Chapter 22: Should We Keep the Baby?

"Sister?"

Ning Junruo was stunned. In the past five years, she had never been addressed as "sister." Every time Xiao Yunji saw her, she would hold her head high, either calling her "Your Highness" or simply skipping the title altogether to get straight to the point.

"Has the sun risen in the west today?"

As Xiao Yunji stepped inside, Ning Junruo rose to greet her with a smile. "What wind blew you here today?"

Once inside, Xiao Yunji’s eyes darted around the room. She looked about and exclaimed, "How is it that this room feels even more elegant than Yilan Residence?"

Although she had lived in Yilan Residence for five years, she had never felt a sense of belonging there. Over those years, apart from managing household affairs, reading, and practicing calligraphy, Ning Junruo had never paid much attention to the decor. Yet, the layout of this room was almost an exact replica of her maiden bedchamber. Her mother had always loved elegance, and while there were many brothers, she was the only daughter; her family cherished her like a precious gem, and whenever they acquired something refined, they never failed to send it to her room.

"Do sit down and let’s talk," Ning Junruo said with a smile. "You flatter me, sister. It’s just a bit of simple elegance here."

"I don’t know about the elegance, but you certainly put a lot of thought into it." Xiao Yunji stared at an exquisite screen and added, "They say the Ning family dotes on you, and it seems that’s no lie. If I were you, I’d want to come stay here often, too."

Nianfang promptly served tea and pastries. Ning Junruo picked up a small tangerine and began to peel it with deliberate, unhurried movements. "Do you agree that I should stay here for a while longer?"

*Oh, heavens! Why did I say that?*

Xiao Yunji’s eyes darted around, and she quickly put on a fawning smile. "Sister, don’t misunderstand! I simply felt that this room was arranged with great care. The Prince’s manor would struggle to function without you, so how could you possibly stay away for long?"

Ning Junruo kept her eyes on the tangerine, her smile reaching her eyes. "You jest, sister. I can’t even manage my own home well, so how could the manor fall apart without me?"

"It’s true, I’m not exaggerating at all." Xiao Yunji abandoned all pretense, leaning back comfortably in her chair. "You don’t know how insufferable Chang Yuniang has become. If it weren't for the child in her womb, I suspect even the Dowager would find her eyesore. What’s more, she couldn’t even tell the difference between fish maw and bladder, and then she had the audacity to blame the cook for poor craftsmanship... ha-ha, it was ridiculous!"

By tradition, on the morning of Chang Yuniang's arrival, the manor would stock up on expensive tonics like bird's nest and fish maw. Returning from Cia Tang, the steward had mentioned that their supplies were running low and asked if they should restock. Ning Junruo had refused without a second thought, telling him to wait until the Prince’s salary arrived. The fish maw Chang Yuniang had been eating was merely a complimentary gift from a previous purchase; such fresh, low-grade maw had a strong, fishy odor that even the maids didn't want to touch, let alone a pregnant woman.

Xiao Yunji recounted the story with great fervor, but Ning Junruo’s heart remained unruffled; she simply listened quietly.

"She was so arrogant before, inciting the Dowager and the Prince to make you acknowledge her as a cousin. Now that you see her in such a pathetic state, aren't you pleased?" Xiao Yunji had expected her to be delighted. Seeing Ning Junruo’s indifference, she pouted, annoyed. "Don't tell me you're still angry?"

Ning Junruo was still savoring the sweetness of the tangerine. Hearing this, she laughed. "You worry too much, sister. If I took everything to heart, I truly wouldn't be able to go on."

"Then why aren't you happy?" Xiao Yunji pressed.

*If everything is going exactly as expected, what is there to be happy about?*

"Eat a tangerine." Ning Junruo handed her a peeled segment. "She’s just an actress who hasn't seen the world. I simply believe that sooner or later, she will show her true colors."

"Sister is truly wise." Xiao Yunji popped a slice into her mouth. "I’ve been managing the household for these past two days, and I finally realize how expensive basic necessities are. I truly wronged you before. The accounts are nearly empty; you really should go back soon."

Ning Junruo’s smile faded as she took the handkerchief Huai Xi offered to wipe her hands. "So, the reason you came here was just to get me to go back?"

Xiao Yunji said, full of anticipation, "I’ve cut back on food and clothing in the manor for the past two days, and everyone is grumbling. If you don't return, I won't be able to keep them in line much longer."

Ning Junruo sat up straight, her expression serious. "I cannot conjure silver out of thin air. If there is no money in the accounts, I can't do anything even if I return."

Xiao Yunji paused, then said with a guilty conscience, "When I came here, I noticed the Ning’an Inn is doing quite well. I heard that this entire street belongs to your shops..."

"What are you trying to say, sister? Are you suggesting I continue to use my own dowry to subsidize the Prince’s manor?" Before she could finish, Ning Junruo interrupted coldly. "Is this your idea? Or is it the wish of the Dowager or the Prince?"

The Princess had been in the manor for five years without once sharing a bed with the Prince, and the Prince either mocked her or found faults in everything she did. After looking at the ledgers, Xiao Yunji realized that the Princess had truly done more than her duty to the manor over the past two years. Even as a secondary wife, she felt the Prince had been excessive. Now that the manor was out of funds, everyone was looking to her, hoping she would provide more money. *This... how could it be so unreasonable?*

Xiao Yunji no longer had the face to continue. She offered an awkward, apologetic smile. "Sister, don't misunderstand. I only admire how much the Ning family cares for you. As for whether you choose to subsidize the manor or not, that is your business; we have no right to interfere."

Ning Junruo’s furrowed brow finally relaxed. "Since that is the case, it makes no difference whether I return or not. You just said that Chang Yuniang is quite the troublemaker; if that is the case, I certainly cannot return."

"Why?" Xiao Yunji felt a bit dejected. Had she known the Princess would be this stubborn, she wouldn't have taken on this task.

Ning Junruo pushed a plate of rose cakes and osmanthus cakes toward her. "The child in Chang Yuniang's womb is due in two months. She knows exactly what this child means for her and the manor. If she gives birth to a daughter, do you think the Dowager will continue to tolerate her? Surely she knows this herself. I refused to recognize her as a cousin and even gave the jewelry the Prince bought for her to you—it is precisely because of these things that she hates me to the bone."

Ning Junruo sighed and continued, "She bears a grudge against me and will certainly not let this go easily. She will likely use some scheme against me before the child is born. If I were back managing the household and she had some issue or suffered a mishap, I would never be able to clear my name. Therefore, I have no intention of returning until the child is born."

Ning Junruo looked troubled. "Of course, this is only my speculation. Perhaps she isn't as I imagine. Please, sister, do not speak of this to anyone. We have both offended her, so you must be careful as well."

Xiao Yunji felt a chill of fear. *Why hadn't she thought of this?* No wonder the Dowager refused to let Pipa go serve her—so that was why! She had mistakenly thought the Dowager was worried she might harm Chang Yuniang. She had to admit, the Princess was truly clever; she saw things with such clarity.

Thinking of her earlier plans, Xiao Yunji nodded repeatedly. "Thank you for your guidance, sister. Then, in your opinion, would it be better if the child in her womb remained or... not?"