Chapter 105 Crying Doesn't Mean Going Crazy: After the baby was born, Shen Wanqing felt that this babbling little thing was really strange, except...

When the child was born, Shen Wanqing felt that this little thing that was making babbling noises was very strange. Besides being a child, he was more like an accelerator.

Even though it's just this little one, both she and Yulang's days seem to pass much faster than before.

Shen Wanqing did not breastfeed herself, firstly because it was customary for families like Hesheli to have wet nurses, and secondly because she herself had no particular attachment to it.

After drinking three bowls of medicine and stopping her milk production, Shen Wanqing lay half-reclined on the couch and saw off the nanny who had just massaged her stomach and tightened her chest and abdomen. Although there was still a little pain, the overall ease in her body, inside and out, made Shen Wanqing feel that she had made the right choice.

Yulang led his men to capture Galdan alive this time, and Galdan's whereabouts in Beijing are still unknown. This is a huge blow to the entire Dzungar Khanate, and Emperor Kangxi naturally bestowed upon him a noble title and generous rewards.

It is said that those two imperial estates were confiscated from the homes of two old princes in earlier years, and have been managed by the Imperial Household Department ever since.

Such estates generally share one characteristic: they are large and well-located, containing not only farmland and manor houses but also hilltops and river sections. Otherwise, they could not have been acquired by the old princes of yesteryear.

Shen Wanqing gave birth before she could even go to the estate to take stock of the properties, tenants, and servants. So she had to temporarily entrust the matter to Shen Wanlan, who had been staying in the capital due to the war. She asked Shen Wanlan to take Fang Liang there to make arrangements first, and she would go to check on things after she finished her postpartum confinement.

The two estates given to Yu Lang were better than those given to Shi Wenbing and Fei Yanggu, the two commanders of the Western Route Army. However, in return, the two men were not only promoted in rank but also received higher official positions.

Fiyanggu was granted the title of First-Class Duke of Jin, and was awarded the position of Grand Minister of the Interior and concurrently Grand Minister of the Imperial Guard. Only two Grand Ministers of the Imperial Guard were appointed per banner, and only members of the imperial family, nobles, or ministers who were particularly trusted by the Emperor could hold this position. Furthermore, Fiyanggu retained military power and remained in charge of military affairs in the Northwest.

Shi Wenbing was promoted from a third-class earl to a first-class marquis, and was granted the position of Grand Minister of the Interior and concurrently served as Grand Minister of the Imperial Guard. Because of the special nature of the Shi family, Kangxi did not give him military power, but instead promoted him to Grand Secretary of the Inner Cabinet and Minister of State Affairs. This was equivalent to pulling someone out of the ranks of military generals and stuffing him into the top ranks of civil officials. It would not be an exaggeration to say that he could become both a general and a prime minister.

In this way, Yulang's title of second-class sergeant and his promotion to captain of the Plain Yellow Banner seemed less conspicuous. After all, he had received all the titles and rewards he earned through military merit, but he had not received any actual salary. Even Suo'etu, who had been feeling uneasy, breathed a sigh of relief.

While it's true that Yu Lang is too young and not yet capable of shouldering heavy responsibilities, the more important reason is that Yu Lang is the Crown Prince's man. How could the Emperor trust someone as young and promising as Yu Lang, who has military achievements, to remain in the army? Wouldn't that just be asking for trouble?

Therefore, it would be better for him to stay in the Plain Yellow Banner for a few years. Above the commander are the commander and deputy commander, so he is not afraid of Yulang causing any trouble.

This position connects the upper and lower ranks, allowing him to communicate with the banner lords and commanders above as well as interact frequently with the bannermen and soldiers below. Over time, he naturally becomes well-versed in all the affairs of the banner and the people's sentiments.

Having such a person by the Crown Prince's side can be considered a careful arrangement by His Majesty. As long as the Crown Prince can smoothly ascend the throne in the future, a confidant like Yulang, who has both seniority and merit, will be very easy and comfortable for the Crown Prince to use.

Anyone with eyes can see that Yu Lang didn't suffer a loss this time, but rather gained a lot. At least now, given his delicate status, both the Crown Prince and the Emperor want to keep him hidden and suppress him for his own good, not wanting him to become too prominent and become a pillar that breaks halfway.

After the investiture ceremony, the threshold of the Hesheli family's house was worn thin by the constant stream of guests. And the fact that the baby was born right on the occasion of his father's investiture and promotion naturally became the perfect excuse to hold a banquet.

