Blissful Days After Widowhood - Chapter 490

One evening, Lu Xu returned to Xiefang Hall from Yonghe Hall with an infectious smile on his face. Naturally, Gu Ye and the others inquired about the source of his happiness.

With a grin, Lu Xu shared the news, “I am so happy! My sister finally has a name! It’s Chao Yang. Doesn’t it sound beautiful?”

The twins born to Concubine Feng were premature, and both Lu Xu and his sister were frail, especially the latter, who nearly succumbed at birth. Despite a forceful rescue, consultations with imperial and normal physicians, her condition was deemed precarious, and the best that could be done was to accept fate.

The child’s state was severe enough that even the presence of strangers could cause her to faint or hold her breath at any moment. Emperor Zhengyuan had established a separate hall in Yonghe, where imperial doctors and physicians took turns caring for her, strictly prohibiting strangers from approaching.

Aware that the child’s life might be short-lived, Emperor Zhengyuan had refrained from giving her a name. He seldom brought her into public view, only occasionally mentioning her existence as part of the royal family.

This was the standard practice of the time. In an era marked by high child mortality rates, giving a name to a child destined for an early demise or allowing close connections would only intensify the grief when the inevitable occurred.

The fact that Emperor Zhengyuan had now bestowed a name upon her suggested a glimmer of hope for her survival. Gu Ye and Feng Yu shared in the joy, but Lu Xu tempered the enthusiasm, revealing that Chao Yang remained delicate. Even a gentle breeze could trigger headaches, and visits were limited even for Lu Xu and Concubine Feng.

Gu Ye and Feng Yu, without delay, set about finding gifts for Lu Xu to bring back. Gu Ye also prepared a gift for Lu Zhao—a peace amulet and a small jade tablet from the temple, both blessed by eminent monks chanting sutras. Feng Yu, on the other hand, offered the jade safety lock he had worn since childhood.

Upon returning to Yonghe Palace for dinner that day, Lu Xu presented these thoughtful gifts. Concubine Feng was the first to recognize the safety lock. It held sentimental value as Ge Zhu had retrieved it from a temple near the military camp when Feng Yuan was poisoned and on the brink of death. After Feng Yuan’s recovery, the safety lock became a cherished symbol of his and Ge Zhu’s love, eventually passed down to Feng Yu. The lock seemed to bring good fortune, as Feng Yu had enjoyed a healthy and incident-free childhood.

Concubine Feng vividly recalled the time when Ge Zhu and Feng Yuan had visited her after giving birth. Back then, the rules were less stringent as the new dynasty had not yet been established. Ge Zhu had explained the significance of the safety lock, expressing a hope that Lu Xu and Lu Zhao would overcome dangers as Feng Yuan had and grow up without ailments, mirroring Feng Yu’s fortunate upbringing.

However, Mrs. Qin, who was present at the time, had scoffed at the idea, dismissing the notion that such an item was worthy of her grandson and granddaughter.

Concubine Feng had borne the responsibility of giving birth to the princes and princesses of the imperial family. However, upon hearing her mother’s disapproval of the safety lock, she, too, grew indifferent towards the sentimental item, prompting Ge Zhu to tuck it away. Unexpectedly, after many years, the same safety lock found its way back to her.

Having been instilled with the idea of social climbing by the Qin family since childhood, Concubine Feng had indeed experienced a shift in her circumstances. Once proud and revered, her status as a noble concubine had dwindled after Emperor Zhengyuan reprimanded her, leading to a period of reflection in seclusion. The people in the palace knew she was no longer favored, and the dynamics of power in the court had become increasingly evident.

Despite the challenges she faced, Concubine Feng discovered that not everyone subscribed to the principle of stepping on the weak. As she looked at the safety lock Gu Ye and Feng Yu sent, she decided to hang it at the entrance of her daughter’s bedroom alongside the safety talisman and the small jade plaque.

Whether due to the influence of these symbolic items or a turn of fate, Chao Yang’s condition improved in June. By mid-June, on her and Lu Xu’s fourth birthday, discussions with imperial doctors led to the decision that Chao Yang could now make public appearances.

Emperor Zhengyuan, eschewing a grand celebration, organized a lively family banquet in the palace and extended an invitation to Duke Lu. However, only Mrs. Qin and Feng Yuan attended from Duke Lu’s Mansion, with Lu Yuanqi notably absent.

Concubine Feng, having not seen her own mother for a considerable time, naturally engaged in conversation upon their reunion, inquiring about each other’s circumstances. She first asked about Lu Yuanqi, but Mrs. Qin expressed displeasure, stating, “I used to think she was well-behaved, but I didn’t realize she had been spoiled by the Lu family. She behaves like an arrogant miss in the household every day, causing constant turmoil. She seems annoying, and I couldn’t possibly bring her to an occasion like today.”

“So, does that mean…” Concubine Feng inquired.

Mrs. Qin’s tone shifted, “I’m not suggesting divorce. It’s out of the question. Divorce would entail returning the dowry, and your brother has already been through it once. Doing it again would invite criticism from outsiders. The Lu family shares the same sentiment. Severing ties with Duke Lu’s Mansion is simply not an option!”

Inwardly determined, they decided to wait and see who would prevail in the end.

Despite the family tension, the day was a joyous occasion for the children. Even if Mrs.Qin harbored grievances about her family, Concubine Feng preferred not to dwell on it.

As the mother and daughter continued their conversation, Concubine Feng turned the topic toward her youngest daughter, recounting the challenges they had faced in the past. She mentioned Emperor Zhengyuan’s earlier suggestion that, if her daughter’s health did not improve by the age of three or four, she might need to follow the tradition of sending her to a nunnery, allowing her to lead a monastic life as a way to prolong her days.

The idea of sending her daughter to a nunnery was deemed impractical, considering the potential challenges the child might face. Living in such seclusion could affect her well-being, and even if she survived, she would be seen as an outsider with limited connections to the outside world.

As Concubine Feng contemplated the emotional aspect of the situation, she couldn’t help but blush. Her gaze turned to Chao Yang, who was cradled by Emperor Zhengyuan. Although still petite and unable to talk or walk, Chao Yang was lively, laughing, and exuding vitality. She was no longer the fragile figurine confined to the house, and Concubine Feng couldn’t help but smile.

Observing Chao Yang’s spirited demeanor, Mrs. Qin interjected, “A lady’s focus should extend beyond just the immediate surroundings. Regardless of how delightful the princess is, she’s still just a girl. What holds importance for our family’s future? Naturally, it’s still our Third Highness!”

Concubine Feng’s smile faltered, and she replied coldly, “Chao Yang and Ah Xu both came from my womb. What do you mean by that, Mother?”