CHAPTER 470: CHAPTER 470: COUSIN PAYS A VISIT

At the same time, everyone was concerned about Lin Wanyi’s impending childbirth.

So we entered the palace to see her, and also to ease everyone’s minds.

Since March, the Second Madam has been visiting the palace for an hour every day.

She’s afraid that she might suddenly go into labor.

After all, when she was pregnant with twins, she went into labor two months early.

Even though there’s only one this time, it’s uncertain if she’ll deliver early again.

Therefore, it’s best to remain cautious.

When Mrs. Dong entered, she first led everyone in greeting Lin Wanyi.

Then she sat down with a smile.

Her eyes were fixed on Lin Wanyi’s prominent belly.

And she showed a satisfied smile.

"Ah, seeing your belly, I believe what your Second Aunt said. I was afraid the Dong Family’s troubles would trouble you, making your pregnancy unstable, which would be problematic."

Seeing the belly dropping even lower.

Everyone present, including Lin Wanyi and all the women who have given birth, knew the child’s arrival was imminent.

Thus, Lin Wanyi scooted closer to Mrs. Dong and said, a bit coquettishly.

"Don’t worry, Grandmother, your granddaughter is doing well."

Seeing her complexion was indeed good, Mrs. Dong was happy.

She gently stroked her smooth hair and laughed sincerely.

As late April approached, it started getting hot outside.

Because Lin Wanyi was pregnant, she was especially heat-averse, so ice was being used in the main hall of Yihua Palace.

Seeing the big jar full of ice cubes upon entering, someone spoke up.

"Indeed, the Emperor cares for the Imperial Concubine, so the room is kept cool. But soon the Imperial Consort will be in confinement, and using ice then might not be suitable."

It was Madam Dong who spoke.

Her words showed concern for Lin Wanyi.

Then she continued.

"I’ve had jade mats made, one large and one small, just for the Imperial Consort and the newborn to use. They’re cool for summer without being chilled, and they’re finished now, so I rushed to bring them to the Imperial Consort."

With that, she let the maid respectfully present them.

Upon opening the box, Lin Wanyi found them extraordinary.

Inside were jade chips covered with silk wraps.

There were cloud patterns embroidered on top.

Though they didn’t look remarkable, touching them brought a slight coolness.

Lin Wanyi couldn’t help but sigh comfortably.

"If only my Big Aunt had sent this earlier, I’ve been too hot to sleep well these days."

She spoke while fanning herself.

It was curious.

Her constitution was cold, so she shouldn’t be so hot now.

Yet during this pregnancy, she was even more heat-sensitive than when pregnant with twins.

Whenever she woke from a nap, she was sweating profusely.

Even now, sitting and chatting with family, her forehead was a bit sweaty.

Seeing her like this, Mrs. Dong felt quite sorry for her.

She held her hand and asked.

"Is it uncomfortable?"

Lin Wanyi’s right-side rib had been faintly aching.

Mrs. Yun looked and said it was where the child’s foot was, so it was often kicked.

There’s no other remedy, just wait until after childbirth for proper recovery.

So now, she’s waiting for the child to come.

But after days of anticipation, there’s been no sign of it.

She could only continue "enjoying" these mother-child united days.

With a sweet smile, she replied.

"Grandmother, don’t worry. With Second Aunt looking after me every day, your granddaughter is well. It’s just that my belly is too firm, making it uncomfortable."

Hearing this eased Mrs. Dong’s mind.

Having had three pregnancies herself, she knew how hard it could be.

She could only comfort her saying.

"It’ll be better in a few days, once the child is born, your belly won’t feel uncomfortable."

"Hmm."

As the grandmother and granddaughter talked, Mrs. Dong and the two sisters-in-law stayed by their side.

Dong Qiuyue, who came with them, sat obediently at the outermost place.

She occasionally revealed a smile.

Having married now, the Dong Family dared to bring her to the palace.

Otherwise, if outsiders thought the Dong Family had ulterior motives, that would complicate things.

After chatting and laughing, Lin Wanyi finally noticed Dong Qiuyue nearby.

Now she was dressed like a mature woman, different from the little cousin in Lin Wanyi’s memory.

Even her temperament seemed to have changed.

She was much more composed.

If she were like before, she would’ve spoken long ago.

As a mother now, looking at those younger than her with a sense of indulgence.

She laughed and said.

"Qiuyue, come over here and let me take a look."

At the call, Dong Qiuyue rose and walked over, offering a half-curtsy.

Then she respectfully said.

"A wife greets the Imperial Concubine, wishes for the Imperial Concubine’s peace."

Now the Dou Family had sent this young grandson to the Imperial Hospital for duties, so addressing herself as a wife was proper.

"Alright, with family, no need for formalities, stand up."

"Thank you, Imperial Concubine."

Then Lin Wanyi continued asking.

"How is the Dou Family? Is your husband easy to get along with?"

At this, Dong Qiuyue replied with confidence.

Although a bit shy, her words were clear.

"The Dou Family treats me very well — grandfather is kind, in-laws are amiable, my husband is ambitious, and the spouses and siblings are all courteous, so everything is well for me in the Dou Family."

Even without hearing her words, Lin Wanyi knew she wouldn’t fare badly.

After all, not every newlywed couple has noble support from the palace.

Although the Emperor and Lin Wanyi hadn’t shown excessiveness.

Everyone knows Dong Qiuyue had backing in the palace.

However, hearing her say it put Lin Wanyi’s heart at ease.

"That’s good."

Mrs. Yun watched her daughter’s happiness and wore a smile.

Meanwhile, Madam Dong showed more envy in her eyes.

Qiuyue married into the Dou Family and became an official’s wife.

But her daughter, Qiulan, was still struggling.

Her son-in-law was unlucky, failing several exams.

If it went on like this, there wouldn’t be a good path.

While she’s around, she can help the young couple.

But what about later?

Thinking of this brought worry to her heart.

Lin Wanyi noticed and understood her Big Aunt’s thoughts.

As a mother, who wouldn’t want their children to live well?

She herself felt the same.

So she thought for a moment and then spoke to her Big Aunt.

"A few days ago, Fourth Prince Consort came to visit and specifically mentioned that Cousin Qiulan’s son, Xige, is very clever. In the private school of Prince Mansion, there are at least seven or eight children studying together, yet he has the best memory, praised several times by the teacher."

Hearing Lin Wanyi speak like that improved Madam Dong’s expression.

Talking about her little grandson brought a smile to her face.