Spring turned to autumn, grass grew and orioles flew, and in the blink of an eye, it was the second year of Zhengde.
The year after Feng Jinyao and Xiao Tingyi's grand wedding, Emperor Qi abdicated.
The only reason he lasted so long was because the Empress had ordered the Imperial Hospital to keep him alive with the most expensive medicine. It was strange, as everyone thought Emperor Qi wouldn't last long, but the chronically ill often had the longest lives.
After the national mourning, the Crown Prince ascended the throne as expected, honoring the Empress of Changle Palace as the Empress Dowager and moving to Yining Palace.
The Crown Princess was honored as Empress and resided in Changle Palace.
The various secondary consorts and imperial concubines in the harem also moved into their new palaces according to their ranks. The only one causing displeasure was Consort Yu of Chengqian Hall, Wen Yuwei, who had given birth to the new Emperor's second son.
She was currently the most favored in the palace.
If not for considerations for the Empress Dowager and Empress, her rank would have been Noble Consort or even Imperial Noble Consort upon entering the palace.
In terms of beauty, she was not as beautiful as Consort Li in the harem, nor as talented as Noble Lady Rou, but no one knew what methods she employed. Out of a month's opportunities for imperial visits, the new Emperor spent most of his time in her palace.
He also doted on the second prince, who was over a year old, bestowing upon him the name Yongke, after his own former imperial title.
In contrast, the third prince, born later to the Empress, was frail and sickly. He was bestowed the name Yongfu, in hopes that he would have a long and blessed life.
The scheming and deception within the palace had just begun.
The weather in July was at its hottest.
Ever since the continuous heavy rains that year, the entire Great Jin seemed to have dried up. It entered a period of little rain and much heat.
In the Min family's residence at this moment, Feng Jinyao was secretly eating chilled watermelon.
In the Tingfeng Pavilion on Lian Lake, a chaise lounge was placed. The windows on all sides were open, and a large basin of ice was placed in the pavilion to cool the air. Even so, Feng Jinyao was sweating from the heat.
Turning over, her belly was round and bulging, clearly showing signs of pregnancy.
"Princess Consort, you should eat less. If the Prince Consort finds out, he'll be angry again!"
"What are you afraid of? The Prince Consort won't be back at this time. My maternal grandfather has been obsessed with military chess recently and won't let him go until they've played for at least two hours every day."
After saying that, she placed the white jade fork on the plate and turned to ask,
"The iced milk pudding Jiu Huan made last time was good. Go and ask if there's any more and bring me a bowl."
"Princess Consort!"
Yun Xu was so anxious she was hopping. Ever since she became pregnant, her temper had become more stubborn. The more she was told not to eat something, the more she insisted on doing it.
Everyone said it must be the little prince or princess in her belly with a strong will, otherwise how could such a good-tempered person like Feng Jinyao change so much.
Feng Jinyao suddenly cried out in pain, as the child in her belly was protesting.
It kicked her fiercely, causing her to cry out in pain.
Yun Xu was somewhat used to it. This pregnancy of the Princess Consort was quite remarkable.
Ever since the Prince Consort and Princess Consort got married, Divine Doctor Zhang had been treating the Princess Consort's health. For the first two years, there was no sign of pregnancy, let alone them, even Feng Jinyao herself was a little anxious.
It wasn't until half a year ago, when the pulse diagnosis revealed she was one month pregnant, that the people of the Feng and Bai families were finally relieved.
Thanks to Divine Doctor Zhang's previous conditioning, her originally somewhat cold and weak body was now very warm and gentle. Therefore, during her pregnancy, there were no complications. She ate well and slept well, except for her ever-growing belly, and even the swelling and fatigue that pregnant women usually experienced were absent.
She was so energetic that she could go hunting.
Perhaps due to the mother's robust health, the baby's movements were also very strong.
Especially as the months progressed, her belly was frequently kicked.
Twice, Xiao Tingyi had just placed his face on Feng Jinyao's belly when the child inside kicked him away. He was so angry that he cursed, saying it must be a brat who was against him.
Heaven knew how much he wished Feng Jinyao would give birth to a soft and sweet daughter, whom he would spoil to the heavens.
However, Divine Doctor Zhang had also said that the pulse was steady, and it was highly likely to be a little prince.
Xiao Tingyi was currently thinking that once this brat came out, he would definitely give him a good lesson for being so arrogant in her belly! m..oΓg
After a while, the fetal movement finally stopped.
Feng Jinyao's forehead was already sweaty, and now she looked like she had been fished out of a bucket.
"Princess Consort, go back to the room and change your clothes. This servant will get a handkerchief to wipe your face."
"Yes, let's go."
As she spoke, she was about to stand up, which startled Yun Xu and made her rush to help.
Her pregnancy was advanced, and any mishap would be dire.
"I'll do it."
"Prince Consort? Why are you here?"
Before Feng Jinyao could finish speaking, she saw Xiao Tingyi scoop her up in his arms.
He walked steadily, and she leaned against his chest, a faint smile on her lips.
Back in the main room, Feng Jinyao went to change.
Yun Xu, afraid of being scolded, naturally served her closely.
The few young maids standing outside were trembling, likely expecting to be reprimanded again.
"How much did the Princess Consort eat?"
"Replying to the Prince Consort, it was only a small piece. We servants have asked Divine Doctor Zhang, and if she doesn't eat much, it's not a problem."
The blame was shifted to Divine Doctor Zhang, as the Prince Consort always trusted Divine Doctor Zhang's words more.
Xiao Tingyi frowned. He knew pregnant women were afraid of heat, but it was rare for Feng Jinyao to be so extremely sensitive to it.
He worried there might be a problem, and it would be troublesome. He should have Divine Doctor Zhang come for another examination.
Ever since the new Emperor ascended the throne, Xiao Tingyi had used the excuse of recuperating to move out of the Eastern Capital and reside in the Min family's residence in Jinling City.
He originally had his own separate residence in Jinling City, but Old Master Min disagreed, insisting that they live together.
Reluctantly, the couple had no choice but to move into the Min family's home.
Old Master Min was also very generous, buying the two adjacent courtyards and merging them into one.
They had their own separate living quarters, yet were within the Min family's compound.
Divine Doctor Zhang and his wife also moved with Prince Ding. For the convenience of taking care of Feng Jinyao, they were now living in this courtyard as well.
Aunt Zhang was also full of energy these days, constantly busy either in the kitchen or researching medicinal diets.
It was unclear how they found the chilled watermelon, but it was delivered to Feng Jinyao.
"Go and invite Uncle Shou."
"Yes."
When Feng Jinyao came out after changing her clothes, she found Divine Doctor Zhang already talking to Xiao Tingyi in the courtyard.
Seeing Divine Doctor Zhang, she thought, "It's over, Xiao Tingyi will nag me again."
But she still had to see him. She then said to Yun Xu,
"Please invite the Prince Consort and Uncle Shou in."
Seeing the Princess Consort's worried expression, Yun Xu felt that in this world, only the words of the Prince Consort and Divine Doctor Zhang were somewhat listened to by the Princess Consort.
After speaking, she saw them lift the curtain and enter.