Strange reactions
The Crown Princess is pregnant!
The news was like a bolt from the blue, leaving people dizzy and dazed.]
The first to be affected were the Crown Prince and his wife. Since they heard the news at the same time, there's no particular order of stupidity. It's said that the reactions of expectant parents are always varied.
Shujia hadn't expected such a coincidence. It wasn't that she didn't want a child, but she always felt that it would be better to wait a little longer until she had arranged everything properly. She was caught off guard and her mind was almost spinning. When she finally reacted, all sorts of strange thoughts began to pop up:
Could this be a misdiagnosis? (That's the imperial physician!)
Where does the money for milk powder come from? (There are food quotas, so you don't have to worry about that.)
What will the child look like? (Definitely, adorable, no worries.)
Can you raise a child on your own? (You should consider giving birth to the child first!)
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As for Yinreng, this was his fifth time as a father. Shujia had muttered to herself that he was a "second-hand product," and that description was spot on. Whether from his wife's perspective or his children's, he was a skilled worker. But this time was different; he was incredibly foolish.
Yinreng began to 'brainstorm' - these four words have a literal meaning:
Ah, this is a legitimate son! (I completely forgot there was a possibility of a daughter.)
Hey, you're coming so fast! (Did you want it to be slow?)
Wow, I need to tell Dad! (I only just realized this after being reminded. You’re such a fool.)
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After being reminded by Eunuch Cui, Yinreng settled his wife down and was about to go tell his father the good news, but was unexpectedly caught by Shujia. "Is this a misdiagnosis?" she finally asked. Yinreng was stunned. He probably didn't expect the expectant mother to ask such a question.
The imperial physician who had been wiping his sweat on the side as a decoration hurried forward and said: "I dare not speak of difficult and complicated diseases. If I can't diagnose this happy pulse, I will have to pack up my things and go home to farm."
Yinreng laughed heartily and said to Shujia, "Are you relieved now?" Shujia nodded blankly and let the imperial physician confirm it again. Once the pulse was confirmed to be positive, her half-baked knowledge of obstetrics and gynecology began to take over: Should I get DHA and RHA? Walnuts seem to be good for brain development. And I had to drink milk and fruit, but I couldn't drink alcohol.
Yinreng looked at her neck, which had not changed at all in appearance, and stayed with her in a daze for a while. Suddenly, he stood up and said, "I'll go tell Khan Ama." He ran away in a hurry.
The above are the performances of two troublemakers.
The next person to be surprised was Kangxi. The old man was pleasantly surprised - Kangxi was a contradictory person, trying hard to maintain the Manchu "martial spirit" and deeply influenced by Chinese thought. A legitimate son and grandson meant a lot to him.
As Yinreng rushed over at unprecedented speed, Kangxi first thought: How could he be so impulsive at such a grown-up? He needed a good scolding. Then he realized: Is there some urgent military situation to deal with? No, the Galdan matter hadn't been handed over to him yet.
Seeing Yinreng standing at the door, excitedly adjusting his collar, Kangxi felt relieved. He could clearly see the joy on his son's face. What was that? Kangxi suddenly remembered that Yinzhi had also rushed over in a similar hurry once, but at that time Yinzhi had forgotten to adjust his clothes.
Sure enough, Yinreng patted his sleeves, greeted him quickly and in a standard manner, and then told Kangxi honestly without waiting for Kangxi to ask any questions - you are going to have another Mafa, my wife has just been diagnosed.
As soon as he finished speaking, Yinreng's mood calmed down a little, only his breathing was still a little heavy. As soon as he finished speaking, Kangxi suddenly stood up. His face, which had already had thin crow's feet at the corners of his eyes, also revealed a joyful expression!
Realizing they seemed to be grinning, the supreme father and son adjusted their expressions, trying to be more serious. Yinreng blushed slightly, thinking about how foolish he had just been. Kangxi thought: If only it were a grandson. (He wiped away his tears. Finally, someone realized it might be a girl.)
In the face of the laws of nature, any action is futile. When encountering something joyful, one should smile; this is a natural law—except for tears of joy. Father and son raised their lips again. Kangxi, after all, was the emperor, so he was relatively stable and began to deal with the matter pragmatically. Rubbing his hands together, a smile still on his face: "Good! Good! Good!"
The smile on Yinreng's face changed back and forth, sometimes deep and sometimes shallow.
Kangxi has issued a series of urgent orders -
"Wei Zhu, go to the Empress Dowager at Ningshou Palace," tell the old lady the good news. "When you come back, go to the Imperial Hospital and ask them to draw up a prescription for maintaining pregnancy and maintaining health, including a list of dietary restrictions. Have them select two experienced imperial gynecologists to take turns on call."
