Jin Wang Dotes on His Concubine

Chapter 213.2

The next day, after the morning court, Emperor Jin’an summoned Mammy Mu and Doctor Liu to Yangxin Hall.

Naturally, they discussed Yaoniang’s impending childbirth. Actually, Yaoniang’s physical condition was very good. Although Mammy Mu controlled her food intake, it was with frequent small meals that provided nutrition without making the fetus too large. She was also assigned some physical activities daily, such as walks, requiring a certain number of steps.

Doctor Liu also examined her pulse every day, and her pulse was quite strong.

The only issue was that Yaoniang had been under a lot of pressure recently, and her spirits weren’t great. The fact that she often woke up in the middle of the night was a sign of this. Doctor Liu had even tried prescribing some soothing remedies, but due to her pregnancy, he didn’t dare prescribe any strong medications, so they weren’t very effective.

Emperor Jin’an recounted the events of the previous night, and both Mammy Mu and Doctor Liu looked solemn.

“Her Majesty must change her current state, or else before the day of childbirth arrives, she would have already exhausted herself,”

“As for how to change her state? Her Majesty probably has something in her heart, causing her distress and anxiety. An ailment of the heart requires the remedy of the heart,” Doctor Liu advised.

“Why not try bringing Her Majesty’s natal family into the palace to accompany her? Women giving birth are like crossing the gates of the netherworld, especially considering the suffering Her Majesty has endured recently. Having a family member by her side for comfort would be beneficial.”

Emperor Jin’an thought for a moment and said, “Regardless of whether it’s effective or not, let’s give it a try.”

Afterward, he issued an edict to summon Huiniang into the palace. The reason for not summoning Wu-shi was due to her unpredictable nature; her presence might end up causing more trouble.

Emperor Jin’an’s consideration was indeed comprehensive.

Huiniang, who was originally at home, was suddenly summoned to the palace.

She was startled at first, but later, while on the way, Xiao Shunzi, who came to bring her into the palace, briefed her on the general situation, so she understood what was going on.

Upon arriving at the Kunning Palace, Yaoniang, unexpectedly, warmly welcomed her sister and invited her to sit down.

The two sisters exchanged old stories. During their conversation, Huiniang’s gaze couldn’t help but scrutinize Yaoniang, noticing that though her sister had slimmed down, her complexion was still good. It was just that her belly had grown to a somewhat startling size.

Without concealing anything, Huiniang said to Yaoniang, “His Majesty arranged for me to be brought into the palace at this time. He said your spirits have been low lately. Tell me, what exactly is going on? Your pregnancy is going well and you’re surrounded and attended by so many people. Why are your spirits so low?”

Huiniang’s tone was a bit harsh, causing Yaoniang to feel somewhat uneasy and embarrassed. “I haven’t…”

“You haven’t what? Seems like you’re making a fuss because you have been living too well lately,” retorted Huiniang.

Her tone grew even less polite, causing Hong Chou and the other palace maids who stood nearby to cast their eyes toward Huiniang. If it weren’t for the fact that she was the sister of the empress and that the empress had always shown her considerable respect, these palace maids might have already exploded with anger.

“Sister…”

Huiniang glanced at her, saying, “You still have the audacity to call me sister? When you were giving birth to Xiaobao, it was so difficult, yet I didn’t see you as troubled as you are now. Back then, you went through the challenge of giving birth to one child. Now it’s just a matter of giving birth to two. With all the servants attending to you and the imperial physicians’ skills being outstanding, your current situation is over a thousand times better than before. You could give birth to Xiaobao back then, why can’t you now?”

“Sister, I’m not…”

“If you want others to take your place, occupy your room, sleep with your man, and even raise your child, just stay like this. If you keep going like this, no one will sympathize with you. Do you know how many people envy the position you’re in now? Knowing that so many people want to see you fall, yet you’re living like this, what do you want your sister to say to you?”

Yaoniang felt as if she had been struck by lightning.

Indeed, she knew that many were eager to replace her. She knew that if she died, things might take a certain turn. Yet, she couldn’t help but wallow in self-pity, immersed in fear.

The most difficult days were already behind her. What was there left to fear? Whether facing things head-on or avoiding them, they were both paths of facing the same blade. Facing it with a smile was better than facing it with tears, especially since all of these worries were of her own imagination.

Huiniang continued, “Your brother-in-law indulges me in everything, but even then I don’t dare to guarantee that if I were to be gone one day, he wouldn’t remarry. With a stepmother comes a stepfather. Think about it for yourself. Originally, I shouldn’t have said this, but if you can’t stand up for yourself, what others say is pointless.”

“I won’t indulge in fanciful thoughts from now on, sister.”

“That’s for the best. If you crumble on the inside, no one would be able to help you.”