TPNCQ CHAPTER 13
People often say that flowers should be admired under the moonlight and beauties should be appreciated under the lamplight. Jia Fei, naturally aware of the Emperor's preferences, had dressed herself meticulously. As long as she was willing to bow her head and admit her mistakes and act coquettish, the emperor would not refuse her. What's more, it was not a big deal.
Although Emperor Qianlong had intended to give her the cold shoulder, it had been several days, and the Empress Dowager had stepped in to mediate, so he decided to let it go. Compared to the ignorant Xiu Guiren, Jia Fei was still dignified. It was merely a lesson for her, not something to be overly harsh about.
Chunxi Palace was once again full of spring.
In just two short days, the atmosphere in the harem had shifted. Because of Xiu, even Ling Pin's placard had been relegated to an inconspicuous spot at the back.
*
On the eighth day of the third month, Xian Guifei performed the silkworm ceremony on behalf of the Empress.
"Those bunch of imperial censors, they will find something to complain about even if there’s nothing. Let them gossip. Niangniang, just focus on your health and calmly await the birth. You worry too much, as always. Please listen to this slave advice," Saoqin said earnestly.
"How could I not know..."
*
On the eleventh day of the third month, the fourth princess, Jingshun, celebrated her hundredth day celebration.
Early in the morning, Su Limo and Shuangjiang took two Buddhist scriptures to the Fahua Hall to burn incense and pray for blessing for Jingshun.
Then they dressed Jingshun again, put on the exquisite jade pendant that the Bai Yueguang, the Empress gave her at the full moon banquet, and the silver bracelets that Chen Guiren gave her. Then she was carried by the wet nurse and nanny to go to Cining Palace to greet the Empress Dowager.
The empress dowager had finished her breakfast and was tending to the flowers and plants in the corridor when she saw Jingshun, the little baby wrapped up in bundle, and her heart melted.
Soft and pink, lively and smiling little baby, who wouldn’t like her?
Jingshun loved to laugh. As soon as the Empress Dowager held her, she giggled at her, making the Empress Dowager laugh along. Her small hands waved, making the silver bells on her bracelets jingled, crisp, clear and melodious.
A gentle breeze blew, flowers filled the air with their fragrance, and the sun shone brightly.
Su Limo waited by the side, watching the interaction between the grandmother and granddaughter, without saying anything.
The joy of doting on grandchildren, the bliss of having them by your side—this must be what it felt like.
After half an hour, Su Limo thought that the Empress Dowager might be tired, so she stepped forward to take Jingshun from her and handed her to the wet nurse, then she personally poured a cup of tea and handed it to the Empress Dowager.
“This jade pendant on Jingshun was given by the Empress, wasn’t it? It looks familiar to me,” the Empress Dowager said slowly, taking a sip of tea.
“The Empress is fond of the princess and gifted it to her at her full moon banquet,” Su Limo explained, her tone gentle and respectful.
“The Empress is thoughtful. Ruhua, go and get my gold lock here,” the Empress Dowager instructed.
Su Limo was about to decline, but Ruhua said with a smile, “Niangniang, you should bring the fourth princess to visit the Empress Dowager more often in the future. The Empress Dowager is fond of her.”
Having said that, Su Limo couldn’t refuse any longer. She accepted the gold lock, thanked the Empress Dowager on behalf of Jiangshun, and hung it directly around Jingshun’s neck.
Su Limo had initially wanted to use this one hundredth day celebration to gauge the Empress Dowager’s attitude toward Jingshun but she hadn’t expected little Jingshun to be so adored by the Empress Dowager. She personally held her and played with her for quite some time and even gifted her a gold lock. According to Ruhua gugu, this was an item from the Empress Dowager’s dowry, likely something she had used as a child.
A princess, unlike a prince, could suffer in her marriage if not favored by the Empress Dowager and the Emperor. If she was loved and cherished, it would be fine, but if not, she might have a difficult marriage. Marrying within the capital was considered fortunate; being sent far away would mean separation from her mother, and there would be no way to protect her. The worst fate was to be married off as part of a political alliance...
Although Su Limo knew that historically, this fourth princess would marry Fu Heng’s son, Fulong’an, and die young at twenty-six, she had to make preparations and plans ahead.
Back in Jingren Palace, Jingshun was drowsy. The wet nurse fed her and coaxed her to sleep.
Su Limo changed into casual clothes, put on flat embroidered shoes, and lay comfortably on the couch to rest, instructing Shuangjiang to store the jade pendant, gold lock, and silver bracelets on the dressing table.
The little baby looked adorable and festive wearing these items. Her pink, chubby face made her endearing. Not only does the empress dowager love looking at her, but the little baby herself seems to be aware of it, shaking her hands whenever she has nothing to do and giggling happily at the sound of the bells on her silver bracelets.
Su Limo admitted that she had taken advantage of the situation today. Fortunately, it was a good start, and there was still a long way to go.
And Su Limo made a new discovery today. Last time she was far away and didn't notice it, but today she got closer and smelled a faint sandalwood fragrance on the Empress Dowager's body. It was not the fragrance of her clothes, but more like the sandalwood fragrance used for praying. Presumably, the Empress Dowager had the habit of worshiping the Buddha every day.
When worshiping Budhhar, one must have a string of prayer beads. Su Limo guessed that the Empress Dowager often used the string of high-quality imperial green jade beads. No matter how precious other gifts might be, they wouldn’t be as meaningful as the one in the Empress Dowager's hand. Moreover, the value of objects used for prayer lies in sincerity, not in price.
Thinking about this, Su Limo had an idea. She called Dong Xue in and asked her to write a letter to her family in Beijing to arrange it according to her requirements.
Author's Note:
Introduction of Princes and Princesses:
- Su Limo: Third Prince Yongzhang, Sixth Prince Yongrong, Fourth Princess Jingshun
- Empress Fucha: Seventh Prince Yongcong
- Consort Jia: Fourth Prince Yongcheng, Eighth Prince Yongxuan
- Consort Yu: Fifth Prince Yongqi