Misty Rain of the Old Times

Chapter 80 In the Crowd (Subscribe)
"My sister gave birth to a nephew, a boy. That's great! I'm going to be an uncle now. I have to go and see him." Gao Jingming was so excited that he was incoherent after hearing the news. He jumped up from his chair and was about to go out.

However, he forgot that his legs were still painful from kneeling all night and had not recovered yet. When he exerted force suddenly, he felt his legs tremble, his face turned pale and he almost fell to the ground. Fortunately, Xiao Cai and the others were nearby and they were quick to support him and saved his life.

"Master, go slow. You're not well yet, and the person who's going to bring you the good news is still on the way," Xiao Ye said with both helplessness and heartache, and also joy.

The eldest daughter gave birth to a prince, which was a big event. It had extraordinary significance both for her and for the Gao family.

As a princess, Miss Gao has a son, and her position in Prince Qing's Mansion is more stable. In this way, the Gao family will naturally receive more blessings. This is something that no one can deny.

Gao Jingming didn't care about that anymore. He ignored the pain in his legs and urged, "Xiao Cai and Xiao Ye, help me go over and see what's going on."

"Well then, young master, please go slowly, we will support you," Xiao Ye and the others said helplessly. In fact, they also wanted to go over and take a look as soon as possible.

Chen Xuan felt amused. Why was he so anxious? He was just the person who brought the good news, and he couldn't see Miss Gao and her child in person.

Then I wondered if I should go and see the fun, just to share in the festivities. But would it be appropriate for me to go?

"A Xuan, come on, my sister has given birth to a boy. Let's go and see him together," Gao Jingming, who had been helped to the door by Xiao Cai and the others, turned around and said.

After he said that, Chen Xuan followed and said, "Here I come, young master, go slowly."

Gao Jingming is only eight years old now. His mother is definitely no more than forty years old, probably around thirty-five or thirty-six, or maybe even younger. By this calculation, his sister should be no more than twenty years old, yet she has already given birth to a child. Considering that people got married early in ancient times, this is normal.

Although giving birth in ancient times was like walking through the gates of hell, especially for the first child, she was a princess. Gao Jingming said that she also had great martial arts skills and an excellent physique, so giving birth should not be too risky. Besides, the person who had been shouting before said that mother and child were safe.

Tsk tsk, Madam Gao is already a grandmother in her thirties. In Chen Xuan's hometown, many women in their thirties are still considered "little fairies"...

As they arrived at the gate of the courtyard, they heard Qingyu's voice not far away, quite dignified, saying, "How can you all be so anxious and hurried? Have you forgotten the rules of the past? Just do what you should do. Don't let people think that our Gao family has no rules. Go, clean up every corner again!"

"Yes," some servants and maids responded in unison.

This is the inner courtyard of the Gao family, and the people in charge are naturally a few senior maids. Even though Butler He has an overview of all matters, he will not easily set foot here.

Turning the corner, she saw Qingyu. She also looked over and waved her hand to signal the others to get busy. She walked towards Gao Jingming and the others and said, "Master, Madam asked me to come here just to find you. The eldest lady has given birth to the prince of Qing. The person who announces the good news will be here soon. Go change your clothes quickly and then go to the door to greet them. Don't be impolite. Xuan Ge'er, come along too."

Obviously, not everyone is qualified to go to the door to greet people. Ordinary maids and servants are only responsible for their own duties and are not qualified to witness such a happy event.

"Ah? I have to change clothes too, that's so troublesome," Gao Jingming suddenly felt a little unhappy.

Qingyu said helplessly: "Young Master, please go quickly. The person who brings the good news represents the palace, and the madam must dress up and open the gate to welcome him. You can't be negligent."

"Okay then," Gao Jingming had no choice but to nod, his excitement instantly reduced by half.

Seeing him being supported by Xiao Cai and the others, Qingyu naturally knew what was going on. She stepped forward and said something that only she and Gao Jingming could understand: "The young master was injured last night and his legs are inconvenient. It is not appropriate to go out to greet him like this. Madam asked me to bring a pill. After taking it, it will suppress the pain, and you will be able to move freely without the support of others within a few hours."

