Chapter 49
"… Consort Hui?"
Seeing that Kangxi was deep in thought and did not refute, Yun Xiu paused. Her smile became more sincere, as if she was completely considering the emperor and had no selfish motives.
"Now that the noble consort is still recovering, she is unable to protect Moyaqi. Since the emperor doesn't want to see Imperial Concubine Wu, there is only one person left in the harem who can make the decision. Who else could it be besides Consort Hui?"
Yun Xiu glanced at Nuan Pavilion. Yintang's crib was in Nuan Pavilion. Then, she turned her head and said softly, "Older Sister Consort Hui has looked after the eighth prince ever since he was born. Older sister is considerate, virtuous, and attentive. Her experience in taking care of children is no less than that of this concubine. Don't worry, Your Majesty." "
Yun Xiu's words may sound unbelievable at first, but they actually made sense. Kangxi twirled his fingers and thought about what she said. He finally felt that this idea was feasible.
Moyaqi was weak, but she was a beautiful girl. Instead of being angry, the emperor felt a little more pity.
He originally thought about asking the empress dowager to handle this, firstly to stabilise the situation, and secondly, to prevent everyone from looking down on the little princess. Now that he thought about it, with Consort Hui, there was no need to ask the empress dowager to work hard.
Ningshou Palace already had Yinqi. If there was one more, his imperial mother would really not be able to take care!
When he named the four consorts, Consort Hui was the leader, firstly because of the eldest prince Yinti, and secondly because Consort Hui was the daughter of the Nala family and was dignified and knowledgeable. During the period of the noble consort's pregnancy, the harem was kept in good order. Consort Hui was indispensable… Of course, Consort Rong and Xiuxiu were also indispensable.
Xiuxiu had always been outspoken and would not lie. She never had any disputes with Consort Hui. It wasn't just related to the affairs of co-managing the harem… Only Xiuxiu was so considerate, going so far as to consider him and his imperial mother.
Thinking of this, Kangxi was moved in his heart. He felt like a warm spring breeze blew across the water, creating green waves that swept over everything. He stopped what he was doing and looked at Yun Xiu with a smile, admiration and a hint of endearment flashing across his eyes.
Yun Xiu: "?"
Consort Yi relied on her intuition to guess that Consort Hui and Imperial Concubine Wu were involved. In a short period of time, she couldn't think of a perfect solution. She only thought that it would be best to solve the problem once and for all.
If Consort Hui wanted to compete with Imperial Concubine Wu for the fifth princess, could Yonghe Palace still team up with Yanxi Palace?
Yun Xiu sneered internally. Even if it was an illusion, she would make it true. Being grounded by the emperor and causing so much trouble, if Mrs. Wuya didn't want to live in peace, then she would not be able to think about living in peace!
After talking nonsense for a long time, she looked very confident, but in fact she felt unsure.
She didn't know if the emperor would listen to her 'slanderous words'…
Immediately afterwards, the slight uneasiness turned into dust.
Was something wrong with the emperor again?
To prevent goosebumps, she blushed slightly, looked away, and lowered her eyes. Her long eyelashes swayed gently like a fan.
It was just a matter of the palace people snickering. Fortunately, Yintang was sleeping soundly in Nuan Pavilion. If she were to be seen by that devil, there wasn't a point being an upright human being!
Kangxi's smile widened a bit and he thought to himself, she is the mother of three children, but she is still so thin-skinned.
When Kangxi realised that he had been looking at Yun Xiu for a long time, he coughed and forcibly turned his attention to business.
Consort Hui was kind-hearted and always thought of Moyaqi. Kangxi was satisfied. He pondered, and decided to bestow Consort Hui a favour. She would preside over the one month ceremony in a graceful manner.
"Xiuxiu is like a Zhuge1 among women. Her words make me enlightened." After drafting a rough plan in his mind, the emperor joked and praised her. "Whenever We are unsure about something in the future, We will have to ask you."
Although his tone was teasing, Yun Xiu still felt extremely guilty after sighing in relief.
She glared at him, suppressed her guilt, and raised a gentle smile. "Your Majesty, don't make fun of this concubine anymore. Look, the food is cold! Try this cold dish the small kitchen made. It's very delicious…"
Kangxi felt sweet in his heart. He picked up his chopsticks and said warmly, "Okay, We will follow you."
That night, at the main hall of Yanxi Palace…
"Consort, the emperor's sedan is here!"
