Having transmigrated into a book, who would still want to be a secondary wife?

Chapter 362 Fire in the Backyard

"What's wrong?"

Chu Junting's handsome face remained calm and composed, as if he didn't see anything wrong with it.

Chu Tianche lowered his eyes, a sense of doubt creeping into his heart. In his view, Chu Junting had always been very intelligent and should not be the kind of person who would lose his reason for love.

Actually, if Song Ruozhen hadn't broken off her engagement and was two years younger, she wouldn't be any worse off than Ling Qian'er.

It was only because her marriage to Lin Zhiyue was a public scandal, and she broke off the engagement on the very day of the wedding, that she failed to catch the Empress's eye.

Ling Qian'er only returned yesterday, and Chu Junting went to his father today to express his feelings. It is clear that he did not consider the Ling family at all. I'm afraid there is something wrong with the Ling family's return this time.

It seems he'll have to investigate this thoroughly when he gets back. He's heard that Grand Tutor Ling dotes on Ling Qian'er. If he finds out that the Prince of Chu doesn't think much of him, it'll be hard for the two of them not to develop a rift.

"No, I was just surprised."

Chu Tianche smiled faintly, his gaze towards Song Ruozhen becoming complicated. This girl was so beautiful and capable; if she really became the Princess Consort of Chu, she would be a troublesome woman.

However, given Chu Junting's seriousness, it will undoubtedly be much more difficult for him to make Song Ruozhen his concubine.

"Your Majesty need not trouble yourself with me. Instead of wasting your time, you should comfort Your Majesty's wife."

Today, as I was leaving the palace, I happened to pass by Prince Che's residence. I heard that my sister-in-law had summoned a group of people and was preparing to return to her parents' home. If this gets out, I'm afraid it will damage my brother's reputation.

"what?"

Chu Tianche's expression changed drastically, and he subconsciously raised his voice, but he quickly realized his lapse in composure and chuckled helplessly:

"You must be joking. Wanwan wouldn't be so inconsiderate. Besides, she was overworked and fell ill a few days ago while taking care of me. It's not like the rumors say."

Third brother, you've never believed these rumors before, so why do you believe them now?

“It’s not that I’m gullible, I saw it with my own eyes.” A hint of mockery flashed in Chu Junting’s eyes. “I heard that my brother recently took two beautiful concubines, one of whom is pregnant, but he mocked my sister-in-law for being married for two years without having children.”

My sister-in-law must have finally reached her breaking point to return to her parents' home. I advise my brother to keep a close eye on things at home.

Song Zhiyu looked at Song Jingshen curiously and asked in a low voice, "Is this true?"

When it comes to news from the imperial court, Song Yanzhou and Song Yi'an of the Song family know the most, but when it comes to gossip, Song Jingshen knows the most.

If you just ask him, you're sure to find some clues.

As expected, Song Jingshen nodded, "I've also heard that things have been quite turbulent at the Prince Che's residence lately. The Princess Che has been married for two years but has been unable to conceive. She has consulted many doctors, but without any progress."

Prince Che was not a man of lasting affection, and Princess Che was unable to conceive for a long time. Without an heir to rely on, it would be difficult for her to maintain her position.

Now that the concubines in the manor are pregnant, they are constantly mocking Princess Che as a barren hen. I'm afraid any woman would find it unbearable, let alone Princess Che, who is also a noble lady from a prominent family.

"So it's true?" Song Zhiyu clicked his tongue in surprise. Sure enough, there were a lot of troubles after marriage.

Although the two were speaking softly, Chu Tianche still heard them, and his expression grew increasingly grim.

"Third brother, are you serious?"

Chu Junting nodded lightly, "Of course, I sincerely hope that my second brother and sister-in-law have a harmonious relationship. Otherwise, I wouldn't have said such things today."

Chu Tianche hesitated for a moment before saying, "The gifts of gratitude have been delivered today. I have matters to attend to at my residence, so I will return first."

The Song family members were overjoyed that Prince Che was leaving, and they were secretly delighted to hear this, but their faces showed no sign of it.

"Respectfully seeing off His Highness Prince Che."

Watching Prince Che's hurried departure, Song Ruozhen couldn't help but find it amusing. When Prince Che came earlier, he seemed to have everything under control, displaying great confidence.

Who would have thought that in just a short while, a fire broke out in the backyard, and they rushed back in a hurry.

How interesting!

Seeing Chu Tianche leave, Song Ruozhen continued to gaze in the direction he had gone, watching him until he was completely gone. Chu Junting couldn't help but ask:

"The person's already gone, haven't you seen enough yet?"

Song Ruozhen came to her senses and, hearing the faint sourness in his words, raised her eyebrows slightly. "Actually, His Highness Prince Che's visit today to express his gratitude has ulterior motives."

"Ok?"

“He’s after me.” A smile flashed in Song Ruozhen’s eyes. “He said that if I were really with you, the Empress would find fault with me in every way, and I would suffer endless grievances.”

What does it mean to say "if I were really with you"?

Chu Junting seized on the problem with that question and quickly grabbed Song Ruozhen's hand, his tone slightly hurried, "Could it be that we're just pretending to be together now?"

As Song Ruozhen shook off his hand, she raised her chin and looked to the other side, saying, "We weren't even together."

Chu Junting raised an eyebrow; it seemed he needed to find a way to finalize this title as soon as possible.

He leaned close to Song Ruozhen and whispered, "You hugged me last night, aren't you going to take responsibility for me? No girl has ever hugged me in all these years."

"You were the one who hugged me yesterday!" Song Ruozhen couldn't help but retort.

Chu Junting thought for a moment and said, "Then I'll take responsibility for you."

Song Ruozhen glanced at him, and said incredulously, "Your Highness, when did you become so shameless?"

"What's the point of saving face in front of someone you like?" Chu Junting said matter-of-factly. "As long as you're willing to be with me, I'll give up everything else."

Song Ruozhen: "..."

"Stay away from Chu Tianche from now on. He's no good person, and his backyard is a complete mess." Chu Junting didn't hide his disdain at all, shaking his head as he spoke.

Song Ruozhen chuckled, "I didn't know you were so familiar with the situation in Prince Che's harem. Is Princess Che really planning to go back to her parents' home?"

The princess is of noble status, and after marriage she must abide by etiquette. If she goes back to her parents' home, it is actually a slap in the face to the royal family.

“She does intend to go back, not entirely because of those two concubines, but also to see a doctor,” Chu Junting said.

Song Ruozhen understood. It seemed that this Princess Che had a tough time. Even though they had never met, she could sense the chaos and turmoil in the mansion.

However, such things are common in the royal family. No matter how much people laugh at her behind her back, they still have to respectfully address her as the Princess, and she remains someone that ordinary people look up to.

"After I came back yesterday, I carefully performed a divination," Song Ruozhen admitted.

Chu Junting's eyes narrowed slightly. "What did you calculate?"

“I once consulted the oracle for my father. His divination indicated that although there would be some twists and turns, he would eventually return safely. So I am not worried and do not want to rashly disrupt his plans.”