Pregnant Before the Royal Marriage

Chapter 785: Chapter 785: Once Secretly Promised a Lifetime Together

A trace of unusual emotion flashed in He Tang’s eyes.

He raised his hand in a fist salute and softly said, “I understand. I only wish that from now on, the Princess Consort can live a life of peace, happiness, and success.”

Jiang Ning sat in the carriage, watching his figure gradually shrink into the distance, and sighed.

Hearing the sigh, Jiang Ning was suddenly startled and somewhat lost in thought.

“Master, why did you sigh?” Xiachu asked.

“I don’t know why, I just unconsciously sighed.” Jiang Ning looked back out the carriage and said.

Xiachu whispered, “Master, did you and He Hanlin know each other from a young age?”

“Yes, when I was young, my foster parents were extremely poor. Although He Tang’s family was also poor, they did not skimp on food and drink. He would often save his own snacks and share them with me.”

This was not something she remembered from the original owner’s memories.

In the time before she took the original owner’s place and returned to the Jiang family, He Tang would frequently send her food through his family’s servants.

That, of course, was done behind his mother’s back.

From the servants’ words, Jiang Ning learned about the many things between the original owner and He Tang.

Jiang Ning could believe without hesitation that the original owner and He Tang had already pledged to marry each other. If the original owner had managed to survive, they would have become a loving couple.

But alas.

While He Tang was forced by his family to study for the imperial exam in seclusion, the original owner did not make it through. A crippled orphan girl, she fell ill during the cold season and never recovered.

Although He Tang did not know that the love of his life had died, when he learned of Jiang Ning’s return to the Prime Minister’s Mansion, her swift marriage to the Prince of Yu, and then the birth of their child, he did not complain or show any dissatisfaction or resentment towards Jiang Ning.

No matter whether he felt heartbreak or shed tears in private.

At least on the surface and in front of Jiang Ning, he maintained the dignified and gentle demeanor of a gentleman.

For this reason, Jiang Ning admired him.

After hearing her story, Xiachu’s eyes reddened, and with a pained expression, she said, “Master, you were once so precious and valued, but were kidnapped and had to suffer… It’s truly hateful.”

“It is indeed pitiful.”

Jiang Ning deeply agreed and felt sympathy for the original owner.

Ultimately, the original owner never lived to see her biological parents find her.

Xiachu sobbed, “This life, I will serve you well, and never let you suffer again.”

“I believe in you. Now stop crying with your golden-bean tears.” Jiang Ning offered her a handkerchief. “Today is Sixth Miss’s big day. You’re all teary-eyed and red, it’s not good for others to see.”

Upon hearing this, Xiachu quickly wiped away her tears and smiled, “Master, are we going back to the palace now?”

“We’re going to the Jiang family.”

“What for?”

“It’s still early. It’s not often that we get to leave the palace. There’s no need to go back so soon.” Jiang Ning instructed Gucheng to head towards the Prime Minister’s Mansion.

Xiachu smiled with pursed lips.

Jiang Ning asked, “What are you laughing at?”

“If the ladies in the Harem heard Master saying how rare it is to leave the palace, they would surely cry.” Xiachu laughed.

Most concubines, from the day they entered the palace, might never have the chance to leave the palace for their entire lives.

If they were favored, perhaps they would have the opportunity to visit their family, but only once or twice. Those who do well in the palace and hold a higher position may invite their family into the palace for reunions.

And those who do not fare well, they would be estranged from their family for life.

Although Jiang Ning couldn’t freely enter and leave the Imperial Palace, as long as she wanted to leave and had a legitimate reason, the Emperor and Crown Prince wouldn’t deliberately make things difficult for her.