Chapter 80 Dong's Production
The Empress Dowager's health deteriorated further.
Su Ma has been looking for an opportunity to make a move against the Empress.
Unfortunately, the Empress's Kunning Palace was too well-defended, and even she searched for a long time without finding an opportunity to make a move.
That day, Fanghua had just finished her breakfast when Li Changfu rushed over.
"What happened that you're in such a hurry?" Fanghua immediately put down her chopsticks and asked. After all, she knew Li Changfu well; he wouldn't have rushed in so rudely if nothing had happened.
"Your Majesty, Consort Dong has started her attack." Li Changfu, still a little out of breath, quickly explained the situation.
Fanghua lost her appetite. "Someone, prepare to go to Yongshou Palace." As the Empress, she had to be there when the concubines gave birth.
Fortunately, her Kunning Palace was not far from Yongshou Palace, so Fanghua rushed over without even taking a sedan chair.
Other concubines had already arrived at Yongshou Palace, but the Emperor had not yet come.
"How is it?" Fanghua dismissed everyone's formalities as soon as she entered and immediately stepped forward to ask the Imperial Concubine.
Consort Niohuru listened intently to the sounds coming from the delivery room, her eyes filled with worry. "She's been inside for quite a while now. The imperial physician has checked her pulse and said we should wait a little longer."
Fanghua had given birth before, so she naturally knew what was going on. "It's good that the imperial physician is here. Childbirth doesn't happen that quickly for women. Your Highness, don't be too anxious."
Fanghua took the main seat and then comforted the Imperial Concubine.
Although Niohuru had not given birth, she had seen it and, despite knowing the situation, was still somewhat worried. "Hmm, I'm not in a hurry."
Although she said that, her anxiety was already written all over her face.
The other concubines also sat down, each comforting the Imperial Concubine.
Perhaps it was because someone was talking to her, but Niohuru's heart gradually calmed down.
“This woman’s childbirth was truly terrifying. I didn’t realize it before, but even though I haven’t experienced it myself, I was terrified by the way Dong was doing it.”
After the incident was resolved, the Imperial Concubine couldn't help but complain to the Empress.
Fanghua understood what she meant. "That's right, that's why you have to take good care of yourself during pregnancy, otherwise you'll suffer during childbirth. With the Consort taking care of you, Madam Dong will definitely be safe and sound." She patted her tightly clenched hand and tried to comfort her with her words.
"Alas, I hope Lady Dong will be blessed with good fortune and long life. As long as she gives birth to a princess, I will certainly not mistreat her." The Emperor had already agreed to her adopting a princess, so she naturally did not want Lady Dong to give birth to a son.
Besides, even if Dong Sheng gave birth to a son, she wouldn't be able to raise him; it would be better for her to have a princess.
Although no one can say for sure, she had the imperial physician examine her pulse and he said it was a princess.
Those sitting below, including Ma Jia, had a look of envy in their eyes.
With the Imperial Concubine's protection, even if she loses favor in the future, Lady Dong's life will certainly not be bad.
In addition, she gave birth to a princess, so she will probably be promoted to the rank of Noble Lady after this birth. They are just Noble Ladies after all.
"I trust the Consort's words, and I also believe that Consort Dong is fortunate enough to have this blessing," Fanghua replied with a smile.
Nara was envious, but she was an ambitious woman, and with the birth of the second prince, she was naturally not satisfied with a minor noble title.
So when Ma Jia spoke, she lowered her head to hide the disdain in her eyes.
While those waiting outside grew anxious, Madam Dong exerted all her strength to give birth inside the delivery room.
The midwives were arranged by Niohuru, and they did their best to help Dong give birth.
However, their cervixes were not fully dilated, and a lot of blood had already been lost, which made them very anxious.
She also instructed the female physician to inform the imperial physician who was guarding outside about the situation.
The imperial physician was also very capable; he immediately decided to prescribe strong medicine: "Go and prepare labor-inducing drugs."
Immediately, a young eunuch followed the female physician out to brew the medicine, but the commotion was also reported to the main hall.
When the imperial concubine heard that labor-inducing drugs were to be administered, she was filled with anxiety.
He immediately sent someone to inquire.
After clarifying the situation, the Imperial Concubine clasped her hands together, leaving numerous marks on the backs of her hands from pinching.
Fanghua didn't know how to comfort her, so she could only wait in silence.
Just as they were waiting anxiously, Emperor Kangxi came over after court.
It wasn't that he valued Lady Dong so much, but rather that he had promised the Imperial Concubine that he would entrust the child to her for upbringing.
Although the imperial physician was a princess, no one could guarantee it 100% until the baby was born. If it were a prince, then he would have to make other arrangements.
"His Majesty has arrived."
As Shi Cong called out "Let's have a meal!", everyone in the room rose to greet him.
"Alright, everyone, please sit down." Kangxi strode over to the Empress and Consort, and immediately asked, "How is Lady Dong? Has she given birth?"
This was the Imperial Concubine's domain, so Fanghua naturally didn't bypass her and instead looked at the Imperial Concubine.
Consort Gui, though anxious, replied, "Your Majesty, the imperial physician has just administered labor-inducing medication. I fear we will have to wait a while longer before delivery."
Upon hearing that labor-inducing drugs had been used, Kangxi frowned deeply. "Where is the imperial physician?"
Soon someone summoned the imperial physician.
The imperial physician who came to see me today is Physician Zhou, a confidant of the Imperial Concubine.
"Greetings, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor!"
When Physician Zhou arrived, he immediately greeted the Emperor and was about to greet the Empresses when Kangxi interrupted him.
"Alright, enough with the formalities. How is Consort Dong doing? Is the production going smoothly?"
Emperor Kangxi valued his offspring quite a bit. Whether they were princesses or princes, they were all his children. He only had three children alive at the time.
Because of Chengrui's death, Emperor Kangxi placed even greater importance on having offspring.
After all, he didn't want a repeat of what happened with Cheng Rui.
Although the cause was Ma Jia's child, she was still his child, so he naturally felt sorry for her.
Physician Zhou immediately reported Dong Changzai's condition truthfully.
After hearing this, Emperor Kangxi breathed a sigh of relief. "Then proceed with your prescription. You may leave."
After dismissing the imperial physician, Kangxi sat down in the seat where the Empress had previously sat. "Alright, you may all sit down."
Fanghua lost her place, but she didn't try to take the position of Imperial Concubine. Instead, she had someone bring over an embroidered stool and sat down next to Kangxi.
"Your Majesty, please don't worry. Consort Dong is a blessed woman and will surely have a safe delivery," Fanghua said slowly, her words carrying a reassuring tone.
Kangxi grasped her hand. "Hmm, I'm not worried. Empress, you arrived early, have you had breakfast yet?" He squeezed her hand firmly, his voice filled with concern.
Hearing how much the Emperor cared for the Empress, everyone felt a pang of sadness.
But no one dared to speak.
Fanghua met his eyes, her smile wide. "I used it. I had just finished using it when I heard that Madam Dong was giving birth. When I rushed over, the Imperial Concubine had already made all the arrangements."
Emperor Kangxi looked up at the Imperial Concubine and said with praise, "Imperial Concubine, you have worked hard. After Lady Dong gave birth to the princess, you will be raising her. From now on, you will have a lot of work to do."
Previously, although Emperor Kangxi had promised Consort Gui, he had not made it public. But now it's different. He said it in front of so many concubines, so it's a done deal. Anyone who wants to go back on their word will have to think twice.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I will certainly take good care of the princess and Consort Dong, and I will not let them suffer any injustice." Niohuru was extremely excited.
He immediately bowed deeply to Emperor Kangxi.
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