The White Queen was a remarkable woman. The Ming'ai Palace was surrounded by lush green willows, interspersed with many flowers and plants. The White Queen didn't only recognize rare and precious flower varieties; she liked any flower that wasn't famous but was beautiful. The Ming'ai Palace was filled with lush flowers and plants inside and out. Of course, this was in the past. At least there was a road outside the Ming'ai Palace, where the flowers were once abundant and fragrant. But since the White Queen's death, much of the area has been neglected and looks somewhat desolate.
"Open the door!" The guards outside the Ming'ai Hall were so frightened when they saw Emperor Mingxian arrive that they were stunned. If Fu Shun hadn't spoken, they wouldn't have reacted yet. Those guarding here were the least valued in the palace, and their jobs were similar to those in the Cold Palace, which no one cared about. They dared not be negligent and immediately opened the door carefully.
Emperor Mingxian remained silent the entire way. After entering the Mingai Hall, Fu Shun waved his hand, and the guard closed the door again. Emperor Mingxian stood in the courtyard and looked around. He saw that the row of small gardens enclosed by the outer wall, which used to be planted with colorful flowers and plants, were now all withered and yellow. Only the dry soil, which had not been watered for a long time and was cracked and unsightly, remained. The courtyard was very dusty, and the smell of dust was very pungent. There were also dry yellow leaves on the ground that had drifted in from who-knows-where and for who-knows-how-long, which was very desolate.
Emperor Mingxian strode towards the main hall, with Fushun jogging alongside. As they walked in, all they saw was a desolate and chilly atmosphere. When they reached Empress Bai's boudoir, Emperor Mingxian suddenly said, "You are not allowed to follow."
Fu Shun immediately responded, but dared not step forward.
The door creaked open slowly, revealing a layer of dust. Emperor Mingxian didn't care, squinting as he walked in. This boudoir was much cleaner than the outside. The dust had accumulated naturally because the doors and windows hadn't been opened for many years. Emperor Mingxian glanced around.
This room was personally decorated by Empress Bai, every detail a masterpiece. Upon entering, one enters the outer hall, followed by the inner hall. The doors to the adjacent halls are made of exquisitely carved rosewood, with pearl tassels adorning the lower two corners—six on each side—giving an elegant and sophisticated touch. To the left of the inner hall is a soft couch with a small wooden table upon it, upon which rests a bronze mirror and a dressing box. To the other side is the bed, its wide curtains draped low, obscuring the view inside. Emperor Mingxian walked to the bedside and personally pulled up the curtains, revealing a mound on the bed covered by a quilt. A slight smile played on Emperor Mingxian's lips as he lifted the curtains and hung them up by the bedside. He sat down on the edge of the bed, his heart enveloped in a quiet stillness.
After a while, Emperor Mingxian suddenly said, "Yanran, today I saw the child born to the seventh prince, and he looks exactly like him. Do you think this is Heaven trying to punish me by sending another child like this to my side?"
Empress Bai's maiden name was Bai Yanran. Emperor Mingxian suddenly sneered, "Or are you blaming me too? I promised you I would take good care of the Seventh Prince, and I failed to do so. But it pains me. He looks so much like you, so much so that every time I see him, I think of your death, and I think of how it was all a mistake. Whenever the Seventh Prince stands before me, or whenever I think of him, the first thing that comes to mind is his face, so similar to yours. It's as if he's accusing me, mocking me. I simply cannot like the Seventh Prince. However, I promised you I would support the Third Prince's ascension to the throne, and I have never forgotten. Now that the Fifth Prince is dead, only the Seventh and Ninth Princes remain to compete with the Third Prince. The Seventh Prince has been very good to the Third Prince all these years, but the Ninth Prince's ambition is growing bigger and bigger. Before long, he will probably suffer the consequences. I will fulfill your wish, don't worry."
Emperor Mingxian seemed to be talking to himself, but when he turned his head and saw the bronze mirror on the soft couch, his expression changed again. The bronze mirror was placed facing the direction of the bed, so Emperor Mingxian could see him from there, and also the faint bulge behind him. His heart tightened, and his fists clenched: "Everything was going according to plan, so why did the seventh prince have to have a child who looks so much like him and so much like you?"
