56
Zhong Zheng Lin has been anxiously waiting outside. The painful cries of Mu Xi Yao rang in his ears for already two hours. Just as he was about to let the imperial physician think of a way to help her in childbirth, he suddenly heard a disruption and miscellaneous noises coming from the inside, mixed with the little woman's vigorous and furious berating.
Immediately, Zhong Zheng Lin raised the hem of his robe and stepped forward, about to go in and see the bottom of the matter. How dare they! Could it be that some servant didn't attend properly and made the little woman angry at such a critical moment?
The chief steward, seeing that his Highness was going to lift the curtain and burst in, hastily rushed to stop him, kept saying that he mustn't do so.
Zhong Zheng Lin was impatient. As he was about to push the person away, he saw a momo whose forehead was drenched with sweat rush out, updating him quickly about Mu cefei's situation.
Learning that there was no incident inside, just that the little woman lost her temper and delayed childbirth, Zhong Zheng Lin was so angry his chest rose and fell quickly. He slammed his fist down on the table at the side, making the teacup on it bounce as a result.
The sixth Highness was overcome with fury. He has clearly instructed her gently, yet she has, in a blink of an eye, forgot about it completely.
Since appeasing was useless, he narrowed his eyes, he might as well change a method. He indeed cannot be lenient in handling Mu Xi Yao this woman.
The man's clear and firm voice sounded. He warned sternly the one inside, "Cefei of Mu House. If you dare to make a fuss again, you shall be put under house arrest for half a year after the childbirth. Touring the lake in suburbs of the capital will be canceled!"
Zhong Zheng Lin was very firm in his decision this time. He used her most disdained house arrest and the recreation she longed for a long time to threaten her.
Zhong Zheng Lin was too angered. He had never heard of any child birthing woman act this way, that he had to rely on threats to make her do what she's told.
After a moment of silence, a woman's penetrating yell rang from the inside, "Zhong Zheng Lin, you jerk!" Her voice was full of vigor and very steady.
Subsequently, she has, to one's surprise, calmed down. Evidently, the previous warning took effect.
Seeing that Mu Xi Yao was put under a control, Zhong Zheng Lin secretly let out a sigh of relief.
Women giving birth was like crossing the gates of Hell1. There was no room for her to being difficult. Nowadays, he kind of understood a bit better the way how to handle her. One could only suppress that woman's temper. Otherwise, she would climb all over you2.
As for that "jerk"? The corners of Zhong Zheng Lin's mouth hooked up. He snorted softly. He had more scores to settle with her! On the contrary, he didn't feel unwell with the fact that Mu Xi Yao has committed a taboo by calling his name. His expression remained unreadable.
The two crossed swords without the care of the people around who were scared to death by them.
Outside, the imperial physician's sweat poured down like a rain. In his ear still echoed cefei's "jerk". He stood there with a blank expression, obviously being terrified to the extreme.
This sixth Highness's estate was just too frightening. Cefei was so shrewish, yet his Highness was no better.
It was the most common childbearing. Even so, they still went through numerous twists and turns, scaring people till their hearts trembled. The many offenses and taboos in those words, it was unusual that his Highness didn't flare out on the spot.
The chief steward Tian Fu Shan longed to bury himself. His Highness was currently too busy to heed them. However, if in the future his Highness came to his sense and recalled this incident, they would likely have to suffer.
People attending inside were pale, the sweat drenched their lapels.
During the childbirth, cefei was so muddle-headed she dared to even speak out such words!
One wondered, how would his Highness punish this outrageous mistress later. They also won't fare well. That being the case, the most dependable thing, for now, was to give birth to a son. They hoped that his Highness, in the temporary moment of happiness, would forget about this matter.
Using the courage from the anger, Mu Xi Yao screamed for the last time. Since she lost the previous boldness, and was also lectured and threatened by Zhong Zheng Lin, she could only lie back on the bed and obediently continue with labor.
Hence, Mo Lan and Hui Lan could finally let out a sigh of relief. Bumping into such a master was just too worrisome.
Another half an hour has passed. Suddenly, a baby's ear splitting weeping sounded from the delivery room.
Mu Xi Yao felt her lower body relax. Hearing the child's first cry, unable to bear anymore, she passed out from the exhaustion.
Outside, Zhong Zheng Lin squeezed tightly the back of the chair with one hand. He stood there with brows knitted into a frown. Abruptly, he heard an infant's weeping and servants' congratulations. He immediately corrected his standing posture and fixed his gaze on the door to the room without batting an eyelid.
Zhao momo lifted the curtain of the hanging screen and came out. Her face was beaming with smiles. She kept congratulating Zhong Zheng Lin, saying that both mother and child were well. Zhong Zheng Lin could finally let down his worries he has harbored for half a day.
His gaze fell on the bundle cradled in Zhao momo's arms. He reached out. Stiffly yet carefully he took the baby to hold him in his bosom, looking attentively at the infant.
The child was very healthy. At the moment, he was crying loudly. His voice was clear and full of vigor. The wrinkles on his face were very shallow. He was quite chubby. One could tell he was sturdy. Zhong Zheng Lin softly patted the child, after which the child slowly quietened, pouted its lips, arched a little his little head and stopped making fuss.
Zhong Zheng Lin watching his son who was only a tiny bit and whose facial features were quite similar to his felt his heart became very soft. The joy of being the first time father was all displayed on his face which bared a smile that rarely appeared in front of the people.
As Zhao momo watched his Highness's face lit up with joy, she sighed inwardly that the two were indeed connected by blood. A person as indifferent as his Highness also had a tender side. She softly said that the child could not bear the wind and took the child and carried it back to the delivery room.
Zhong Zheng Lin clenched hands that have just held his son. He was very content inside. He finally had a son born from her. More so, the estate's firstborn son. It could be considered as a satisfactory result.
He had Tian Fu Shan reward everyone. Subsequently, he attentively instructed him to look carefully after cefei and little master. Only then he could be at ease and return to the main house to freshen up and take a rest. The sixth Highness has ridden a horse consecutively for two days. Afterward, he had watched over cefei for half a night, waiting til till Mu Xi Yao has smoothly given birth before he could let out a sigh of relief.
