Chapter 973: Chapter 973: The Stand-in Empress vs. the True Love Concubine (Finale)
“Madam…” The young maid lit the brazier, attempting to bring a little warmth to the chilly hall.
But the poor-quality charcoal only made one’s eyes water painfully; even Lu Xi felt that her breathing had become somewhat difficult.
Faint sounds of music drifted in from outside.
“Why is it so lively today?” Lu Xi took a breath and asked.
The young maid wiped her eyes and answered, “Today is the full month celebration of the Crown Prince’s two young grandsons. The Emperor and Empress are hosting a grand banquet for the ministers.”
The young grandsons’ full month…
Lu Xi thought, somewhat absentmindedly, that she hadn’t paid much attention to happenings in the Eastern Palace these past few months.
Voices of celebration came from outside, and the young maid quickly went out.
Muffled voices could be heard from outside, but Lu Xi couldn’t make out what they were saying.
After a while, the young maid returned, beaming joyfully, holding something covered with red cloth in her hands.
She said happily, “The grandsons’ full month celebration, the Empress ordered a grand reward for the harem, and this was just bestowed.”
Lu Xi looked at the food and jewelry inside; they weren’t anything particularly good, but for her, it was quite rare.
Several years in the palace, always without favor; her family seemed increasingly indifferent to her.
Her mother did think of her, but as a Noble Lady with Imperial Title, unless at grand ceremonies, they could hardly spare time to meet; how could a mother and daughter meet under usual circumstances?
“You take them to use.” Lu Xi said.
This little maid is the only one by her side nowadays.
The young maid was a bit puzzled, “Madam, these are good things; I have no qualification to use them.”
Lu Xi smiled, “I have no use for them either.”
Here, all year round she doesn’t see a single outsider; what could she do with all this?
…
The Eastern Palace was festooned with bright decorations everywhere, a scene of joyous celebrations.
Gu Shengyin stood among the guests, holding her just-month-old daughter Yun Xi in her arms, while Yun Zhao was held by the nursemaid. The two little ones looked around with wide eyes, completely unafraid.
“Let me have him.” Yun Qi had just come over and took his son, who was blowing bubbles, from the nursemaid.
The madams nearby were all astonished at the sight.
People often prefer to hold grandsons rather than sons; rarely would a man personally hold a child, fearing a loss of dignity.
But judging by the Crown Prince’s skilled movements, it was clear he had held them many times before.
For a moment, many envious glances were cast toward the Crown Princess Consort.
Gu Shengyin had no time to care about those glances; she held her sweet and soft daughter in her arms, beside her was her beloved husband and son.
This small environment seemed isolated from its surroundings.
The hustle and bustle around her did not concern her; only this small corner, only herself and those by her side, felt real.
She looked up and smiled at Yun Qi, who happened to lower his head to look at her.
Their eyes locked in mid-air, and Yun Qi suddenly lowered his head to whisper in her ear, “Let’s raise Zhaozhao and Xixi well and not have any more children, shall we?”
After saying so, he realized that such words might cause misunderstanding and quickly added, “I heard from the Imperial Physician that childbirth harms a woman’s health. I just wish for you to be well so we can grow old together.”
Gu Shengyin’s face blossomed into a smile, “Alright.”
To have such a husband, what more could one ask?