Chapter 21
As soon as Mingzhu's words reached his ears, Tong Guowei suddenly turned his head. He stared at the phoenix flag fluttering under the scorching sun and his complexion changed dramatically.
The imperial noble consort was the same as the deputy empress, and she was responsible for the central palace. The ceremonial guards for travel were similar to those of the empress. The decorations were similar, and so were the regulations.
It was just that the imperial noble consort was not the empress after all. The most obvious difference between the two was the phoenix flag on the guard of honour – the empress had a colorful phoenix, and the imperial noble consort had a golden phoenix.
Not long after the current emperor ascended the throne, he re-did the empress and concubine system, and the norms of the sedan chairs were also written into the 'Compilation of State Regulations', which must be followed thoroughly.
But now his eldest daughter, the imperial noble consort who just regained power in the palace, actually used the colourful phoenix!
To put it mildly, this was a dereliction of duty of the servants at the bottom. Alternatively, it was
The seriousness of this matter was exactly the same as that of the crown prince wearing a bright yellow dragon robe by mistake.
How could the imperial noble consort make such a big mistake?!
Tong Guowei lost his words in shock, followed by the feeling of his heart sinking.
Today was the Dragon Boat Festival. The emperor and ministers enjoyed it together, and the concubines gathered together. In such a lively place, everyone could see phoenix flags. Even if they wanted to cover it up, they couldn't.
Tong Guowei's hands and feet were cold, and he looked around. As expected, the whispers became louder.
Mingzhu's expression was very ugly. He tugged on Tong Guowei's sleeve, and said in a low voice, "The imperial noble consort is being tricked by someone! Send someone to remind her."
"How can I not know?" Tong Guowei shook his head, as if he had aged ten years. "It's too late, it's too late. They all saw it."
His voice sounded disheartened.
"That's true." Mingzhu murmured, his mind spinning rapidly. "There is still a remedy! Before the emperor arrives, let the imperial noble consort order the removal of the guard of honour and move them far away…"
Before he managed to finish his words, the sound of a whip crackled through the air. The rites and music were played, and a voice came from a distance:
"The emperor is here—"
As soon as Mingzhu's words stopped, Tong Guowei's complexion immediately turned gray. It was over.
When the emperor's sedan was halfway there, Liang Jiugong's heart skipped a beat when he heard the servant's report.
When he saw the emperor, he had no choice but to listen to him, and said softly, "Imperial Noble Consort…The Guard of Honour…"
Guard of Honour? Coloured Phoenix?
When Kangxi recalled the rumours a few days ago, he still smiled, but his eyes turned cold.
With the shout of "the emperor is here", everyone shouted for the emperor. Outside the main hall, the imperial noble consort held the hand of Wet Nurse Zhen, led all the concubines, and greeted them with smiles on their faces.
The noble consort was not feeling well, so she and Yun Xiu took leave of absence and rested in Yongshou Palace.
Consort De smiled gently. The curve of her mouth remained unchanged. Consort Rong concealed her surprise. Consort Hui muttered to herself. How did the imperial noble consort become so radiant?
It was amazing.
Could it be that the emperor was really going to make her the empress?
"This concubine pays respects to the emperor!" The imperial noble consort, with her round belly, found it difficult to pay her respects. She looked at Kangxi with tenderness in her eyes. "It is too sunny. You must not stay out in the sun too long. You should sit with your ministers and concubines."
Kangxi nodded, gently turned the jade ring on his thumb, and stared at the imperial noble consort for a long time, making her a little uneasy.
The imperial noble consort thought hard, and smiled ashamedly. "Before, your concubine did many wrong things. When your concubine was recuperating, your concubine figured it out. Both Consort Yi and Consort De are sisters. They serve the emperor wholeheartedly. This concubine should treat them generously…"
Her words and deeds had a gentle and virtuous taste.
Kangxi stopped smiling. After a long time, he hummed lightly.
It was another rumour about choosing an empress and the colourful phoenix guard of honour. Since the country was established and governed by propriety, if it was publicised, the Qing Dynasty would be in chaos.
Regardless of whether Mrs. Tonjia did it on purpose or was tricked by others, under the watchful eyes of everyone, he would need to give an explanation to the ministers.
If someone plotted against her, then what face did the imperial noble consort have to lead the Six Palaces?
If it was intentional…
There was a hint of hostility in Kangxi's eyes. Was she and the Tong family trying to force him to make her the empress?
Last time this happened was at the Longevity Festival, this time it was the Dragon Boat Festival. Good, very good.
Glancing at the swollen belly of the imperial noble consort, the emperor finally suppressed his anger and sarcasm, and slowly took his seat.
…
It was clearly a feast of celebration, but the emperor was in a bad mood. A sense of speechless stagnation quietly permeated.
Among the ministers here, who here didn't have basic human decency? They could only secretly guess why as they looked at each other. In the end, they remained silent.
Liang Jiugong grimaced, uncertain about the timing of the "banquet". Suddenly, Wang Yong, the Left Imperial Censor of the Court of Censors, got up and broke the silence.
"Your Majesty, it's a festive season, and this minister shouldn't talk too much. But in ancient times, there was the virtue of concubines, but now there is the 'Compilation of State Regulations' of the Qing Dynasty. The imperial noble consort Mrs. Tongjia used the colourful phoenix guard of honour and is breaching the rules. This is a blatant grab for the position of empress. It is immoral and really disrespectful!" Wang Yong's upright voice resounded through the hall. "This minister wants to report on this crime and impeach. For the sake of righteousness, this minister asks the emperor to severely punish…"
A stone stirred up a thousand waves.
Tong Guowei's hands shook. His face turned livid in an instant, and he shot the Left Imperial Censor a sharp look.
The Court of Censors was independent from the six ministries. It was as noble as the Imperial Academy and was full of people who just admonished others.
Their duty was to impeach and admonish. They were notoriously tough and fearless of power. The Left Imperial Censor Wang Yong was one of the best and won Kangxi's trust.
Wang Yong was a pure minister, and no one would deny it. He was stubborn, even going to the emperor and daring to ask him to impeach, so he was afraid of the imperial noble consort in the deep palace? Although the imperial noble consort was from the Tong family, she was the emperor's cousin.
Even during the Dragon Boat Festival, he still did his job!
As soon as Wang Yong's words finished, there was an uproar in the banquet. The imperial noble consort's fingers trembled, and her rosy face turned pale.
Consort De covered her mouth with a handkerchief, and her smile became more and more gentle. On the courtier's side, the old god, Suo'etu ,was stroking his long beard. His eyes flashed with satisfaction.
After an unknown amount of time, Kangxi squinted his phoenix eyes, and said slowly, "Your petition for impeachment is…justified, but also unreasonable."
Wang Yong was stunned for a moment, then cupped his hands. "This minister will listen carefully."
"We have never intended to choose an empress. Since that is the case, then how can the imperial noble consort 'covet the position of empress'?" Kangxi smiled and nodded at Wang Yong. "However, this oversight with regards to the ceremonial flags is irrefutable…"
He had no intention of choosing an empress?
He had no intention of choosing an empress!
The imperial noble consort's mind was blank. Her ears were buzzing and she couldn't hear the words behind her.
The breath that was supporting her was gone!
Yikun Palace.
Yun Xiu's belly got bigger and bigger, and her movements became much more cumbersome. Wet Nurse Dong, Wen Yuan, and Rui Zhu took good care of her all the time, in fear of any accidents. It would not be an exaggeration to say that they were in a state of suspicion and fear, considering everyone as an enemy.
Now, she was wearing plain clothes and black hair, leaning on the couch as she looked at the fabrics. She appeared very casual.
The Imperial Household Department received Kangxi's order. When Yun Xiu was free today, he sent it to her for selection.
The leader, Xiao Lizi, was Liang Jiugong's direct apprentice. He ran errands in the Qianqing Palace, and was very attentive.
He smiled and said, "These brocades are all good materials that have been brought in as tribute from the south. They are light and heat-dissipating. They are suitable for summer. They are tailor-made for the consort and the little prince."
Yun Xiu picked up the brocade, and smiled when she heard those words. "Is that so? Then this one, this one… put them all in the warehouse."
Long before the Dragon Boat Festival, Yun Xiu had someone set up the delivery room. The midwives for the delivery were also fully arranged.
In the dream, she was pregnant in October and gave birth to Yintang successfully in early autumn. However, during the confinement period, there was an autumn heat wave, so the weather was sweltering and she suffered a lot.
For her own comfort, she specially tidied up a room with a draft, which was much cooler than other places.
Her environment improved and now, the emperor sent cooling cloth again.
Yun Xiu stroked her lower abdomen after she sent off Xiao Lizi. She was smiling and was about to praise Kangxi. At this moment, Rui Zhu lifted the curtain and came in with a rare eagerness on her face. "Consort, the imperial noble consort has mobilised!"
She had mobilised? It had only been eight months, right?
It didn't match the dream.
Yun Xiu was taken aback for a moment, and said softly, "Today is the Dragon Boat Festival…"
Giving birth on the fifth day of May was not a good day for the imperial noble consort.
Rui Zhu thought of the news from the inquiry, and was still shocked, so she nodded. "It's the Dragon Boat Festival."
Then, she moved to whisper in Yun Xiu's ear. "During the Dumpling Banquet, someone petitioned to impeach the imperial noble consort since she had colourful phoenix ceremonial flags, therefore coveting the throne… The emperor said that he had no intention of choosing an empress… The imperial noble consort bled on the spot and had a difficult delivery!"
Yun Xiu suppressed her astonishment, and after a while, sighed softly. "This was calculated."
Was it Consort De, or someone else?
"We are sick, so it's not suitable to go. Send the 100-year-old ginseng in the warehouse." After pondering for a while, she ordered, "In these troubled times, restrain our people. Wen Yuan, go to the side hall and tell Yun Shu to pay attention…"
The servants all agreed and got to work.
…
Pots of blood were brought out from Chengqian Palace. The screams of the imperial noble consort became weaker and weaker.