Emperor Mingxian was talented and wise, yet an extremely complex person. He had a sense of responsibility towards the people and acted with discretion, at least in recent years he hadn't made any major mistakes that plunged the people into misery. In this respect, he was a good emperor. However, he didn't handle matters concerning the royal family very well, and even his own sons were a source of inner conflict for him. He and Empress Bai had only two children, Baili Zhi and Baili Chen. It seemed he favored Baili Chen and disliked Baili Zhi, but those in the know understood that it was the opposite. Of course, one reason was that he had promised Empress Bai that Baili Zhi would become emperor, but there was no need to expose one son to danger for the sake of the other. It was because every time he saw Baili Chen, he felt disgust. Was it because Baili Chen resembled Empress Bai so much, or because Baili Chen ultimately caused Empress Bai's death? He knew better than anyone that Empress Bai's death was caused by the Cold Gu poison. If she hadn't been pregnant with Baili Chen and the Cold Gu had eventually transferred to him, Empress Bai probably wouldn't have even had the chance to give birth to Baili Chen and would have died long ago.
But seeing Baili Chen still filled him with disgust. He hated that his negligence had led to the death of Empress Bai. In fact, he knew better than anyone that he was to blame for the death of Empress Bai, but Emperor Mingxian could not accept it. Looking at Baili Chen was as if he saw Empress Bai showing her dissatisfaction and condemnation towards him. He could not accept that it was as if Empress Bai was blaming him, nor could he accept that the death of Empress Bai was his responsibility.
To put it bluntly, Emperor Mingxian also had his own weaknesses. He was too weak to accept the truth, too weak to accept that the woman he loved most in his life was actually the reason he had caused her death. Therefore, he loathed the White Empress, who seemed to be constantly blaming and complaining about him. Baili Zhi wasn't particularly outstanding among the princes, but fortunately, he didn't resemble the White Empress much. Emperor Mingxian felt no pressure around Baili Zhi. Similarly, the less pressure he felt on Baili Zhi, the more pressure he felt on Baili Chen. He couldn't find that balance; that desire for liberation made him instinctively grow increasingly disgusted with Baili Chen. He even thought that if Baili Chen really died one day, perhaps he could finally find relief.
But seeing Baili Su today, Emperor Mingxian suddenly felt that it was impossible.
In truth, this was Yanran's way of blaming him. Not only had he failed to meet her demands, but he had also repeatedly harmed her son. Yanran resented him. Baili Chen was dead, but he still had Baili Su. If Baili Su died in the future, would there be a child who looked just like them? Emperor Mingxian's mind was in turmoil. Scenes from the past suddenly flashed before his eyes: from childhood, he and Yanran were inseparable, they pledged their lives to each other, they married, their first child was born, then came Baili Chen, and they endured countless hardships along the way, but ultimately they did not end up together.
"emperor……"
Emperor Mingxian's heart skipped a beat. He suddenly looked up and saw a woman of unparalleled beauty standing before him, dressed in white with breathtaking elegance. It was none other than Bai Yanran, the woman he had always longed for. Yet, tears streamed down her exquisite face as she cried out, "Why... why did you hurt Chen'er... why..."
Emperor Mingxian's heart clenched painfully: "I...I..."
"Your Majesty, you promised me, you promised me!"
Emperor Mingxian said anxiously, "I have no choice, Yanran, don't cry..." He rushed over, but as soon as he reached out, his hand passed right through the person. There was nothing in the air; it was just his hallucination.
"No, I...I have my own difficulties!" Emperor Mingxian stood there stunned, then suddenly roared. The room fell into a chilling silence. His face was filled with complex emotions: "Am I really wrong...?"
Inside the Prince Chen's residence, Baili Chen and Ouyang Yue were busy preparing for the full moon celebration two days later. They had already assigned tasks such as preparing the basic dishes and receiving guests to others. However, with time running out, the two of them had to check again to make sure there were no mistakes or omissions. The Prince Chen's residence was in a state of great commotion.