Consort Hui had already taken off her makeup. She was wearing her underclothes and was looking at herself in the mirror. Ying'er hurried over to report to her. She was surprised and quickly put on a coat. She held Ying'er's hand and went to greet him without a moment's delay.
"Your Majesty, it's getting late. Why has Your Majesty come to Yanxi Palace today?" As she said this, she bowed and said with some embarrassment, "This concubine is getting ready to go to bed, so this concubine's clothes are disheveled and this concubine's appearance is unsightly. Can Your Majesty please forgive this concubine?"
As Consort Hui spoke, she quietly looked at Kangxi's face.
Liu Qin sent word earlier that the emperor had dinner with Consort Yi, but did not stay overnight at Yikun Palace.
Could it be that Consort Yi had angered the emperor?
Consort Hui had many speculations, but she didn't show it at all on her face. She was actually surprised and delighted.
In the past few months, the emperor had not stayed at Yanxi Palace for a long time. Every time he came by, he would only say a few words of care at most, and the topic of conversation always revolved around Yinti.
Consort Hui was nearly thirty years old, seven years older than Yun Xiu. The degree of favour between the two was really incomparable. Although the focus had completely shifted to her son and she did not rely on the emperor's favour to live, Consort Hui was still very happy when the emperor suddenly came. Then, she felt a little regretful.
She shouldn't have taken off her makeup.
Kangxi waved his hand and said with a slight smile, "We just want to rest here and talk to you. What's the big deal about dressing up?"
Then, he pointed to the inner hall and strode inside.
Consort Hui understood, suppressed the lingering joy in her heart, and showed a gentle smile. "As the emperor says."
It was said that Kangxi and Consort Hui rested in Yanxi Palace, covered with a brocade quilt.
The dim candlelight reflected the profound outline of the emperor's face. Kangxi closed his eyes and said nothing. Consort Hui's smile vanished in disappointment, but she gradually relaxed her tense nerves.
After hearing no sound for a long time, she asked softly, "Your Majesty?"
"We came today to tell you about Moyaqi's one month ceremony," Kangxi finally said as he smiled lightly.
Moyaqi?
Consort Hui was overjoyed. Before the smile on her lips could show, her face suddenly changed at the next sentence.
"Mrs. Wuya made a big mistake and We don't want to release her from the ban. Imperial mother told Us that you are meticulous in caring for the children and have a kind heart, so We will leave Moyaqi's one month ceremony to you. We will have nothing to worry about."
…
"Rest assured?!"
This message was carefully arranged by Yun Xiu, and soon reached the ears of Imperial Concubine Wu, who was 'unable to leave'.
Like thunder, her lips trembled, her face was ashen, and she clenched her nails tightly into her palms. "How can We rest assured…"
According to the customs of this dynasty, when the princes and princesses were one month old, the person who presides over the ceremony was their biological mother or adoptive mother. Was there even a precedent for leaving this to an outsider?
After being scolded for having 'evil thoughts', being demoted from Consort De to an untitled imperial concubine, and being banned from Yonghe Palace for two months, Imperial Concubine Wu was desperate and depressed for a long time.
Her Yinzuo had inherited that title and had no possibility of inheriting the throne. If the emperor hated her so much, what hope did he have for the rest of his life?
She became the biggest laughing stock in the palace. She went from being the envy of everyone to being the one who was ridiculed. Imperial Concubine Wu had experienced everything.
It was not that she had never thought about dying with those sluts, but in the end, a thin and weak cry awakened her consciousness.
Imperial Concubine Wu howled, tears streaming down her face. Her poor daughter…
Yes, she hadn't lost yet. As long as Yinzuo recognised her as his mother, as long as Moyaqi was around, and as long as the fourth prince was around, the emperor would always be soft-hearted.
Imperial Concubine Wu calmed from her hysteria and began to plan her comeback.
Two months was too long. By then, who would remember her? Yinzuo would also forget about her as his mother!
But a comeback was not that easy.
All the people she had placed in the Imperial Household Department had been removed, and her spies in each palace were also useless. It was as if their ears and eyes had been covered. Imperial Concubine Wu knew nothing about the current situation in the outside world.
She had no choice but to obey the imperial doctor's wishes and drink the life-threatening bitter medicine every day. At the same time, she used her last remaining power and thought on how to contact the famous Consort Hui, who was in charge of the harem.
Consort Hui ignored her at first, but suddenly she was asked to surrender… Imperial Concubine Wu gritted her teeth. She had nothing to worry about anymore.
