flstandardbreds Chapter 69 Noble Lady Fucha Takes a Bath
Chapter 69 Noble Lady Fucha Takes a Bath
"Oh, she's awake. She's lucky."
I've run out of useful pieces, so go and arrange for someone to bring them out.
I hope she can be more ambitious; a useless person can't survive in this palace.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Empress Fucha Peiyun was still in her postpartum confinement period at Yanxi Palace, because of that bowl of laced tonic...
She used to be able to walk around, but now everyone in Yanxi Palace forbids her from getting out of bed anymore.
He can only stay in bed and recover; he's really shooting himself in the foot.
I wish I hadn't played along in the first place.
Today is her son, the Sixth Prince Hongchang's, third-day celebration, but it seems to have little to do with her.
She could only wait in her room, watching as Lady Fucha and the wet nurse carried the child out.
The so-called "washing the baby on the third day" is also known as "washing the baby on the third day".
This custom is said to be for washing away the impurities that newborns bring from their "previous life."
Thus, they prayed that their child would have a peaceful, safe, and auspicious life.
This ritual usually involves baptizing a baby with a soup made from carefully boiled locust branches and mugwort leaves.
Her only sense of participation came from the "Kang Gong" and "Kang Mu" deities placed at the head of her bed.
An altar was set up outside the delivery room, with statues of Bixia Yuanjun and Qiongxiao Niangniang on it.
Of course, this was what Fucha Peiyun saw with her divine sense.
With so many people around today, she was afraid someone might take advantage of the chaos to do something.
The third-day bath was held after lunch, and all the masters and servants of the palace, high and low, would come to add water to Hongchang's basin.
Besides the Empress who was under house arrest, Zhen Huan who was in confinement after childbirth, there was also the Empress Dowager.
In ordinary households, when adding potted plants, they would usually place some...
Red and white eggs, coins, peanuts, dates, etc.
Those from slightly better-off families might leave a few taels of silver.
Those who are wealthy and powerful don't care whether it's gold or precious jewels.
The Empress, as the principal wife, was supposed to attend the prince's third-day celebration according to custom, but this fat orange cat didn't let her out.
Consort Jing, Consort Xin, Consort Qi, Noble Lady Hui, and Noble Consort Hua all stepped forward in turn to add water to the basin.
Consort Hua was the first to step forward. She took out a large luminous pearl and gently placed it into the basin.
A smug smile played on his lips, as if he were flaunting his wealth and status.
Seeing this, everyone had their own thoughts, but none of them dared to express them.
Consort Jing, on the other hand, received an exquisite longevity gold lock.
Next was Consort Qi. She hesitated for a moment, then took out a pair of gold bracelets and placed them in the basin.
Consort Hui added a piece of fine, translucent white jade.
Similarly, a necklace was added for Zhen Huan.
Consort Cao and Consort Xin quickly added several gold and silver ingots to the basin.
Of course, the grand finale is still the big, fat orange cat.
After all, this was his first son after several years, and also the first son born after the chubby orange king ascended the throne.
With a wave of his hand, the chubby orange cat, Su Peisheng, carefully presented a small and exquisite jade unicorn.
This jade kylin is exquisitely carved, and the jade itself is warm and smooth, clearly indicating its high value.
Upon seeing the "Jade Kirin" and "Kirin Child," those present couldn't help but feel a surge of envy and jealousy.
However, no one could say anything sarcastic in this setting, so everyone offered their praise.
The Empress was confined to her quarters, and it was Huichun who delivered a Buddha statue.
The Empress Dowager then had her attendant, Zhu Xi, bring over a string of consecrated Buddhist prayer beads.
It's safe to say they're a perfect match, aunt and niece, both equally perfunctory.
Besides the women in the harem, members of the royal family also contributed their own basins.
After the potting was finished, Lady Fucha carried Hongchang over.
Then, the midwife untied his swaddling clothes, removed his garments, and placed Hongchang in a basin.
As soon as Hongchang was put into the basin, his little face scrunched up, and then he burst into tears.
The baby's cries echoed throughout Yanxi Palace, startling even Fucha Peiyun in her bedroom.
Everyone praised, "The Sixth Prince's crying is so loud!"
He looks healthy and strong; he'll surely grow up to be a Baturu of the Qing Dynasty.
The water in the basin rippled slightly, and the gold and silver jewels around it shimmered.
The midwife gently scooped up water and sprinkled it on Hongchang.
Muttering to himself, "Stir once, stir twice, stir three times, the older brother leads the younger brother to run..."
Seventy, eighty, crooked hair..."
Then I gave him another bath.
"First wash your arrows, then you'll become a king; then wash your waist..."
Three combs, two buns, and when he grows up he'll wear a red hat...
Roll the egg over his body again.
"A face like an eggshell..."
Then lightly pat him with a green onion.
"First strike the clever, second strike the quick-witted."
After the procedure, the midwife took a clean cloth and wrapped Hongchang up.
At this moment, Lady Fucha, who had been standing to the side, stepped forward, took the wrapped-up Hongchang, and gently patted and coaxed him.
Hongchang stopped crying after a short while.
Quickly wipe the water off Hongchang, dress him, and wrap him in swaddling clothes.
Lady Fucha, carrying Hongchang, bowed to the chubby orange tree to take her leave, then hurried towards her daughter's bedroom.
Lady Fucha entered the bedroom and saw Fucha Peiyun lying half-reclined on the bed, her eyes fixed on the doorway.
"Mother, how is it?" Fucha Peiyun asked hurriedly.
"She's doing well, crying loudly, and in good health."
Lady Fucha said with a smile, placing Hongchang next to Fucha Peiyun as she spoke.
