Chapter 86: Lin Baozhen’s Pregnancy

Chapter 86: Lin Baozhen's Pregnancy

The early spring rain moistened the glazed tiles of the palace pavilions, shimmering with a warm glow in the afternoon sun.

Pei Jin, dressed in a sky-blue round-collar robe with bamboo patterns, and wearing a Shanyi crown, entered the palace and waited outside the Imperial Study.

Inside, Emperor Chengde was speaking with He Lanting, who had brought sweet soup made by the imperial kitchen and inquired about the palace examination.

Emperor Chengde finished the sweet soup in one go and said to He Lanting, "I also saw that scholar Fu today. His appearance does indeed bear a resemblance to Jier, and his talent is remarkable. I have appointed him as the top scholar."

Emperor Chengde intended to use this kind lie to comfort his Ting'er, knowing that He Lanting would never see Fu Jiaze again. He wanted her to believe that Fu Jiaze resembled Yan Ji.

He Lanting's eyes curved into a bright smile as she looked at Emperor Chengde, "Really? It's a pity I didn't get to see the parade of the new scholars. Seeing him would be like seeing Jier. If Jier could grow up safely and smoothly, he would surely be as handsome and talented as a top scholar."

Hearing He Lanting mention Yan Ji, Emperor Chengde's gaze softened even more, "Your Majesty and your beloved concubine will certainly have children."

He Lanting nodded, just about to speak when she saw Fu Bin approaching.

"Your Majesty, Director Pei from the Imperial Academy has something to report."

He Lanting had planned to seize the opportunity to strategize for Fu Jiaze. She not only favored him because he was an orphan with a simple family background but also because he was Pei Jin's disciple.

Fu Jiaze had been Pei Jin's disciple for a short time, so she thought it best to put in a good word for him with the emperor, making his promotion seem related to her favor, thus obligating him to her.

However, just as He Lanting began, she heard that Pei Jin had arrived. She smiled and said, "Since Director Pei is here, your concubine will take her leave."

The emperor nodded.

As Pei Jin passed He Lanting, she glanced at him, her eyes flickering with thought, before leaving the Imperial Study.

"Why have you come, Minister Pei?" Emperor Chengde asked.

"It's fortunate you're here. You've been the director of the Imperial Academy for over ten years now. Given your extensive knowledge, I have decided to appoint you to the Ministry of Revenue, to fill Wang Cheng's vacancy."

Joining the Ministry of Revenue was a result of Pei Jin's recent efforts. He was not surprised to receive the position of Deputy Minister of Revenue. After thanking the emperor, he explained the purpose of his visit.

"Your Majesty, I am here on behalf of my disciple."

Emperor Chengde, curious, asked, "Oh, who is your disciple?"

"The top scholar of this year's palace examination—Fu Jiaze from Feng City."

Fu Jiaze again?

A subtle thought crossed Emperor Chengde's mind. "Concubine Chen just mentioned him. Indeed, he is a young talent. Since he is frequently mentioned, does Fu Jiaze have a wife?"

Suddenly, a brilliant idea struck Emperor Chengde. Since Concubine Chen found Fu Jiaze endearing, why not make him a member of the royal family by marrying him to a princess?

Emperor Chengde had many sons and daughters. With Jian He around, there was no need for his children to be sent off in marriage alliances. Otherwise, his daughters could be used for such purposes.

Now that they were not needed for alliances, these women could be married to those whom Emperor Chengde did not want to promote.

Any official who married a princess would be given a nominal position without real power.

"Your Majesty, my disciple thanks you for your recognition. He married last autumn, his wife being the daughter of Lin Yi, the Grand Master of Ceremonies."

Emperor Chengde said, "So he already has a wife. Why have you mentioned this scholar, Minister Pei?"

Pei Jin replied, "I have a request, Your Majesty. My disciple can sometimes be naive. I wish to temper him and seek an external posting for him."

It was customary for the top three scholars to join the Imperial Academy, but considering Fu Jiaze's experience there, an external posting was reasonable. Emperor Chengde asked, "Where do you wish to send this student? Do you have a preferred location?"

Pei Jin said, "My disciple knows his experience is limited. He dares not ask for a wealthy region like Jiang Nan. Instead, he hopes to serve in a border area. I am thinking..."

Pei Jin slowly explained his choice of Niushou, Fenglin, and Tongwu counties to the emperor.

Emperor Chengde was thoroughly stunned. If he didn't know how much scholars valued their disciples, he might have thought Pei Jin had a grudge against Fu Jiaze.

Otherwise, why would a newly crowned top scholar be sent to a remote county?

Even if the three counties were merged, it would still be near the border, close to the Di people.

If he performed poorly, his career might lag behind those who placed second or third, or even those who passed the examination as regular scholars.

If Emperor Chengde truly admired Fu Jiaze, he would not agree. However, Fu Jiaze's essays had irritated him, and Emperor Chengde wanted to temper his naivety. He nodded and said:

"Since Minister Pei wishes to train Scholar Fu, I understand your concern for your disciple. The merger of the three counties will be proposed by the Ministry of Revenue. After I approve it, Scholar Fu will manage the... "

The name Niushou County was not auspicious, and Fenglin County was nearly uninhabited. After the merger, it would simply be called Tongwu County.