The great empress dowager kept turning the Buddhist beads, and the empress dowager looked in from time to time. Kangxi's face sank, and he paced back and forth with his hands behind his back.
The imperial noble consort fainted on the spot and bled. How could the Dumpling Banquet continue? It was messed up immediately.
This was the most chaotic Dragon Boat Festival since Kangxi came to the throne… He couldn't tell what mood he was in at this moment.
Kangxi suddenly stopped and sighed. He called Liang Jiugong, and said in a low voice, "The decree for her to be reduced to a noble consort should be canceled. Don't draft it."
Liang Jiugong responded in a low voice after hesitating for a moment, "Your Majesty, the ministers…"
The imperial noble consort used the empress' ceremonial flags, but had a miscarriage. The emperor didn't want to care about this matter any more. The Court of Censors, the Eight Banners clan, and the old scholars… Would they be turned upside down?
And the Han Chinese! The Han people paid the most attention to etiquette.
"This is Our family matter." Kangxi rubbed the center of his brows, his face somber. "They make a fuss and it dies down quickly."
Liang Jiugong bowed and agreed without saying a word.
It took from high sun to deep twilight. At the last moment, when the child was approaching, finally, the imperial noble consort gave birth to a little princess with difficulty.
The little princess was covered in bruises. She looked like a cat, cried weakly, and died within half an hour.
Hearing the bad news, the great empress dowager, who had been sitting for a day, closed her eyes, and the empress dowager recited Buddhist prayers.
Kangxi was supported by the back of the chair, and said in a hoarse voice, "Give her the name Anle, and bury her with the ceremony of Princess Gulun…"
Everyone was shocked. This was considered a great grace!
The imperial noble consort was still unconscious, and the only one who could be in charge, Wet Nurse Zhen, knelt down in tears and bowed to the ground. "Thanking Your Majesty!"
The imperial noble consort had a hard time giving birth to a princess, who died within half an hour. As soon as the news came out, except for the distraught Tong family, and Mingzhu who was inexplicably regretful, no one felt sad from the rest of the important officials. This included the concubines of the harem.
Suo'etu breathed a sigh of relief. In addition to being happy, he didn't care about what happened to the little princess.
To have the ceremonial burial of Princess Gulun, and given the name of Anle… The princes and princesses of the past had not gotten this kind of treatment.
The courtiers were silent. There was no objection, as if they had a tacit understanding. They let the emperor be willful for a while.
After all, the Tong family was the emperor's maternal family. The imperial noble consort was the emperor's cousin after all. At this time, if one came forward to say that the funeral was not in compliance with the rules, wouldn't they just be looking to rub salt in the wound?
Even Left Imperial Censor Wang Yong fell silent.
The front was peaceful, but the harem was in turmoil. The women who lost their children in the early years felt very uncomfortable.
It was a good thing that the imperial noble consort didn't give birth to a prince, but why should she be treated like this?
Among the four consorts, Consort Hui, Consort Rong, and Consort De all had children who died young.
Consort Hui was fine. Her grief had faded long ago. Consort Rong had lost princes, one after another, including the emperor's first son, Chengrui!
Every time she thought about it, it hurt her heart.
Consort Rong had always kept a low profile, chanting Buddhist prayers all day long. She was not prone to disputes with others. However, she still broke several tea sets, and hated the bedridden imperial noble consort.
"Chengrui of my palace, Saiyin Chahun…didn't even have a posthumous title. What about her? She was just a girl, so why?!"
Consort De's mood was exactly the same as Consort Rong's.
Thinking of the little princess who died young, Consort De's chest heaved and she quickly calmed down.
She lowered her eyes and asked softly, "Does Mrs. Tongjia look like a madman?"
Wet Nurse Wu said in a low voice, "This servant heard that nothing could help
—She was no different from a tiger whose teeth had been pulled out.
Consort De was very happy in her heart. She smiled naturally, and then thought of another person. "Where is Yinzhen? How is he in Cining Palace?"
Wet Nurse Wu paused. "The fourth and the fifth princes had a great time together. They and the crown prince often go to Yikun Palace."
Consort De was startled. Her smile gradually faded before it finally disappeared. .
Why did the crown prince go?
Was it not because the emperor doted on Mrs. Guo Luoluo!
He went to her door every day. Even if he was busy with political affairs, he didn't forget to give her rewards, whether it was cloth or jewellery.
… The emperor's private treasury was likely to be emptied.
"Consort Yi is going to give birth soon?" She said calmly, "Always pay attention to the other end. Don't miss any news."
In addition to dealing with the emperor who was acting stranger with each day, Yun Xiu raised her baby in Yikun Palace with peace of mind. She lived in seclusion and didn't get involved in other affairs. Soon, the days passed by.
In the blink of an eye, it was the twenty-seventh day of August.
When she got up early, Yun Xiu seemed to feel something, and gently put her hand on her lower abdomen. She felt the foetal movement from time to time and a faint smile on her face.
After eating a rich breakfast, there was a slight pain in her stomach. Gradually, the pain intensified and suddenly spread throughout her body.
"Go to the delivery room, I'm about to give birth…" she called out in a low voice.
Yikun Palace fell into a panic in an instant.
Wet Nurse Dong couldn't help but be nervous. She still kept her calm, ordering, "Zhang Youde, quickly go to Cining Palace to report to the revered elder and the empress dowager… You go to Qianqing Palace to report to the emperor… Where is the midwife? Quickly check carefully. Don't bring dirty things in…"
Wen Yuan supported Yun Xiu, and said incessantly, "Consort, pay attention to your feet…"
Just at this time, an unremarkable little eunuch hurried in. When he saw Ruizhu, it was as if he saw a saviour. He whispered a few words in her ear.
Rui Zhu's face suddenly turned pale, and she opened her mouth. How could it be?
She gritted her teeth, determined to hide it from her master, but Wet Nurse Dong noticed the movement there, and asked sharply, "What happened?"
Yun Xiu had a bad premonition. She turned her head to look straight, and heard Rui Zhu's voice saying, "Someone from Ningshou Palace came to report that the fourth and the fifth prince had a dispute… The fifth prince fell into the water…"
Yun Xiu's heart skipped a beat suddenly. She was dizzy for a moment, and then her lower body became wet.
Her amniotic fluid broke!
Severe pain swept over her and she had no time to think about anything else. She lay on the bed and firmly grasped Wen Yuan's hand. "Look for the imperial doctor quickly… Yinqi can't…"
With tears in her eyes, Wen Yuan nodded heavily.
Yintang felt dizzy, as if he had been soaking in a hot spring. His whole body was warm.
What? He was not dead yet?
The fourth prince was so cold. He was really cold. He was not even assigned an imperial doctor in prison, and he was dragged to death abruptly.
He was the dignified ninth prince, but he went so uselessly… He didn't know how sad fifth younger brother would be, and how sad mother would be.
Just as he was grieving, suddenly, a strong force hit him. Before he had time to react, he left the reassuring "hot spring".
All of a sudden, his whole body felt cold. When his breathing became smoother, Yintang couldn't help but burst into tears!
While he cried, he realised something was wrong.
Why did this body look so much like a newborn baby?
Had he… been reborn?
Immediately afterwards, someone said a vague congratulatory sentence: "Congratulations, congratulations, congratulations, you have a healthy little prince!"
After a while, a familiar voice tinged with fatigue spoke. Her voice was pleasant. "…Not a healthy little brother, but a debt-collecting little prince."
Yintang was completely stunned.
Mother?!
A burst of ecstasy, excitement, grievance, and grief surged into his heart. Yintang waved his little hands and cried loudly, "Waaaa—"
Chapter 22
The newborn little prince was not easy on the eyes. His skin was wrinkled, his eyes were closed, but his crying was extremely loud. His waving arms were also extremely powerful.
He cried loudly, then fell asleep when he was tired from crying. Whether it was the midwife or the servants in the palace, all of them showed expressions of absolute joy.
The ninth prince showed his head two hours later. His body was extremely healthy, and he was free from disease and disaster at first glance, and he would be able to grow up steadily.
Consort Yi had two princes under her belt, and also raised the fourth princess. She was the only one who was favoured by the emperor. From now on, her position in the palace was truly unshakable!
Wet Nurse Dong was equally happy in her heart. She quickly packed up the clothes and wrapped up the baby carefully.
She was only happy for a moment. When she thought of the fifth prince falling into the water, her smile quickly disappeared. Her eyes flashed with anxiety.
Although the weather was hot, the water was cold. The fifth prince was still young, and he was no better than an adult. What if he caught a cold or a persistent fever… What should they do?
Rui Zhu heard that the fifth prince was immediately rescued as soon as he fell into the water. The empress dowager quickly called the imperial doctor for diagnosis and treatment. There was no delay, which was considered a blessing.
They said that it was the fourth prince who had a dispute with the fifth prince. Then, they pushed each other, and the fifth prince was pushed into the lake. Wet Nurse Dong didn't believe this tale.
The two princes have always gotten along well. There must be someone acting in the background.
How vicious was the person behind this? Extremely!
They couldn't get into Yikun Palace since it was like an iron fortress, so they changed their target. They took advantage of the consort's inability to do much to attack the fifth prince.
They hoped that the consort would be restless during childbirth, and be in grief and shock, resulting in possibly 2 lives lost.
Fortunately, the mother and child were safe!
After Yun Xiu said the words 'little prince who collects debts', she lost her strength and fell into a deep sleep, which she has not woken up to this day.
Sweat-soaked black hair fell on her cheeks. Her red lips were dry and white, like flower petals in rain, but they were still beautiful.
Wet Nurse Dong looked at her master's tired sleeping face. She was happy but also afraid. She held the baby and was trembling slightly when she suddenly heard a notice from outside, saying that the revered elder and the emperor had arrived.
The great empress dowager was leaning on a cane, thinking about Little Five and Consort Yi who gave birth. Her old face was a little worried.
The old madam survived many strong winds and waves, so she was still stable. Kangxi strode forward and set off a gust of wind.
The emperor couldn't stop being anxious. He kept turning the jade ring. He pointed at the palace servant and asked, "Where is your Master Yi? Why are you silent?!"