Fucha Peiyun gently reached out and stroked Hongchang's delicate face, her eyes filled with affection.
Just then, footsteps sounded outside, followed by Ye'er's announcement.
"Your Majesty, it is Consort Hua and Consort Cao who have come to see you."
Fucha Peiyun said, "Come in."
Consort Hua, Nian Shilan, swayed her hips as she entered the room, followed by Cao Qinmo and Songzhi.
Lady Fucha greeted the two, but was stopped by Nian Shilan.
Lady Fucha said, "Thank you, Your Highness, Consort Cao. Now that you two have spoken with Consort Shu, I will take my leave."
Nian Shilan said, "Madam, there's no need for that."
"Your mother will be going out now. If anything happens, remember to have a maid come and find me."
Fucha Peiyun nodded and replied:
"Okay, Mother, go ahead without worry."
After saying this, Madam Fucha turned and left the room.
Nian Shilan walked slowly to the bedside, her gaze falling on the baby on the bed.
The little one who was crying loudly earlier is now sleeping peacefully with a sweet smile on his lips.
A hint of undisguised fondness flashed in Nian Shilan's eyes, and she couldn't help but chuckle softly:
"This sixth prince is really pleasing to the eye."
Cao Qinmo: "Yes."
Fucha Peiyun, lying on the bed, smiled slightly and said, "If you like him..."
You are welcome to visit my Yanxi Palace at any time. Consort Cao may also bring Wenyi with her.
Cao Qinmo replied, "Alright, Your Highness, I will definitely bring Wenyi over to bother you often."
Fucha Peiyun said, "Welcome."
Consort Hua sat down by the bedside, her eyes fixed on the swaddled baby:
After a moment, she raised her head to look at Fucha Peiyun and said slowly:
"Seeing how hard you went through childbirth, I specially brought some nourishing items to help you recover."
After speaking, she gently waved her hand, signaling Songzhi behind her to step forward and present the exquisite gift box she was holding.
Upon seeing this, Fucha Peiyun smiled gratefully and quickly thanked Nian Shilan:
Thank you.
Nian Shilan waved her hand and asked with concern:
"I heard you were framed. How are you now? Are you alright?"
Fucha Peiyun answered calmly:
"It's not a big deal, it's just that she won't be able to have children again."
Nian Shilan: "Isn't this a big deal? Have you found out who did it?"
Is it that old woman?
Empress Dowager Fucha Peiyun
Upon hearing this, Nian Shilan angrily exclaimed, "It was that old woman!"
You're not just going to let this go, are you?
A cold glint flashed in Fucha Peiyun's eyes as she said in a deep voice:
"Of course, I can't just let it go like this. I'm not a saint."
Before long, she will receive an unexpected "gift".
Nian Shilan snorted coldly and said, "Hmph! Why not just send that old woman to her death?"
This empress usually commits many evils, and she does so entirely because she has the empress dowager backing her up and protecting her.
Without the Empress Dowager, let's see if that old woman, the Empress, won't be deposed.
"Letting Fucha Peiyun die like this is too lenient on her."
I heard there was quite a big commotion in your palace yesterday.”
Nian Shilan smiled brightly: "I've selected a few palace maids with outstanding looks..."
Although she may not be as beautiful as I am, she is still quite charming.
The thought of giving these fresh, beautiful flowers to that old man feels like a sin.
"What, are you, Nian Shilan, going to be a 'flower-cherishing' person now? You didn't force them."
That was their choice; life in the palace is far from easy.
For them, becoming the emperor's woman might make their lives much easier.
If one can gain favor, not only will one enjoy endless wealth and luxury,
Even their families benefit from it.
Rather than struggling in this harem,
"Why not take a gamble? Perhaps you can forge a bright future."
Nian Shilan: "Yes, you're right."
They'll be performing at your son's one-month celebration. Don't you really care?
Fucha Peiyun gently shook her head, her eyes calm:
"What's there to care about?"
Nian Shilan raised her eyebrows slightly:
"If it were anyone else, they would be furious. You're so easygoing."
However, that old man has always been very picky, and he only likes talented women like Zhen Huan who consider themselves aloof and refined.
These palace maids were decent-looking, but they weren't very literate.
It will probably be nothing more than a flash in the pan.
Fucha Peiyun: "That depends on your training methods, Consort Hua."
I'm really looking forward to seeing these people shine at the full moon celebration.
Nian Shilan said, "Then you'll just have to wait and see. You'll definitely be amazed."
"When I, Nian Shilan, do something, I either don't do it at all, or I do it to the best of my ability."
Fucha Peiyun: "Hmm, I'll wait. By the way, have you sent a letter back to the Nian family?"
If your brother doesn't behave himself, he'll get what's coming to him sooner or later.
Nian Shilan said, "I gave it to him. My brother listens to me the most. He'll listen to me for my sake."
I will protect the Nian family no matter what.
Fucha Peiyun said, "As long as you do as I say, the Emperor won't be able to take action against the Nian family again."
Nian Shilan: "Yes, I made it very clear in my letter, and my brother will do as I say."
Fucha Peiyun looked at Cao Qinmo, who had remained silent.
"Consort Cao, you've held this position for quite some time now."
In a few days, I will speak to the Emperor and promote you to the rank of Consort.
After all, you are the princess's birth mother; how can you remain merely a noblewoman forever!
Upon hearing this, Cao Qinmo's previously calm face was instantly filled with surprise and delight.
She hurriedly got up, went to Fucha Peiyun's bedside, and curtsied.
He said with deep gratitude:
"Thank you, Consort Shu, for your kindness and support."