial ceremony was set for the following day. For now, the temple provided Zen rooms for participants to cleanse themselves, fast, and prepare. Shen Yinning brought her written prayer scrolls to meet Empress Dowager Li. Empress Dowager Li, fingering her Buddha beads, carefully read through the prayer scrolls and nodded. "Zhaozhao’s handwriting has improved." "Thinking of Your Majesty brings peace to my heart, allowing me to concentrate and write better," Shen Yinning replied softly. "I also wrote a few prayers for Princess Xiaoxian. Once the sacrificial ceremony concludes, I’d like to burn them as offerings to soothe her spirit." "You’re considerate." The Empress Dowager’s gaze lingered on Shen Yinning’s flat stomach. "But while you’re diligent here with me, why don’t you show the Crown Prince the same effort? A year has passed, and there’s still no news of a child. It’s worrisome. Zhaozhao, I’ve told you before—the most important thing for women in the palace is having heirs. Only by bearing the Crown Prince’s child can you truly secure your position in the Capital." Shen Yinning lowered her gaze. It wasn’t simply a matter of whether she could bear a child. The truth was, she no longer knew the nature of her relationship with Lu Ying. Ever since parting ways at the Yu residence, Lu Ying hadn’t sought her out. It was as if he genuinely intended to sever all ties with her. She sighed inwardly but masked her turmoil with a shy smile. "Your Majesty is right. I will strive harder." Just then, Lu Ying and Shen Yunxi arrived to pay their respects. Shen Yunxi, noticing Shen Yinning’s presence, scowled disdainfully. "Shen Yinning, what are you doing here? With your status, how dare you attend the sacrificial prayer ceremony?!" "Crown Princess Consort!" The Empress Dowager’s tone turned chilly. "Zhaozhao is a guest of mine." Shen Yunxi dared not contradict her and quickly adopted a conciliatory smile. "I apologize for my lack of judgment... By the way, Grandmother, I personally composed a few prayers for my royal aunt. I’d like to present them to you for review..." "There’s no need." The Empress Dowager dismissed her curtly. "You may leave. Jingwei, stay and join me for dinner." Shen Yunxi’s eyes widened in shock. She had gone to great lengths to curry favor with the Empress Dowager, yet the old woman dismissed her outright. Worse still, she insisted the Crown Prince stay behind—essentially leaving him to dine alone with Shen Yinning! Unacceptable! About to argue, Lu Ying interjected impassively, "Thank you for your kindness, Grandmother, but urgent state affairs require my attention. I must beg your pardon and take my leave. Let the Crown Princess Consort remain in my stead." The Empress Dowager raised an eyebrow inquisitively. Lu Ying’s behavior...? She cast a sidelong glance at Shen Yinning, who remained composed, her gaze never straying toward Lu Ying. Clearly, the two of them had quarreled.

Chapter 223 - 221: It’s Been a Year and Still No Movement in the Belly

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