Shu Chengfeng indeed didn't have time to go into the backyard anymore.
These past few days he has been leaving early and returning late every day, attending court and busy with cabinet affairs.
The busy ten days passed quickly.
The day before the Lunar New Year, the Crown Princess informed everyone to pay their respects the following day.
When everyone heard the news, all they could do was lament that being the Crown Princess was no easy task.
The next day, Yan Nangui changed into a new set of clothes and went.
After everyone paid their respects, they couldn't help but glance at the Crown Princess a few more times. What made everyone uncomfortable today was Consort Ye, who surprisingly didn't say anything unpleasant.
However, after seeing the aunt standing behind her, everyone understood what was going on.
"How is Consort Jin doing these days? I've been ill and haven't had a chance to ask you," the Crown Princess said.
"I am well, thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. It is best that Your Majesty is well," said Consort Jin with a smile.
"Yes, I'm all better now. There's a family dinner tonight, and it's been a while since I've spent time with my sisters. At least we family can celebrate the New Year together first. I'll bring both children over tonight too," the Crown Princess said with a smile.
Everyone agreed, and Su Liangdi took the opportunity to hand over the housekeeper's duties back to her.
He seemed completely unconcerned.
When everyone was about to leave, the Crown Princess kept Ning Chenghui behind, saying that she had something to say.
Ning Chenghui agreed.
She hasn't seen her child in a long time.
"The weather is alright today, so it shouldn't be too cold for us tonight." The main hall of the courtyard is also left open for dining.
Otherwise, with so many people, stoves, and various charcoal fires, closing the door would cause an accident.
The crowd echoed.
Those who were supposed to go to the other end have already left.
Over here, Su Liangdi smiled and said, "Sisters, you should go back too. You got up early, so go catch up on your sleep. See you tonight."
Everyone agreed.
Murong Liangyuan smiled and said, "This is my first time celebrating the Little New Year in the manor. It's quite a novel experience. Sister Yan, please tell me about it."
Yan Nangui laughed and said, "Alright. I'll explain everything to you along the way."
Su Liangdi simply smiled and turned to leave.
Back at Wangchun Pavilion, she shook her head: "Yan Shi is really interesting. Consort Luo went to see her, saying she was ill. Consort Murong tried to get close to her, but she refused."
What I mean by making it clear to you on the way here is that you're not allowed to go to my place.
“She’s had a tough time too. Although she’s somewhat favored now, some people have been plotting against her before. I’m afraid she doesn’t trust anyone,” Fu’er said.
Su Liangdi shook her head and smiled: "Perhaps."
Murong Liangyuan didn't insist on going to Yan Nangui's place, and in the end, the two parted ways amicably.
Yan Nan returned to sleep, as she had nothing to do and didn't need to do any work.
After sleeping until noon and having lunch, I remarked, "I haven't paid my respects for so long. I'm really not used to it."
"There's nothing we can do about it. You can always come back and sleep there," Chanyi said.
"Hmm, change me into that red one tonight. The family banquet should be more lively." If the Crown Princess were to openly admit to a miscarriage, she certainly couldn't wear something so brightly colored.
Since no one is saying anything, let's make it more eye-catching so that we don't seem to know.
Chanyi agreed and went to prepare it herself.
There was a family banquet in the main courtyard that evening. Shu Chengfeng returned to the mansion relatively early today, but he was still in a hurry.
The Crown Princess was also dressed up in her finest attire, and the jewels in her hair were to be expected, but I always felt that she was going to develop a scalp ache.
Alas, this is actually the helplessness of people in the royal family. No matter what you have been through, you have to take care of yourself and appear in the best possible light after dawn.
This isn't just true for women; men experience it too.
After everyone greeted each other, they took their seats, the dishes were served, and toasts were offered.
The atmosphere was excellent.
Today, Shu Chengfeng wore a silver robe and a white jade hair ornament, which made him look even more wealthy and handsome.
After several rounds of drinks and several dishes, Xia Fengyi suddenly stood up.
"I wish Your Highness and Your Majesty a happy new year. I shouldn't... but I thought it should be a joyous occasion. So I dare to say that I am pregnant. If you are worried that I am not sure, please ask the royal physician to examine me."
"Oh? Really?" The Crown Princess was only stunned for a moment before laughing: "If this is true, it's a great joy! Come, let's go and invite Mr. Zhu."
After saying that, she smiled at the Crown Prince and said, "I will congratulate you later."
Shu Chengfeng smiled and said, "Xia is a steady person, so it must be true."
All of Ye Liangdi's words were swallowed back by Aunt Lu.
I could only sit there, feeling depressed.
Su Liangdi and the others all smiled and said nice things.
Before long, the imperial physician arrived. He greeted Xia Fengyi in the back room where they were resting.
Mrs. He had been watching from the side the whole time.
"Congratulations, Consort Xia! It is indeed true that you are pregnant, two months along." The physician smiled and said, "Your pulse is stable, Consort Xia is in good health, and the pregnancy is going very well."
"Congratulations on becoming a concubine," Madam He said with a smile.
Xia Fengyi was also happy and went outside, where He Shi said something.
The Crown Princess then spoke of bestowing rewards.
Shu Chengfeng also bestowed a reward.
This time he was genuinely happy.
He truly doted on Xia Fengyi, to the point that he didn't need anything from her. This woman made him feel comfortable and at ease.
So her pregnancy was naturally a happy event.
Previously, we didn't want people to have children too early, but now that we've relaxed the restrictions, everyone can have children.
Therefore, giving birth is a good thing.
"Xia has always been sensible, and it's not easy for her now that she's pregnant. The expenses for a Fengyi and a Zhaoxun are also different. In my opinion, how about we promote her?" the Crown Princess asked with a smile.
"Well, since you've said so, then so be it," Shu Chengfeng said with a smile.
Xia Fengyi knelt down: "Your Highness, thank you! Your Majesty, thank you!"
"From now on, you will be Zhaoxun. Properly give birth to a child for His Highness, whether it is a boy or a girl, and I will reward you accordingly," said the Crown Princess.
Xia Zhaoxun kowtowed again: "This concubine is without talent or virtue, and relies entirely on Your Majesty's care in the manor."
People offered their rewards and congratulations as appropriate.
This Lunar New Year's Eve passed by perfectly on the surface.
After the cannons were fired outside, the crowd gradually dispersed.
Back at Jiyue Pavilion, Yan Nangui laughed, "Oh my, really, I've figured out who our Prince likes. No matter your background, you can't be unintelligent."
"Liangyuan...you're not drunk, are you?" Chanyi asked worriedly.
"Tsk, what do you mean 'drunk'? I'm not full. Tell the kitchen to make me a hot pot. Add a few more pieces of tofu. And that steamed pork with rice flour from last time." Yan Nangui waved his hand.
Chanyi replied, "I reckon the kitchen is still quite busy right now, so I'll go myself."
She went there, and was served by Jiangxiang and a few maids.
"Xia Zhaoxun has already been promoted even before giving birth. Once she enters the palace and has children, her rank will likely remain high," Jiangxiang said with a smile.
Su Ye also said, "That person is smart and lucky. She announced she was pregnant at this time, so the head of the household was the first to not dare to let anything happen to her."
Yan Nangui, having changed into casual clothes, smiled and said, "Yes. The Crown Princess has lost her children one after another. We should 'not know,' but His Highness does know."
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