The Imperial Noble Consort and Noble Consort Niuhulu were at similar stages of pregnancy, while Yifei had now entered her fourth month. With so many imperial consorts suddenly expecting, not only did Kangxi’s mood improve considerably, but even the Grand Empress Dowager and Empress Dowager were delighted, finding themselves eating more during meals these days.
Moreover, with both the Imperial Noble Consort and Noble Consort Niuhulu pregnant simultaneously, they tacitly paused their covert rivalry, prioritizing the children in their wombs above all else. The palace thus became unusually tranquil.
The Imperial Noble Consort treasured this hard-won second pregnancy exceptionally, meticulously caring for herself from the moment it was confirmed and suspending daily greetings from other consorts. Wen Shan calculated that she could continue slacking off for another seven or eight months and was overjoyed.
Yinzhen and Yinsi were baffled by Wen Shan’s sudden cheerfulness. Though their mother was raising them both, Yinzhen and Yinsi’s names remained recorded under their respective birth mothers in the Imperial Genealogy, meaning they had no direct relation to Wen Shan. Normally, Wen Shan ought to be sighing anxiously by now.
Yinsi, aware that Wen Shan came from a later era, thought she might not care much about such matters. Though Yinzhen didn’t know why Wen Shan was so upbeat lately, he figured that since Mother was happy and it wasn’t anything bad, there was no need to probe further.
Yet both Yinzhen and Yinsi privately thought that if Mother were to bear them a younger sibling, they would dote on the child doubly, ensuring they lived carefree and fulfilled lives.
Fortunately, Wen Shan remained unaware of their little thoughts—otherwise, she’d have given each a flick on the forehead. After all her efforts raising them, these two brothers wanted to repay her kindness by wishing childbirth upon her?
After her initial delight, the Grand Empress Dowager watched Wen Shan, who came to Cining Palace as usual to chat with her, and casually asked, “The Imperial Noble Consort and Noble Consort Niuhulu are both pregnant. When do you plan to have a child of your own?”
Wen Shan nearly choked on the pastry in her mouth. Sumalagu hurriedly poured her water, and Wen Shan gulped down a large cup before catching her breath.
“Old Ancestor, your question is so sudden.”
The Grand Empress Dowager now reminded her of her mother’s endless nagging: first urging her to find a boyfriend, then to marry, then to have a child, and after that, to have a second—truly an endless cycle.
Initially, the Grand Empress Dowager had urged her to adopt Yinzhen, then to curry favor with Kangxi, and now she’d upgraded to urging her to conceive a child herself.
The Empress Dowager chimed in with a smile, “With so many consorts pregnant now, don’t you feel envious?”
What woman wouldn’t want a child of her own, especially an imperial consort?
“This subject already has her hands full with Yinzhen and Yinsi. Moreover, I’m perfectly content now and have no other desires,” Wen Shan replied with a smile.
She spoke the truth—having acquired two such adorable sons without the pain of childbirth, why would she trouble herself to carry one?
The Grand Empress Dowager shook her head, saying her ambitions were as tiny as a grain of rice and utterly lacking in drive.
Even when pushed forward, Wen Shan wouldn’t budge; she’d rather lie comfortably on the ground, unwilling to rise.
“With many consorts pregnant recently, the Emperor has been visiting your palace often. The timing, conditions, and opportunities are all aligned—you should consider this carefully,” the Grand Empress Dowager remarked, sipping her tea.
The mention of this matter by the Grand Empress Dowager only deepened Wen Shan’s melancholy. Pregnant consorts were not suitable to attend to the emperor, yet currently, those who were pregnant happened to be his favored consorts. As a result, Wen Shan, being in the second tier, was singled out to fill in. The frequency of Kangxi’s visits to Xianfu Palace increased from two or three times a month to every few days, while most of his other time was spent at Yonghe Palace accompanying Defei, who had recently lost her daughter.
However, Kangxi’s frequent visits to Xianfu Palace did not lead to the rapid improvement in their relationship that the Grand Empress Dowager had hoped for. Instead, it brought misfortune upon Yinsi, who was nearly two years old.
The reason was that Yinsi’s exceptional intelligence and cleverness caught the attention of Kangxi, who had always been fond of pushing his children to excel. Kangxi declared that this gifted young son must be nurtured carefully and made an exception by allowing Yinsi to enter the Imperial Study ahead of schedule for his early education.