After the early court, Kangxi was summoning people to discuss matters in Qianqing Palace. He noticed Liang Jiugong move to lift the curtain, but he didn't take it to heart. After a while, Liang Jiugong called out in a low voice, "Your Majesty, at Yikun Palace…"
When Kangxi heard that Consort Yi was about to give birth, his complexion changed. He immediately left behind the group of important officials and got up in a hurry. When he was halfway there, someone came to report that the fourth and fifth prince had a dispute and the fifth prince fell into the water in Ningshou Palace.
The timing was too coincidental. Who would believe that there was no foul play?
In the harem, someone dared to plot against Xiuxiu!
Kangxi held back the fire in his heart for fear that something unexpected would happen to Yun Xiu when she heard about Yinqi.
He came to Yikun Palace in a hurry, but he didn't hear the slightest cry of pain. The emperor immediately exploded like a firecracker.
Faced with the question from the emperor, Chun Bai, the second-rank palace lady serving tea, immediately knelt down and prostrated herself on the ground and said with a trembling voice, "Answering the emperor, Consort Yi will enter the delivery room around noon. This servant thinks everything is going well…"
Go smoothly? How smoothly?
When Kangxi thought of Yinqi, who fell into the water, he was nervous and worried. He felt angry. "You dog slave, do not let Consort Yi know…"
Liang Jiugong shrank back in fear, praying to gods and Buddhas to keep Consort Yi safe, both the mother and child.
It was rare for the emperor to get so angry. They were all speechless.
In case something happened to Master Yi, no one could bear the consequences!
"Revered Elder, Your Majesty, Consort gave birth to a healthy little prince in less than two hours. Both mother and child are safe… Now, Consort is sleeping soundly." At this moment, Wet Nurse Dong hurried out. Kangxi's angry reprimand was interrupted.
The bright red clothes caught everyone's eyes. The great empress dowager paused twisting the Buddhist beads. She exhaled, a smile in her eyes, and said, "Good, good, good!"
Consort Yi was very lucky.
She will bless Little Five and the newborn Little Nine.
"Look, revered elder, the ninth prince has a strong body, and his eyebrows and eyes look very much like Consort Yi's!" Wet Nurse Dong smiled, and turned to look at Kangxi. "The nose and mouth look like they were carved out of the same mold as the emperor."
Hearing Wet Nurse Dong's words, Kangxi's fingers trembled, and his anger disappeared immediately. He froze for a long while, then the corners of his mouth rose. He said softly, "Let Us… have a look."
If it was a cold winter just now, now it was a spring breeze with a warm sun.
Liang Jiugong heaved a sigh of relief. There were creases all over his face as he smiled. Together with Kangxi, he sized up the infant prince carefully.
The little prince was still sleeping soundly.
"It's just like what Wet Nurse said, just like the emperor, but also like Consort. In the future, this servant doesn't know how many girls will be fascinated by the prince!" Liang Jiugong said with a smile.
The great empress dowager nodded and smiled lovingly, "He also looks like Yinqi."
Yikun Palace fell silent in an instant.
Kangxi started to turn the jade ring again, wanting to ask how Yun Xiu was doing. Was she thinking about Yinqi? Would she not sleep well?
At this moment, a faint notification sounded, "The empress dowager has arrived—"
The great empress dowager and Kangxi were both surprised.
"Imperial mother, emperor, Yinqi is already well. He just needs some rest. The imperial doctor said that he has been healthy since he was a child, so he will not have symptoms of a cold…" The empress dowager came in with a smile on her face, her whole body relaxed. She quickly said in Mongolian, "No, Little Five has been settled, so now I'm anxious to see how Yi girl is? Has she given birth?"
Was Yinqi already well?
Like a boulder falling to the ground, the great empress dowager stood up suddenly, recited a Buddhist prayer, and said happily, "That's good, that's good. Look, Yinqi's mother gave birth to his younger brother who couldn't be healthier!"
With the arrival of the empress dowager, the haze in Kangxi's heart disappeared. He burst out laughing instantly.
Xiuxiu was indeed a great hero, with good luck on her body, protecting the children and protecting him.
"From top to bottom, Yikun Palace will get three months of rewards. Liang Jiugong, announce to everyone that the ninth prince will be named Yintang, and record it in the jade records… Hurry up and go to Shengjing to announce the good news, so that Sanguanbao can also have a good time."
Liang Jiugong responded with a smile, "Yes!"
On the other side, the empress dowager hugged Little Nine and did not let go. Wet Nurse Dong watched cheerfully. Her worries were all gone and the main hall was filled with joy.
At dusk, Consort Yi gave birth to a child, and the emperor's decree to bestow the name Yintang spread throughout the six palaces.
"She gave birth to the ninth prince… Are mother and child safe?" In Yonghe Palace, Consort De put down her bowl and chopsticks, and suddenly lost her appetite.
Could it be that Yinqi falling into the water didn't affect her at all?
How cold was Mrs. Guo Luoluo's heart?
She sneered, and said slowly, "It was Us who underestimated her."
Wet Nurse Wu knew that the consort would not be happy. She sighed softly, and slowly rubbed her temples. "There was news from Ningshou Palace that after the fifth prince fell into the water, the fourth prince was going to rescue him immediately, but was stopped by the servants. The empress dowager didn't mean to blame… The emperor ordered everyone to keep their mouths shut. It seems that punishment will only happen once the truth of the matter comes to light."
"Those servants abandoned the prince. Oil was poured onto the fire. What can they even investigate?" Consort De's face sank. "What We wanted was for Consort Yi to not give birth safely! No matter what, it would have been good if Yinqi was injured and ended up hating Yinzhen!"
When she suddenly learned the bad news, she was still in her 10th month of pregnancy. That was when her body was weakest. It was then a matter of whether the child would survive after a stimulus.
If one could kill two…
But what of the results? Both mother and child were safe. Consort Yi was really lucky.
There was also the fifth prince, who was safe and sound. There was no high fever and not even a cold. The long-awaited plan to kill with a borrowed knife turned out to be useless. Instead, it won sympathy from the emperor for Consort Yi.
The ninth prince was given a name as soon as he was born. Her Yinzuo only had a name when he was 1 month old.
One could imagine how favoured the ninth prince would be!
"Fine." Consort De suppressed the anger in her heart. She picked up the bowl and chopsticks again, and smiled sarcastically. "This move has failed, but We can bear it. There are other people who are disappointed."
…
Chuxiu Palace was the residence of Concubine Hesheli. Although she enjoyed the status of concubine, she had no official title and could only live in the side hall.
Since noon, Concubine Hesheli had been leaning against the window, looking in the direction of Yikun Palace from time to time. Her face was immature, but dignified, with a smile hidden in her almond eyes. She said to herself, "Consort De is obviously a mother, but she can still do such a thing."
However, getting involved with the fourth prince saved her a lot of effort. She no longer had to spend all her time creating 'accidents'.
She was waiting for the good news outside…
When it was time for dinner, Concubine Hesheli ate some food hastily, and then the people withdrew. After a while, the palace maid, Zhu Chai, rushed over and whispered a few words in her ear. Slowly, the light in Concubine Hesheli's eyes dimmed.
"How could it be?" She clenched the armrest tightly and murmured, "How is she so lucky?"
The fifth prince fell into the water, but she was able to give birth to the ninth prince smoothly, and the emperor immediately gave him the name Yintang!
Concubine Hesheli's nails were tightly clenched into her palms, and her chest heaved.
Facing Zhu Chai's worried eyes, she took a sip of tea and asked softly, "Did you tell uncle? How did he take it?"
"Lord Suo reprimanded that master was impulsive this time. He handed over a former subordinate of Empress Renxiao to you, but you acted rashly, and still faced the Yikun Palace and did something unnecessarily." Zhu Chai thought for a while, and answered like this cautiously. She replaced the word "stupid".
"Did something unnecessarily? How could it be unnecessary?!" Concubine Hesheli took a deep breath and gritted her teeth. "Uncle is only afraid of the imperial noble consort, and secretly let the people from the Ministry of Internal Affairs play tricks… He wanted to win over Mrs. Guo Luoluo, but little did he know that the crown prince is about to be won over by Consort Yi!"
She was the crown prince's maternal aunt, but she couldn't get close to the crown prince. However, Consort Yi was an outsider, so why was she allowed to?
What's more, the emperor's heart and eyes were full of Consort Yi. How could he remember her?!
She hadn't been favoured for a long, long time.
During the Longevity Festival, the screen embroidered with a picture of thousands of miles of rivers and mountains that she presented was not as good as the few volumes of Buddhist scriptures copied by Consort Yi, which was ludicrous.
Recalling the glimpse of the Imperial Garden when she entered the palace, Concubine Hesheli felt bitter.
One glance, and for a lifetime… But the emperor doted on other women. How could she not be jealous?
She hated Consort Yi so much!
Zhu Chai called out in a low voice, "Master…"
Concubine Hesheli came back to her senses, smiled wryly, and said, "I have no status. Just being a concubine means that everything I do is wrong. When will the emperor think of me?"
"You are the younger sister of Empress Yuan, the daughter of the first-class official, and the noble daughter of the Hesheli family. Your status is here." Zhu Chai racked her brains to comfort her. "You can even be a noble consort!"
Noble Consort?
Mrs. Hesheli shook her head, showing a sneer. "You are wrong. Noble Consort is absolutely impossible."
She was young and her qualifications were too low. Because of this, she could not be ranked alongside Noble Consort Niu Gulu.
The positions of the four consorts were full, but the position of the sixth imperial concubine was still vacant. Unless the harem regulations were broken, the most she could be was an imperial concubine.
Would the emperor make an exception for her? Not necessarily.
Therefore, what she wanted she had to earn herself.
If the four consorts became three, then there was a great possibility that she would become a consort in one fell swoop.
Coincidentally, Consort Yi was pregnant and was about to give birth. If something unexpected happened…it would be a golden opportunity from heaven!
There was no need for her to die. It was enough for her to be bedridden. As time went by, who would remember her? At that time, Mrs. Guo Luoluo would breathe slowly…
But now, many plans had been in vain.
