Xiao Lin had entered the Rui Wang Mansion as she had wished, and had also brought Song Baimo up with her as she had wished. However, a year had passed since Da Lin had been gone, and the Lin family was thinking of finding a middleman to mediate the matter, but they had not expected a "Cheng Yaojin" to appear halfway.
This "Cheng Yaojin" was Gong Jia, a third-rank Shanxi Provincial Surveillance Commissioner. Emperor Jing'an was very pleased with Gong Jia's performance during the severe drought in Shanxi. Upon learning that Gong Jia had an unmarried daughter, Yunying, the emperor, through some unknown strategy, granted her a marriage to Prince Rui as his second wife.
Gong was a great beauty, the kind that even women would take a second look at. She was gentle and delicate, like a willow in the wind, making people feel pity for her.
Gong and Prince Rui were in perfect harmony, even more affectionate than when she was with Lin. Prince Rui knew the Lin family's plans, and he had originally agreed to them, but the marriage to Gong was granted by the Emperor, so he had no say.
Therefore, the matter was reported to the Ministry of Clan Affairs, and Xiao Lin was promoted from a concubine to a concubine.
Gong Shi was good in every way except for her difficulty in having children. She had been married to Prince Rui for two years, drinking bowl after bowl of medicine, but there was no sign of a child.
However, in the second year after she got married, Wu, the concubine who was chosen by the emperor in the palace, gave birth to the prince's eldest daughter, Song Nongyu, before her.
Gong was even more anxious, and asked her to visit all the temples and monasteries in the suburbs of Beijing. Her family was also anxious, and sent all kinds of talismans, incense, medicine, etc. to Beijing, and finally she became pregnant.
Gong was extremely fond of this baby. She stayed in the yard obediently and didn't go anywhere. Sometimes, even when there was something going on in the palace, Prince Rui had to ask for leave for her.
Prince Rui disagreed. The imperial physician had clearly stated that after three months, she should move around more. But Gong insisted on resting, and Prince Rui had no other choice.
However, what no one expected was that she was fine during delivery, but suddenly had a miscarriage two months later. She passed away after being bedridden for half a year, leaving behind Song Bairan, the second legitimate son of Prince Rui.
The Gong family originally wanted to follow the Lin family's example and send another daughter, and a legitimate daughter, who would be more beautiful than her elder sister, but Prince Rui refused.
In this way, the second son was taken care of by his wet nurse Zhao, and Concubine Li would take extra care of him on weekdays.
Concubine Li grew up with Prince Rui and was the daughter of his wet nurse. Before his wet nurse passed away, she asked Prince Rui to take in her daughter and help take care of her.
Prince Rui agreed, inspired by their childhood affection. After he was crowned king, he requested that Li be made a concubine, and then, after she gave birth to a son, a concubine. She was quiet and sensible, and understood Prince Rui's lifestyle, hobbies, and disposition, earning him great trust.
Unfortunately, the son died before he was one year old. It was said that he was infected with heat and poison from the womb and could not be saved. From then on, Mrs. Li never got pregnant again.
During the year Lin was gone, Li helped manage the affairs of Prince Rui's palace. Later, when Gong married in, she handed the reins over to him without hesitation. After Gong's departure, Prince Rui still wanted Li to continue managing the household, but then young Lin stepped forward, her intentions clearly vying for power. Wu, in turn, often held her daughter in her arms around Prince Rui.
Li advised Prince Rui to divide the affairs of the palace among three people, so that everyone would have a share and Prince Rui would not be troubled by heaven and earth.
In this way, in the absence of the princess, the inner house of Prince Rui's Mansion is now managed by three people.
Prince Rui also had a concubine named Bai, who was Lin's maidservant during her dowry. When Lin was pregnant, she served Prince Rui.
Prince Rui originally disagreed, but Lin insisted and went to his bed when he was drunk. She only served him a few times and did not give birth to a child.
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