December, the twentieth year of Kangxi's reign.
By the decree of the Grand Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager, The Emperor conferred the title of Imperial Noble Consort upon Noble Consort Tong Jia of the Tong Jia clan. Additionally, there was a grand conferment across the Six Palaces, promoting Noble Consort, Consort Hui, Consort Yi, Consort Rong, Consort De, and others.
When the conferment decree arrived at Chengqian Palace, Tong Lanshu was contemplating having mutton hotpot for dinner.
Noble Consort Tong had always been frail, rarely having any strong cravings for food. Hearing this, Dong Zhu felt both joy and concern. She went to discuss with Zhilan, "Mutton is most nourishing for winter consumption, but master has a weak spleen and stomach. Would mutton hotpot be too difficult to digest?"
"It's rare for Her Ladyship to have something she wants to eat. A single meal of mutton hotpot shouldn't be a problem. Nothing is more important than master being in good spirits." Zhilan knew how difficult these past days had been for Her Ladyship. Seeing her in better spirits now, she naturally wanted to fulfill her wishes by any means.
"You're right."
After discussing, the two efficiently decided on the evening's dishes.
Dong Zhu's voice brightened as she volunteered to oversee the kitchen, "The young palace maids aren't sure of Her Ladyship's taste. I'd better go there myself."
Zhilan nodded lightly, then added with concern, "Have the meat stewed until tender. Mutton soup is warming and nourishing, perfect for this season. Also, have the kitchen prepare some dishes the Fourth Prince likes."
Just as they finished speaking, the imperial decree arrived outside Chengqian Palace. Fortunately, they were well-prepared and avoided any chaos.
After the eunuch delivering the decree departed, the main hall of Chengqian Palace was filled with kneeling palace maids and eunuchs, all congratulating Tong Lanshu on becoming the Imperial Noble Consort.
Tong Lanshu nodded slightly and bestowed rewards for everyone to share.
The palace maids and eunuchs received their rewards and came before Tong Lanshu one by one to express their gratitude. She accepted each in turn. As everyone bowed and withdrew, Tong Lanshu inadvertently glanced outside the hall and saw the bare pear tree in the courtyard.
Its branches were laden with snow, creating a unique charm from afar. She was about to admire it a little longer when Zhilan and Dong Zhu supported her, urging her to return to her bedchamber to rest.
Tong Lanshu, who had thought she could finally catch her breath, "…"
After repeated persuasion, Tong Lanshu did not insist and followed their advice into the bedchamber.
Once the conferment decree spread throughout the Six Palaces, it didn't take long for everyone to learn which ladies had received imperial favor.
There were those whose promotions were widely expected, and naturally, there were also those that evoked sighs.
"Who would have thought His Majesty would only confer the title of Imperial Concubine upon the Gege of Chuxiu Palace this time?"
This Gege of Chuxiu Palace was none other than the younger sister of Empress Renxiao, of the Hesheri clan.
Both the Hesheri and Niuhulu clans had produced empresses. Although both empresses died young, each clan sent eligible young women into the palace. Whether by coincidence or design, they entered the palace in the same year.
Residing in Xianfu Palace and Chuxiu Palace respectively, they were initially both addressed as Gege, with no difference in their allowances, treatment, or status.
Both of noble birth and holding themselves in high regard due to their elder sisters being empresses, they often clashed within the palace.
Unexpectedly, this conferment created a world of difference. The Niuhulu lady received no special title but was made Noble Consort, while the Hesheri lady was granted the title "Ping" but remained merely an Imperial Concubine.
The difference between "Noble Consort" and "Imperial Concubine" is but a single character, yet their statuses are worlds apart.
"His Majesty treats Imperial Concubine Ping exceptionally well. Though an Imperial Concubine, she resides alone in Chuxiu Palace—truly a mark of favor."
"If it's a favor, why not make Imperial Concubine Ping a Noble Consort? With our mistress's promotion, isn't there now an empty Noble Consort position?" Dong Zhu spoke bluntly. Zhilan, hearing this, momentarily didn't know how to explain it to Dong Zhu, but Tong Lanshu instead smiled.
"The Heseri Family already has the Crown Prince, which is sufficiently illustrious. There's no need for a Noble Consort to add extra splendor."
Excessive favor isn't necessarily a good thing.
For this conferment, the Emperor had his own considerations.
It was a balancing act, and also a gesture of appeasement.
