Gu Jiu fell asleep.
After all, giving birth is very exhausting. After being excited for such a long time, it’s time to have a good sleep and recover your energy.
Liu Zhao was reading a book while sitting by the bed, watching over the mother and son.
The child needs to eat every hour and a half.
In order not to wake up the sleeping Gu Jiu, Liu Zhao quickly put down his book and picked up the child and handed him to the wet nurse as soon as the child moved.
The three wet nurses take turns to rest, so the little brat never has to worry about having no milk to drink.
Liu Zhao, on the other hand, became more and more experienced in holding babies time and time again. After a few days, he became an old hand at holding babies.
With Liu Zhao's help, Gu Jiu slept soundly for several days. She kept active during the day, and her body recovered very quickly.
When it was her third day of bathing, everyone came to visit her and said that she looked good.
In order to prepare for the third day of bathing, Gu Jiu secretly washed his face and body with hot water without telling Nanny Fang, combed his hair neatly, and did not forget to wear a woolen hat.
She was thankful that it was autumn and the weather was neither too hot nor too cold, so she didn't have to endure the scorching heat.
All the relatives and friends came.
The sisters of the Gu family gathered around her and chatted.
"Sister Xiaojiu, you should show those who called you a sickly girl. It's only been a few days since you gave birth, and you look so good. The term 'sickly girl' is just a fabricated slander."
Gu Mei is outspoken.
When she said this, Xie came in with Gu Shan and others.
Xie paused, her expression becoming somewhat unnatural.
"It turns out it's Aunt Xie. I'm so blind that I didn't see her until now." Gu Mei stood up and saluted.
Xie coughed lightly and smiled, "Just arrived. You guys came quite early."
"Everyone cares about Little Sister Jiu, so naturally they have to come here early. What did Aunt Xie bring for Little Sister Jiu?"
Xie frowned slightly. Why did she feel that Gu Mei was deliberately targeting her? Or was it all an illusion?
Gu Jiu pulled Gu Mei's sleeve and smiled at her.
Gu Mei whispered, "After all these years, I have to vent your anger for you."
"Thank you, Sister Mei."
Xie walked into the bedroom, followed by Gu Shan, Gu Lin, sister-in-law Hu, eldest aunt Zhang, eldest sister-in-law Xiao Zhang, and sixth sister Gu Jun.
"I'm so happy that you all came."
Gu Jiu got up from the bed and greeted everyone.
"Hurry up and lie down, hurry up and lie down. What are you doing getting up as a woman in confinement?"
Aunt Zhang was extremely nervous and quickly took Gu Jiu back to bed.
Gu Jiu smiled, didn't argue with anyone, and sat honestly on the bed.
"They said you looked good, but I didn't believe them. But when I got closer, I saw you looked really good. It seems your birth went very smoothly."
Aunt Zhang looked at Gu Jiu carefully and nodded secretly.
His good complexion showed that Gu Jiu had not suffered any injustice in the palace.
Come to think of it, how could someone who can go out all day to take care of business suffer any injustice?
Gu Jiu touched his cheek and laughed, "Maybe it's because I had a good rest these two days, so I recovered faster."
"Isn't the child noisy?"
"I have a wet nurse, a nanny, and a maid to take care of me. I don't have to worry about it."
Gu Jiu answered selectively, giving Liu Zhao enough face in front of others. He didn't mention that Liu Zhao kept watch every night.
These days, it would be absolutely shameful for a grandson of the emperor to keep vigil every night.
In the eyes of the world, a man who can take time out every day to visit his wife and children is a good man.
Night watch? That's impossible.
Not to mention men, women of this era can't accept it either.
It seems that if a man stays with his wife and children every day, he will become a loser.
Gu Jiu also didn't know what being a responsible man had to do with being a failure.
Aunt Zhang added, "Just relax and take care of yourself during the confinement period. Don't worry about anything else. Taking good care of your health is more important than anything else."
Gu Jiu smiled sweetly, "Thank you for your concern, auntie. I understand. I won't ask about what's going on outside now. I'll just focus on myself and my child."
"That's right. Take care of yourself and give him a brother or sister next year."
