In Yikun Palace, Consort Yi's joyful expression froze and quickly vanished entirely. She had never imagined that Consort De would announce her pregnancy at this moment.
"How is she so fortunate? She just received the Consort rank and now has a child? Could it have been planned long ago?"
"Your Ladyship?" Consort Yi's personal palace maid Zhenzhu was somewhat surprised, but before her words of persuasion could be uttered, Consort Yi spoke with firm conviction, "She must have planned this long ago, announcing it on such a day today to seize an auspicious occasion of double joy. The eunuchs and palace maids will surely flatter and curry favor with her."
"Indeed, the rewards must already have been delivered to Yonghe Palace by now. She will be smug again." Consort Yi's face was filled with envy and resentment, her hands tightly gripping her garments, crumpling the fine silk into wrinkles.
Zhenzhu listened to Consort Yi's words all along. The earlier part was not particularly noteworthy—it was truly because the timing was so coincidental that it was hard not to murmur suspicions. But the later remarks became increasingly unreasonable, and she had to speak up to persuade, "What kind of talk is this from Your Ladyship? Those are rewards for the Consort rank, identical for all four Consorts. His Majesty did not grant Yonghe Palace any additional rewards."
Consort Yi also knew that Zhenzhu spoke truthfully, but she simply felt indignant in her heart. "We are all His Majesty's women, why is she alone so fortunate? Why does His Majesty favor her so?"
"Which of the children born earlier by Consort Hui and Consort Rong were not sent to the Prince's Residence to be raised? They had to endure until reaching Concubine rank before they could keep their children by their side. Yet she alone is different. Back then, she was clearly only a noble lady, but after giving birth, His Majesty sent the child to Chengqian Palace. Fourth Prince immediately gained a prestigious adoptive mother. Less than half a year after the child was sent away, she became pregnant again. This time it was even more remarkable—because she was pregnant, His Majesty separately conferred upon her the rank of Consort…"
Consort Yi grew increasingly aggrieved as she pondered. They said it was because Consort De had merited the conferment due to her pregnancy, but which woman in the palace did not conceive and bear children? Why was she alone so special?
It was simply because the Emperor felt pity for Consort De, allowing her to keep her child by her side.
"Why is my fate so bitter? Why can all their children be raised by their side, but I cannot?" Consort Yi felt sorrow welling up from within as she thought of her own child.
The heartrending pain from childbirth last year still lingered in her heart. Pitifully, she had not even clearly seen her child's face before Mammy carried him away.
From then on, flesh and bone were forcibly separated, and even meeting once became exceptionally difficult.
"I have not seen Yinqi for over half a month. I don't know how he is now, whether he can recognize me." Consort Yi's sorrow surged from within, and she could not help but weep.
Seeing her master weeping sorrowfully, Zhenzhu also felt heartache, continuously comforting her, "Now that Your Ladyship has been conferred the Consort rank, you must naturally go to thank the Grand Empress Dowager and Empress Dowager. Empress Dowager favors our Fifth Prince and always takes him along when going out. I will inquire about Fifth Prince's recent routines. You can calculate the timing when going to pay respects—there will certainly be an opportunity to see Fifth Prince."
Consort Yi, hearing these words, seemed to grasp a lifeline, her entire spirit revived. But then she began hesitating again, "Will this work?"
"Will Empress Dowager be displeased?"
Consort Yi was deeply worried. Her son being raised in another's palace, she was exceedingly cautious.
Fearful that any mistake might provoke Empress Dowager's displeasure and mistreatment of her child.
"His Majesty did indeed entrust the Fifth Prince to the Empress Dowager's care, but the Empress Dowager is his grandmother, and you are still the Fifth Prince's mother," Zhenzhu calmly analyzed. "Over the past year, the Empress Dowager has never prevented you from seeing the child. When you go to Ningshou Palace to pay your respects, doesn’t Her Majesty often have the Mammy bring the child to meet you? It’s just that the snow fell early today, which is why you and the Fifth Prince couldn’t meet."
Consort Yi was soothed by these words and perked up, urging Zhenzhu to hurry and inquire further.
She longed to see her son today, and as she thought about it, she began to envy Consort De once again.
She envied her for being able to raise the Sixth Prince by her side.
She also envied her good health and fortune, allowing her to bear children one after another.
Since giving birth to the Fifth Prince, Consort Yi had not conceived again.
Meanwhile, in Yonghe Palace, Consort De, whom Consort Yi envied for her good fortune, showed little joy on her face.
She leaned against the kang, recalling what the imperial physician had told her. The physician had said that the signs of this pregnancy were not very favorable, with the pulse sometimes present and sometimes faint.
But as for the specifics, even the imperial physician could not say for certain.
Seeing her master distressed over the child, Shiliu brought up other matters to cheer Consort De.
"At noon, Chengqian Palace was bustling with activity. I sent someone to inquire and learned that the Noble Consort is making new clothes for the Fourth Prince, using the fabric His Majesty just bestowed. In the entire palace, only Cining Palace and Ningshou Palace received it, and among the consorts, only the Imperial Noble Consort has a bolt."
