Upon hearing that the Imperial Noble Consort wished to entrust Yinzhen to Yunxiu for upbringing, Kangxi’s brows, which had just relaxed, furrowed slightly once more. He asked calmly, “I recall that you and Consort Hui have never been particularly close. Why do you wish to give Yinzhen to her to raise?”
The Imperial Noble Consort coughed twice in Kangxi’s embrace, forcing herself to muster her strength as she replied, “Although my friendship with Consort Hui is indeed shallow, her reputation for kindness and gentleness is known throughout the entire rear palace. If Yinzhen is entrusted to her, she will surely treat him well.”
“Moreover, Consort Hui is now the most senior consort in the palace. Your Majesty should be well acquainted with her character.”
Kangxi lowered his gaze and remained silent, his hand resting on the Imperial Noble Consort’s shoulder tightening slightly. Her desire to give Yinzhen to Yunxiu had taken him by surprise. Yunxiu already had Yinsi; if Yinzhen were also entrusted to her care, and if in the future, as the two grew up, Yinzhen were to become Yinsi’s ally, it could potentially cause trouble for Yinreng.
Originally, the Imperial Noble Consort had chosen Noble Consort Min or Consort Cheng as potential foster mothers for Yinzhen. Both were known for their gentle dispositions, neither particularly favored nor neglected. If either were to raise Yinzhen, they would undoubtedly treat him well. Initially, she had not considered any of the four Consorts or the two Noble Consorts, as they were all too conspicuous. However, after witnessing Consort Hui bandaging Yinzhen’s wound at Yonghe Palace earlier that day, she had changed her mind.
It was true that she had used Consort Hui, hoping to drag her into the scheme to bring down Consort De. But the genuine concern and compassion Consort Hui had shown for Yinzhen at that moment was unmistakably real. Deeply moved, she had pondered the matter carefully upon returning. Consort Hui’s Eighth Prince had already stood up for Yinzhen this time; if the two brothers were raised together in the future, it was unlikely Yinzhen would be mistreated. Although Consort Hui’s favor was modest, her rank was high, and she enjoyed the protection of the Grand Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager. No one would dare provoke her. If Yinzhen were truly raised under her care, the two elder ancestors would likely offer him some degree of shelter as well.
Most importantly, Consort Hui could also keep Consort De in check.
The only uncertainty was whether the Emperor would approve—a point the Imperial Noble Consort naturally understood.
Yet, what ultimately solidified her resolve to voice her request despite Kangxi’s suspicions was Yunxiu’s sincere kindness toward Yinzhen. That mattered more than anything else.
As Kangxi was lost in thought, the Imperial Noble Consort suddenly began coughing violently, trembling uncontrollably in his arms. Alarmed, Kangxi called out, while Yindan and Qingdai hurriedly fetched handkerchiefs and rushed forward. The Imperial Noble Consort’s face twisted into a deathly pallor, her features contorted with pain, before she abruptly vomited a large mouthful of fresh blood.
“Liang Jiugong, summon the Imperial Physician at once!” Kangxi commanded sharply.
Even Liang Jiugong was startled by the Imperial Noble Consort’s sudden vomiting of blood. Collecting himself, he quickly replied, “Yes, Your Majesty. This servant will go immediately.”
“Your Majesty, there’s no need… no need to summon the Imperial Physician.”
The Imperial Noble Consort clutched tightly at Kangxi’s sleeve, a few streaks of blood still clinging to the corner of her mouth. Frowning, Kangxi took the silk handkerchief from Yindan’s hand and gently wiped the blood away, murmuring softly, “Nonsense. How can you not summon the Imperial Physician when you’re ill? Once you take medicine, you’ll recover.”
The Imperial Noble Consort stared at him blankly, tears welling in the corners of her eyes. She felt her eyelids grow suddenly heavy, her vision blurring, yet her grip on Kangxi’s sleeve did not loosen. Gasping for breath, she mustered her last ounce of strength to plead with Kangxi once more.
"Your Majesty, please grant this humble consort's request. It is my only wish. Once this matter is settled, I will have no more attachments."
Kangxi looked at the Imperial Noble Consort, who clung to his sleeve as if grasping the only lifeline while drowning, gazing at him with her last ounce of strength. A flicker of pity crossed his heart, but it was ultimately suppressed by the cold detachment of an emperor.