"The merged counties will be named Tongwu County. Draft the proposal and return."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Pei Jin bowed.

Pei Jin left the Imperial Study with a light step, relieved that he had arrived in time. Concubine Chen must not have said much; otherwise, Emperor Chengde might have had other plans for Fu Jiaze, making an external posting difficult.

/

When Pei Jin left, he met Prince Zhao Ting at the door.

Prince Zhao Ting knew about Pei Jin's upcoming appointment as Deputy Minister of Revenue. Given Pei Jin's illustrious family background, joining the Ministry of Revenue was a sign of his rising influence. If all went well, he would become the head of the Ministry.

Prince Zhao Ting showed great respect to Pei Jin, and they exchanged formal greetings.

Neither wished to engage in a long conversation and parted ways.

Fu Bin once again announced Prince Zhao Ting's arrival.

Prince Zhao Ting's reason for visiting the Imperial Study was simple. He had promised Lin Baozhen to secure an external posting for Fu Jiaze.

After seeing Fu Jiaze become the top scholar, Prince Zhao Ting initially felt the pressure of sending the top scholar away was significant. However, after reading Fu Jiaze's essays, he was pleased. Such essays would surely displease the emperor, making it easier to arrange the external posting.

It was something the Third Prince had not anticipated—that Emperor Chengde, upon hearing his son’s intentions, let out an exclamation.

Today, Fu Jiaze seemed to be everywhere.

The Third Prince's heart tightened at the sound of the exclamation, fearing he had aroused the emperor's suspicion.

He even considered abandoning his intervention in Fu Jiaze’s assignment, but then he heard Emperor Chengde say, "Just now, Minister Pei came to request Fu ZHUANGYUAN’s external posting. The place has already been decided—it is Tongwu County."

Tongwu County?

The Third Prince found the name utterly unfamiliar, guessing it must be a prosperous area in Jiang Nan. He thought to himself that this was indeed Fu Bin’s nephew, and since eunuchs like Fu Bin, who have no descendants, often love wealth, Fu Jiaze must be sent to a wealthy region to amass riches. He said,

"Minister Pei truly cares deeply for Fu ZHUANGYUAN, allowing him to experience the hardships of the people so he can better serve the Great Qi."

Emperor Chengde sighed, "Indeed, even Tongwu County is not a prosperous area in Jiang Nan. It borders the frontier and was once occupied by the Di people. Minister Pei is willing to send his disciple there."

The Third Prince was taken aback; this was even more remote. He shared the emperor’s thoughts—perhaps Minister Pei was now jealous of his disciple, leading to such an arrangement?

"Minister Pei has a broad vision and acts with the greater good in mind."

"It’s no longer Minister Pei," the emperor smiled, "I have already issued an edict, appointing Minister Pei to the position of Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Revenue."

Zhao Ting quickly responded, "I just saw Minister Pei outside and still addressed him as Minister Pei. He is truly exceedingly humble."

"Yes," Emperor Chengde nodded, "the Peis are all fine people."

After exchanging a few more words with his father, the Third Prince left the imperial study.

Having achieved his purpose, he left the palace, planning to tell Lin Baozhen the good news.

/

Zhao Ting arrived near the Weiwu Marquis Mansion, waited outside for a while, but did not see Lin Baozhen. Instead, Lin Baozhen’s maid, Chang Yan, appeared.

Zhao Ting frowned slightly, "Where is your mistress?"

Chang Yan, who was always somewhat afraid of the Third Prince, felt intimidated, as Lin Baozhen often said that the Third Prince was of noble blood, and Chang Yan, with her shallow experience, was overpowered by his presence.

Chang Yan herself felt the same way, becoming increasingly timid in front of the Third Prince.

Chang Yan whispered, "My mistress is unwell today, feeling nauseous and vomiting. After the doctor diagnosed her, he determined that my mistress is pregnant, but the pregnancy is unstable. She cannot come out, so she sent me."

Zhao Ting’s gaze swept over Chang Yan, making her shrink back, her fear more evident.

Zhao Ting actually looked down on Chang Yan, finding her naive and not very intelligent. However, Lin Baozhen trusted this maid and took her everywhere.

Just like Chang Yan’s response, women usually don’t announce their pregnancies during the first three months, but she had clearly detailed how the lady was unwell and vomiting.

Zhao Ting pinched the bridge of his nose and said, "Then congratulations to your mistress. I didn’t bring any gifts, but you can go shopping outside, and I will have someone bring the gifts later."

In fact, Chang Yan wanted to ask why she couldn’t return home first and wait for the gifts to be delivered before coming out to receive them, but the cold expression on the Third Prince’s face made her dare not ask. She simply followed his instructions.

"I came to tell your mistress some good news. She once mentioned wanting me to arrange Fu Jiaze’s external posting. This Fu ZHUANGYUAN will be assigned to Tongwu County, which is not a prosperous area but borders the Di people. Please tell Miss Chang Yan this good news."