When consort Shu woke up in the morning, she's received the good news. She was taken aback by both the surprise and joy. A smile could be seen on her face for the entire day. She kept praising that lady Mu lived up to her expectation and did a great job. More so, Yuancheng Emperor laughed heartily while praising good. He promised that he will visit at newborn's bathing ceremony3.
The imperial princes who have received the news were immediately dissatisfied. How come the old man4 cares only about the sixth's firstborn son? What's more, he wants to make a visit in person. This is a good fortune that even the crown prince's firsborn son hasn't enjoyed. Could it be that firstborn son born of lady Mu could transcend the crown prince's firstborn son? For a moment, they all kept speculating about the old man's intention.
Yuancheng Emperor was sincerely concerned about Zhong Zheng Lin's offspring. Nowadays, his dream has finally been realized. Engulfed momentarily by cheerful mood, he naturally needed to go and take a look at this imperial grandson of his whom he has hoped for for such a long time.
Using the pretext of the bathing ceremony, he will probe a little that pack of servants. Those capable ones, he ought to place on suitable positions earlier on as a preparation for the Northwest war next year.
When Mu Xi Yao woke up, it was already the afternoon of the second day. When she opened lids, she saw Zhong Zheng Lin sitting at the side, resting with eyes closed. Beside the bed was a baby cradle she has specially ordered people to make. She didn't see the child, only Zhong Zheng Lin's big hand that was holding onto it.
"Are you awake?" Zhong Zheng Lin heard Mu Xi Yao's movement. As soon as he opened the eyes he has spotted the joy and tenderness inside her pupils.
"Your Highness." Mu Xi Yao's voice was a bit hoarse. The corners of her mouth raised up as she watched the man's focused gaze.
She didn't feel uncomfortable about raising children together with such a man. At least, in an era like Great Wei, having a husband who could be considerate of her and care for her was already a rare thing. There were so many noblewomen who couldn't obtain the man's favor for their whole lifetime, withering away and live an empty life. What a sorrowful fate it was.
Zhong Zheng Lin gently helped up Mu Xi Yao up and called people to come in, attending her in freshening up. Afterward, he fed her lukewarm water and fish soup before carrying over the baby to let her have a look. /before showing her the baby.
"A son or a daughter?" She fussed too much and didn't know anything after she passed out.
Zhong Zheng Lin looked at her with a smile, "Naturally a son."
This woman was confident it would be a daughter. All the objects she made were thus either pink or light yellow. In addition, she didn't like to listen to his admonishes. Well, now he will see how she will sort things out.
Mu Xi Yao stared at the tightly wrapped bundle with a dumbfounded expression. She pulled a long face. Empiricism kills people!
Why didn't she think about it? She had favor as soon as she entered the estate, soon after she was pregnant with child. Can this be compared with her previous lifetime?
Mu Xi Yao very carefully took the bundle. She attentively seized up the chubby boy in her arms, only to feel he looked completely like Zhong Zheng Lin. She pouted, dissatisfied. Why did she have to carry a child in the womb for ten months, bear all the hardships, yet the son whom she gave birth to had to look so much like Zhong Zheng Lin?
"Why the child looks so much like your Highness, yet there's no resemblance with qie?" Mu Xi Yao looked at Zhong Zheng Lin aggrievedly. Her beautiful eyes were watery, appearing very pitiful.
The sixth Highness's face twitched. Which woman wasn't ecstatic because the child she gave birth to looked more like the father, and thus she received more favor? Only she needed to compete for superiority in such matter. How aggravating.
Taking into consideration that she has gone through a difficult labor and also helpless, he could only console her, "Our son's earlobe is mellow and full, resembles you."
Translation notes:
[1]Like crossing the gates of Hell means you're in a situation where you're close to death
[2] Climb all over somebody means fig. to take advantage of sb's weakness
[3] Bathing Ceremony was a very important ceremony for newborns in ancient China. Mainly after the third day of birth of baby, family and friends would get together to hold a bathing ceremony for baby. For one meaning is to wash dirty and relieve disaster; the second is to pray for good luck.
[4] Old man in this context means respectable and polite appellation for an elderly male (couldn't find English equation to this word
57
The two held the child and talked for a while. Suddenly, they saw the little guy wake up. He rubbed his head against their arms, squirming his little mouth.
Compared to Mu Xi Yao who has just become mother, Zhong Zheng Lin had a morning's time to adapt. He reckoned his son must be hungry. He indicated Mu Xi Yao to give him the child.
"He's probably hungry. Let wet nurse feed him milk." Seeing Mu Xi Yao's muddle-headed and reluctant appearance, Zhong Zheng Lin reached out his hand, about to take the baby.
"Breast-feeding?" His words awoke Mu Xi Yao. She planned to personally feed bun. The breast-milk was so nourishing. How could it go to waste?
She wondered if Great Wei had a custom which prohibited noblewomen from breastfeeding? If she let wet-nurse do everything, she would lose some of the joy in raising the little bun.
She looked up at the man's side profile. Mu Xi Yao planned to give it a try. After all, Zhong Zheng Lin would always consult with her over the trivial matters. Perhaps, this man could understand her motive behind breastfeeding the child.
"Your Highness." Mu Xi Yao softly pulled at his lapel. "Qie has read in the book that a mother's milk is beneficial to a child. It can help him grow sturdier."
Her beautiful eyes fluttered, looking at him with a vivid gaze, "May qie personally feed him?" Her eyes were filled with expectation and longing.
Zhong Zheng Lin's brows creased slightly. The thing was, he has never heard the case of a noblewoman personally breastfeeding child before. Even the imperial princes were handed to wet nurse immediately after being born, being brought up by them until reaching the age of three.
However, Mu Xi Yao shouldn't be making up things in this regard. As a mother, she was unlikely to disregard the child's welfare. The way she stared at their son with eyes brimming with happiness, she clearly loved him deeply.
