The Daily Life of a Concubine

Chapter 52 - Deep Sisterly Affection

In the Empress's Chambers.
De Fei had come early to pay her respects.
Upon her arrival, the Empress had already changed the schedule for paying respects, suggesting that everyone should come once a month, and the rest of the time should be devoted to serving the Emperor. This was primarily because she was pregnant; it was difficult for her to wake up early in the morning, and her symptoms had started to worsen.
It was said that after the third month, pregnancy symptoms would diminish, but in her case, they actually intensified after the third month.
"How is the Empress?" Hearing that the Empress was experiencing morning sickness, De Fei rushed over immediately, genuinely concerned about her.
"Replying to De Fei, the Empress has been vomiting all morning, and she even vomits after drinking water," replied the Empress's maid, Shi Qin, with a pained expression.
"I'll go and see the Empress." De Fei, having heard this, intended to enter the inner chamber.
At that moment, the Empress's voice rang out, "Don't come in, the smell is strong. Be careful, you're pregnant as well."
This shows how deep the sisterly affection between the two truly was.
But De Fei couldn't just stand by. She had come with the intention of seeing how the Empress was doing, and now that she was here, she had to go in and take a look.
Ignoring the warning, she entered.
Soon, in the Empress's inner chamber, both women ended up vomiting together. (Translator XiaoBai: LOL)
The Empress was genuinely at a loss for words.
"I told you not to come in, but you did anyway. Why trouble yourself?" Despite her discomfort, the Empress was still pleased to see De Fei's care for her.
"How is it? Is it any better?" The Empress had already sent for the imperial physician, and it was time for the matter to be revealed.
"It's much better. Sister, why are you still vomiting after the third month? Has anything changed around you?" De Fei asked with concern.
Normally, after the third month of pregnancy, symptoms should subside, but the Empress's situation was clearly different, which was worrying.
"Replying to De Fei, there's nothing new around the Empress. As for the reason for the vomiting, we'll have to wait for the physician to arrive to know," answered Zhang Momo, the Empress's attendant, after serving tea to both women.
The Empress nodded with a smile, acknowledging Zhang Momo's words.
De Fei's brows furrowed slightly, "This is not normal. Your Majesty, you should have the imperial physician check both inside and out." She genuinely hoped that the Empress's pregnancy would not face any issues. The pain of losing a child was too great, and she hoped not to experience it again.
"Alright, I'll listen to you. How are things on your side? Any troublesome matters?" The Empress was also concerned about De Fei, "If there are any issues, don't be lenient. If you keep letting things slide, they'll think we're easy to bully."
De Fei knew who the Empress was referring to, "Don't worry, there's no movement there. We're keeping a close watch, so they won't be making any moves for a while."
Shortly after, the imperial physician arrived with De Fu.
Emperor Rui, upon learning that the Empress had summoned a physician, had sent De Fu to keep an eye on things since he was unable to come himself.
"Greetings to the Empress and De Fei." De Fu was not surprised to see De Fei; their relationship had been close even when they were in the prince's manor.
"Why has De Fu come? Did the Emperor give any orders?" After exchanging a glance with De Fei, the Empress immediately inquired.
De Fu replied with a smile, "The Emperor heard that the Empress had called for a physician, so he sent me to see how the Empress is doing."
The Empress felt relieved upon hearing this. Though she no longer loved the Emperor, she was pleased that the father of her child cared about their baby.
"Thank you for the Emperor's concern. This morning, I vomited severely. I wanted to consult the physician to check if there was any issue with my health," she said, understanding the Emperor's worry.
De Fu glanced at the matron behind him and nodded at her.
This gesture was not hidden from everyone and the matron, Zhou Momo, was well known as one of the Emperor's attendants.
"Your Majesty, the Emperor is concerned about your health. Zhou Momo is skilled in managing health issues. Perhaps you could have Zhou Momo check the supplements you've been taking recently?" This was merely an excuse to inspect the Empress's belongings.
The Empress would not refuse the Emperor's goodwill, "Then I'll trouble Zhou Momo." She beckoned Zhang Momo, "Zhang Momo, please accompany Zhou Momo inside to take a look."
De Fei, observing this, felt quite envious. She knew the Emperor was aware of the Empress's pregnancy. She did not expect the Emperor to be so protective of the Empress's condition. Although she was envious, she was not jealous.
As a consort, she would later ask the Empress to have Zhou Momo visit her own palace later.
The Empress would certainly grant her this favor.
"Understood."
The physician was left waiting while arrangements were made. He then came forward to examine the Empress.
The physician was the one assigned to care for the Empress after she became pregnant. As soon as he examined her, he knew that the Empress's health was good, and the baby was fine. He then asked, "Has this reaction been present since this morning?"
The Empress nodded, "Yes, I woke up feeling unwell, and even drinking water made me nauseous." As she spoke, she seemed to remember something and started retching again.
The physician quickly took out a wooden stick from his medical kit.
"Smell this, Your Majesty." The physician withdrew the pulse pillow and stepped back a few paces, "This is a normal pregnancy reaction, although it is unusual for it to occur in the later stages. This could be beneficial as it won't harm the baby."
There were many cases in the palace where severe reactions led to harm to the unborn child.
Upon learning that it was a normal reaction, everyone's worries were eased. "That's good to hear, but how long will this reaction last?" De Fei asked anxiously.
Without thinking, she asked the question.
The physician looked at De Fei, recognizing her as the one whose pregnancy he had previously checked. "Replying to De Fei, this depends on individual health. Some people experience severe symptoms in the first three months, others may have reactions until delivery, and some may have no symptoms at all and feel perfectly fine."
The physician explained clearly, "For example, De Fei, you have had no reactions because your pregnancy is still in the early stages."
De Fei understood. She had experienced childbirth herself and was aware of the possible variations in pregnancy reactions, though the Empress's situation was indeed unusual.
"Don't worry about me, De Fei. I'm fine and don't feel anything unusual," the Empress said, holding De Fei's hand and patting it gently to reassure her.
De Fu also smiled, observing the deep sisterly affection between the two women.
"The physician is here now, so let's have him check on De Fei as well. De Fei has also had some vomiting recently," said Shi Qin, the Empress's maid.
"Yes, physician, please check on De Fei as well."
The physician took out the pulse pillow again and examined De Fei. She was in good health, just feeling a bit weak from recent vomiting.
"De Fei is fine."
With the physician's conclusion, both the Empress and De Fei felt relieved.
De Fu asked the physician to wait outside as he had something to discuss with the two ladies. All the attendants except the few close servants were dismissed.