Chapter Forty-Three
Before marrying Princess Ya, besides Consort Yu's promotion to Imperial Noble Consort, another major event occurred in the palace—the Empress gave birth. Whether in modern society or in that ancient one, the Empress's age would be considered advanced maternal age. After the New Year, Rong Momo had already prepared for the delivery, fearing something might happen to the Empress. The day after the Ministry of Rites set the date for the grand ceremony of her promotion to Imperial Noble Consort, March 29th, the Empress suddenly showed signs of labor.
Yongshou Palace was busy but orderly. Princess He Rui, Princess He Ya, and Princess Lan Xin rushed over after hearing the news. The young Tenth Prince and Twelfth Prince were also pacing in the courtyard. The Thirteenth Prince was being held by his wet nurse, staring at the door with a puzzled look. The Seventh Princess was holding He Rui's hand and kept looking into the closed door.
Upon hearing the report from the servant in the Hall of Mental Cultivation, the Emperor immediately headed towards Yongshou Palace. The Empress Dowager, having waited for a long time without seeing Lanxin return from inquiring about the situation, had Granny Gui help her to the Yongshou Palace.
Having had several births before, the Empress's delivery was relatively smooth, though there were a few minor complications. The little prince was initially reluctant to come out, causing the Empress some discomfort. However, once the Emperor and Empress Dowager arrived at Yongshou Palace, the little prince seemed to sense their arrival and immediately emerged obediently from his mother's womb. His loud cries, accompanied by the congratulatory voices of the announcing maid, reached the Emperor and Empress Dowager's ears. "It's a prince!"
When He Rui heard it was a prince, her lips twitched slightly. This must be the Fifteenth Prince! The legendary most mediocre prince, the Fifteenth Prince who ultimately ascended the throne, had actually come from the Empress's womb. He Rui mentally facepalmed, wondering what trick fate was playing. Everyone was immersed in the joy of the Empress giving birth to another prince, and no one noticed the change in He Rui's expression.
The Empress had just given birth when the servants of Yanxi Palace rushed off, saying that Consort Ling seemed to be going into premature labor.
Premature birth? Consort Ling really doesn't know how to pick her time to give birth, He Rui thought to himself.
The Empress Dowager only sent a nanny. The Emperor looked at the person beside him and said, "Li Yu, go and see how Consort Ling is doing!"
The Empress, who had just given birth to the Prince, was still unconscious. After thinking for a moment, she said to Rong Mama, "Send someone to check on him, so that people won't gossip."
Rong Momo immediately agreed, and the Empress Dowager nodded in satisfaction to He Rui.
Inside Yanxi Palace, Consort Ling, expecting the Emperor's long absence, was instead informed by a servant that the Empress had just given birth to a prince, and that the Emperor and Empress Dowager were both in Yongshou Palace. Hearing the voices of three more servants outside, Consort Ling was furious; she had no choice but to give birth now. The experienced midwives couldn't tell that Consort Ling was about to give birth, but with three servants and mistresses arriving, the midwives had to resort to makeshift methods to induce labor. Consort Ling hesitated, then the voices of Consort Chun and Consort Yu rang out; the two consorts had been ordered to assist Consort Ling. Gritting her teeth, Consort Ling agreed to the midwives' suggestion.
Inside the inner chamber, Consort Ling gritted her teeth as she gave birth. In the outer chamber, Consort Chun and Consort Yu conversed. Consort Chun disliked this woman who now held the Emperor's exclusive favor, yet dared not offend her. Consort Yu came from a prominent Manchu family and was the foster mother of two princesses favored by the Emperor. Even the Empress held Consort Yu in high regard. Consort Yu's status was inferior, and she hadn't yet earned the Emperor's special attention; her only advantage was perhaps having several princes. But what did it matter?
Aside from being extremely warm towards the Emperor, respectful to the Empress Dowager, and reverent towards the Empress, Consort Yu was like a proud lotus in the harem, rarely speaking to anyone else. She sat under the same roof as Consort Chun, and the two did not exchange a single word.
