For the next two weeks, Fourth Master still spent most of his time at Lanqin's place. Yan Yu, having just given birth and needing to recuperate, was unable to serve him at all. However, seeing that Lanqin practically monopolized Fourth Master, she was still furious and threw several tantrums in the room.
Before they knew it, the two children would be almost a month old. The Fourth Prince went to the palace to inform Emperor Kangxi of the good news, though Kangxi had already learned of it from Consort De. Kangxi granted Consort De permission to bring entourage to the Fourth Prince's residence to offer congratulations, but he himself only bestowed gifts upon the two children and did not go.
Because of Lanqin's "scheming," the Fourth Prince specially asked Consort De to let her bring Consort Lan along.
Because the Fujin (princess's wife) had been ill and didn't seem to be fully recovered, the preparations for Yan Yu's full-moon celebration had been handled by the head nanny. As for the specific arrangements for receiving guests that day, those would be discussed once the Fujin was better.
Inside the main courtyard.
"Hongshi, go and read that passage your mother taught you again. Once you've memorized it, then read it to your mother." The Fujin was instructing Hongshi to read the Three Character Classic.
After the maidservant had taken Hongshi away, the Fujin slowly picked up the teacup on the desk and took a sip of tea.
Judging from her complexion and appearance, the Princess Consort didn't seem to be ill. The reason she kept claiming to be ill was that she genuinely didn't want to hold a banquet for the twins. Anyway, the Fourth Prince hardly ever came anymore, so whether she was sick or not, he wouldn't be able to see it, so she simply pretended to be ill and didn't care about the matter.
“My lady, you can’t keep pretending to be sick like this. You’ll have to go out and greet the primary wife and secondary wives at the full moon celebration,” said Granny Li.
"Then let's wait until that time. In the meantime, let me rest well and focus on teaching Hongshi," the Fujin said calmly.
Soon, the baby's one-month celebration arrived. The Fujin (Prince's wife) had recovered from her illness and was able to receive guests. The celebration was held in the front courtyard. The Fourth Prince didn't invite too many people; besides the Consort De, there were only a few of his brothers. It was mostly his own brothers and their wives; there were no outsiders.
The eldest prince did not come, but sent a congratulatory gift. The crown prince also sent a congratulatory gift.
The Third Prince and his wife arrived, as did the Fifth Prince and his wife. The Seventh Prince and his wife arrived, as did the Eighth Prince and his wife, the Ninth Prince, the Thirteenth Prince, and even the Fourteenth Prince. Naturally, several princesses from each household also came.
Yan Yu was in charge of receiving the princess. She didn't want Lan Qin to steal her thunder. In fact, Lan Qin was too lazy to help her entertain the princess. She was only assigned one task: to entertain her second sister.
This was Holland's first time leaving the palace and his first time entering Lanchin's courtyard.
"Sister, do you live in this courtyard all by yourself?" Holland, holding the hand of the palace maid, followed Lanqin inside.
"Yes, Second Sister, Master has arranged a carriage and guards at the side gate. He can take you back to the manor soon so you can see your father and mother," Lanqin said. She knew perfectly well what He Dong had meant by that question. Alas, although she was the Emperor's woman, she was only a Noble Lady, currently residing in the Lanyue Pavilion of Zhongcui Palace. Her living conditions were no better than here. This was Lanqin's private residence, while Zhongcui Palace housed several Noble Ladies.
"No rush. I already knew that my sister was favored by the Fourth Prince. Now that we're in your room, why don't you invite me in for a seat?" Holland said coquettishly.
"What are you saying? I was just worried about delaying your reunion with your family," Lanqin said calmly. She knew that she and Holland were ultimately not on the same path. The friendship of that time couldn't change anything; Holland was still Holland. She simply knew that being jealous of Lanqin wouldn't do her any good.
As the two entered the main house, the uniform huanghuali furniture and various exquisite ornaments clearly revealed that the owner of the house was extremely pampered. Although the house could not be called a golden palace, just looking at the treasures displayed on the antique shelves and the various pieces of furniture and home furnishings, they were all worth a fortune.
Holland slowly looked around the house; there were many things that even she didn't have.
"Nianxue, go and make my special milk tea for Second Sister." Lanqin gestured for Holland to sit down, then turned and instructed Nianxue.
“Sister, you’re living a much better life than me,” Holland said.
She truly began to envy Lanqin. She herself had married into the palace and become one of Kangxi's concubines, a higher status than Lanqin. But what good was all that? A woman's most beautiful years would be slowly wasted away in the deep palace, without a man who truly cared for her.
"Sister, the Emperor still dotes on you. How is your health recovering?" Lanqin knew that since Holland's miscarriage, she had been recuperating, hoping to conceive again.
"I've been taking all that bitter medicine for ages. I don't know when it'll end. My sister's life is so much easier now, I'm starting to regret it." Holland knew in her heart that what she needed most right now was the support of her family. Arguing with Lanqin wouldn't do her any good. She was smart enough, but Yang was still so ungrateful.
"Sister, don't be discouraged. As long as you persevere, you might just achieve it," Lanqin comforted her.
In truth, she knew that the situation in the palace wasn't good. Since her miscarriage, her health had suffered some damage. She feared her favor with Emperor Kangxi would diminish significantly; what emperor would like a sickly, weak concubine? The palace was never short of beautiful women.
"Lanqin, I was able to get out this time thanks to you." Holland understood that Lanqin must have begged the Fourth Prince, which is why the Fourth Prince allowed Consort De to bring him out.
Lanqin smiled and nodded, thinking to herself: This woman is much more sensible than Yang Shi, but she is, after all, Kangxi's concubine, and I am still her junior, so it is really not appropriate to say too much.
"Then I should thank you. I never imagined that you would end up doing the best," Holland sighed.
"Second sister, why don't we go to the side gate? Quanfu and the others are all waiting to see you," Lanqin said.
After drinking the milk tea, Holland nodded.
Lanqin escorted Holland to the side gate, then instructed the coachman and several guards, telling Holland to return in an hour. She herself did not follow.
Lanqin eventually went to Yanyu's side. It wouldn't be good for her not to show herself when Consort De arrived.
As soon as she entered the main courtyard, she heard a shocking piece of news: Seventh Master's Consort Dong died during childbirth, along with her unborn child.
The news came from one of the Fifth Prince's concubines, as their residence was closest to the Seventh Prince's. It is said that the Seventh Prince held Dong's body for a whole day, refusing to let go.
"Do you think this Dong woman had a difficult childbirth, or was she murdered?" asked one of Ninth Master's concubines.
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