Chang Yan nodded without hesitation, delighted, "That is indeed good news."

She knew better than anyone how much her mistress detested Lin Yingxue and Fu Jiaze. On the day of the imperial scholar parade, her young mistress was too lazy to join the festivities because of Fu Jiaze, and when she heard that Fu Jiaze was the ZHUANGYUAN, she vomited.

At the time, they didn’t know she was pregnant, and Lin Baozhen thought she was just reacting to the news about Fu Jiaze.

This showed how much her young mistress despised Fu Jiaze.

Zhao Ting smiled, "There should be news in a few days. This news is also the best gift for the Lady of the Marquis."

Did the Third Prince mean he wouldn’t send a gift?

Chang Yan immediately replied, "I will return to the mansion right away and tell my mistress the good news."

The Third Prince, somewhat irritated, said, "You are such a dull maid. I’ve already said I will send a gift to your mistress. Why are you going back now? Wait here, and I will have someone bring the items."

Since Lin Baozhen did not come out, Zhao Ting felt there was nothing more to say to this maid and left directly.

Chang Yan, feeling wronged, waited on the spot until the Third Prince’s messenger brought the gifts. Only then did she return to the mansion.

/

"Why did you take so long?" Lin Baozhen, half-reclining on a couch, had a small dish of pickled plum on a low table.

This was prepared by the old lady beforehand, preserved with honey to prevent spoilage. The intense sweetness and sourness blended together, a flavor that Lin Baozhen used to dislike but now enjoyed.

"The Third Prince heard that the young mistress is pregnant and sent a gift."

In the presence of others, Chang Yan mostly called Lin Baozhen “mistress,” but privately, she used the old familiar term.

Chang Yan took out a cloisonné box adorned with gems, pearls, and enamel. Just looking at the box, one could tell it was valuable. Lin Baozhen opened the box and found a round metal pendant inside.

Lin Baozhen couldn’t help but ask, "What is this?"

Chang Yan took it up and pressed a small button, revealing the face of a pocket watch.

"It’s for telling time, quite rare."

The pocket watch was only engraved and did not have any gemstones embedded. It also had a coppery smell, which Lin Baozhen, being pregnant, found unpleasant and didn’t want to touch. Since she rarely needed to check the time—there were always people announcing the hours—she saw Chang Yan looking at the watch with interest and said, "It’s just a trinket. Look at you, so easily impressed. I’ll give it to you. But remember, keep the box."

Chang Yan happily accepted it, finding the item quite rare.

Thinking that this was a gift from the Third Prince, Lin Baozhen couldn’t help but warn, "Don’t sell this or let it fall into the hands of others."

If the Third Prince ascended the throne, this pocket watch would become an imperial gift.

Chang Yan cherished the pocket watch and said with a smile, "Don’t worry, Miss. I like this thing very much now. Even if I didn’t, I would still keep it well."

The watch had a chain, and Chang Yan bit it to confirm it was made of copper. Copper items were not as soft as gold and wouldn't easily break, so she put it on and tucked it into her pocket.

Lin Baozhen knew Chang Yan well; she was never short of money and certainly wouldn't sell such an item.

Lin Baozhen thought that only when the Third Prince ascended the throne would Chang Yan realize the value of this object.

Lin Baozhen said, "What did the Third Prince come for?"

Chang Yan replied, "The Third Prince said that even if Fu Jiaze becomes the top scholar, he will be sent to Tongwu County."

The words "Tongwu County" struck Lin Baozhen like a bolt of lightning, making her sit up abruptly.

The plum in her hand rolled onto the ground, but Lin Baozhen paid no attention to the sour fruit, staring at Chang Yan, "Really?"

Chang Yan was startled; the young mistress's pregnancy had been unstable from the start, and any shock could harm the baby. "Miss, please be careful."

Lin Baozhen's mind was filled with thoughts of Tongwu County. She grabbed the maid's hand, her breathing quickening, "Are you serious? It's really Tongwu County?"

"Yes," Chang Yan said, "I remember clearly. The Third Prince also mentioned that it's not a prosperous place in Jiang Nan, but rather a border region. Is there something wrong with Tongwu County?"

"Perfect, couldn't be better," Lin Baozhen said with a radiant smile, feeling elated as she recalled her premonitory dream. Indeed, staying out of deep involvement was the right choice. In the dream, Fu Jiaze died in this very place. Now he was still being sent to Tongwu County; what good was it to become the top scholar if he would die early anyway?

Lin Baozhen, who had felt chest tightness and discomfort, suddenly felt much better. "If I had known it was this news, I would have gone to see the Third Prince myself."

Chang Yan shook her head incessantly, like a rattle drum, "Miss, you're pregnant; it's not suitable for you to go out recklessly."

As they were talking, the old lady returned. She had gone to the temple to pray for a protective charm.

"You must keep this charm close to your body," the old lady said with a bright gaze, "to ensure my grandson's safety."