aying taxes for three years."Furthermore, the children of fallen soldiers can attend school and have three years of tuition waived. Even if they don't achieve great academic success, studying will sti..."Please forgive me, master. It is my fault for not doing my duty well!"

The man in black knelt on the ground, burying his head in shame.

"Didn't you say it was foolproof How is Meng Lianyi still alive"

The man at the front was very young. Looking closely, he bore a resemblance to the prince, but his expression was rather ferocious, ruining the overall noble air about him.

"The person I arranged before did indeed complete the task. Meng Lianyi fainted on the spot. It was the Prince who personally sent her back to the palace. However, after Meng Lianyi entered the palace, the information our people could investigate was limited. We only know that the Crown Princess is weak in body, and the Emperor has allowed Dr. Liang to attend to her."

"Humph! Imperial Physician Liang is skilled in gynecology, but not detoxification! Besides, my people in the palace have already sent word out: the Crown Princess is three months pregnant."

Just because the prince's courtyard was not peaceful, the two concubines were unwilling, wanting to calculate the child in the crown princess's belly, which exposed themselves and revealed the news of the crown princess's pregnancy.

"Luckily, I didn't intervene in this matter. I only helped open the door of convenience. It seems my third brother is going to suffer the consequences this time."

The second prince said coldly.

"Master, what should we do next"

In two days, the news of the Crown Princess's pregnancy will spread. At this time of turmoil, it's best to remain observant and not interfere. We shouldn't reach out when we shouldn't. I know best how much my father values heirs.

The Second Prince sat in his chair, tapping lightly on the table as he said calmly.

"Master, if the Crown Princess gives birth to the firstborn grandson, it will be even more detrimental to you."

"It's not beneficial for me, nor for the third brother. Even if we're in a hurry, it won't be just me dealing with this. The most urgent thing is that I need to bring back the empress and give birth to an heir. That's the most important thing."

The Second Prince narrowed his eyes, already having his own plan. He had previously wanted to get rid of Meng Lianyi, causing General Meng and the Emperor to drift apart. Now that his plan had failed, he would choose another method to gradually achieve his goal.

"Nameless, have your men continue to watch the movements in Third Brother's residence. If they make any moves against the prince, you should encourage them, but remember not to expose your own power."

Yes, master!

As for the prince and his consort, let's not make any moves for now. After all, pregnancy is a journey from the gates of hell. It takes ten months to bring forth life. We still have time.

"Yes, servant obeys!"

The man in black finally respectfully withdrew from the Second Prince's study. After leaving, he glanced back at the study, concealing the unwillingness in his eyes, and turned to leave the Second Prince's mansion.

Because the second and third princes have already come of age, they have long since built their mansions outside the palace. Although there are two mothers in the palace who each take care of them, they are very careful when conveying messages, after all, the emperor would not like his adult sons to frequently enter and leave his harem.

The news of her pregnancy was only officially announced when she was almost four months pregnant. Gifts from the Emperor and Empress flowed into the East Palace continuously, and the Four Consorts— Xian, Liang, Shu, and De— also sent their presents.

As all four were elderly members of the imperial harem, they naturally understood what gifts would be both impressive and subtle, avoiding anything that could be used against them by malicious individuals. Therefore, they readily accepted all the presents.

Just to be safe, Grandmother Sun had the items checked by Doctor Liang after verifying them herself. Only when they were deemed safe was she satisfied storing them away in the treasury. She didn't intend on using them until after the child was born.

Lian'er received a wave of gifts, and the prince was also full of spring breeze. He had more patience towards Lian'er who was pregnant, and according to Dr. Liang's orders, he often came to accompany her to chat.

Lianshi, impatient to see this man, pretended to be obedient and said:

"Your Highness, my concubine feels much better now. My pregnancy is progressing well, and the baby is stable. You still have to go to court every day to attend to government affairs and learn from our father emperor. There's no need for you to accompany me daily."

"I'm also worried about you. This is our first time experiencing pregnancy, and we were both a little unprepared."

It's best not to mention it. Last time, I almost caused you to lose your child. This palace is very guilty and worried that you have a grudge in your heart. So I thought about spending more time with you to make you feel better.

The Crown Prince gently explained, holding Lianyi's hand.

"My concubine naturally understands Your Highness's intentions. Last time, it was my fault for being careless. This kind of thing will never happen again. Your Highness may just attend to the matters of court and have a meal with me when you are free."

The ripples also shook the prince's hand and said softly.

"Ripple, you've worked hard! You're still the most considerate one."

The Crown Prince was now very pleased. The Crown Princess had not become arrogant and willful because of her pregnancy, but instead, she still thought of him in everything she did. Besides, the child growing in her belly made his feelings for the Crown Princess even better.

Have you taken your peace pulse today

After the Crown Prince pulled Ripples down and sat, he asked as usual.

"Your Highness, I have more good news to tell you today."

Ringlets smiled seductively and touched her belly, saying,

What good news.

"Your Highness, this pregnancy of mine is twins."

Ripple smiled happily.

"Is this true"

The prince was overjoyed, a smile plastered on his face. With two children, there was bound to be at least one boy. This meant he would have an heir, adding another advantage to his claim to the throne.

Ripple smiled and nodded.

"It's true. Doctor Liang was able to faintly feel the baby's pulse before, but because the child was too small and there was a near miscarriage previously, he couldn't be sure. This time, with the fetus stable and four months old, Doctor Liang was finally able to confirm it."

I didn't let him spread the word, thinking of personally telling His Royal Highness the good news myself, and having him inform his father would be best.

Ripple explained with a smile.

"Great! Great! Great! It seems Lian Yi is the lucky one after all. I told you your belly didn't look like it belonged to a four-month pregnancy. Turns out there are two in there! This good news, this palace will personally tell the Emperor."

The prince was overjoyed, his smile reaching all the way to his ears.

"How could this be my good fortune It's the Prince's good fortune. I am merely basking in your reflected glory."

A tall hat was immediately placed upon his head, which made the prince even happier. He then instructed the attendants in the East Palace to be more attentive. Only then did he hurry with Quan Fu to the Imperial Study to report the good news.

When the Emperor heard the news, he was also very pleased. However, he wasn't surprised. After all, Dr. Liang was someone he had placed there, so he already knew beforehand. Still, it was important to show his approval.

"Hong'er, now you are about to become a father. You must be more mature in the future. There are many people watching you in the court. You cannot relax for even a moment."

The old emperor immediately started tightening the screws.

“Yes, Your Majesty is right. My son will definitely be more humble and prudent, and do his best in his duties, not letting down Your Majesty's expectations.”

Well, when you have time, spend more time with the Crown Princess. Giving birth to two children at once may be too taxing on her body.

The emperor hinted.

"Father, rest assured, your son will take good care of Lianyi."

After this matter passed Minglu, the news gradually spread. Now, those who envied and hated were countless. The Second Prince and Third Prince each smashed a set of stationery, and their visits to the palace became more frequent than usual.al granaries, she had also purchased grain from her private reserves. This amount was enough to stabilize the food prices in the entire Fengqi Nation, unless someone truly wanted to rebel against the...