Chapter 83: Crown Prince’s Concubine – 11

Xie Liangchen had been out of contact for a long time. His grandmother hadn’t dared to mention him in front of Ren Xin, fearing she would be upset.

Ren Xin, however, didn’t really care. Their feelings for each other hadn’t been deep to begin with. Even though they had collaborated to produce children, she was a scumbag ginseng spirit: she had no heart!

As it turned out, the man everyone was worrying about appeared on her bed that very night. He was covered in filth from head to toe, looking like a common beggar.

“Tell me the truth,” she said. “Did you fail at selling your body and switch to selling your talents instead?”

Xie Liangchen: “…”

Ren Xin felt she had uncovered the truth, but she still said disdainfully, “Go take a bath. You smell like a swill bucket right now. I didn’t throw up once during my pregnancy, but if I end up puking after my postpartum month¹ because my husband stinks, I’ll be the laughingstock of the town.”

“So, you didn’t miss me at all?”

Ren Xin shook her head honestly. “Usually, I can look at your handsome face and tell a string of lies. But now your face is caked in mud, I don’t love it at all. Don’t force me.”

Xie Liangchen: “…” It must be so hard for you.

Xie Liangchen obediently got up and went to the bathroom. Ren Xin also clattered out of bed. Seeing that the man probably hadn’t eaten, and since she happened to be hungry too, she figured they might as well eat together.

“Have the kitchen make some braised meat noodles and prepare a few side dishes. Make it quick.”

“Yes, Madam.”

Ren Xin squinted her eyes, waiting for the food.

A tall man appeared with wet hair draped over his shoulders. His handsome face was clearly visible now, and his physique seemed even more explosive than before.

Drooling slightly, Ren Xin looked at him with newfound interest. “Why are you back? Oh, I missed you so much! You have no idea, I gave birth to three sons for you. It’s a pity you’re so useless; I wanted a daughter, but you couldn’t give me one.”

Xie Liangchen: “…” Sorry, it’s all his fault!

Of course it was. Whenever things went wrong, it was always the seed’s fault; the soil was always top-tier.

When the dishes were served, Xie Liangchen was truly starving. Ren Xin was no slouch either; after giving birth, she had entered “big eater” mode. Since she didn’t gain weight no matter how much she ate, she had nothing to fear. Her main goal was to feast in style.

“Madam, won’t you be uncomfortably full if you eat like this?”

Ren Xin sighed with mock sorrow as she ate. “It can’t be helped. Once a woman becomes a mother, she has to lose something. Such is a mother’s sacrifice.”

Xie Liangchen didn’t understand. “Then what did you lose after becoming a mother?”

Ren Xin replied righteously, “Nothing! On the contrary, I gained quite a lot. Grandmother gave me so much jewelry and good stuff, I love it all. I’m planning to give her a few more great-grandchildren.”

Xie Liangchen: “…” He could never quite keep up with his wife’s train of thought.

Once they were full, Xie Liangchen wanted to see the children. Ren Xin treated it as a post-meal stroll and followed along, chattering incessantly the whole way. “The children don’t have formal names yet, but for their nicknames, I promised to let Qingfeng choose. He said he wouldn’t make fun of me for being bad at my studies anymore, so I agreed.”

Xie Liangchen asked with a smile, “Aren’t you a bit too easy to persuade?”

“I was thinking the same thing. Why am I so nice? You’re really lucky to have married an incomparable beauty like me—virtuous, domestic, and pretty as a flower. But you’re the one who’s lacking; you can’t even produce a girl. I’m truly disappointed in you…”

Xie Liangchen: “…” Fine, they would try for one as soon as they got back, and keep trying until they succeeded, alright?

Ren Xin rolled her eyes. This useless man, a defeated opponent.

The three children were sleeping soundly. Grandmother had hired six wet nurses just for them. The three boys took after Xie Liangchen more in appearance, which was another point of dissatisfaction for Ren Xin.

When the two returned to the room, Xie Liangchen wanted to hold Ren Xin while they slept. Ren Xin politely declined. “Please mind your manners. I want my own blanket.”

“Don’t you want a daughter anymore?”

“Not for the moment. You still haven’t said why you’re back so suddenly. Why was there no contact for several months? Grandmother was so afraid I’d be upset during my recovery that she didn’t dare mention you once. That poor old woman has endured too much because of you, you unfilial son.”

Xie Liangchen said guiltily, “I have been unfilial, letting Grandmother worry so much at her age.”

Ren Xin nodded and began to claim the credit for herself. “This household only survived thanks to your wife taking care of things. And who is your wife?”

Xie Liangchen: “…” Stop hinting, I know you deserve the most credit!!

It was enough that he knew, but he still had to show some appreciation.

Finally, Xie Liangchen spoke. “We encountered a traitor. We suffered heavy losses in this battle. You all might be dragged into hardship because of me.”

Translator’s Notes