Fortunately, the Cheng family, the Liu family, and Princess Shuangxia sent their personal maid, Granny Shan, to help with the arrangements, so things were organized despite the busyness. Ouyang Yue, holding Baili Su, watched as Li Rushuang reached out and teased Baili Su, and laughed: "It seems I have to thank Su'er. If he weren't so charming, how could you have come to help with these arrangements? It's all because of him."
Li Rushuang laughed and scolded, "What, you're getting jealous of your own child? You're getting more and more senile."
"What can I do? Su'er is so cute, he's stolen your heart. My status has been greatly reduced. I have to be jealous of my son too."
Cheng couldn't help but laugh: "You're the one who got the benefit and you're still acting innocent. Look at the way you're smirking, you're probably secretly very pleased with yourself."
Ouyang Yue smiled and gently pinched Baili Su's nose. To maintain his cute appearance, Baili Su resisted the urge to roll his eyes at Ouyang Yue, but he pouted, clearly looking down on Ouyang Yue's stinginess. Ouyang Yue then gave him a loving kiss.
Baili Su shouted in his heart, "Your saliva, isn't it disgusting!"
His little face was a bit sulky, but his mind was elsewhere. He'd gotten to know most of the royal relatives during their visit to the palace, and a few of them seemed to harbor deep resentment towards his mother. For the past two days, Baili Su had been insisting on staying close to Ouyang Yue, and he'd been listening to the arrangements for the full-month celebration. Although he was young and prone to drowsiness, he roughly understood that those old witches were also coming for the celebration. And when they took turns looking at him during their visit to the palace, they clearly looked like they wanted him dead—a memory Baili Su vividly recalled. His mother had said that to ensure his invincibility, he had to prevent anything that could harm or kill him.
They'll probably come to cause trouble at his full moon celebration. He's just a baby now, his physical condition is limited, he can't speak, and his small body can't do anything to people. Can he get by with just his cleverness? Baili Su's eyes darted around, and suddenly his eyes lit up.
Got it!
He's already looking forward to the full moon celebration! Haha! Bring it on, you bunch of old witches!
☆、251, so awesome!
The full moon ceremony was held a month after the newborn's birth. In the Great Zhou Dynasty, the main purpose of the full moon ceremony was to let the newborn appear in front of everyone. Firstly, it was to celebrate the offspring who could carry on the family line; secondly, it was to let everyone get to know the child; and thirdly, it was naturally a beautiful blessing.
Unlike boys, the full-moon ceremony in the Great Zhou Dynasty was largely optional for daughters. Of course, some families with high hopes for their legitimate daughters might use it as an excuse to hold a banquet, pre-selecting potential husbands for their daughters, but generally speaking, the full-moon ceremony for daughters was not a formal event. Daughters from humble families, and even concubines from wealthy families, shouldn't even dream of it. Even among Emperor Mingxian's many princesses, only one married princess actually had a full-moon ceremony; even Baili Jing was never given one.
Since the daughter's family couldn't hold a celebration, this full-moon celebration became even more important for the boy.
However, the full moon celebration is not as important as the first birthday celebration, and it is not considered particularly important.
However, for someone of Baili Chen's status, even though Emperor Mingxian, Empress Dowager, and the Empress did not attend his eldest son's full-month celebration, and only sent some gifts, every prominent family in the capital dared to come. The current situation was extremely unstable, and no one dared to offend Baili Chen by not visiting him at such a time.
Leaving aside these prominent figures, even the three princes—the Third Prince Baili Zhi, the Fourth Prince Baili Chang, and the Ninth Prince Baili Mao—all brought their families. Although Emperor Mingxian's younger brother, Prince De, did not come in person, he sent his heir, Baili Gan, with generous gifts to accompany Baili Nan. Other members of the royal family, even if their heads of household were not present, would have someone in charge of the household attend, each bringing generous gifts. This demonstrates the importance that Prince Chen's family placed on this full-moon celebration.