Concubine Hesheli closed her eyes, and then told Zhu Chai, "Clean up after, and do as I say. Prepare the gift and visit Noble Lady Le again tomorrow."
The bright moon hung high in the night sky. The stars dotted the dark canvas. The smell of blood in the delivery room had dissipated, and the copper stove was ignited with a curling fruit fragrance.
The pillows, quilts, and clothes were all brand new. When Yun Xiu woke up, her long eyelashes trembled, and she felt very dry all over her body.
There was still a dull pain in the lower body, which was covered up by the feeling of hunger.
It was just that she didn't care about the pain and hunger. She clutched the brocade quilt tightly, and asked weakly and hoarsely, "How is Yinqi?"
Wet Nurse Dong stayed by her bed the whole time. When she saw that Yun Xiu had woken up, her cheeks were filled with joy, and she quickly shouted to the outside, "Consort is awake, get some soup!"
Then, she smiled and said, "Consort, relax. The fifth prince is fine! After the diagnosis and treatment, the imperial doctor said that the prince is in good health. The prince has neither a high fever nor cold, and will recover after a night's sleep. Now, the fifth prince is pestering the empress dowager as he wants to come to Yikun Palace to see his mother and younger brother."
Peach Blossom eyes suddenly brightened. Yun Xiu's heartstrings suddenly loosened, and the corners of her lips curled up with difficulty. "That's good, this is good…"
If something happened to Yinqi, she didn't know how to go on.
So what if the future had been predicted?
She couldn't even keep her own child!
Knowing that Yinqi was safe and sound, Yun Xiu no longer had any hidden worries. At this moment, she half closed her eyes. She was supported by Wet Nurse Dong's hands, and leaned on the pillow after a long time.
After receiving the thick boiled chicken soup, she took a sip. Her expression remained unchanged, and a ruthless look flashed in her eyes. "The ones plotting against Us are none other than Consort De and the others…"
This time, they really touched her bottom line.
It was all right to hate her, but to attack Little Five at the empress dowager's Ningshou Palace!
"I was being kind for too long, so they thought I could only play tricks." After drinking a bowl of chicken soup, Yun Xiu wiped her mouth and said softly, "As everyone knows, when it comes to serious things, We do not measure up as well as others."
Wet Nurse Dong sighed, and said in a deep voice, "Consort does not provoke them, but it is difficult to defend against attacks both in plain sight and those that are hidden. When the emperor is here, it will attract attention from everyone."
After, her expression gradually relaxed, "Speaking of which, why does Consort need to be afraid if Consort has the emperor's protection? The emperor has been guarding Consort for a long time this afternoon anxiously… Just now Liang Jiugong sent a message that the emperor will come later to visit Consort…"
"The emperor?" Yun Xiu repeated these two words. She laughed sarcastically, and suddenly felt an unprecedented boredom.
Every event, bit by bit, was full of calculations.
The honour guard flags of the colorful phoenix, Little Five falling into the water… Wasn't the source of everything the emperor?!
Yun Xiu put down the porcelain bowl heavily, and said without doubt, "In the future, they can fight as much as they want. It has nothing to do with Us."
After this incident, she didn't want to continue pretending.
Most doted on consort?
He could love whoever!
…
The little prince was placed in the innermost part. As early as when Yun Xiu was calling for someone, Yintang moved his little hand and vaguely became conscious.
The ecstasy of being reborn still reverberated in his mind. Yintang pricked up his ears happily, listening to his mother talking to Wet Nurse Dong.
While listening, he sincerely thanked the Buddha, the Taoist, the gods, and the gods of foreigners in his heart… He remembered all the beliefs of several schools and thanked them all again.
Soon, Yintang caught a trace of bad news.
Fifth older brother had an accident? This caused mother to be furious after giving birth, and she said such cruel words. It seemed that the old fourth Consort, Consort De was also involved…
Hehe, there was nothing good about anyone who had something to do with the fourth prince!
At the end, Yintang breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, fifth older brother was safe and sound.
But, this was wrong!
How could mother say something like 'competing for favour has nothing to do with Us'?
Didn't she like the old man wholeheartedly? How could she change her mind?
In his previous life, no matter how much he tried to persuade her, he couldn't persuade her. He could only regret in his heart that his mother was beautiful and smart, but she was more than a little bit blind.
What was so good about the old man? He was a low quality man!
He supposed it all came down to preference, but to spend one's entire life focussed on the monarch.
Alright, he would keep his doubts in his mind for now.
Something was even more wrong—
Yintang was extremely wronged. He was so big, so how could mother turn a blind eye?
After so much painstaking efforts to give birth to him, she didn't even look at him and only cared about fifth older brother.
There was also Wet Nurse Dong, an old acquaintance, who had watched him grow up since childhood. Mother forgot him. Could it be possible that she also forgot him?!
Yintang shrunk his small mouth, closed his eyes and burst into tears. His voice pierced through the sky. It was loud and powerful.
Wet Nurse Dong stopped talking, showing apologetic expression, and patted her face lightly. "Look! This old servant was so busy talking to Consort, that this old servant ignored the little prince. This old servant should be punished!"
As she spoke, she leaned over and hugged Yintang, showing an exceptionally kind smile. "Consort, look, the ninth prince is very healthy! The emperor immediately gave the ninth prince the name Yintang, and the revered elder and empress dowager were overjoyed. The emperor gave rewards like flowing water…"
Yun Xiu raised the corners of her mouth. The moment she took the baby, Yintang's crying stopped.
Wet Nurse Dong was amazed. "Consort, this is the nature of mother and child! The little prince is smart."
After staring carefully for a long time, Yun Xiu snorted and rubbed her son's nose affectionately. "Little debt collector, you are not as well-behaved as your fifth older brother."
Yintang: "…"
Mother, don't say such derogatory words.
Immediately, Yintang became sad and angry, kicking his hands and feet and howling dryly. In the eyes of Wet Nurse Dong and the others, this was a sign of hunger.
"Go and call the nanny." Yun Xiu ordered softly. Rui Zhu, who was waiting outside, quickly agreed.
Before the nanny came, the imperial sedan arrived first.
With a smile in his eyes, Kangxi stopped the palace servants from greeting him. He strode out of the delivery room and through a screen of flowers and birds. He asked softly, "Xiuxiu, are you feeling better? Are you feeling uncomfortable?"
Before Yun Xiu could reply, he said impatiently, "Where's Little Nine? Give Us a hug."
In the afternoon, both the great empress dowager and the empress dowager were in Yikun Palace, so although the emperor was greedy to see his newborn son, he had no choice but to give up because of the ancestral rule of 'caring for a grandson but not a child'.
Now that there were no elders, wasn't it fine for him to see his son?
After a while, Little Nine moved in his imperial father's arms.
Smelling the familiar scent of ambergris, Yintang pursed his mouth. He tried hard to break through a baby's nature, and slowly opened his eyes—the black eyes were big and bright, and he actually had the rare double eyelids.
He kept looking at Kangxi, but saw a black and white figure. He couldn't see anything else clearly.
Yintang had no choice but to close his eyes, muttering to himself: 'The old man really had no shame. Who was he calling Xiuxiu?'
To call his mother by her boudoir name, and so closely… Bah!
Obviously, Kangxi didn't realise that his youngest son disliked him.
Who wouldn't like a healthy little prince? His phoenix eyes were full of softness. He looked into the room and said loudly, "You have worked hard."
"This concubine really worked hard." Yun Xiu's rather indifferent voice came from the inside of the screen. "On the day he was born, there was a great disturbance, and this concubine almost lost her life. This concubine is lucky to be alive."
Wet Nurse Dong looked at her master in disbelief. Liang Jiugong, who was guarding the door, trembled all over, and lowered his head deeply.
Yintang opened his eyes abruptly, and was stunned as if he had been petrified.
Kangxi frowned. A trace of pity flashed in his eyes. Then, he hugged the baby tightly, and said in a deep voice, "Xiuxiu, We will definitely give you an explanation for what happened today."
"An explanation?" Yun Xiu's tone became colder and colder, "Everyone is jealous. They will do anything to fight for the emperor's favour. This time it was Little Five who suffered. What about next time?"
Immediately afterwards, Yintang heard his mother sneer, and say, "I have a very jealous nature and am narrow-minded. I am not worthy of the emperor's love and respect and I can't be this 'Xiuxiu'. It's not worth spending time on this concubine. I ask the emperor to find someone else, such as Consort De. She always looks forward to you!"
——–
The author has something to say:
Yintang: ? ? ? ? ?
Chapter 23
These words were like thunder across the night, and they hit the emperor's heart hard!
Yikun Palace suddenly became quiet.
The palace servants knelt down with a "swish", trembling. They were lying on the ground. Wet Nurse Dong was sweating like a waterfall with a pale face. Liang Jiugong was on the verge of falling, wishing he could be blind and deaf. He wanted to disappear and wished he had never heard Master Yi's words.
Jealous and narrow-minded… Consort, how could you say such self-deprecating words?
'I am not worthy of the emperor's love and respect', and she mentioned Consort De… This, these were words to drive people away! It was disrespectful!
It was over, over!
Would the emperor be sad and angry?!
Liang Jiugong guessed right.
Kangxi was stunned for a long time. His smile slowly disappeared and his face sank little by little.
Holding the sluggish Little Nine, he turned around several times, paced, and said 'okay' three times.
Suddenly bypassing the screen, regardless of the exclamation of the servants, the emperor restrained his anger and stared straight at Yun Xiu on the couch. "Consort Yi, is this what you mean?"
The emperor broke in regardless of the filth in the delivery room…
Yun Xiu was startled, and then became a little dazed.
He almost never got angry in front of Yun Xiu. He always smiled every day. All of a sudden, the warmth faded away, and his appearance was like thunder, leaving only the power of the emperor. It seemed like it had been a lifetime away.
Yun Xiu felt a little disappointed, but she wasn't afraid at all. She did not regret it.
Ever since she had that dream, she had come to her senses and had a clear understanding of the emperor's grace.
