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Lucy was nursing when a loud voice announces "Princess Jing arriving" Lucy pauses and feels Mom kneeling, but she's careful not to dislodge Lucy. Mom's so awesome. How can she keep me on the breast while doing these annoying bows, and kneels? "Raise, Consort Meng" A woman's voice calls out. "Present the Third Miss" the woman orders. Lucy expects to be interrupted, as her mom had been obedient so far. Overly obedient in her mind. "Forgive this lowly Concubine, your highness. The Young Miss is nursing" Mom says, lowering her head.

"You're feeding the Third Miss? Imperial Husband forbids his wives, and consorts to feed their babies after Consort Lin starved Young Master to death" A frosty voice says. So that's why Mom had to go ask my absentee Father!

Wait! Wives, and consorts? Does that mean? "My Imperial Lord has given permission to feed the Third Miss" Mom responds, calmly. Shit! This society is polygamous! No! I don't want to share my husband! Lucy pouts before it occurs to her. Maybe it's limited to the royalty. Please let it be limited to the royalty.

Princess Jing sighs. "We shall wait on the Young Miss." She says. What? You're not going to explode? Don't jack with my worldview here! This realm has been doing enough of that. Lucy finished nursing and struggled to keep her eyes open. I want to know what happens next. Mom tugs her dress up and removes the blanket. Lucy peers at the Lady. She was beautiful. Well, duh Lucy, no Prince is going to marry someone ugly. Mom passes Lucy into the Princess' arms.

She was smiling, but Lucy could not see any warmth. Her eyes darkened when she saw Lucy, pain flashing through her eyes. "Blessings to our Imperial Husband. He has produced a new Young Miss for our household" The Princess says, hiding her pain. She must love Father, else she wouldn't be so pained at the sight of me. She stayed only a few minutes, once she left Lucy allowed herself to sleep. Being a baby is exhausting!

"Young Master Meng has arrived" The stupid maid calls out. Lucy jerks in her bassinet, opening her eyes. Must you do that? Did you know I was napping? Why would you shout around a baby? Annoying!

"Say, little sister. She looks just like you!" A young man says, picking her up abruptly.

Hey! That was uncomfortable, my bones, and joints are still soft here. Lucy lets a displeased wail, and waves her fists, managing to smack him across the face. He just laughs. "Hello, little Lucy. Welcome to life" His rumbling voice says. Well, thank you, strange man. Miss Edith looks tensely at the man. "Lord Ru, you mustn't be rough with Young Miss." She cautions. Lucy glances at her Mom, but she simply ignored the ruckus, continuing to stitch her embroidery.

Seeing Mom wasn't concerned, Lucy examined her Uncle. He looked to be around 17, or 18 years old. "How's her affinity?" He asks, pinching Lucy's cheeks. Lucy leans away. "Lucy's an Air affinity" Mom answers. Lucy catches the relief that flashes through her Uncle's eyes. "She has wise eyes" Uncle comments. "If Mei has a boy, I'll approach Imperial Prince Benin to betroth them," Uncle says. Wait? Betrothal?

Mom looks up, setting down her embroidery. "Mei's expecting?" Mom asks. Uncle gives a silly smile, soft look in his eyes. "Yes, the physician confirmed it three days ago," Uncle says. Mom smiles brightly. "I'm glad, Mei has always wished for children." Mom said.

Mom's smile fades. "Mother must be overjoyed." Mom said quietly. Uncle looks down, giving Lucy a clear view of the complicated look in his eyes. "Yes, Mother is happy," Uncle says, awkwardly. "It's alright, Big Brother. I expected this. A waste isn't useful to the family." Mom said. Uncle's eyes flashed, anger all over his face. "Father should have ensured you had a proper husband. Being a concubine is beneath your status!" Uncle burst out. Mom shakes her head. "Don't be foolish, Big Brother. I'm a blight on the family name. They wish I would die, so it could be forgotten. That's why they arranged for me to be my Lord's concubine" Mom said quietly.