The rarity of the fabric spoke for itself, yet the Imperial Noble Consort was using it to make new clothes for the Fourth Prince.
Hearing this, Consort De’s eyes finally lit up. "The Imperial Noble Consort has always treated the Fourth Prince exceptionally well."
Though the two palaces were adjacent, Consort De only occasionally caught glimpses of the Fourth Prince. Yet, every time she saw him, he was dressed in the latest fabrics and styles.
The palace allocations followed strict rules, and everyone knew which fabrics were bestowed as rewards. Those that were uncommon naturally came from the Noble Consort’s private collection.
Knowing that her son was being well cared for and loved brought Consort De great joy.
But today’s matter weighed heavily on her. Consort De touched her belly, but the child, not yet three months along, showed no signs of pregnancy, and she could feel nothing.
An indescribable fear welled up within her. Just as she was lost in thought and silently shedding tears, the imperial entourage suddenly arrived at Yonghe Palace.
Consort De immediately rose to greet His Majesty in the main hall, only to see the Emperor stride in and raise his hand to stop her. "No need for formalities."
The Emperor’s arrival was unexpected, and Yonghe Palace was unprepared. Consort De quickly ordered tea to be prepared and then asked, "Will Your Majesty dine in your subject consort’s palace? I will have Shiliu make arrangements."
Xuan Ye stopped her, not wanting her to trouble herself. "There’s no need. I’ve only come to check on you."
Xuan Ye sat in the main hall, and Consort De obediently took a seat beside him. "Does Your Majesty have something to discuss with your subject consort?"
Consort De asked cautiously, but Xuan Ye only inquired about her health and whether she was experiencing any morning sickness.
"Your subject consort feels no discomfort," Consort De replied calmly. However, Xuan Ye brought up the imperial physician’s diagnosis.
Consort De’s spirits were already low, and hearing the Emperor’s words, she couldn’t help but feel heartache for the child. "The imperial physician said the signs of this pregnancy are not favorable, and the pulse is weak and unstable, unlike when I carried Yinzuo…"
Her voice trembled with emotion, but Xuan Ye’s tone remained gentle. "Having a child is a matter of fate, but fate cannot be forced. You must take good care of yourself so that the child can thrive."
Consort De had never expected the Emperor to come specifically to tell her these things. For a moment, she could hardly contain her emotions, but tears could not be shed freely in the palace. She quickly wiped them away.
Xuan Ye, however, remained calm throughout. It was not that he was cold-hearted, but he had already lost far too many children. This unborn fetus simply could not stir much emotion in him.
Yet Xuan Ye would not treat the woman bearing his child poorly, which was why he had made the effort to come to Yonghe Palace to console her. "We do our best and leave the rest to fate. The child has not yet been born—how could we, as parents, give up first?"
"Your subject consort understands," Consort De lowered her eyes, promising the Emperor that she would take good care of herself.
As the two were speaking, Yinzuo stumbled over, his little legs struggling to step over the threshold as he called out for his mother.
The wet nurse, following behind and worried he might disturb the imperial presence, immediately stepped forward to take the Sixth Prince away.
Xuan Ye had not seen Yinzuo for some time and ordered the wet nurse to bring the child over.
The wet nurse helped the Sixth Prince pay his respects to the Emperor. Yinzuo was not shy and began smiling at his Imperial Father, his soft, sweet smile lifting everyone's spirits.
Pleased, the Emperor called the child closer, pinching his chubby little arm. Yinzuo sweetly called out "Ama" twice.
Xuan Ye then took an interest in teasing the child, coaxing Yinzuo to say quite a few things before finally letting the wet nurse take him away after a while.
"I came today to tell you one more thing," Xuan Ye did not beat around the bush. Seeing the Emperor speak so seriously, Consort De could not help but pay close attention.
She had considered many possibilities but never imagined it would involve Yinzhen.
Consort De could not help but recall the news she had inquired about last time. Could it be because of this?
"Yinzhen… knows?"
Consort De was somewhat surprised. "Your subject consort dares to ask Your Majesty, how did Yinzhen come to know?"
The consorts in the palace were aware that the Imperial Noble Consort cared deeply about this matter and would not speak of birth mothers or adoptive mothers in front of Yinzhen.
"The children are growing up, and they inadvertently mentioned it in front of Yinzhen," Xuan Ye said with a headache. "The Imperial Noble Consort did not want this matter to be spread around, so it was not publicized in the palace. But since Yinzhen already knows, I thought you should be aware, so you are not caught off guard."
With the palace banquet on New Year's Eve approaching, there would inevitably be many people and loose tongues, making it difficult to prevent the news from leaking.
Xuan Ye's tone was gentle. By now, Consort De had calmed down. The fact that the Emperor had come specifically to console her was already enough to satisfy her.
"Your subject consort understands. The Fourth Prince's mother is the Imperial Noble Consort," Consort De said calmly, without a trace of resentment.
