The news that the Sixth Prince had been bestowed the name Yinzuo spread through half the imperial harem almost instantly, as if the name itself had grown wings.
Even the consorts who had originally planned to send gifts through their maids came to Yonghe Palace in person to offer their congratulations.
A poised smile graced Shulan’s face as she modestly accepted everyone’s well-wishes. Seeing more and more guests arriving, she quickly invited them to take their seats.
Once seated, the consorts looked around the banquet hall with barely concealed disdain.
As expected of someone born into the bondservant class—even her son’s full-month celebration was poorly arranged.
Not only did it pale in comparison to the Fourth Prince’s full-month banquet hosted by Noble Consort Tongjia, it could not even measure up to the recent celebration for the Fifth Prince.
There was no music, no opera performance, and not even a display of the gifts sent by the various palaces.
The quiet, understated atmosphere caught everyone off guard.
Following Shulan’s instructions, Yonghe Palace had prepared only six banquet tables in the main hall and the eastern and western side chambers. The dishes were all light and refreshing, and even the wine served was a mild plum brew with very little alcohol.
“Little Sister De, your full-month banquet is certainly peaceful,” Consort Hui remarked with a half-smile as she lifted her teacup. “If we didn’t know the Sixth Prince’s birth date, we’d think this was just an ordinary meal.”
Shulan’s expression remained unchanged. She rose and offered a graceful curtsy.
“Elder Sister jests. Little Six is still very young and should not be exposed to too much noise. Besides, His Majesty is busy with state affairs. I did not wish to make too grand a display and disturb him.”
Consort Rong took a sip of wine before adding, “What Sister De says makes sense. Little Six is still delicate and cannot withstand too much commotion. But now that nearly everyone has arrived, shouldn’t you bring him out for us to see?”
Shulan exchanged a glance with her nanny and instructed the wet nurse to bring the child out.
With no performances to watch and no music to enjoy, conversation soon circled back to the topic everyone was most curious about—the Sixth Prince’s name.
The first to whisper about it were several of the changzai seated near the end of the hall. Though they spoke quietly, the surprise in their eyes was impossible to hide.
“‘Zuo’… isn’t that the same character used in guozuo—the fate and longevity of a dynasty? His Majesty actually gave the Sixth Prince such a weighty name?”
“Indeed. The name Yinzuo sounds extraordinary,” another changzai murmured, lowering her voice while a calculating gleam flashed in her eyes.
A nearby daying quickly agreed, unable to resist glancing toward Shulan.
“Consort De is truly fortunate. The Fourth Prince is steady and dependable, and now the Sixth Prince enjoys such favor from His Majesty. In the future, no one in the palace will dare look down on Yonghe Palace.”
At once, the woman beside her tugged at her sleeve, signaling for her to look toward Noble Consort Tongjia seated at the head of the room.
Only then did she awkwardly fall silent.
Never one to miss an opportunity for excitement, Consort Yi raised her teacup and cast the group a knowing smile.
“Careful with your words. It’s only a name. Who among us could possibly guess His Majesty’s intentions?”
She paused deliberately.
“Besides, the Fourth Prince is being raised in Chengqian Palace. What does he have to do with Yonghe Palace?”
Though her words sounded like a warning, they effectively redirected everyone’s attention toward Noble Consort Tongjia.
Tongjia held her teacup steadily, as though she had heard none of the whispered discussion. She merely brushed an invisible speck of dust from her sleeve.
Shulan pretended not to hear Consort Yi’s remark. Her smile remained as composed as ever.
When the wet nurse finally brought Little Six out, Shulan quickly rose to take him into her arms.
“I’ve kept everyone waiting. Come and take a look at our Little Six.”
Holding the child where everyone could see him, she welcomed the consorts as they gathered around to offer insincere compliments about how adorable he was.
Only then did Noble Consort Tongjia set down her teacup and walk over.
Looking at the baby in the swaddling cloth, she curved her lips into a faint smile.
“Little Sister De, this child is indeed adorable. His name is excellent as well.”
Her gaze lingered on the sleeping infant.
“But such abundant fortune may be too much for one so young. You’ll need to guard him carefully.”
The moment those words were spoken, the lively atmosphere fell silent.
Everyone turned to look nervously at Shulan.
Unhurried and calm, Shulan looked around at the assembled women.
“Since His Majesty bestowed this name, he must have his reasons. As for me, I only hope that Little Six can grow up safely and peacefully.”
“That’s exactly how mothers feel—nothing matters more than a healthy child.”
Quick to smooth things over, Noble Lady Wanliuha rose from her seat with a cup of wine in hand.
“Today is a happy occasion for the Sixth Prince, so let’s not talk about such things.”
She smiled brightly at Shulan.
“Elder Sister De, let me offer you a toast. You’ve only recently given birth, yet you’ve organized such a thoughtful celebration. It’s truly impressive.”
At her lead, Noble Lady Guo quickly chimed in with a laugh.
“Exactly! This tea is so refreshing. With the Sixth Prince by your side, life in Yonghe Palace seems far more pleasant than in our own quarters.”
She deliberately nodded toward Yinzuo in the wet nurse’s arms.
“Just look at this little prince—such handsome features! Even in his sleep, he’s clenching his tiny fists. He’s bound to achieve great things one day.”
The lower-ranking concubines eagerly joined in, praising Yinzuo’s appearance before smoothly changing the subject to the newly planted peonies in the imperial garden.
In an instant, the subtle tension in the room was swept away.
Before long, the banquet reached its most important moment—the cutting of the baby’s first hair.
Shulan had specially invited the most reliable matron from the Imperial Household Department to oversee the ceremony.
The locks of Yinzuo’s first hair were divided into two portions.
One was sewn into the red-gold longevity lock bestowed by the emperor.
The other Shulan quietly kept for herself as a keepsake.
Once the ritual was complete, Shulan held Yinzuo, wrapped in red swaddling cloth, for everyone to see.
The little boy slept soundly, his features relaxed, earning another round of praise.
The child had been seen, the festivities observed, and the ceremonial hair cutting completed.
The consorts now had a reason to take their leave.
Noble Consort Tongjia rose first.
“Today’s celebration has been a success. You’ve put a great deal of effort into it, Consort De. Continue taking good care of the Sixth Prince.”
With those words, she departed.
The other consorts soon followed suit.
Shulan led her attendants in seeing everyone off at the palace gates.
Only after returning to the main hall of Yonghe Palace did she hand Little Six back to the wet nurse and sink wearily into a chair.
Her personal nanny stepped forward to massage her shoulders.
“Your Ladyship, the Noble Consort’s words today were clearly spoken with ill intent.”
Shulan waved a hand dismissively.
“What of it? She has the advantage of family background. Let others say what they will. We only need to tend to our own little plot of land.”
Though she said it lightly, Tongjia’s words had indeed unsettled her.
After all, one should return courtesy for courtesy.
There was a reason Consort De had emerged victorious in the end.
The Qing court never lacked bondservants—and she herself happened to be one of them.
Originally, Shulan had not intended to do anything.
But since Tongjia desired a child so desperately, perhaps she should help her achieve that wish.
Turning slightly toward her nanny, Shulan lowered her voice.
“Nanny, help me send a message to my grandfather, Esen. Tell him…”