"Liang Jiugong, pass on my oral order. After the Xiefang Palace project is completed, the Crown Princess does not need to move immediately and can rest in Yuqing Palace. Send someone to the Shi family to summon the Crown Princess's mother to the palace to accompany her." This is a special permission, usually only given to palace concubines. "When you return, go to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and ask them to immediately arrange the relevant matters. The Crown Princess's allowance will be increased, and all the necessary medicines, clothing, and expenses must be prepared as soon as possible."
"How about a consultant?" This was referring to the eunuch in charge of the Qianqing Palace, a position Kangxi valued highly. Normally, he wasn't expected to run errands, but rather handle general administrative duties. But this time, Kangxi singled him out and sent him to the Yuqing Palace to be rewarded.
When the Crown Prince was young, his Khan-father also meticulously arranged everything for him. However, he never gave such instructions in front of him. As a result, Yinreng had always held the view that his Khan-father doted on him, choosing only the best for him. He saw all the gorgeous utensils before him, the things he needed and wanted. However, he had never witnessed this process of giving so vividly.
Yinreng had always known his father to be a meticulous man, but he hadn't expected Kangxi to be so meticulous, like a housekeeper. Standing there, sleepwalking, listening to Kangxi's orders, Yinreng discovered that the Khan-Ama, whom he knew so well, had revealed a side he hadn't seen before. Listening blankly, he suddenly realized that his father was still this way, and a strange feeling came over him. It felt so strange, yet so familiar.
Kangxi, however, wanted the child to be healthy. Back then, Yinreng's eldest son was born with a serious illness, and he was still seriously ill. Because of this, they didn't even dare to give him a name, fearing that he would be recorded in the King of Hell's Book of Life and Death.
This one, which is still unformed and of unknown gender, is much more important than the two without names.
There must be no mistakes.
Kangxi understood Yinreng's excitement today. It was more than just a son. Father and son shared the same perspective on the matter and had similar experiences. That child signified the continuation of the orthodoxy. It was exactly what everyone needed: a name, legitimacy, and order. He felt vaguely that this was a blessing bestowed upon the dynasty by heaven. Those who had not experienced it could hardly understand the anxiety and anticipation.
After the excitement subsided, the father and son smiled at each other, their smiles filled with relief and hope. Yinreng whispered, "Khan Ama, I... want to go to Fengxian Hall..."
"Okay!" My son is going to be a father, of course, it's a must!
Fu Dali was on duty today and had vaguely heard the news. He was still a little incredulous. His wife and older sister hadn't had children immediately after their marriages, and Xiluo had been worried about it. Now, ha. Fu Dali bit his tongue, afraid of laughing out loud. He could finally put his mind at ease about his sister. They say the Crown Princess has a good reputation, treats people kindly, is virtuous and kind, but how could it be easy to be her mother? As a brother, of course he loves his sister. Now, there's hope. I'll go home after work and tell my parents.
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Shujia came to her senses and issued a series of orders: "Don't show off. Wait until the prince returns to make the decision." "No matter where you are assigned, don't walk around or gossip." "Go find me a pair of flat shoes."
When the consultants arrived at Yuqing Palace, everyone had excitement on their faces, but it was obvious that this excitement that was about to explode was artificially cooled down.
Shujia was in a state where she would fall asleep while eating, but the news that she was about to become a mother was too shocking. Even if she wanted to die, she had to pretend to be dead to express her shock. Then the entire Yuqing Palace was in chaos. It would be a miracle if she could still sleep well in this situation.
Besides, she was still unsure about the management of Yuqing Palace and didn't dare to delegate matters to her subordinates, preferring to remain in seclusion. Starting with Eunuch Cui—forgot to mention, he wasn't yet thirty, and he was also a fair-faced, handsome eunuch—the average age was no more than twenty, and they weren't particularly cautious in their actions. Even those who were cautious, when surrounded by a master as arrogant as Yinreng, and with few around who dared to offend the people of Yuqing Palace, would more or less carry themselves with an air of superiority.
By now, word would spread quickly, and there would undoubtedly be people outside. These people would likely simply maintain a genuine respect for their masters, the Emperor, and the Empress Dowager. As for the others, perhaps someone would be inadvertently overlooked. With yet another enemy, these people might not fight one-on-one, but they might band together and take advantage of the situation.
She had to keep an eye on it.
