Proud Feather

Chapter 147 New Year’s Eve
Back at Nanming Palace, Chu Ling found herself covered in a cold sweat.

"Princess!" Zheng Qiu greeted her.

"Qiu Niang," she gave a weak smile, "thankfully you reminded me in time."

Since the case was closed, she hadn't seen Gao Mian for a long time, and had even deliberately avoided him. She never expected that her father would notice her when they just met on the road.

If she hadn't gone to the Funing Palace on her own initiative this time, and had inadvertently revealed the reason, what would her father have thought?
Zheng Qiu breathed a sigh of relief: "It's good that you're alright, it's good that you're alright."

Chu Ling recounted what had happened on the way, and said with a wry smile, "I never imagined that one day I would have to be so wary of my father."

Zheng Qiu was also heartbroken: "If Her Majesty's spirit in heaven could see this scene..."

Mentioning his mother, Chu Ling's tone became somewhat sarcastic. No matter how much his father seemed to miss and cherish his mother, he couldn't deny one fact: he had mistreated the children she left behind, ignored the fact that his elder brother had been murdered, and even protected the murderer.

It's hard to say how much affection is left.

Chu Ling found herself becoming increasingly indifferent. When she first returned, she was filled with filial piety towards her father, hoping to protect him for the rest of her life and rekindle their father-daughter bond. Now, looking at her father, she only felt fear and dread.

"We can't delay any longer. The longer it drags on, the more likely things will go wrong." She turned her head and said, "Qiu Niang, pass a message to Mr. Jiang..."
-
In the tense atmosphere, the end of the year was approaching day by day, and the chaos in the court gradually subsided.

After the 20th of the twelfth lunar month, all government offices were sealed, and the mountain of memorials piled up on the emperor's desk gradually decreased, making him more relaxed.

The palace became increasingly lively, with lanterns and decorations everywhere, and everyone dressed in new clothes, filled with joy.

Finally, Lunar New Year's Eve arrived.

Chu Ling got up early in the morning and watched Zheng Qiu direct the palace servants to do the final cleaning, spraying medicinal wine in the corners of the palace according to the customs of her hometown to drive away insects and prevent disease.

Afterwards, they went to various palaces to pay their respects. The emperor, the virtuous concubine, the wise concubine... and the high-ranking concubines such as the Zhaoyi and Jieyu.

During Chinese New Year, it's natural to receive lucky money. Since she's not married yet, she's still a child.

The concubines were happy to give it to her. His Majesty doted on the princess, and normally they couldn't even curry favor with him, so now that they had the chance, they naturally wanted to cultivate a good relationship.

Chu Ling happily collected all the New Year's money and returned to Nanming Palace. Then, other people came to pay their respects to her.

There are few children in the palace, and none of them are old enough to go out independently, so this is exempt. Other female officials and palace maids who come to pay their respects all receive a blessing.

As evening approached, the crowd finally dispersed, and the family dinner finally began.

Chu Ling arrived early, only to find that there were already quite a few people there.

Consort Wang led the young prince over, smiling as she guided him, "Xiang'er, this is your older sister, go and pay your respects."

The little prince, just over two years old and even younger than Jin'er, groggily followed his mother's instructions and bowed, saying, "Sister..."

Consort Wang was fair-skinned, and the little prince was also adorable. Chu Ling smiled and spoke to him, "Do you recognize your older sister?"

The young prince said, "I recognize her, sister is beautiful."

Chu Ling laughed and handed him a purse: "This is your New Year's money, keep it safe!"

"Thank you sister."

Chu Ling chatted with him for a while longer before letting him go back.

The prince born to Consort Wang is the fifth in line. After Chu He, two more princes were born in the palace, but neither of them survived. The fifth prince is still so young; it's hard to say whether he will even grow up.

Thinking this, Consort Shu arrived.

Since becoming pregnant, Consort Shu has not appeared in public for a long time. The other concubines, fearing trouble, dare not go to Yongchun Palace, and it has been several months since they last saw each other.

Everyone was startled when they saw it.

Consort Shu is very thin, her cheeks are sunken. Today she has applied makeup, so she looks somewhat healthy.

Her four-month pregnancy wasn't very noticeable, but it stood out prominently against her thin, bony frame.

Chu Ling had seen how Consort Shu looked before, but she felt that Consort Shu was in good condition today, and the imperial physicians had put in a lot of effort.

The group cautiously stepped forward to greet them.

Consort Shu smiled, as virtuous and kind as ever: "Sisters, there's no need for such formalities. I'm not able to move around easily these days, so please excuse me!" Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and agreed.

Consort Xian greeted her and sat down, saying, "His Majesty specifically instructed that today, sister, you should prioritize your comfort and refrain from unnecessary formalities. If there is anything inappropriate, please feel free to speak up."

Consort Shu looked at the banquet setup and nodded: "Good, Consort Xian, you've worked hard."

Since the Empress passed away, she has been in charge of the inner palace. She usually organizes these kinds of palace banquets. Today, it can be seen that Consort Xian did a good job as well. After all, she comes from a noble family.

Consort Shu felt a slight pang of sadness, unconsciously touched her belly, and then smiled.

It's okay, she has a child, that's the most important thing.

Before long, Lü Chan arrived.

Chu Ling waved: "Sister-in-law, Jin'er!"

Lu Chan smiled slightly, first paying her respects to Consort Shu and Consort Xian, before bringing the child over.

"Ah Ling, here, this is your New Year's money."

Chu Ling laughed: "Sister-in-law, you haven't forgotten!"

"How could I forget? I don't even know if I'll be able to give it to you next year!" Lü Chan sat down next to her.

Although the crown prince is no longer here, her title remains, she receives the same treatment as before, and her position will not be easily changed.

Chu Ling understood what she meant and said, "Sister-in-law, don't even think about saving this money. You'll definitely have to pay again next year!"

Lü Chan smiled gently.

Actually, she felt the same way. With Ah Ling's temperament, she would definitely not marry anyone she didn't find attractive.

"Auntie, where's mine?" Jin'er asked her.

Chu Ling affectionately pinched his nose: "Your mother gives you one, and you ask for another. You're quite the know-it-all!"

Jin'er giggled and said, "Are you going to give it to me or not?"

"Here you go." Chu Ling took out the small purse she had prepared. "Keep it safe!"

"Thank you, aunt!"

Chu Ling smiled and patted his head, saying, "It's a good thing there aren't many children in the palace, otherwise I would have been at a loss."

Lü Chan said, "There will be more next year."

Consort Shu is about to give birth, and with Pang Yu also...

Chu Ling just smiled and didn't reply.

Thinking of Pang Yu, he arrived quickly.

She was more than five months pregnant, her belly was very obvious, and she looked much fatter, plump and round, a stark contrast to Consort Shu.

"Mother, Consort Xian."

No one dared to make her bow, so they quickly excused her and told her to sit down.

So Pang Yu sat down opposite Lü Chan and joined the conversation: "What are you and A-Ling talking about, sister-in-law? You seem so happy!"

"That means we'll have a few more kids next year," Lü Chan replied with a smile, then asked with concern, "How's your wife doing lately? Is she adjusting well?"

"It's alright." Pang Yu touched her belly, her face full of smiles.

She had been pregnant before, but lost both pregnancies. This time, she's over five months pregnant and doing well, eating and sleeping well, and is very content.

Chu Ling watched this scene, puzzled. She remembered that Pang Yu hadn't survived either, so why was there no sign of it now? Was it like this in her past life too?

(End of this chapter)