When Baili Nan and Baili Gan arrived, they were welcomed in by the steward at the gate. Their carriage stopped in the outer courtyard, and they were then taken to the hall where guests were received. Along the way, they overheard quite a bit of gossip.
"Tsk, this Princess Consort Chen really has a lot of influence. She just sits in the hall without even greeting the guests. Being a princess consort is different; she doesn't care about anyone."
"That's right. Look at those two managers they gave orders to. One of them is just a little girl. What does she know?"
"Heh, how old is Princess Chen? Do you think she can be as experienced as you? She really thinks she's a phoenix just because she's climbed up a branch."
"Tsk tsk tsk." Several elderly ladies walked around and talked, their faces revealing their jealousy and acrimony.
Baili Gan couldn't help but sneer: "A bunch of short-sighted women, they're really not presentable. Whose families are they?"
There were four people following Baili Gan and Baili Nan, two men and two women. They were all shrewd and capable, but they were all from the Prince of De’s mansion. A man who looked to be over thirty years old stepped forward and said, “Look, it’s the eldest branch of the Ning family, Shang Shi. Those who are echoing her must be on good terms with her.”
Baili Gan sneered: "To dare to speak so blatantly and maliciously about Princess Chen, you really don't know what's good for you."
Baili Nan's eyes darkened slightly: "As a princess consort, how can these people compare to her? They're truly ignorant. However, there are rumors circulating recently that the Ning family is getting quite close to the Great Princess." Who is Ouyang Yue? A princess consort and a prince's consort. What is the status of Shang Shi, the eldest daughter of the Ning family? A third-rank official. They seem similar, but in reality, they are worlds apart. Let alone the fact that they came to the banquet, it wouldn't be enough for Ouyang Yue to personally greet them. Even if Ouyang Yue wanted to, it would be impossible. When they enter the mansion, they should be the first to bow to Ouyang Yue. Now they're making up this nonsense out of thin air, clearly just deliberately picking a fight.
Baili Gan glanced at them indifferently and said, "In this Prince Chen's mansion, I'm not afraid of what they say, I'm afraid of what they don't say." Baili Gan raised his chin and saw a maid who looked about fifteen or sixteen years old leading a group of people, including the Shang family. The maid was dressed in the maid's uniform of Prince Chen's mansion. The light green clothes made her look pretty. She had bright eyes and was obviously a clever person. However, the maid turned around and glanced at the people behind her with a disdainful sneer on her face.
Baili Nan couldn't help but chuckle softly, "Sigh, I heard that the Chen Prince's Mansion didn't have a good relationship with this so-called maternal grandparents' family when they were in the General's Mansion. Later, when they learned that they had no blood relation with the Ning family, the relationship worsened. The Ning family wasn't very good to the Chen Prince's Mansion. I never expected that the little maid I used to look down on would be in this position today. It's normal to feel uncomfortable. But their attitude... they look down on even a lowly maid, yet they still act so arrogant." Baili Nan had mixed feelings about Ouyang Yue. If you said she was jealous of Ouyang Yue, she had even caused trouble for Ouyang Yue because of it, which stemmed from her feelings. But if you put those things aside, Baili Nan even had some respect for Ouyang Yue. Just like what she said, Ouyang Yue's journey seemed glamorous, but she knew it had been very arduous. Others couldn't possibly be jealous of her. Without her own efforts and abilities, no one could have gotten this far.
However, even if their reluctance to befriend Ouyang Yue stems from jealousy, Ouyang Yue is not someone these few people can criticize.
Today, the Prince Chen's residence is receiving guests through its largest hall. The main hall is already quite full, with two side rooms on either side of the hall. Each side room is decorated with two four-panel screens, symbolizing good fortune and wealth, allowing men and women from different households to separate while still being able to meet others together. Five or six maids stand on either side of the hall, ready to serve tea and water at any time. Two rows of maids stand outside the hall, awaiting orders and greeting guests as they tour the Prince Chen's residence. Today, all the servants of the Prince Chen's residence are dressed in green maidservants, the older nannies in brown short jackets, and men and women alike in black and blue long robes embroidered with patterns. This distinguishes them from the servants brought by the guests. Seeing the clever and quick-witted appearance of everyone, from the oldest to the youngest, men to women, the purely sarcastic remarks made by Madam Shang during her visit are completely unfounded.
