Author: Bing Shan Chu Shi
(One)
That night, the sky was oppressively dark, with black clouds covering the full moon, the full moon of the fifteenth. Occasionally, an autumn breeze would blow, carrying the scent of lilacs — lilacs, the favorite of Lady Lin San, especially the purple lilacs. Even her commonly used handkerchief was embroidered with such patterns. However, Lord Lin said that lilacs were too delicate, carrying a girlish air, and that chrysanthemums were better, like a gentleman. Lady Lin San, pregnant, was most sensitive to the mention of “girlish,” yet she dared not show it on her face. What was Lord Lin’s status in the court? Even the emperor had to give him some face, let alone her concubines. Which of the women in the Lin mansion, from the highest to the lowest, did not greet him with a smile? The clouds in the sky grew heavier, occasionally accompanied by lightning.
“It looks like there’s going to be a heavy rain,” Lady Lin Er said lightly, as if talking to herself.
Mama Li, standing beside her, handed her a cup of tea and whispered, “It seems like the delivery has already happened in the east wing.”
Since the death of the first lady, and with Lord Lin’s only son off “traveling,” unknown where he might be, Lord Lin was in no hurry to establish a new official wife among his more than ten concubines. On the surface, there was no contention, but in their hearts, they were all calculating. If anyone bore a son, naturally, she would become the phoenix.
“Shall we go and have a look?” Mama Li, who had served Lady Lin Er since she was young and followed her into marriage, was like half a mother to her, always advising her in all matters.
“With her belly so round, it’s probably a girl. No need to join the excitement,” Lady Lin Er sipped her tea, squinting her eyes and speaking lightly.
Mama Li, not wanting to say more, stood quietly by her side.