As he said that, he fed a soybean-sized emerald green pill into Gao Jingming's mouth.

After swallowing it, he said, "Why didn't you tell me earlier about this good thing? It made me feel uncomfortable..."

"Young Master, have you forgotten what Madam said? Go and change your clothes quickly," Qingyu interrupted immediately.

Gao Jingming didn't dare to say anything, and said depressedly: "Okay, let's go, let's change clothes."

Chen Xuan guessed that what she gave Gao Jingming was probably something like painkillers, and the reason she didn't take it out earlier was that she wanted to teach him a lesson.

As soon as he went out, he went back to change his clothes. After changing his clothes, Gao Jingming was already full of energy. The effect of the pill was immediate, but it only lasted for a few hours. After the effect of the pill wore off, he still had to continue suffering.

When Chen Xuan and his companions arrived at the gate of the Gao family, the gate was already open. Almost all the main members of the Gao family were dressed in their best and waiting outside the gate, and the guards were on high alert.

Madam Gao, the third madam, the fourth madam, and several young ladies and young masters were all there. The atmosphere was not depressing, but extremely grand.

Although the person who brought the good news was probably just a servant in Prince Qing's Mansion, and the Gao family, as the maiden family of Princess Gao, would not welcome a servant like this, but after all, he was a member of the palace, and Prince Qing was a member of the royal family, so of course he had to be taken seriously. In a big way, it was out of respect for the royal family, and in a small way, it was also to make Miss Gao's life easier in Prince Qing's Mansion. If you treat the person who brought the good news with good courtesy, he will naturally remember this friendship after returning and will naturally respect Miss Gao more.

Perhaps doing so in itself does not mean much, but many times the details of human relations are the most important, especially in a place like the royal palace where there is intrigue. Having one more friendly person, even if it is a servant, will make some things more convenient.

Mrs. Gao is very meticulous and naturally wants to take care of everything for her daughter.

As long as parents are alive, they will always worry about their children.

She welcomed the person who came to the palace to announce the good news as a lady of noble rank. Isn't this courtesy enough to be appreciated?

Mr. Gao was not at home, so Mrs. Gao was the mistress and naturally took the main position. Gao Jingming followed beside her, and Chen Xuan followed behind Gao Jingming, not lagging behind.

No one spoke, waiting for the arrival of the person with the good news. Chen Xuan was not used to this kind of atmosphere. It was like welcoming a leader, and it was almost the same. Gradually, his thoughts inevitably wandered.

Since the announcer hadn't arrived yet, who was the person making such a fuss? Perhaps Miss Gao had someone send the news in advance, allowing the Gao family to prepare. Suddenly, the excitement of such a happy event inevitably led to the spread of the news, and the real announcer would arrive shortly afterwards.

After waiting for about ten minutes, I saw several carriages coming quickly from the other side of the street.

There were a dozen or so armored knights on the edge of the team. They looked very majestic in their silver armor and red tassels, and they looked solemn and dignified.

Chen Xuan guessed that those armored knights should be the private guards of Prince Qing's Mansion. It is a serious crime for ordinary people to privately possess armor, let alone wear it ostentatiously in public. The prince has the right to raise an army and establish a government office. After all, the fiefdom is an autonomous country within a country.

Leading the way was a gorgeous carriage, with a silver dragon flag fluttering in the wind, with the three words "Prince Qing's Palace" written on it. Wherever it passed, knowledgeable people bowed from afar to salute. With such a grand occasion, some ordinary people even kowtowed and knelt in worship.

Chen Xuan recognized those three words, having learned them before. He thought to himself that this was not the real procession of the royal palace. A mere messenger was so majestic. He wondered what it would be like when a prince traveled or even when an emperor appeared.

When the convoy stopped at the gate of Gao's house, the armored knights quickly dispersed to guard the four directions.

Madam Gao straightened her posture slightly, stepped forward, and said in a gentle and dignified manner, "Gao Min is here on behalf of my husband to welcome the messenger from the palace. My husband was unable to come in person due to the emperor's order. I hope you will forgive me for any negligence."

"Welcome the Royal Messenger"

After she finished speaking, the others all bowed and spoke in unison, and Chen Xuan followed suit.

