Chapter 19

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“Your Majesty, I respectfully wish you good health.” Tong Jiahe bowed deeply to greet Emperor Kangxi.

The Fourth Prince followed suit, imitating solemnly, “I respectfully wish Your Majesty good health.”

The Imperial Noble Consort resided in Chengqian Palace, right next to Yonghe Palace. News of Consort De’s pregnancy had not been deliberately concealed by Kangxi, so it must have spread through the harem by now. Naturally, the Imperial Noble Consort was aware of it.

Yet here she was, still finding time to personally prepare food with the Fourth Prince, showing she did not take Consort De’s pregnancy very seriously.

Kangxi felt at ease and summoned everyone.

He first reached out to help the Imperial Noble Consort up, then patted the Fourth Prince’s head before turning his inquisitive gaze to the items they had been making.

“What were you doing just now?”

His tone was neutral, betraying no emotion.

Tong Jiahe decided to follow the thread and explain, “Yinzhen heard the story of Xi Cai entertaining his parents and wanted to personally make a bowl of iced milk for me. Since he spent some time at Cining Palace, observing how Your Majesty interacted with the Empress Dowager and Empress, he has become more understanding and filial than before.”

As for why she mentioned the Crown Prince, Tong Jiahe added, “The Crown Prince has taken great care of Yinzhen at Cining Palace, so the child thought to prepare a bowl of iced milk for His Highness.”

Then she went on at length about how the Crown Prince was a brotherly elder sibling.

Regarding why the Fourth Prince used the startling term “Heaven,” Tong Jiahe softened the story she had just told and finally made it clear to Kangxi.

A three-year-old child wouldn’t understand the true meaning of “Heaven,” so Kangxi naturally did not hold it against him. The Imperial Noble Consort’s dedication to raising the Fourth Prince, personally teaching him the Twenty-four Filial Exemplars, moved Kangxi deeply.

Hearing her sincere praise of the Crown Prince brought even more warmth to Kangxi’s expression.

He never realized the Imperial Noble Consort was so articulate. Had she lived in the previous dynasty, she could have openly voiced such words to the ministers.

“Hmph, my own son Baocheng, whom I raised personally, is the most outstanding Crown Prince in history.”

“Your Majesty.”

The Fourth Prince’s clear, lively call roused Kangxi from his reverie.

Yinzhen lifted the silver bowl with both short arms, proudly showing it to Kangxi. “Yinzhen made this.”

After speaking, Yinzhen obediently awaited His Majesty’s praise, blinking his eyes at him.

His Empress Dowager doesn’t need to remind him; she always praises him first. Empress Dowager is truly wonderful; Your Majesty... is only half as good.

A three-year-old’s little thoughts are transparent at a glance. Kangxi feigned ignorance and asked, “Oh? And where is my milk?”

Tong Jiahe smiled sweetly on the surface but felt quite vexed inside.

If words were useless, better to give up on them. What harm in praising the child a bit?

Yinzhen twisted his little face, looking at the bowl of iced milk he had just made. It was originally meant for Empress Dowager, but since His Majesty mentioned it, giving it to him wasn’t out of the question.

“Your Majesty, this is for you.” Yinzhen was sensible.

Liang Jiugong bowed and took the silver bowl from the Fourth Prince’s hands, then presented it to Kangxi.

“And what about Empress Dowager’s?” Kangxi asked again.

Yinzhen immediately beamed, “I will make another bowl for Empress Dowager right away.”

Liang Jiugong, standing closest, guessed from the Imperial Noble Consort’s explanation that the Fourth Prince had probably been coaxed by her. There was already one cunning fox around, now there was an even craftier old fox—no wonder the Fourth Prince was completely taken in.

Kangxi finished the iced milk in three quick sips, not forgetting to comment, “Not bad.”

The child was still young and deserved some encouragement.

To receive such praise from Kangxi himself would surely delight anyone else.

Liang Jiugong quietly observed the expressions of the Imperial Noble Consort and the Fourth Prince. Both wore faint expressions, showing no particular joy.

“Yinzhen did well today. Don’t forget there’s a portion for your Crown Prince second brother. It would be even better with more fruit bits. Yinzhen is so clever, he should know how to do it, right?” Tong Jiahe added.

She found the previous bowl Kangxi drank a bit lacking without extra fruit.

“Yinzhen knows!” Yinzhen grinned broadly at Tong Jiahe, full of energy.

Kangxi was surprised to see how the Imperial Noble Consort’s half sentence sent his son soaring with pride, then off he went eagerly to make the second and third bowls.

This…

Kangxi sighed.

Well, once the child grows older, he won’t be so easily fooled by the Imperial Noble Consort’s few words.

Leaving Chengqian Palace, the imperial procession headed straight for Yi Consort’s Yikun Palace.