She wanted to come back and restore her status as Consort De, find out the whereabouts of Mrs. Liu, avenge Yinzuo, and make that bumbling bitch of the Guo Luoluo family regret it!
—Who would take advantage of whom? It was not yet clear.
A few days ago, Consort Hui sent someone to deliver the news, saying that the one month ceremony was an excellent opportunity. The little princess couldn't live without her mother, so she was to say a few words to the emperor and the ban should be lifted.
Imperial Concubine Wu's eyes were filled with hope.
After finally recuperating a bit, Moyaqi had grown up safely. She was looking forward to the arrival of the one month ceremony; but, unexpectedly, Consort Hui gave her an unexpected blow, catching her off guard and making her hands and feet feel cold. It was as if she had fallen into an ice cellar.
According to what Wet Nurse Wu heard, this had been Consort Hui's own idea. It was not enough for Mrs. Nala to give birth to her eldest prince and raise her eighth prince, but she actually wanted to take away the only child she had left by her side…
Then what did it mean these past few days? She had been carefully planning for Yanxi Palace, intending to break the connection between Mrs. Hesheli and Mrs. Guo Luoluo!
Imperial Concubine Wu's cheeks turned blue and her eyes were bloodshot. She felt bile welling up in her throat, and she fainted in shock and anger.
Yun Xiu never expected that her few 'slanderous remarks' would cause Yonghe Palace to be in chaos again.
Since Little Tens' three month ceremony was coming soon, she put the matter behind her and concentrated on preparing generous gifts.
During the three month ceremony, the tenth prince born was named Yin'e. He cried loudly and looked a bit more lively than the ninth prince.
Kangxi's face was overjoyed. The crown prince stood with his hands behind his back, thinking with a smile that Little Nine finally had a well-matched opponent!
As he thought about it, his expression became a little strange.
His ninth younger brother made trouble every day, tearing down screens and scratching the face of the dragon. There was nothing he did not dare to do.
If his tenth younger brother was like this… Aiya—
The little crown prince came to his senses and had a bad feeling in his heart.
…
The weather was getting colder, and one could catch a chill if one was not careful. At the turn of the season, the imperial noble consort's cough returned, so she did not attend. Yinzhen stayed there uneasily, presumably because he was worried about his mother's condition.
As soon as the three month ceremony was over, he hurried to Chengqian Palace. The crown prince had no time to stop him. He thought that his fourth younger brother had been so close with the imperial noble consort recently that he had almost forgotten about him being his second older brother!
The most important thing was to watch the excitement.
During this period, everyone's eyes were frequently on Yun Xiu. This included His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, who was suppressing a smile, the stern-faced eldest prince Yinti, and the fifth prince Yinqi, who looked puzzled.
Consort Hui and Consort Yi were sitting next to each other. One had black eyes and a tired expression while the other had a radiant face. The contrast was too striking.
What was going on here?
—
The author has something to say:
Yun Xiu: The harem has been rearranged. Both the young and old are being treated fairly. It is very efficient, and Consort Hui has agreed to use it.
Consort Hui: …
—–
By the way, some readers have asked about the concubines and their corresponding heirs. I will briefly mention them here. The below are the current positions in the story.
Imperial Noble Consort, Mrs. Tongjia: the fourth prince's adopted mother
Noble Consort, Mrs. Niu Gulu: the biological mother of the tenth prince
Consort Hui, Mrs. Nala: the biological mother of the eldest prince and the adopted mother of the eighth prince
Consort Yi, Mrs. Guo Luoluo: the biological mother of the fifth and ninth princes, and the adopted mother of the fourth princess
Consort Rong, Mrs. Majia: the biological mother of the second princess and the third prince
Imperial Concubine Wu, Mrs. Wuya: the biological mother of the fourth prince, sixth prince, and fifth princess
Imperial Concubine Cheng, Mrs. Daijia: the biological mother of the seventh prince
Noble Lady Gui, Mrs. Wei: the biological mother of the eighth prince
Noble Lady Le, Mrs. Guo Luoluo: the biological mother of the fourth princess
Noble Lady Bu: the biological mother of the third princess
It is in order of seniority. The crown prince is ranked second, and his biological mother was Empress Yuan of the Hesheli family.
Zhuge: I think this is a reference to Zhuge Liang since it's the same surname. Zhuge Liang was a famous strategist during the Three Kingdoms period.