—It was illusory, and it was hard to find a true heart. In her dream, she had been delusional all her life. Wasn't it all in vain?
Now that Little Nine was born, she suddenly got tired and didn't want to deceive him anymore.
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She would be honest with everyone.
Yun Xiu lowered her eyes and said softly, "Yes, it's from my heart. I'm tired. I don't want to compete with them for a man. The delivery room is filthy. Asking Your Majesty to move."
She was wearing pure white clothes. Her lips were pale, and she was slightly frowning. Presumably, she was still suffering from the pain of childbirth. Only one-third of her former beauty was left, and she showed a rare weakness. When she spoke, she looked exhausted, and she made a faint breathy sound from her nose.
Seeing the woman with his own eyes, Kangxi's anger instantly subsided by half. When Yun Xiu opened her mouth, the emperor lost all his anger.
He stared at Yun Xiu. Yun Xiu stared at the brocade quilt. The delivery room was silent.
"We said before that We will give you an explanation." Kangxi was silent for a long time, turned his head, and said firmly, "There is no need to say those angry words. It is important to take good care of your body. We will follow your wishes and never come to Yikun Palace… And no longer pamper you."
That was what he said, but he still held the baby and didn't let go. The soles of his feet seemed to have taken root, and he didn't move a step.
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Yun Xiu: "…"
Her complexion turned blue. She was speechless and looked incredulously at Kangxi.
She had committed such crimes to this extent. She had said all those cruel words. In the eyes of the emperor, what she said only amounted to 'angry words'?!
Yun Xiu was so angry that she laughed, and said 'tactfully', "Your Majesty will keep his promises. Please do what you say…"
Before she could finish her sentence, Kangxi put down the baby lightly. He interrupted her words, and said expressionlessly, "We will not break Our promise."
As he spoke, he bent down and tucked her in the brocade quilt. In the next moment, he left with a flick of his sleeves.
Yintang was greatly frightened!
He was in a daze as if he was in a fog, and he didn't react for a long time.
Mother said that she was jealous and poisonous, and asked imperial father to spoil someone else. Every sentence was full of sarcasm.
So it was all like this. Imperial father seemed to still be reluctant. Just now, when he hugged him, it was with great strength. When he put him down, he was faintly reluctant.
Yintang was shocked: "…"
Immediately afterwards, because of the hunger in his soul, he couldn't help but cry loudly.
He cried and thought to himself, did this happen in his previous life?
Mother was so mighty. She disliked imperial father openly and drove him away. What was even more frightening was that imperial father restrained his anger!
In his previous life, if the crown prince had said these words, Yintang could guarantee that the old man would never forgive him lightly, even if he was the old man's treasure.
Why?
—Could it be that imperial father was really bewildered by his mother's beauty?
In this life, the relationship between imperial father and mother seemed to be reversed. Yintang felt that this matter was very absurd.
That was great! Mother finally opened her eyes. She was not going to hang on this useless man anymore.
Yintang was so happy that he didn't even resist the wet nurse's approach.
The little doll closed his big black eyes and smacked his lips. It must be his rebirth that caused these changes. Mother was wise!
It was time for the emperor to go to bed when he returned to Qianqing Palace.
Along the way, Kangxi closed his eyes tightly. His face sank, causing Liang Jiugong beside him not to dare to take a breath. Liang Jiugong shrunk his neck and screamed in his heart.
When he returned to the bedroom, he had already foreseen how furious the emperor would be.
In the past, there was Consort Yi who comforted him and calmed his anger, but now, it wouldn't work at all!
Wasn't it this servant who suffered?
Kangxi rubbed his jade ring, slowly opened his eyes, and suddenly said, "Tell Us how We have let her down?" She actually said such cruel words despite her exhaustion.
Liang Jiugong used to be able to make jokes, but now he absolutely did not dare to.
He bowed in embarrassment, shut his mouth tightly like a dumb man, and couldn't stop thinking in his heart, 'this servant doesn't know'.
How would a servant know?
Kangxi didn't expect Liang Jiugong to say anything. He let out a deep laugh. When he arrived at Qianqing Palace, he pressed his lips together and got out of the sedan chair.
It was he who spoiled her too much.
The more he thought about it, the more he felt that this was no longer arrogance, but a rebellion!
Not a moment later, in Nuan Pavilion, the emperor's furious voice sounded: "What a good word… We will break Our promise?! We will follow her will! Pass the decree, Xiu… Consort Yi is disrespectful, so We are ordering her to rest-"
Hearing the unfinished words, Liang Jiugong was scared out of his wits. He plopped down on his knees, hugged Kangxi's legs tightly, and cried with a sad face, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty! Your Majesty, don't do it, don't do it!"
Once the imperial decree was issued, there would be no room for return. Even if he regretted it, it would be too late!
The chief steward interrupted the emperor's words for the first time. He was full of fear and dripping with cold sweat, but now he couldn't think much.
He swallowed his saliva, exerted the greatest courage in his life, and quickly attempted to dissuade. "Your Majesty! It is said that giving birth is like stepping through the gates of hell. Consort Yi was so frightened when she gave birth, so wasn't she just walking through the gates of hell? The fifth prince fell into the water, just as the ninth prince arrived. Consort Yi might feel frightened and desperate in her heart! That's why she spoke without care!"
"Bold…" Kangxi raised his foot and was about to kick him, but slowly, he finally fell silent.
Liang Jiugong was overjoyed that the emperor listened to him.
He racked his brains and searched his guts. Suddenly, his eyes lit up and he continued, "Consort Yi is weak after childbirth, and she is relying on the emperor, but her attitude is so abnormal… There must have been someone saying things in front of Consort Yi. Think about it, does she show such behaviour normally? This servant thinks that Master Yi is a mother, so she would have some unavoidable difficulties!"
These words of dissuasion entered Kangxi's heart.
As soon as the words "is a mother" came out, Kangxi's breathing slowed. His eyes became dark and his breathing was much more relaxed.
He hummed as if he had found a step down.
Liang Jiugong gave , and the emperor immediately climbed up. The curve of Kangxi's lips relaxed and he looked down at him. "Get up."
The voice was still angry, but it was much better than before.
Liang Jiugong wiped his forehead. It was like after a catastrophe. He exhaled and collapsed on the ground, crying and laughing, and choked out a sentence, "Your Majesty, this servant, this servant can't get up."
Kangxi glanced at him, turned his jade ring, and did not blame him. After a long while, he said calmly, "Consort Yi… What are your difficulties?"
Liang Jiugong: "…"
The chief steward had some sore teeth for no reason.
Putting his fear behind for a while, he thought resentfully, 'you asked this servant, so who should this servant ask?'.
With a dry laugh, Liang Jiugong replied cautiously, "Consort Yi said please ask the emperor to find someone to replace her… Uh, this servant is dull and can't guess the meaning."
Kangxi narrowed his eyes slowly and the movement of his hands stopped.
Yes, Consort De.
Although Xiuxiu said those things when she was angry, she would not mention others for no reason.
What did Mrs. Wuya do?
Kangxi rubbed his brows and said in a deep voice, "Conduct a thorough investigation into the fifth prince's matter. It is better to kill by mistake than to let one go. We said that We would give Master Yi… Consort Yi an explanation."
After that, he paused. "Pay attention to Yonghe Palace. If you can't find out, then you don't want your head."
His life was threatened by his master. Liang Jiugong shook his hands, and tremblingly agreed. He felt that his life span was shortened by a few years.
It was difficult to be a servant, but it was even more difficult to be the emperor's personal servant!
After serving the emperor, he was about to retreat quickly when he heard Kangxi's order, "Go, bring in the Buddhist scriptures hanging in the study."
"Your Majesty," Liang Jiugong held his breath, and asked in a harsh voice, "Why do you want Buddhist scriptures?"
God.
It was the Buddhist scriptures presented and copied by Consort Yi. Was it for the emperor to remember Consort Yi when he looked at them? No, he was taking the opportunity to do something. What was to be done?
"What's the use?" Kangxi sneered, "It is the ultimate way to keep calm and it will be very useful."
Liang Jiugong: "…"
"Yes, yes." The corners of his mouth twitched, and he rushed out like there was a ghost chasing him.
"If Consort Yi is domineering and disrespectful, there is no need to take Our wishes into account…"
The bright yellow bed curtain, the thin back of the hand, and the panting that sounded like a bellows constituted an extremely obscure picture.
What came into view was a pair of desperate peach blossom eyes, no longer displaying the agility of youth. There were deep wrinkles and she had lost her lustre.
He looked into those eyes. His breathing slowed for some reason and his heart suddenly throbbed.
…
The next day, early morning.
The sky was slightly bright, with a faint light. The morning sun was dormant behind the twilight, just waiting to break through their shackles and usher in the first ray of sunshine.
Recalling the dream last night, Kangxi turned over and sat on his bed in a daze.
He couldn't remember anything except the words 'domineering and disrespectful'.
He concealed the turbulent waves in his heart and the gradually deepening sense of guilt. When Liang Jiugong entered the room lightly, Kangxi pulled the curtain, coughed, and said, "After the early morning, let's go to Yikun Palace." ."
Steward Liang paused. What did he say?
The emperor explained with a straight face, "We promised Consort Yi that We would never break Our promise! We will go to see Little Nine."
Liang Jiugong: "…"
—————-
The author has something to say:
Steward Liang tiredly said: Just as long as you are happy.
Chapter 24
Not long after the ninth prince, Yintang, was born, the store room in the main hall of Yikun Palace suddenly piled up with a lot of gifts. It appeared as if it was going to overflow.
First, the great empress dowager's Cining Palace bestowed innumerable rewards, then the empress dowager's Ningshou Palace. Immediately after that, the noble consort, concubines, and young masters all sent congratulatory gifts.
No matter how reluctant or jealous they were, they rushed to send people to congratulate Consort Yi, for fear of falling behind.
Among them, Noble Consort Niu Gulu's congratulatory gift couldn't be more sincere, but Consort Hui's gift was 20% more magnanimous than that.
