17 Promotion

It's been a month since sister Daiyu enter the palace and we have actually gotten quite close. She has a very warm personality but is bluntly honest. It's a refreshing combination and she also has good humor. I've really come to enjoy her company and she sorta reminds me of my younger sister.

Today as we were having tea together Sister Ning's maid rushed in to announce that Sister Mingyu is with child! We both were very excited for her and wanted to go give her our congratulations. But the maid said Mingyu needed to rest, she had an accident and fell. That is the reason she found out and she is lucky the child is unharmed. She reassured us Mingyu is okay but needs rest and peace for awhile.

That night as I lay in bed I realize how sad and jealous I was. More sad than anything, I had been with him more times and longer than her. Touching my stomach as tears fell, I hope I am not barren. That's the worst fate in the harem. I will be forgotten....I feel asleep still crying and hand on my stomach. That night the Goddess visited me in my dream.

She was sitting there on her blossom beautiful as ever. "My dearest you must not worry and have faith, do not let things like this bring you down. In sadness we will never find a better path. Happiness is the key to finding everything" then she blew me a kiss before I could say anything and I woke up. I decided to listen to what she said, find happiness...

There was quite a few rainy days and I read most of the time away, sleeping and eat the rest. Today however it was sunny and beautiful still a tad crisp so I wore a long sleeve shirt under my dress for warmth the sleeves decorated with lotus blossoms. Going very nicely with my multi layered light green dress. I decided playing my qin in the garden would make me happy so I invited sister Daiyu and sister Ning to join. Mingyu however is still on bed rest for a few more days, so she can't come. I can't wait to see her and give congratulations, it's a great honor to be the first.

The garden was beautiful as always, with lots of chrysanthemums a bloom. We played together for awhile, Sister Daiyu is a very graceful flute player. After some tea I felt really tired and decided to go back and take a nap. With worried looks they both look at each other than me. "Sister are you feeling okay? You have been napping so early in the day lately" said Sister Ning. Then Huiqing spoke up "she takes a nap before a late dinner as well".

"I feel fine though just a bit more tired, I'm sure it could be due to the rainy weather" and then I stood up quickly to leave before they could further examine me. I didn't want them to worry. But then I felt slight light headed and wavered left to right. Huiqing quickly grabbed my arm and steadied me. Looking very worried. Sister Daiyu stood up "Summon the imperial physician to see Noble Lady Li Jing in her palace. Huiqing see her home quickly in the sedan chair. Sister you need to take care" They all followed me back. Somehow the Emperor was informed as well.

Everyone seemed very worried but after having some light tea and some yummy dim sum I felt much better. But I would still love a nap. The imperial physician came in and asked about my eating and sleeping habits. The Emperor then arrived demanding to know my condition. "Let me take her pulse Your Majesty and I will have a better answer" said the doctor. Taking my pulse very gentle he then promptly got up and smile. Then bowed to the Emperor to announce I am with child! I immediately lit up with happiness and so did the Emperor which made it even better.

"My beloved Lotus Blossom you shall give me a prince, I just know it!" Said the Emperor as he walked toward me. Taking my hands he smiled and said "For this you deserve a great reward, you shall be promoted to Imperial Concubine Li Jing" he went to wave for the eunuch to announce it, I stopped him and said "My Emperor dearest I am over joyed by your promotion but my Sister Mingyu is with child as well." He replied "When you call me that you can have anything. She will be promoted as well" then he kissed me on the forehead and took his leave. I smiled and placed my hand on my stomach...my child.