"This matter requires further consideration from me." Kangxi could not bear to watch the hopeful light in the Imperial Noble Consort's eyes fade into dull despair. He averted his gaze slightly and comforted her, "Entrusting Yinzhen to Consort Rong is also a good choice. Consort Rong has raised Yinzhi and Rongxian exceptionally well, and her gentle nature ensures she will not mistreat Yinzhen."
The Imperial Noble Consort's hand, which had been tightly gripping Kangxi's sleeve, suddenly slipped away. She closed her eyes, her lips trembling as if unable to utter a single word.
Kangxi could not bring himself to say more. Gently, he laid her back on the pillow, then rose and departed.
Before leaving, Kangxi paused and beckoned to Yindan, who hurried to the doorway and bowed in greeting.
"Your Majesty."
Kangxi stood with his hands behind his back, acknowledging with a faint hum before asking, "Where is Yinzhen now?"
Anxious over the Imperial Noble Consort's severe illness and frailty, Yindan was not as sharp as usual and merely replied flatly, "In the western side hall," then stood motionless.
"Foolish servant, lead the way. His Majesty wishes to see the Fourth Prince," Liang Jiugong reminded helplessly from the side.
Only then did Yindan snap back to attention and guide Kangxi to the western side hall.
In the western side hall, Yinzhen was also asleep in bed. Two palace maids were keeping watch and hurriedly bowed upon Kangxi's entrance, but he raised a hand to stop them.
Although Yinreng was Kangxi's most treasured, he did not regard his other sons as mere weeds. Yinzhen's injury naturally pained and concerned him as well.
Kangxi approached and sighed at the sight of Yinzhen's somewhat pale little face. The wound on Yinzhen's wrist had already been medicated and re-bandaged, but faint traces of crimson blood still seeped through the gauze. Frowning, Kangxi reached out and gently touched it, then stroked Yinzhen's cheek.
"Why is it so cold?"
Kangxi lowered his voice, his brow furrowed as he glanced at the palace maid nearby. The maid, already terrified, replied nervously that the Imperial Physician had said the Fourth Prince had a slight fever, had taken medicine, and was likely recovering.
The Imperial Noble Consort had never neglected Yinzhen in matters of daily life. The western side hall lacked nothing—the Underfloor Heating System was blazing, and the bedding and pillows on the bed were made of fine brocade. It could not be due to these reasons; it must have been the illness.
"Liang Jiugong."
Kangxi tucked the blanket around Yinzhen and suddenly spoke.
"Your servant is here, Your Majesty. What are your orders?" Liang Jiugong hurried forward.
Kangxi gazed at the sleeping Yinzhen for a moment before saying calmly, "Deliver an edict: Consort De has been negligent and careless in the upbringing of the imperial prince, lacking in virtue. She is to forfeit half a year's stipend and reflect on her actions within the palace for one month."
Liang Jiugong respectfully acknowledged the order, understanding that the Emperor was giving the Imperial Noble Consort an explanation and signaling to the entire imperial harem that the matter was now concluded.
Kangxi said nothing more afterward, sat for a while longer, and then departed.
After leaving the Palace of Heavenly Purity, Liang Jiugong observed Kangxi's expression and cautiously asked, "Your Majesty, shall we return to the Hall of Mental Cultivation?"
The Imperial Noble Consort and the Fourth Prince were both ill, and the Imperial Noble Consort had presented the Emperor with such a major dilemma. The Emperor was currently vexed, so even though he had served the Emperor since childhood, he still had to tread carefully.
Kangxi’s expression was indifferent. He paused for a moment, watching a cold swallow fly past under the palace eaves, its harsh caw echoing. Suddenly, he spoke: "To Changchun Palace."
Liang Jiugong was startled and immediately bowed respectfully in response: "Yes."
Inside Changchun Palace, Yunxiu had just returned from Cining Palace with Yinsi. Yinsi was playing on the couch with a puzzle Yunxiu had made for him—an extra-difficult version that could only be assembled by distinguishing subtle color variations. Yinsi was thoroughly engrossed and had been working on it for several days.