From the baby's third-day celebration to the baby's 100th day and then to the baby's first birthday, plus the Mid-Autumn Festival, Winter Solstice, Chinese New Year and the Dragon Boat Festival in between, the baby's first birthday banquet for Yi'an, the young master of the Hesheli family, was still very lively and had a lot of guests.

Shen Wanqing held the little boy who had just been taken to the main courtyard for his first birthday celebration, and who had been crying for a short while before being brought back by Shen Wanqing. She was both amused and exasperated.

"Why don't you take him away again? If you don't let him hold on to him now, he'll definitely cry again."

“I’m carrying him to the front yard to greet the guests. Aren’t you afraid that all those big, burly men will scare him?”

"Is he a coward? Have you forgotten who went to the kitchen a few days ago and grabbed the eel and wouldn't let go, insisting on bringing that slippery thing back to keep as a pet?"

Speaking of this, Yu Lang also had a headache. Even if he was naughty when he was a child, he would never have insisted on catching eels to play with. How come this little thing doesn't seem scared at all?

"I'll hug him, I'll hug him a little longer, then I'll let the nanny take him back to his room to play."

Other children's first birthday celebration involves crawling all over a table and grabbing whatever they can find, hoping to find something auspicious.

This little brat is different from others; he clings tightly to Yulang's clothes and won't let go. If his father dares to pull hard, he'll cry loudly.

The wet nurse wanted to take the baby over to comfort him and see if he had wet himself or was hungry, but the little one kept crying and muttering "no, no" and refused to take him.

Shen Wanqing was originally standing aside watching the commotion, but when she saw that Yu Lang and the wet nurse couldn't handle it, she took the child from Yu Lang's arms.

When I took him in, he was very cooperative. He immediately let go of Yulang's clothes and snuggled into his mother's arms, just like a little piglet.

But when Shen Wanqing tried to put the child on the table for the first birthday celebration, the child, who had been perfectly fine, started to clutch Shen Wanqing's clothes tightly and wouldn't let go.

Fortunately, the person in charge of the baby's first birthday celebration was quick-witted and immediately changed the subject to praise the baby, saying that the little boy had picked the eldest uncle and eldest grandma today, meaning he would have everything he needed in this life thanks to his father and mother.

They all said celebratory things, but if you look closely, they were really saying that this little brat is lucky. Both Yu Lang and Shen Wanqing are capable, so this child can enjoy a lifetime of wealth without having to do anything.

Shen Wanqing initially thought this was saying that Yi'an was born to sponge off his parents, but then she thought that so be it. It's already quite good that he can manage such a large family business.

The baby immediately quieted down when his father held him, sucking intently on his own chubby hand. But his father couldn't pretend to hand him to the wet nurse; if he loosened his grip even slightly, the little guy would whine and wiggle his bottom, trying to snuggle into his father's arms.

Seeing that his son was determined to settle down with either him or Shen Wanqing today, Yu Lang sighed deeply. He gestured for Shen Wanqing to go to the main courtyard to entertain the women of the various families, while he carried his son to the front courtyard.

Logically speaking, Shen Wanqing is now the wife of a second-class viscount, a noblewoman of rank. However, firstly, she is used to being addressed as such at home, and secondly, with the old lady, Madam Tongjia, still alive, there's no reason for the younger generation to act arrogantly at home.

So after the title was conferred last year, Yulang specifically instructed Wuergun and Fangliang to tell their families not to change their titles or forms of address; they should keep them the same as before.

The only change was in the style of the plaque and stone lions outside the house, which were now in accordance with the specifications of a second-class viscount's residence. This was a rule that could not be overstepped or altered, otherwise it would be considered impolite.

"Grandma, the Crown Princess sent someone over with some things, and she specifically instructed us not to make a fuss about it. The things were sent by Eunuch Gao."

"You came in through the side door?"

"yes."

"Take him to the small courtyard and treat him well. I'll be right there."

Gao Laixi was a eunuch, and since the Crown Princess didn't want to be high-profile, she could only invite him to sit down in the small courtyard. It wasn't unusual for the Crown Princess to deliver rewards today, but what was surprising was why she insisted on doing it so discreetly.

Today is Yi'an's first birthday banquet. Shumulu and Niohuru, who has been copying scriptures for more than half a year, both showed up to greet the guests. In addition, Xu and her own sister-in-law Qin were also there. Shen Wanqing whispered a few words to them and then turned to walk towards the small courtyard.

"This servant greets Madam. Today is a joyous occasion for Madam and the young master. I have shamelessly come to share in the happiness. Please forgive me, Madam."

"Isn't it too formal for you to say that, Eunuch Gao? Last month, I went out of the city and hunted a few yellow sheep and deer and sent them to Yuqing Palace. I even specifically told Yulang to keep one for you. You didn't mind that what I sent was so simple, so how could I blame you for coming here today?"

