Guests arrived one after another, and the long-silent Prince Rui's mansion became exceptionally lively. The banquet tables stretched out for two li, almost obscuring the road.
Lu Nianfu was forcibly woken up and cleaned. Qingmiao, while styling her hair, said, "Princess Consort, you look too pale. Why not put on some rouge? Many guests have come for the infant's purification ceremony, and no doubt many ladies will come to visit you."
Mian'er pulled open the lattice window, and bright sunlight streamed in, casting diamond-shaped patterns. Lu Nianfu instinctively shielded her eyes, saying, "If I look too well, won't they keep talking endlessly?"
Qingmiao: ...
Lu Nianfu looked at herself in the mirror, quite satisfied with her pallid complexion. "Let it be. It even saves me from smearing face powder on the bedding."
Having said that, she retreated back to bed. "Where is Yao'er?"
"The wet nurse is with him. Today is the little prince's spotlight, and he'll likely be brought to the front hall for an appearance soon."
"Keep a close eye on him. Don't let anyone tamper with him behind your back."
"Rest assured, Qingmiao and Hongshao are watching, and the two Guards Yu are also hidden in the shadows."
Lu Nianfu knew the capabilities of Yu Lin and Yu Bai, so she felt a little relieved. After tidying up, she nestled back into bed. Qingmiao, helpless, could only urge her not to mess up her hair and hung the carefully chosen outer garment by the bed, ready to be put on her if someone came.
The festivity in the front hall grew more intense. The first to visit the backyard to see Lu Nianfu was her mother, Madam Ban.
She hadn't returned to the mansion since Lu Nianfu gave birth. Her clothes were tidied by Qiangwei and brought over. With the imperial wet nurses managing things in the front, Madam Ban saw no need for her presence and brought a bowl of chicken noodle soup to supplement her daughter's meals. "Xi Xi, I've skimmed off all the oil. The soup tastes just right. Come and try it quickly."
"Mother, I'm not hungry."
"You must eat even if you're not hungry. Look at your face; all the weight you gained during pregnancy is gone." Madam Ban was anxious. "Eat a few bites, or you won't have time to eat when people start arriving."
Meeting her earnest gaze, Lu Nianfu ate a few symbolic bites and then put down the bowl.
Madam Ban was annoyed. "Doesn't it suit your taste? Is it too bland? But you're still in confinement, so you shouldn't eat anything too salty. I didn't dare add much salt."
Lu Nianfu was surprised. "Did you make this yourself?"
She had thought the taste wasn't like Aunt Cui's cooking, and had initially assumed it was confinement food. She hadn't expected the cook to have changed.
Madam Ban looked a little embarrassed. "My cooking isn't good. I'll have the cook make it later."
Lu Nianfu shook her head. "No, it tastes very good, I just don't have much of an appetite."
Nevertheless, she picked up the bowl and ate a couple more mouthfuls of noodles. Though it wasn't much, Madam Ban was still very happy. "I've heard pig trotter noodles are very nourishing. Mother will make you some this afternoon."
"Thank you for your hard work, Mother." Lu Nianfu didn't refuse her kindness, because she could see that Madam Ban was happy to do something for her.
Although she didn't want to see guests, Lu Nianfu still mustered her spirits. She didn't lie down again but rested leaning against the headboard. Qingmiao placed a large bolster behind her waist. "For the sake of the little prince, please bear with it for a while. Once the guests disperse, you can finally rest properly."
Lu Nianfu nodded.
She was prepared to receive guests, but what arrived before the ladies of the court was an imperial edict.
The Emperor himself came, specially issuing an edict to excuse her from greeting him and bestowing many rare tonics, instructing her to focus on her recovery.
Although women in confinement were considered inauspicious, it was impossible for her to actually meet the Emperor. But since the Emperor had ordered her to rest, no one else would dare disturb her. Thus, those who had originally intended to personally meet the Princess Consort of Rui changed their approach, merely inquiring a few words outside the door before leaving.
Only the Crown Prince and Crown Princess were to be pitied. They had intended to make a grand entrance to display their noble status, but they arrived even later than the Emperor.
Although Emperor Changwu said nothing, the way he looked at the Crown Prince made him disheartened.
In the corner of the imperial garden, Zeng Weiyang, walking in haste, accidentally bumped into Prince Ning, who was strolling alone.
Situ Jue was about to lose his temper when he noticed the woman before him looked somewhat familiar.
Zeng Weiyang's pretty face flushed. She curtsied gracefully, her voice carrying a hint of well-placed grievance. "Your Highness Prince Ning, it's been a long time."
In the past, Situ Jue would not have refused such a beautiful woman of seemingly modest background throwing herself at him. However, he had been lacking in spirit lately and truly couldn't handle such an encounter. He could only offer her a comforting smile. "Indeed, it has been a long time. Miss Zeng, have you been well recently?"