Chapter 50
Consort Rong looked around, then covered her mouth with a handkerchief. She was half-smiling. Her tone mixed with a hint of sourness. "Older Sister Consort Hui is full of compassion, and she has devoted herself to the fifth princess's one month ceremony that she has even neglected her health. We are truly impressed."
After the tenth prince's three month ceremony, Moyaqi's one month gradually approached, but Imperial Concubine Wu was still under a ban. It was well known that the princess was born frail. In that case, who would preside over this ceremony?
It wasn't just Consort Rong who pondered this, but everyone else was also curious and couldn't help but guess. Some people said that the emperor was kind and may forgive Imperial Concubine Wu and lift her ban. Others said that the emperor may ask the empress dowager to come forward to elevate the status of the fifth princess and break the awkward situation…
There were plenty of rumours flying around. But just yesterday, there was a faint rumour in the palace that the emperor had given full authority to Consort Hui for the fifth princess's one month ceremony.
At this time, all the concubines in the palace were shocked. Countless eyes full of envy and jealousy were focused on Yanxi Palace, allowing Consort Hui to fully enjoy the feeling of being in the spotlight.
Among them, Consort Rong didn't know the inside story. After her initial shock, she was the one who was the most sour.
The emperor had too much faith in Consort Hui!
She was also working hard, and she was also cooperating with the Six Palaces, but how come such a great grace did go to her?
The phrase 'motherly heart' was the emperor's own words to praise Consort Hui. Was it possible that the emperor wanted Consort Hui to raise the fifth princess?
Consort Rong suddenly realised that she had underestimated Mrs. Nala.
It was said that Consort Yi and the former Imperial Concubine Wu were favoured as they had children one after another. However, the fifth prince was given to the empress dowager, and the fourth prince was given to the imperial noble consort. The only one who remained by their mother's side was the eldest prince. Consort Hui kept silent. She had raised the eldest prince and the eighth prince. If she raised another princess who was born frail and the emperor pitied her…
Consort Rong thought about it and became more vigilant than ever before.
When Consort Rong saw Consort Hui's eyes were green and black and that she looked tired, which was in sharp contrast to Consort Yi, she snorted in her heart and thought, Who can she show off to? Who doesn't know your loving motherly heart!
As she spoke, she pretended to be concerned and added, "Does older sister want to ask the imperial doctor to take a look? If you are tired, you need to rest more…"
Because of the comparison with Yun Xiu, Consort Hui was initially worried. When she became acutely aware of Consort Rong gloating about her misfortune, she tried her best to suppress the falling corners of her mouth. Her complexion became livid.
Yun Xiu glanced at her carelessly, a smile spreading from the corners of her eyes to the tips of her brows.
She didn't want to be a target on the stage. There must be someone to share her burdens. Was it wrong to be favoured, jealous, and have too much power?
Chengqian Palace.
The imperial noble consort was leaning on the couch, covered with a thick blanket. She coughed a few times, took the medicine bowl from Yinzhen's hand, closed her eyes, and drank it all with a smile in her eyes.
"Imperial Noble Consort, this is the fourth prince's favorite preserves." Wet Nurse Zhen handed over a small jar with a smile on her face. "The prince said that everything here is very sweet…"
When Yinzhen heard this, a blush quietly appeared on the little bun's face. He pulled his sleeves and opened his mouth, looking a little embarrassed.
The imperial noble consort saw his reaction clearly. First, she thought it was funny. Then, the tip of her nose was suddenly sore and her eyes turned slightly red.
The corners of her mouth twitched. She was so stupid in the past. When she was pregnant, she actually became wary about this child. She also tasted the bitter fruit…
She turned her face away and calmed down. The imperial noble consort then spoke softly. "What Yinzhen likes is what mother also likes." After saying that, she picked up a piece and put it in her mouth.
The sweetness dissipated the strong bitter medicinal smell, and the imperial noble consort nodded towards Yinzhen. Yinzhen's eyes lit up, and he felt a little excited. Then, his eyes fell on the medicine bowl, and his eyes dimmed again.
"Mother, when will your cough get better?" He pursed his lips and asked cautiously, and then he became sulky again. "Those imperial doctors have no idea and don't know what to give mother!"
The imperial noble consort was well aware of her illness. Upon hearing this, her smile faded slightly. She was a little bitter.
The root cause of her disease started after her dystocia, and she was bedridden. She suffered from both major and minor ailments all the time, and she never lived a comfortable life… It was winter now. In addition to all the coughing, she also suffered from cold limbs and abdominal pain. Every time she fell asleep, she felt the chill to her bones, but hot water bottles didn't have the slightest effect.
