Chapter 123: Chapter 123 Birthday Present
"I asked Nanny Dong to bring some medicine, let me massage it for you. Don’t underestimate Father despite his age; he’s still energetic. A kick like this from him might require you to take some medicine!"
With Mrs. Dong’s teasing, the earlier melancholy emotions dissipated.
The husband and wife have been loyal and united for many years, never having any emotional discord.
Now that they’ve left the Prime Minister’s Mansion, their future life will naturally be smooth and carefree.
Thinking of this, they exchanged a smile.
"In a couple of days, I have to return to the Prime Minister’s Mansion."
"For what? I’ll accompany you!"
Mr. Lin now considers his wife more important than himself.
He’s afraid any small issue might harm her.
However, Mrs. Dong shook her head and said with a soft laugh.
"I need to go to the palace to see Qianqian. Even if you go with me, you can’t enter the traveling palace. Did you forget?"
Mr. Lin then slapped his forehead.
Today’s events have been exhausting, almost causing him to forget this important matter.
"Alright, then I’ll take you there and come back afterward."
"Okay."
Their harmonious relationship made days pass quickly.
Early the following day, the couple went to the main hall to pay respects to Old Master Dong and Mrs. Dong.
In the main hall, the Dong Family’s three siblings were all present.
Normally, the merchant family doesn’t have such rituals, but today was the day the sister and brother-in-law were coming to visit. Therefore, the Eldest Master Dong and Second Young Master Dong came with their families.
"How did you sleep last night? If there’s anything you need, just let your sister-in-law know."
Mrs. Dong, concerned for her daughter and son-in-law, was the first to speak.
"Mother, don’t worry. Sister-in-law has arranged everything perfectly. We are quite comfortable."
"Third Sister, don’t be polite with me; we’re all family. Now that you’re taking care of Mu Zhi so diligently, if you need anything, just come to me, okay?"
"Sister-in-law, I won’t be shy with you."
When the eldest sister-in-law, Mrs. Wang, first joined the family, Dong Qinzhen had not yet married.
So the sisters-in-law lived together for several months.
In the years since, whenever she asked, Mrs. Wang never refused.
Thus, their relationship is sincerely affectionate.
The couple had more to discuss today.
"Big Brother, have you found out anything about Qianqian’s poisoning?"
"That’s what I wanted to talk about. Qianqian is now a minor figure in the palace, so her medical records can’t be disclosed. Doctor Dou discreetly informed me through his son, and I’ve told the details to Second Brother."
As soon as Eldest Master Dong finished speaking, everyone turned to Second Young Master Dong.
He looked calm, not as tense as everyone else, and confidently said.
"Qianqian probably poisoned herself."
"Poisoned herself?"
The news was shocking, but Old Master Dong seemed to understand.
The worry in his eyes lessened somewhat.
"Correct, based on Doctor Dou’s account of dizziness, vomiting, and other symptoms, she likely took the Silver Soul Pill. The antidote is in Xia An’s possession, so there’s no fear."
Mrs. Dong finally relaxed after hearing this.
"However, her cold condition seems to have been triggered too, so I need to prepare more medicine."
"Is it dangerous?"
Old Master Dong asked.
"It’s manageable. The poison of the Silver Soul Pill is not hard to cure. But since the cold condition has been induced, she needs to take medicine for several months to recover."
After saying this, Second Young Master Dong turned to his third sister.
"Don’t worry. If Qianqian takes care of her body’s health, having children won’t be difficult."
This was everyone’s primary concern.
After all, in the palace, concubines without children might not fare well!
Mrs. Wang, the eldest sister-in-law, also continued the topic.
"Father-in-law recently had me craft some hairpins and jewelry, and they’re finished. You can’t tell they’re fake."
"That’s good. Immediately send them to the second branch’s courtyard, along with the medicine to be given to Qinzhen."
Old Master Dong instructed.
"Yes!"
Mrs. Wang replied respectfully.
Seeing the Dong Family so supportive, Mr. Lin understood how relocating was such a wise move.
Regret about not separating earlier weighs on him, having let his wife and child suffer unnecessarily.
But now, there’s peace; their future life is bound to be calm and smooth.
With so many events happening at home, Lin Wanyi, far away in the traveling palace, knew nothing.
She was happily preparing things, eagerly awaiting her mother’s visit.
Meanwhile, she was also planning a simple birthday celebration for the Second Prince.
Princess Consort Su’s rites had also concluded.
Lin Guifei had arranged diligently, and after the rites ended, the Emperor specially sent Dong Yuzhong with peace talismans.
One for her, another for Princess Ming Ruo.
Such auspiciousness made Lin Guifei smile brightly.
Even those serving below her seemed pleasing to the eye.
Thus, she cared less for the Second Prince’s affairs.
The birthday banquet was said to be a feast but barely differed from regular dinners.
After all, there were only the Emperor, the Second Prince, and Lin Wanyi dining.
Today, the setting was in the back courtyard, which was previously arranged.
Having just completed religious rites, it wasn’t appropriate to decorate lavishly.
Nanny Du had the gardener plant some bright flowers, making the entire back courtyard lively.
Today was the Second Prince’s sixth birthday celebration.
Past birthday gatherings were either quietly unnoticed or extravagantly overdone.
Thousands congratulated him, yet none truly cared for him.
Today was different.
In the courtyard, his favorite flowers were planted, his favorite dishes placed on the table.
The room was scented with his preferred agarwood, and seated beside him were those he trusted and cherished most.
All of this made the Second Prince feel reborn.
Chunqi first served a bowl of longevity noodles, made with clear chicken broth the Second Prince liked.
Added were some chestnuts for extra sweetness.
The noodles were handcrafted by Xiao Luzi, though not as fine as those from the Imperial Kitchen, they were the best in the Second Prince’s eyes.
Xia An had sewed a sweet medicine pouch for him, filled with herbs and ingredients beneficial for his condition.
If he felt uncomfortable, just smelling it would ease his symptoms.
Nanny Du gifted him several volumes of hand-copied Buddhist Scriptures, ideal for calming his mind.
As for Qiu Ming, he found a lantern outside.
The Second Prince was surprised and delighted.
In others’ eyes, these gifts might seem frugal, but the Second Prince cherished them.
Yet he was most curious about the birthday gifts from the Emperor and Lin Wanyi.