sbdcsierra Chapter 1388 The 5th Prince’s First Birthday Ceremony
Chapter 1388 The 5th Prince’s First Birthday Ceremony
Concubine Kang was really willing to spend a huge amount of money, even gamble with her greatest reliance. It seemed that she was really forced into a desperate situation and was determined to get her out.
Just as Baharguli had sorted out her thoughts, Xiao Leizi quietly brought the latest developments in Chuxiu Palace and repeated Kang Fei's plan of taking advantage of the Fifth Prince's illness to "bring good luck".
"…Empress Kangfei has sent a message to me, requesting your cooperation."
Baharguli sneered upon hearing this, a shrewd glint in her eyes: "Cooperation? She's really thought it through. Tell the people in Chuxiu Palace that I know."
"Yes."
Baharguli pondered for a moment, and the calculating light in her eyes became brighter.
Although Concubine Kang's approach was a solution, it might not succeed. She couldn't place all her hopes on this woman who was already in a state of panic because she had a handle on her.
"Little Leizi."
Baharguli ordered, "Go contact Zhuying, the maid in the laundry department."
Little Leizi was stunned: "Bamboo Shadow?"
He had never heard of that name.
"Ah."
Baharguli didn't want to explain further. "You just need to tell Zhuying exactly what Concubine Kang is planning. She will naturally know what to do."
Zhuying will try to pass the news out of the palace and into the hands of those who should know.
Baharguli was afraid that if she relied solely on the useless Concubine Kang, she would end up making things worse. She needed someone to help her behind the scenes to ensure that this matter could be accomplished.
When His Royal Highness the Prince of Jin finds out, he will not stand idly by.
Baharguli's mind is as clear as a mirror.
The prince had invested a lot of resources in her because he saw her value in stirring up the harem and restraining the emperor's heart.
Since she was banished to the cold palace, her value has been greatly reduced. It is only natural that the prince ignores her.
But now, Baharguli will soon have the chance to see the light of day again and stir up trouble again.
As long as the prince sees this hope, that she is still a useful chess piece, he will never give up on her. He will definitely help her secretly and ensure that she can successfully leave the cold palace.
Although Little Leizi didn't know who Zhuying was, seeing Baharguli's confidence, he thought it was a hidden backup plan she had reserved for others, and quickly bowed and agreed, "Yes, I understand. I'll do it right away."
……
On May 13th, Chuxiu Palace lost its usual silence. The palace gates were wide open and decorated with lights and colorful lanterns everywhere.
The palace had already been swept clean and filled with elegant imperial incense.
A bright yellow royal carpet was laid on the smooth golden brick floor, extending all the way to the center of the main hall.
There was a long table covered with bright red satin, and behind the table was a noble dragon and phoenix throne, specially prepared for His Majesty and the Imperial Concubine.
Several rows of seats were set up on both sides for the royal family and high-ranking concubines who came to watch the ceremony to sit.
On the wall behind the long desk hangs a carefully framed painting of "Qilin Delivering a Child", which symbolizes good luck.
On the table are displayed small gilded incense burners, jade ruyi and other objects that symbolize the majesty and blessings of the royal family, which is solemn yet festive.
In a specially designated area, neatly arranged were the items for the "Zhuazhou" celebration, jointly drafted by the Imperial Household Department and the Ministry of Rites. These items ranged from books and seals to small bows and arrows and abacus.
Each one has a clear meaning, highlighting the prince's noble and extraordinary status.
The main person in charge today is the fifth prince’s adoptive mother, Concubine Kang.
The emperor is the supreme celebrant.
As soon as the sky brightened, the concubines and royal nobles who were invited arrived one after another.
Surrounded by pearls and jade, with elegant clothes and graceful hair, everyone's eyes turned to the protagonist of today while they exchanged greetings in low voices.
The fifth prince was held in Chu'er's arms.
Because he was born prematurely, he looked smaller than the average one-year-old baby. Wrapped in a specially made prince's formal attire, he looked even more lonely.
But there was a hint of redness on her little face, and her black eyes looked around curiously. It was obvious that Concubine Kang really took good care of her and put in a lot of effort.
Princess Wenshu is wearing a royal blue palace dress today, which makes her look more energetic.
She walked up to Chu'er first, bent down and looked at the fifth prince wrapped in brocade with a smile.
"Sui'an, let Fifth Aunt take a look."
Princess Wenshu said this as she took out an exquisite cloth rattle decorated with colorful feathers and bells from her sleeve and gently shook it in front of the Fifth Prince, making a pleasant "ding-ling" sound.
"Look at this."
"Xiao Sui'an, do you like this?"
The fifth prince was attracted by the shaking colors and sounds. His big black eyes moved along with the ringing bells, and his little mouth opened slightly, making a slight "ya" sound.
A small hand broke out from the swaddling clothes and unconsciously grabbed in the direction of the bell.
Princess Wenshu saw this and smiled even more sincerely. She moved the bell closer, almost touching the Fifth Prince's finger: "Hey, you're really smart. You knew to catch it."
"Sui'an will definitely be a good boy with sharp eyes and sharp ears in the future!"
She was so amused that she stretched out her index finger and lightly tapped the fifth prince's tender cheek.
The touch was soft, and the expression on Princess Wenshu's face unconsciously softened.
Princess Yun'an, standing nearby, was wearing a rich crimson-purple palace gown, the hem of which was intricately embroidered with peony branches. Her chin was slightly raised, with the inherent pride of a royal princess.
She didn't get as close as Wenshu did, but stood a step away. Her eyes fell on the Fifth Prince and she said gently, "Fifth Prince, you look a little smaller than an ordinary child."
"But his complexion is quite rosy, not as sickly as I imagined."
One of the imperial family women nearby said with a smile, "The premature baby is so energetic, Concubine Kang must have taken a lot of care."
Princess Yun'an hummed a noncommittal "hmm," her gaze still fixed on the Fifth Prince's face. "You can vaguely see some of my brother's features in his features."
"Take good care of it. It doesn't matter if it's a little frail. It's a blessing if it grows up safely."
Princess Wenshu played with the Fifth Prince for a while before she smiled and put the bell into Chu'er's hands: "Keep it for Sui'an to play with on weekdays."
Chu Er quickly said, "Thank you, Princess Wenshu."
Looking at the Fifth Prince surrounded by the crowd, Chu'er's eyes were red with excitement and tears welled up in them.
She carefully straightened the Fifth Prince's clothes, silently saying in her heart: "Empress Hao, did you see this? The Fifth Prince is one year old today. Everything is fine. Your spirit in heaven will rest in peace."
Concubine Kang was wearing the auspicious dress of a consort and stood not far away, with a decent and gentle smile on her face, welcoming guests from all sides.
But beneath the smile, there was a hint of tension and hidden worry that no one could detect...
Prince Jin sat upright in the clan member's seat, holding a wine cup, his eyes seemingly looking at Concubine Kang unintentionally, and then fell on the thin but unusually dressed Fifth Prince in Chu'er's arms.
There was a subtle curve at the corner of his soft lips, but the smile did not reach his eyes. Instead, there was a hint of amusement and anticipation.