Zhong Zheng Lin thought, those poverty-stricken families also had women to breastfeed. They had no wet-nurses. Even so, weren't their children still properly raised to adulthood?
"Do you truly want to breastfeed?" His big hand slowly caressed her long hair.
Seeing Zhong Zheng Lin's attitude loosen, Mu Xi Yao quickly lifted her head. Her eyes were filled with resolution.
It was so rare to see the little woman so stubborn. He called Zhao momo to inquire about this matter. After confirming that it won't posses harm to the mother's health, he nodded to this matter.
Mu Xi Yao's face immediately brightened up. Disregarding Zhao momo's presence, she raised her head and gave a peck to Zhong Zheng Lin's chin, making a very loud smacking sound in the process.
Her sudden intimate move made the sixth Highness dazed for a moment. Amused, he pinched the tip of her nose and tapped her forehead, teasing her, "Jiao Jiao curries favor in such a blunt way."
Mu Xi Yao didn't feel even the slightest bit embarrassed for toadying boss. Exultant, she said self-confidently, "What's wrong with flattering qie's husband?" Her words were filled with ostentatious proudness.
Zhong Zheng Lin laughed heartily. Sure enough, he was delighted. Seeing the little woman wink at him, very witty, he hugged the person and started to gnaw on her.
Zhao momo, having enough of the two masters open flirting, silently retreated, leaving behind the family to enjoy themselves.
The little bun in the bundle has waited for a long time, yet no one was paying him heed. He wouldn't have that. As a result, he started to weep rigorously, which startled his parents who immediately separated from each other and simultaneously looked over at him.
They saw the little guy open and close his little mouth, crying very hardly.
Mu Xi Yao hastily pulled down the front piece garment, about to breastfeed. Only when she was left with just the last layer of chemise did she discover something was not right. How come this man sat beside her with such a straight face, with no intention to leave?
"Your Highness," Mu Xi Yao called softly. She signaled him with her eyes that he may go out temporary, to avoid the awkwardness. Who would have known that as soon as she raised her head, she would look into deep phoenix eyes of the man.
Zhong Zheng Lin leaned against the bedhead. Both of his eyes were scorching, shining with light. He stared at the woman's chest which became more and more ample and round. His phoenix eyes shined with a demonical glint. Eyebrows raising, he indicated her to remove the last cover.
"Your Highness~~" Mu Xi Yao protested coquettishly. Seeing the man's conduct, she knew there was no hope of driving him out. She could only, with a little red face, turn aside awkwardly to block the view of his demonical gaze. She still didn't forget to cast him a delicate glare.
Zhong Zheng Lin has been celibate for months. Her careless glance roused his interest.
He towered condescendly above Mu Xi Yao, watching her remove the last cover and expose one full and fair plumpness. The light in Zhong Zheng Lin's phoenix eyes shined even more brilliantly.
Even though Mu Xi Yao was facing him sideways, she still could feel the scorching sight behind her. Her face was crimson red. She muttered to herself that the sixth prince had no moral principle, going as far as becoming a voyeur.
In the end, her son was more important. Mu Xi Yao cupped the fullness on one side and held it to the little guy's mouth. The little bun swayed his head, his little mouth made smacking sounds and then he latched on the peak. His cheeks puffed as he suckled. However, after few mouth of suckling, his face reddened. Subsequently, he pouted his lips as if to cry.
Mu Xi Yao, seeing her son's little strength which even after exerting all his efforts he hasn't suckled out a bit of milk, felt anxious. Just as she was going to call Zhao momo in, her whole body was, unexpectedly, turned by Zhong Zheng Lin. Her bared upper body directly faced him. Instantly, her complexion was flushed with a deep red.
Just as she was about to speak out, she saw that man lean over to her and comfort her in a very serious manner, "Don't worry. Bendian will help our son to get the the milk out."
As soon as his words fell down, he leaned down to latch on the the red dot. He licked and teased the tip for a while before starting to softly suck.
Mu Xi Yao was embarrassed and infuriated by Zhong Zheng Lin's extremely shameless countermeasure. This was the solemn and upright sixth prince who wasn't into the women's charms that the whole court praised? They must have blinded their dog eyes1. This man was obviously a reincarnation of a starved wolf. What's more, he was such a black-belly.
Zhong Zheng Lin felt a slightly sweet mother's milk suddenly enter his mouth. It was warm and silky, extremely tasty. He has unconsciously sucked two more times which has invoked Mu Xi Yao wriggling her body in protest. She kept angrily calling, "Your Highness!"
This man not only ate her tofu but also fought with their son over the milk. The older he became the worse he turned to be.
Zhong Zheng Lin reluctantly parted with that place. He watched his son take his place, sweetly savouring he milk soundly while making loud noises.
Once the little guy placed his tiny fist on Mu Xi Yao's chest, Zhong Zheng Lin's complexion instantly sunk. He softly pushed aside his little hand, placing it to the side. The little guy humped dissatisfiedly two times and then continued sucking the milk.
Mu Xi Yao disdainfully rolled eyes at him. This man was just too stingy. What's up with your son touching her a bit? Going as far as to even haggle with a child?
Zhong Zheng Lin has been aroused already. Mu Xi Yao's bewitching gaze and the sight of their son suckling her fullness caused him to completely ignore Mu Xi Yao's glance. He directly changed places, bowed his head while holding the other available roundness to latch on it.
"Ah～～" Zhong Zheng Lin's sudden attack made Mu Xi Yao's body go soft. That man's action carried a clear and meaningful suggestion. He kept on biting and sucking. His big hand even cupped the fulness and started to rub and knead it.
Since Mu Xi Yao was holding her son, she didn't know what to do with him. She had no other choice as to endure and let him play tricks on her.
She looked down at little bun suckling the milk. With Zhong Zheng Lin it was another matter altogether. Such a warm breastfeeding filled with love, this man has completely spoilt it.
Mu Xi Yao was angered out of embarassement. She hugged her son with one hand, and used the other vacant little hand to pull at the man's hair. However, the man was determined to not give in. More so, he fiercely bit on her softness, as if to take revenge on her. It has infuriated Mu Xi Yao into pinching his ear.
