Chapter 9: The Coldness of Human Affection

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Yu Chaoyang’s eyes lit up when he heard this and nudged Shangguan Zishu beside him. The two exchanged a glance. Shangguan Zishu immediately stepped forward and knelt before the prince.

“Father, I will surely fulfill my duties as the heir of the Rong Prince’s Mansion, honor my parents, respect my mother and elder brothers’ wives, and bear the responsibilities of the Rong Prince’s household.”

His determination was clear and earnest.

The prince looked coldly at the illegitimate son kneeling before him. His eldest son remained unconscious, which had caused him great sorrow for a long time, but as a man and head of the household, he had his duties and could not remain lost in grief. He must not neglect what needed to be done.

If the eldest son did not wake, the position of heir would inevitably pass to the second son.

Yet, he could not help but glance at the princess beside him, hoping for her approval.

But she remained silent.

“Why do you look at her? You are the head of this family. The appointment of the heir is a major matter for the Rong Prince’s Mansion. What does a mere woman know about it? The honor of the Rong Prince’s Mansion was earned by our ancestors and cannot be squandered on a living dead who might die at any moment,” the two senior madams shouted angrily, their faces twisted.

“Brother, such an important matter requires a timely decision. Given Ziqi’s condition, we can only rely on Zishu. If you are unwilling to pass it to Zishu, then you could pass it to my son Zifeng. As long as you agree,” Shangguan Hongchen, the elder brother of the prince’s second younger brother, urged, but his words sounded empty.

“Prince, don’t listen to his nonsense. He’s just a reckless character,” Madam Miao Luoying quickly added.

“How dare you talk like that? I am your husband! Have you no shame? Watch out, I might slap you,” Shangguan Hongchen glared angrily at his wife.

“Prince, the position of heir is indeed very important. Since the heir cannot awaken, it’s best to make plans early,” said Shangguan Hongxiang, the eldest son of the second younger brother.

“Yes, Prince. The heir concerns the century-old foundation of the Shangguan family. We cannot delay any longer,” added Shangguan Hongyun, Hongxiang’s younger brother.

These clan cousins all depended on the prince’s mansion for their livelihood, receiving monthly silver from the household funds to support their families, though those from side branches received less. Yet, for weddings and funerals, the household still provided.

“Princess, what is your opinion?” The prince looked around at everyone waiting for his decision but still wished to hear his wife’s view.

“This mansion belongs to the prince. My opinion matters little,” Qin Yuyan replied expressionlessly.

She alone could not resist the tide.

This was the inevitable trend.

Everyone was eyeing the heir’s position like wolves and tigers—not because they desired the title themselves but to curry favor with the heir early for their own benefit.

Clan business management and estates were handled by clan members, and their gains depended on the prince’s and heir’s attitudes. So everyone wanted the heir’s position settled soon to make plans.

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“Doctor Gu, what are the chances of the heir waking up?” The prince sought confirmation once more.

“I have done my utmost. The heir has been comatose for half a year. The chances of awakening are very slim. However, there are always those better than me—perhaps there are outstanding doctors among the common people, though I have yet to hear of any. I will continue treatment and leave the rest to fate,” Doctor Gu replied, neither completely shutting down hope nor giving assurance.

Yu Yuanzheng watched everyone argue over the heir’s position, all eager to decide once Shangguan Ziqi was declared dead.

How cold human nature was.

Meanwhile, Shangguan Zishu remained kneeling, waiting for his father’s decision.

Yu Chaoyang was obviously excited.

She awaited becoming the heir’s wife to suppress her younger sister and cast frequent glances her way.

Yu Yuanzheng ignored her but could still feel those stares.

At this moment, Yu Chaoyang’s heart brimmed with excitement.

In the previous life, on this very day, the whole family gathered to discuss the heir’s position, and the princess could not change the outcome.

She had been heir’s wife for only ten days before the mansion loudly began arranging a marriage for the second prince.

This time, she struck first—the heir’s wife title was hers, and one day, so would the princess’s position.

“Prince, the doctor has done all he can. There is no need to wait. The second prince is also your son; it is only right to grant him the position. Why hesitate?” The second madam wanted to settle the matter today.

The prince glanced at the second madam.

She was his aunt and also his stepmother, who had cared for him in childhood but grew increasingly meddlesome with age, sometimes forgetting rank and even shouting at the princess.

“Mother, what if the heir wakes up later?” Yu Yuanzheng lightly tugged the princess’s sleeve and whispered.

Her voice, though low, was heard by all in the silence.

“This is no place for you to speak,” the second madam suddenly snapped at her.

“Madam, I was only speaking hypothetically. No one can predict what tomorrow holds,” Yu Yuanzheng stood her ground despite the scolding.

“Second sister, stop talking. The adults will decide. You are a new bride and have no say,” Yu Chaoyang also chimed in to undermine her.

The princess gently patted Yu Yuanzheng’s hand, signaling her not to intervene.

This was the prince’s decision alone.

“Enough, everyone disperse. I still need to discuss this with the emperor,” the prince said, caught between difficult choices.

Since it was a matter for the emperor, everyone had no choice but to leave.

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As Yu Yuanzheng was about to leave, the prince called her back.

“Princess, Ziqi’s wife, come with me to the study. I have something to discuss with you.”

Yu Yuanzheng supported the princess and followed the prince to the front courtyard.

The prince’s study was grand yet tastefully decorated, with few books but several weapons hanging on the walls.

“Yuyan, I am sorry. I am powerless. But rest assured, even if Ziqi loses the heir’s position, I will not give up on him. I will continue seeking medical help until the end,” the prince said solemnly, his face heavy with sorrow.

“I know you are grieving, but this mansion cannot be without an heir. Please try to understand,” he added.

“Prince, I have given it little thought, only pity for my son. They won’t even wait for him to die. How heartless,” Qin Yuyan said, tears welling in her eyes.

The prince was at a loss for words—this was human nature, self-interest above all.

Whoever offered benefits gained their favor.

“Prince, Yuanzheng is a good woman, much better than Chaoyang. The noble daughter of the Bo family is nothing special. It’s just hard on this child,” said the princess.

“Yes, I know. That is why I have something to discuss with her,” the prince said, wiping away her tears.

“Ziqi’s wife, yesterday you said if the heir woke up, you would request to leave the household. But it seems he won’t awaken. How long he can hold on, none of us know. From now on, you must support yourself. While we are alive, we can help you a little, but we will eventually pass on. The road ahead will be yours alone.

I cannot promise if this mansion will still have a place for you. I hear your sister treats you poorly, and your days may be even harder. Therefore, I am giving you ten people. Use them well; they will protect you and Ziqi,” the prince continued.

A daughter-in-law married into the prince’s mansion would generally remain there for life unless the household chose otherwise, and a widowed sister-in-law without a man’s protection faced an uncertain future.

“Thank you, Father. I will live well. I have one more request and hope Father and Mother will agree,” Yu Yuanzheng said.

She had not expected the prince’s approval, which would make many things easier for her.