By the time Yunxiu arrived, most of the consorts were already present. Kangxi and the two elder ancestors had not yet arrived, so the atmosphere was relatively relaxed. Both the consorts and the imperial relatives were chatting cheerfully, presenting a scene of joyful family reunion fitting for the Lantern Festival.
Tonight's palace banquet was organized entirely by Noble Consort Niohuru. When Yunxiu arrived, she saw Noble Consort Niohuru still energetically conversing with Consort Ping.
The Tenth Prince was now just over three months old. Noble Consort Niohuru had recently completed her postpartum confinement and still had to care for her son, yet she remained so spirited and bustling about managing palace affairs. Yunxiu could only express admiration.
Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia was ill and had naturally requested leave for tonight. Thus, the highest-ranking present were Yunxiu and Noble Consort Niohuru. Seeing Yunxiu arrive, the consorts all rose to pay their respects. Noble Consort Niohuru also glanced over, and the two exchanged a slight nod in greeting.
Currently, Kangxi's harem could be said to be complete in all four corners: one Imperial Noble Consort, two Noble Consorts, and four Consorts—all positions filled without vacancies. In recent years, many imperial princes and princesses had been born, truly making it a flourishing and prosperous branch.
Yunxiu's seat was at the head of the left side, directly opposite Noble Consort Niohuru. Below Noble Consort Niohuru sat Consort Hui, who had borne the emperor's eldest son. Opposite Consort Hui was Consort Rong, whose seniority was equally deep, having given birth to five sons and one daughter for Kangxi.
Consort De sat below Consort Hui with the Sixth Prince. After paying respects to Yunxiu, she lowered her head and smiled while speaking with the Sixth Prince.
Palace rules dictated that males and females over seven years of age should not share seats, so the older princes had separate seating arrangements. Princesses and younger imperial princes sat with their E'niangs.
Upon entering the hall, Yinsi looked around, and after confirming that his Fourth Brother was indeed not present, he tugged at Yunxiu's sleeve.
"E'niang, Fourth Brother isn't here."
Yunxiu also noticed Yinzhen's absence. She patted Yinsi's small hand reassuringly and looked toward Consort De, asking directly, "Consort De, why is the Fourth Prince not here?"
As soon as Yunxiu spoke, the consorts who had been chatting and laughing moments ago abruptly fell silent, casting subtle glances in their direction.
The incident at Cining Palace earlier that day was neither major nor minor but had caused quite a stir. Since there were few secrets in the palace, everyone had already heard about it.
Consort Hui, who had always remained aloof from conflicts yet possessed formidable backing, had clashed with Consort De, who was currently enjoying the emperor's favor. Many were waiting to see the drama unfold.
Consort De's expression remained unchanged as she smiled and said, "Yinzhen injured his hand. The Imperial Physician advised rest and quiet. After taking his medicine, he fell asleep, so I left him to rest in the palace."
Yunxiu nodded, thinking it reasonable. After all, Yinzhen was injured, so resting in the palace was normal. She then smiled and said, "Then tomorrow, I shall visit Yonghe Palace to see him. Yinsi is concerned about his Fourth Brother."
In front of so many people, Consort De naturally could not refuse and agreed with a smile.
Seeing that Consort Hui showed no intention of pressing further, everyone lost interest and resumed their conversations.
Yinsi, however, flushed red, his face stern and displeased.
"E'niang, what are you saying!"
What did she mean by him being concerned about Fourth Brother!
"Did I say something wrong?" Yunxiu pinched his cheek. "Weren't you the one who kept talking about your Fourth Brother all the way here? Why deny it now?"
Yinsi snorted; he just felt that this time he had sort of screwed over Fourth Brother, and his conscience was a bit uneasy.
Yunxiu rubbed Yinsi's head. Her son was a tsundere—obviously anxious beyond measure, yet still putting on an act here.