Zhong Zheng Lin's big hand took hold of her little hand. He patted her ample derrière, indicating that if she kept fussing, he will immediately fix her.
Mu Xi Yao admitted her defeat. She helplessly watched the big and small two heads loudly sucking milk while squeezed in front of her chest. Her face burned badly.
If others learnt how preposterous she and the dignified sixth Highness were, how would she then face other people outside?
When the little guy was full, Zhong Zheng Lin pulled over the sheet to cover Mu Xi Yao's body. Subsequently, he called Zhao momo to come in while carrying his son outside to look for wet nurse. Afterward, he returned and looked at Mu Xi Yao with narrowed eyes.
Just now, this little woman has pulled and pinched him with delight. Now that their son wasn't here anymore, it was just appropriate to fix her unruliness.
Looking at Zhong Zheng Lin's appearance, Mu Xi Yao instantly knew this fellow harbored evil intentions. Her eyes turned2. She enchantingly shot a glance at his bulge underneath, "Your Highness, qie is still unable to serve you." Her voice was drenched with seduction. Her half-opened half-closed eyelids contained a rejoice in other person's misfortune. It was filled with provocation.
Zhong Zheng Lin looked at her arrogance and unruliness. He laughed, "Jiao Jiao only need to be considerate. Bendian has missed you for a long time." After he finished, he removed the gown and pulled open the belt in front of Mu Xi Yao.
Seeing that the circumstances were not too encouraging for her, she cried out in alarm and wanted to dodge but was taken to Zhong Zheng Lin's embrace who grabbed her little hand and pressed it against his scorching flesh, not allowing her to pull away.
Zhong Zheng Lin lowered his head to kiss her rosy lips. His big hand took hers to play restlessly with his flesh.
"Play with it. This few months bendian went into a great length to bear restrain yourself." Zhong Zheng Lin's head slowly moved down, from the side of the neck to the chest, engraving numerous wet kisses.
Mu Xi Yao gasped, angry. The sixth Highness won't even let go of a woman in a postpartum recovery. Beast!
Translation notes:
[1] They must have blinded their dog eyes is a Chinese phrase used to scold people for misjudging people
[2] Eyes turning is a phrase meaning contemplating, getting an idea
58
Mu Xi Yao was pressed down by Zhong Zheng Lin. After helping him relieve once, the man finally let her off the hook reluctantly. With a crimson face, she cleaned her hands.
"Your Highness, have you given little guy one a name?" In the private, Mu Xi Yao preferred more the endearment little bun. However, the sixth Highness certainly wouldn't agree. As a result, she could only call him a little guy for the time being.
As soon as Zhong Zheng Lin heard her mention this matter, his complexion immediately turned bad. This morning, the old man had passed a message that he will personally grace tomorrow's bathing ceremony. He even had come up with the name of his firstborn son. When the time arrives, he will bestow the name before the guests who came to pay a visit.
Zhong Zheng Lin has guessed bits and piece of what's the old man was up to. However, he was really unhappy that he made a big deal of his son's name.
In the case he wasn't satisfied with the bestowed name, he would have no other choice than to thank for the grace. How could it compare to the name both he and Mu Xi Yao reached after the discussion?
Besides, this would put Mu Xi Yao and their son at the place where the wind and the waves are the fiercest1. Not mentioning those brothers of his who would be dissatisfied. Even the womenfolk from each estate would definitely feel uncomfortable inwardly.
Mu Xi Yao, seeing him crease his brows, thought it was another taboo, "Could it be the child has to reach one year of age before he can be officially named?"
She has been in Great Wei only for two-three years. During the time, she had never come into contact with matters concerning children. She had heard that at some places they would officially record the child to the lineage book only after the child turns one year old.
"There's no such practice. But generally, people would wait till the child is one hundred days old." Zhong Zheng Lin helped her change her posture so that she could speak while leaning comfortably against his chest.
"This time, it's different with our son. Tomorrow, the old man will personally bestow the name." Seeing Mu Xi Yao failing to understand the meaning behind, Zhong Zheng Lin stroked her hair and encircled the person into his arms, telling her in detail the story about the crown prince's firstborn son.
Mu Xi Yao frowned as she listened. Even the crown prince's firstborn son had been bestowed a name on his one hundred day celebration. Yet, the first thing little bun was forced to do tomorrow was to attract the other's envy?
Based on the crown prince's chicken gut2 and intolerant nature, it was unlikely he won't bear a grudge.
Seeing her face turn cold, Zhong Zheng Lin hugged her, his gaze profound. The two snuggled up to each other, uttering no words for a very long time.
Inside the heart, Mu Xi Yao took note of Yuencheng Emperor. In passing, she has also placed the crown prince on her blacklist. She has decided to look for opportunities and assist her man in taking out that narrow-minded, violent and unreliable crown prince.
With a decision in mind, she let this matter go and continued to think about her son's name. This was a big thing in one's lifetime. If the name was too appalling or too terrific, she would rather call the little guy with a courtesy name that she chooses for him. Otherwise, no one could stand having to hear the name one disliked on a daily basis.
"Your Highness is in line to "Zheng" character3. What's the character for the imperial grandson's generation?" Mu Xi Yao asked her professional consultant.
Zhong Zheng Lin didn't know whether to cry or laugh. He pinched her cheeks while pretending to be fierce.
Mu Xi Yao was fond of reading books and have accumulated abundant knowledge through them. He didn't expect she would be so negligent.
"The surname of Great Wei's imperial family is — Zhong Zheng." His phoenix eyes threw her an askance look. Inside them was a glint of teasing, waiting to see her embarrassed appearance.
Sure enough. After the little woman realized that, she immediately became embarrassed. She awkwardly bore into his bosom while grumbling shamelessly, "Who dictated the taboo names to be prohibited from being called? Qie naturally wouldn't be clear about it."
Mu Xi Yao was ashamed inside. She has married that man and born him a baby, yet she has made a mistake about his surname. Such mishap….she was too embarrassed to show her face.
Her respond has reminded Zhong Zheng Lin that vigorous "jerk" she called him yesterday.
