What does this have to do with the Crown Prince?
Yunxiu was utterly confused, only now realizing that she had merely glimpsed the tip of the iceberg. Looking back, the Grand Empress Dowager had long since warned her that the waters here ran deep.
The Grand Empress Dowager had her sit closer to the front. Before long, Sumalagu entered from outside and reported, "Your Majesty, the Imperial Noble Consort has sent someone to summon the Emperor, but His Majesty is still in council."
"Understood. Let her make her fuss," the Grand Empress Dowager replied calmly from her seat on the couch. "Once she annoys the Emperor enough, she'll settle down."
Sumalagu smiled and refilled Yunxiu's tea. "Your Highness, this is newly arrived Pu'er tea. The Grand Empress Dowager finds it quite pleasant. Please have a taste."
Yunxiu had little interest in tea at the moment and hurriedly asked, "Your Majesty, what did you mean earlier when you said this was related to the Crown Prince?"
Cining Palace was as solid as a fortress, with no news leaking out. Thus, Yunxiu spoke without much restraint here, always straightforward and direct.
"Look at you. You've been in the palace for over a decade, yet you still can't keep your composure," the Grand Empress Dowager glanced at her, somewhat exasperated, and said to the Empress Dowager, "And she still thinks she can compete with Consort De. If we weren't watching over her, she'd be devoured alive."
The Empress Dowager merely smiled. "It's all because the Empress Mother dotes on this girl. Naturally, she fears nothing."
Yunxiu stepped forward, linking her arm with the Grand Empress Dowager's and cooing, "Your Majesty, please tell me. What exactly is going on?"
The Grand Empress Dowager's three daughters had all married far away to Mongolia and passed away young, preceding her in death. Yunxiu had entered the palace at just ten years old and was raised in Cining Palace for four or five years. The Grand Empress Dowager had long regarded her as a daughter. Moreover, although Yunxiu lacked some cunning, she was exceptionally good at reading people's moods. Knowing the Grand Empress Dowager was fond of this approach, she employed it effortlessly.
This same method of coaxing and acting spoiled had been learned by Yinsi, leaving the Grand Empress Dowager and Empress Dowager helpless with this mother-son pair.
"Alright, alright. You're a mother now, yet you're not embarrassed," the Grand Empress Dowager shot her a helpless glare but didn't push her away. She began to explain the whole matter in detail.
"Have you ever wondered why Yinzuo would suddenly start a fight with Yinzhen in the Imperial Study?" The Grand Empress Dowager patted Yunxiu's hand and continued, "Although Yinzuo has been spoiled and made arrogant by Consort De and the Emperor, he's still clever. Yet he uttered such disgraceful words in front of so many princes in a public setting. Don't you find that strange?"
Yunxiu furrowed her brows. Only after the Grand Empress Dowager's reminder did she realize that the incident's origin was indeed peculiar. She simply hadn't noticed it before. Presumably, the Grand Empress Dowager had already sent someone to investigate early on.
After pondering for a moment, Yunxiu said with some surprise, "Could it be that the Crown Prince was stirring things up behind the scenes?"
"Not completely foolish after all," the Grand Empress Dowager tapped her forehead and said meaningfully, "The Crown Prince is older now, his vision broader than before. The more he sees and hears, the more unsettled his heart becomes."
The Grand Empress Dowager stopped there. Sumalagu, standing nearby, took over and carefully explained the situation of that day to Yunxiu.
It all started a few days before the incident when the Sixth Prince and Yinzhen had a minor argument. Though it was nothing serious, Yinsi happened to be nearby and casually spoke up in Yinzhen’s defense. Unexpectedly, both the Crown Prince and the Eldest Prince took note. The Eldest Prince, now styling himself as the eldest son in the Imperial Study, loved nothing more than competing with the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince, proud and arrogant, had always looked down on his younger brothers, so the Eldest Prince did the opposite—he tried to win them over. In this conflict between the Sixth Prince and Yinzhen, it was clear that the Fifth Prince and Yinsi were on Yinzhen’s side, so the Eldest Prince also chimed in to support Yinzhen.
In the Crown Prince’s eyes, the Eldest Prince was a thorn in his side, and Yinsi was a splinter in his flesh. With these two standing together, how could he tolerate it? The Crown Prince wanted to take them down a peg, so he secretly incited the Sixth Prince behind the scenes. That’s how things spiraled out of control, escalating into a physical altercation and ending up in the mess they were in now.
After hearing the whole story, Yunxiu didn’t know what to say. So it was a case of “when the city gate catches fire, the fish in the moat suffer”—Yinzhen was merely a casualty in the power struggle between the Crown Prince and the Eldest Prince.
And Yinsi was also part of the reason.
No wonder Kangxi favored the Sixth Prince and didn’t want to investigate further—it was all for the Crown Prince’s sake, leaving Yinzhen to suffer the injustice.
