maidservant

Chapter 37: A Happy Event at the Palace Gate, But Several Families Worried

Li Mao also smiled heartily and said, "Okay, okay, I'll do as you say, Brother Yan!" His eyes were gentle and sincere.
"Since you've already promised to stay by my side and protect me, how can I fail to pay the swordsman my monthly stipend? From today on, I will pay Brother Yan a monthly stipend. I hope Brother Yan won't refuse."

The two laughed heartily and left the tavern together.

Standing on the street again, Yan Lie felt that the atmosphere of the entire capital was completely different from yesterday. Perhaps it was because his own state of mind had changed. The sunlight shining on him at this moment was just right, bright but not dazzling.

Suddenly, an exciting news spread in Kyoto: Concubine Li was pregnant.

This good news quickly spread to every corner of Kyoto and even to the local states, becoming a hot topic of discussion on the streets.

This is the emperor's first child and the first born after he ascended the throne. He has an extremely noble status and carries the heavy responsibility of royal inheritance and the expectations of the entire country.

When the news reached the Li family, the Li clan was instantly immersed in a sea of ​​joy. The family members smiled and told each other about it, feeling proud that their family could have such an honor.

When Queen Mother Li learned about this, she was also filled with joy and immediately decided to send a special blessing to the unborn grandson.

Not only did she make an exception and invite all the female members of the Li family into the palace, she also carefully prepared a grand and luxurious banquet.

At the banquet, the palace was decorated with lights and palace maids moved around, carefully arranging precious porcelain and exquisite dishes.

Dish after dish of delicacies was served, each a masterpiece from the imperial kitchen, featuring everything from mountain and sea delicacies. The sound of stringed instruments and melodious music filled the entire palace.

The Queen Mother sat at the head of the table, a genial smile on her face as she spoke cordially to the women of the Li family, showing the utmost care for these women from her own maternal clan. Now that she was the Holy Mother Queen Mother, she no longer had to be cautious with her words and actions.

The women of the Li family were dressed in gorgeous costumes, and the whole banquet was very lively, demonstrating the royal family's importance and expectations for this new life.

Aunt Zhuang reported the banquet word for word. Lin Yu listened blankly, not saying a word until Aunt Zhuang finished her story and then advised, "Your Majesty is blessed with great fortune, and will surely have an heir to the throne."

After Aunt Zhuang disappeared outside the door, Yunshan bowed slightly and said:
"Your Majesty, please be at ease. Isn't this situation exactly what we have been hoping for?"

"Over the past year, the court has been turbulent and the harem has been turbulent. Your Majesty, you have been cautious and farsighted, not daring to get pregnant. Fortunately, it was Concubine Li, not Concubine Cui, who first announced the good news. Now that Concubine Li is pregnant, it is truly good news for us."

Seeing Lin Yu was silent, Yunshan looked concerned and serious, and then continued:

"Your Majesty, His Majesty's firstborn child is undoubtedly the focus of everyone's attention. However, with so many eyes watching, it's hard to predict whether it will be a blessing or a curse. It's not an easy task."

After a brief pause, Yunshan continued her speech clearly and logically:

"In my opinion, there are several important matters that we must plan carefully in advance." "First, we must not get too close to Concubine Li. Although her pregnancy is a happy occasion, our gifts and congratulations must be limited and in moderation. Also, we must go with Concubine Cui to offer congratulations. We must always remember the principle of 'no one enters the temple alone.' People in this world are complicated, so we must avoid being schemed against for no reason."

"Secondly, the Empress Dowager has always favored the Li family, and she must treasure the dragon seed in Concubine Li's belly very much. In the future, if we go beyond the rules and regulations, even if we feel wronged, we will have to swallow our anger and endure it for the time being. After all, in this deep palace, acting impulsively will only bring more trouble."

Lin Yu nodded slightly to show his agreement.

"This banquet celebrating Concubine Li is far too ostentatious. The censors and ministers of the previous dynasty have always paid close attention to the words and deeds of the royal family and dignitaries. Who knows what they would say about such an extravagant palace banquet. After all, royal affairs concern both state and family matters."

Yunshan considered her words again, "If His Majesty or the Empress mentioned anything like the banquet and the Empress Dowager, how would Your Majesty respond?"

Lin Yu returned his expression, looked at Yun Shan and Yun Jin, and said slowly: "At that time, just sincere congratulations, don't make any arbitrary judgments."

Yunshan bowed slightly, her face full of respect, and responded, "Your Majesty, what you said is absolutely right."

"His Majesty is doting on the Empress, but in this harem, every step is a dangerous one. We must be cautious at all times. The slightest mistake could give someone with ulterior motives a handle. If it were to be spread that the Empress was interfering with the Queen Mother's actions, it would be troublesome."

But Yunshan did not say the second half of the sentence. What she was thinking was, "Besides, your grace is like flowing water, and flowers do not last forever."

"What Yunshan said makes sense, and I know it in my heart. However, putting aside the concerns about words and actions, I am really a little envious of Concubine Li."

Lin Yu sighed softly, a trace of subtle loneliness appeared on his face, and he said softly:
"She already has the Queen Mother's blessing and the support of the upstart Li family. If she gives birth to a boy, he will be the crown prince, and his status in the future will probably be higher than mine." She paused, frowning slightly, and continued:
"I don't mind competing for supremacy, but if I remain childless, those loyal ministers who assisted Your Majesty in ascending the throne, and even the military commanders who fought alongside my father for Your Majesty, will probably put pressure on my father."

Yun Jin took a step forward and said with a concerned and determined look:
"Your Majesty, don't worry too much. Even if Concubine Li becomes more noble in the future because of this pregnancy, as long as Your Majesty also has a child, the situation in the harem will naturally return to balance."

"Yes, having offspring in this deep palace is the foundation of our survival," Lin Yu was still worried.

Yunshan nodded silently, knowing full well that giving birth to a royal heir was undoubtedly the key to gaining a firm foothold and remaining invincible.

After a moment's thought, she looked up at Lin Yu and asked carefully:
"Your Majesty has been in good health since childhood. If you wish to give birth to an imperial heir, you will surely be able to do so. However, I have a question in my mind, and I'm not sure if I should ask you this. Has Your Majesty considered when to prepare for pregnancy?"

When Lin Yu heard this, a hint of doubt flashed in his eyes. He frowned slightly and motioned Yunshan to continue.

Seeing this, Yunshan bowed slightly, her tone becoming more serious:

"Your Highness was born in the Yong'an Marquis's Mansion, where the wives and concubines live in harmony, and you are truly kindhearted. However, when I was previously employed in the Shangshu Mansion, I witnessed many tragic incidents where the pursuit of favor resulted in the loss of fetuses. Those tactics were unpredictable and terrifying. Within the harem, the struggles are only more brutal. Therefore, when to have a child, the timing and the means involved, require careful consideration."

(End of this chapter)