At the time, his name has slipped out smoothly from the little woman's mouth. Clearly, she wasn't polite with him in private. Who knew how many times she kept harping on him inside her mind? Zhong Zheng Lin thought it was nice having his name being called by people. It was much more intimate. Unfortunately, the little woman acted well-behaved when sober, refusing to call his name.
The man's deep voice sounded at her ear, "Jiao Jiao was very exceptional yesterday. Your call of a jerk has quite touched bendian's feelings." After finishing, his big hand caressed the side of her neck, as if to settle a score with her.
Mu Xi Yao bewailed that the stinky man still remembered to settle the score with her after giving birth to a child. What was she going to do? At that time, she acted violently merely due to the anger. It was just a momentary anger. Nowadays, how dared she clamor and behave muddle-headed?
She reached out her hands to hug Zhong Zheng Lin's neck. She stroked her little face against his cheek, shamelessly going back on her words, "Qie was confused at the time because of the pain, can't remember at all about this incident. If qie has accidentally offended your Highness then qie ought…" Mu Xi Yao's dark pupils turned. She was clearly thinking of ways how to appease boss.
Zhong Zheng Lin originally said those words only to tease her. Since she took the bait, how could he let her off?
"Oh? What ought you to do?" The man waited for her latter part with great interest.
Mu Xi Yao, seeing that she couldn't delay anymore, made up her mind. With a flirtatious appearance, she sweetly leaned against him to lick and suck on Zhong Zheng Lin's Adam's apple. She seductively said four words at his ear.
"Recompensation by the flesh." The man made an angry sound of reproval and subsequently pushed her down, going for another round of proper tormenting.
In the evening, Mu Xi Yao suddenly recalled that the matter regarding lady Zhang being poisoned hasn't been clarified yet. She inquired the sixth Highness who was flipping through a book while gently rocking the bun's little bed.
Zhong Zheng Lin didn't even lift his head as he snorted coldly. Obviously, he wasn't satisfied that he hasn't caught the person. He even told her to be mindful, fearing that this matter had other entanglements. To be able to elude his secret guards, this thing definitely wasn't as simple as an ordinary matter that related to the women of the inner yard.
On the morning of the bathing ceremony, Mu Xi Yao was in high spirits. She got up early, ordering Mo Lan to freshen up the little bun. Seeing him well-behaved, neither crying nor throwing tantrums, and blowing bubbles as he rested against the wet nurse's shoulder after having his stomach filled, the more Mu Xi Yao looked at him the more she loved him.
The little guy was very sturdy and grew fast, benefitting from Mu Xi Yao's special physical condition and daily breastfeeding. The wrinkles on his skin have almost completely disappeared. He had no red skin or an old man's face of the ordinary newborns. The little guy was fair and chubby, like a glutinous rice dumpling.
Holding the little clothes Mu Xi Yao ordered the needlework department to make quickly, the more she looked at it the more satisfied she became. She urged people to change the little guy's clothes while looking at him laugh happily. This attire of his was just too cute. Mu Xi Yao's eyes glistened with vivid light as she watched him.
Gui momo, Hui Lan and the lot stared at the little master's tiger cub's attire. They itched to go forward and pinch him a bit. The clothes their master personally designed was indeed good-looking. No wonder Jia Yi workshop's business was so fiery.
When Zhong Zheng Lin came in to pick his son, he saw a crowd of people forming a circle, chattering cheerfully there.
He coughed lightly. After people scattered, he saw Mu Xi Yao sitting in the center, proudly showing off his son. Her face was filled with pride and satisfaction.
When he looked closer, well, his son was attired in a tiger-like clothes. In addition, he's got ears and a tail!
The sixth Highness immediately became unhappy. His son, after being fiddled by Mu Xi Yao….what's more, watching that little face that was quite similar to his, no matter how he looked he felt that that woman didn't harbor good intentions.
He then took a look at his own dark purple prince gown with golden-threaded rims. It was obviously a dignified and noble ceremonial robe. If he carried his son out like that, Zhong Zheng Lin felt he might be laughed at by people.
Since young age, the sixth Highness was raised in a rich and aristocratic nest, being dressed respectably from the head to toe, following the rules and regulations of the imperial prince. Now, as he glanced at his son, he was simply a unique existence in the palace, not following its practices at all.
As he was hesitating whether his son should change to proper little clothes, he saw the little woman stuff their son into his arms with a face beaming with big smiles. She seemed immensely proud of herself, shaking her head and asking for approval.
Zhong Zheng Lin's head ached greatly. Taking a look at his son's lovable appearance, he felt if he went like this his son will certainly have a hard time. How could those womenfolk from the inner yard not rush to torment his son?
Unfortunately, Mu Xi Yao wouldn't let their son change clothes. She even went as far as to act pitifully in front of him, pretending that her tears were about to fall.
Helpless, the sixth Highness stiffly held his son, his face was stretched very tautly, his footsteps firm. He went to the front yard, surrounded by an abnormally solemn aura.
Today, courtiers that came to visit and congratulate him were all waiting at the front. Hearing the news that Yuancheng Emperor would come, many of them brought their principal wives to congratulate them very early, attaching great importance to this event.
The imperial princes with their womenfolk have all arrived. Even the crown princess was holding her frail di son as she talked to the fifth princess consort in the hall.
When the chatting group of people saw the sixth Highness striding over, they immediately raised their spirit about to step forward and congratulate him, but who knew, at this moment Yuancheng Emperor's carriage arrived followed by her Ladyship Shu's carriage and her entourage
Translation notes:
[1]Where the wind and the waves are the fiercest is a Chinese idiom meaning at the heart of the struggle, in the teeth of the storm
[2] Chicken gut is a Chinese idiom meaning narrow-minded, petty
[3] Referring to generation name where one of the characters in a traditional Chinese name is shared between each member of the generation
59
Everyone knelt down to welcome his imperial Majesty. Yuancheng Emperor was in a great mood. He told people to rise and then went to the main hall to take a seat.