"Yes, yes, yes, it's just that this servant is clumsy with words and doesn't know how to speak. The mistress has always treated us servants very well, and this servant knows what's good for us."

They're all sycophants. Who's the one who flatters and then turns around and spits on you like a stinking eunuch? Who's the one who genuinely treats you like a human being? How could someone as shrewd as Gao Laixi not tell the difference?

He took out a large, pure gold longevity lock from his purse and handed it to Shen Wanqing: "We can't let this opportunity to benefit from Young Master An go unnoticed today, so here's a longevity lock..."

“I will accept this longevity lock on behalf of Yi’an. Thank you for thinking of him, sir. Today, his father took him to the front yard and he couldn’t come back for a while. You must have come to ask me to go to the palace today. Let’s take care of business first. You can come to visit Yi’an at home when you have time later.”

"Yes, yes, Grandma is very thoughtful. We will follow Grandma's instructions."

Shen Wanqing accepted the longevity lock from Gao Laixi with both hands. It was unrealistic to hang such a large gold coin on a child's body. Yi'an had received more than one longevity lock this year. If the child wore them all, it would strangle him.

These longevity locks come in all shapes and sizes—gold, silver, jade, and so on. Shen Wanqing had a beautiful box specially made to hold them, and the box was placed at the foot of Yi An's bed every day so that the child could sleep with it.

Gao Laixi naturally instructed Chunxian to let Shen Wanqing pass on the gift he sent. Gao Laixi was even more pleased to see that she treated the gift he sent without any discrimination.

On the way to the palace, he kept saying nice things, almost making Shen Wanqing a fool. He only stopped smiling when he entered Yuqing Palace.

Yuqing Palace remained unchanged, with its strict rules and regulations. Everyone in the palace, from maids and eunuchs to guards and officials, was well-behaved and strictly adhered to etiquette. Today, Shen Wanqing, dressed in a silver-red cloak and adorned with gold and colorful jewels, became the most striking and eye-catching figure from the moment she stepped into Yuqing Palace.

This bright spot traveled from the entrance of Yuqing Palace along the corridor and through the halls, attracting the attention of the concubines and princesses living in the side halls, who couldn't help but walk to the door and look out from afar.

Since the beginning of the year, Shi Qionghua has changed her residence. Originally, she lived in the same rear palace as the Crown Prince, but she moved her living quarters to the adjacent side palace. This was to make room for all the women in Yuqing Palace and see who could conceive another child.

On the day the Crown Princess moved, Yu Lang was summoned to the palace by the Crown Prince and did not return until that night. As soon as he returned, he collapsed on Shen Wanqing's body and refused to move no matter what. His eyes were lifeless as he stared blankly at his mistress's face without saying a word.

He only rolled over and pinned Shen Wanqing to the bed, pulling her into a tight embrace. He muttered that the Crown Prince was so angry about the Crown Princess moving that he almost cried, but she was determined to move, and he couldn't stop her.

The fact that Shi Qionghua asked to take the Guanyin statue of the Goddess of Fertility from me shows that she was already under a lot of pressure at the time.

When Shen Wanqing delivered the Guanyin statue for children, she was extremely devout the whole way.

When Niohuru sent the Bodhisattva to her courtyard, Shen Wanqing was indifferent, but when it came to Shi Qionghua, she sincerely hoped that the Guanyin statue would be effective and allow Shi Qionghua to conceive smoothly.

Whether it was because his will was not strong enough or because the Bodhisattva did not intend to keep taking on projects one after another, the Guanyin statue had been in Yuqing Palace for more than a year, and no woman in Yuqing Palace had been seen to get pregnant again.

His Majesty has no shortage of sons and daughters, and the women in the harem who compete for favor are generally ignored as long as no major incidents occur. However, the Crown Prince has been married for nearly two years since then without any offspring, which is unacceptable. Not only are the civil and military officials and members of the imperial clan watching closely, but even some censors have submitted memorials stating that the Crown Prince's lack of offspring for so long is not a sustainable situation.

Shen Wanqing was both angry and amused when she heard about this. The Eastern Palace wasn't just home to the Crown Princess; the Crown Prince had also gotten other women pregnant before. Even after the Crown Princess married into Yuqing Palace, the Eastern Palace still had two children. What could be done if they couldn't be kept? Could you force these things?

It's definitely not a long-term solution, so what can we do? Either continue sending women to Yuqing Palace, or that censor who's so concerned about the Crown Prince's affairs should lend him a hand? He's really meddling in other people's business. There are so many things in the world that he has to worry about, but he has to use this kind of thing to annoy people.

