Phoenix in the Moonlight

The meal went harmoniously, until one of the relatives broached the topic of children. Though they definitely didn't mean any harm, it was abundantly made known that they couldn't wait for Jia Lixue to be with child. Father Jia smiled in approval, and Wang Yifeng was sure that he felt the same way. Children could strengthen the union between the royal family and his. Of course, he would want the benefits that came with being associated to the throne.

Wang Yifeng didn't comment, acting dignified and not interrupting the conversation between the women. He could see Lixue stealing glances at him from time to time and knew that she had been the one to broach the topic with her parents.

Inappropriate, he thought as he went back to eating his food silently.

He knew for a fact that no one would be on his side when he revealed his decision not to impregnate Lixue. At least for then. He had no desire to be with her, but if his plans succeeded, he would have to someday have relations with her and let her carry his young.

Until then, he planned on avoiding her. It was a good thing that the trip to the south was coming up shortly.

"Wangye, something worrying has come to my ears," Father Jia started once they had gone back to his study to finish their game of chess.

"This son-in-law will try his hardest to soothe your worries."

"It must be because we have not raised our daughter properly, but I have come to know that wangye doesn't have any relations with her. This one is concerned that wangye doesn't like her anymore."

Ah, so there it was, the final blow.

"Rest assured, there is no such thing. My heart is devoted to your daughter and no one else resides there. I merely don't wish for her to bear children while the times are so turbulent. A child should be brought into a peaceful world and cherished. Furthermore, Lixue is still young, her body is weak and may be harmed in childbirth. I do not want for my consort to suffer just to produce an heir."

Father Jia's heart moved slightly, but he held on.

"Wangye is kind for thinking of Lixue so gently. Might I propose that you use medicine to stop pregnancy?" Wang Yifeng had expected such a response.

"Father-in-law, those medicines harm the body and shorten the lifespan. I wish to live a happy life with Lixue until our hair grows grey with age." He bowed. "Please understand."

Father Jia looked at the prince in utter disbelief and helplessness. There was nothing he could say when the other professed such romantic wishes so unashamedly.

They continued with the game until it was time to leave. The eunuch came and guided them to the carriage.

"Lixue, sit with me in my carriage," he said as he entered. He saw the delight in her eyes and simply shook his head.

She entered the carriage with the help of her servants and sat across from him, her face shy.

"Wangye, thank you for accompanying me today."

"Dear consort, I have to speak to you," he said grimly.

Not having seen him so serious, she panicked. He must have found out that she had told about their affairs to others.

"I understand your concern over our lack of relations, but rest assured, I will not send you back or question you." He stated simply.

"I thought of no such thing!" she said nervously. "I'm not ready to be a mother yet," she whispered, breaking the silence in the carriage. "But that is not up to me."

No. It was indeed not up to her. It was his decision if she came with any child of his or not. And he wanted no children.

"I have heard from the old servants at my house that there is a soup that can prevent pregnancies. If wangye wants, I can take it."

He laughed gently and raised his hand to hold her face. "I do not wish for you to undergo hardships because of me. Those things are bad for your health. Don't think about it anymore."

"But husband is going to the South. I have found out how dangerous it is there." Wang Yifeng looked at her without any expression. "Can wangye not go? Or take me with you."

"The south is no place for a woman," he said authoritatively. "And the work must be done by someone. His Majesty has entrusted the job to me and I must fulfill it. When I return, we will think about children."

Of course, he wouldn't. But she didn't need to know that.

"I understand," she said and looked away, moisture pooling in her eyes.

Wang Yifeng knew better than to comfort her at such a time. He shifted in his seat and looked at the book he had brought to entertain him during the ride.

When they reached the wangfu, he led her to her courtyard and accompanied her for dinner. Later, he kissed her forehead, asking her not to fret, before leaving for his study.