As Baili Gan and Baili Nan approached, everyone in the room greeted them with respect. The two nodded calmly and reservedly and sat down.
At this moment, Baili Chen was the one receiving them in the room. He smiled when he saw them and said, "You've come. Please have a seat. How has your uncle been doing lately?"
Baili chuckled dryly and joked, "It's great, but when it comes to being happy, I'm afraid no one can compare to you right now. You usually have such a deadpan face, but your eyes are always smiling. Can you stop being so smug? It's giving me a toothache."
Baili Chen raised an eyebrow: "Are you envious of my beautiful wife or my adorable son? You should tell your royal uncle to find you a suitable match as soon as possible."
Upon hearing this, Baili Gan quickly waved his hand, "No, no, I was just saying."
Baili Nan smiled and said, "My cousin is beaming with joy, no one can compare. I'd like to visit my little nephew, I wonder if it's convenient for you?"
Baili Chen smiled and said, "It's in the back. I'll have someone take you there."
"Alright." Immediately, a maid led Baili Nan over. Some people in the hall couldn't help but feel envious and jealous. Before they saw her, her status was obviously different. She was Princess De, and they really couldn't compare.
When Baili Nan arrived at the back hall, Li Rushuang and Qi Qi were chatting with Ouyang Yue in the room. Upon seeing Baili Nan, they immediately bowed. Baili Nan waved his hand and said, "No need for so much formality. I've come to see my little nephew."
Upon seeing this, Ouyang Yue's eyes curved into a smile: "Come quickly, Su'er just woke up."
Baili Nan hurried over and saw Baili Su wrapped in a fine red brocade quilt. His eyes were wide open, his large, round eyes, like bright pearls, taking up about a quarter of his face. His small red lips were slightly pursed, and his eyebrows were slightly furrowed, showing a slightly displeased little adult look. Coupled with his delicate and lovely appearance, he was incredibly cute. Baili Nan had never had children and didn't particularly like them, but seeing Baili Su, she couldn't help but like him from the bottom of her heart. She immediately blushed and said, "Sister-in-law, I... I want to hug my little nephew."
Ouyang Yue smiled and handed Baili Su over. Baili Nan immediately and carefully hugged her, her heart melting at the sight of Baili Su. Ouyang Yue looked at her and felt somewhat relieved. Previously, due to her conflict with Baili Nan, she had declared that he was never allowed to set foot in the Chen Prince's residence again. Later, she and Baili Nan had a serious talk in the palace, and their conflict was considered resolved, but not entirely erased. However, today was Baili Su's full-moon celebration, and the Chen Prince's residence wouldn't dare to drive him away on such a day, as that would seem petty and lacking in tact. Baili Nan probably came because of this. Seeing her like this now, Ouyang Yue's prejudice against her lessened, and she said, "Since you like her so much, have you thought about giving birth to her yourself?"
Baili Nan blushed. She was an unmarried girl, and it was a bit impolite to say such a thing. But after blushing for a moment, she fell silent again: "Actually, I came here this time to see Young Master Leng. I am not young anymore. My mother has already given orders to find me several families to choose from. I will not have to wait any longer."
Ouyang Yue paused for a moment and said, "There are too many people around now, it might not be convenient. I'll find a time for you to meet your cousin after the banquet." This meeting was Baili Nan's last effort, or perhaps the last time Baili Nan and Leng Caiwen would meet privately.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Baili Nan smiled, but there was some worry in his eyes.
"Your Highness, the Prince says the banquet is about to begin, and it's time to let the young master go out and meet everyone." At this moment, a maid came to report. Ouyang Yue saw that Baili Su was still awake, so she nodded, and the group went to the main hall.
As they walked, Ouyang Yue stared thoughtfully at Baili Suxing's excited appearance. When they reached the main hall, Ouyang Yue lowered her head and whispered, "What kind of mischief are you up to now, you little rascal? Don't go too far."
