Old Madam Wei led Chu Shaoling into the main hall, hurriedly offering tea. Old Madam Wei smiled, "Your Highness, please don't look down on this. This Longjing tea was sent by you. I heard from Wei Ji that it's your favorite."

Chu Shaoling smiled, "Old Madam is thoughtful."

Seeing that Chu Shaoling was not as rumored outside, Old Madam Wei gradually spoke more. She said slowly, "Wei Ji is the youngest son. When he was young, the family couldn't help but dote on him more. His temperament is not as steady and patient as his elder brother's. I'm afraid there were times when he displeased Your Highness while serving by your side over the years. This old body apologizes first for this little troublemaker."

"Old Madam is too polite." Chu Shaoling raised his eyebrows and looked at Wei Ji. "Wei Ji is very well-behaved and rarely makes mistakes. It's all thanks to the good family education of your noble residence."

Wei Ji felt a little embarrassed and lowered his head without saying a word. Old Madam Wei smiled from ear to ear, pressing the corner of her mouth with a handkerchief. She laughed, "How can he be that good? Even if he has some decorum, it's learned from staying by Your Highness's side for a long time."

As Wei Ji's official position became higher, countless eyes were watching. After all, he didn't rise up bit by bit in the military. Old Madam Wei was afraid that his young age might lead to mishaps. Wei Ji was promoted by Chu Shaoling. As long as Chu Shaoling still valued Wei Ji, there would be no problem.

Old Madam Wei didn't understand and had always thought Chu Shaoling gave Wei Ji some face because of Wei Zhan. She laughed, "This child is different from his elder brother, a bit dull-headed and slow-witted. He only has one good point - being loyal enough and honest. Your Highness can rest assured about this alone."

Chu Shaoling knew Old Madam Wei's thoughts well and found it amusing in his heart. He said, "Old Madam, rest assured. Wei Ji has been very loyal by my side these past few years. I have it in mind."

Old Madam Wei felt more at ease and said offhandedly, "After all, he's still young. It'll be better to find him a marriage in a year or two. These children need to start a family to settle their temperament. Back then, when his father..."

"Grandmother." Wei Ji couldn't help but interject, "When did I say I want to marry?!"

Old Madam Wei thought Wei Ji was just embarrassed and laughed, "Calling you a child, you're indeed still childish. How can you not marry? Haha."

Chu Shaoling put down his teacup and raised his eyes to look at Madam Jiang standing behind Old Madam Wei. Madam Jiang's heart trembled. Heavens have mercy, she was wronged this time. Chu Shaoling wouldn't even allow her to give Wei Ji a concubine, how would she dare mention marriage again?

This was the first time Madam Jiang met Chu Shaoling, but they had privately exchanged a few moves. Madam Jiang admitted defeat wholeheartedly. The whole family was now in Chu Shaoling's hands. Madam Jiang had no other way. Besides, her youngest son's official position was getting higher and higher, and he had more spirit than before. Madam Jiang accepted it in her heart.

Chu Shaoling smiled and said, "Old Madam loves her children and grandchildren. Why not entrust Wei Ji's marriage to this prince? This prince is untalented but can still find Wei Ji a good marriage."

Upon hearing this, Old Madam Wei's eyes lit up. Chu Shaoling had hinted at the same thing before, telling them not to rush to arrange Wei Zhan's marriage. Later, Wei Zhan even became the emperor's son-in-law. If Chu Shaoling didn't make a move, so be it, but if he did, it would be a big move. Old Madam Wei was very clear. Even if their residence now had some power in the imperial city, compared to Chu Shaoling, it was like a small subject meeting a great one. A marriage arranged by Chu Shaoling would definitely not go wrong!

Old Madam Wei nodded repeatedly, "Then this old body will entrust this little troublemaker to Your Highness. Oh, our residence has accumulated blessings for several lifetimes. Wei Ji! Hurry and kowtow to His Highness. In the future, you can only rely on His Highness. You definitely won't go wrong. From now on, serve His Highness well. If there's the slightest thing you can't do, His Highness might spare you considering your elder brother, but I'll hammer you first!"

Wei Ji felt both embarrassed and helpless in his heart. He could only step forward and perform the ritual to thank Chu Shaoling for his grace. Chu Shaoling found it amusing and stood up, saying, "Old Madam and Madam can rest assured about Wei Ji's matters. This prince is going to see Fuyi."