He sized up Zhong Zheng Lin's ceremonial robe; very appropriate. Afterward, he looked at the one in his arms. Aiyo, truly eye-catching little one, so delectable. He quickly told Zhong Zheng Lin to bring him over so he could take a look at him.
Consort Shu has deliberately asked for grace today so that she could go to her son's estate to see her grandson. She didn't expect she would see an extremely adorable little chubby boy as soon as she arrived. She immediately moved closer to examine him carefully, unable to tear her gaze from her grandson.
After taking a closer look, she discovered that her grandson not only was good-looking, furthermore, he was raised well. She instantly praised Mu Xi Yao repeatedly. Subsequently, brimming with smiles, she played with him a little together with Yuancheng Emperor.
Yuancheng Emperor looked at the child's facial features which greatly resembled Zhong Zheng Lin's, then he looked at his attire that displayed an originality. Following after, he cast a side glance at his sixth imperial son's stiff face. He laughed heartily, declaring that the child was good-looking.
Just as he was teasingly sizing up Zhong Zheng Lin's awkward expression, he found the little chubby in his arms twist a little, opening slightly his eyelids and revealing eyes that were like black grapes.
He even grinned and gave him a toothless smile. Afterward, he blowed bubbles, playing with himself.
Consort Shu immediately took him over, rejoiced. She removed her nail guard. Her finger gently touched the little chubby's cheek, cannot put her hand off of him.
All the ladies below looked over at them without blinking their eyes, praising that the child was lovable. They all wished they could go up and hold the baby a little. More so, they've also heard that the unusual eye-catching baby cloth was the new product line launched by Jia Yi workshop. They hearts began to stir restless.
The more Yuancheng Emperor looked at the little bit the more he felt he was delectable. Then, he recalled the smile just now. How could his worrisome sons compare to him?
He felt that he has hit it right off with this grandson of his. Inside the heart, he crossed out all the names he had thought of earlier as he wasn't satisfied with them now. He held the tea and watched consort Shu play with the child. Inwardly, he went over several times before finally settling on the one he was satisfied with.
Yuancheng Emperor called Zhong Zheng Lin to go forward, letting out the imposingness of the emperor.
"Without virtue there's no noble character. The virtue of the common people. He shall be bestowed name Zhong Zheng De1. Thus, you must carefully groom him so that he would be worthy of character De and will live up to zhen's expectations."
Everyone was shocked. His imperial Majesty bestowed a name in front of everyone? This child has just recently turned three days. He wasn't even one hundred days old. How come he has suddenly gained Yuancheng Emperor's favor? Moreover, he was only shu son, yet he could have a 'de' in his name. Could it be there was a deeper meaning behind this?
The crown prince and the first prince were both astonished. Just a mere shu son, yet he enjoyed such a benevolent grace. Even in the case of their di sons, the treatment they had enjoyed was also nothing more than this. The old man's actions became increasingly indecipherable. In what way was this child more special? Or was this a sign that the sixth was going to be trusted with important tasks?
The first prince was on the guard inside. Some time ago, Zhong Zheng Lin has already got involved in Ministry of war. Nowadays, he was in charge of matters related to patrol over Shengjin and its area. Zhong Zheng Lin belonged clearly to the crown prince's faction. If he was put into an important position, his side would be again oppressed. He must find a way to put a spoke in his wheel2. Otherwise, even a prince who was ranked sixth would be able to climb up. It would make him, the eldest brother, seem too good-for-nothing.
Not only didn't the crown prince rejoice, but he also harbored a great resentment due to jealousy that was hard to quench. This sixth repeatedly gained the old man's recognition, taking up all the limelight. Anyone could tell he wasn't the law-abiding one. On the surface, they were on the same boat but behind his back, who knew what did he secretly conspired? Inwardly, he contemplated how to suppress him a little so that he wouldn't lose the propriety and forgot about the distinction of seniority that stemmed from ancient times.
Zhong Zheng Yun's brows knitted as he saw his little brother got yet another benefit. He only felt that recently Zhong Zheng Lin received too much attention. He will probably draw troubles.
Zhong Zheng Ming, on the other side, was mocking him inwardly. Nowadays, the crown prince increasingly disliked the sixth. The first prince even more so couldn't tolerate him. What a good thing.
How could their thoughts be hidden from Yuancheng Emperor's eyes? He held the teacup and took a small sip of it. This time, the reason he bestowed Zhong Zheng Lin's eldest son name was firstly due to fondness and secondly to sound them out.
These adult sons of his were already fully grown, their minds became complicated as the result.
The ministers below flocked together and ganged up into groups, exchanging glances with each other in private. Yuancheng Emperor was very dissatisfied with it.
The crown prince was even more disappointing. He became more and more narrow-minded. How can he rule a country and bring peace and stability to nation with such a small mind?
After sizing up the expressions of all the present people, Yuancheng Emperor waited until the little chubby's bathing ceremony completed before returning back to the palace together with consort Shu.
Zhong Zheng Lin was engaging in social niceties with his brothers and courtiers in the front yard while Mu Xi Yao was chatting harmoniously with princess consorts in the inner yard.
Especially the fourth princess consort. Since she was the wife of Zhong Zheng Lin's full brother and would often meet Mu Xi Yao at consort Shu's place, the two were particularly close with each other.
At the moment, she has snatched the little bun, unwilling to let him go as she was very fond of him. The fourth princess consort thought it was empty under her knees3. She had neither son nor daughter. The fourth princess consort was actually very envious of Mu Xi Yao's good fate.
The first princess consort was a prickly person who was used to getting things her way. She couldn't bear to see Mu Xi Yao have both favor and son. Just a mere cefei, why should she live better than her, everything going as she wished?
Her face was brimming with smiles, but her tone was sarcastic, "Mu cefei has nowadays born a son and even had his imperial Majesty bestow name. I just wonder whether the sixth-sister-in-law would feel like having her good fortune snatched and feel uncomfortable inside when she marries over." After saying that she cast Mu Xi Yao a quite meaningful glance.
