Pregnancy (Part 1)
On February 2nd, Princesses He and Duan Rou went down to Mongolia.
Yi Qin Wang Fu Jin and Zhuang Qin Wang Fu Jin both had red eyes, but Xi Guifei was relieved. These two princesses were only adopted daughters, not too light or too heavy, and they got along well with Yunzhu. The two Wang Fu Jin also received the emperor's edict from time to time to enter the palace to teach the two princesses how to manage household chores and other skills. As the highest-ranking noblewoman in the palace who was in charge of palace affairs, Xi Guifei couldn't ignore them, and neither could she neglect the Wang Fu Jin. After a long time, they would naturally become annoyed.
"Fu Jin, Su Ge Ge sent someone to report that she is feeling a bit unwell." Feng Yi stepped forward, bowing his head and speaking in a low voice.
"Oh? Send someone to invite a doctor then."
Feng Yi raised his eyes and looked at Fu Jin, who remained expressionless, and responded by leaving.
"What's wrong?" Xi Guifei asked, noticing the commotion on her side.
"Sukku's body is uncomfortable, and his daughter-in-law has already asked someone to invite a doctor."
She was indeed open-minded, and Consort Xi nodded and stopped paying attention. After a while, Feng Yi came to report, "Su Gege is already pregnant with a month-old fetus."
Yunzhu said to Xi Guifei, "Mother, I have some good news. Su Gege is pregnant and will give birth at the end of the year, so you'll be holding a new grandson soon."
"Ah, today is indeed a double happiness. " Xi Guifei's face showed joy, "Chunlan, go and pick some useful medicinal materials and silk fabrics to reward Su Gege."
"Congratulations to the noble consort! The fourth prince is going to have another child, truly a blessing of many children bringing much fortune." The consorts nearby all offered their congratulations.
"Congratulations, sister," Yu Fei said to Xi Gui Fei.
Xī Guì Fēi glanced at the fifth lady beside Yunzhu and said, "Sister, why be envious? You've already held the eldest grandson in your arms, while I'm still without one. In a couple of days, Hóng Yòu is going to take in a new concubine, right? Next year she'll also give you another grandson."
This remark was overheard by Wu Fu Jin, her face turned pale and the hand hidden in the sleeve of Prince Fu's ceremonial robe clenched into a fist. Yu Fei glanced at her daughter-in-law and sighed silently, "As long as they can live harmoniously, that's all that matters."
Hongtai's Gege was really suppressed by Wu Zaku, it's not like that. Xi Guifei hooked her lip and didn't speak anymore, she actually hoped that Hongli's backyard could come out with one or two to add trouble for Yunzhu.
Yunzhu then instructed someone to report the good news to Yongzheng and Hongli, and later told Fengyi: "Which imperial physician took her pulse? Please ask him to also take the pulse of a few other gege on his way, so as not to neglect any who may be pregnant like Suguge, unclear and unaware of how to take care of themselves."
"It just so happens that Dr. Su is on duty today, so it's Dr. Su who has been invited."
Yunzhu nodded, she still trusted Dr. Su's medical ethics.
"Fourth sister, why not take a walk in the garden?" Wu Zaku Hai asked Cloud Pearl after sending off the two princesses. Looking at the pale face of Fifth Lady Fu, Cloud Pearl nodded, "Alright."
It is said that the spring breeze in February is like a knife, and new green leaves are cut out. However, in the imperial garden, apart from evergreen trees, there are still many flowers decorating the pavilions and buildings in February, such as plum blossoms, four-season begonias, camellias, spring peacocks, and spring orchids.
"Fourth sister, when Fourth Brother takes a secondary consort, will you feel pain?" Fifth Consort suddenly asked after walking for a short while.
Isn't she very similar to Zhi Xin's sister? Yunzhu stroked the freshly bloomed begonia flower and said to Wu Fu Jun, "Younger sister, do you know that your current appearance is much more haggard than when you first got married. A mother's emotions can greatly affect her children. Even if you take care of Yong Ying meticulously, the child will still be gloomy and frail... Children are like little birds, only by happily running around can their bodies become strong.
She's been so down in the dumps lately just because Hongyu is about to take Ce Fu Jun as his concubine? But no matter how worried she gets, it's not like Hongyu will only have her as a woman. Yongzheng also can't possibly change the imperial edict for his son's consort to someone else. Originally thought Wu Zaku was smart, didn't expect her to be so muddled.
