Sister Mingyu

It's been about 4 months since the promotion ceremony. My belly has grown and the weight is starting to become hard to carry. Having to lean back to walk, 8 months pregnant now and I am trying to prepare as much as possible. My mother came to visit me, she offered advice and wished me the best of luck. I'm very nervous but as a women this is my duty. Sister Mingyu is due any day now and has been on bed rest for the last month.

The Emperor has chosen to favor Sister Ning and she has enjoyed his favor for a while now but she believed me jealous and I have barely seen or spoken to her. Until Sister Mingyu told her that it was I who suggested it to His Majesty in the first place. After that she has sent me many gifts in apology and we have been closer than ever since. The Emperor still has dinner with me at least 3 times a week and always has to mention how much I glow while I'm with child. He's not entirely wrong, I've never felt so beautiful in all my life even if I do feel like a blown up puffer fish.

The Empress Dowager has invited me to tea early this afternoon. As the highest ranking lady of the harem I was hoping for this invitation soon. My mother told me being close the Empress Dowager will secure my place and her favor will bring great rewards. I must try my best. I decided to dress simply in a light blue dress and my flower hair pin set. I have been very thankful for the sedan chair these days, walking around my room is enough. I expect to be put on bed rest soon as well, even though the imperial doctor says the baby is very strong. Every day is becoming more taxing.

The Empress Dowager barley let me great her and immediately had me seated. "Do not bother with formalities at this point my child. You must think of my grandchild." She said. "Yes your majesty" I replied. And added "I hope you are in good health my queen mother". She barely smiled "so polite and beautiful. This is why my son favors you so. But also he mentioned to me you suggested he favor your sisters as well" and raised an eyebrow at me. I thought that's what she wanted..she's very hard to read just like her son. "Your majesty I just want what's best for the empire, he must have many heirs and I will always do what I can to assist in that in anyway" I said.

"Good that is exactly the kind of wife I want beside my son. You must lead by example since you are the highest ranking lady at this time. And if you want it to remain that way you will do well to remember that." She replied. I was sort of relieved but she is still so stern with every word. Then she grabbed me hand and looked me directly in my eyes. "If you earn my trust and do what I tell you always without question...Then I will treat you like the daughter I always wanted. Do you understand?" She said extremely serious. As soon as I nodded in reply a maid ran quickly inside.

"Empress Dowager Noble lady Mingyu has gone in to labor!" We both looked at each other and then she ordered us to depart immediately to be by my sisters side. Upon arrival many doctors and old maids were running in and out of her palace with tubs of water. The area to her room had the curtains drawn and all I could hear was sister Mingyu screaming and everyone encouraging her to push. My face must have paled because the Empress dowager grabbed my hand and helped me to a seat. "Don't worry dear it's only terrible for a short while then you have the miracle of life in your arms. Makes everything worth it" We were served tea and then the Emperor arrived to join us.

I hated waiting and hearing my sister in pain, I wish I could be by her side but the Empress dowager told me it's not appropriate. The Emperor and her both seemed very excited to welcome the first heir, but I still felt uneasy. I tried to shake the feeling and listen to stories the Empress Dowager was telling about the young Emperor. Then it suddenly went very quiet....and the Empress Dowagers face dropped as she stopped talking. The imperial doctors came and kneeled. "My Emperor I am deeply grieved to say Noble lady Mingyu did not survive the birth" he said sadly. "and the child?!?" The Empress Dowager asked immediately "He was still born your majesty". The Emperor looked very upset....I was shocked in horror.

How is this possible? My sister is gone? No.....then everything went black.