5318

Chapter 5318: Different People, Different Fates

The beautiful concubine Lin was the woman Mo Xikang was embracing. Upon seeing the Crown Princess, her face stiffened slightly, as if recalling the little stoic's stern expression during their first meeting. Her gaze inadvertently swept over Qiao Mu's belly, a flicker of jealousy in her eyes, as she stepped forward with a smile to pay respects. "This concubine greets Your Highness, and the Crown Princess."

She's pregnant, and I'm pregnant too, but the status of our children will be entirely different. No matter if the Crown Princess gives birth to a boy or a girl, it will be the Crown Prince's first legitimate child. As for her? Even if she bore a son for the prince, he would be adopted by the princess consort, and it was hard for her to even see her son on a regular basis. Although the prince doted on her, he never interfered with matters in the back courtyard. No matter how much she cried and fussed, he insisted that the child be raised by the princess consort. He even sugar-coated it, telling her it was for the child's own good, claiming that a child raised by their legitimate mother from a young age would have a better future.

Madam Lin was so angry she felt like spitting blood. The child she had painstakingly given birth to with her life was now handed over to someone else; naturally, she was unwilling. Now, seeing the little Crown Princess, her eyes suddenly darted. Just as she was about to speak, Prince Zheng tugged at her.

Mo Lian couldn't be bothered with their little gestures. He directly addressed Mo Xikang, "I heard that Royal Brother Zheng was blessed with a son last month. Congratulations, congratulations."

Mo Xikang responded with a strained smile, cupping his hands. "Oh, no, Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince is the one with great news. The Crown Princess is pregnant; that's a joyous occasion for the entire nation."

Mo Lian nodded repeatedly, holding the little Crown Princess's hand, his tone full of pride, "Indeed."

Mo Xikang was immediately speechless. Damn it, I was just being polite, and you took my words and ran with them so smoothly. This arrogant demeanor was truly infuriating. Couldn't you be a little humble?

Madam Lin saw the sudden stiffness in the atmosphere and quickly interjected with a charming smile, complimenting them, "This child of the Crown Princess will surely be a little prince. This concubine congratulates the Crown Princess in advance."

Unexpectedly, the little Crown Princess didn't play by the rules, stating expressionlessly, "Most likely a girl. Just like her father!"

The Crown Prince's mouth twitched. He wished he could reach out and cover his wife's little mouth. Fortunately, his wife showed him a bit of face and didn't blurt out in front of outsiders, "Just like her father, who loves to eat..."

Madam Lin looked at this peculiar Crown Princess and found herself speechless.

The Crown Prince, however, said coldly, "Whether the Crown Princess gives birth to a boy or a girl, this Crown Prince will love them both."

Madam Lin had made an awkward attempt, and with no way to continue the conversation, she was left embarrassed on the spot.

Mo Xikang smiled, trying to ease the tension. "It's better to meet by chance than to invite. Since we've met Your Highness here, why don't I treat you, and we can go up to the second floor for tea?"

The Crown Prince had not yet replied when the little Crown Princess shook her head with a serious expression. "Prince Zheng, you're a step too late. We already made plans to have tea with Wushuang earlier."

Mo Xikang: "..."

The Crown Prince secretly chuckled, nodding. "That's true. Royal Brother Zheng, Wushuang invited us both yesterday."

A slight tremor went through the skin on Mo Xikang's face. He then smiled and said, "Oh, I also heard that Wushuang and the third young master of the Fu family are getting married next month, aren't they? Then this prince should find some time to visit the Zhenyuan Prince's residence and offer my heartfelt congratulations."

"Big Brother." Su Xitao rushed over excitedly, then abruptly stopped, staring at Qiao Mu with a look of seeing a ghost. He instinctively hid behind his older brother.