Thinking it over, Consort De must have already known the whole story. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have remained so calm while confronting the Imperial Noble Consort. She knew Kangxi would never look too deeply into the matter—it would likely be brushed aside—so she had the confidence to stand her ground.
“Figured it out?”
The Grand Empress Dowager glanced at Yunxiu and advised, “That’s why I told you not to meddle in this matter. The Emperor clearly wants to let things settle, which is why he allowed the Imperial Noble Consort to take Yinzhen back. But fate had other plans, and things got stirred up again. If the Imperial Noble Consort keeps pushing, it’ll eventually lead back to the Crown Prince, and the Emperor will never allow that to happen.”
The Empress Dowager sighed, “Yinzhen is indeed pitiful, but no matter how pitiful he is, he can’t overshadow the Crown Prince. He’ll just have to swallow his grievances. The Empress Mother is right—don’t get involved in this. Let the Imperial Noble Consort and Consort De fight it out.”
Outside, a gust of wind blew up the unmelted snow and ice, scattering it through the air like another heavy snowfall. The Grand Empress Dowager frowned as she gazed out the window. After a moment, she took Yunxiu’s hand and said earnestly, “Yinzhen’s matter has nothing to do with you. What you should be concerned about now is Yinsi.”
“Yinsi’s background is what it is. It’s only natural for the Crown Prince to dislike this younger brother. Besides, Yinsi is clever. I’ve heard he’s thriving in the Imperial Study, getting along extremely well with the other princes. His studies are also going smoothly, and his tutors often praise him.”
Yunxiu nodded softly and said, “This humble consort understands what Your Majesty means. I will advise Yinsi.”
The Grand Empress Dowager’s meaning was clear—she wanted Yinsi to learn to hide his talents, not to be as sharp and conspicuous as the Eldest Prince, which would only invite trouble.
Kangxi’s affection for the Crown Prince was such that not even all the other princes and princesses in the palace combined could compare. The Crown Prince’s position was unprecedentedly secure. Aside from the Eldest Prince’s constant scheming, no other prince or consort dared to covet the Crown Prince’s position at the moment.
"Fortunately, the Emperor is broad-minded and possesses great talent and vision. Otherwise, you and Noble Consort Niohuru would not have had imperial princes," the Grand Empress Dowager said with a smile. "So you need not worry too much. The Emperor is well aware of everything. Yinsi has good aptitude and will not be overlooked."
Yunxiu nodded. There was indeed nothing to question about Kangxi's confidence. Given his current control over the court, no matter how many children she and Noble Consort Niohuru bore, it would not shake the Crown Prince's position.
It was just a pity that the Crown Prince was not a qualified Heir Apparent. In the future, when several princes grew up, the situation would not be the one Kangxi hoped for—a harmonious family with a loving father and filial sons, brothers supporting one another, and everyone assisting the Crown Prince.
After speaking for a while, the Grand Empress Dowager grew tired and wanted to take a nap. Having resolved her doubts, Yunxiu went to the side hall to fetch Yinsi and prepare to return to her palace. In the side hall, Yinsi was playing chess with the Fifth Prince. Although Yinsi was young, he already played chess quite skillfully, especially against an opponent like the Fifth Prince. As soon as Yunxiu entered, she saw Yinsi sitting with a smile, while the Fifth Prince opposite him was scratching his head in frustration.
"Alright, Yinsi, let's return to the palace," Yunxiu said, stepping forward with a smile.
The Fifth Prince looked as if he had seen a savior, relieved as he urged Yunxiu to take Yinsi away quickly. Yinsi smiled and instructed someone to seal the chessboard, saying they would continue the game next time. The Fifth Prince immediately slumped in disappointment.
Having amused himself by teasing the Fifth Prince, Yinsi happily held Yunxiu's hand as they returned to the palace.
"You, don't always take advantage of your Fifth Brother's good temper," Yunxiu said helplessly, looking down at the bouncing Yinsi. "If you make your Fifth Brother angry, E'niang will see how you handle it."
"Fifth Brother would never be angry with me," Yinsi said with a smile. Then his smile faded slightly as he asked, "E'niang, how is Fourth Brother's situation?"
This matter involved the Crown Prince, the Eldest Prince, and even Yinsi himself. Yinsi was still too young, and Yunxiu did not want to discuss such things with him, so she only asked, "What would make you happy then?"
"Of course, it would be to stand up for Fourth Brother," Yinsi said indignantly. "Consort De and Sixth Brother bullied Fourth Brother. Imperial Father should punish them."
A child's thoughts were still simple. In Yinsi's mind, wrongdoing should be punished, and fairness and justice should prevail.
Yunxiu bent down and patted his head, speaking gently, "Your Fourth Brother has already returned to Chengqian Palace. The Imperial Noble Consort will take good care of him. E'niang cannot easily interfere in the Imperial Noble Consort's affairs, but she has always been very good to your Fourth Brother, so Yinzhen will be fine."
Yinsi blinked and then slowly nodded.