Consort Chun, eager to befriend Consort Yu, harbored deep hatred for Consort Ling. Consort Ling, relying on the Emperor's favor, had actually forced a Consort to kneel and apologize to a mere concubine, and through this act, she was promoted from concubine to consort. Although the Emperor hadn't demoted her, the fact that he hadn't summoned her for months revealed his true feelings. Back when Empress Xiaoxian passed away, it was Consort Chun who had said to the Emperor that Yongzhang's crying wasn't sorrowful enough, leading to Yongzhang being excluded from the list of potential consorts. Fortunately, Yongzhang was still favored by the Emperor, which prevented Consort Ling from being demoted last time, but it also made her a laughingstock. Consort Chun grew increasingly angry, gritting her teeth and cursing inwardly that Consort Ling's childbirth would be difficult…
The agonizing labor was excruciating for Consort Ling. Although the nanny spoke of things like "seven months is the limit of life" and "seven months is the limit of life," promising the baby would be born without complications, Consort Ling felt no confidence. She was determined to give birth; there was no turning back. Consort Ling was unaware that after the Emperor took note of her during the New Year, he had already decided what to do with the child in her womb. Consort Ling still hoped to use her son as a means to gain favor and status, but it seemed her wishes would remain unfulfilled.
In Yongshou Palace, the Emperor was completely unconcerned about whether Consort Ling, who was in labor, would give birth to a prince or a princess. He was currently watching the Empress Dowager holding the baby prince. Every emperor hopes to have many children and grandchildren, and Qianlong was no exception. Counting his sons, Qianlong was in high spirits. When Li Yu ran back to report that Consort Ling had given birth to a princess, the Emperor was already in a great mood. After pondering for a moment, he said, "Take her to Changchun Palace, where Consort Yu will raise her."
Consort Ling worked herself to the bone, risking her life to give birth, only to have the Emperor decree that the child was born to Consort Yu. Before fainting, Consort Ling heard the imperial decree and completely lost consciousness. The servants were terrified and immediately summoned the imperial physician. And yet, Consort Ling had not even seen the birth of her Ninth Princess.
Consort Yu was somewhat at a loss upon the sudden arrival of her daughter. Having just returned from Yanxi Palace, she was instructing Granny Xia to send some things to Consort Ling when she saw passersby. Among them was an old nanny carrying a newborn. Wu Shulai was loudly proclaiming the Emperor's decree. Consort Yu was stunned, but fortunately, Granny Xia reacted quickly, immediately giving Wu Shulai a reward and instructing the servants to prepare the little princess's necessities. Taking the reward, Wu Shulai respectfully withdrew. She hesitated, wondering whether to cultivate a good relationship with the favored Consort Yu, or follow the Empress, or Consort Yi.
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After the Empress finished her postpartum confinement, her busy schedule included marrying Princess Ya. The Empress personally selected the fabric and began embroidering the wedding gown. Then, she meticulously checked every item, from the headdress to the collar and accessories.
As June drew closer, Princess Heya grew increasingly agitated. Every night, Princess Herui had to soothe her younger sister to sleep, gently tugging at her ear to remind her to be mindful of things. When May arrived, neither Herui nor Heya needed to attend classes at the Imperial Study. Seeing the restless Ziwei, Princess Herui petitioned the Emperor for a special privilege: she and Heya could stay at the Yuanmingyuan Garden for seven days.
Emperor Qianlong quickly granted his request.
Two prospective consorts accompanied the princess to the Yuanmingyuan Garden; those who were to become consorts would not see the two princesses. The procession of a princess was very long. Once outside the palace, Heya's mood was no longer as agitated as it had been inside. He Rui, observing Heya's reaction, clearly understood it was pre-wedding jitters. He Rui had watched many teen dramas, and such situations were often depicted in them. He Rui wasn't sure if leaving the palace would alleviate Heya's anxiety, but it seemed to be working.
