TPNCQ CHAPTER 22
Plump and Soft
Su Limo walked out of Changchun Palace together with Chen Guiren and Shu Pin. Shu Pin smiled and said, "I still need to go to the Empress Dowager's palace to serve her medicine, so I'll go first."
"The Empress Dowager's place is important, go quickly," Su Limo smiled and watched Shu Pin leave, "Then I'll go back too."
"I'll see niangniang off," Chen Guiren said, and with Yingchun's support, she followed Su Limo.
"I haven't had the chance to personally thank niangniang. Today I would like to thank you. Thank you for taking such good care of me," Chen Guiren said sincerely.
Su Limo knew she was referring to the cloak and plain satin, "We all have our difficulties, and it's only natural to look out for each other. I know your feelings for Jing Shun, and I understand. It's not easy to survive in the palace, so let's cherish each other."
"I understand, thank you again, Niangniang. I can't stay long, so I'll go first. Next time there's a chance, I'll talk to Niangniang again," Chen Guiren said respectfully, and then left with her head maid Yingchun.
Su Limo slowed down her pace, and waited until she was far away before walking towards Jingren Palace. It's good to talk to smart people, there's no need to explain everything, those who understand will understand. It's not necessarily a good thing to be close to Jingren Palace, it's good that Xiu Guiren keeps her distance.
*
The next day, Su Limo had the wet nurse carry Jing Shun to Cining Palace to pay respect to the Empress Dowager, and as usual, she put Jing Shun in the cute two-piece outfit, the exquisite jade pendant given by the Empress, and the silver bracelet given by Chen Guiren.
The weather was getting warmer, so she changed Jing Shun into a pink spring outfit and put a small hat on her, making her look very cute and soft.
Who would have thought that when she arrived at Cining Palace, the Emperor also had someone carry the Seventh Prince to the Empress Dowager's palace for her to see.
She should have checked the almanac before going out.
Su Limo was stunned for a moment, then carried Jing Shun into the main hall, paid her respect to the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, and stood on the right side with Jing Shun in her arms.
"What a coincidence, you're all here to see this old woman today." The Empress Dowager said happily, looking at the Seventh Prince on the left and the Fourth Princess on the right, "You're all so cute, I don't know which one to look at first."
The Fourth Princess was a lively child, seeing so many people in the hall, she giggled nonstop, waving her little hands, making the silver bells on her wrists jingle. Every time she wore this silver bracelet, Jing Shun would happily shake her hands.
The Empress Dowager and the Emperor were already very happy because of the Seventh Prince, and now seeing the lively and smiling Jing Shun, the smile on their lips never went away.
The Empress Dowager clapped her hands, and Jing Shun opened her arms to be held by the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager was so happy that she laughed and scolded, "This little girl is only four months old, and she already knows how to be coquettish."
"Jing Shun is more affectionate towards the Empress Dowager than to her son," Qianlong said, reaching out to tease Jing Shun, who waved her hands and giggled non-stop.
"Listen to him, he's already the father of several children, and he's still arguing with me," the Empress Dowager shook her head with a smile, "I'm old, I just hope to enjoy my grandchildren. There are many concubines in the palace who are suitable for childbearing, and the Emperor should also spread his favor evenly. If the six palaces are harmonious and the descendants are prosperous, the Qing Dynasty can enjoy long-lasting peace."
"Yes, I know," Qianlong replied.
Su Limo stood by as a wallflower and did not interject or respond. This was not a conversation she could participate in. As long as Jing Shun was playful and funny, the Empress Dowager and the Emperor would be happy.
"Since Ling Pin has been diligently serving Buddha, copying sutras, and bathing, burning incense, and fasting to calm her mind every day, let her continue to copy for a while, and pray for the Emperor and the Seventh Prince." The Empress Dowager paused, her voice becoming more gentle, "I think Shu Pin is very good, gentle and understanding, considerate and cautious. The most commendable thing is that although this child comes from a good family, she has always been humble."
"I will remember the Empress Dowager's teachings," the Emperor replied.
Su Limo wanted to disappear into thin air at this moment, but she could only stand there honestly. She pretended not to hear anything, and just considered herself a porcelain vase on a desk.
With a few words, the Empress Dowager had reprimanded Ling Pin and recommended Shu Pin. Everyone in the palace knew how Ling Pin had used the excuse of praying to Buddha to regain the Emperor's favor. How could the Empress Dowager not know? Moreover, the Empress Dowager had the habit of praying to Buddha every day, how could she tolerate Ling Pin using this to curry favor?
Su Limo couldn't help but swallow her saliva. Fortunately, she had never used this method, and this little cleverness was instantly seen through by the Empress Dowager. If the Empress Dowager liked someone like Shu Pin, it would be fine, but if it was an ordinary concubine, it would be counterproductive.
How could the Emperor not know that Ling Pin was not sincerely praying, but as long as the concubines were willing to devote themselves to him, that was enough.
"Chun Gufei has been recuperating for many days, and I see that her complexion is still not good, and her body looks weak. If the attending physician is not satisfactory, just tell me. Jing Shun is also raised in your palace, seeing how cute and adorable she is, I know you have put in a lot of effort. If you don't take good care of yourself and leave behind any illnesses, it won't be good." The Empress Dowager changed the subject.
Suddenly being named, Su Limo quickly came back to her senses and said softly, "Thank you for your concern, Empress Dowager. The attending physician, Luo, is a very kind and conscientious person, and I have always had a weak body and need to recuperate slowly."
"If you need anything, just tell Xian Gufei, and if there is anything else you need, come to me."
“Thank you, Empress Dowager. I’m doing well. Xian Gufei has taken very good care of me. The Imperial Kitchen sends the best food to my palace every day. I eat well and sleep well, but it takes more than a day or two to make up for the deficiency. I need long-term care.” Su Limo carefully considered each sentence before speaking slowly.
Hearing the words "Imperial Kitchen", Qianlong frowned slightly in disgust. Four meals a day, it's not like she's eating well and sleeping well. Chun Gufei (Pure Consort) had never been so demanding about food before. She even brought food into the Prince’s Residence. Thinking about what happened outside the Prince’s Residence that day, Qianlong frowned even more.
Jing Jing Jing.
Jing Shun shook her little hand, and the small bell on her wrist made a clear and pleasant sound.
Qianlong came back to his senses and looked at Jing Shun, Even my daughter is being fed to be plump and soft."......" Forget it.
Author's Note: Currently appearing princes and princesses are:
Su Limo gave birth to: Third Prince Yongzhang, Sixth Prince Yongrong, Fourth Princess Jing Shun
Empress Fucha gave birth to: Seventh Prince Yongcong
Jia Fei/ Consort Jia gave birth to: Fourth Prince Yongcheng, Eighth Prince Yongxuan
Yu Fei/ Consort Yu gave birth to: Fifth Prince Yongqi