Old Madam Wei quickly agreed and ordered someone to lead Chu Shaoling to the inner courtyard. The connected courtyard inside was where Fuyi and Wei Zhan held their wedding that day. Chu Shaoling still had an impression and could find his way without someone leading him. Inside, Fuyi had long heard that Chu Shaoling had come, but the old nurses advised her not to leave the room. Now seeing Chu Shaoling arrive, she hurriedly came out to pay her respects.

Chu Shaoling stepped forward to help Fuyi up and smiled, "We haven't met for just half a month, but your stomach has gotten much bigger."

Fuyi blushed and let Chu Shaoling into the inner room. She said softly, "A few days ago, Imperial Physician Zhang came to take my pulse. He said I'm pregnant with twins, so my belly is bigger and I'm having a harder time than others. I don't feel anything myself, but it alarmed the room full of old nurses. They don't allow me to touch this or move that all day long. It's very boring."

Chu Shaoling smiled, "Twins? That's great news. Have you informed the palace?"

Fuyi shook her head and said softly, "Big Brother also knows the current situation in the palace. How could they care about me? I instructed Imperial Physician Zhang that if the Empress Dowager asks about me one day, he should tell her about my situation. If she doesn't ask, there's no need to deliberately report it as a matter, lest others say I'm frivolous."

"Sister, you're overthinking. If it's really twins, we need to have the palace send over a few more midwives." Chu Shaoling paused. "Can Imperial Physician Zhang tell if they're boys or girls?"

Fuyi shook her head with a red face and smiled shyly, "How could we know? The old nurses said it looks like I'm carrying boys, but I don't know if they're just trying to make me happy."

Chu Shaoling seemed lost in thought and casually comforted, "Sister, just focus on nurturing the fetuses. Even if they're not boys, I don't think the prince consort would mind. You're a young couple. In the future, you can have as many boys as you want."

Mentioning Wei Zhan, Fuyi's face flushed even more. Now that she had left the palace and frequently interacted with the noble ladies in the imperial city, she gradually heard about the troublesome matters in these madams' families. In comparison, she realized how carefree her life was. Even the two princesses who married before her didn't have it as easy as her. Fuyi cherished her blessings and only thought about managing the couple's life well, giving Wei Zhan a legitimate son early on.

The siblings talked for a while longer. Outside, it was announced that Wei Zhan had returned. Fuyi smiled, "The prince consort probably knew Big Brother was here. He usually doesn't come back this early."

Chu Shaoling stood up and gently pressed Fuyi's shoulder, not letting her make too much ceremony. He said softly, "I've already taken up half a day of your energy. Rest well. I'll go out and talk with the prince consort. I brought some supplements. Have the old nurses take a look and then eat them according to the imperial physician's instructions. Be more willful in your daily life."

Fuyi thought Chu Shaoling had official business to discuss with Wei Zhan. She didn't understand and didn't dare to ask more. She smiled, "Big brother, don't worry, I know what's important."

Chu Shaoling turned and left the inner room. Wei Zhan was still wearing his military robe. Seeing Chu Shaoling, he stepped forward to pay his respects. Chu Shaoling helped him up with a smile, "No need for such formalities. I just checked on Fuyi. She looks even better than when she was in the palace before, which shows that your household treats her well."

Wei Zhan lowered his head, "This lowly official from a poor family has inconvenienced the princess."

Chu Shaoling sat down and thought for a moment, "I just heard Fuyi say this pregnancy is twins."

Wei Zhan nodded, "Doctor Zhang said so the other day."

"Too bad we still don't know if they are boys or girls." Chu Shaoling picked up the teacup and chuckled, "It would be good if they were two boys."

Wei Zhan didn't know what Chu Shaoling meant. He could only follow Chu Shaoling's words and said in a deep voice, "Your Highness, rest assured, whether boy or girl, this official will treat the princess the same as always."

Chu Shaoling laughed, "I'm not talking to you about this. Of course I understand your feelings for Fuyi. I also hope Fuyi can give birth to a boy. It would be good if she could add two boys at once. You have great fortune."

Chu Shaoling put down the teacup and sighed softly, "It's just a pity for Wei Ji, with no one to inherit his line."

Wei Zhan's heart trembled. He instantly understood Chu Shaoling's meaning. Chu Shaoling looked at Wei Zhan's face and said in a low voice, "You should know, I value the eldest legitimate son. It is in line with the great tradition for the eldest son to inherit the family estate. In other words, the second son is not so important, right?"

Wei Zhan didn't know how to respond. Chu Shaoling smiled reassuringly, "Wei Ji is someone this king wants to make great use of. It would be a pity if there is no one to inherit his family estate in the future. Wouldn't it be better if you help share his burden? This way, your children can gain an extra portion of family assets, and Wei Ji's knees won't be lonely. Isn't that very good?"