When Wen Yuan came to report, Yun Xiu was leaning on the quilt, pinching her nose and drinking a nourishing tonic.
After gulping it down, she put a candied fruit in her mouth. The pleasant taste soaked into her heart. Her frown eased and she said, "…Very sweet."
Yun Xiu slept well, for five or six hours. Although her lower body still had a dull pain, she felt much better. Her cheeks were slightly rosy and her speech was no longer weak.
"Consort Hui has always been reliable, but now she gave such a generous gift. It is as if… to show her kindness." After hearing Wen Yuan's report, Yun Xiu chuckled, not paying attention at all. "Let her go."
She rolled another candied fruit in her mouth and asked lightly, "Was the news passed over to Chengqian Palace?"
"It's all been passed over." Wen Yuan nodded, and replied in a low voice, "The gate of the main hall is tightly closed, so it is difficult to unblock it. This servant thought about things and found someone from the same town… A person who embroiders in the Imperial Household Department, who was ordered to measure clothes for the palace maids and thus has the right to enter and exit the palace."
Yun Xiu hummed, and the corners of her lips curled up slightly. "This matter was handled well."
Rui Zhu pressed her shoulders gently, and doubts flashed in her eyes. "Consort, the honour guard with the colorful phoenix is supervised by the Imperial Household Department, and the Wuya clan has taken root in the imperial dining room for generations. Consort De's reach may not be so far. How can the imperial noble consort believe it?"
"You can't judge crazy people with common sense." Yun Xiu half-closed her peach eyes. She said slowly, "As long as half the letter is believed, Consort De will not be able to please her."
Consort De didn't have such a great influence. The one who could instruct the Imperial Household Department to plan and control the six palaces was the imperial noble consort. At most, the imperial noble consort would get involved or add fuel to the flames. Yun Xiu knew it well.
However, the truth of the matter was not important at all.
Was Mrs. Wuya innocent or not? What was she doing?
Yinqi had fallen into the water, and the fourth prince was involved. There must be a scheme by Consort De.
Nobody who harmed Little Five would be able to escape!
Consort De really thought that the imperial noble consort was crazy, so could she just sit back and relax?
The cornered animal would still fight and the Tong family was not a pushover.
What's more, the imperial noble consort had no children and therefore no successor. The only hope she had was the fourth prince, Yinzhen. For the fourth prince, she would definitely get it together… That day would not be too far away.
The big drama was about to start. On the other hand, the emperor was furious and said that he would never spoil her again!
Yun Xiu had a smile on her face and felt that her depression was gone. Her entire body relaxed.
Taking revenge and living a comfortable life. She was no longer cautious and didn't feel like she was walking on thin ice, looking forward to the emperor's favour all day long. This was the life she wanted to live.
…
After talking about business, Wet Nurse Dong, who was serving at the side, looked at Yun Xiu with a face full of hesitation.
The emperor left in anger, but the consort was still so…so happy!
As soon as the words "envious and poisonous" came out yesterday, her complexion turned pale. She was almost at her wits end. This wasn't just Wet Nurse Dong, but included Wen Yuan, Rui Zhu and the others. They too had the same fear in their eyes.
How could the consort say such insincere and outrageous things?
The emperor walked away with a flick of his sleeve, but the consort seemed to be all right. She was eating and drinking. When she was free, she even teased the little prince happily.
Wet Nurse Dong wanted to persuade her, but considering that Yun Xiu had just given birth, her body was weak, and she was very anxious, so she still didn't dare to mention it.
How many people could ask for such a thing as imperial favour? Why does the consort keep pushing it away?!
"I know what you're thinking." When Yun Xiu looked around, everyone had the same expression as Wet Nurse Dong, a deep frown. Yun Xiu couldn't help but laugh. She hugged Yintang and gently tapped his nose, showing her intimacy.
Yintang opened his eyes abruptly, revealing a toothless smile.
"You are all thinking that We will bow down to the emperor, coax him back, and become that beloved consort again." Yun Xiu looked down at her son, with a smile in her eyes, and said in a casual tone, "It's absolutely impossible. The emperor is the leader of the country, the person on the imperial throne, how can he tolerate the slightest disobedience? He was merciful enough not to order me to be grounded. What's more, the emperor said that he will no longer come to Yikun Palace…"
Yintang waved his hands and kicked his legs, looking extraordinarily powerful.
He nodded madly in his heart. What his mother said was right!
If the old man didn't come, it would finally be peaceful.
It didn't matter if she wasn't pampered. With him and his fifth older brother here, how could he let his mother be wronged?
When he was reborn, he planned early on that he had to push the fifth older brother to make him retaliate fiercely. No, they should take advantage of Old Four.
As for Old Eight, he could do whatever he liked. He was really afraid of the fight for the throne and he didn't want to get involved anymore.
Thinking of his eighth older brother, Yintang felt wronged.
All the money he earned from doing business was invested in Old Eight. What was the benefit of thinking about him and running around for him? What was the result? When he was the Eighth Sage King, he never thought of giving his younger brother a hand.
Look at the Old Thirteen, who had been conferred the title of Prince Yi, which was a title that could be inherited. Who could compare? Old Four was ruthless to them, but he had nothing to say to Old Thirteen. He took great care of him and relied heavily on him.
After thinking about it, Old Eight's fate was not much better. They could be regarded as troubled brothers.
Well, he shouldn't blame others either.
After being sent to prison in his previous life, Yintang spent a long night alone. Grief, resentment, hatred, and all kinds of emotions faded away, turning into a deep-seated boredom.
He really had nothing to do, so he reflected on himself. He finally came to a conclusion—after all, he still blamed himself for being blind.
His mother was one of the four consorts, and his mother's family was the Guo Luoluo clan, so why should he hang out with Old Eight?
Mother tried to persuade him, and fifth older brother also tried to persuade him, but he was very stubborn. He decided on his path and never looked back.
It was funny to say that he couldn't remember his original intention of following Old Eight.
Forget it, he didn't want to remember.
In this life, being beautifully pampered by his mother, wouldn't it be nice to be a playboy who everyone loved?
By the way, there was also Old Ten, his dearest younger brother—
Calculating the time, in two months, Old Ten would be born.
Yintang smacked his lips, unable to stop thinking.
Ten, Brother Nine hasn't seen you for a long time, and I almost forgot how ugly you were when you were born. Brother will remember well. When you grow up, I will draw a picture for you to frame and use as a family heirloom…
Just as he was thinking wildly, suddenly, Zhang Youde's excited announcement came: "This servant respectfully invites the emperor—"
Yintang: "…"
Ninth older brother was frightened again, and in an instant, he forgot about tenth younger brother.
Wait, what happened to him keeping his word and never breaking his promise?
The side hall of Yikun Palace was the residence of Noble Lady Le, Guo Luoluo, Yun Shu. It was welcoming a frequent visitor at this time.
Concubine Hesheli smiled gently, holding the embroidery pattern in her hand, and said softly, "Look, I embroidered this myself in my free time."
"That's kind of you." Noble Lady Le took the fan, admired it carefully, and said with a smile, "This golden red koi has delicate stitches, and it has the charm of the water village in the south of the Yangtze River. It was even made with double-sided embroidery! Younger sister is the most talented in the palace."
Concubine Hesheli smiled modestly and was about to say something when there was a sudden commotion outside.
"Qing Zhu, what happened?" Noble Lady Le asked loudly.
Qing Zhu lifted the curtain and came in. After paying respects, Qing Zhu said with a smile, "It's the emperor. The emperor went to the main hall. This servant thinks the emperor came to see Consort Yi and the little prince."
Noble Lady Le immediately understood, and felt joy in her heart. Her older sister was extremely blessed, which was in line with her heart and the family's prayer.
"The emperor only came here last night, and he couldn't wait this morning." Noble Lady Le covered her mouth with a smile. "The emperor also gave a verbal order not to disturb them. We can only go to visit after."
As soon as she finished speaking , Concubine Hesheli's complexion changed slightly. Her fingers curled up and she quickly recovered her dignified smile.
…
After the commotion, there was a moment of silence. Noble Lady Le picked up the fan and turned it over again. Her eyes were full of admiration.
Taking advantage of the lull in conversation, Mrs. Hesheli seemed to think of something, and asked inadvertently, "Is the fourth princess okay?"
"Yi'erha is doing well. She is eating well and sleeping soundly." Noble Lady Le raised her head and smiled, saying helplessly, "She heard that Mother Yi gave birth to a younger brother, and she clamoured to see him. It took a lot of persuasion to stop her."
Consort Yi was both the adoptive mother and aunt of the fourth princess. Her relationship with her own sister, Noble Lady Le, was notoriously harmonious. The two sisters had the same surname, Guo Luoluo. They supported each other and they had never fought.
In the rest of the palaces, the main concubine either oppressed the little master of the side hall, or was full of schemes. Even if they got along like sisters, such as Consort De and Concubine Daijia in Yonghe Palace… It was just a superficial effort.
Concubine Hesheli was also envious at the beginning, envious of the relationship between Consort Yi and Noble Lady Le. She then slowly changed her mind.
She didn't believe that there was a friendship that was as firm as a rock in the world!
What's more, in the harem, everyone wanted to fight for favour. Everyone wanted to give birth to a prince. Noble Lady Le would not be an exception.
After staying in the Forbidden City for a long time, everyone's transparent heart would tire, become cold and hard. They would feel that all the concubines were their enemies.
Could it be possible that Noble Lady Le would not feel any resentment in her heart when her child was given to Consort Yi to raise?
Her older sister held a high position, and her favour was not fading. On the other hand, the younger sister was just a little Noble Lady, and the emperor has not been to the side hall.
No one would not hold resentment with such an obvious gap, right?
Just like her, she had an extravagant hope in her heart. She wanted to catch up with her deceased sister, the former empress, and wanted to… be buried with the emperor in the future.
Concubine Hesheli's smile deepened. She leaned over, and whispered softly, "Consort Yi has given birth to the fifth prince, and then the ninth prince. Looking at the six palaces, no one is as lucky as her. It is said that having both sons and daughters constitutes a word: 'good'. Now, the consort only lacks her own little princess…"
"What's more, the emperor said that he would no longer come to Yikun Palace…" Yun Xiu hugged Little Nine and smiled lightly. Before she could finish speaking, there was a loud announcement from outside that the emperor had arrived.