"Yinsi, when it comes to being a person, it's better to be straightforward. If you don't speak up, how will Fourth Brother know you like him? How can you two become good friends then?"
Upon hearing this, Yinsi bristled instantly: "E'niang, you're getting more and more outrageous! I don't like Fourth Brother at all!"
Fourth Brother was as smelly and hard as a rock, barely speaking three sentences a day, and even those were stiff and rigid, more old-fashioned than the pedantic tutors in the Imperial Study. How could he possibly like Fourth Brother!
Yunxiu knew when to stop. If she really provoked Yinsi into a rage, this petty-minded kid would surely stir up trouble for her again.
Coincidentally, at that moment, the remaining one of the four consorts, Consort Yi, also arrived.
Consort Yi's eldest son, the Fifth Prince, had been taken under the Empress Dowager's care since birth, and Yunxiu was the Empress Dowager's niece, often staying in Cining Palace. Over time, the two had developed a very good relationship.
Naturally, this was also because Yunxiu was not favored. Not only Consort Yi, but other consorts in the palace wouldn't go out of their way to offend this unfavored yet well-connected Noble Consort.
Consort Yi's seat was opposite Consort De's, separated from Yunxiu by Consort Rong. However, Consort Yi didn't take her seat and instead walked directly over to Yunxiu to speak with her.
"Your Highness."
After Consort Yi greeted her with a smile, Yunxiu helped her up and pulled her to sit down. After all, Kangxi hadn't arrived yet, so there was no need for so much formality.
Yinsi, who was by Yunxiu's side, also properly greeted Consort Yi. Yinsi got along well with the Fifth Prince, so Consort Yi had a favorable impression of him and praised him with a smile.
Only after the two sat down did Consort Yi glance at Consort De and lean in to ask quietly, "Your Highness, I heard that Consort De put on another show at Cining Palace today?"
Since this matter involved the Fifth Prince, it was normal for Consort Yi to inquire.
"Your news travels fast," Yunxiu said. "But it's just a matter among the children. The Emperor has already dealt with it."
Involving the imperial princes, Yunxiu couldn't speak carelessly and could only follow Kangxi's lead.
Consort Yi casually handed the hand warmer she was holding to the palace maid behind her, pulled out a handkerchief, and said with a smile, "Matters in the palace always have wings—they spread everywhere in no time."
"The Emperor protects Consort De; I'm afraid she'll become even more arrogant."
Both Consort Yi and Consort De were favored consorts and had always been rivals. Moreover, this time, Consort De and the Sixth Prince had flaunted their authority at the expense of the Fifth Prince, so Consort Yi naturally had no good feelings toward Consort De.
"Is Yinqi alright?" Consort Yi asked worriedly, voicing her greatest concern. "That child has been spoiled lawless by the Empress Dowager and has a high temper. After suffering such a great grievance this time, I'm really worried he might talk back to the Emperor again and upset him."
Yunxiu replied, "Don't worry. With the Grand Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager around, neither Yinqi nor Yinsi will suffer any disadvantage."
Hearing Yunxiu's words, Consort Yi felt relieved. After all, Yinqi hadn't been raised by her side. Even though the Empress Dowager doted on him, she, as his birth mother, worried about him every day. Especially after today's incident, she had been extremely anxious upon hearing the news. However, since Kangxi hadn't summoned her—only Consort Hui and Consort De had been called—she couldn't go to Cining Palace and could only wait anxiously for updates.
Originally, since the Ninth Prince was still young, Consort Yi had planned to request leave from today's palace banquet and not attend. However, with the Fifth Prince's incident, she couldn't rest easy about the younger one while worrying about the older. After much hesitation, she finally decided to come, wanting to see the Fifth Prince with her own eyes to feel at ease.
Yunxiu listened as Consort Yi poured out her troubles about being overwhelmed and sighed, saying, "You care equally for Yinqi and Yintang, but it's a pity about the Fourth Prince—to suffer such grievances even in his own birth mother's palace."
