In truth, what truly shattered her nominal husband was yet to come.
By mid-November, after the Eighth Prince's residence welcomed both a son and daughter in succession, all previous rumors about the Eighth Prince instantly vanished without a trace.
During the full-month celebration, An Ning coldly observed the Eighth Prince at the center of attention, cradling the swaddled infant with unconcealed pride radiating from his face, surrounded by an endless stream of congratulations from imperial relatives and brothers...
What a magnificently lively scene indeed!
Not far away, Yin Tang silently downed cup after cup of wine as if insatiable. Even the usually oblivious Tenth Prince noticed something amiss with his behavior.
Yet amidst the drunken merriment, the simple-minded Tenth Prince kept slapping his Ninth Brother's shoulder while blabbering:
"Ninth Brother, don't worry! When I have more sons in the future, I'll send one to your residence..."
"You can pick whichever you want!"
"It's really no big deal!"
Catching snippets of this exchange, An Ning: "..."
After hours of festivities, just as An Ning prepared to leave, she noticed the Eighth Princess Consort—who had been socializing among noblewomen moments ago—approaching unexpectedly.
Unlike her earlier sociable demeanor, Guo Luoluo now wore rare traces of exhaustion between her brows:
"Would Ninth Sister-in-law accompany me for a stroll?"
Though uncertain of her intentions, An Ning nodded slightly, making sure to remain within public view throughout.
Contrary to expectations, Guo Luoluo seemed to genuinely seek relaxation, maintaining silence the entire time. Following her lead, An Ning likewise refrained from speaking.
The two sisters-in-law, who had never been close, walked together briefly.
Only upon parting did Guo Luoluo finally speak with forced cheer:
"Sister-in-law's fur-trimmed sleeves today are truly exquisite. I heard Minister Dong'e scaled several mountains to hunt that snow fox..."
Observing the still-aloof Ninth Sister-in-law before her, Guo Luoluo felt her already hollow heart grow emptier.
Perhaps due to similar circumstances, Guo Luoluo had previously compared herself to this sister-in-law. She'd always believed herself more fortunate—even childless, at least her husband stood united with her, offering both respect and love.
Despite earlier scandals, he'd never taken concubines, always upholding her dignity as primary consort.
Yet reality had now slapped her hard across the face.
When rumors blamed her for their childlessness, her lord had comforted her, claiming the right time hadn't come—that they'd eventually have a legitimate heir of noble status.
She'd believed him, deeply moved, privately grateful for such a considerate husband.
But now, when those rumors targeted the Eighth Prince himself, he'd swiftly made the most advantageous choice...
Walking quietly through the gardens, Guo Luoluo longed to ask—what about her? What of her reputation, damaged by years of rumors and the Emperor's displeasure?
Yet some questions could never be voiced.
She knew too well that piercing this façade would permanently destroy something precious.
Gazing at the composed Ninth Sister-in-law, envy unexpectedly surfaced.
How wonderful—if only she too had parents who doted on her like Ninth Sister-in-law did, perhaps then...
Royal consorts mastered emotional concealment. Whether sorrow or other feelings, they lasted but moments. By the time Guo Luoluo returned to the banquet, she'd reassumed her role as the gracious, socially adept hostess—just as tender toward her lord as ever.
Yet An Ning clearly noticed the unique fervor once present in the Eighth Princess Consort's eyes for her husband had vanished completely.
It seemed women of this era ultimately chose rationality.
Out of curiosity, An Ning had previously taken the Eighth Princess Consort's pulse during a chance encounter.
While conception would indeed be difficult—the kind easily overlooked—it wasn't entirely impossible... provided the other party had no major issues.
Yet after a full year of efforts, with numerous beauties and expensive medicines, only two pregnancies resulted. Clearly, the Eighth Prince didn't meet this criterion.
In An Ning's view, the fertility issue lay equally with both spouses. The Eighth Princess Consort had borne unfair blame all along...
"Princess Consort, you were speaking with Eighth Sister-in-law earlier? Since when were you two acquainted?"
During their return journey, Yin Tang kept grumbling. In the cramped carriage, An Ning pushed the wine-scented man away irritably:
"What? Must I report all my social interactions to you?"
Ignoring his darkening expression, she idly played with the chessboard:
"Whatever conflicts you men have outside, don't drag us sisters-in-law into them."
"Besides... weren't you and Eighth Brother inseparable before?"
Why did that statement sound increasingly unpleasant?
Frustrated yet unable to vent at his wife, Yin Tang abruptly sat opposite her at the chess table.
Recognizing his practiced movements, An Ning raised a meaningful brow:
"Oh? Does my lord wish to play a game with me?"
His reply came with affected nonchalance:
"Since you're my princess consort, I'll generously grant you a three-stone handicap!"
If he felt so confident...
"Very well! Then this humble wife won't stand on ceremony!" An Ning smiled sweetly.
Fifteen minutes later...
Surveying the devastating defeat—his positions thoroughly annihilated from every angle—after triple-checking the board, Yin Tang's face turned thunderous.
Across from him, An Ning remained cheerfully amused, chin propped on hand as she toyed with a white jade piece before finally meeting his gaze:
"How about this—since you're my lord, I'll grant you a three-stone handicap next game?"
Through gritted teeth, Yin Tang forced out these words under his wife's delightfully provoking gaze.