Wet Nurse Dong and Wen Yuan couldn't believe it. Then, they were ecstatic.
The emperor was here?!
Consort Yi's smile froze for a moment.
Yintang clearly felt that his mother's hands shook, and she almost threw him out.
After being frightened, the ninth prince's heart skipped a beat for a moment. He felt much resentment. He burst into tears, intending to stop the old man's extremely dishonest and shameless behaviour. He didn't expect that it would just provide his imperial father with a ladder to climb along.
"When We went to court this morning, We heard a burst of crying in the dark, very similar to Little Nine. It was very sad…" Kangxi strode forward, sighed, and said helplessly through the screen, "After all, he is Our son who was only born a day ago. We were really worried, so We came to have a look."
The words were full of genuine concern, without any guilt. It was as if his purpose of coming to Yikun Palace was for Little Nine.
Yintang's crying stopped suddenly.
The little prince's wrinkled face showed an indescribable expression, but at this time, no one noticed.
Looking at Kangxi's helpless expression, Liang Jiugong's eyes were almost out of frame.
The corner of his mouth twitched, and he quietly moved outside, admiring his master.
The emperor's words were the law. The emperor did not normally allow disobedience, and there was no reason to take back the orders he issued.
And now?
It fell, it really fell. In front of Master Yi, what prestige did he have?
It was just a matter of face. The emperor's made-up reason was decent. How many times had the emperor told a lie!
…
Not to mention Liang Jiugong, but Yun Xiu admired him too.
She subconsciously thought, to be a successful emperor, was the secret thick skin?
It took a long time for her to react. She suppressed the irritability and speechlessness in her heart, and said with a smile, "Today is very hot. I had hallucinations from the heat and heard the emperor's voice. If I hadn't heard the words 'will not break my promise' yesterday, I would have gone to the imperial doctor for a check up. Rui Zhu, Yintang is hungry. Go and ask the nanny to come over!"
The voice was pleasant to the ear, but Kangxi's face turned green and white: "…"
Liang Jiugong bit his lip. His shoulders shook and he almost knelt down for Yun Xiu.
My consort, my ancestor!
The words of scolding indirectly were so irrefutable. She may be letting out her anger, but who knew how angry the emperor would be!
He couldn't bear the consequences of stroking the tiger's beard repeatedly.
Surprisingly, Kangxi didn't do anything that would break face. Of course, he wasn't very happy either.
All the anger disappeared in last night's dream.
That dream was so real!
The other pictures were very blurry. Kangxi only remembered that in his later years, he treated her badly, and even said such unfeeling words… Finally, he saw a tear in the corner of her eye.
This shocked the emperor greatly. After waking up, he was in a daze for a long time, full of doubts in his heart.
How could he say such a thing? How could he be willing?
In an instant, a faint guilty conscience lingered, and all his anger was gone.
Just like now, when Kangxi recalled it, he actually wanted to laugh—the way Xiuxiu indirectly criticised him was very vivid.
He walked around the screen slowly, with a smile on his lips. "Consort Yi's sharp mouth makes people speechless. If you consider working at the Court of Censors as an admonisher, you would be able to climb to the top in a few years as the Left Imperial Censor. Why bother relegating yourself to Our harem?"
The emperor walked into the bed with a soft expression and a coaxing tone. "We are sorry. It is Our fault."
Yun Xiu: "…"
It was Consort Yi's turn for her face to turn green and white.
Your Majesty, could it be that you are so angry that you have lost your mind?
In her arms, Yintang opened his mouth in shock, and a flood of saliva flowed out!
——————————
The author has something to say:
Small Theatre:
The ninth prince, Yintang, was reborn once again. He was still a 24k pure gold straight man. (T/L note: this means he was a peerless good man).
He didn't know what love was, and he didn't know that there was something called romantic love. He firmly believed that imperial father was fascinated by his mother's beauty, and was happily preparing to become a playboy.
Later, he was severely beaten by society and Yun Xiu…
Chapter 25
Was this still the imperial father he was familiar with, the old man who insisted on one thing and didn't tolerate others disobeying him?
Could it be that he was caught by something dirty?
Yintang seemed to have seen a ghost. Even though his eyes could not see clearly, he still exerted great strength. He stretched his neck and looked at Kangxi with difficulty.
The ninth prince still remembered to cry?
He was crying in his heart. It was messed up, it was all messed up.
His new life was quite different from his previous life. The well-informed Ninth Master was stunned.
It was no joke. The old man was so fascinated by mother's beauty that he could give up the majesty of being the emperor and take back his previous words with a straight face, just to come to Yikun Palace to see her?
What's even more wrong was that mother showed him so much disrespect, but the old man could still laugh!
Hehe, the emperor really opened his eyes today.
Yintang's heart and eyes were full of the word "obey". He did not have imperial father's thick-skin. Immediately afterwards, the admiration for his mother continued like a river, and finally turned into absolute delight.
The old man deserves it!
Who told the emperor to be biased in his previous life, the emperor was indifferent to him. What happened to business? What was wrong with thinking about money? Mother didn't dislike him, and neither did fifth older brother, but the emperor couldn't see it.
Now it had finally paid off!
The little baby grinned quietly and loosely grabbed Yun Xiu's robe.
…
How would Yun Xiu know that Yintang's thoughts were so rich?
When she heard the three words "We are sorry", she seemed to choke. Her complexion was green and pale, and she looked at Kangxi in disbelief.
His eyes were clear, and he looked at her intently, as if he had been possessed by a Gu1.
Her heart was tumultuous and her emotions were indescribably complicated. After a while, Yun Xiu closed her eyes and opened them again. She no longer cared about him breaking his promise. She asked softly, "Is the emperor not angry?"
Her face was still icy.
She had expected thousands of consequences, such as falling out of favour, being grounded, and even being reduced to a concubine, but she never thought that the emperor would be like this… speaking so humbly.
But why?
Yun Xiu couldn't figure it out!
The emperor was naturally cold. How could there be such an emotion as "love"?
When she used love to explain Kangxi's strange words and deeds, she found it strange and was flustered. In her dream, she was clearly warned that the emperor would spoil someone, but he would never love anyone.
…It was because of the heavens.
When Kangxi saw that she was finally willing to talk to him in a friendly voice, he breathed a sigh of relief. He slowly turned his jade ring. Dozens of answers appeared in his mind, and finally he chose the most cautious one—
"Are We angry at you? No."
Liang Jiugong was both astonished and felt admiration: "…"
Your Majesty speaks lightly.
Who was the one who was furious yesterday? This servant's mouth is almost dry from the amount of persuasion yesterday!
Yun Xiu was also stunned for a moment.
Suppressing the uneasiness, irritability, and sarcasm in her heart, she breathed out an 'oh' and said lightly, "The emperor doesn't think the delivery room is filthy, so just leave it be. Little Nine is hungry, so it is time for this concubine to take care of him."
Perhaps it was because he was scared of being bullied, but Kangxi suddenly felt relieved.
Xiuxiu didn't drive him away again!
Kangxi walked a few steps, pursed his lips, and wanted to say something. However, there was suddenly a report from outside that the fifth prince begged to come in.
When Kangxi saw Yun Xiu's sudden surprise smile, he felt sore…
In the end, he couldn't compare Yinqi's position in her heart.
However, if Xiuxiu had a dream during childbirth, and the dream was exactly the same as his, and he said such hurtful words—
All of that could explain why her attitude changed drastically and why she suddenly resisted his favour.
Little Five falling into the water was precisely a prelude…
Except for this reason, the rest was completely unreasonable!
Last night, Xiuxiu said that she was jealous and poisonous, and that she was tired… After thinking about it for a long time, Kangxi heard the disappointment and grief in her tone. He became increasingly more sure of his thoughts.
Soon his thoughts returned to the cage. The emperor knew very well that the road had to be taken step by step. The situation on Xiuxiu's side had to be improved little by little.
He couldn't rush things. The future would be long and he had plenty of patience.
Kangxi did not admit that he was jealous of Yinqi. He said softly, "…We still have to go to Cining Palace to pay respects to Revered Elder and Empress Dowager. We will review the papers later, and We will come to see you in the evening."
After he finished speaking, and before Yun Xiu could speak, he put his hands behind his back and left in a hurry.
Consort Yi completely changed her attitude and appearance towards the chubby fifth prince.
Yinqi rushed in with eyes full of anticipation. When he saw Yun Xiu, the little pudding's eyes instantly turned red. "Mother!"
Yun Xiu leaned on the bed and looked at Little Five quickly. She saw that his cheeks were rosy and very strong. Her nose suddenly stung.
She smiled happily at first, then pointed to the screen, and said softly, "Yinqi is good. Mother is still in confinement. I'm afraid I will bump into you. Go behind the screen and talk to mother…"
Yinqi pursed his mouth and shook his head quickly, so quickly that the afterimage was lost.
"I want to see mother, and I also want to see my younger brother, so I don't want to go behind the screen," he said clearly. He then ran to the edge of the bed, carefully sat on the edge, and looked at Yun Xiu with wet eyes. "Mother…"
Imperial Father said that mother had just given birth to his younger brother and she was weak, so he must not grab her hand or bump her. Yinqi kept these words firmly in mind.
Therefore, he sat a short distance away. His hands neatly rested on his knees. His cute appearance made Yun Xiu's heart melt.
Little Five acted like a baby all of a sudden. Who could resist?
Yun Xiu had mixed feelings in her heart. She quickly responded, "Okay, our Yinqi can sit wherever he wants!"
The fifth prince grinned and showed a happy smile. "Mother is the best."
…
When Yintang heard that fifth older brother was coming, he was immediately excited. But now, after eating, he was sluggish again.
Wait.
Was Old Five so doted on when he was a child?
He still acted like a baby… Was this still his honest older brother with a simple face?!