Everyone knows that the censor was just trying to stand out and make conversation, but how could his memorial have no impact? At the very least, Shi Qionghua's pressure inevitably increased. The Crown Prince may not necessarily talk about the Crown Prince for not having an heir, but people will definitely talk about her, the Crown Princess.

"You've arrived."

From the end of last year to the beginning of this year, Shi Qionghua deliberately did not summon Shen Wanqing for a period of time. The reason was that Shen Wanqing, the control group, had already given birth to a son, while there was still no news from Yuqing Palace.

She knew she shouldn't take her anger out on this, especially not on Shen Wanqing. But that's human nature; we don't seem to care how much better others are than ourselves.

On the contrary, those close to her want her to be well, yet fear that she is far better than themselves. Even though Shi Qionghua is already the Crown Princess, she still cannot escape this common human tendency.

However, this neglect only lasted until the first month of this year. After the first month, when spring was in full bloom, Shen Wanqing personally brought a few peach blossoms from outside the city and presented a token to the palace. Shi Qionghua could no longer be separated from Shen Wanqing.

"Your Majesty, why bother with this? Having a child is not a matter for one person alone. The Crown Prince has had other women conceive before, but perhaps it's just that the time isn't right yet. These things can't be rushed, or rather, the more you rush them, the less likely they are to happen. If you're so anxious and upset about this every day, how can you possibly conceive?"

Shi Qionghua was not in good condition. She was dressed very beautifully and appropriately, and outsiders might not have noticed anything unusual, but Shen Wanqing could tell at a glance that she was very unhappy, the kind of unhappiness that seeped into her bones.

So after sitting down, Shen Wanqing stopped beating around the bush and directly told her what was currently her most pressing and perplexing issue.

"Jiyun, have I failed to become the kind of person you described?"

"no."

When Shi Qionghua got married, Shen Wanqing told her that she hoped she would never be tarnished or let herself down in this life. At this moment, she felt that what she said back then was really easy for her to say when she was not in her shoes.

It will be almost two years.

"What?"

"Your Highness has been living in Yuqing Palace for almost two years now. For the past two years, Your Highness has taken care of every brick, tile, blade of grass, tree, eunuch, maid, concubine, and princess in Yuqing Palace. The daily maintenance and operation of this entire palace is all thanks to your hard work."

“Without children, they question your efforts and hard work over the past two years. I feel sorry for you, but it’s no use just me feeling sorry for you. You need a child, so it’s understandable that you’re anxious, worried, and frustrated about it. Why should people be sad if they can’t have what they want? That’s too harsh.”

Everyone was advising Shi Qionghua to relax, as if it was wrong for her to cling to this matter. But when Shen Wanqing said those words to her at this moment, a sudden, intense surge of grievance welled up in Shi Qionghua's heart.

Overwhelmed by a sense of grievance, Shi Qionghua clung tightly to Shen Wanqing's arm, saying, "I am generous, I am not jealous, and I know what it means to be the Empress."

I believe I've done my best in everything, so why is there not a single child in Yuqing Palace? It's not me, it's no one else. Those court officials are always watching me. What can I do if no one can conceive? I'm helpless!

The sound of wailing came from Shi Qionghua's room, while the concubines in the side hall closed the door tightly and pretended not to know anything about it.

Only the Crown Prince stood under the corridor not far away and breathed a sigh of relief. In the past two years, he and Shi Qionghua could not be said to be deeply in love and completely trusting, but he felt that being with Shi Qionghua was just like an ordinary couple living a comfortable and carefree life.

But the issue of children was something he couldn't avoid no matter what. Yinreng wasn't actually in a hurry, after all, he had grown up in the palace since he was a child, so this kind of pressure was nothing to him.

But Shi Qionghua is different. She has never suffered such unspeakable pain since childhood, and everyone thinks she is the most noble person in the world.

So when Shi Qionghua said she wanted to move, Yinreng was reluctant but temporarily gave in to her wishes. However, moving the house didn't make Shi Qionghua any better; instead, she became increasingly depressed. It wasn't until today, when Gao Laixi brought up the matter of Yulang celebrating his son's first birthday, that he thought of asking Shen Wanqing to come and give it a try.

Hearing his Crown Princess crying like this, the Crown Prince felt a pang of sadness but also a sense of relief. He knew all too well how the palace could drive someone mad; now that Shi Qionghua could cry, at least she wouldn't go insane.

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Bodhisattva: Wait, wait, the workload is too great, it will be my turn soon.