Xuan Ye looked at her meek and obedient demeanor and thought of her usual character, feeling even more pity for her. "You will always be Yinzhen's birth mother. No one can change that."
Consort De smiled at the Emperor but said nothing more.
It seemed as though Xuan Ye had come specifically for this purpose. After finishing his words, he left Yonghe Palace.
Originally, he had intended to go directly to the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
But this time, with Consort De pregnant and the imperial physician saying the child was not well, Xuan Ye could not help but think of his cousin losing her child. After a moment's consideration, he went to Chengqian Palace instead.
When the eunuch came to announce the imperial decree, Tong Lanshu was eating lamb hotpot with Yinzhen. The meat had just been put into the pot when the eunuch's voice sounded from outside.
Tong Lanshu had been craving this meal for several hours. She had not eaten much at lunch and was already hungry. Who would have thought that just as the meat was placed in the pot, the Emperor would suddenly arrive?
She frowned, swiftly scooping the mutton into a bowl to prevent it from overcooking.
Then she led Yinzhen to pay their respects.
The room was as warm as spring, filled with the steaming aroma of hotpot, and only then did Xuan Ye realize the mother and son had been about to dine.
Seeing her rosy complexion, Xuan Ye felt a playful urge and raised an eyebrow at Tong Lanshu, "Have I disturbed your meal?"
"Your Majesty's words would humble your subject consort," Tong Lanshu immediately denied, then tentatively asked, "This mutton was just delivered from the grasslands—fresh and tender. Would Your Majesty care to join us?"
After the mother and son finished paying their respects, they stood to the side. Tong Lanshu noticed Yinzhen's collar was folded unevenly and naturally straightened it for him.
Xuan Ye had originally come to check on his cousin, wondering how to comfort her if she seemed sorrowful, but he unexpectedly witnessed this scene.
He felt both helpless and somewhat relieved.
In response to his cousin's suggestion, he nodded slightly, "Very well."
With Xuan Ye staying for the meal, the servants of Chengqian Palace immediately sprang into action.
The mutton that had been set aside in the bowl would likely not be eaten anytime soon, and Tong Lanshu thought it a pity. She led Yinzhen to watch the bustling preparations. Though the dining table had originally been set for just the two of them, adding one more person did not feel crowded.
Tong Lanshu felt no discomfort, but Yinzhen seemed somewhat restrained.
He was already nervous dining with his mother alone, and now with Imperial Father present, he naturally became even more cautious.
Tong Lanshu noticed this clearly and picked up a piece of roasted mutton for him, "This is the roasted mutton I mentioned to you at noon. Try it and see if you like it."
Yinzhen obediently tasted it.
The mutton was tender and perfectly cooked, and he instantly took a liking to it. Delighted by his enjoyment, Tong Lanshu served him other dishes as well.
"Try this too." Thanks to Tong Lanshu's actions, Yinzhen gradually relaxed.
Watching the harmonious interaction between mother and son, a faint smile touched Xuan Ye's eyes, "Don't just focus on him—eat something yourself."
Tong Lanshu nodded obediently, then turned to Xuan Ye and said, "Your Majesty, please try this mutton broth. Dong Zhu kept watch over it for several hours—it's exceptionally flavorful."
Tong Lanshu was merely acting naturally, and Xuan Ye, indulgent toward his cousin, obliged her suggestion and tasted it.
The result did not disappoint.
Tong Lanshu's attention remained entirely on the food, and she made no mention of any other matters.
Xuan Ye enjoyed a relaxed meal, feeling thoroughly at ease.
However, burdened with the affairs of state, he could not afford to spend an hour or two on hotpot. He set down his chopsticks after eating only about seventy or eighty percent of his fill.
"I must return to the Hall of Mental Cultivation to attend to state affairs."
With the emperor preparing to leave, Tong Lanshu naturally saw him off, and Yinzhen obediently followed alongside.
As the emperor and consort walked side by side, Xuan Ye remarked on how delicious the mutton hotpot at her place was.
Hearing this, Tong Lanshu smiled gently, "If Your Majesty enjoys it, your subject consort will send word the next time I have hotpot."
Xuan Ye nodded slightly. After just a few steps, they reached the main hall. Tong Lanshu intended to accompany him outside, but Xuan Ye stopped her, "The wind is strong outside—don't go out and catch a chill."
Tong Lanshu did not insist. Mother and son stood together to bid farewell to the emperor.
"Your subject consort respectfully sees off Your Majesty."
"Your son respectfully sees off Imperial Father."
After the imperial entourage departed, Tong Lanshu decided to return to finish the hotpot. She naturally extended her hand to Yinzhen, "Let's go back."
Yinzhen stared at his mother's outstretched hand, his eyes widening instantly. He was stunned, yet his actions outpaced his thoughts. Before he could fully register what was happening, he had already placed his hand in hers.
Then he felt the warmth of her touch, making Yinzhen acutely aware that his mother was holding his hand.