The two imperial sons-in-law are responsible for protecting the princess's safety. Haricha Gai was promoted to commander of the Imperial Guards last year. E Yue does not have any official duties at the moment, but he is very close to the Third Prince. This Third Prince, who is not as favored as the Fifth Prince, has an important task assigned by the Emperor: to manage the Sticky Pole Office established by the late Emperor.
Previously, the censors had submitted several memorials requesting permission from the Emperor because E'ertai held a minor post without any real authority, but none of them were taken seriously. The censors reasoned that even though E'ertai was powerful, the Emperor still feared him; otherwise, why would the Emperor have allowed Princess Gulun to appoint someone with no real power? Little did the censors know that E'ertai was actually highly regarded by the Emperor; otherwise, why would he have been assigned to serve the Third Prince?
Although E Yue was not as skilled in martial arts as Harichagai, he was far more quick-witted. The Emperor sent the two to protect the princesses, partly because of his own ulterior motives, and partly because he had been feeling uneasy lately, sensing that something was about to happen. Emperors were often superstitious; anything they couldn't understand would lead them to superstition. Qianlong was especially prone to this. His unease remained unfulfilled; with nothing happening in the harem and no major events at court, his concern was that he might visit the two princesses at the Yuanmingyuan Garden for a short while.
After the two princesses moved into the Bamboo Courtyard, guards stood watch outside the courtyard, with Haricha Gai and E Yue taking turns patrolling.
After a seven-day stay at the Yuanmingyuan without any incidents, He Ya was not as agitated as she had been when she left the palace. With the divorce date fast approaching, the two princesses had to set off to return to the palace.
Hearing that the two princesses had returned to the palace unharmed, Emperor Qianlong's unease hadn't lessened. Feeling quite awkward, he summoned Prince Heqin to the palace. Upon entering and hearing his elder brother's words, Prince Heqin's lips twitched. His brother was truly stirring up trouble. Qianlong, having summoned Prince Heqin, instructed him—a man quite fond of getting things done—to inquire after him whether anything had occurred outside the palace.
Princess Guren Heya's wedding day arrived as scheduled. In Cining Palace, Heya bid farewell to the Empress Dowager, then went to Yongshou Palace to pay her respects to the Emperor and Empress, before visiting the two Imperial Concubines. After completing the farewell rites, she returned to Jingyi Pavilion, where the Empress was already waiting. The Empress personally fastened a lucky charm lock around Heya's neck. Watching Ziwei get married, He Rui felt a complex mix of emotions, a sense that daughters grow up and leave home. He watched as Jin Suo helped Ziwei into the sedan chair, and He Rui, supporting the Empress, accompanied the Emperor in the main hall of Jianfu Palace to see Heya off as she left the palace to marry.
Princess Heya's wedding was extremely lavish; the dowry alone took the Palace of Ceremonies an hour to prepare. He Rui felt no envy or jealousy, only hoping that Heya would be happy after her marriage.
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Author's Note: I've borrowed Princess He Xiao's dowry list and included it as Ziwei's dowry.
List of dowry items:
A ruby adorns the top of the hat, inlaid with ten second-grade Eastern pearls.
Five golden phoenixes, inlaid with twenty-five fifth-grade Eastern pearls, seven of which are dull, one hundred and twenty small broken pearls, and two Ula pearls, weighing a total of sixteen taels and five mace.
One golden pheasant, one piece of inlaid pebbles, nineteen small pearls, a gold-inlaid blue peach blossom pendant, eight small pearls inlaid with dark-colored frosting patterns, one hundred and eighty small pearls with dark-colored frosting patterns, three coral pendants, the total weight of the pheasant and the pendant is five taels and three mace.
A golden Buddha statue is placed on the front of the hat, inlaid with two second-grade Eastern pearls.