The consultant was incredibly efficient. His status was evident, and with Kangxi's approval, he quickly compiled a list, received Kangxi's approval, and then went to check everything. The round trip took less than half an hour. Shujia had just changed her shoes and sent someone to the tea room to prepare tea for the guests when the consultant arrived.
Shujia knew from the summer hat he wore that he was a distinguished figure. It was lapis lazuli, and he held the title of Fourth Rank, the highest-ranking eunuch in the palace. He was usually inactive, but when he did, he was more formidable than anyone who had bared their teeth and claws before Kangxi. He was about forty, beardless, yet not menacing. His complexion wasn't fair and smooth, but rather dark and wrinkled. His features suggested a calm demeanor.
Kangxi did not say "no need to bow", and the pregnant woman, whose figure had not changed, had to kneel. Hongxiu and Zishang, the two personal servants, were trembling with fear that their master would be tired from such "intense exercise" and have another small accident.
Kangxi's gifts were substantial; the initial list stretched to five pages. Besides daily necessities, he also gave away auspicious items like ruyi (a traditional Chinese Buddhist scepter). After the advisor announced Kangxi's decree, he had Shujia helped to her feet. Finally, he closed the list and presented it with both hands, which Hongxiu quickly accepted.
The advisor's hands were free, and he rode his horse to pay his respects to the Crown Princess. Shujia supported him with both hands: "An Da, please stand up. Thank you for your trouble." She then asked the advisor to sit down.
"Master, I shouldn't decline the seat you've bestowed upon me," said the Advisor, "but I have to return to submit my instructions to His Majesty." Shujia said, "That's right." With a glance, Qingjin handed over a fine red envelope. Advisor Xing was startled.
Shujia curled her eyes and said, "An Da and I don't see each other often, so we're a little unfamiliar. This is Xifeng'er, and I won't force you to do anything else. You must accept it this time."
The consultant accepted the gift with both hands without hesitation, then stepped back three steps, lowering his hands and saying, "Thank you, Master, for the reward." Meanwhile, Hongxiu had already handed several small red envelopes to the accompanying eunuchs. Shujia was generous in this regard; even though she was short of money, she couldn't skimp on it. Compared to other expenses, these rewards couldn't even be considered money.
Shujia asked the advisor again, "The Crown Prince just went to the Palace of Heavenly Purity. I wonder if he's still with Khan Ama?" The advisor replied smoothly, "When I led the errand out, the two of them were still talking."
After a few brief words, Shujia let the consultant go back to the Palace of Purity.
Next, Yuqing Palace became lively!
This palace has the most secrets. A person might die in silence without anyone investigating. It is also the place where gossip is most prevalent. The Fourth Prince and his wife talked in the room for a full hour and a half, and during the time they were talking, the news spread quickly throughout the six palaces in the east and west.
The Crown Princess's pregnancy was the kind of news that could easily spread. From the moment the consultant went to Curry to look for something, the news had spread through various channels to the ears of those who needed to know.
The Empress Dowager was the first to receive Kangxi's official notification, and she immediately sent gifts of comfort. The gifts given by this old lady were always carefully curated by eunuchs and palace maids, and all were in accordance with proper etiquette. This time, the Crown Princess was pregnant, and the Empress Dowager was fond of her, so she personally selected the gifts for the bestowal.
Shujia saw the combination of the Guanyin statue and the prayer wheel, which looked so abrupt and strange among the pile of tonic herbs. The Guanyin statue in the left hand and the prayer wheel in the right hand complemented each other very interestingly. Shujia was at a loss whether to laugh or cry. This old lady!
The entourage for this errand was unprecedentedly impressive: Nou Yun, the chief steward of the Ningshou Palace, had come in person. Receiving a cordial reception from the Crown Princess, and knowing she had the favor of the powerful boss, Nou Yun was very polite, revealing, "This prayer wheel was a tribute from the late Emperor, a Living Buddha Lama. It was given to Empress Dowager Renxian by Empress Xiaozhuang Wen..."
Naturally, Manager Lu also returned with a full pocket to report.
Then the concubines from each palace sent people over, the first wife also sent people with gifts, and the third and fourth wives came together. For a moment, the place was so bustling and lively that even a few words could not be exchanged before the next group of people arrived.
Meanwhile, news of the Crown Princess's pregnancy spread rapidly beyond the Forbidden City, circulating throughout the capital. The Shi family was overjoyed upon hearing the news. Even if she wasn't the Crown Princess, married women still hoped she would have a child to rely on. At home, Xiluo received the imperial decree and began packing. She couldn't enter the palace immediately; she had to wait for the palace's arrangements. While Soetu's faction was certainly jubilant, Mingzhu's followers weren't overly anxious: "It's not finalized yet, so why rush?"