Baili Su's eyes darted around, his gaze innocent and kind, as if to say, "What are you saying? I don't understand."
Ouyang Yue smiled; today's full moon celebration was likely to be quite lively.
Upon arriving at the hall, there was another round of greetings and salutations. Ouyang Yue was already seated in the main seat, holding Baili Su in her arms. The two rows of seats in the hall were occupied by the Lin Prince's Mansion, the Zhi Prince's Mansion, and the Sheng Prince's Mansion. Below them were the various families seated according to their rank. Regardless of their personal relationship with the Chen Prince's Mansion, none of the five great families would be absent at this time.
Seeing that everyone had arrived, Baili Chen said, "I thank you all for coming to attend the full moon celebration of my eldest son. The main purpose today is to broaden the horizons of the young prince, so please don't be shy."
Naturally, there was another chorus of agreement from the audience.
Sun Meng'er sat behind the screen. Although the screen had patterns, they were only partially visible. As the concubine of the Sun family, she was considered to be of high status among the female guests present today. She was seated relatively close to the front, and Ouyang Yue's position could be seen from either the side or from the side. Ouyang Yue was wearing a gilded phoenix-patterned robe. Despite having given birth, she showed no signs of obesity and had regained her youthful figure. A silver-threaded belt with a gemstone buckle was tied around her waist, making her waist appear slender and delicate. She did not look like she had just given birth. As the eldest daughter of the Sun family, Sun Meng'er naturally learned some postpartum weight loss methods from her mother. However, even if a woman loses weight after childbirth, it is extremely difficult to regain her youthful appearance. Although the eldest wife of the Sun family is well-maintained, having given birth to three sons and one daughter, she cannot compare to a seventeen or eighteen-year-old girl. Her only advantage is her mature charm. Sun Meng'er knew from her mother that unless one is born with exceptional beauty, it is difficult to regain one's youthful appearance no matter how much weight one loses after childbirth. However, looking at Ouyang Yue now, she felt a little jealous.
Not only did Ouyang Yue have doubts before her, but she also gave birth before her, and she didn't show any signs of postpartum weight gain. It's only been a month, how did she lose weight? Moreover, Ouyang Yue's beauty was not diminished after giving birth; in fact, she seemed even more beautiful. Her temperament seemed to have undergone a transformation. Compared to the sharpness of her teenage years, she now often wore a faint, tranquil smile, appearing gentle and elegant. This made her beauty less sharp and more gentle, making her more likable and acceptable.
Sun Meng'er keenly noticed that ever since Ouyang Yue entered the hall, the men there had been constantly staring at her. Even when Baili Zhi and Baili Chen were talking, their eyes couldn't help but glance at Ouyang Yue a few times, demonstrating her current allure. Sun Meng'er gripped her handkerchief tightly, her heart filled with resentment. This shameless slut, already old and past her prime, still tried to seduce men here; she was truly a despicable creature.
Sun Meng'er felt resentful, but a cold smile flashed across her face as she said, "Oh, I didn't have much time to look at this little nephew when we were in the palace. Perhaps Princess Chen could bring him here for me to see?"
Baili Chen and Ouyang Yue, seated at the head of the table, paused, a hint of wariness in their eyes. Baili Su, who had been bored and almost asleep in their arms, suddenly widened his eyes and started making 'ee-ee-ee' noises. Sun Meng'er's smile deepened: "Listen, my little nephew seems to really like this concubine."
Ouyang Yue smiled: "Dongxue, take her to see Consort Sun."
"Bring it over here, I want to see it too."
"I heard that the Crown Prince of Chen was born with a beautiful and lovely appearance, unlike other children."
"Really? I want to see too."
Upon hearing this, the women in the inner quarters behind the two screens stirred with excitement. Those on the right came out and squeezed to the left, intending to get a glimpse of the newcomer. Although Ouyang Yue had previously brought Baili Su out to meet people, it was only within the palace. Others were not qualified to see him, except for today. But the Crown Prince of Chen was a precious treasure, not someone to be seen casually. They hadn't originally intended to do so.
