Chapter 181: Gratitude

Chapter 181

Gratitude

Mu Rongying’s pregnancy was not yet visible, and to avoid complications, Kang Wang had not announced it. Mu Rongying lived peacefully in the Chong Dian Palace, spending her days playing the zither and practicing calligraphy. For the first time, she could enjoy these activities purely for entertainment, rather than rigorously training to surpass others. Regardless of how late Kang Wang returned from banquets, he would always come back to hold her every night. He treated her with utmost care, surrounding her only with trusted people. Understanding the current situation, Mu Rongying knew the royal court was like an ocean with dangerous undercurrents. The rivalry between Rui Wang and Jun Wang was intensifying each day. Even without choosing sides, it was hard to claim safety, as anyone could get caught in the crossfire. Thus, she stayed within the residence and refrained from going out.

Once Kang Wang had settled all his affairs, he took his secondary consort to visit the Emperor and Xian Fei. After some light conversation about their journey, the Emperor asked,

“Since returning to the capital, have you visited your family yet?”

Both Xian Fei and Kang Wang secretly startled. They hadn’t yet resolved the matter concerning the Mu family and didn’t know how to explain it to the Emperor. However, Mu Rongying remained calm and answered smoothly,

“Not yet, Your Majesty. I am not yet familiar with palace customs, and unless Kang Wang escorts me, I dare not venture out on my own.”

Her answer was tactful and appropriate, causing Xian Fei to quietly breathe a sigh of relief.

"Your elder sister frequently visits An Le in the palace. If Kang Wang is too busy to take you, she can visit you in your residence instead. An Le has given her a pass to enter the palace freely,”

The Emperor said kindly. This daughter-in-law was beautiful in both appearance and manner, which made people feel fond of her.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,”

Mu Rongying responded humbly. The Emperor then gifted her valuable medicinal tonics and a large tray of jewelry. After a bit more conversation, the couple took their leave. Kang Wang then took Mu Rongying to visit her mother’s grave. He had already arranged all the necessary offerings. Upon arrival, Mu Rongying insisted on personally cleaning the gravestone. Understanding her feelings, Kang Wang did not object and helped her clean the grave himself. Before long, the overgrown and weathered gravestone was spotless.

Mu Rongying knelt to light incense for her mother while Kang Wang supported her by her side.

“Mother, if it weren’t for the courage you gave me, my life would likely be trapped in the inner palace, used as a tool by my family to fight against the Empress and the Pei family. You once told me never to become a tool for others, and that has proven to be the wisest advice. Today, I’ve found a wonderful husband like Kang Wang and I’m carrying your grandchild. If your spirit is still with us, I hope you know that I am happy and always remember you.”

As she finished speaking, tears flowed from her eyes. Kang Wang, kneeling beside her, gently wiped her tears. Chunmei took the incense from her to place at the grave, and Kang Wang reached for his own incense to pay his respects.

"Mother-in-law, I, Ye Wuqian, am Yingying’s husband. You need not worry. I will love and take good care of her, and for the rest of my life, she will be my only wife.”

His promise was short but firm. Kang Wang did not speak flowery words of love, yet his actions clearly showed how deeply he cared for his wife. Having visited her mother’s grave and informed her of her marriage to a dependable man, Mu Rongying felt a sense of relief. As long as her mother knew, she no longer felt she had wronged the Mu family.

As they returned from the graveyard and the sun began to set, Kang Wang worried that his wife might be tired and planned to take her back to the palace. However, Mu Rongying made a request.

"Since we’re already out, let’s visit Sister Nie and the children. I miss them dearly."

How could Kang Wang refuse his beloved wife’s wish? The luxurious carriage made its way to Yong An Hou Manor without prior notice. Upon receiving the visiting card, the hosts hurried out to greet them. The Hou and Elder Furen were the first to arrive.

"Greetings to Kang Wang and the Secondary Consort."

Kang Wang and Mu Rongying sat side by side, making a perfect pair. They sipped tea and exchanged pleasantries, catching up as acquaintances. The Hou didn’t forget to congratulate the couple on their marriage.

After a while, Song Qilin and Nie Shuang joined them, followed by a large group of wet nurses and nannies. The room was filled with a mix of laughter and crying. Bao Bao, who was perched on his father’s shoulder, was climbing all over his head, making a commotion. Bei Bei, being carried on the other arm, held onto his father’s neck with one hand while sucking his thumb indifferently with the other. Meanwhile, Xiao Hua Hua was in her mother’s arms, chattering nonstop. Behind them, Li’er, Min’er, and Shang’er were carried by their nannies.

"Sister Nie!"

Mu Rongying unwittingly rose to her feet when she saw Nie Shuang enter the room. Nie Shuang smiled widely and rushed over to her.