"Ah, it's just the Fourth Prince's misfortune to have such a biased E'niang, and with the Imperial Noble Consort bedridden," Consort Yi said lightly.
After all, the Fourth Prince was Consort De's son, so she naturally didn't care much either.
If Consort De enjoyed tormenting her own son, then let her do as she pleased.
Yinsi sat obediently to the side, listening to his E'niang and Consort Yi chatting. Hearing this, he couldn't help but purse his lips slightly, his eyes dimming a little.
Fourth Brother… really did seem a bit pitiful. Thinking about it this way, his bad temper might have a reason. Should he try to include Fourth Brother more in their games from now on?
Yunxiu also understood that discussing this with Consort Yi was pointless. She gave Consort Yi a once-over and raised an eyebrow, saying, "You're dressed rather plainly today—have you changed your ways?"
Consort Yi was born with stunning beauty and usually wore vibrant colors like crimson and light purple, with hair accessories and jewelry that were opulent and luxurious, perfectly complementing her. Yet today, on the Lantern Festival, she wore a turquoise-green dress, her hair styled simply, adorned mostly with silver ornaments and pearls—a stark contrast to her usual appearance.
However, a beauty remains a beauty no matter how she dresses. Though plain, her natural grace was undeniable, and it carried a unique charm.
Consort Yi smiled and said, "With so many young consorts in the palace now, this old one should learn to be more dignified and graceful."
Yunxiu didn't believe a word of this, but she knew exactly whom Consort Yi was referring to among the young consorts. Last year, during his southern tour, Kangxi brought back a Han woman named Wang, who was as beautiful as a celestial being, with a gentle and virtuous nature. Kangxi doted on her for a time, granting her the title of Noble Lady Mi, and she still enjoyed considerable favor.
Especially since Consort Yi, Consort De, and Noble Consort Niohuru—the three former veteran favorites—were all pregnant and giving birth last year, Noble Lady Mi became the most favored in the palace. However, now that these three had recovered and reentered the fray, Noble Lady Mi's favor had naturally waned compared to before, though Kangxi still summoned her frequently and had not neglected her.
Just as Yunxiu was teasing Consort Yi about her jealousy, they heard the servants outside announce the arrival of Kangxi and the Empress Dowager.
Everyone in the hall quickly fell silent and hurriedly rose to pay their respects.
Kangxi had changed into a black court attire embroidered with crimson five-clawed golden dragons and ruyi cloud patterns. With his golden bearing and jade-like demeanor, he exuded majesty and vigor, moving with the imposing stride of a dragon and tiger.
Now in his prime at thirty, with great power in his hands, Kangxi was clearly at the peak of his reign, both physically and mentally, radiating the commanding presence of a ruler who could encompass heaven and earth.
The ten-year-old Crown Prince Yinreng followed closely by Kangxi's side, while the Empress Dowager brought the Fifth Prince right behind them. However, the Grand Empress Dowager had declined to attend, finding the festivities too noisy.
"All rise."
Kangxi walked to the head seat and sat down, casually raising his hand to allow everyone to stand up.
Yunxiu quickly rose and took her seat, thinking to herself why the Nine Continents Clear and Peaceful Hall had been chosen for the banquet this year. The distance from the entrance to the imperial throne was simply too far. If Kangxi had walked any slower, her legs would have gone numb.
Yunxiu’s seat was already quite close to the front, and Kangxi noticed her little movements at a glance. However, as it was nothing serious, he paid it no mind. Instead, he first spoke to Noble Consort Niohuru.
“Today’s palace banquet is well arranged. Yin’e is at an age where he’s particularly lively and energetic, so I must trouble you, Noble Consort.”
Noble Consort Niohuru immediately stood up and replied respectfully, “Your servant is honored to assist in the management of the Six Palaces. This is merely my duty, and I dare not accept Your Majesty’s praise.”
