Story of Yanxi Palace, Chapter 101: Giving Birth to a Son

   Although the Empress had re-accepted Erqing, her attitude remained cool and distant—neither warm nor cold.

This was hardly surprising. Who could blame the Empress? When she had needed help the most, Erqing had left the palace without hesitation to get married, never once looking back. Only now, when she herself needed assistance, had she returned. How could the Empress possibly treat her the same as before?

“What should I do?” While combing the Empress’s hair, Erqing pondered inwardly. “How can I make the Empress trust me again, rely on me again?”

“Your Majesty!” Ming Yu suddenly rushed in from outside, as impetuous and fiery as ever. “Consort Chun has given birth! The Sixth Prince has a full heavenly court, clear brows and bright eyes. The Empress Dowager was overjoyed at first sight and personally bestowed the name Yongrong.”

The Empress was momentarily stunned, then smiled. “Yongrong—’瑽瑢’—adorned with fine jade. The Empress Dowager must like this child very much.”

“Your Majesty!” Ming Yu, however, became indignant. “Consort Chun used to visit Changchun Palace so diligently, but ever since you fell ill, she hasn’t come even once! Now with news this big, Changchun Palace was the last to know. That person really is…”

The Empress frowned. “Ming Yu, mind your words.”

Ming Yu was about to continue when Wei Yingluo tugged at her. “Consort Chun is here!”

The sound of jade pendants tinkling like broken jade rang out. Supported by Yuhu, Consort Chun entered Changchun Palace. Perhaps because she had just given birth, her figure appeared slightly fuller, not yet returned to her former slender grace. Though she had lost some of the pure freshness of a young girl, she had gained the mature allure of a young woman—like a fully ripened peach, even more enticing.

After making a slight bow to the Empress, Consort Chun said, “This concubine respectfully wishes the Empress well and good health.”

The Empress bore no grudge. Though Consort Chun had rarely come to visit during her illness, seeing her now brought genuine joy from the bottom of her heart. Dragging her still-not-fully-recovered lame leg, she personally went forward to help her up: “Rise, please. You have just given birth—there is no need for such formalities. Sit down.”

Consort Chun smiled and sat without any pretense of refusal. Her fingers gently stroked her belly as she spoke in a soft, delicate voice: “I am endlessly grateful for Niangniang’s concern, but I cannot take advantage of Your Ladyship’s magnanimity to become discourteous or presumptuous. You are the mistress of the six palaces. The fact that I am with child should have been reported to you in advance…”

Before she could finish, Yuhu, standing beside her, chimed in: “Yuhu: Empress Niangniang, you really cannot blame my mistress for this. She suddenly fainted, and only when the imperial physician was summoned to take her pulse was it discovered that she was carrying the dragon heir. She had intended to inform you earlier, but her health was poor—she lay on her sickbed for a very long time, tossed about by illness, and in all the commotion the opportunity was missed…”

Hearing this, the Empress showed no particular reaction, but Ming Yu let out a soft scoff from her mouth.

Even Wei Yingluo could hardly listen any longer. Ten months of pregnancy—could she really have lain on a sickbed for ten full months? Everyone knew that from the time she conceived until she gave birth, Consort Chun had not once set foot in Changchun Palace.

On the contrary, it was the Empress who cared about her, constantly sending people to inquire after her news. One day it would be reported that she and the Emperor had gone boating on the lake together; the next, that they were playing the qin in the imperial garden. She lived a carefree and happy life. Yet the moment she was asked to visit Changchun Palace, she would immediately come down with a headache or some ailment.

No matter how long the friendship or how deep the affection, it could not withstand such repeated grinding and wear.

Seeing that Ming Yu was about to say something more, the Empress quickly stopped her with a glance, then took Consort Chun’s hand and said gently: “Consort Chun, there is no need for such formality between you and me. I have always known your heart. Your constitution is delicate—do not come running to Changchun Palace all the time. Spend more time accompanying Yongrong instead…”

After they had conversed for a while, Consort Chun used the excuse of needing to return to care for Yongrong and took her leave.

The Empress sent Ming Yu and Yingluo to escort her. The two accompanied her all the way to the palace gate. As Consort Chun’s figure gradually receded into the distance, Ming Yu spat in her direction: “She knows full well that Niangniang lost her prince and is grieving, yet she deliberately comes here to show off. I really don’t know if she even has a heart!”