Both Dong Zhu and Zhilan were maids specially selected from the Tong residence, so they naturally understood.
However, they both tacitly ignored these matters. Zhilan glanced at the almanac, calculated the days, and said, "New Year's Eve is approaching, and next year is also a year for the imperial selection. Who knows which family's noble ladies will enter the palace."
Zhilan was filled with worry, but Dong Zhu wasn't the least bit concerned, saying carelessly, "No matter who she is, none can surpass our master."
Hearing this, Zhilan instinctively frowned. Seeing this, Dong Zhu realized she had spoken out of turn, but her words could not be taken back. Afraid of being scolded by Zhilan, she panicked and hid behind Tong Lanshu, "Mistress…"
Seeing that she dared to hide behind their master, Zhilan angrily stepped forward and pulled her out, "Now that you rely on the mistress's favor, you dare say anything and do anything."
"Such frivolous words can be casually spoken."
"I…"
"You are now a senior palace maid in Chengqian Palace. If the junior maids hear such words and imitate them, and they spread to others' ears, how will they gossip about the mistress?"
Dong Zhu hung her head, feeling guilty, with no trace of defiance on her face. Seeing this, Zhilan softened her tone, also unwilling to spoil the good mood on such a day, "We should keep these thoughts to ourselves, and never speak them aloud."
Zhilan didn't refute Dong Zhu's words, naturally because she thought the same.
Tong Lanshu showed little reaction upon hearing these words. She had no particular thoughts about monopolizing the Emperor's favor, but she was more concerned about the New Year's Eve Zhilan mentioned, "The few bolts of fabric His Majesty just bestowed are excellent, and the colors are festive. Summon the Imperial Household Department to come this afternoon to take measurements and tailor clothes for the Fourth Prince."
Dong Zhu and Zhilan immediately complied, sending someone to relay the message to the Imperial Household Department.
Chengqian Palace had originally ordered the Imperial Household Department to come in the afternoon, but the department, eager to curry favor with the Imperial Noble Consort, rushed over as soon as they received the order.
Yinzhen was initially confused, but upon learning it was for making new clothes, he immediately shook his head, saying he still had many new outfits, "Winter clothes were just tailored."
"Fourth Prince, this was specially ordered by the mistress, to prepare your New Year's Eve attire," Dong Zhu gently explained.
Hearing it was his mother's wish, Yinzhen's furrowed brow instantly relaxed, "…It's mother's wish?"
Dong Zhu nodded and explained the origin of the fabric. Yinzhen hadn't expected that the material for his clothes was just bestowed by the Imperial Father.
After learning the reason, he obediently allowed the palace maid from the Imperial Household Department to take his measurements. Once finished, he ran into the bedchamber, leaving Dong Zhu to discuss the clothing design with the department's supervisor.
Because of the incident when Yinzhen fell asleep on Tong Lanshu's kang, the relationship between mother and son had improved significantly. Yinzhen felt a closeness to Tong Lanshu in his heart, but being naturally reserved, he never showed it outwardly.
When Tong Lanshu saw Yinzhen approaching, she was delighted. Just as she wanted to call him over, she saw him begin to perform the formal greeting ritual with utmost propriety. "Your son pays respects to Mother."
Tong Lanshu felt a headache coming but did not stop him.
She recalled how, in recent days, Yinzhen had been strictly adhering to the morning and evening rituals. Tong Lanshu herself couldn't really wake up early and didn't want Yinzhen waiting outside too long.
She had to force herself awake daily, which was quite distressing. Eventually, Zhilan came up with an idea, saying that the Empress felt heartache seeing the Fourth Prince rise so early. After much persuasion, Yinzhen finally abandoned the daily greeting ritual.
Tong Lanshu truly couldn't understand how such a young child could wake up so early.
"Why are you here now?"
Tong Lanshu asked with a smile, only to see the child respond earnestly, "Your son has come to express gratitude."
Tong Lanshu was puzzled for a moment before realizing it was because of the new clothes.
To Tong Lanshu, this wasn't a big matter, but Yinzhen treated it with such seriousness. She wanted to say it wasn't necessary but worried the sensitive child might overthink it.
Ultimately, she chose to change the subject, asking Yinzhen what he wanted for dinner.
Tong Lanshu was thinking about the lamb hot pot for the evening meal. She had only eaten lightly at lunch and was now eagerly anticipating dinner.