Everyone in the Imperial Hospital did not want to offend anyone. After diagnosing her pulse, this was considered the best option. But the imperial noble consort knew very well that her illness would never be cured.
She saw the fear and embarrassment on their faces.
After the difficult childbirth, she did not treat Imperial Doctor Liu, but she never called him again. This time, the imperial noble consort had a premonition and asked Imperial Doctor Liu to be invited again. She said calmly, "We want you to be honest. We will never vent Our anger on you."
Imperial Doctor Liu hesitated for a long time, and finally revealed the truth. "…The cold air that entered the Imperial Noble Consort's body has damaged the core and it cannot be cured. Maybe… Maybe it will also hinder the life span."
He said it tactfully, but the imperial noble consort understood it clearly.
Sure enough, she told herself.
How long could she live? One year? Two years? Or was it ten years?
After seeing off Imperial Doctor Liu, the imperial noble consort could no longer maintain her indifferent expression and threw the tea set heavily to the ground. She was hysterical with hatred and cried until she felt like she almost died.
But what was the point of crying? Everything had been settled.
What she should do now is get revenge! Mrs. Wuya could no longer make waves, and only Suo Etu was left.
She replaced the jade certificate for Yinzhen, paving the way for his future and allowing the Tong family to continue to prosper…
When the plan was being perfected, the imperial noble consort never expected that Tong Guowei, her dear father, would not avenge her!
She presumed that her family had given up on her and were preparing to send her second younger sister into the palace, right?
Yes, what was the use of an imperial noble consort who had no real power? She was unable to help the family and had become a hindrance.
For a moment, her grief was greater than the death of her heart. The imperial noble consort no longer cared about anything else. She sneered as she laid out her plans one by one.
…
After Ming Zhu and Suo Etu took drastic measures to renovate the Imperial Household Department, Kangxi also sent people to clean up the inner palace. After this major change, the Tong family's power was greatly reduced. They only had one out of ten people left. The same was true for the imperial noble consort.
She only had her confidants in Chengqian Palace whom she could trust.
In addition, the imperial noble consort's biological aunt, Empress Xiaokangzhang, left several hidden pieces in the palace, which were her last trump cards.
She suddenly heard Yinzhen's 'mother'. The imperial noble consort came back to her senses, suppressed the deep cruelty in her eyes, gently touched his head, and said warmly, "My son, you have to calm down. Such impatience will not lead to big things. Earlier, the imperial doctor reported back that mother will be fine soon, but you didn't hear it. Mother knows that you are worried, but you must never offend others. Do you understand?"
Yinzhen hummed, thought for a while, and finally nodded shyly.
She held another candied fruit in her hand and asked him with a smile, "Mother heard that in the eldest prince's office, our fourth prince takes good care of Second Rank Prince Rong. Yinzuo is also gradually relying on his fourth older brother…"
Yinzhen raised his eyes suddenly, then lowered his head suddenly. "Mother, I…I…"
He vaguely knew that his mother didn't like his sixth younger brother. He was so anxious that he didn't know what to do. His voice gradually became quieter: "…I don't."
He hated the mother in Yonghe Palace, and he also hated his sixth younger brother.
That day in Yuqing Palace, Yinzuo was poisoned, and when Imperial Concubine Wu hissed and questioned him, Yinzhen retorted loudly, rushed out of the hall in anger, and actually felt the slightest hatred for Yinzuo.
But the hatred came and went quickly. When he thought of his sixth younger brother lying unconscious on the couch with his entire body hot to the touch, the fourth prince's eyes were still red.
A few days later, when he learned that his sixth younger brother had become Second Rank Prince Rong, and that he was no longer as smart as before, Yinzhen was at a loss and walked to Yinzuo's yard without following instructions…
The imperial noble consort knew that the great empress dowager had arranged for the brothers to live close to each other. When she saw the panic on Yinzhen's face, she showed a gentle and soothing smile and said softly, "Don't be afraid. Mother doesn't mean to blame you."
She put a slightly cold hand on his forehead. Yinzhen slowly opened his eyes and stopped talking.
The imperial noble consort said softly, "Yinzhen cares about his younger brother, and mother is very proud. How can mother be unhappy? Mother has figured it out now… blood relationships can't be separated so easily. In the future, it would be better to get closer to Second Rank Prince Rong."