Pregnant Before the Royal Marriage

Her hibiscus-like almond eyes, so big and seemingly unintentionally bearing an ambiguous hint of a smile.

It was the first time that Jiang Yi had seen such an expression on a young girl’s face.

But that wasn’t what surprised him the most.

He was shocked that the girl’s appearance resembled his mother so much.

Although his mother had become haggard and changed, he could still clearly remember her youthful beauty.

He never thought he could see it again.

As they spoke, Jiang Ning’s wheelchair had already arrived in front of them.

Jiang Yuan stood by her brother’s side, just smiling.

Jiang Yan was more polite as she came over and said with a smile, “I heard that Seventh Sister has not been feeling well these past few days. I also had a headache from a cold recently, and only just recovered, so I didn’t manage to visit Seventh Sister.”

“Visiting or not, it doesn’t matter.”

Jiang Ruobai, escorted by a servant, approached and asked, “Yi, have you met your sister yet?”

Jiang Yi collected his thoughts and greeted his sister with a bow: “Upon hearing that father managed to find Seventh Sister, I was relieved. Now that I see her, her appearance resembles that of my mother. It’s quite remarkable.”

Jiang Ning simply smiled and said nonchalantly, “I’ve met Third Brother.”

Jiang Ruobai said, “Your mother is sometimes confused, sometimes lucid, and she has seen Seventh Miss, but she does not know that she is her long-lost child. Take it slow, and don’t say anything to upset her.”

Even though Lin Zizi is their birth mother, her health and spirit had deteriorated over the years, making her almost nonexistent within the household. The two concubine-born daughters only occasionally paid their respects to her, and generally kept their distance.

Even though Aunt Hua was doted upon, her status as birth mother ensured that no one dared to show any disrespect.

All of the siblings agreed.

Jiang Ruobai said, “Yi, your Seventh Sister has just returned and is still adapting. Her body is also unwell. I’ve asked someone to invite a nanny from the palace to teach her some manners, and she will be entering the palace the day after tomorrow. Take advantage of today by bringing her out for a stroll. Bring plenty of silver and buy whatever she likes.”

This statement startled the three siblings.

The day after tomorrow was the day when the Emperor would be choosing a Princess Consort for the Prince of Yu.

The Prince of Yu was the Emperor’s fifth and youngest prince. He had now turned eighteen, and it was time for him to marry. The Prince of Yu’s residence was ready, and all that was left was for him to marry his chosen Princess Consort and move in.

Jiang Ruobai’s mention of entering the palace with Seventh Sister in two days could not possibly be for mere sightseeing.

Could it be that she was also participating in the selection?

Although Jiang Yi’s impression of his younger sister by blood wasn’t deep, she was a child that his mother had been missing for over a decade, so he cared about her.

He glanced at Jiang Ning’s legs, not quite understanding his father’s intentions.

As the only royal prince yet to marry, the outstanding Prince of Yu was naturally the object of everyone’s desire. He understood his two concubine-born sisters participating in the selection, despite their lower status and the slim chance of succeeding.

But it was strange for Seventh Sister, who had just been found and had not even been recognized by their mother, to be sent to the selection.

Especially with her leg disability.

Wouldn’t that be offensive to the royal family?

Upon closer examination, the only praise-worthy aspect of Seventh Sister was her beautiful face.

Marrying a wife for virtue and taking a concubine for beauty.

When a prince marries a main consort, it wouldn’t be just for a pretty face, would it?

Family background, personal character, and physical health for childbearing were the primary factors examined.

As for beauty, it wasn’t important.

If they fancied beautiful women, they could take concubines.

Those were merely playthings.

Jiang Yi didn’t understand and couldn’t help but frown slightly, though he refrained from contradicting his father in public.

Jiang Yan remained silent, while the usually doted-upon Jiang Yuan seemed a bit restless..