Though Yinzhen was still young, he never complained about food. Whatever Chengqian Palace prepared, he would eat. Suddenly being asked this question, he was momentarily stunned.
"Your son has no particular preferences regarding food."
A very standard answer. Tong Lanshu knew she couldn't uncover Yinzhen's true thoughts.
Even before knowing the truth, Yinzhen had been reserved; now, he was likely even more cautious.
Tong Lanshu understood that some things couldn't be changed overnight and didn't push it. She gently told Yinzhen they would have lamb hot pot for dinner.
"Mother has asked Dong Zhu to prepare some roasted lamb. Yinzhen can try it tonight and see if he likes it."
As he listened, Yinzhen showed an expectant expression, finally displaying some liveliness typical of a child.
But conversations always end. After discussing dinner, the mother and son fell silent again. Tong Lanshu remembered Yinzhen's identity and knew what he would become in the future.
For various reasons, she certainly needed to build a good relationship with Yinzhen and couldn't let it deteriorate.
Thinking of this, Tong Lanshu racked her brains to find topics. She smiled at the child, "Mother heard from Dong Zhu that you woke up early to read. Have you finished reading now?"
Tong Lanshu sometimes truly admired royal children. They started education at three and entered the Shang Study at five—ages when they couldn't even sit steadily yet—but could already hold pens.
This child was even more remarkable: intelligent and diligent. Though he had only started learning recently, he already recognized many characters.
"Tell Mother what books you've been reading these days."
Tong Lanshu intended not to let the child be so rigid, but Yinzhen mistakenly thought his mother was asking about his studies.
He became even more earnest, solemnly saying, "Mother need not worry, your son has not been lazy."
Tong Lanshu: "…"
Where did this little stickler come from?
Then Yinzhen began reciting texts to Tong Lanshu. After finishing, he timidly looked at her, his eyes filled with obvious anticipation.
Tong Lanshu didn't quite understand everything, but she would never deny Yinzhen's excellence, so she spared no praise. Yinzhen, initially somewhat cautious, soon flushed bright red all over his little face.
After hearing his mother's praise, Yinzhen's timid eyes grew bright and sparkling as he earnestly assured Tong Lanshu, "Mother, your son will study diligently."
Tong Lanshu: "…"
Had she praised him too much?
While motherly affection and filial devotion filled Chengqian Palace, joyous celebrations also spread throughout the rest of the Forbidden City.
When the imperial edict reached the Six Palaces, everyone beamed with delight. Scenes similar to the gratitude expressed in Chengqian Palace played out in various quarters.
Yonghe Palace was no exception.
However, Consort De had always been low-key. Even though she had long held the position of a palace mistress and was now elevated to consort, she remained true to her unassuming nature. She merely instructed her senior palace maid to reward the servants, telling them not to boast outside Yonghe Palace.
Shiliu, familiar with her master's temperament, promptly complied.
Consort De entered her bedchamber to check on her son, who had just fallen asleep. Upon entering, she found the child, who should have been sound asleep, already awake.
Yinzuo was a bold child. Waking to find his mother absent hadn't frightened him, and upon seeing Consort De, he broke into a smile.
Delighted, Consort De moved to pick him up. But as she drew near, her vision darkened and she nearly fainted. Leaning against the kang's edge, she gasped for breath. Shiliu hurried forward to support her. "Your Highness, what's wrong?"
Supported by Shiliu's strength, Consort De straightened up and slowly shook her head. "This consort is fine."
After recovering from the spell, Consort De lacked the strength to hold the child. Worried she might frighten him, she summoned Yinzuo's wet nurse to take him away.
Seeing her master's pallid face, Shiliu couldn't help but worry. "Your Highness, perhaps we should summon an imperial physician?"
Consort De, reluctant to cause trouble, calmly replied, "It's likely just exhaustion. No need for such fuss."
She felt nothing was seriously wrong, but Shiliu cautiously reminded her that her monthly courses had not arrived. Having borne two children already, Consort De naturally understood Shiliu's implication.
Her gaze instinctively fell to her abdomen, and the words "no need for trouble" stuck in her throat.
Yonghe Palace did summon an imperial physician, and within an hour, news of Consort De's pregnancy spread throughout the Six Palaces.
It vexed many hearts.
Especially Consort Yi, whose joy over her own elevation to consort diminished considerably.
Author's Note: