It's said that for some reason, the Third Prince shaved his head during Consort Min's mourning period. He had only been a Prince for a year, and before he could even warm up to the title, he was demoted to a Beile.
The Third Prince and his wife, who had been so arrogant after being granted the title of Prince, suddenly became utterly humiliated. During festivals, they could only wear the "shabby" clothes of Princes and their wives, just like their younger brothers.
Shumulu was overjoyed to have given birth to a son, and was also very proud that she had outshone Nalan, a long-established concubine.
So what if I went into labor early? I still gave birth to my son. This kind of blessing isn't something you can get early!
Hearing these words, Shumulu felt very pleased, and the corners of her mouth turned up in a smile.
Consort Tian was a seasoned veteran, so she could naturally see the smugness in Shumulu's heart.
"Not at all, not at all. Usually, two wet nurses aren't enough for the child. I've heard that the Seventh Prince, born to Consort Tian, is very handsome and adorable, and is quite favored by the Third Prince."
Shumulu praised her child for having a good appetite and flattered Tian.
Mothers all love to praise their children, and when the topic turned to her child, Ms. Tian's smile became even more genuine.
“You and I are the same kind of people. How can I be worthy of being called Consort Tian? Just call me by my name. It sounds more intimate. My maiden name is Man’er.”
“Okay, Sister Man, please call me by my maiden name too. My maiden name is Meng’er.” Shumulu also seized the opportunity.
"In my later years, I rejoice on the Double Ninth Festival, five thousand li high on the mountain. In my drunken state, I know I have encountered a sage; in my dreams, I seek immortals."
"Meng'er, that's a lovely name. I'll take the liberty of calling you Mengmei. Mengmei, you haven't been married into the family long, so we should visit each other often in the future."
“Okay, Sister Man. Sister Man is quite knowledgeable about poetry. This is the first time I’ve heard that my name can be interpreted in this way.”
"No, no, it's just a tiny bit." Ms. Tian gestured with her little finger, indicating that she only knew a very small amount.
Yinzhi was the eldest brother and a Prince of the Second Rank, while the Third Prince was the younger brother and only a Prince of the Third Rank. Regardless of seniority or rank, Shumulu was a grade higher than Tian.
Shumulu was willing to address Tian as "elder sister" according to her age, which made her feel very comfortable, so she gave Shumulu a few words of advice.
"This older sister is just saying a few words from her heart to you, but don't take them to heart," said Madam Tian, her words carrying a hidden meaning.
Her words made Shumulu even more eager to hear what she called her "heartfelt words."
“Please speak, sister.” Shumulu pricked up her ears.
“This Ninth Prince is still young. Infants need the most care when they are young. Like me, my first child died not long after birth because I didn’t take care during pregnancy. We have to be extra careful about what he eats and uses. Wet nurses also need to have their pulse checked by doctors regularly. We can’t be careless in the slightest.”
"Children are the apple of their mother's eye."
Shumulu was grateful for Tian's well-intentioned reminder.
"Yes, the baby was all red when he was first born. Watching him grow whiter and fatter day by day, my heart melted."
The two then happily exchanged parenting tips.
On the other side, Consort Li, the Fourth Prince's concubine, was furious, feeling that this Shumulu clanswoman was being ungrateful. She had clearly gone to apologize before and even gave them valuable gifts.
They now ignore her, but she is now extremely popular in the Fourth Prince's mansion, having given birth to the Fourth Prince's only two sons and a princess.
It seems that Lady Shumulu is dissatisfied with her. Humph! My son is destined to be the heir apparent. Let's see what you do in the future. The First Consort has given birth to so many legitimate sons. No matter how you are ranked, it will never be your turn, you little baby.
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