Wu Fu's wife was stunned and for a moment did not know what Cloud Pearl meant by this.
Yunzhu smiled, "Even without Ce Fu Jun, aren't there Tong Fang and Ge Ge? What's the difference?" Looking at her like this, isn't she truly in love with Hong Duan, wanting to spend a lifetime together as a couple?
"But... after all, it's Ce Fugui."
"You're also a legitimate Fu Jin. As I said, as long as Wu Di's heart is with you, then nothing else matters. Even if you don't have a son, you are still the Empress Dowager's chosen daughter-in-law, and no one can surpass you. Moreover, you've already given birth to Yong Ying, and in the future, there will be more sons and daughters." Seeing the discontent in her eyes, Yun Zhu let out a soft sigh, "It's just a matter of status, but for a woman, what difference does it make whether she has three or four?"
"Fourth sister, aren't you sad?" Wu Fu Jin asked stubbornly.
"It's sad, but any woman who loves her husband in her heart is sad. Even those imperial consorts and concubines, they also have love and hatred in their hearts. But the country has its laws and the family has its rules. I believe that the Fourth Prince is not a man who would indulge in favoritism and destroy his wife. Everyone has the right to love and hate, as long as they don't harm others. Otherwise, there are laws and regulations waiting for them.
As the legitimate wife, it's already quite secure in this era. Those showgirls who were assigned to be concubines or consorts, can it be that every single one of them is doing it just to climb up the social ladder? It doesn't seem likely."
Yunzhu's answer seemed to be beyond Wu Fulin's expectation, yet it was also an expected answer. She stood still on the spot, feeling suffocated in her heart. Wasn't she deeply loved by the Fourth Prince? Could it be that she was really so magnanimous and virtuous?
I thought Yunzhu's feelings were the same as mine, but now that I've heard these words, Wu Fu Jin feels that she really can't see through this Fourth Madame anymore.
Even if there were no eavesdroppers, Yunzhu wouldn't have said anything about "loyalty in love" to Wu Zaku. It's not suitable for the current situation. The world has such expectations of women, and as a member of the royal family that sets the standard for the world, she would be harming herself if she were to say such things to Wu Zaku. Moreover, Yunzhu herself doesn't believe in "one life, one destiny, one couple", and even the poet who wrote those words couldn't live up to them, let alone others.
Alternatively, the poet himself may have thought so, because only the legitimate wife is the "person" who stands shoulder to shoulder with him, while his concubines, secondary wives or subsequent wives are nothing more than playthings, tools for pleasure and reproduction.
This is a concept that modern people can't understand, and respect they can't comprehend. Of course, there are also some extreme cases, like the one where Yongzheng confined Lungkodo to death, which is a typical example of favoring concubines over wives.
……
Back to the two palaces of Ganxi, there was no so-called "surprise" waiting for Yunzhu. After Yongzheng and Hongli knew that Su Baoyu was pregnant, they didn't show any reaction either. Yunzhu didn't know if Su Baoyu was disappointed or not, but people like Gao Luwei who were full of jealousy let out a sigh of relief.
"This time, Gao Gege might really hate Su Gege." Ling Shuo grasped the summary of the palace's internal news and was even more concerned about the many concubines in the back house of Qian Xi. She deeply knew how much Gao Luowei hoped to get pregnant. "I wonder if she will take action against Su Gege?"
"Maybe, but do you think Su Bao Ruo will give her the opportunity?" Don't think that just because Xiangyun has an excellent maid, she can neglect Su Bao Ruo herself. Since she entered Dian Xi Er, Yun Zhu hasn't seen her make a mistake, she knows what to do and how to behave at all times, her sense of propriety is always in place.
Ling Xue fell silent for a moment, "What if she's carrying an imperial prince..."
"Can I still stop other women from giving birth to children for the Fourth Prince?" Yunzhu understood what she was worried about. "I'll only say this once, all of you remember, as long as my position is secure, my children will be fine, their status won't be shaken no matter how many princes and princesses there are. But if something happens to me, their situation will fall from heaven to hell, and they will be envied and attacked. So, we can use tactics when necessary, but we cannot use them on the Fourth Prince's children... do you understand?" There is no wall that doesn't leak wind, no plan that is seamless. Even if she wants to take action against Hongli's children, she must borrow someone else's knife or use her own spiritual power to make it happen without leaving any trace.
