bayedsolid Chapter 558 Consort Mu Gives Birth
Chapter 558 Consort Mu Gives Birth
On the night the young lady entered the palace, the emperor summoned Zhao Baolin to his bedchamber.
When the news arrived, the candlelight in Zhaoqing Palace flickered gently, illuminating Lin Wanqing's serene profile.
She showed no sign of disappointment or frustration; instead, she exuded a calm and composed confidence.
The Lin family was a rising force of integrity in the court. She was only sixteen years old and had no chance to meet the famous eldest daughter of the Duke of Qing's mansion who had made a name for herself in the capital fifteen years ago. However, she had long known that she bore a resemblance to that legendary woman of exceptional talent and beauty.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have insisted on running for office despite her mother's objections.
Lin Wanqing carefully examined her reflection in the mirror, a faint smile playing on her lips. The Emperor would favor her sooner or later, and then... she would have her own way of turning those slight resemblances... into unparalleled favor.
But the next moment, a figure appeared in her mind without warning.
Although Consort Jin was present on the day of the selection, she had to bow her head according to etiquette. Therefore, it was not until today in Huining Palace that she could truly see the face of the woman hailed as "the first woman in the harem" and the subtle disdain she exuded.
Imagine this: you are on high alert, ready to fight, and treating your opponent as a formidable foe, but your opponent seems to have no desire to even exchange blows—they neither cast a scrutinizing glance nor show any sign of wariness, as if all your preparations and considerations are just a solo performance with no one to watch.
Just like today, two ordinary bolts of silk floated lightly among the pearls and jade, silently telling her: in the other's eyes, perhaps they never thought she would stand on an equal footing with them...
The candle wick snapped softly, pulling her back to reality.
Lin Wanqing raised her hand and gently touched her eyebrows and eyes in the mirror, a thin layer of frost gradually forming in her eyes.
......
Among the newly selected ladies-in-waiting, Consort Lin held the highest rank, but Consort Zhao surpassed her, which elicited mixed reactions throughout the harem.
When the news arrived, Meng Shu and Consort Chun were playing chess in the study. After seven or eight games, Consort Chun lost each time. Even though she was usually good-tempered, she listlessly pushed away the chessboard.
"That's unexpected. I thought it would be Consort Lin who would serve me tonight."
It was still early outside the window, not yet time for dinner. Consort Chun made a nonchalant comment and ordered Mengzhu to bring over two zithers.
Upon hearing this, Meng Shu quickly put down her chess piece and begged for mercy: "Good Wan'er, please forgive me today. It's getting late. Green Willow, go to the small kitchen and see how Winter Melon's dinner is being prepared."
Green Willow covered her face with her handkerchief and chuckled, "This servant will go right away." With that, she curtsied and left the study.
Mengzhu curtsied and smiled at Consort Chun, saying, "Your Highness, why don't we practice the zither again tomorrow? Consort Jin specially brought Donggua over, saying she's going to cook some new dishes."
They all recalled the scene back in the manor when Meng Shu played the zither haphazardly. Strangely enough, Meng Shu learned everything quickly, except for music, which she seemed utterly lacking in talent. Back then, Mr. Lin taught her for two days, but after listening to the tunes she played, he couldn't help but storm off...
Thinking of this, Consort Chun smiled and said, "Very well, spare our ears today."
Laughter filled the study for a moment.
The two mistresses didn't care which concubine the emperor summoned to his bedchamber, and Mengzhu and the others didn't care as much as before, as if they were completely unrelated to this world.
After Mengzhu finished tidying up the chessboard, Ruizhu served tea and gently reminded her, "Your Highness, judging from the dates, Consort Mu's delivery is in the next few days."
Meng Shu took the teacup and looked at Consort Chun: "The one who took care of her pregnancy was Physician Lu, the apprentice of Physician Li. Jian Zhi once mentioned that this person has superb medical skills and is quite close to the Song family."
Consort Chun took a sip of tea and sighed, "She has practiced martial arts since childhood, and this pregnancy is going very smoothly. Speaking of which, we haven't seen Consort Mu for a long time since she became pregnant. I heard that Consort Shen and the Second Princess go there every day to keep her company and keep her company."
"By the way, His Majesty has decreed that Shuer should oversee the drafting of the summer palace's summer retreat plan. If Consort Mu has not yet given birth by then, it will be a bit tricky. Shuer, have you decided who should keep an eye on things?"
Meng Shu lightly stroked the rim of her cup, pondering, "Indeed, we need to make plans early. Consort Mu is unable to move, so at this critical juncture, we must leave enough imperial physicians and manpower in the palace to take care of her..."
Seven or eight days have passed since the young ladies entered the palace. Apart from Zhao Baolin, who received the emperor's favor once, the other six have not been summoned.
Under such circumstances, even though Consort Lin was usually calm and composed, she couldn't help but feel a little anxious. Especially since Consort Zhao was flamboyant, and when they met in the Imperial Garden a couple of days ago, every word he said felt like a needle piercing her ears.
On the evening of May 23, Consort Lin sent her maid Caihe to the Imperial Kitchen to have Xu Sishan prepare a yam and poria pigeon soup.
The master and servant were about to go to Funing Palace to deliver soup to the emperor when Jingming walked into Zhaoqing Palace in the afterglow of the setting sun.
Looking at this familiar palace, he couldn't help but sigh. The memories of his past visits here by imperial decree were still vivid, but now everything had changed. He straightened his sleeves and greeted Consort Lin with a smile: "Congratulations, Consort Lin. His Majesty summons you to serve him tonight."
Consort Lin bowed her head to receive the imperial decree, her fingertips trembling slightly inside her sleeve.
The moment has finally arrived; she has waited for it for far too long and prepared for it for far too long.
That night, Consort Lin carefully bathed and changed her clothes, and Caihe applied exquisite makeup to her. She then rode in a carriage slowly towards Funing Palace. Caihe followed beside the carriage, happily anticipating the glory her mistress would enjoy after gaining the emperor's favor.
Halfway there, a series of hurried footsteps suddenly came from behind.
Two eunuchs carrying lanterns rushed over in a panic, nearly colliding with the carriage.
"presumptuous!"
Caihe immediately frowned and scolded, "Didn't you see that it's Consort Lin's entourage? What kind of behavior is this, barging in like this!"
The head eunuch was sweating profusely with anxiety. As an official in Consort Mu's palace, he naturally wouldn't give Caihe any face: "Consort Mu has suddenly started her attack! We servants are rushing to the Funing Palace to report to the Emperor. If we are delayed, can you lowly concubines bear the responsibility?"
Caihe was speechless for a moment, and subconsciously looked at the carriage.
Behind the gauze curtain, Lin Cairen's seated figure stiffened slightly, her fingertips digging deeply into her palms.
This is truly... such a bad coincidence.
At this moment, in the Lingcui Palace.
As soon as Consort Mu made her move, Meng Shu received the news.
As the assistant in charge of the six palaces, she had to personally oversee and arrange such important matters. Upon receiving the news, Meng Shu instructed her men to report to Funing Palace and Cining Palace respectively, while she got up and rushed to Consort Mu's palace.