Promotion ceremony

It's been about 4 months since I found out I was with child and I'm starting to show. A little bump. Very cute I think, I constantly find myself touching or caressing my little baby bump. I secretly hope for a girl, I have always wanted a little girl. But obviously a boy would be a prince and that provides an heir. And grants the mother a secure spot.

Early this morning a eunuch brought clothes and a hair pin set for me to wear for this special occasion. The dress is a beautiful plum purple with many layers of silk and fur lining for warmth. The hair set...it's a very large gold flower center pin with a set of matching gold hair pins with 6 rubies dangling along each. I've never had something so beautiful...and to think this is just for a promotion to an Imperial Concubine.

Huiqing is super excited per usual. And had learned a bunch of new hairstyles just for me. My hair has really started to grow more and become thicker. Almost down to my thighs. Thanks to all the fine hair oils in the palace and the pregnancy is helping as well. Today for the ceremony she's styling my hair in a large bun on top with braids looped up to the bun. Sitting in the middle facing out she put the large gold flower, it really shows how beautiful it is. Then the hair pins on either side with just the tip showing the rubies dangling. Pink on my lips and a light rouge on my cheeks. As a final touch Huiqing drew a lotus flower in the middle forehead/brow. Helping me get dressed she added a new addition at the end, nail guards for my last two fingers on both hands. Both are silver and decorated with brightly colored painted flowers. My nails have grown a lot too and this will protect them. Plus it adds to the show of my rank. Looking myself in the mirror, I know I shall continue to rise. I must for my family and my unborn child.

At the Empress Dowagers palace we bow and preform the formal promotion ceremonies. Then a eunuch announces our new titles. It was quick due to now Noble lady Mingyu not feeling well. I'm starting to worry about her but they doctors say the baby is fine and so is she. They also said some women have a hard time with the first. I hope I continue with the happiness I have found in being pregnant.

Tonight the Emperor has joined me for dinner, even though we can't sleep together on the doctors orders. My meals have been really tasty lately and any craving I have is fulfilled. Tonight it is slow roasted duck, one of my favorites. And lots and lots of veggies thanks to Huiqing always worrying about my health.

"My dearest Emperor why have you choose to spend the night with me when we cannot truly be together?" I said quickly. "Well first off the food has been divine at your palace lately thanks our little prince" he said looking at my stomach and stuffing more duck in his mouth. "Second because I enjoy spending time with you...I always feel the weight of the world lighted off my shoulder when I am with you" he said and placed his hand on my growing stomach. "You have a special place in my heart" caressing my cheek and making me blush.

Returning to our meal I think now would be the time to suggest my sisters for his Majesty to spend time with. Considering the sister Mingyu and I have been the only and we are both with child now. "My dearest what do you think of my sisters Noble lady Ning and First attendant Daiyu?" He raised a brow. "Are you trying to persuade me to lay with more of the ladies, just like my Mother?" He said flatly.

Oh dear goddess. I need to make this okay. "My Emperor" I quickly bowed in front of him. "I simply want our empire to be strong and that means I must share my love. I want you to have many heirs and I know my sisters are the best ladies, so who better to suggest. I just want the best for Your Majesty" grabbing my hands he helps me back to my seat. "Your love? I am glad to have such a devoted wife willing to give up her jealously for what's best for the empire. I will never forget your devotion my lotus blossom" he said with tenderness in his voice as he kissed my forehead and left.

Laying in bed I'm not sure if that went well or not but I have a warm feeling in my chest. It's so hard to tell what he's thinking or feeling, he is a man of very little words. Hopefully one day he will have the same love for me...that might be wishful thinking but I will still hope.