E'niang's rank was lower than the Imperial Noble Consort's, so it was indeed inconvenient for her to intervene further.
But E'niang was right. The Imperial Noble Consort had always treated Fourth Brother quite well, so there should be no further issues.
Besides, Fourth Brother himself was cold and distant, telling him not to interfere. So, let it be.
Yunxiu brought Yinsi back to Changchun Palace. It was not until dinnertime that Doukou reported that Kangxi had gone to Chengqian Palace.
The Imperial Noble Consort had waited all day and finally welcomed Kangxi's arrival.
As soon as Kangxi stepped into Chengqian Palace, he was met with the strong smell of medicine. His footsteps paused as he surveyed the courtyard, withered and bleak in the harsh winter. After a long moment, he finally lifted his foot and entered the Imperial Noble Consort's bedchamber.
The Imperial Noble Consort had already been barely sustained by ginseng after her visit to Yonghe Palace. After bringing Yinzhen back, she fell ill again and could no longer rise from her bed. Kangxi lifted the curtain and entered the inner chamber, where he saw the Imperial Noble Consort leaning against the headboard, coughing incessantly. Several palace maids stood around her, their faces filled with anxiety and sorrow. Yindan and Qingdai attended to her as she took her medicine, both unable to hold back their tears.
Chengqian Palace was the most magnificent palace in the Forbidden City. Before falling ill, the Imperial Noble Consort held the highest rank among the consorts. As Kangxi's cousin and a favored consort, countless precious treasures, antiques, calligraphy, and paintings had been sent to Chengqian Palace. Even her pillow was embroidered with gold thread and Suzhou silk, inlaid with jadeite. Now, though the furnishings remained unchanged, the palace exuded an air of desolation.
The Imperial Noble Consort felt a sharp pain in her throat and struggled to swallow the medicine. Leaning against the pillow, she gasped for breath, her delicate hand pressed against her chest. Looking up, she saw Kangxi standing quietly under the red candlelight, dressed in a dark blue casual robe.
For a moment, she was dazed, unsure whether Kangxi had truly arrived or if it was merely an illusion. It was only when the maids around her knelt to pay their respects that she regained her senses.
The Imperial Noble Consort forced herself to sit up, but Kangxi, frowning, stepped forward and sat by the bed, pressing her back down.
"Your Majesty, you have come."
The Imperial Noble Consort smiled weakly, gazing almost obsessively at the man before her. He was the Emperor of the Great Qing, her husband, the father of her daughter, and the man she had loved all her life.
Time was truly unfair. Though she was two years younger than the Emperor, her appearance had grown haggard and worn, while the Emperor seemed even more majestic and imposing than when she first entered the palace years ago—with his sword-like eyebrows, starry eyes, and noble bearing.
Kangxi frowned as he looked at the Imperial Noble Consort, pale and emaciated to the point of being little more than skin and bones. In a low voice, he asked, "Why have you grown so thin? Have the Imperial Physicians been negligent?"
"Your Majesty, do not blame the Imperial Physicians. It is I who am weak." With great effort, the Imperial Noble Consort raised her hand and placed it on Kangxi's right arm. Kangxi embraced her, letting her lean against his chest. Staring blankly at the exquisite golden dragon embroidery on Kangxi's robe, she whispered faintly, "Since our eighth child left, I have been unable to sleep at night and have lost all appetite."
Kangxi gently patted her frail back and sighed. "The loss of our eighth child grieves me as much as it does you. Regain your health, and we will have more children."
"I know my time is short, Your Majesty. There is no need to console me." Struggling to lift her head, the Imperial Noble Consort looked up at Kangxi, her expression pleading. "I have been unfortunate, unable to leave behind a son or daughter for Your Majesty. Only Yinzhen, whom I raised from childhood, remains. Now that I am about to depart, I wish to ask Your Majesty for a favor on his behalf."
Upon entering Chengqian Palace, Kangxi had known the Imperial Noble Consort would bring up Yinzhen. Seeing her now, drained and on the verge of collapse, he could not bear to deny her request and simply nodded.
"Speak."
The Imperial Noble Consort's eyelashes trembled slightly as she tightly grasped Kangxi's arm.
"I no longer have the strength to raise Yinzhen, but Consort De favors the Sixth Prince and neglects him. I cannot bear to entrust Yinzhen to her care. I beg Your Majesty to choose another foster mother for him."
Kangxi's brow relaxed. He had thought the Imperial Noble Consort would ask him to thoroughly investigate the matter concerning the Sixth Prince and Yinzhen. If she had brought that up, Kangxi would have absolutely refused. But if it was about finding Yinzhen another adoptive mother to settle the matter once and for all, that was not entirely out of the question.
Thus, Kangxi's tone softened slightly.
"Who do you have in mind to raise Yinzhen?"
The Imperial Noble Consort was weak and frail, yet her voice was unusually resolute.
"This humble consort wishes to entrust Yinzhen to Consort Hui to raise."