"Come here quickly," When Yintang's mind was full, Yun Xiu smiled and waved to Yinqi, and said softly, "This is your biological brother, Yintang…"
Yinqi became even happier. He stepped forward with excitement, leaned over, and stared at Yintang without blinking.
The ninth prince felt a blazing light that couldn't be ignored, and immediately turned around, feeling a little shy.
Fifth Brother, don't look at me like that! It's embarrassing! After a while, his fifth older brother shouted in amazement, "Mother, my younger brother is so ugly! How could he be so ugly? Yi'erha will cry!"
The child's voice was crisp and clear, full of doubts. Then, he muttered, "Obviously mother is the prettiest… Imperial Father is not bad either."
In the end, Yinqi carefully poked his younger brother's soft belly, and said solemnly, "Ninth younger brother, you do not need to be afraid of being ugly. Fifth older brother is here. Fifth older brother will definitely not let others mock you!"
Yintang: "…"
The petty anger in his heart was so violent that the Ninth Master couldn't stop muttering:
Don't be angry, don't be angry. Old Five is still at a shitty age…
…
He finished 'playing' with his younger brother. Facing Yun Xiu's smiling expression, Yinqi seemed to remember something. He lowered his bun-like face, and whispered, "A few days ago, I accidentally fell into the pool, which made mother worry."
Soon after being carried up by the palace servants, the imperial doctor rushed over. Yinqi lay on the bed and fell asleep in a daze. After waking up in a hot sweat, he heard imperial father say that when he fell into the water was exactly when mother was giving birth!
Guilt and worry swept Little Five's heart. Before Yun Xiu had time to ask, he talked about the situation at that time like a cannonball.
Yinqi and the fourth prince, Yinzhen, lived and played together in Cining Palace. They were of similar ages, so how could they not be in the same place?
They just didn't know each other before. There was a "matchmaking bridge" from the crown prince as he taught his brothers Mongolian and Chinese. A friendship quickly formed between them and gradually became close. They reached a point where they could say anything to each other.
Him falling into the water was really an accident.
Consort Yi was the most favoured concubine in the harem. No one could match her. Even Yinqi had received more attention from Kangxi, and Yinzhen was full of envy.
Neither of his two mothers could take care of him, but Consort Yi was different… The fifth prince was clearly raised by the empress dowager, yet he was so cared for by his mother.
The palace servants followed the two princes from a distance, and the princes "talked" around the pool.
Yinzhen looked at the pond in a daze. After a while, he whispered to Yinqi, "Your mother is so kind."
Yinqi happily replied, "Fourth older brother, what are you saying?"
The fifth prince added in a low voice, "Your mother is also good!"
Yinzhen pursed his lips, shook his head slightly, and said in a low voice, "I heard that Mother Yi is about to give birth. If she gives birth to a little brother, you will have a biological brother. If you are ignored in the future…"
He wanted to say, "Like me, then what should we do?"
Such a young child really had no bad intentions, and every word was true. Before he finished speaking, Yinqi became angry, and his voice became slightly louder. "My mother wouldn't do that!"
How could the fifth prince be so sure?
Yinzhen was also sullen, and raised his voice slightly, "You don't know—"
Later, the altercation devolved into childish shoving.
The two squabbled, exchanging blows. There was moss growing on the edge of the pool, and with the unexpected light on the ground, no one was paying attention. Yinqi slipped and fell into the pool.
Yinzhen was completely dumbfounded!
He yelled anxiously. He was so anxious and was so angry that he gritted his teeth and was about to jump down to save his younger brother.
The palace servants who watched from afar were frightened and rushed over. While they held back the fourth prince, they quickly went into the water to rescue the fifth prince.
The pond was deep and Yinqi was only five years old! The empress dowager called the imperial doctor in a hurry. Ningshou Palace was in chaos. Yinzhen stood aside blankly. No one blamed him, but his heart was overwhelmed by remorse.
Yinzhen choked out a sentence, "I didn't mean to…"
There was a cry between the words.
The empress dowager was a discerning person. She knew that the timing of Little Five falling into the water was too coincidental. How could she blame him indiscriminately? After a few words of comfort, someone made some soothing soup and placed Yinzhen in the bedroom.
In the afternoon, when Yinqi got well, Consort Yi gave birth to the ninth prince… Yinzhen waited and waited for someone to blame him, and his heart became increasingly more uneasy.
He returned to Cining Palace in a trance, ate dinner without tasting it, and survived until the next day. Suddenly, someone spread the word that the emperor had arrived. The revered elder summoned the fourth prince to the front hall.
Yinzhen's face was pale. When he saw the great empress dowager and Kangxi, tears flowed down his face instantly. "It's all your son's fault. I shouldn't have played by the pool with fifth younger brother, and I shouldn't have said those words!"
As he spoke, he sobbed and described Yinqi's fall into the water. He was crying until his eyes and nose were all red. He hiccupped loudly.
…It matched the words of the palace servant.
Yinzhen cried miserably. Kangxi's originally serious face suddenly turned dumbfounded before finally becoming extremely complicated. He didn't know how to feel in this situation.
Yinzhen actually envied Yinqi for having a good mother!
The great empress dowager was stunned, then her face was full of pity. the emperor sighed, and waved to him. "Come here, Little Four. Imperial Father knows that this is not your fault at all…"
Yinzhen staggered towards Kangxi, and a big warm hand fell on top of his head.
The tip of his nose stung, and he shed tears again. He suddenly made a bold move. He raised his head and asked with tears in his eyes, "Imperial Father, I miss my mother. Can your son go to Chengqian Palace to see her? Asking Imperial Father for permission!"
Kangxi paused for a moment, then fell silent for a moment. Facing Yinzhen's expectant eyes, he said softly, "Your mother hasn't taken care of herself yet… When she gets better, Imperial Father will definitely agree…"
The light in Yinzhen's eyes dimmed, then brightened again.
"There's news from the other side of the hall. Will Consort take a look?" Wen Yuan took a soaked towel and slowly wiped Yun Xiu's black hair. "Noble Lady Le said that Consort should pay attention to Concubine Hesheli ."
Yun Xiu's voice coaxing Yintang to sleep paused. "Mrs. Hesheli?"
"That's right." Wen Yuan frowned and said, "This servant heard that she came to Yikun Palace this morning and stayed in the side hall for an hour. She has been over too many times."
Yun Xiu narrowed her eyes. After a while, she repeated softly, "Concubine Hesheli…"
Yun Shu would not send news for no reason, so there must be some bad intentions.
Noble Lady Le's smiling words were still in her ears. "Older sister, don't worry. She wants to get news from me. How can I be impatient and make a fool of myself?"
—After struggling for so long, did Mrs. Hesheli finally revealed the fox's tail?
After recovering, Yun Xiu gradually lowered her face, and sneered, "I never thought that apart from Consort De, there would also be another person waiting here to stir up the muddy water."
Everything was connected!
The guard of honour with the colourful phoenix, the Imperial Household Department, Mrs. Hesheli…
When she thought about it carefully, it was completely plausible to say that the matter of the imperial noble consort was done by Mrs. Hesheli.
Empress Renxiao's old person in the palace was presumably given to little Hesheli. If one talked about the future, one must first mention Suo Etu, he was unwilling!
After all, Suo Etu's confidant, who had just stepped down as Minister of the Imperial Household Department, naturally had the ability to mess with the guard of honour, thus ruining the plans of the Tong family.
Yun Xiu became increasingly more determined in her heart.
She didn't know if Little Five's fall into the water had anything to do with Concubine Hesheli and Suo Etu.
Little Five was not a threat to the crown prince. Suo Etu really would not think targeting Little Five was worthwhile. Little Mrs. Hesheli… was likely.
She slowly closed her eyes, and ordered, "At dinner time, ask Yun Shu to invite Concubine Hesheli to Yikun Palace."
With the instruction of her older sister, Noble Lady Le sent Qing Zhu to Chuxiu Palace with an invitation. Within a short time, Concubine Hesheli came happily.
Hearing Noble Lady Le's words, Mrs. Hesheli put down the bowls and chopsticks and paused with a smile. She got up instantly. "Consort Yi wants to see me?"
Noble Lady Le nodded with a smile, blinked, and whispered to her, "Younger sister, go quickly. The emperor is here too!"
Concubine Hesheli was stunned for a while. Her heart sank a little, and then she calmly said, "…Younger sister will go now."
After entering the main hall, Wet Nurse Dong greeted her with a smile on her face. "Concubine has arrived! This old servant greets Concubine."
Concubine Hesheli curled her fingers, smiled with dignity, and was about to ask a question, when Wet Nurse Dong interrupted her. "Follow this old servant in quickly. Consort has been looking forward to seeing you for a long time…"
In the delivery room.
Yun Xiu was no longer cold, but had a rare smile on her face, which looked extraordinarily moving.
Kangxi looked at Yun Xiu with some surprise, only to hear her softly say, "When this concubine gave birth to Yintang, Concubine Hesheli was very caring, and the gifts she gave were also very considerate… She is worthy of the words gentle and virtuous."
Kangxi froze for a moment. His face darkened and anger swept into his heart.
Xiuxiu was looking for someone to share favour with?
Immediately afterwards, Yun Xiu continued with a smile, "The position of concubine has wronged her. The concubine couldn't bear to let younger sister Hesheli be wasted, so this concubine wanted to ask the emperor for a favour. How about promoting her to an imperial concubine?"
Concubine Hesheli just walked around the screen. When she heard these words, her complexion suddenly changed!
Before Kangxi could respond, the corners of Yun Xiu's lips curled up. She suddenly mentioned Concubine Daijia in the side hall of Yonghe Palace. "…She gave birth to the seventh prince. She has worked hard and is also worthy of being an imperial concubine. It is said that good things come in pairs. This concubine is looking forward to double happiness, so why don't they get promoted together…"
Concubine Hesheli was on the verge of falling. Her pretty face turned pale and her whole body trembled uncontrollably.
"Your Majesty, Consort Yi, this concubine can't afford such a big favour!"
1.(蠱) Gu: a cultivated poisonous insect. It's usually a plot device in cultivation novels.