Chapter 137: Jiao Cang "Delicate Concealment" / Are You the One

 FlamingoBees 

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 Jiao Cang "Delicate Concealment" / Are You the One

 

 Chapter 137: 

 

To be honest, Mian Tang did not want to go.

This kind of idea, of representing the Empress in making decisions, was not something a subordinate wife like her should propose.

If she went, regardless of what decision Empress Shi ultimately made, it would seem as though it had been her suggestion. She didn’t want to get entangled in such trouble.

However, given the situation, with the Empress summoning her, she could not use the excuse of her heavy condition to avoid going; that would be far too obvious a refusal.

Cui Xingzhou, on the other hand, did not share her concerns: “The Empress probably doesn’t want those old officials to see the Empress Dowager but doesn’t want to shoulder the blame alone, so she’s looking for you to share the burden. Since that’s the case, you might as well bear the blame, comply with the Emperor’s wishes, and then use the excuse of not feeling well to return early. I’ll wait for you outside the palace gates.”

Once she made the decision to take on the blame, Mian Tang quickly changed her clothes and got ready, then boarded the carriage.

However, the child in her womb seemed to have a different idea about the predicament their parents were about to face.

As the carriage jolted along the stone road and arrived at the palace gates, Mian Tang suddenly felt a change...

Perhaps the bumpy ride had caused her water to break; she felt a warmth beneath her, and soon the carriage was soaked. 

The palace attendants waiting at the gates were thrown into a panic and hurried to call for the imperial physician to come and assist with the delivery.

As a result, the imperial physician lost his hat while rushing, and before he could reach the palace gates, Princess Huaisang had already given birth! The cries from the carriage were thunderous.

The entire process took less than the time it takes to drink a pot of tea.

The eunuch beneath the carriage was so anxious that his hands trembled: “Oh dear, Princess Consort, could you please hold on a bit? How can you just give birth like this?”

Cui Xingzhou had previously thought about the difficulties of Mian Tang giving birth, but he never expected it would happen so quickly!

Mian Tang was stunned herself; where was the promised agonizing pain? Why did it feel like as soon as her belly relaxed, the baby just slipped out?

After the physician quickly handled the baby's umbilical cord, Cui Xingzhou and the guards blocked the carriage windows and doors with the cotton blankets they had brought, sealing it up tightly before heading straight back to the residence. Only after reaching Mian Tang's quarters did she get off the carriage, cradling the baby as if nothing had happened, and went inside to rest.

Upon hearing that Mian Tang had given birth right at the palace gates, the Old Princess Consort hurriedly arrived with the support of her maidservants, asking Cui Xingzhou, “Was it a boy or a girl?”

As a result, Prince Huaiyang was momentarily taken aback by the question. He had been so busy that his head was spinning, only concerned about Mian Tang’s well-being. He glanced hastily at the little bundle wrapped in Mian Tang’s outer garment and completely neglected to see whether the baby was a boy or a girl.

The Old Princess Consort could not bear to see her son standing there in a daze without saying anything. She pushed him aside and walked straight into the room.

At this moment, the wet nurse, who had been invited long in advance, was washing the little baby. When she saw the Old Princess Consort enter, she smiled and said, “Congratulations, Your Highness, congratulations, Prince. Our Princess Consort has given birth to a baby boy!”

The Old Princess Consort took a look at the baby, whose chubby arms and legs and round little bottom were unmistakably those of a robust boy. Although Mian Tang’s belly didn’t look large, the baby was certainly a good size. She clasped her hands together to thank the heavens for ensuring the safety of both mother and child.

At this moment, Cui Xingzhou also entered the room, taking the bundled son from the wet nurse. He looked at the baby’s closed eyes and the small mouth searching for milk; the resemblance to him was striking.

Mian Tang and Cui Xingzhou had decided beforehand that if it was a boy, they would name him "Xiao Yi'er" as his milk name.

Now, little Yi'er was being quite obedient, snuggling into Mian Tang’s arms. She held this warm and soft bundle, feeling as if she were in a dream—just this morning, he had been kicking inside her belly, and now he was lying in her embrace.

The Old Princess Consort didn’t want to disturb her daughter-in-law's rest. After holding her grandson, she left contentedly.