An afternoon passed like this.
Then, Yinreng came back and actually went to Shujia's place.
The palace maid was in no position to stop them, nor was it right to not stop them, so the two of them went to the door together and asked the eunuch guarding the door to call Eunuch Cui to discuss matters through the door.
Eunuch Cui received the news, but he didn't dare go to the Crown Princess at night to ask for help. He was so anxious that he cursed, "What a scoundrel in the Imperial Household Department! They didn't even bother to give our Crown Princess two maids... Eh? What a good idea." He could use this idea to curry favor with the Crown Prince tomorrow. This wasn't an attempt to prevent the Crown Prince from getting close to his wife.
After a moment of complacency, he began to think again: "Master, my prince, please... please don't do anything stupid at this time! God bless them, they are just 'sleeping'." Even if Eunuch Cui was beaten to death, he would not disturb Yinreng at this time. He had survived safely until now because he relied on the principle of "all things are done according to the master's wishes", so he could only worry.
Shujia was exhausted after a long day. After washing up, she was about to lie down when she heard that Yinreng had arrived. She sniffed and smelled the scent of him...
Without saying a word, he went forward to help him change his clothes. Yinreng was shocked: "Put it there and sit down." This guy, who had never been with a pregnant woman before, said so.
Shujia was both amused and confused: "It's been more than two months, and it didn't just happen today. Wasn't it like this yesterday and the day before yesterday? How could it just happen all of a sudden..."
"That won't do," Yinreng said in a panic. "It's okay if you don't know, but it won't do if you know." Shujia took two steps back and stopped putting pressure on him.
As Eunuch Cui wished, Yinreng simply wanted to chat under the quilt. He carefully held Shujia's waist, fearing any harm. If he weren't sleeping nearby, he wouldn't have such concerns, but today, he wanted to be with his wife and child. He had been a father several times, but the feeling had never been stronger than this. The child's inherent status was one factor, but his harmonious relationship with his mother was also crucial.
Living in separate courtyards with his two concubines, his relationship with them was indeed limited. When his eldest son was born, he was somewhat excited. However, the child was constantly ill, so sick that it made his scalp tingle. Then, two daughters died. Yinreng kept a distance from the children of his concubines, subconsciously avoiding facing them. In terms of family life, the Crown Prince was still a child spoiled by his Khan father.
This unique and harmonious child of a married couple is especially well cared for by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, who also hopes that the child will grow up healthily.
Shujia touched his head and asked, "Did you go to the next yard and tell your mother?"
She spoke as if her mother-in-law were still alive. Yinreng didn't react at first, then nodded: "Yeah." He looked at his wife's belly with a bit of awe.
"You won't even take me with you..."
"Tomorrow, are you tired today?"
"Well, next time you talk to Mother, don't forget me. At our wedding, as soon as I knelt down, they called me up. I still had a lot to say."
"good."
Holding hands, lying down, covered with a quilt, and just chatting is also wonderful.
The other couple's night wasn't quite as enjoyable. The eldest prince was devastated; he'd lost again! It was obvious his wife had been ill recently. The first wife, knowing her own health, was also worried—she feared she'd been ill from not resting properly after the previous birth, and that another pregnancy would be difficult.
The eldest prince was furious: "We don't even know if the baby will be born. If it's born, we don't know whether it will be a boy or a girl. Even if it's a boy, we may not be able to raise him!"
The eldest wife was horrified when she heard this.
Then, the eldest prince clasped his hands together and actually started praying to God!
Then, the eldest prince happily decided to continue having children with his wife.
Dafujin:......
Compared with the speechless First Lady, the Fourth Lady was also speechless because of her husband, but——
Yinzhen: "This is really good news. Do you think we should prepare gifts? I think the prince likes expensive things, but my second sister-in-law likes elegant things..." They started discussing this.
"Master, it's enough to just send some gifts of comfort right now. What you said will have to wait until the baby is born!" The Fourth Lady thought dejectedly.
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After being a giant panda for half a day, Shujia got up early the next morning, put on her clothes, changed into the flat shoes she had always dreamed of, and walked to Ningshou Palace as usual.
Pregnant women should get adequate exercise. Even hundreds of years later, pregnant women wouldn't be free from work and surrounded by doctors from the moment they were diagnosed. When Xiluo was pregnant, even with her daughter helping her, she still had to attend to household chores.
Crown Princess, you still have to do what you have to do.
The author has something to say: Yawn, I can’t open my eyes...
Go to sleep, you have to go to work tomorrow.
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