Then someone got off the carriage. He was wearing a red and black brocade robe, a crown on his head, and holding a whisk in his hand. He looked to be in his thirties, with a fair face and no beard, and was supported by a maid.

After he got out of the car, he gently pushed aside the maid who was supporting him, took small steps forward, and came to three meters in front of Madam Gao, bowed and said: "Little Li greets Madam Gao. I am just an errand boy. I am overwhelmed to be greeted by Madam Gao herself."

"There's no need to be so polite, Eunuch Li. It's an honor to have you visit our humble home," said Mrs. Gao, raising her hands.

These are just procedural issues. To put it bluntly, they are just polite words, done for outsiders to see. You give me face and I give you the inside. This is how social etiquette works.

Otherwise, Madam Gao could just wait at home for Eunuch Li to come and report the news and greet her. After all, Eunuch Li was just a eunuch working in the palace. She was the mother of the princess and had an imperial decree. It was a great honor for her to personally welcome the eunuch from the palace.

As for Eunuch Li, he represents the royal palace and there is no need for him to be so humble. From his point of view, the Gao family is only powerful because of the mother's daughter.

Everyone carries the sedan chair, and if you respect me, I will naturally respect you.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Eunuch Li immediately smiled and said, "Madam, please allow me to inform you that the Jade Concubine gave birth to a prince ten days ago. Both mother and child are safe. The prince is very happy. He spent three days thinking hard and chose the name Jinlin, which means "a child of the unicorn". He specially sent the family to deliver the news. He is overjoyed."

Although she had received the news long ago, Mrs. Gao still found it difficult to maintain her emotions after hearing it. She said with joy but also heartache: "God bless, mother and child are safe, my poor Yu'er has suffered. Jinlin, Zhou Jinlin, my grandson is named Zhou Jinlin, a good name, the prince is so talented in writing..."

She said with a little embarrassment: "I heard the good news suddenly, and I, a woman, lost my composure. Please don't laugh at me, father-in-law."

"No, no, Madam and Concubine Yu have a deep affection for each other as mother and daughter. How dare you make fun of their true feelings? This is a great occasion, Madam should be happy," Eunuch Li said immediately.

Madam Gao calmed down and nodded, saying, "I'm happy, of course I should be happy. My father-in-law has been exhausted from the journey, so I have prepared a small feast for you. Please come in."

"You are so kind, ma'am. I am honored."

"please……"

After some greetings, Madam Gao led the way and took Eunuch Li into the mansion through the main gate. Gao Jingming also followed, but Chen Xuan was unable to go with them. Qingyu shook his head and gestured for him to stay. It was normal to think about it. As an outsider, Chen Xuan was not qualified to participate in such occasions. Except for Madam Gao, Gao Jingming was not qualified to participate.

After Madam Gao and the others returned home, Butler He stepped forward, bowed to the people who had come with Eunuch Li, and said with a smile, "You have all come from afar, and I have prepared a little wine to welcome you. I hope you will not refuse."

"The guest should follow the host's wishes, so it would be disrespectful for us to refuse," said the leader of the silver-armored guards cheerfully as he stepped forward.

Then Butler He personally brought Eunuch Li's entourage in through the side door to entertain them.

After the main members left, Qingyu announced in public: "The young lady gave birth to the prince of Qing. This is a great joyous occasion. Today, everyone in the Gao Mansion will receive a reward. Everyone, please disperse."

"Yes"

Everyone responded happily. Who wouldn’t be happy to receive a reward?
Qingyu just announced that there was no need to do this kind of thing personally. There were conventions on how much the reward would be, and the amount would vary depending on one's status, but for such a big event, the rewards would definitely be more than during the New Year or other festivals.

The curtain has fallen on those who came to the palace to announce the good news. Unrelated people just joined in the fun to witness the event. While they were happy about receiving the rewards, it did not have much impact on their normal lives.

From beginning to end, no one paid much attention to Chen Xuan. Everyone's attention was on the people in the palace. He was just one of the background boards that set the atmosphere. In the warm spring of that year, in front of the Gao Mansion, the small Chen Xuan stood like a minion in the crowd...

(End of this chapter)