Dongxue carried Baili Su, followed immediately by two cold-looking maids. Upon hearing Sun Meng'er's words, Baili Zhi's expression darkened. He glanced at Ouyang Yue, who seemed completely unconcerned with a smile, while Baili Chen nervously stared at the screen, his heart tightening. Sun Meng'er was too self-important. Baili Zhi had already warned her before they arrived, but she still caused trouble. Baili Zhi thought for a moment, then gestured with his fingers. If his nephew were truly injured by Sun Meng'er, they might as well forget about being brothers.
At this moment, Princess Lin Bai Ying, Princess Sheng Leng Caidie, and Ning Xishan all came over. They hadn't paid much attention to Baili Su in the palace before, only remembering that the child was beautiful. Now they couldn't help but be even more curious.
"Oh, Prince Chen is quite handsome. He must be a real heartthrob this time."
"That's right, she was so cute and delicate when she was little, she'll be even more amazing when she grows up."
"What a rare find, what a beautiful child."
As soon as a group of people saw Dongxue bringing Baili Su over, they exclaimed in surprise. There were many respectful ones, but it was indeed true that the child was exquisitely cute, like a porcelain doll. At just over a month old, his features had already developed, and he looked even better than when he was born. Of course, there were also some who felt a pang of envy.
Sun Meng'er was one of them. Why didn't Ouyang Yue give birth to the ugliest child in the world? When she was in the Prince Zhi's mansion, because those vile women were vying for the throne, they outwardly showed her some respect, but secretly they had already begun to disobey her discipline. However, those people were good at putting on an act. In front of Baili Zhi, they always acted gentle and obedient. After she disciplined them a few times, Baili Zhi felt that she was too strict and began to deliberately keep her at arm's length. Even if Sun Meng'er wanted to surpass Ouyang Yue and get pregnant, she had no chance.
Then look at Ouyang Yue. She doesn't have a single maid in the Prince Chen's mansion, yet she's pregnant and has given birth to a handsome son. Every single one of these things makes Sun Meng'er insanely jealous. Why is it that her background is no worse than Ouyang Yue's? Ouyang Yue was born in the General's mansion, while Ning Shi is from a small family and is far inferior to her. But fate is just so cruel. How hateful!
Bai Ying looked at Baili Su, her heart almost melting: "I... this princess wants a hug."
Seeing this, Dongxue smiled and nodded, handing Baili Su to Bai Ying. As soon as Bai Ying took it, Baili Su suddenly smiled, which instantly charmed Bai Ying: "Oh, he smiled at me, so cute..." She turned her head and said, "Quickly get the white jade fan for Su'er."
The maidservant immediately withdrew and soon returned with a small brocade box. The box was not large, and upon opening it, she found a long, palm-sized object inside. The maidservant picked it up and slowly opened it, revealing a fan made of mutton-fat white jade. The surface of the fan was engraved with a picture of a boy playing with a fish. Moreover, the fan was very small; even a woman would find it too small to hold. It was clearly prepared for a child, showing Bai Ying's thoughtfulness.
Actually, this fan was part of Bai Ying's dowry. It was a gift from Empress Bai to the Bai family, given because the design of a boy playing with a fish symbolizes good fortune and many children. So, it was included in Bai Ying's dowry and taken along. Bai Ying came today with two items, deciding which to choose as a wedding gift depending on the circumstances. Bai Ying also comes from the Bai family and has kinship ties with both the Prince Zhi's and Prince Chen's mansions. In addition, Baili Chang is in poor health and cannot compete for the throne. Bai Ying doesn't have any conflicts with others, but Baili Chang is indeed in poor health. Bai Ying doesn't wish for his death, but she still needs to plan for herself. In the current situation, it wouldn't hurt to be on good terms with Prince Chen's mansion.
The gifts she had prepared beforehand were quite valuable, but they lacked the thoughtfulness of this white jade fan she had brought on a whim.
Ouyang Yue listened on the other end, and her smile widened.