Gu Jiu nodded meekly, looking particularly virtuous and gentle, what a good woman.
Gu Shan asked curiously, "Second sister, where is my brother? Why can't I see him?"
"The nurse will feed the baby and bring him in when he's full."
"The child born by my second sister will definitely be very beautiful."
Gu Jiu was not modest at all, "The baby looks like the young master, it is indeed very good-looking."
"Have you chosen a name, brother?" asked Mrs. Hu.
Gu Jiu shook his head. "We haven't decided on a name yet. Let his father think about it slowly."
She doubted whether Liu Zhao could give the baby a nice name.
After so many days, he is still called "baby baby" and doesn't even have a proper name.
Everyone flattered him, saying, "The name you chose must be excellent. You were born blessed and will surely become rich and powerful in the future."
"Thank you all for your kind words."
Nanny Fang came in and invited everyone to go to the flower hall outside for tea.
Everyone gave a few words of advice and filed out.
Gu Mei stayed in the bedroom and talked to Gu Jiu.
The child drank the milk and looked satisfied, then was brought in by the wet nurse.
Gu Mei teased the child, "You're growing up really well."
Gu Jiu asked, "Who do you think the baby looks like?"
"Hmm..." Gu Mei observed carefully, "More like Gongzi Zhao."
"Really? I can't see anything. They all say the child looks like so-and-so, but I can't see it no matter how hard I look."
Gu Mei laughed. "People are like this sometimes. When they look at other people's children, they can tell who they look like at first glance. But when they look at their own children, they can't tell who they look like no matter how hard they try. They just assume that the child looks like that and doesn't look like anyone else."
Gu Jiu nodded, agreeing deeply, "Sister Mei is right. I think our eldest brother is similar to the young master."
Gu Mei lowered her voice and asked, "You gave birth to a legitimate son. There was no commotion in the fourth room, right?"
Gu Jiu pursed his lips and smiled, "Xiao Qin'er gave birth to the eldest son of the royal family, so she is very proud and arrogant, so there is no way she would make a fuss. But my second sister-in-law, I heard, was a little upset and took the opportunity to teach the two noisy little maids a lesson."
"The second wife of your family has a miserable life." Gu Mei sighed, "But I can understand her. When I gave birth to Niuniu, I was also despised by everyone. She hasn't gotten pregnant with her second child yet, so it's inevitable that she's unhappy. Sister Xiaojiu, please be understanding."
Gu Jiu smiled and responded, "Sister Mei is kind-hearted. Don't worry, I am a very kind person."
Gu Mei was a little embarrassed. "I just feel for you and empathize with you. I know how hard it is to give birth to a daughter as your first child. And she got pregnant after being married for three or four years. Her situation is even more difficult than mine."
"Sister Mei, don't worry about her. My second sister-in-law is strong-willed and no difficulty can defeat her."
"That's good!"
The baby fell asleep like a little angel.
Gu Jiu said, "I'd also like to trouble Sister Mei to tell all the sisters that there won't be any dividends at the end of this year. I'll give everyone a big red envelope next year."
"Why are you saying all this now? Just focus on your confinement. Anyone with eyes can see that the project outside the South City Gate will take at least three to five years to complete. We spent all the money in the first year, so how can we distribute dividends if we don't make any money?"
Gu Jiu laughed and said, "Thank you, Sister Mei, for understanding me."
Gu Mei added, "Don't worry about the others. I will explain everything to everyone. We all have great confidence in you and hope that this project can continue."
“I will definitely keep doing it.”
Gu Mei brought up the Zhu family again. "When you and the Zhu family started fighting, I was listening to the news from outside and was worried to death. The Zhu family is very wealthy, and I was really worried that you couldn't handle it.
In the end, you managed to hold on. I'm so happy for you. The Zhu family is busy selling off their assets to fill various holes, and they must be seriously injured. It will take several years to recover. Sister Jiu, you should seize the opportunity and develop well. In the future, you will be able to truly compete with the Zhu family.
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "Sister Mei really understands me."
"I don't have your skills, so I can't help you. But I can still contribute money and effort. If you need me to help, just ask."