Liang Jiugong had followed the whole way, seeing the emperor first visit Yongshou Palace, then accompany Consort De back to Yonghe Palace, step out to Chengqian Palace to speak with the Imperial Noble Consort and the Fourth Prince, and now hurry to Yikun Palace to visit Yi Consort.

Busy! Truly busy!

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Kangxi glanced at Liang Jiugong’s shifty eyes beside him and scolded, “Watch where you’re walking.”

He was well aware of what that old rascal was thinking. Just as he knew Liang Jiugong’s habits, Liang Jiugong knew his.

Since Consort De was carrying his child, naturally she would be treated more leniently. Even though today was Yi Consort’s birthday, Kangxi had given Uya Shi due respect. Turning back to Chengqian Palace to visit the Imperial Noble Consort and the Fourth Prince was to reprimand Consort De, who had acted in Cining Palace toward the Fourth Prince.

Whether it was to first strike then offer a sweet date, or the other way around, such tactics were quite effective in the previous dynasty’s harem.

Today, having admonished the pregnant Consort De, visited the Fourth Prince, and accompanied Yi Consort on her birthday, Kangxi privately felt he had been fair, impartial, and perfectly beyond reproach.

——

Yonghe Palace.

Consort De felt uneasy when she learned that His Majesty had left Yonghe Palace for Chengqian Palace. She summoned Shiliu and asked, “How long did the emperor stay in Chengqian Palace? How was his expression?”

Shiliu replied, “About two quarters of an hour before he came out. From Liang Jiugong’s face, it seemed nothing untoward happened.”

Where the imperial procession passed, palace staff all hurriedly made way. For Shiliu to watch Liang Jiugong’s face showed she had some nerve.

Knowing she wouldn’t get more information from him, Consort De’s expression drooped as she lowered her gaze. She placed her slender, pale hand on her belly, feeling somewhat reassured.

His Majesty usually favored her greatly; now three months pregnant, he would surely be even more attentive.

“Madam, your pregnancy is the greatest joy. The emperor leaving Yi Consort to be with you first proves you are favored more,” Shiliu was still elated at having subtly overshadowed Yikun Palace.

A palace maid from outside came in, bowed, and smiled brightly, “Consort De, Consort Xi from Yongshou Palace has arrived, bringing four bolts of fabric and two boxes of pearls.”

“Send the items to the storage. Please bring her in quickly,” Consort De smiled.

“Consort De,” Consort Xi entered, greeting warmly.

Earlier today, she had fainted in Yongshou Palace and successfully intercepted the emperor on his usual path—a feat aided by Consort Xi.

The Hesheri clan’s Consort Xi had always been at odds with Yi Consort Guo Luoluo; any assistance would stir up trouble at Yikun Palace. Consort Xi wished for such opportunities daily.

Coincidentally, Consort De also wished not to leave obvious evidence of interception.

The two were thus in agreement.

But she did not expect Consort Xi to be so anxious after succeeding, rushing hurriedly to Yonghe Palace. Consort De felt a twinge of displeasure but showed none, feigning a gentle reproach, “We are close sisters; why bring so many things?”

Consort Xi chose a seat neither too near nor far.

Because Consort De was carrying the dragon heir, she dared not get too close. After all, the palace was full of gossip impossible to explain away.

Consort De saw this caution and thought Consort Xi was overcautious. This child was her hope; she wouldn’t use any tricks against someone neither favored nor bearing offspring.

They chatted at length before Consort Xi nervously asked, “Sister, will you still honor your promise?”

When they had conspired, Consort De had promised her more than just these items—also the emperor’s favor.

Having helped Consort De succeed, Consort Xi remained uneasy. Both she and Uya Shi held the rank of consort; promoting a lowly palace maid was a stronghold, like Hui Consort and Wei.

If she were fortunate enough to conceive, the child would be raised in Yongshou Palace near herself, which would benefit Consort De little.

Why would Consort De help her compete for favor? Just to unsettle Yi Consort?

Consort De smiled knowingly, “How could I not honor it? I am pregnant and cannot serve the emperor properly; Consort Xi is attentive and suitable to care for His Majesty.”

Consort Xi only then relaxed slightly, though her mind was full of thoughts. After a short incense stick’s time, she hurried away.

After Consort Xi left, Shiliu complained, “Everyone’s just trying to use you to advance.”

“Consort De is kind and willing to help. If it were someone else, they wouldn’t have such good fortune.”

Consort De’s thoughts were still on the emperor’s trip to Chengqian Palace today and she did not wish to explain further to Shiliu.

Though the Hesheri clan was unrelated to the Crown Prince’s maternal family, their name was conspicuous.

Empress Renxiao’s younger sister, the little Hesheri, had already entered the palace without an official rank yet. At the next great investiture of the six palaces, she would surely receive a consort rank, possibly even higher. Consort Xi’s anxiety was well-founded.

