Chapter 381 – Begging for an Heir

Chapter 381 - Begging for an Heir

"Since this is your wish, I will naturally fulfill it. But are you all certain you won't regret not marrying? Once the time for bearing children has passed, there's no turning back," Yun Li said.

"Nanny doesn't regret it, neither does Zhi Fu. Though Yin Cha might seem quiet, she understands this the most. At first, we didn't have such thoughts, but it was her idea. However, the younger maidens might still be willing to marry," Zhi Fu replied.

Yun Li nodded and decided to gather everyone for a discussion.

In truth, it wasn't unusual.

Many palace maids never left the palace their entire lives.

To be honest, during their days off, they would secretly interact with the guards and others outside the palace walls.

Yun Li never interfered, only reminding them not to cause trouble or be taken advantage of.

Now that Lü Wei had openly expressed her desire for a child, Yun Li agreed.

As for the second and third-tier maid servants who wished to leave the palace, Yun Li allowed them without hesitation.

They could return after giving birth if they wanted, or they could choose not to.

She granted rewards to everyone present.

Since her four personal attendants didn't want to leave, she decided to reward them as well.

Regarding Reed, Yun Li told her to choose whomever she fancied. With her appearance, if all she sought was an heir, there would likely be someone willing.

Reed indeed had someone in mind, a guard from the cold palace.

But Reed was pragmatic: "Once this servant has children, it won't be suitable for this person to stay. I'm thinking that we shouldn't have any further contact in the future. I only ask for Your Highness's help in finding him a new place, preferably far from the capital."

Yun Li paused, surprised by Reed's resolve. "Very well, being a guard in the cold palace doesn't offer much prospects. I'll grant your request, but it wouldn't be right to disregard his wishes. It's best if he consents willingly." Otherwise, it would border on coercion.

Reed responded with a smile.

Upon hearing this, He Jinli only twitched his lips, not bothering to interfere further.

In the Great Jin, there was no notion that all palace maids belonged to the emperor.

However, it was certain that palace maids couldn't simply become pregnant within the palace walls.

Thus, if Reed were to be with child, she would have to leave the palace first, give birth, and then return.

It was a trivial matter. The guard who had caught her fancy was utterly terrified, but Reed's beauty had also stirred his heart.

He even attempted to ask Reed to become his concubine.

Reed gave him a withering glare.

Being a maid to Empress Xiaojian was far more prestigious than being someone's concubine.

Of course, conceiving a child was not an instant process.

It required time.

As the year approached the lunar twelfth month, the days grew colder and colder.

Snowfall succeeded snowfall, but fortunately, none were severe enough to cause another disastrous blizzard.

It had been over a dozen days since Lady Jiang was sent to the cold palace.

Yun Li tugged at her cloak and held a delicate purple clay hand warmer in her grasp, strolling steadily along.

"The weather is more agreeable for walking," the Empress said, accompanying her on her side.

It was the first day of the lunar twelfth month, and Yun Li had just emerged from Fengyi Palace, on her way to pay respects to the Empress Dowager.

"We don't have much to do anyway; it's just a short walk," Yun Li said with a smile.

The number of individuals who could afford to visit the Empress Dowager was indeed limited.

Among them were Mei Concubine, Wei Xianfei, Shu Shufei, Min Fei, An Fei, Wu Zhaoong, Xian Xiu Yi, Pei Xiu Yuan, and Yu Chongyi.

Of course, the Empress would lead the way.

The Empress had been unwell these past few days; her lingering ailments from years ago had flared up, causing even walking to be painful for her.

Yet, she was too resilient to show any sign of weakness, forcing herself to endure it all.

Thus, she was the only one riding in the palanquin. If she were to truly walk, she might not have made it.

As they entered the main hall of the Cixuan Palace, a warm sensation embraced them.

Having grown older, the Empress Dowager also became more sensitive to the cold, so during winter, the heating system beneath the floor was kept blazing hot.

This was still insufficient; she needed to add more braziers as well. The amount of charcoal consumed in her Cian Palace alone each year was considerable.

Nonetheless, the palace was prosperous, and Prince Hekun always provided the Empress Dowager with the best of everything. He never allowed her to lack for anything.

After paying their respects, the Empress Dowager waved for everyone to take their seats.

Today was the first day of the twelfth lunar month. The concubines had just sat down and exchanged a few words when they heard word from outside that the Emperor, along with the princes and princesses, were on their way.

It was the first time Yun Li had seen the Tenth Prince after the incident. He was dressed in a light blue robe, standing beside the Ninth Prince. He appeared somewhat thinner, but there was still a smile on his face.

Yun Li was rather impressed. This child truly had great patience.

It had been over ten days, and he still hadn't gone to visit Jiang Shi once.

To be honest, if He Jinli were the type who valued schemes over family ties, then the Tenth Prince would indeed be an ideal candidate.

Unfortunately, it seemed that due to his somewhat sparse familial affection since childhood, He Jinli still placed great importance on relationships.

Thus, the Tenth Prince's behavior fell short in comparison.

The Empress Dowager called out to the Second Princess upon seeing her, "Yixuan, come here, let me take a look. Has your foot recovered?"

The Second Princess replied with a smile, "I've worried Grandmother Empress."

"You, you, you're quite mischievous. Why did you go riding in the depths of winter? Did you hurt yourself?" The Empress Dowager chuckled.

In reality, the Empress Dowager treated all her grandchildren more or less equally. However, she likely found a certain affinity with the Second Princess.

Therefore, she was genuinely quite kind to her.

Compared to the princess's staged act back then, it was now a genuine concern.

After all, other princes and princesses occasionally had minor mishaps, and the Empress Dowager followed procedures without personally intervening in each case.

"The days fly by. Princess Er is already fifteen this year; it's time to consider her marriage," the Empress said with a smile.

The Empress Dowager nodded. "Indeed. Your Majesty, do you have any candidates in mind? Yi Xuan has a lively disposition, so we must choose wisely. We wouldn't want any complications arising after her marriage."

Prince He Jinli nodded in agreement. "Mother is right. The Concubine Guifei's consent is also crucial in this matter."

The Concubine smiled and said, "The child's marriage is up to His Majesty's decision. But it's essential to find someone with a gentle disposition for her. Otherwise, if she's too strong-willed, constant squabbling wouldn't be desirable."

Yi Xuan showed no bashfulness and simply listened on.

"The Third Princess and Fourth Princess aren't young either. They were both born in the seventh year, so it's time to start considering their matches. After the New Year, the Fifth Prince will also be married. The younger generation is growing up," the Empress chuckled.

"Yes, our family's daughters are all lovely, each with their own grace and poise," Yun Li smiled, looking around. It was indeed true.

Their father was handsome, and their mother concubine was beautiful as well; these princesses were truly one more stunning than the other.

Particularly Princess Si, who balanced her mother's delicacy with her father's handsomeness. In terms of looks, she was undoubtedly the most beautiful among the princesses.

"The princesses mostly haven't received their titles yet. Your Majesty, it's time to bestow them," the Empress Dowager said.

"Mother is right. I'll issue the edict when we return today," He Jinli said.

It wasn't that he didn't value his daughters; in ancient times, girls often only received names before their marriage.

As a result, none of these princesses had proper names.

Yiyang and Yixuan were merely their titles. Without names, there was no rush for titles either.

"It's cold out. Let the children go back first. You boys, study diligently," the Empress Dowager said with a smile.