Su Wenling and Ling Lü were quick-witted and soon understood, "I know." Guo Yiniang had learned from Gua'erjia Shi's teachings and had personally experienced the East-West wind rivalry in the Fu family. Over the past few years, she had also observed that the Fourth Prince was sincere towards his master. At this time, seeing Yunzhu still calm as usual, she felt relieved.
Long before the grand wedding, Yunzhu and Guwalgiya had discussed the issue of the Fourth Prince's children. They both thought that having a child too early would not only harm their physical health but also wasn't a good timing. After all, the Fourth Prince was still very young, and if nothing unexpected happened, he could live until sixty without any problem.
This conversation was known by Guo's aunt.
"Take this opportunity to let them fight it out." Yunzhu said. She was originally lenient towards the women in the backyard, and even more generous towards those who were pregnant. Cotton cloth, silk satin, and medicinal materials that had been checked by the imperial physician and deemed usable flowed into Su Bao Rou's room like water, only to be bumped into by Gao Lu Mei every time.
However, she did not advise Hongli to visit Su Bao Rou who was pregnant. She had not yet reached the point of letting them cultivate a warm feeling. On the contrary, Su Bao Rou's treatment exceeded what she deserved, but Yunzhu removed her from the list of those who served in the bedchamber. From then on, from conception to pregnancy, she and Hongli only made contact ten or so nights, and they returned to the pattern of "looking at each other without being familiar".
The two elder brothers' grand wedding, Yunzhu sent very generous gifts and attended the wedding banquet in person to congratulate them. She saw the two new sisters-in-law: Princess Baolan was a bit plump, gentle and warm in temperament, feeling easy-going; while Borjigit Ao Deng, only 14 years old, had already developed a good figure, with a slightly pointed chin and an oval face, a pair of extremely black eyebrows, shining black eyes like stars in the sky, as beautiful as her name. She spoke straightforwardly without any arrogance... Yunzhu thought to herself when she came out of the bridal chamber: The Emperor's taste is still acceptable...
On February 22, her birthday, Guwalgiya brought two new sisters-in-law into the palace to give her birthday gifts. From Guwalgiya's satisfied expression and the happy smiles of the two sisters-in-law, she knew that her two brothers had married suitable women.
The author has something to say: The following is the main body of the text:
On February 2nd, He and Hui, Duan Rou two princesses went down to Mongolia.
Yi Qin Wang Fu Jin and Zhuang Qin Wang Fu Jin both had red eyes, but Xi Guifei was relieved. These two princesses were only adopted daughters, not too light or too heavy, and they got along well with Yunzhu. The two Wang Fu Jin also received the emperor's edict from time to time to enter the palace to teach the two princesses household management skills, etc. As the highest-ranking noblewoman in the palace who was in charge of palace affairs, Xi Guifei couldn't ignore them, and the Wang Fu Jin weren't people she could neglect either. After a long time, they would naturally become annoyed.
"The princess, Su Gege has sent someone to report that she is feeling a bit unwell." Feng Yi stepped forward, bowing his head and speaking in a low voice.
"Oh? Send someone to invite a doctor then."
Feng Yi raised his eyes and looked at Fu Jin, who remained expressionless, and responded by leaving.
"What's wrong?" Xi Guifei asked, seeing the commotion on her side.
"Sukku's body is uncomfortable, and his daughter-in-law has already asked someone to invite a doctor."
She was indeed open-minded, and Consort Xi nodded and stopped paying attention. After a while, Feng Yi came to report, "Su Gege is already pregnant with a month-old fetus."
Yunzhu said to Xi Guifei, "Mother, I have some good news. Su Gege is pregnant and will give birth at the end of the year, so you'll be holding a new grandson soon."
"Ah, today is indeed a double happiness. " Xi Guifei's face showed joy, "Chunlan, go and pick some useful medicinal materials and silk fabrics to reward Su Gege."
"Congratulations to the noble consort! The fourth prince is going to have another child, truly a blessing of many children bringing much fortune." The consorts nearby all offered their congratulations.
"Congratulations, sister," Yu Fei said to Xi Gui Fei.
Xī Guì Fēi glanced at the fifth lady beside Yunzhu and said, "Sister, why be envious? You've already held the eldest grandson in your arms, while I'm still without one. In a couple of days, Hóng Yòu is going to take in a new concubine, right? Next year she'll also give you another grandson."