Since she was pregnant and could not accept favor, naturally she could recommend others. Even if Consort Xi rose, as long as the Crown Prince’s position remained secure, the emperor would never allow any Hesheri-born consort to bear another Hesheri heir.

The little Hesheri would not have children, and to preserve the Crown Prince’s maternal family’s dignity, Consort Xi would not have offspring either.

“How is the little palace maid’s training going?” Consort De asked.

“Bring her in for you to see.”

Soon, a bright, alluring palace maid appeared before Consort De.

Her figure was graceful, features delicate. Though not possessing Yi Consort’s grandeur, among the many ordinary palace women, she stood out.

The harem lacked no women who had risen from lowly palace maid to consort rank; except a few with noble backgrounds, all had started as palace maids—including Consort De herself.

Consort De nodded in approval, “What is your name?”

The maid nervously replied, “My humble name is Lù Hé.”

Consort De laughed lightly, her posture deliberately humble, fitting her requirements. Her red lips parted, breath soft and fragrant as orchid, “From now on, you shall be called Pearl.”

Pearl, given her new name, left happily.

“Madam, when will Pearl be presented to the emperor?”

“First assign her to the Sixth Prince’s side, to serve with his wet nurse. Naturally, she will have chances to appear.”

In the past, the emperor almost always visited the Sixth Prince when coming to Yonghe Palace. Now that she was pregnant, His Majesty’s visits would be for the Sixth Prince.

Consort De lifted her eyes; a chill glimmered in them. “The opportunity is right before her eyes. If she cannot seize it, she is a mere imitation, unworthy of the fine name I have given.”

If this Pearl failed, there would be another.

The palace never lacked women.

——

Upper Study.

The Eldest Prince Yinti had been nagged by his personal eunuch all morning, finally agreeing to pick up a brush.

Nearby, Haha Zhuzi was overjoyed, handing the ink-stained brush to the Eldest Prince. The prince took it impatiently, glaring fiercely at the Crown Prince beside him.

If not for the Crown Prince’s competitiveness, His Majesty would not have such high demands. Ten sheets had been enough, now fifteen were required.

His Majesty even praised the Crown Prince in front of him, urging the Eldest Prince to learn from the younger brother.

“Hmph!” The Eldest Prince snorted heavily, still not satisfied.

Yinreng had already completed the fifteen large-character sheets required by Kangxi, ignoring the Eldest Prince’s sighs, fully absorbed in his book.

Suddenly, a chubby little hand appeared before him, tapping his desk.

“Crown Prince second brother~”

A soft, sweet voice made Yinreng start.

It was the Fourth Brother!

Yinreng looked down in surprise at Yinzhen, who was looking happily at him.

Had the palace staff nearby been careless enough to let the Fourth Prince come to the Upper Study?

Remembering the last time at Cining Palace when he saw the Fourth Prince hide away crying, Yinreng’s heart tightened again.

He glanced around and saw not only the Fourth Prince’s wet nurse but also the Imperial Noble Consort’s chief maid had followed him, so he relaxed.

“Crown Prince second brother, I brought you some food, made by Yinzhen himself.”

“What did the Fourth Brother make?” Yinreng pointed curiously at the food box held by the palace maid.

Chunyu first bowed to the Crown Prince and Eldest Prince, then explained softly, “The Fourth Prince, concerned about the Crown Prince’s hard studies, personally made iced milk for you today.”

Yinreng recognized the Imperial Noble Consort’s chief maid and politely said, “Thank you, auntie.”

He then let the little eunuch take it and opened it on the spot.

The fragrance of fruit mingled with fresh milk and crushed ice spread overwhelmingly, drawing even the inattentive Eldest Prince’s frequent glances.

It looked delicious—why didn’t the Fourth Brother bring some for him?

There were two princes in the Upper Study; for only one portion of milk, neither got a share.

The Eldest Prince felt deeply puzzled.

“Fourth Brother.” The Eldest Prince stood and approached seriously.

“Where is mine? Have you prepared it? Yes or no?”

Yinzhen glanced at the gentle second brother, then at the stern eldest brother. Today, His Majesty took Empress Dowager’s portion; now the eldest brother wanted to snatch the Crown Prince’s milk?

The nine-year-old Eldest Prince was tall and sturdy, standing before Yinzhen like a wall.

After a busy day, Yinzhen pouted, feeling wronged. Between “yes” and “no,” he chose to burst into tears.

Sniffling with a runny nose, he wailed, “Big brother, big brother wants to snatch from little brother. Big brother bullies little brother…”

A child’s tears fell like pearls breaking their string. The Eldest Prince was both shocked and speechless, pointing at the tiny toddler and roaring angrily, “You’re lying! You, you have no honor!”