The Sickly Regent Prince Who Was Abandoned as a Substitute Bride

Chapter 163 Crown Prince Ye Jing first learns that Dongfang Mingzhu is pregnant!

Warmth seemed indifferent to everything happening around her, acting as if it were none of her business.

Lu Wanning didn't even show her face, as if she were completely detached from this turmoil.

In contrast, Wang Yu appeared exceptionally excited, her ecstatic expression moving all who beheld her.

Only Liu Qiqi wore a bitter smile. She silently cast a meaningful glance at the Oriental Pearl Tower, then nodded slightly…

Oriental Pearl gently closed her eyes, her mind a jumble of confusion, her heart filled with bewilderment and helplessness.

But when she opened her eyes again, her previous hesitation had disappeared, replaced by a strong sense of determination!

"Father, Brother Jingchu, why are you all here? What happened to me?!"

Oriental Pearl blinked her big, bright eyes, seemingly full of doubt as she asked, but in reality, she knew perfectly well what was going on; she was just pretending to be stupid.

"Mingzhu!" Ye Jingchu immediately grasped her soft, boneless little hand tightly with great excitement!

"Mingzhu, how can you hide the fact that you are pregnant from me? If we tell Father and Mother the news, they will be overjoyed. After all, this is the first grandson they have been waiting for!"

Nightfall was filled with joy. He had been feeling annoyed by the Oriental Pearl Tower because of something, but now all his anger vanished because of this sudden good news.

He thought to himself: Now that's great, I've finally secured my position as crown prince!

"Ah!..." Upon hearing this, Dongfang Mingzhu couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, her face showing an expression of disbelief.

"Father, Aunt, is what Brother Jingchu said really true? I... I'm actually pregnant?"

As she spoke, she gently stroked her still flat stomach, her eyes filled with maternal tenderness and love.

"Hahahaha, Mingzhu, it's absolutely true, this is a great joy! It's just a pity that you are not yet fifteen years old, and are still waiting for the coming-of-age ceremony. But it doesn't matter, this matter needs to be decided as soon as possible! Your Highness, what do you think?" Dongfang Zheng turned to look at Ye Jingchu and asked.

"Father-in-law, you can rest assured. Mingzhu's position is only second to the Crown Princess. Given time, she will surely become an incomparably noble Imperial Concubine!" Ye Jingchu made this promise to Dongfang Zheng without hesitation, his tone firm and confident.

"Excellent!" Upon hearing this, Dongfang Zheng's face showed relief and satisfaction, clearly very pleased with the Crown Prince's reply.

"My lord," I said, "in my opinion, we should prepare for Mingzhu's coming-of-age ceremony as soon as possible so that she can marry into the Crown Prince's household. After all, time waits for no one, especially for the child in her womb!"

Liu Qiqi, who was standing nearby, quickly interjected, her words revealing her urgency.

"Yes, yes, Qiqi is absolutely right. Nuannuan, you're in charge of this matter. Make sure it's done in a grand and lively way!" Dongfang Zheng immediately turned to look at Wen Nuan, his eyes full of expectation.

However, at this moment, Liu Qiqi couldn't help but show a troubled expression, but she quickly returned to normal in just a moment.

She quickly said, "My lord, my sister has only recently entered the household and is not yet familiar with such matters. I'm afraid she would be unable to handle it. It would be better if I were to organize this coming-of-age ceremony for Mingzhu!"

In fact, Liu Qiqi was secretly thinking that she must not let Wen Nuan interfere in this matter. If the power to manage the affairs of the family fell into Wen Nuan's hands, wouldn't she be subject to others' control in the future?

"Brother Zheng, Nuannuan is willing to give it a try!"

Despite Liu Qiqi's obstruction, Wen Nuan did not back down. Instead, she responded in her soft and charming voice, her eyes shining with determination. It was as if she was telling everyone that she would not let them down.

Then he looked at Liu Qiqi and said, "Sister Liu is pregnant. Take good care of yourself and have a healthy pregnancy!"

"My lord, I..." Liu Qiqi parted her lips slightly, hesitating to speak, her beautiful eyes flashing with complex emotions. However, before she could finish her words, she was interrupted by Dongfang Zheng's authoritative and icy voice!

"What are you arguing about? His Highness the Crown Prince is here, yet you are so ill-mannered! What kind of behavior is this! Mingzhu is destined to become a Noble Consort, and I will never allow her to have an unreasonable and unruly concubine!"

Dongfang Zheng rebuked her sternly, his sharp eyes fixed on Liu Qiqi like a hawk's, as if trying to see right through her.

Liu Qiqi's delicate body trembled, and a chill rose in her heart.

She never expected that the Marquis would reprimand her so harshly in front of outsiders, especially in front of that repulsive Wen Nuan, which made her feel extremely embarrassed and humiliated.

At this moment, the Marquis seemed to completely disregard her feelings, showing not even the slightest bit of mercy.

"My lord, I know I was wrong!" Liu Qiqi gritted her teeth, forcing back her tears, and said in a low voice.

Despite feeling wronged and resentful, she knew that it was not advisable to clash with the Marquis at this time, otherwise it would only bring her more trouble.

Liu Qiqi lowered her head silently, clenching her fists so tightly that her nails dug deep into her palms, trying to ease the pain in her heart.

She couldn't help but recall the wonderful times she had spent with the Marquis, when he had been so caring and doting on her, but now he had become so cold and ruthless.

Thinking of this, Liu Qiqi felt even more heartbroken. The slight guilt she felt for being pregnant with another man's child vanished instantly.

"Alright, now that things have been clarified, I will choose an auspicious day to marry Mingzhu after her coming-of-age ceremony. Mingzhu, you must take good care of yourself and not overwork. I will visit you again another day!"

His Highness the Crown Prince stood up and spoke to Mingzhu with a smile. Then, he turned and walked towards the door, followed by the others who filed out.

As everyone left, the room fell silent, leaving only Liu Qiqi standing there blankly.

She stared at the empty room, and tears finally welled up in her eyes. At that moment, she felt as if the whole world had abandoned her, and a wave of loneliness and helplessness washed over her.

"Wan'er, Wan'er!" Ye Jingchu called out as he struggled to catch up with Dongfang Wan'er, who was walking further and further away. His eyes were filled with anxiety and concern, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

Finally, Ye Jingchu caught up with Dongfang Wan'er and stood in front of her.

However, when facing the person in front of her, Dongfang Wan'er only glanced at him expressionlessly, her icy gaze seemingly able to pierce through one's soul.

"Crown Prince!" Dongfang Wan'er said calmly, but the coldness in her tone sent chills down one's spine.