Mu Xi Yao has never saw someone so stupid, daring to utter such words as soon as the emperor left. No wonder the first prince disliked her. Mu Xi Yao sneered inside. However, on surface, she responded her well-behavedly.
"The person who can be assigned as his sixth Highness princess consort is presumably someone with excellent looks and bearing." The meaning behind her words were: having only this little bearing, the title of the principal consort is wasted on you.
The rest of them, seeing the two crossing the swords, didn't meddle in. They minded their own businesses, drinking tea and playing with the child.
Although this cefei was delicate and young, she wasn't someone easy to handle. All her words and actions were reasonable. Even her reply contained a hidden ridicule. Evidently, she wasn't someone to be provoked.
No wonder she could monopolize grace and have a son in a year.
The fourth princess consort, seeing the first-sister-in-law's expression turn ugly after being talked back to, knew that if she let her continue the provocation, Mu Xi Yao might bully her ruthlessly. As a result, she quickly changed the subject which has alleviated a little of the awkwardness.
In the afternoon, everyone took their leave. Mu Xi Yao sent people to see them off properly. When it was peaceful again, she took the little bun to feed him breast milk.
Zhong Zheng De? Can be regarded as a good name. However, who would follow the rule and call their child with this name? Moreover, this character De wasn't suitable for nicknames.
When she returns, she will have Zhong Zheng Lin think of a courtesy name. Otherwise, Mu Xi Yao will recommend the little bun which was even better for her.
In the evening, when Zhong Zheng Lin came back, as soon as Mu Xi Yao mentioned their son's courtesy name, his spirit immediately raised up. He didn't even go freshen himself up, only dropping his lids for a while, writing something on the table. Ultimately, he settled on"Cheng Qing" these two characters4.
Mu Xi Yao chanted the name for several time. She didn't find any problems with the name. She could only, with resentment, give up on the intention of self volunteering. She nodded in compliance.
Zhong Zheng Lin found a little comfort in giving his son a courtesy name. Hugging Mu Xi Yao and the little guy, the family of three were enclosed in warm atmosphere.
"Today, was the first princess consort giving you a hard time?" Zhong Zheng Lin didn't conceal the fact that he has placed people in Danruo courtyard and has thus received the news.
Mu Xi Yao was also too lazy to ask him who was the informant. She turned her head and made an extremely disdaining snort, indicating she was a great person with a great forgiving spirit and won't lower herself to that woman's level.
Seeing the little woman hold her head high, he knew that she hasn't put the first-sister-in-law's provocative words into the heart.
Zhong Zheng Lin kept stroking her head over and over again. Inwardly, he thought he will have to probably trouble mother-consort to pick him a quite virtuous future principal consort. Otherwise, the little woman might dismantle this inner yard.
Translation notes:
[1] De means morality, virtue, kindness
[2] To put a spoke in sb.'s wheel means to make it difficult for someone to achieve something they had planned to do
[3] Empty under one's knees means having no offspring
[4] Cheng Qing – Cheng – honest, sincere; Qing – to celebrate
60
During the period of Mu Xi Yao's convalescence, Zhong Zheng Lin went back to the barrack, training army consecutively for a month. Afterward, he returned to the capital to report on his duty and take over the charge of military inspection unit of Shengjin and its area. At this point, the sixth prince Zhong Zheng Lin has laid a foundation in Ministry of war, paving his way for the upcoming war in Mobei.
When Zhong Zhen Lin has again stepped into Dangruo courtyard, Cheng Qing was already one month and eight days old. The little guy's face has completely opened up1. He was quite sturdy. His little arms and legs were dancing cheerfully at the moment. Zhong Zheng Lin took Cheng Qing from Mu Xi Yao's arms and carefully examined his black phoenix eyes. He looked more and more like him. Zhong Zheng Lin patted his little bottom. The little guy reached his hand to pull at the strand of Zhong Zheng Lin's hair at the temple, absent-mindedly sending them to his own mouth.
Mu Xi Yao went over to pick the child, taking Zhong Zheng Lin's hair out from his mouth. She used one hand to hold Cheng Qing and the other one to pat him lightly to coax him to sleep.
Babies always slept a lot. In a while, his zeal died out. He lifted both of his hands and placed them next to his mouth. He fell asleep while having his lips slightly closed. Mu Xi Yao handed Cheng Qing over to wet nurse before going back to arrange food for Zhong Zheng Lin.
After the two used meal, Zhong Zheng Lin took Mu Xi Yao's little hand and took her to sit down on the couch bed that was before the window. He hugged her waist and slowly caressed the long hair that was draped over her shoulders.
"In two days, there will be people entering the estate." Zhong Zheng Lin nonchalantly explained.
"Entering the estate?" Mu Xi Yao immediately understood.
Zhong Zheng Lin actually took initiative and disclosed that there would be people entering the estate? Could it be he took a fancy on some unusual woman? The Jianan Emperor from the previous lifetime was, in reality, unmoved by all those unique and alluring women.
Seeing the little woman dazing, Zhong Zheng Lin tapped her forehead, "Don't make random guesses. They are dancers sent by the first brother."
Yesterday, the first prince Zhong Zheng Chun used the pretext of holding a welcoming dinner for Zhong Zheng Lin to stuff him with two good-looking dancers, saying that they were for his amusement. How could Zhong Zheng Lin not know about Zhong Zheng Chun's intention? He just wanted to put some nails on his path. If they could disturb his inner yard, even better.
Zhong Zheng Lin refused him in a rather cold manner. Later, everyone started to kick up a fuss. Zhong Zheng Lin understood he stood out too much these days and has attracted the anger of many. He hung down his lids for a while and subsequently nodded, giving his assent. What's more, he looked at the first prince to thank him politely. Only, what he planned inwardly, others didn't know.
He told these things to Mu Xi Yao now so that she would know the background of those women and understood what was going on.
Mu Xi Yao was very bright. She turned up her nose at stuff like giving each other beautiful concubines as a present, putting spokes at their wheels and stirring the inner yard. Only sorts like the first prince who had brawn but not brain would do such a thing.
