The Crown Prince Manor, Lu Xiaolian's room
Lu Xiaolian was seated at her desk transcribing an old text . It was a typical hot summer afternoon so she was dressed in light clothes. He waist length hair braided into a single lose braid behind her.
Yao Yao knelr at her side, head bent and gently grinding the ink. Zhongshan Huang had already left for court and they weren't expecting any visitors.
Lu Xiaolian had already excused the other consorts and concubines from paying their respects daily so she could be fully focused on her work without fear of distraction.
She was si deep into her transcription that she hardly noticed the change in weather. She had just finished transcribing a page of the old text into a single sheet of paper and set it aside to dry about to move on to a fresh sheet.
When one of her personal maids Bie Liu walked over to her side and kneeling whispered into her ear
"Madam Lu came over for a visit"
"mother's is back in town? I haven't seen or spoken in a while not since she left with father to the north. inform Steward Liu quickly let her in. immediately I will receive her in my courtyard" Lu Xiaolian replied setting down her writing brush.
"I'll quickly inform steward Liu to let her in and have the kitchen send over some refreshments" Bow Liu said and after reviewing a nod of affirmation from her mistress. She left to get everything arranged.
"Yao Yao let's take a break from this, Mother came over for a visit. Help me get dressed" Lu Xiaolian said smiling widely and setting aside her work.
"Yes your highness" Yao Yao said walking over and guiding her up. Lu Xiaolian even though three months pregnant still looked beautiful. There wasn't much change in her body she was still slim and slender.
If anything her pregnancy made her glow and look much more beautiful. She was very careful with her eating so she wasn't overweight.
Yao Yao let her up and they walked over to her dressing table to freshen up a bit before leaving the room to join Her stepmother Ming Meiren.
"Your Highness" Ming Meiren said standing and bending to perform a bowing when Lu Xiaolian brought her to a stop
"there's no need to for that mother. You are my mother by right I should be the one giving you a bow" Lu Xiaolian said walking forward and stopping infront of Mong Meiren. she continued gesturing to the seat behind Ming Meiren
"Please have a seat mother".
"alright" Ming Meiren said returning to her seat.
When her stepmother was seated Lu Xiaolian walked over and sat next to her. Since Ming Meiren paid her such a sudden visit, She must wish to speak privately with Lu Xiaolian.
As soon as they were seated Bie Liu set down a tray of tea and cakes next to them and bowing she and Yao Yao withdrew away from the room and stood guard at the door. They had been trained well enough to tell when their mistress needed some privacy.
"It's been a while Lan'er. how are you doing" Ming Meiren said as soon as they were alone.
"I've been good mother and you? Lu Xiaolian said softly.
"Good"
"How is father and brother?
"Good they have been working hard to control the rebels"
"And my uncles? Huang informed that the were suddenly stationed farther north"
"The flood brought about a little unrest farther north so you uncle's were dispersed to quell the unrest. they're already done and will be returning back to the capital soon"
"That's good. Why are you back so soon mother I thought you would stay back with father and brother" Lu Xiaolian said
"Yes, Your eldest cousins wedding will be coming up in a months time. The rest of the family including your grandmother would be returning back to the capital from our country home in preparation. I returned to led them a hand"
"Oh my that completely slipped my mind . If there's anything I can do to help please let me know. I would be happy to help out" Lu Xiaolian said cheerfully.
"There's no need for that Lan'er you are currently pregnant you should take it easier" Ming Meiren caution carefully.
"no need to worry about that mother. I've been well taken care of thanks to Huang'er and her marjesty the Empress"
"Oh so it's Huang'er now huh. You both seemed to get along well. that's good" Ming Meiren said smiling.
"Yes we do" Lu Xiaolian replied blushing
"That's good. I think I can rest easy now that I see that you have someone taking good care of you. How is your pregnancy treating you. It's still the early months you have to be very careful" Ming Meiren said.
"It's be smooth so far" Lu Xiaolian replied blushing
"That's good you don't seem to be having any morning sickness which is good. I had a terrible morning sickness that left me feeling miserable when I was pregnant with your sister" Ming Meiren said.
"Really I don't remember ever seeing you that way when you were pregnant with Lu Yue" Lu Xiaolian said surprised.
"I always made sure to keep you and your brother away whenever I felt sick. You were both sensitive children when you were younger I didn't want you to worry and run crying to your father. After all Pregnancy is a right of passage every woman has to pass" Ming Meiren said chuckling silently.
"You always kept us away from anything that would bring us pain. You still do, thanks for being my mother. You may not have given birth to us but you always loved us like your own" Lu Xiaolian said softly.
"Oh don't do that. you will make me cry. You guys made my life worth living Lan"we not just your father. I would forever have your back because I love you all equally" Ming Meiren said cupping Lu Xiaolian's cheek softly
"Thanks mother" Lu Xiaolian said.
"Speaking of Lu Yue, she's actually the reason am here" Ming Meiren said