Wei Zhan hesitated, "My younger brother is still young. In the future..."

Chu Shaoling chuckled, "As for the future, I have arranged everything for him. You can rest assured."

Wei Zhan didn't know how to argue. Doing this would take too much advantage of Wei Ji. In his heart, Wei Zhan felt guilty towards Wei Ji. He still hoped Wei Ji could marry and have children like others.

Chu Shaoling patted Wei Zhan's shoulder and said in a low voice, "If Fuyi gives birth to two girls or a boy and a girl this time, then treat it as if I never said anything. I won't touch your eldest son. You just need to have the second son adopted by Wei Ji. There's no one in Wei Ji's household who can raise a child. When the child is young, he will naturally still be raised by Fuyi's side. Wei Zhan, you and Fuyi won't lose out at all."

Wei Zhan shook his head, "This official is not concerned about that. This official is just afraid that my younger brother, my younger brother he..."

"He would be more than willing. But it's better for you to tell him about this." Chu Shaoling didn't want to let Wei Ji know that this child was obtained through threats and enticements. Chu Shaoling said softly, "After Fuyi gives birth to the second son, you go tell him. Wei Ji will be willing."

Wei Zhan had no choice but to agree. After hesitating for a while, he said, "Your Highness, if one day you have a change of heart and no longer need my younger brother to accompany you, then the adoption will be void. Let my younger brother marry and have children properly. That's better than this."

Chu Shaoling smiled. Wei Zhan was wholeheartedly thinking for Wei Ji's sake. Since Wei Zhan had spoken openly, Chu Shaoling also didn't hide it. He stood up and said in a deep voice, "What kind of feelings I have for him now, will still be the same feelings a hundred years later. I'm afraid even if I say this now, you won't believe it. You'll just have to wait and see."

Chu Shaoling had said the same thing to Wei Ji back then. At that time, Wei Ji didn't believe it, but later slowly came to believe it. Chu Shaoling was confident that Wei Zhan would also believe it in the future.

In the swaying carriage returning to the prince's Manor, Wei Ji hadn't slept at noon and was now drowsily nodding off. Chu Shaoling found it amusing. He held Wei Ji and let him rest on his lap. Wei Ji lay on Chu Shaoling and mumbled incoherently, "Your Highness, this official won't get married."

Chu Shaoling tucked the hair that had fallen on Wei Ji's face behind his ear and said softly, "I won't let you get married. I was just coaxing your family's old madam. How could I really let you marry? Besides, haven't you already married me?"

Wei Ji smiled and nodded, "Right..."

Chu Shaoling smiled and ruffled Wei Ji's hair. Wei Ji snuggled in and said in a low voice, "Your Highness, why did you suddenly come today? You gave this official a fright."

Of course he couldn't let Wei Ji know the real reason for coming. Chu Shaoling casually said, "You weren't around and it was boring in my Manor too. I just thought of coming over to see you and bring you back, and also check on Fuyi while I was at it."

Wei Ji nodded and dozed off again. Chu Shaoling only felt that his embrace was warm from Wei Ji's body heat, like hugging an obedient kitten. Chu Shaoling gently touched Wei Ji's soft and moist lips. Wei Ji turned his head to avoid it, utterly adorable.

Before long, they arrived at the prince's Manor. Chu Shaoling woke him up. Afraid that he would catch a chill from the wind right after waking, the two of them sat in the carriage a while longer. Chu Shaoling raised his hand and pinched Wei Ji's face, chuckling softly, "You called out for me in your dream just now."

"Ah?" Wei Ji was instantly wide awake, embarrassed, "This official... what did I say?"

Chu Shaoling held back his laughter. This silly thing believed everything. Chu Shaoling leaned close to Wei Ji's ear and whispered a few lewd words. Wei Ji's ears instantly burned bright red. Mortified, he wished he could find a crack in the ground to crawl into. Chu Shaoling pretended to be considerate, "Feeling shy? Don't worry, I won't mention this again in the future."

Wei Ji originally thought Chu Shaoling would tease him properly. He didn't expect Chu Shaoling to let it go so easily. He quickly nodded, "Thank... thank you, Your Highness."

Chu Shaoling couldn't hold back his laughter, "Enough, let's get off the carriage."

The two entered the prince's Manor. Just as they passed the hanging flower gate, Wang Muhan hurried out from inside and said in a deep voice, "Your Highness, the palace just sent word that the barbarians from Liaoliang in the west have invaded. The Emperor commands Your Highness to enter the palace to discuss the matter."