Chapter 202: A Husband's Prosperity - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

Chapter 202: A Husband's Prosperity

Liang Luo found herself in a dilemma, like a lamb in the tiger's den, unable to advance or retreat. She could only evade, saying, "Marriage is decided by parents. I dare not speak out of turn."

Consort Zhen burst into laughter.

In other families, this statement might be believable, but considering the Liang family had Liang Gongzi, who had chosen his own bride, saying such things now seemed like self-deception.

Liang Luo knew why Consort Zhen was laughing, and her face flushed with embarrassment. For the first time, she felt that her brother’s marriage was a disgrace.

Consort Wei also knew that some things could be overdone, so she defended Liang Luo.

"Alright, sisters, you’ve kept me company long enough. If there’s anything else, let’s discuss it another day."

Everyone knew this was a dismissal. Consort Liu was the first to rise and bid farewell, and the others followed suit.

Once the consorts and concubines had left, Consort Wei began to speak earnestly with Liang Luo.

"When you used to visit with Lan’er to pay respects, I was quite fond of you. It was unfortunate that Yunli was already engaged at that time, so I couldn’t delay you. Now, let me ask you frankly, Miss Liang, do you have feelings for my son?"

Liang Luo never imagined Consort Wei would be so direct. She blushed and nodded shyly.

"Good. If you could marry Yunli, I would be at ease. But you know, the Crown Prince’s wife has just given birth to a son, the emperor’s first grandson. The Empress and the Crown Prince have gained much favor from the emperor because of this. Yunli needs a wife from a powerful family; otherwise, he’ll always be suppressed."

"Your Highness... the Ninth Prince is extraordinary and will surely rise to greatness."

Liang Luo, having admired the Ninth Prince for a long time, spoke in his defense, seeing only his virtues.

"That may be true, but the royal family is not like ordinary families. A slight mistake can lead to eternal damnation. You are excellent, but your family’s influence is insufficient to protect Yuni. Do you understand what I mean?"

Hearing this, Liang Luo felt a cold chill. She had hoped today’s visit would deepen her bond with Consort Wei, but instead, she heard this. Seeing her excitement drain away, Consort Wei put on a pained expression and took Liang Luo’s hand like a caring elder.

"I like you, and I believe Yun Li would like you too. But I can’t promise you the position of the main wife. If you truly care for Yun Li, you could become a concubine first. Once you bear him a son, no one can surpass you, even if they hold the title of main wife. I’ve already had your birthdate and fortune checked; it’s exceptionally prosperous for a husband. If you marry into the prince’s household, I assure you that if my son gains the empire, your status will be second to none."

Liang Luo was thrown into confusion by Consort Wei’s words.

With her status, even becoming the unappreciated wife of a prince was challenging, let alone the Ninth Prince. But being a concubine was something she was reluctant to accept.

Seeing her hesitation, Consort Wei didn’t push her to decide immediately. Instead, she comforted her with a few more words and then changed the subject.

With one pondering and the other distracted, their conversation was brief.

When Liang Luo realized it, she was already in the carriage heading home. Jinxiu, seeing her pale face, thought something serious had happened and asked worriedly.

"Miss, what’s wrong? Did Consort Wei say something unpleasant?"

Liang Luo shook her head. Rationally speaking, becoming the Ninth Prince’s concubine was already a great honor, especially with Consort Wei’s backing for future support.

Yet she felt uneasy, sensing something amiss.

Today, Consort Wei’s attitude was vastly different from before. When she had accompanied Wei Lanxuan to pay respects, she barely exchanged a few words with Consort Wei, but today she was treated like a daughter.

She wasn’t very clever, but that didn’t mean she was foolish.
Could it be, as Consort Wei said, she valued her birthdate and fortune?

"Jin Xiu, I remember my cousin on my maternal grandfather’s side works at the Imperial Astronomical Bureau. He’s likely still there. Have the coachman take me there. I want to ask him something."

"Alright!"

Jin Xiu lifted the curtain and instructed the coachman, then turned back inside, bringing in a chill that made Liang Luo shiver.

In Hanzhang Palace, Yue Shi was puzzled. "Why did you go out of your way to flatter the daughter of a third-rank official? She should be happy even to be a concubine of the Third Prince, let alone a concubine of the Ninth Prince."

A hint of a smile appeared on Consort Wei’s lips. "Her father is about to be appointed as the Transport Commissioner of Liangzhe, which makes her the daughter of a second-rank official. But I’m not interested in her or her father. It’s her maternal grandfather, the Marquis of Changyi, that I have my eyes on."

Yue Shi frowned, still not understanding Consort Wei’s strategy.

The Marquis of Changyi had fallen out of favor with the emperor years ago, and his influence had waned. What benefit was there in aligning with him now?

Seeing Yue Shi’s confusion, Consort Wei looked at her disdainfully. A maid is a maid, serving her for so long yet still lacking understanding.

"A centipede dies but never falls. It’s not the Marquis of Changyi I want, but his prestige among the literati. My father has held power in the court for years and has long been at odds with Prime Minister Bai and Grand Secretary Xu. The court officials mostly resent our Wei family. For Yunli to gain their support, he needs someone influential. After much consideration, the Marquis of Changyi is the best candidate."

The Marquis of Changyi, having studied under esteemed scholars and philosophers, held high esteem among literati and officials. Though not as influential as Grand Secretary Bai and Minister Xu, he could still sway some officials.

This was something the Princess of Qianling couldn’t achieve.

To marry into the Ninth Prince’s household, even concubines and maids needed to have impeccable backgrounds and be of assistance.

Consort Wei had considered this for twenty years and naturally had some insights.

"Watch and see. With Liang Luo’s nature, she will likely go to the Imperial Astronomical Bureau to verify. I’ve already arranged everything. She’ll agree to enter the prince’s household as a concubine."

"Your Highness is wise! I am in awe."

Consort Wei closed her eyes, enjoying Yue Shi’s shoulder massage, feeling increasingly pleased with her plans.

At the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, Liang Luo got the confirmation she wanted.

Her cousin brought in a fate calculator to analyze her birthdate, confirming that she indeed had a prosperous destiny for a husband. Hearing this, Liang Luo’s doubts were finally put to rest.

It turned out that Consort Wei valued her for this, hence the warm treatment today.