Two gold flowers adorn the back of the hat, inlaid with two fifth-grade pearls.
A gold-inlaid coral headband, set with seven second-grade pearls, weighing four taels and seven mace.
A gold-inlaid lapis lazuli square knot pendant, inlaid with twenty-four small pearls with dark patterns, two hundred and forty-nine small pearls with broken patterns, and three coral pendants, weighing four taels, five mace, and five fen.
A gold-inlaid coral top band, set with two second-grade pearls, weighing five taels and four mace.
Two goose-yellow braids, two pine-patterned back ornaments, four coral pendants, four third-grade pearls, and four fourth-grade pearls.
A pair of double-bead pendants, consisting of six large beads, six second-class beads, and six small beads interspersed throughout, with a gold hook weighing one tael, seven mace, and five fen.
Four pairs of gold bracelets, weighing thirty-five taels.
A pair of gold lotus-shaped crab hairpins, inlaid with six dull pearls, two small pearls, twenty lake pearls, four rice pearls, nine rubies, two sapphires, and one ingot, weighing two taels and one mace.
A pair of golden lotus bonsai hairpins, inlaid with one high-quality pearl of the third grade with a rough skin, one lake pearl, six dull pearls, twelve rubies, one ingot, without a shank, weighing one tael and five mace.
A pair of Jin Songling birthday hairpins, inlaid with two dull pearls, two small broken pearls, ten seed pearls, two ingots, four rubies, two sapphires, and two jadeite beads, weighing two taels.
A set of small court beads with broken pearls, totaling 108 beads, with a coral Buddha light pagoda and commemorative design, a silver-inlaid pearl back cloud, inlaid with one small pearl, four seed pearls, a large pendant with a small pearl, a small pendant with broken pearls, four seed pearls, eight gold rings, and a tassel knot, weighing a total of 1 tael, 8 mace, and 5 fen.
A set of small court beads with broken pearls, totaling 108 pearls, a coral Buddha head pagoda, a commemorative piece, a silver-inlaid pearl back cloud, a dark-colored fifth-grade pearl, a small pearl with a large pendant, broken small pearls with small pendants, four interspersed rice beads, eight silver rings, and a total weight of 1 tael, 4 mace, and 5 fen including the tassel.
A set of coral prayer beads, a lapis lazuli Buddha head pagoda, a gold-inlaid green jasper back cloud, a large jasper pendant, a turquoise commemorative pendant, a small jasper and yellow sapphire pendant, and four secondary-colored dark-colored, high-grade beads.
A set of coral prayer beads, a stone Buddha head pagoda, a copper-inlaid gemstone back cloud, a piece of inlaid ingot, a piece of green crystal, a turquoise commemorative piece, a large ruby pendant, two small ruby pendants, a small sapphire pendant, a dull pearl, three small pearls, fourteen small pearls, and two coral bats.
A string of bluestone prayer beads, with a coral Buddha head pagoda and a commemorative design, a copper-inlaid back cloud, four rubies, one jasper, two sapphires, a large jasper pendant, a small ruby pendant, and four faux beads.
A string of prayer beads made of calamus stone, a coral Buddha head pagoda as a memento, a turquoise back cloud, a large yellow sapphire pendant, a small jade pendant, plus a small rice-shaped bead and three small broken beads.
A turquoise prayer bead set, with a jadeite Buddha head, a sapphire back cloud, a large ruby pendant, coral as a memento, a small ruby, sapphire, and jadeite pendant, plus four small beads.
A string of turquoise prayer beads. A Buddha head pagoda with a cloud-shaped back, a large yellow turquoise pendant, coral as a memento, a small ruby turquoise pendant, plus one small color-changing pearl and three small rice-grain pearls.
A beeswax court bead set, with a jade Buddha head pagoda, cloud pattern on the back, commemorative pendant, and four small, fine beads in between.