"Yingying. How are you? I heard that you and Kang Wang..."

Mu Rongying blushed and glanced at her husband. Nie Shuang quickly bowed to both of them, following proper etiquette. Song Qilin placed his two sons down before bowing as well. Upon seeing his beautiful Aunt Yingying, Bao Bao’s eyes lit up, and he ran towards her eagerly. Mu Rongying picked him up and sat him on her lap, hugging him warmly. Just as Bao Bao was about to snuggle into her soft, fragrant embrace, he suddenly found himself lifted and placed onto a much firmer lap.

"Aunt Yingying is pregnant. If you’re not careful, you might disturb your little sibling. Come sit on your uncle’s lap instead."

Bao Bao looked up, and upon realizing it was his old rival, Kang Wang, his lips pouted. He scrambled off the lap and ran back to his mother. Xiao Hua Hua smiled at both Mu Rongying and Kang Wang, remembering them clearly. Bei Bei also got down from his mother’s lap and took his sister’s hand, walking over to Mu Rongying. Back in Huangjing, apart from his mother, Mu Rongying was the person Bei Bei was closest to and spent the most time with. Mu Rongying looked at the two children affectionately. Nie Shuang spoke to them softly.

"Do you remember Aunt Yingying and Kang Wang?"

Bei Bei smiled at his aunt, and though he rarely smiled, when he did, it was quite charming. Mu Rongying smiled and patted his head.

"Bei Bei, you’re such a good boy. I missed you."

Bei Bei quietly sat down beside her, leaning against her soft and fragrant side. Xiao Hua Hua echoed her mother’s words.

"Yingying...Wang...Hua remembers."

Seeing his goddaughter chatting away melted Kang Wang’s heart. He lifted her onto his lap and stroked her soft, delicate hair.

"My little girl, you’ve grown quite a lot in just one year."

"Hua Hua grow. I’m a big sis,"

The little girl spoke proudly. Her mother told them every day that they, as older siblings, had to help take care of the three younger ones.

Song Qilin looked at his daughter and smiled as he took the babies from the nannies, introducing them to his friend.

"These are their younger siblings: Zili, Wumin, and Wushang."

The younger set of triplets was now about five months old, plump and adorable. Each had bright eyes and rosy lips, wriggling just as playfully as their older siblings. The grandparents, who had longed for grandchildren to hold, now found it nearly overwhelming to take care of them all. Yet despite the chaos, their faces remained lively and full of joy.

"Xiao Hua Hua loves playing with her younger siblings, and Bao Bao is the same. But Grandmother doesn’t let him get too close to the little ones. Every time he grabs at them, they end up crying,"

Nie Shuang shared with a smile. Mu Rongying, seeing the three younger triplets, exclaimed in excitement. They were so cute, not the least bit shy around strangers. She reached out to hold one of them. The little bundle wrapped in cloth looked up at his aunt with clear, bright eyes, instantly making Aunt Yingying fall in love with him.

"Who is this little one?"

Mu Rongying asked, her gaze never leaving the soft, chubby baby.

"That’s Fifth Young Master, Min’er,"

Nie Shuang replied, laughing as she noticed how Mu Rongying seemed to want to take Min’er home with her.

"In just a few months, you’ll have your own, Yingying. By then, you won’t need to come play with these little ones anymore."

Mu Rongying blushed. When she had married as the secondary consort to Kang Wang, she had written to Nie Shuang, sharing everything without holding back.

"And how does the Mu family feel about it?"

Xu Shi asked, concerned for the young woman. Everyone in the Hou Manor knew Mu Rongying’s background well. Kang Wang paused slightly before answering in a calm voice,

"I’ve sent people to inquire. They do not wish her to reveal her true status, fearing it might tarnish the family’s reputation."

After speaking, he secretly squeezed her hand under the table. He hadn’t told her before because he feared it would upset her. Mu Rongying gently squeezed his hand back. The affairs of her family no longer had the power to sadden her. Seeing the interaction between the couple, Nie Shuang quickly spoke up.

"That’s great. Now the Nie family can have another accomplished daughter. Yingying, let’s find a chance to visit Father. You haven’t been back to visit your natal home since becoming the secondary consort, have you? Your marriage to Kang Wang has brought great honor to Father. He’ll surely want to give you a generous dowry."

Mu Rongying raised her hand to wipe away tears, feeling deeply touched by Nie Shuang’s kindness.

"Sister Nie...I..."

Kang Wang looked at Nie Shuang with heartfelt gratitude. If not for her help, he and Mu Rongying would never have met and ended up together. Moreover, in the moments when Mu Rongying’s real family turned their backs on her, Nie Shuang had extended a bond of sisterhood without hesitation. Truly, this Lady Boss had become a benefactor to both him and his wife.