Chapter 116 An Lingrong 57
The shock that Zhen Huan's pregnancy brought to the emperor is astonishing no matter how many generations pass.
He showered her with promotions, gifts to her mother's family, and countless treasures and jewels, practically moving his entire private vault into the palace. He even brought all the concubines to the Old Summer Palace on April 17th to celebrate Zhen Huan's birthday. Even the Empress Dowager gifted her a pair of golden hairpins with pomegranate patterns. The Empress, on the other hand, was even more impressive. While she ostensibly followed the Emperor and the Empress Dowager's orders, her demeanor made one think Zhen Huan was the only pregnant woman in the palace.
Praising someone to death is an old-fashioned but effective tactic.
In contrast, Concubine Qi plotted to murder the heir to the throne but was foolish enough to be discovered in public. Lacking a good family background and unloved, the emperor demoted her to a concubine and stripped her of her title, sparing her life only for the sake of the Third Prince.
However, under the Queen's explicit instructions, Concubine Qi, unwilling to become a burden to her son, actually committed suicide by swallowing gold. Upon hearing this, the Emperor was even more disgusted with her for bringing disgrace to the royal family. He reported her illness to the outside world, and even forbade her from entering the concubine's mausoleum. He also immediately registered the Third Prince under the Queen's name.
"It's so rare for my palace to be so lively." Ling Rong lay on the couch and looked at the people around her. She really felt that the years were peaceful and quiet.
"My condition has improved a lot, but I was worried that you would give birth soon, so I asked Concubine Jing to come and see you. I didn't expect to run into our popular Concubine Wan on the way, so we came together." Mei Zhuang supported her waist. Although she was eight months pregnant, her belly was not very big, so she felt only a little sore as she walked along.
Chun Er came over and said, "And me, and me. How could Sister Mei forget Chun Er?"
"I can't forget you. You've been pestering the three of us these days. We've all acknowledged the child as our concubine and accepted the gifts, but how can I forget you?" Mei Zhuang smiled and tapped her forehead. Concubine Jing on the side also smiled happily with her lips pursed.
"Hehe, when my sisters' children are born in the future, Chun'er can take my nephews to fly kites, eat delicious food, and...feed the blackbirds together!" Seeing the fat and plump bird landing on her head, Chun'er was so happy that she didn't move. After a while, she ran to the yard after the bird.
"I really envy her. She's always so carefree. Just looking at her makes me happy." Mei Zhuang sighed at the girl's lively back, her hand gently stroking her belly. "I wish my child could be like her, always happy."
"Our child has grown up together and has so many concubines to take care of him, so he will naturally grow up healthy and happy." Zhen Huan touched Meizhuang's belly and looked at Lingrong's, feeling it was magical.
Will her children grow up to be this big in the future?
"By the way, are the midwives and wet nurses in your palace safe? Also, all the supplies and rooms for delivery should be checked over and over again." Mei Zhuang carefully recalled the matters her mother had instructed her when she came to visit her this time. She asked about each one in detail and was relieved when she saw that there was no problem.
"It's just that Doctor Wen is still in charge of the epidemic in the capital this time. Although the other doctors in the Imperial Hospital are also very skilled, it always makes people feel a little uneasy." After Mei Zhuang experienced the frame-up by the imperial physician, she always had some doubts about these doctors in the palace, but she couldn't let Doctor Wen be responsible for three babies alone, right?
Fortunately, Doctor Li, who was in charge of Lingrong's pregnancy, didn't make any mistakes, so there should be no problem.
Zhen Huan also nodded. "The Imperial Physician Zhang we've sent here has been practicing medicine in the palace for many years and is very reliable. The Imperial Physician Zhang, who the Emperor has recently appointed, is also highly respected and should be able to handle the problem. However, Lingrong's case is a critical one. Although it may be troublesome, it's best to have Imperial Physician Wen examine any medications you take these days before using them."
Ling Rong knew they were well-intentioned and naturally wouldn't refuse: "I'll trouble him in that case. By the way, I can't go out these days. I seem to have heard that Concubine Hua is going to be promoted?"
"That's right. She's now showing off her power in this palace, enjoying a very glorious life!" Mei Zhuang sneered, "Didn't you see when I went to pay my respects to the Queen a few days ago? She actually openly wanted to get her hands on the Queen's position. She didn't even consider whether her moral character was worthy of it!"
"Sister, be careful with your words!" Concubine Jing had obviously suffered from Concubine Hua for a long time, and she was extremely cautious even in a safe place.
Zhen Huan also hurriedly advised: "Sister, you are still pregnant, you must not get angry."
"Why should I be angry? I'm just blaming myself for not being able to protect my child that day." Mei Zhuang shook her head and patted Ling Rong and Zhen Huan's hands. "Look at me, I said something stupid again and made you worry."
"Aren't you sisters finished talking yet? Wuxue is a little hungry! I, I'm a little hungry too."
The four of them were chatting when Chun'er came running in, holding a lazy dumpling in her hand that could obviously fly but was nestled comfortably in Chun'er's palm, and she was shouting that she was hungry.
"No, you and Wuxue should eat less. Your sister Wan just told us that she's afraid you'll be hungry at noon, so the cakes at Suiyuxuan are all open for you to eat. Wuxue has been spoiled by the three treasures and has become increasingly plump. I'm afraid she won't be able to fly out of the gate of Chengqian Palace."
Lingrong lay in bed for a moment, and Wuxue obediently spread her wings and flew to Sanbao's side, pretending to be dead. Chun'er also sat down on the embroidered cushion obediently, no longer complaining about being hungry.
"It's true that there's always someone to conquer. Before, you were making a fuss with me about wanting to go fly a kite, and no matter what I said, you wouldn't listen. But as soon as I brought up Lingrong, you became obedient. We're all sisters, so why do you only listen to your sister Lingrong and not me?" Zhen Huan pretended to sigh, as if she was sad about Chun'er's partiality.
"I, I didn't! It's just... Oh, I don't know why, Sister Lingrong is especially like my eldest sister. When I'm at home, as long as my eldest sister says something, I have to listen obediently." Chun'er touched his head a little embarrassedly, looking at a few people who were giggling again.
After several people left one after another, Ling Rong slowly lay down.
"Your Majesty, Imperial Doctor Li is here to check your pulse."
"Please come in."
Ling Rong leaned slightly on the bed. Doctor Li hurried to the bedside and said, "Your humble servant pays respects to Concubine Yi."
"Doctor Li, please stand up."
After the imperial physician finished taking her pulse, Ling Rong smiled and asked, "You've been working the night shift these days, you've been so tired. Are you feeling well enough?"
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your consideration. The Emperor has issued an order that this humble official and the other two imperial physicians responsible for the pregnancies of Concubine Wan and Concubine Hui will take turns on duty. Four additional imperial physicians have been added to the rotation to provide assistance."
"Really? That's good, otherwise I would always feel uneasy."
"Your Majesty, please don't worry. In my opinion, your pregnancy is very good and there should be no problem." Although Doctor Li said so, he still checked Lingrong's pulse after returning and made contingency plans for what might happen during delivery.
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