Yunxiu remained silent below, not daring to utter a word. In truth, she also held nominal authority to assist in managing the Six Palaces, being one of only two Noble Consorts. Kangxi had granted her this honor as a gesture of respect. However, on one hand, she was lazy by nature and had no interest in managing such affairs. On the other hand, Noble Consort Niohuru was extremely enthusiastic about palace affairs and firmly held control over them. Yunxiu was more than happy to play the role of a figurehead.
The most important reason, however, was that the Grand Empress Dowager did not want her to meddle in palace authority. Her background was too prestigious, and she had given birth to a prince. If she were to wield significant power, Kangxi would be the first to make things difficult for her. Therefore, it was best for her to focus on raising her child and indulging in leisure and pleasure.
After expressing his appreciation to Noble Consort Niohuru, Kangxi glanced around and noticed that one of his sons was missing—Yinzhen had not attended. Surprisingly, however, Kangxi did not ask a single word about it, as if deliberately suppressing the conflict between the brothers that had occurred earlier that day. Since the Emperor did not mention it, naturally, no one dared to bring it up and risk his displeasure. Thus, the Lantern Festival banquet proceeded as usual, filled with singing, dancing, and toasts. The consorts and nobles exchanged auspicious words, and the atmosphere remained harmonious.
Meanwhile, in the Palace of Heavenly Favor, Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia sat with a furrowed brow. Her face was pale and gaunt, and she wore only a thin sleeping robe as she leaned against the headboard, coughing incessantly.
Her personal maid, Qingdai, hurriedly handed her a handkerchief. Seeing the Imperial Noble Consort cough up a mouthful of fresh blood, Qingdai’s eyes welled up with tears.
“Enough, now is not the time for tears.”
The Imperial Noble Consort handed the handkerchief back to her, her expression calm but her voice weak as she asked, “Did you say earlier that Yinzhen did not attend the Lantern Festival banquet?”
Qingdai sobbed, “Your Highness, please don’t worry about the Fourth Prince for now. Let your servant help you take your medicine first.”
The Imperial Noble Consort lowered her head, closed her eyes, and let out a long sigh. Her slender fingers tightly gripped the brocade quilt beneath her, and her chest rose and fell unevenly as she asked, “What exactly happened? Has anyone been sent to investigate? Was Yinzhen too injured to attend, or was that vile Consort De deliberately mistreating him?”
Another senior palace maid, Yindan, hurried forward to soothe the Imperial Noble Consort. “Your Highness, please don’t worry. Someone has already been sent to investigate. The Fourth Prince should be fine—it’s said to be only superficial injuries. He’ll recover after some rest.”
Taking the opportunity, Qingdai brought over the medicine and helped the Imperial Noble Consort drink it. She then carefully wiped the medicine stains from the corners of her mouth with a handkerchief and softly said, “Your Highness, if you are truly worried about the Fourth Prince, why not bring him back here? It would be better than letting him suffer humiliation under Consort De in the Palace of Eternal Harmony.”
Hearing this, the Imperial Noble Consort was momentarily stunned. Her lips trembled slightly, but after a moment, she let out another long sigh.
“Yinzhen is, after all, officially recorded under Consort De’s name. I know my own body well—I fear I won’t last much longer.”
Her tone was bitter, and a trace of unwillingness and helplessness crossed her thin, pale face, worn by severe illness.
“Yinzhen will eventually return to Yonghe Palace. I have conceded this much, only hoping that Consort De will treat him well in the future, considering he is, after all, her own flesh and blood.”
Yindan’s eyes shifted, and suddenly, inspiration struck—she had a new idea.
“Your Highness, there is still another path. If Consort De dares to treat the Fourth Prince with such neglect now, then… wouldn’t she become even more unrestrained?”
The Imperial Noble Consort looked up, pausing her movements. “What do you mean?”
“Overthrow Consort De, and then find a foster mother for the Fourth Prince who will truly care for him.”