Flowery Hair: A Maidservant

Chapter 559 Living Up to the Spirit of a Military Family

Upon receiving the news, Jingming dared not delay for a moment and hurriedly entered the palace to report.

In a short while, the imperial carriage left the Funing Palace.

Upon reaching the palace alley outside the palace, Consort Lin saw the bright yellow ceremonial guard and hurriedly curtsied. The Emperor was preoccupied with Consort Mu's impending childbirth and paid no attention to anything else, not even glancing at her.

Just then, Dong Ming arrived breathlessly to report: "Your Majesty, please rest assured, Consort Jin has received the news and sent someone to inform Cining Palace. Imperial Physician Lu and others have been on duty at the Imperial Hospital for the past few days and arrived an hour ago. The medicines to induce labor are also readily available."

Upon hearing this, the Emperor's expression relaxed slightly, and he nodded, saying, "Consort Jin is always thorough and reliable in her work."

As the imperial procession departed, Consort Lin watched the bright yellow figure gradually disappear into the distance. She raised her hand to smooth the filigree and beaded hairpin she had specially chosen for her hair, a feeling of frustration welling up in her chest.

She had prepared for this moment for a long time. She had not only instructed the palace servants to inquire about the emperor's likes, dislikes and taboos, but she had also rehearsed the colors and styles of her clothes and jewelry, the angle of her bow, and the wording of her greetings in her mind. However, the emperor did not even glance at her just now.

She bit her lower lip until it turned white, waved to Caihe, and followed her uncontrollably.

Consort Mu had practiced martial arts since childhood, and her physique was much stronger than that of ordinary palace concubines. Even when she was seven or eight months pregnant, she could still practice a couple of whip routines in the garden, and her delivery was exceptionally smooth.

Meng Shu arrived at Hanxiang Pavilion one after another with Consort Chun, Consort Shun, Consort Qi, and others. They had just stood in the flower hall when a loud cry came from the birthing room.

The Emperor had just stepped across the threshold of the rear palace when he was taken aback by how smoothly Consort Mu's childbirth had gone. Even the Emperor, who was used to seeing all sorts of things, was momentarily stunned before laughing loudly, "Good! Consort Mu truly lives up to the reputation of a military family!"

Meng Shu and Consort Chun exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of astonishment in each other's eyes. They had both experienced the pain of childbirth and still felt lingering fear when they thought about it; they hadn't expected Consort Mu to have such a smooth delivery.

Consort Shun gazed towards the birthing chamber, her hands unconsciously resting on her flat stomach, a barely perceptible hint of sadness flashing in her eyes. She had been favored by the emperor for quite some time, yet remained childless. Turning her head, she saw that Consort Meng, Consort Chun, Consort Qi, and others had all given birth, and her heart was filled with mixed emotions.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty! Consort Song has successfully given birth to a prince!!!"

"You can tell from the sound of that cry that it's a healthy and strong person!"

Half an hour later, Consort Shen came out beaming with joy, carrying the swaddled baby to announce the good news. Feng Chi carefully watched over the baby from the side, smiling and bowing to everyone.

Meng Shu stood still, her gaze falling on the small swaddled baby in Shen Jieyu's arms.

After ten months of pregnancy, Consort Mu finally gave birth to the fourth prince safely.

Looking at the harmonious scene before her, she couldn't help but feel a sense of emotion. With the Empress gone, the palace was finally peaceful.

Consort Chun was kind and gentle by nature, and never harbored any intention to harm anyone. The only person Meng Shu couldn't tolerate was Lady Qu, who had requested to leave the palace to become a nun. Apart from that, she poured all her energy into her and Consort Chun's two children, and she didn't bother to interfere unless others deliberately caused trouble. As for Consort Shun, Consort Qi, and others, Consort Mu was aloof and never competed for favor, posing no threat to them. That's why her pregnancy had been so smooth and peaceful from beginning to end.

Consort Shen was genuinely happy for Consort Mu. She carefully carried the swaddled baby to the Emperor. Several old nannies sent by the Empress Dowager also surrounded the Emperor with smiles on their faces, praising the little prince for his handsome appearance.

Meng Shu glanced in the direction of the maternity ward, and Green Willow immediately understood and quietly left the flower hall.

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Imperial Physician Lu bowed and entered, kneeling to report: "Your Majesty, Consort Mu's postpartum condition is good, but she is somewhat exhausted. She has already taken her medicine and is resting."

Upon hearing this, the Emperor nodded: "Consort Mu has rendered meritorious service by giving birth to the Fourth Prince for me. Effective immediately, she shall be promoted to the rank of Imperial Concubine, with her title remaining 'Mu'."

Feng Chi led the palace maids of Hanxiang Pavilion in bowing to express their gratitude for the Emperor's benevolence. Consort Shen looked pleased; she was on good terms with Consort Mu and was naturally happy to see Consort Mu in such a high position.

Consort Qi was filled with envy. Both had given birth to imperial heirs, yet Consort Mu was promoted to the rank of Consort immediately after giving birth to a prince, while she herself, having risked her life to give birth to the eldest princess, remained a mere Consort. Although the Emperor doted on Afu, this disparity in status—rising in rank because of her son—ultimately left her feeling resentful…

Consort Lin trailed half a step behind the Emperor, her slender waist slightly bent, her steps light and graceful, appearing obedient. To onlookers, this posture made it seem as if the Emperor had specially granted her permission to accompany him, making her appear like a favored new concubine.

As she passed by Consort Shen, Consort Lin even softly advised, "The little prince is so adorable; look how much Sister Shen is holding him and doesn't want to let go. But be careful, your arms might get tired. It would be better to have a wet nurse take care of him."

Of the newcomers, only Lin Cairen arrived. Meng Shu glanced at her indifferently, thinking that this woman was quite adept at setting up a stage for herself.

The Emperor's eyes were filled with smiles as he personally held the little prince, gently stroking the baby's soft cheeks with his hand, his heart filled with joy.

Upon seeing this, the nanny from Cining Palace quickly stepped forward with a smile to offer her congratulations: "This servant congratulates Your Majesty! Consort Mu's delivery went smoothly, and both mother and child are safe. If Her Majesty the Empress Dowager knew that a healthy little prince had been born, she would be overjoyed! This servant will go back to report the good news immediately."

It was past midnight, and the night was deep.

When Meng Shu and the other concubines came out of Hanxiang Pavilion, the Empress Dowager's congratulatory gifts had already been delivered to the palace gate.

Eight eunuchs each carried a sandalwood box, the most eye-catching of which was a pair of red corals, which shimmered with a lustrous sheen under the palace lanterns, clearly treasures from the imperial treasury.

Looking at this display, Consort Qi couldn't help but whisper, "The Empress Dowager's generous reward shows how much she values ​​Consort Mu and the young prince."

Her tone was tinged with undisguised envy. She too had given birth to a royal heir, but she hadn't received such an honor when she gave birth to a daughter.

Consort Shen said proudly, "Sister Song has given birth to a son for the royal family, and he is a healthy prince. The Empress Dowager will naturally reward her handsomely."