Cui Xingzhou quietly watched Mian Tang holding their son and couldn’t help but wrap his arms around her, kissing her forehead. “You’ve worked hard.”

Speaking of hardship, Mian Tang felt a bit guilty about how smoothly the delivery had gone. Hearing the words “worked hard,” she hesitated to accept it, mumbling, “It was so easy that I feel like a cow…”

The little baby in her arms seemed to understand his mother’s words; he actually smiled with his mouth curling up, even with his eyes still closed.

Mian Tang lightly tapped his little forehead, saying, “You dare to smile! It’s all your fault that your mother has lost face; tomorrow, the whole city will know I gave birth at the palace gate!”

Cui Xingzhou kissed his son's little face. “Good son, you’ve cleared your father's name. People said your mother would bleed excessively while giving birth, but look at you; you were delivered right out of a carriage! In the future, if you’re naughty, your father might just spank you a few times less!”

Mian Tang couldn’t help but smile sweetly as she looked at the two of them, so similar in appearance.

The birth of little Yi'er had saved his mother a lot of trouble. At least she wouldn’t have to go into the palace to offer advice to Empress Shi anymore. However, the rewards from the palace came in droves.

Upon hearing about the thrilling experience of Princess Consort Huaiyang giving birth in a carriage at the palace gate, Empress Shi felt quite apologetic. She ordered ample nourishing tributes to be prepared, as well as toys and utensils for the little heir, sending everything to the Prince's residence in one go.

This display was enough to show how close the relationship was between Empress Shi and the Princess Consort.

With such favor being shown, no one dared to fabricate stories about the past between Princess Consort Huaiyang and Emperor Liu Yu when she was a bandit. By the time little Yi'er turned one month old, many came to deliver congratulatory gifts.

Looking at the list of gifts, Mian Tang was astonished to realize just how many connections she had with others.

Empress Shi came personally to visit Mian Tang, bringing along the prince, who stood by the cradle, curiously poking little Yi'er’s chubby face with his finger and exclaiming, “Mother, he’s even fatter than my sister!”

Little Yi'er was indeed quite plump.

Mian Tang insisted on breastfeeding, and her milk supply was abundant, so little Yi'er’s arms were as thick as lotus roots, and his chubby little hands had rolls of fat.

However, Empress Shi seemed to have lost quite a bit of weight. Upon asking, Mian Tang learned that Liu Yu had not been well recently, requiring the Empress to handle official documents for him, which had led to her becoming quite frazzled.

Looking at Mian Tang’s well-nourished cheeks during her confinement, Empress Shi expressed her envy, saying, “A woman should be like you, Princess. You shouldn’t have to worry about anything. Now everyone admires me as the head of the six palaces, but I often miss the happiness of when I first married the Emperor and lived in my own little courtyard.”

Mian Tang said, “What do I have to envy? Right now, sitting in confinement, I feel like I’m about to grow mold inside the courtyard. I don’t even know what new things have happened in the capital lately.”

Empress Shi sighed, “What new things could there be? It’s just that some old officials are constantly making a fuss about wanting to see the Empress Dowager. But the Empress Dowager's health is poor, and how can she withstand such disturbances? After this palace coup, the palace family was deeply involved, and the Emperor had to take action to prevent others from harboring ill intentions. Yet, I don’t know who it was that spread rumors among the people, claiming that the Emperor is not of the royal line and has harmed the likes of Prince Sui and his uncle...”

Mian Tang furrowed her brows and said, “Only a bunch of fools could say such things. The heavenly couple shouldn’t be troubled by this; what matters is that the common people live well. The affairs of the inner palace have nothing to do with them.”

Empress Shi smiled and said, “If all the civil and military officials were as reasonable as you, Princess, it would be wonderful. You’ve completed your confinement, so come to the palace more often to keep me company!”

Mian Tang smiled and nodded in agreement, but as far as she knew, the Empress didn’t really need company. There were affairs inside and outside the palace that required her attention.

For some reason, that Sun Yunniang was still alive, but she was locked up in the cold palace, lacking food and clothing. The Shi family, aside from dealing with the palace family, was also gradually marginalizing the forces of the Eastern Palace, especially the Sun family, which had also faced a reckoning.

In this way, the Shi family and Prince Huaiyang maintained a delicate balance and harmony.