This remark was overheard by Wu Fu Jin, who turned pale and pinched her hand in the sleeve of the imperial prince's ceremonial robe. Yu Fei glanced at her daughter-in-law and sighed silently, "As long as they can live harmoniously, that's all that matters."
Hongtai's Gege was really suppressed by Wu Zaku, it's not like that. Xi Guifei hooked her lip and didn't say anything else, she actually hoped that Hongli's backyard could come out with one or two to add trouble for Yunzhu.
Yunzhu then instructed someone to report the good news to Yongzheng and Hongli, and later told Fengyi: "Which imperial physician took her pulse? Please ask him to also take the pulse of a few other gege on his way, so as not to have any of them become pregnant like Suguge without knowing how to take care of themselves."
"It just so happens that Dr. Su is on duty today, so it's Dr. Su who has been invited."
Yunzhu nodded, she still trusted Dr. Su's medical ethics.
"Fourth sister, why not take a walk in the garden?" Wu Zaku Hai asked Cloud Pearl after sending off the two princesses. Looking at the pale face of Fifth Lady Fu, Cloud Pearl nodded, "Alright."
It is said that the spring breeze in February is like a knife, and new green leaves are cut out. However, in the imperial garden, apart from evergreen trees, there are still many flowers decorating the pavilions and buildings in February, such as plum blossoms, four-season begonias, camellias, spring peacocks, and spring orchids.
"Fourth sister, when Fourth Brother takes a secondary consort, will you feel pain?" Fifth Consort suddenly asked after walking for a short while.
Isn't she very similar to Zhi Xin's sister? Yunzhu stroked the freshly bloomed Begonia flowers and said to Wu Fu Jun, "Younger sister, do you know that your current appearance is much more haggard than when you first got married. A mother's emotions can greatly affect her children, even if you take care of Yong Ying meticulously, the child will still be gloomy and frail... Children are like little birds, only when they happily run around will their bodies become strong.
She's been so down in the dumps lately just because Hongyu is about to take Ce Fu Jun as his concubine? But no matter how worried she gets, it's not like Hongyu will only have her as a woman. Yongzheng also can't possibly change the imperial edict for his son's consort to someone else. Originally thought Wu Zaku was smart, didn't expect her to be so muddled.
Wu Fu's wife was stunned and for a moment did not know what Cloud Pearl meant by this.
Yunzhu smiled, "Even without Ce Fu Jun, aren't there Tong Fang and Ge Ge? What's the difference?" Looking at her like this, isn't she truly in love with Hong Yu, wanting to spend a lifetime together as a couple?
"But... after all, it's Ce Fugui."
"You're also a legitimate Fu Jin. As I said, as long as Wu Di's heart is with you, then nothing else matters. Even if you don't have a biological son, you are still the legitimate daughter-in-law appointed by the Emperor, and no one can surpass you. Moreover, you've already given birth to Yong Ying, and in the future, there will be more sons and daughters." Seeing the discontent in her eyes, Yun Zhu let out a soft sigh, "It's just a matter of status, but for a woman, what difference does it make whether she has three or four?"
"Fourth sister, aren't you sad?" Wu Fu Jin asked stubbornly.
"It's sad, but any woman who loves her husband in her heart is sad. Even those imperial consorts and concubines, they also have love and hatred in their hearts. But a country has its laws and a family has its rules. I believe the Fourth Prince is not someone who would indulge in favoritism and abandon his wife. Everyone has the right to love and hate, as long as they don't harm others. Otherwise, there are laws and regulations waiting for them.
As the legitimate wife, it's already quite secure in this era. Those showgirls who were assigned to be concubines or consorts, can it be that every single one of them is just trying to climb up the social ladder? It doesn't seem likely."
Yunzhu's answer seemed to be beyond Wu Fulin's expectation, yet it was also an expected answer. She stood still on the spot, feeling suffocated in her heart. Wasn't she deeply loved by the Fourth Prince? Could it be that she was really so magnanimous and virtuous?
Yunzhu's mood was thought to be the same as her own, but after hearing these words, Wu Fu Jin felt that she really couldn't see through this Fourth Madame clearly.
Even if there were no eavesdroppers in the dark, Yunzhu would not have said anything about "loyalty in love" to Wu Zaku. It's inappropriate. This world has such expectations for women, and as a member of the royal family that sets the standard for the world, she would be harming herself if she really said that to Wu Zaku. Moreover, she herself doesn't believe in the idea of "one life, one destiny, one couple", and even the poet who wrote those words couldn't live up to them, let alone others.