A string of amber prayer beads, with a Buddha head pagoda, cloud pattern on the back, a small pendant, a large ruby pendant, three small fine beads, and one fake bead.
Two maroon satin mink robes and one blue satin pegasus robe.
One brown satin robe with gray squirrel fur, and one brown sheepskin robe.
One dark brown fine sheepskin robe, one dark brown satin sheepskin upper garment with silver fox fur lower garment, two blue satin sable fur jackets, one dark blue satin sable fur jacket, one dark blue satin sable fur jacket embroidered with eight golden dragons, one dark blue satin white fox fur jacket embroidered with eight dragons, one dark blue satin silver fox fur jacket with four dragon motifs, and two blue satin gray fox fur jackets. All of the above have been altered and remade.
Five bolts of embroidered five-colored satin with gold dragon design; twenty-three bolts of embroidered five-colored satin with python design; two bolts of embroidered five-colored gauze with python design; eighteen bolts of woven five-colored satin with eight roundels of gold dragon design; three bolts of embroidered five-colored gauze with dragon design; twenty bolts of gold-embroidered satin; twenty bolts of python satin; three bolts of large-roll shimmering satin; thirty-two bolts of small-roll shimmering satin; thirty rolls of foreign velvet; thirty bolts of brocade satin; two bolts of satin with gold longevity characters; one hundred and sixty-four bolts of large-roll eight-silk satin; six bolts of upper-grade satin; twenty-five bolts of large-roll palace silk; twenty-two bolts of large-roll gauze; one hundred and sixty bolts of large-roll five-silk satin; seventy-five bolts of small-roll five-silk satin; eighty bolts of Lu silk; twenty bolts of palace gauze; one hundred bolts of damask; one hundred bolts of spun silk; totaling nine hundred and forty bolts.
Two pairs of gold-inlaid jade grass-ribbed spittoons, two silver spittoons, each weighing 2.8 taels; a pair of silver powder boxes, one weighing 38 taels and the other 37 taels; a pair of silver ewers, each weighing 21 taels; a pair of silver teapots, each weighing 30 taels and 5 taels; two silver basins, one weighing 9 taels and 7 taels and the other 10 taels and 3 taels; a pair of silver boxes, one weighing 7 taels and 5 taels and the other 7 taels and 4 taels; a pair of small silver dishes, one weighing 2 taels and 5 taels and the other 1 tael and 7 taels; a pair of gilded boxes, one weighing 3 taels and 1 tael and the other 3 taels and 2 taels; ten silver cups and plates, weighing a total of 32 taels and 5 taels; four silver teapots, two weighing 13 taels; silver spoon handles, each weighing 6 taels; and eight jade cups.
Ten boxes of ivory combs, twenty boxes of boxwood combs, twelve boxes of fine-toothed combs, twenty boxes of large brushes, one box of toothbrushes, and twelve boxes of toothbrushes and tongue scrapers.
For displaying a rosewood lattice (i.e., a multi-compartment display): one Han Dynasty jade brush holder, one rosewood base and one Han Dynasty jade handle, one rosewood base and one Han Dynasty jade ewer, one rosewood base and one Han Dynasty jade fairy mountain, one ebony silk base and one Han Dynasty jade goose, one rosewood base, one Han Dynasty jade bi disc and chime stone for a purple lacquer table, one rosewood stand with one half-jade bi disc and one half-jade bi disc, one rosewood base and one Han Dynasty jade chime stone, one rosewood silk stand with one jade dragon and one Han Dynasty jade bi disc, one rosewood base and one Han Dynasty jade vase, one rosewood base, one black lacquer brush and inkstone table, one Han Dynasty jade brush rest, one rosewood base and one Han Dynasty jade water container, one rosewood base and two rosewood painted glass five-panel screens with simple decorations (each with a glass mirror). Ten pairs of red carved lacquer long drawer boxes, six pairs of carved rosewood rectangular boxes, and two pairs of red lacquer chrysanthemum-shaped gift boxes.
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