During her confinement, Mian Tang's sister-in-law, Lian Binglan, and Aunt Lian visited her a few times.

When Prince Sui secretly moved troops in Qingfeng Town, it was one of Fifth Master Cui Xingdi's men who discovered it and informed Fifth Master. Fifth Master realized something was wrong and immediately sent word to Prince Huaiyang, which allowed him to be prepared.

Naturally, Mian Tang had to acknowledge this favor on behalf of the prince. Thus, although Aunt Lian still retained her market-savvy demeanor, Mian Tang responded with a smile and courtesy, while also inquiring when her sister-in-law planned to have children.

Speaking of this, Aunt Lian's complaints surged forth: “Speaking of which, he is also a son of the Prince's family. Why must he pursue profit for a few measly coins, wandering outside every day? I’m embarrassed to tell others that my son-in-law is the elder brother of Prince Huaiyang. Which prince or son of a duke has to make a living through business? He doesn’t even return home! If my daughter really gets pregnant, it’ll give outsiders something to gossip about!”

Aunt Lian's words were harsh, and Lian Binglan naturally felt a bit embarrassed, glaring at her mother when she had the chance.

Mian Tang caught the implication in Aunt Lian’s words and promptly gave her sister-in-law a way out: “Sister-in-law is still young and doesn’t need to rush. I’ll talk to the prince and see if there’s a position in any of the offices that’s less demanding. If Fifth Brother can secure a stable salary, he won’t need to work so hard outside.”

Lian Binglan quickly interjected, “Your Highness, please don’t mention this to the prince… Many young men from the Lian family have already troubled the prince a lot before, and it would be inconvenient to bother him again now…”

Mian Tang gently adjusted the little bundle in her arms and smiled, “This is just helping a member of the Cui family. How can it compare to what happened before? However, Fifth Brother does have a leg injury, so it might be difficult for him to take an official position. But finding a less demanding clerical job in an office isn’t too difficult.”

Aunt Lian felt somewhat displeased by this remark, thinking, what do you mean by ‘helping a member of the Cui family’? Isn’t my Lian family also related to the Cui family? But she didn’t dare voice her thoughts.

Ever since she learned about Liu Mian Tang's true origins, Aunt Lian had done a bit of digging into the exploits of the bandit leader, Lu Wen of Yangshan.

This journey had truly frightened Aunt Lian to the core. Most of the rumors about bandits in the green forest were outrageous, like skinning people alive, lighting lanterns with human flesh, or cutting open living people to extract their hearts. There was even a story that Lu Wen used human blood to quench his thirst.

Now, whenever Mian Tang slightly narrowed her eyes, Aunt Lian's legs would tremble. She had heard that the concubine Yun in the palace was Liu Mian Tang's sworn enemy, now rotting away in the cold palace, suffering greatly. It was unclear whether Liu Mian Tang had used some means to achieve this.

After all, she had a good relationship with the usually benevolent Empress Shi. If she wanted to take revenge on Consort Yun, it would certainly be easy for her.

With such a sense of awe, Aunt Lian spoke much less strangely in front of Liu Mian Tang.

As for Lian Binglan, she naturally expressed her gratitude for the princess’ kindness, saying they would thank her together when Fifth Brother returned from his voyage.

Now that her confinement period was over, Liu Mian Tang wanted to go out for a walk, especially to see the brothers at the escort agency. She had been cooped up for too long and was finally able to move freely after giving birth.

That said, the four brothers felt a bit guilty about the word "loyalty." Ever since she rescued them from prison last time and had a hurried meeting with them, she had not heard from them again. Even during the banquet for Xiao Yi’er’s full month, neither the four of them nor any of the brothers from the escort agency had shown up.

However, thinking that they might be out on a delivery, it was understandable. So this time, Liu Mian Tang had Bicao and the others pack some celebration eggs and candies, preparing to share the joy with her former brothers.

When they arrived in front of the escort agency, Liu Mian Tang was taken aback. She saw that the agency's large gate had been sealed with a government seal, and the area in front was desolate and rundown. It was clear that the sealing had not happened just a day or two ago.

© translations belonging to  flamingobeestranslations.blogspot.com. If you read this somewhere else instead of flamingobeestranslations.blogspot.com then the translations has been posted WITHOUT permission of translator.

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