The Job Of An Imperial Concubine

105

Mistress Zhuang wiped away the tears in the corners of her eyes. "Many thanks to Her Highness for the concern. May Gongong pass on our regards. As long as Her Highness is well, we will be perfectly satisfied."

Fu Bao noticed that Mistress Zhuang's eyes were red, consoling her a bit. The eunuch who had announced the imperial decree sat at the side; he was Gao Dezhong's apprentice. Throughout the whole duration here, he was all smiles, not at all arrogant. And he stood and said, "Word has it that there is a pretty and excellent plum blossom tree in Sir Zhuang's garden. Is it possible to have some people lead this slave there for a look?" This was to give these people a chance to speak privately.

Sir Zhuang rushed to tell his eldest son to personally accompany that court eunuch to the garden. Then he stuffed another large pouch of money into that court eunuch's hands.

The people of the Zhuang family were well-versed in etiquette. Not once did they inquire about anything they should not. They only asked how Zhuang Laoyan was every day, if anyone had given her trouble, and whether the fetus was healthy.

Fu Bao answered each of the questions and then added, "His Majesty stayed overnight at Her Highness' residence last night. He said that Her Highness has not seen her parents in a long time. He also said that it was not easy for your honored selves to raise Her Highness, and so had people announce an imperial decree early in the morning here. Furthermore, he specially had this slave come along. This is the grace of His Majesty."

Mistress Zhuang slipped a large wad of banknotes into Fu Bao's hands. "That His Majesty cares about Her Highness is Her Highness' fortune. The entire Zhuang family kowtows in thanks for His Majesty's imperial favor. May Gongong bring these banknotes to Her Highness. The expenses of the palace are great. May Her Highness not wrong herself." Although she knew that her daughter lacked nothing, she wanted to give her daughter more things. Only then could she have peace of mind.

Fu Bao had no other choice but to receive the banknotes. Then he said a few other things before standing. "Sir and Mistress, this slave ought to return to the palace. This slave has been here for too long, which isn't good."

Sir Zhuang and Mistress Zhuang could only personally see off the crowd of people. As she watched the carriage drive farther away, Mistress Zhuang once again shed tears.

You guys just know that Wanyi Qian gonna get a rude awakening soon XD

Also, what a wholesome ending to the chapter! I really liked how supportive our girl ZL's parents are.

Since I'm too lazy to make it a tl note, Zhuang Wanmei was ZL's elder sister from the illegitimate line. She was Jieyu Zhuang.

Chapter Supplement:
Laba Congee

definitions

1. Laba Festival: A traditional Chinese holiday celebrated on the eighth day of the La Month, the twelfth month of the Chinese calendar. It is customary on this day to eat Laba Congee. Congee is like rice porridge.

2. suffer from excessive internal heat: A traditional Chinese medicine term.

3. eight treasures congee: 八宝粥. Rice congee made with red beans, lotus seeds, longans, nuts, red dates, etc.

4. pickled plums: Implies the fetus is a male. There's a saying in Chinese where boys like sour things and girls like spicy things. Funny how all of them know the sex of the baby before it's even born! Pickled plums also help with relieving the nausea and morning sickness pregnant women feel.