Wei Yingluo’s expression was also somewhat displeased, but she could not allow Ming Yu to continue speaking. There were many ears in the palace; words from Ming Yu’s mouth would be taken as the Empress’s own meaning.

If Consort Chun had not originally intended to make an enemy of the Empress, hearing such rumors repeatedly might turn even indifference into enmity.

“Ming Yu, stop it! The Empress has always taken care of Consort Chun and genuinely rejoices for her. Why bring up unhappy matters and make Niangniang worry?” Wei Yingluo soothed her. “Besides, Niangniang is still young. Once her health is properly restored, she can still bear a legitimate son.”

In her heart, however, she sighed deeply. With Niangniang’s current condition, continuing the line of heirs was easier said than done…

After Consort Chun left this time, she never came again. Though she did not appear, news about her kept arriving without cease.

“Niangniang, have you heard?”

In the bedchamber of Changchun Palace, while combing the Empress’s hair, Erqing spoke as if casually: “The Emperor has issued an edict conferring the title of Noble Consort Chun upon the principal occupant of Zhongcui Palace.”

In the rhombus-shaped mirror, her delicate face reflected a trace of melancholy. The Empress gave a faint, wistful smile: “I have been shut away recuperating and have been completely unaware of palace affairs. Such a major event—if you had not reminded me, I would not even have known to go and offer congratulations.”

Seeing the loneliness on the Empress’s face in the mirror, Erqing’s mind stirred. She said, “This past year, although Noble Consort Hui is gone, Noble Consort Chun has risen to take her place and now enjoys unrivaled favor across the six palaces. And now that she has given birth to the Sixth Prince, her prestige is at its height. Empress Niangniang, you must take good care of your health and give birth to a legitimate son as soon as possible!”

The Empress was stunned: “A legitimate son? That is easier said than done!”

Erqing: “This servant understands that Your Ladyship’s body has been greatly depleted and that conception will be difficult. That is why I specially sought out a fertility prescription. Would Niangniang be willing to give it a try?”

With that, she set down the ox-horn comb, reached into her bosom, and took out a brocade box she had kept hidden for a long time.

“This was originally prepared for myself, but… Lord Fuheng… hasn’t come to my chambers for a very long time now.” A flicker of sadness passed over Erqing’s face. Once again, she quietly laid her own predicament before the Empress, then forced a smile. “Your Majesty must not hesitate. The Middle Palace remains without an heir. Though the Empress Dowager says nothing aloud, resentment must surely be growing in her heart. The Emperor too will be deeply disappointed. Everyone in the Fucha clan eagerly awaits the day Your Majesty gives birth to a legitimate son!”

Erqing knew the Empress would not refuse. Having stayed by the Empress’s side for so many years, she understood exactly what the Empress longed for most in her heart.

Sure enough, after a moment of hesitation, the Empress slowly extended her hand.

Just as that hand was about to touch the brocade box, Ming Yu suddenly lunged forward like a hungry tiger pouncing on prey and snatched the box away.

Ming Yu shot a sideways glance at Erqing. Perhaps because she had encountered too many upsetting things lately, she had even learned to be suspicious of others: “Your Majesty, this is, after all, something from outside the palace. Allow this servant to take it to Court Physician Zhang for examination before Your Majesty takes it.”

But Erqing was not afraid of suspicion—because this really was the fertility prescription she had gone to great lengths to obtain for herself. She had spent immense effort and resources on it and once treasured it like her own life. Now that it was no longer of use to her, she was willing to offer it up: “Your Majesty’s health is the most important thing—this is only right and proper. However, this matter is highly confidential. Let it remain known only to the three of us. You must not speak of it further!”

Ming Yu hesitated. “Not even Wei Yingluo?”

Erqing was precisely on guard against her. How could she allow this woman to come and share in the favor again? She immediately rejected the idea: “Wei Yingluo only ever worries about Your Majesty’s health and is overly cautious. She never thinks—if there is no legitimate son, what will become of Your Majesty in the future? What will become of the Fucha family? If we tell her, won’t it only ruin everything?”

Ming Yu: “But…”

“Enough.” The Empress spoke up, cutting short their argument. Her gaze clung to the brocade box like glue as she murmured to herself, “Let me think… let me think…”

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