Alternatively, the poet himself may have thought so, because only the legitimate wife is the "person" who stands shoulder to shoulder with him, while his concubines, secondary wives or subsequent wives are nothing more than playthings, tools for pleasure and reproduction.
This is a concept that modern people cannot understand, and respect that they cannot understand. Of course, there are also some extreme cases, such as the case of Long Kodo, who was imprisoned by Yongzheng until his death, which is a typical example of a concubine destroying her husband's wife.
……
Back to the two palaces of Ganxi, there was no so-called "surprise" waiting for Yunzhu. After Yongzheng and Hongli knew that Su Baoyu was pregnant, they didn't show any reaction either. Yunzhu didn't know if Su Baoyu was disappointed or not, but people like Gao Luwei who were full of jealousy let out a sigh of relief.
"This time, Gao Gege might really hate Su Gege." Ling Shuo grasped the summary of the palace's internal news and was even more concerned about the many concubines in the back house of Qian Xi. She deeply knew how much Gao Luowei hoped to get pregnant. "I wonder if she will take action against Su Gege?"
"Maybe, but do you think Su Bao Ruo will give her the opportunity?" Don't think that just because Xiangyun has an excellent maid, she can neglect Su Bao Ruo herself. Since she entered Diancui Temple, Yunzhu hasn't seen her make any mistakes. She knows exactly what to do and how to present herself at all times.
Ling Xue fell silent for a moment, "What if she's carrying an imperial prince..."
"Can I still stop other women from giving birth to children for the Fourth Prince?" Yunzhu understood what she was worried about. "I'll only say this once, all of you remember, as long as my position is secure, my children will be fine, their status won't be shaken no matter how many princes and princesses there are. But if something happens to me, their situation will go from heaven to hell, inviting jealousy and attacks. So, we can use tactics when necessary, but we cannot use them on the Fourth Prince's children... do you understand?" There is no wall that doesn't leak wind, no plan that is completely foolproof. Even if she wants to take action against Hongli's children, she must borrow someone else's knife or use her own spiritual power to make it happen without leaving any trace.
Su Wenling and Ling Lü were quick-witted and soon understood, "I know." Guo Yiniang had received the teachings of Gua'er Jia Shi and had personally experienced the East-West wind competition in the Fu family. Over the past few years, she also felt that the Fourth Prince was sincere towards his master. At this time, seeing Yunzhu still calm as before, she was very relieved.
Long before the grand wedding, Yunzhu and Guwalgiya had discussed the issue of the Fourth Prince's children. They both thought that having a child too early would not only harm their physical health but also wasn't a good timing. After all, the Fourth Prince was still very young, and if nothing unexpected happened, he could live until sixty without any problem.
This conversation was known by Guo's mother.
"Take this opportunity to let them fight it out." Yunzhu said. She was originally lenient towards the women in the backyard, and even more generous towards those who were pregnant. Cotton cloth, silk satin, and medicinal materials that had been checked by the imperial physician and deemed usable flowed into Su Bao Rou's room like water, only to be bumped into by Gao Lu Mei every time.
However, she did not persuade Hongli to visit Su Baoju who was pregnant. She had not yet reached the point of letting them cultivate a warm feeling. On the contrary, Su Baoju's treatment exceeded what she deserved, but Yunzhu removed her from the list of those who served in the bedchamber. From then on, from pregnancy to childbirth, her contact with Hongli was only about ten nights or so, and they returned to the pattern of "looking at each other without being familiar".
The two elder brothers' grand wedding, Yunzhu separately sent very generous gifts and also attended the wedding banquet with Hongli to congratulate them. She saw the two new sisters-in-law: Princess Baolan was a bit plump in appearance, gentle in temperament, and seemed easy-going; while Borjigit Ao Deng, although only 14 years old, had already developed a good figure, with a slightly pointed chin and an oval face, a pair of extremely black eyebrows, shining black eyes like stars in the sky, as beautiful as her name. She spoke straightforwardly without any arrogance... Yunzhu thought to herself when she came out of the bridal chamber: The Emperor's taste is still acceptable...
On February 22, her birthday, Guwalgiya brought two new sisters-in-law into the palace to give her birthday gifts. From Guwalgiya's satisfied expression and the happy smiles of the two sisters-in-law, she knew that her two brothers had married suitable women.
