lcionline Chapter 69 One wanted to marry into a wealthier family, the other wanted a child.
Chapter 69 One wanted to marry into a wealthier family, the other wanted a child.
As everyone exchanged pleasantries, Chu Ruohan's gaze was drawn to a baby being held by a woman in the corner.
The baby was exquisitely beautiful, only three months old, waving his little hands and babbling away, utterly adorable.
Chu Ruohan's eyes were full of affection. She took light steps forward, teased the child, and gently pinched the chubby little face.
"This child is absolutely adorable. Look at his eyebrows and eyes; he'll definitely grow up to be a handsome young gentleman."
Aunt Li quickly and respectfully replied, "You flatter me, Madam. This child is very mischievous."
Can I hug him?
Aunt Li was slightly taken aback, but soon a smile spread across her face.
She was merely a concubine of the second son of the third wife, and was neither favored nor respected. Moreover, she was overshadowed by the legitimate son, meaning her son would have no chance of inheriting the family business in the future.
The second young master was also born out of wedlock, and he had a hard time in this mansion. He had no ability to build anything himself, so how could he possibly support his wife and son?
If she wins the favor of the wife of the Marquis of Anyang's heir, she will have a son and have found a powerful patron.
Little did she know that Chu Ruohan harbored the desire to adopt someone.
Aunt Li carefully handed the child to Chu Ruohan and said, "It is the child's good fortune that the young master's wife is willing to hold him."
Chu Ruohan happily took the child and gently held him in her arms, her eyes growing even more tender.
The child didn't seem shy at all, giggling in her arms and clutching her clothes tightly with his little hands.
It's truly fate that brought us together.
"What's the child's name?" Chu Ruohan asked while playing with the child.
"Reporting to the Lady of the Heir Apparent, please call him Xuan-ge'er," Aunt Li replied with a smile.
"Xuan-ge'er, what a good name." Chu Ruohan murmured softly, looking down at the child in her arms, a smile unconsciously creeping onto her lips.
Wang, the legal wife, witnessed the whole scene. Her eyes instantly ignited with jealousy and anger, and her gaze, like two sharp blades, glared fiercely at Aunt Li.
This vixen, nothing more than a lowly concubine, dares to try and climb the social ladder by befriending the wife of the Marquis of Anyang's heir? She's truly overestimating herself!
Wang Shi grew angrier the more she thought about it. She raised her voice and yelled at the maids beside her in a shrill voice, "What are you doing? Who allowed this arrogant woman to come out?"
"Open your eyes and look at this place! She's just a concubine; she should stay quietly in the backyard. How dare she come forward? Doesn't she even know her place?"
"Isn't this just making a fool of ourselves and showing that none of the people in our young master's household know any manners?"
Wang's outburst caused the surrounding air to freeze, and everyone's eyes turned to this side.
Aunt Li's face turned pale and then red as the mistress scolded her in front of so many people. She bit her lip tightly and unconsciously gripped the hem of her clothes. Her heart was full of grievance and unease, but she dared not lash out at this moment.
He could only stand there with his head down, enduring Wang's scolding and the scrutiny of everyone.
A gentle warmth suddenly covered the back of her hand, and Aunt Li subconsciously looked up.
The Crown Prince's wife looked concerned and gently patted her hand. The delicate touch seemed to carry a calming power, making her feel a little better.
Chu Ruohan thought to herself, "This will be my son's birthday from now on. I can't just sit idly by and do nothing!"
Chu Ruohan handed Xuan Ge'er back to Aunt Li, then turned to look at Madam Wang, a faint smile still on her lips, but the smile didn't reach her eyes.
"Sister-in-law, today's occasion is meant to bring joy and togetherness to everyone. Why get so angry?"
Although Wang was unwilling, she did not dare to openly oppose Gu Junze's wife, as the future Marquis of Anyang was decided by this couple.
She forced a smile that looked more like a grimace, curtsied, and said, "Sister-in-law is right. I was just in a hurry and lost my composure. Please forgive me."
Seeing this, Chu Ruohan said nothing more, but lowered her head to tease Xuan Ge'er. This child was really adorable.
The third wife of the Gu family calmly observed the whole farce. Although she was burning with anger, she did not show it on her face. She only gave Wang a deep look before turning her head and continuing to chat with the other ladies as if nothing had happened.
She comes from a humble background and is so impatient. She doesn't know how to consider the big picture and only knows how to throw a tantrum. She is truly not presentable!
The third wife of the Gu family was secretly annoyed, but also somewhat relieved, because the illegitimate sons were mediocre and would not threaten the status of the legitimate sons.
This is precisely why she planned ahead and chose wives for all her illegitimate sons at an early age.
Her legitimate son, naturally, had to be the daughter of a prominent family in the capital...
Wang's husband, Gu Jiacheng, quietly walked up behind her, pinched her, and his eyes were full of threat. If this jealous woman dared to cause trouble again, he would divorce her.
This is the capital city, right under the emperor's nose, a place where noble families gather.
If he were to marry someone from a higher social class, she could also become an asset to him.
His eyes lit up. This youngest son had caught the eye of the Crown Prince's wife. From now on, he would have Li Fang'er take the child and visit the Marquis of Anyang's residence more often...
Wang understood the warning in her husband's eyes. She felt very aggrieved, but she had to force herself to suppress it.
His eyes still held a hint of resentment, occasionally sweeping towards Aunt Li.
An idea came to her. She turned slightly to the side and subtly nudged the two children beside her.
The two children were taken aback at first, but then they understood their mother's meaning. Although they were a little timid, they did not dare to disobey.
The older child was the first to react. He straightened his slightly wrinkled clothes, forced a well-behaved smile on his face, and then ran quickly towards Chu Ruohan.
Upon arriving, he first gave a proper bow and said in a clear voice, "Hello, Auntie, you are so beautiful, just like a fairy in a painting."
Chu Ruohan was a little surprised by the sudden praise. She looked down and saw a chubby-faced little boy.
The little girl followed after her with her short legs. "Auntie, have some candy, it's so sweet!" she said, taking out a piece of candy that had already melted a little from her bosom and handing it to Chu Ruohan.
Chu Ruohan, a soft and sweet little girl, melted her heart with her childlike voice. She took the candy and gently patted the two children's heads.
"So good..."
Wang stood at a distance, a slight smile playing on her lips, her eyes filled with smugness!
Isn't it just that she likes children?
She gave birth to two children.
Gu Junze sat quietly in his wheelchair, watching her play with the child.
I remember her saying with hopeful eyes that she wanted a child.
His gaze slowly moved down, landing on his numb legs. It was a pity that his crippled body couldn't stand up...