Chapter 200: The Primary Consort

Chapter 200

The Primary Consort

Kang Wang’s wedding was held with grandeur, befitting his status. Having been away from the capital for many years since his youth, the Emperor felt it was only right to compensate him in some way. Rumors that Kang Wang’s consort was Mu Rongying no longer held anyone’s attention. People believed it was impossible. If she truly were Young Miss Mu, Kang Wang would never have agreed to the marriage. After all, everyone knew that the Empress, Mu Guifei, and Zheng Xian Fei had been rivals for years. Why would she allow her son to have a marriage alliance with the enemy’s family?

The Mu family did attend to offer their congratulations, but they couldn’t claim to be the bride’s family. Instead, all the benefits seemed to fall on Nie Ran. People admired and envied him at the same time. He was just a merchant, but his daughters had both married highly esteemed men that women all over the capital dreamed of. The Nie family became a family even officials were wary of offending. Meanwhile, the Mu family, though outwardly smiling, had to swallow their bitterness. They had lost Mu Rongying without gaining anything in return. One could only imagine how much pain the Grand Chancellor Mu felt seeing her in bridal attire under the Nie family name.

Perhaps because Kang Wang married a merchant’s daughter with no political ties to the royal court, the marriage didn’t draw much attention from the officials. It was clear that Kang Wang wouldn’t gain political support from his consort’s family. Many were surprised that Xian Fei hadn’t objected. She had been searching for a suitable woman for years to fill the position of primary consort, only to accept a merchant’s daughter so easily in the end. It seemed Xian Fei had chosen to step back from court politics. With the Empress dominating the inner palace and Mu Guifei supported by the powerful Mu family, Kang Wang remained solitary, ruling from afar. Xian Fei’s Zheng family, full of scholars and intellectuals, lacked the force to compete with anyone.

The wedding went smoothly, and Nie Ying officially became the primary consort. As she was pregnant, she could avoid further public appearances once again. During their return to the capital, it was the first time Xian Fei met her grandson, Ye Tianpeng. The boy was adorable, always smiling and easy to care for. Xian Fei was utterly smitten with him, spending her days at Kang Wang’s Chong Dian Palace, unable to part from her grandson.

Perhaps it was for the best... After spending nearly her entire life in the inner palace, Xian Fei genuinely felt at ease for the first time. Seeing her son happy brought her peace of mind. She was content to let the Empress and Mu Guifei continue their struggles. To her, they were insignificant. Her thoughts were solely focused on her little grandson and the child growing in her daughter-in-law’s womb. Once the ceremony was over, the family would soon return to Huangjing City, and she knew she would miss them dearly.

Princess An Le and Nie Shuang were also frequent visitors to Kang Wang’s palace. An Le was nearing her due date but remained active, often bringing Nie Shuang and the children to visit the Emperor, and then stopping by to see Nie Ying for afternoon chats. Ye Tianpeng, having grown up in Huangjing without siblings, was fascinated by the six twins and kept staring. He had never seen so many young children together before. The six siblings played joyfully, sometimes quarreling but quickly making up and playing again. Nie Ying encouraged her son to join his cousins, but though he was intrigued, he remained a bit shy.

"Bao Bao, this is A’Peng, he is your new little brother. He’s not used to having older siblings yet. Can I count on you to look after him?"

Bao Bao listened carefully to his pretty Aunt Yingying’s request. He nodded earnestly and walked over to Ye Tianpeng, who was still unsteady on his feet.

"Peng, come play with me,"

Bao Bao invited his younger cousin. Xiao Hua Hua, curious as ever, followed her older brother. When she saw the cute little boy, she felt an immediate fondness and crouched down next to him. She gently patted his head, repeating softly, ‘Little brother, little brother.’ Nie Ying smiled fondly at the scene.

Xiao Hua Hua smiled sweetly at Ye Tianpeng and told him that big sister would take him to play. Ye Tianpeng crawled after her, completely ignoring Bao Bao, who stood waiting nearby. Da Ge was the ever-kind older brother, but once again, Hua Hua had stolen the spotlight. Nie Ying smiled at Bao Bao, who stood still, and patted his head to compliment him.

"Thank you, Bao Bao. I haven’t seen you in so long, and now you’ve grown into a responsible big brother."

Bao Bao, also missed his Aunt Yingying, decided not to join the others and instead brought his toys to sit and play next to his beautiful aunt. He paid no mind to Kang Wang’s glance in his direction. Kang Wang watched as Xiao Hua Hua led Ye Tianpeng to join the group, and the little boy, excited to be around other children his age, let out joyful squeals. In no time, they all bonded as if they had been siblings their entire lives. Even Shang’er, the youngest, was thrilled to meet a child smaller than himself. He proudly offered his toy as if he were a big brother, too. Watching them play, An Le couldn’t help but smile contentedly.

"I can’t wait to give birth to my little one. They’ll have yet another playmate. They’re all so adorable,"

An Le had barely finished speaking when Min’er and Shang’er began to squabble, prompting Nie Shuang to intervene. An Le stuck out her tongue playfully and added,

"But when they start fighting and fussing, I’ll leave it to A’Ren to handle. I’m too hot-tempered; I’d end up arguing with the kids myself."

Nie Shuang and Nie Ying laughed heartily at that. They were having fun talking to each other. Now that they were all mothers, their conversations often revolved around their children.

"The wedding is done now. When do you plan to return to Huangjing, Yingying?"

Nie Shuang asked. Nie Ying glanced at Xian Fei, who was still following her grandson, before replying,

"We’ll probably stay for another half month. This is the first time Xian Fei has had the chance to spend time with her grandson. I don’t want to separate them too soon."

"Mm, in that case, I’ll let Wang Dongpo know he can return with you. In the meantime, he can help out at the tea house here."

Naturally, Nie Shuang didn’t mention to Nie Ying or Chunmei that Wang Dongpo had found his long-lost sister. It was a personal matter for Manager Wang, and whatever decision he made, it wasn’t her place to interfere.The following month, Kang Wang and his consort made their way back to Huangjing City, accompanied by Wang Dongpo.