Yunxiu, somewhat listlessly sorting through dried medicinal herbs, was preoccupied with thoughts of Yinzhen’s injury.
The wound was now quite severe. If not properly treated, it could fester and lead to inflammation. Yunxiu worried about the possibility of a bacterial infection—what could be done now, without antibiotics?
As she pondered, she suddenly remembered planting a cork tree beside the medicinal garden in the courtyard last year. The dried bark of the cork tree, when used medicinally, could help inhibit bacterial infections. However, that cork tree hadn’t grown much, and she had forgotten about it after planting it.
Now that she remembered, she hurried to the courtyard. Regardless of whether it had grown enough, she would gather some in advance just in case.
Seeing Yunxiu suddenly stand up, Yinsi quickly jumped down from the couch.
"E’niang, where are you going?"
Doukou was helping Yunxiu put on her cloak. Yunxiu turned her head and smiled, saying, "To gather some herbs in the courtyard. You can keep playing."
Hearing this, Yinsi abandoned his puzzle and followed Yunxiu like a little shadow, sticking close wherever she went.
Yunxiu had no choice but to dress him in warm clothes again and take him along to the medicinal garden in the backyard.
"Why have you been so clingy to E’niang lately?" Yunxiu teased her son with a smile. "Didn’t you insist before the New Year that you’d grown up and didn’t need E’niang to stay with you at bedtime anymore?"
Yinsi’s face flushed, though it was unclear whether from embarrassment or the cold. Still, he stubbornly retorted, "I’m not clingy! I’m just worried E’niang will go have fun without me!"
Yunxiu simply smiled without exposing him, lest her precious son become flustered and angry.
Yunxiu’s backyard medicinal garden was exceptionally well-maintained. She had even modeled it after modern greenhouse structures, covering the garden and heating it with charcoal stoves for warmth. However, without plastic film, she had to use felt cloth that allowed as much light as possible, opening it on sunny days for ventilation. Although the herbs certainly didn’t grow as well as they would in spring, it was the dead of winter—having something was better than nothing.
Since she was already there, after collecting the still-thin bark of the cork tree, Yunxiu decided to gather more useful herbs like dandelions and honeysuckle to take back.
Yinsi was very sensible and never caused trouble while Yunxiu was busy. He could even help her gather some herbs. Yunxiu had never spoiled Yinsi since he was young, encouraging him to do many things himself, and Yinsi enjoyed it thoroughly.
He wandered around the medicinal garden for a while before running back to Yunxiu, squatting beside her to watch her pick dandelions.
Yinsi fidgeted for a moment before mustering the courage to whisper, "E’niang, I love you."
Yunxiu’s hand trembled, nearly uprooting an entire dandelion plant.
Most people nowadays are quite reserved, let alone those in the palace—they would never casually speak of affection or love. However, Yunxiu came from the modern era. When Yinsi was young, she would often circle around him several times a day, saying things like, "E'niang loves you so much." Thus, Yinsi had long grown accustomed to it and knew that Yunxiu liked to express her feelings with "I love you." However, he rarely said it himself, especially as he grew older and became too embarrassed to utter such words. So when he did, Yunxiu was taken aback.
Yunxiu's first thought was whether her son had been possessed. When had this little tsundere ever been so straightforward? Yinsi's face flushed bright red, but having already spoken, he decided to throw caution to the wind. Squatting beside Yunxiu, he continued, "I always thought it was only natural for E'niang to treat me so well. Now I know not all mothers are like this."
"E'niang, you're truly wonderful."
Yunxiu felt her heart swell with warmth, almost overflowing. She patted Yinsi's head and said with a smile, "E'niang loves you too, you silly boy. Only realizing it now?"
Yinsi clung to Yunxiu, acting spoiled, but she pushed his head away in mock annoyance. "Go play somewhere else. E'niang still needs to gather herbs."
Just as the mother and son were enjoying their warm moment, Yunxiu suddenly heard a deep voice from behind.
"What secrets are you two whispering about?"
Startled, Yunxiu turned to see Kangxi standing behind them. She had no idea how long he had been listening.
Doukou shot her a helpless look, signaling that Kangxi had forbidden her from giving any warning.
Yunxiu quickly rose to her feet, and together with Yinsi, she bowed to Kangxi in greeting.
Author's Note:
None