Seal of Love. Book 3

Chapter 10. The Bustle. By the Hour of the Horse, the winter sky cleared, the sun came out, illuminating the palace with its rays. Praise the deities, the childbirth ended successfully. Everyone’s joy knew no bounds, because everyone who could monitor Lady Akiko’s condition at least from afar must have experienced difficult moments, already mentally saying goodbye to the Empress Consort. But Michinaga rejoiced most of all: Akiko gave birth to a beautiful boy — the heir to the throne. This meant that the power of the Chancellor of the Realm was undoubtedly strengthened.
The ladies, having cried the other day, finally went to their chambers, deciding to rest. Murasaki and the older ladies remained near the Empress Consort.
Michinaga, accompanied by his wife, generously presented gifts to the abbots of temples, monks, and soothsayers. The doctor, although he did not have time to help the Empress Consort, but who showed determination, which some courtiers so lack, was also not forgotten:
“Do you want anything?”
The doctor was at a loss, afraid to ask too much for his unprovided service. In addition, he was already a wealthy man, since he treated many dignitaries from the Imperial entourage. The success of this man was also evidenced by a solid house on the Third Line — what more could a mere mortal wish for?
The doctor hesitated, not knowing what to ask, but finally dared to say:
“I have everything, my lord, and therefore if I ever dare to bother you, it will be only because of my son and my daughter, to arrange their future, but now my children are still small.”
Michinaga laughed heartily.
“It turns out that you allegorically wish me long years in my post, so that when the time comes, I will still be in power and be able to participate in the fate of your children? So it will be, doctor! So it will be!”
Meanwhile, preparations had already begun in the palace for the first bathing ceremony, which was to take place in the evening. The ladies woke up, having forgotten all the worries of the previous night, and now thought only about how they would look at the upcoming ceremony. They took out outfits from wicker chests, did their makeup, and chose fans for themselves. To the great regret of women, prohibitions were observed in the colors of clothes. Many had to continue to wear white, and only freedom was allowed in the design of the belt.