"Dancers are good. Qie likes the most "appreciating dances and viewing flowers." That enchanting and seductive gaze made Zhong Zheng Lin's forefinger jump2.
After capturing the person in the study, he didn't even hurry to return to the main house. Instead, he has, right away, pressed Mu Xi Yao against the table and engaged in intimacies with her. Zhong Zheng Lin has waited for Mu Xi Yao to recover. His patience was completely used up. So, he naturally won't easily let her off.
The two lingered and rolled in the study until the third geng3 before taking a break. Fortunately, Mu Xi Yao has seen that the tide had turned against her and thus pleaded him persistently and has also promised him many benefits. Zhong Zheng Lin finally called it a day with reluctance then and carried the person to take a bath and go to sleep.
In the following day, two well-dressed women with graceful figures were led by the chief steward to Danruo courtyard to kowtow to cefei and mistresses of each courtyard.
Mu Xi Yao looked at the people kneeling below. Not only they didn't have little bit of the seductress' air, in addition, they were also well-mannered.
Their etiquette was faultless. Their replies were polite and modest, completely different to the enchanting appearance and seductive behavior Mu Xi Yao has anticipated. Even their names were elegant – Yu Ning and Yu Yan.
Mu cefei was very displeased by the fact that a red peony insisted on pretending to be a white lotus. If they wanted to act as tragic figures then they should aim for a flower4 that overturns countries. How can they be this half-hearted, ignoring their proper duties?
Tang Yi Ru and other women were throwing them hostile glances. It clearly wasn't sending dancers but bed-climbers. A murderous glint flashed through little lady Tang's almond-shaped eyes. She obviously disliked the two greatly.
Mu Xi Yao sat highly on the head seat, looking at the two's demeanor. Well, just mere dancers yet they have trounced the imperial prince's concubines. There was no doubt that they came here to grab the land and seduce the lord.
To her surprise, that barbarian the first prince was actually able to find ones in million and train such exceptional two. It must have been tough for him to sacrifice his own interest for other people after making such painstaking efforts.
Mu Xi Yao understood the situation, thus she didn't mind. In addition, she was truly unwilling to pass on the responsibility of handling the women who had their eyes set on the inner yard to others.
Everyone subsequently saw the woman lift her crystal gold nail guard, pointing at those Yu something. The words that came out from her mouth stupified all the people in the room. "As dancers, how would you seduce people if you have such a virtual character?"
Mu Xi Yao's beautiful eyes cast them a sidelong glance. Her tone carried a disdain, "So dull, unsophisticated and insensitive. How can you pique a man's interest in this way?" Watching the two people below, Mu cefei repeatedly shook her head, her expression full of contempt. She clicked her tongue and made a tsk tsk sounds.
Seeing the two being stunned by her into a dumbstruck appearance, Mu Xi Yao lifted her fingertip and began to trace it in the air.
"Your gaze isn't enticing enough. Your figure is not adequately slim and lithe. The clothes aren't exposing enough. You need to reveal both that shoulder and willow waist. In the future, you shall choose half-exposing, see-through kind of muslin skirt to wear every day."
Mu Xi Yao cared not that other people were looking at her like at a ghost. She leaned her body a little forward and narrowed her eyes to seize them up carefully. After a moment, she swung her handkerchief and sneered.
"As dancers, if you acted so pure and noble, how can you make a man put his hand on you? Go back to figure it yourself in front of the mirror. When you are able to make people see an alluring woman in you by a glance would be when you will be able to present a dance before his Highness to liven up his mood."
After she finished, she called for the chief steward who was towering at the side with head drooped down to arrange courtyard for the two so they could "mend their ways". Then, she stated forthrightly that if they made no progress, they will need to train assiduously instead of musing on how to "disgrace themselves" before his Highness.
All the women in the room were greatly embarrassed by cefei's outspokenness. Could it be that, in the private, cefei also acted like this hence she was able to intrigue his Highness and make him favor only her?
Then, there were those dancers. Though they were just a plaything, they weren't as indecent as cefei said them to be. How come when words came out from cefei's mouth, these dancers were no different to those lowly wenches from brothels?
Seeing Tian Fu Shan take the red-faced5 people down, Mu Xi Yao has again resumed to her usual amiable and reasonable mistress cefei. Her sharp-tongue and harshness from before were nowhere to be seen.
"Rules must be set in the estate. Otherwise, if people were to mistaken these playthings for his Highness's inner yard, it would be a disgrace."
When words were put this way by Mu Xi Yao, who knew how many people below muttered inside the heart: the one who was berating now was, probably, as well the one who was the most misbehaved in the estate.
Mu Xi Yao was disinterested in other people's thoughts. At the moment, she felt pleased with the first prince's muddle-headed move.
Using the position of an elder brother to send to little brother two filthy things, moreover, believing that she, Mu Xi Yao, wouldn't kick them out?
Nowadays, it was well-known behind the closed doors of the palace that she, Mu cefei, was the sixth Highness's favored concubine. For her to act unreasonably and drive a person out was a completely common thing.
Women. They can act unreasonably and also afford to be jealous. It was their forte.
Mu Xi Yao carefully tasted Mo Lan's newly cultivated scented tea. Her whole body languidly leaned against the back of the chair, very satisfied.
The women underneath all felt unbearably upset as they looked at the increasingly beautiful face of cefei.
Recalling her like-a-changed-person behavior, each of her word harsh and ruthless, they only felt that Mu cefei wasn't someone to mess with. Maybe her usual self was all just a pretense. Today, she showed her true face in order to cement her favor.
However, when they recalled those two dancers' pale faces and indignant expressions, their hearts felt a bit more at ease.
Cefei's moves were indeed precise. Each of her words drew blood. She had skinned them alive, tearing away their last semblance which was no different as to humiliate them in the face. It was truly harsh of her.
Translation notes:
[1] Open up face means the child's face has matured
[2] Make one's forefinger jump is a Chinese idiom meaning that a person has a strong craving for a certain kind of food
[3] The third geng is third of the five night watch periods 23:00-01:00; midnight
[4] Flower in this context means a woman
[5] Red-faced means in this context someone who is stifling anger