"I won't be polite to Sister Mei."
Xiao Cui came in from outside, "Your Highness, the Lady from the Prince's Mansion is here."
"Which royal concubine?"
Xiao Cui felt a little uncomfortable, "It's just the Third Aunt."
Gu Jiu slapped her head. Could it be true that pregnancy really makes people stupid for three years? She hadn't even thought of Gu Yue.
"Why is Gu Yue here? I didn't invite her."
"She said that today is my brother's third birthday, and as his aunt, she has to come."
Gu Jiu rolled his eyes. "She's really as shameless as a city wall. Where is she now?"
"The doorman didn't stop her and let her in. She'll be at the East Courtyard soon. Does Madam want to see her?" Xiao Cui asked cautiously.
Gu Mei said to Gu Jiu, "If you don't want to see her, I'll block her for you."
Gu Jiu shook his head. "If she dares to come, why shouldn't I dare to see her? Nanny, take my son away and don't let anyone get close to him."
"As you command."
The wet nurse carried the sleeping boy away.
…
Today is Gu Yue’s second time coming to Prince Ning’s Mansion.
She used the excuse of holding the third day bath for Gu Jiu's child and finally left the Prince Chu's Mansion. It was a rare opportunity to get out and take a breath.
Walking in the flower-filled Prince Ning's Mansion, she clutched her handkerchief, feeling a pang of sadness in her heart.
As far as the eye can see, Prince Ning's Mansion is much richer than Prince Chu's Mansion.
After all, one has been in office for twenty or thirty years, while the other has only been in office for a few years.
In terms of background alone, the Prince of Chu's Mansion cannot compare to the Prince of Ning's Mansion.
Thinking of Gu Jiu's current reputation and status, as the eldest daughter-in-law, she is far ahead of her.
Gu Yue felt very unbalanced.
When she arrived at the East Courtyard and learned that Gu Jiu lived in such a large house with three courtyards in front and back, and courtyards within courtyards, her jealousy reached its peak.
She was only fit to live in a small courtyard in the Prince of Chu's mansion.
The maids and old women were so crowded with their children that there was almost no room left.
This gap clearly told her how big the gap was between her and Gu Jiu.
At the same time, it made her realize once again that a concubine is a concubine.
Even as a prince's concubine, her status was not that high.
It's just a matter of saying it in a nicer way.
"Gu Liangdi, please come this way."
The maid said politely.
Gu Yue's eyes turned red. She stared at the maid, "What did you call me?"
The maid looked puzzled, "Aren't you Gu Liangdi?"
Gu Yue gritted her teeth and said, "I am your wife's biological sister, you have to call me Third Aunt."
The maid laughed, "Gu Liangdi must have misunderstood. This isn't the Gu Mansion, it's the Prince's Mansion, so naturally, we're talking about relationships in that manner. Gu Liangdi belongs to the Prince of Chu's Mansion, so if I don't call you Gu Liangdi, should I call you Aunt Gu?"
Gu Yue's face flushed with anger, her chest heaving rapidly. "Is this how you greet guests at your palace?"
The maid said calmly, "If you insist on being addressed, Lady Gu, please go back. My wife is currently in confinement and has no time to discuss such trivial matters with you."
"You..." Gu Yue tried hard to suppress the anger in her heart, "What's your name? Who are you?"
"I am Shiqi, the most important maidservant beside the Master, and now I am serving the Madam."
Shiqi held his head high, very proud.
Gu Yue stared at her suspiciously. She was dressed as a maid, so if she wasn't a concubine, could she be a bed warmer?
"Humph, no wonder you're so arrogant. It turns out you're relying on Gongzi Zhao's favor. My second sister is so blind that she actually lets you serve by her side. Doesn't she have anyone else by her side?"
Gu Yue thought he had seen through the truth and felt extremely relieved.
No matter how powerful Gu Jiu is, Liu Zhao still has a concubine.
Shiqi raised an eyebrow and sneered, "This servant is naturally relying on my wife's favor to be so presumptuous. If Concubine Gu is dissatisfied, please return to the Prince of Chu's Mansion. The Prince of Ning's Mansion cannot accommodate a distinguished guest like you."
