Zhou Weizhao felt his throat blocked by something, choking up so much he could barely speak.
He had always known what Song Chuyi meant to him, but never had he so directly felt the panic of almost losing her. When the midwife said things were somewhat difficult, even his breathing became labored.
Chief Minister Chang, as his Grand Tutor, had told him in the very first lesson that a great ruler must have a heart that no one could influence. This old chief minister who had seen countless people must have long since discerned his deep feelings for his future empress.
He lifted Song Chuyi’s hand to his lips. After a long while, he bent down and buried his head in Song Chuyi’s neck.
When Song Chuyi awoke, Zhou Weizhao was sleeping draped over the bed. She moved her hand and immediately noticed him furrow his brow. She quickly shook her head at Qing Ying.
Qing Ying understood and smiled softly, telling her, “His Highness kept watch from yesterday afternoon until this morning… He went back to change clothes then came again. He hasn’t slept all night…”
Song Chuyi’s heart was full of joy.
She still remembered when she gave birth to Brother Ran in her previous life—Shen Qingrang had gone out and not returned all night. She had been both frightened and scared at home, in such pain she nearly died before delivering the child. Though the child had been born with such difficulty, the legitimate eldest grandson the Shen family had hoped for all those years, Shen Qingrang hadn’t cared and acted as if he carried a huge burden…
Those days had only left a vague shadow in her heart. She closed her eyes and opened them again, her face showing some urgency as she asked, “Where’s the child?”
“Nanny Xu and Nanny Xu are watching him. He drank milk and just fell asleep. Should we bring him for you to see?” Qing Ying’s face bore a smile as she held soup and fed Song Chuyi a mouthful.
Just as Song Chuyi was about to nod, Zhou Weizhao had already awakened, his voice somewhat hoarse as he asked her, “You’re awake?”
Song Chuyi made an acknowledging sound, raising her hand to stroke his brow, somewhat heartbroken. “I heard you didn’t close your eyes all night. Go sleep for a while?”
“Can’t sleep now.” Zhou Weizhao arranged her hair for her. “Too happy. Have Qing Ying bring the child over to see. I haven’t looked yet…”
Song Chuyi was somewhat stunned. “You didn’t look at the child first?”
“Wasn’t in the mood.” Zhou Weizhao shook his head very decisively. “Waited for you to wake up to look together.”
Qing Ying had already smiled and withdrawn. Before long, she led the wet nurse, Nanny Xu, and Nanny Xu in together to bring the child. The baby was wrapped in brocade quilts, revealing a small red, wrinkled face. One eye was squinted shut while the other opened slightly in a slit, looking like a little old man.
“Why does he look like a little mouse?” Zhou Weizhao had never seen a newborn child before. Surprised, he widened his eyes. “Doesn’t look like you at all…” Somewhat disappointed, “Doesn’t look like me either.”
The Crown Princess, just entering the door, was amused by his words. “He’s just been born—how can you tell? Newborn babies are all like this. You were ugly when you were just born too. Once he grows, he’ll be fine.”
She sat beside Song Chuyi and tucked in her quilt for her, softly saying, “You’ve worked hard.”
Song Chuyi still remembered Crown Princess Lu holding her hand and softly comforting her when she was in a daze. She smiled faintly and shook her head.
The Crown Princess looked past Song Chuyi to see the child lying by her right arm. She placed her hand near his mouth. Seeing him wrinkle his little nose and sniff, her face bore unstoppable smiles. “A full six pounds four ounces… He’s a sturdy child.”
She also instructed Song Chuyi to rest well, then turned to tell Zhou Weizhao, “Empress Lu has already issued an edict to report the joyous news to all palaces. Your Imperial Grandfather is also extremely pleased… The realm has been pacified, and this little fellow knows how to pick his timing. He’s a lucky star… Your Imperial Grandfather says a banquet will be held at Wenhua Hall to entertain civil and military officials for the little imperial great-grandson’s third-day washing ceremony…”
This was the first imperial great-grandson of the current dynasty. No matter what, it was of great significance. This little life’s arrival came at just the right time, completely breaking through the gloom of the Xibei military campaign that the court had experienced. Emperor Jianzhang was truly extremely delighted. Looking at the little imperial great-grandson’s appearance, he also smiled. “Looks like his father—he’s blessed!”
On a whim, he even ordered the Imperial Household Department to make washing coins. This was an old custom left from the Great Ancestor’s time that hadn’t been observed for many years and had almost been forgotten. Now that Emperor Jianzhang brought up old matters, the Imperial Household Department and the Bureau of Currency were anxious beyond measure, hurriedly drawing many patterns for Song Chuyi to choose from.
Zhou Weizhao offered suggestions from the side. “This auspicious cloud one is good. The lucky bamboo pattern is also good…”
Qing Ying and Ziyun exchanged glances, both covering their mouths and laughing.
All of Yong’an Palace was immersed in tremendous joy.
The Changning Earl Manor was even more boiling like a pot of porridge. After Old Master Song and First Master Song together saw off the eunuch who came to the manor to announce the good news, they both released the breath they’d been holding in their throats.
Congratulatory visitors had already swarmed in. Changning Earl Manor was busy in chaos.
When they heard Emperor Jianzhang would also hold a banquet at Wenhua Hall for the imperial great-grandson’s third-day washing, First Madam was so busy she panicked. “According to principle, the maternal family must certainly send swaddling clothes and infant garments… But our manor has never had established precedents. I still don’t know how to prepare this gift properly.”
Of course, other married daughters also received things sent by their natal families, but Song Chuyi had married into the imperial family and given birth to an imperial great-grandson—it couldn’t be compared. First Madam Song was very flustered. “If only Mother were still here…”
If Old Madam Song were still around at this time, she would be an enormous help no matter what. The old lady had also seen much…
The young mistress had already been learning household management. Hearing this, she reminded her, “Though our Old Madam has passed, there are still elders of high seniority in the clan. According to principle, when going to the palace to present the third-day clothes, the higher the elder’s seniority, the more imposing they are. Why don’t you ask Father’s opinion on whether we should invite Third Grand Madam from the clan…”
First Madam hurriedly went again to ask Song Chengru’s opinion.
Song Chengru quickly made the decision. “Originally Princess Duanhui would also be suitable, but she’s unfortunately in mourning. The eldest daughter-in-law is right—Third Grand Madam is indeed a very suitable candidate with high seniority… As for how to prepare the gifts, we can ask the Zhennan Princess Consort how Empress Lu prepared gifts for Princess Rongcheng back then. We’ll just add another layer to that. We also shouldn’t be too extravagant…”
First Madam’s heart settled. She nodded respectfully and specially prepared hundred-family clothes. After consulting with Yin Yunduan, they each personally embroidered a non-toxic sachet filled with mugwort and other items, specifically for warding off evil and calming frights for small children.
First Madam was so busy her feet didn’t touch the ground. For several days running she couldn’t sleep well, always worried something wasn’t done properly. Old Madam Song, who had been closest to Song Chuyi in the manor, had already passed away. Yin Yunduan was after all a stepmother. They had to be doubly good to Song Chuyi to be considered a proper maternal family…
Recommending good writer friend Tuanzi123’s new book “My Wife Has Turned Dark.” Just from the title, you know how interesting it is~~~ Don’t miss it if you like it.