"How dare you! I'm here to visit my second sister. Lead the way."
The quarrel between the two of them had attracted a crowd of onlookers.
Gu Yue wanted to save face, so she didn't feel comfortable continuing the quarrel. Arguing with a maid was embarrassing.
Shiqi held his head high and led the way.
Soon they arrived at the upper room in the east courtyard.
The upper house in the east courtyard is naturally very grand.
There are four upper rooms with six side rooms, as well as a kitchen, an ear room, a gatehouse, a bathroom and a porch.
Moreover, each room is large enough and bright.
Gu Yue looked around carefully. This was where people lived.
Compared with this one, my own small courtyard looks like a servant's residence.
Gu Yue was extremely depressed at this moment.
They were sisters who started from the same point, but in just a few years, one was at the top while the other fell into oblivion.
Even if you can convince yourself, you will still feel unhappy.
The most painful thing in the world is not not getting what you want, but being unable to accept the result.
If you cannot get what you want, you will feel regretful.
I feel so bad because I had the chance to get it but didn't get it in the end, and it was taken away by someone I disliked. My heart is almost driven crazy by jealousy.
I'm always holding my breath in my heart, and I'm afraid I'll have to hold it for the rest of my life.
"Madam, Gu Liangdi is here."
As soon as Xiao Cui finished speaking, the door curtain was lifted, and Gu Jiu looked up and saw Gu Yue.
The two sisters haven't seen each other for almost a year. The last time they met was at Gu Mei's plum blossom banquet.
Gu Yue was noticeably plumper, with more flesh on her cheeks, and she looked three or four years older. She no longer had the freshness she once had.
"Third sister is here, please sit down."
Gu Jiu greeted politely.
"Second sister, I came to visit you. Sister Mei is here too."
Gu Mei looked at her with a half-smile, "Today is my brother's third birthday, so of course I'm here. But Sister Yue, how did you leave the Prince Chu's Mansion? Will the Princess of Chu agree to let you leave?"
Gu Yue was embarrassed for a moment, but she smiled to dispel Gu Mei's sarcastic sarcasm. "My princess learned that my brother was having his third birthday, so she specially asked me to come and visit. Originally, my princess wanted to come too, but she was not feeling well, so I came to visit my second sister on behalf of the Chu Palace."
"Can you represent the Chu Palace?" Gu Mei laughed, "Sister Yue never blushes when she brags."
Gu Yue narrowed her eyes slightly. "Sister Mei, do you have any misunderstandings about me? I am also a concubine of the Prince's Mansion. Why can't I represent the Prince Chu's Mansion when visiting relatives and friends? And I'm visiting my own sister."
Gu Jiu did not forget to remind Gu Yue, "Half-sisters and half-sisters are not considered close relatives."
Gu Yue was furious, but she could only endure it.
She said weakly, "I know Second Sister is unhappy with me, so I usually don't dare disturb you. But today is my brother's third birthday, and as his aunt, I have to come."
Gu Jiu said politely, "You are so thoughtful. I thank you on behalf of my child."
Gu Yue smiled happily, "Second sister, you are so polite. Where is the child? Can you bring him over to see?"
Gu Jiu said, "Third sister, go to the flower hall for tea. Madam is also there. She misses you very much. You should go there quickly."
Gu Yue was stunned for a moment, "Is my mother here too?"
Gu Jiu nodded, "Of course. If you can come, how can the wife not come?"
Gu Yue was embarrassed.
Gu Jiu really disliked her so much that she didn't even want to pretend to be nice to her. They were both mothers, so why were they so stingy?
"Does Second Sister really hate me?" Gu Yue suddenly burst into tears.
Everyone was stunned. This guy's ability to cry on cue was amazing.
Gu Jiu raised his eyebrows and smiled, "Come here, please invite Gu Liangdi to the flower hall for tea."
"Second sister, why are you so cruel?" Gu Yue asked crying.
Gu Jiu laughed sarcastically, "I don't owe you anything. Don't look at me like an abandoned woman looking at a heartless man. I never abandoned you."
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