Yinsi was utterly stunned by the sudden decision to start schooling a year early. He had no desire to spend his days in the Imperial Study dealing with his unfortunate brothers—it felt like a waste of the precious time he could have spent cuddling with his mother!
But his protests were in vain. The very next day, he had to report to the Imperial Study alongside Yinzhen.
Wen Shan watched Yinsi, whose resentment seemed heavier than a ghost’s, and found herself caught between laughter and tears. While adjusting his clothes, she whispered to him, “Aren’t you already familiar with everything the tutors will teach? Just think of it as going out for a change of scenery.”
Of course, the lessons in the Imperial Study were nothing challenging for Yinsi. Pressing his lips together, he thought to himself that he had miscalculated—from now on, he would have to act a bit slower and less clever to avoid standing out.
One of the two puppies born to Fuqi had been coaxed away by the Fifth Prince after much pestering, leaving behind a pure black puppy that Yinzhen took great care of. He even let Yinsi name it, and Yinsi chose the name Laifu.
Yinsi confidently claimed that Laifu and Fuqi sounded like mother and son.
Wen Shan pondered for a moment and thought that Laifu actually sounded more like the mother, while Fuqi seemed more like the son.
However, Yinzhen’s indulgence toward his younger brother was no less than Wen Shan’s. He usually doted on Yinsi, so he saw no issue with letting him choose the name.
Originally, Wen Shan had intended to personally escort the brothers to the Imperial Study on Yinsi’s first day, but unfortunately, Sumalagu arrived early in the morning with a message. The Grand Empress Dowager had woken up craving perch and japonica rice congee, and in her childlike stubbornness, she insisted on having it immediately. Since the dish was time-consuming to prepare, Wen Shan found herself unable to leave.
Yinzhen assured Wen Shan that he would take good care of Yinsi and that she need not worry. Only then did Wen Shan let them leave together, reminding them that she would definitely pick them up after class.
Yinsi couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly. Even though his mother knew he had been reborn, she still treated him like a two-year-old, growing overly anxious about something as simple as going to school.
But this feeling… wasn’t so bad.
The two brothers, each accompanied by a young eunuch, made their way through the Imperial Garden toward the Imperial Study. Along the way, Yinzhen continued to brief Yinsi on the temperaments of the two tutors and the rules to follow during lessons.
Yinsi listened half-heartedly, thinking to himself that these details were largely unchanged from his previous life.
Just as they were about to exit the Imperial Garden, they ran into the Imperial Noble Consort, who had taken advantage of the cooler morning air to stroll outside.
The Imperial Noble Consort had been recuperating in Chengqian Palace for a month without stepping out. The imperial physician, who checked her pulse daily, noticed that she was still somewhat physically weak and emotionally distressed. He suggested that she take moderate walks to relax, which would also benefit her upcoming delivery.
As summer began in recent days, the sun grew increasingly harsh. It was rare for the Imperial Noble Consort to be in such high spirits, so she chose to stroll through the Imperial Garden in the early morning when the rising sun still brought some coolness. Unexpectedly, she happened to run into Yinzhen and Yinsi, who were on their way to the Imperial Study.
Since her reinstatement to favor, the Imperial Noble Consort had tried her best to avoid contact with Yinzhen. With the daily greetings no longer required, there had indeed been few opportunities for them to meet. Seeing him again today made her feel as if a lifetime had passed.
“Greetings to Imperial Mother,” Yinzhen and Yinsi paid their respects to her in a proper manner.
Yinzhen’s expression remained unchanged, as if she were merely an ordinary consort—just one among his many stepmothers.
The Imperial Noble Consort forced a smile. “Rise. Are you on your way to the Imperial Study? Is Yinsi going too?”
Yinzhen nodded and replied respectfully, “Reporting to Imperial Mother, Emperor Father has granted special permission for Eighth Brother to begin his studies early. We are on our way to the Imperial Study.”
The Imperial Noble Consort nodded, feeling somewhat awkward and unsure of what to say to Yinzhen. She stumbled over her words, “Then… then hurry along. Don’t be late.”
Watching Yinzhen’s retreating figure, the Imperial Noble Consort sighed and withdrew her gaze.
Juyue hurriedly comforted her, “Your Highness, please ease your mind. You still carry the imperial heir in your womb.”
“Fourth Prince still holds you in high regard. What happened in the past is over—do not dwell on it anymore,” Chen Momo also consoled her from the side.
The Imperial Noble Consort leaned on Chen Momo’s hand as they walked past a patch of newly bloomed roses. Colorful butterflies fluttered among the flowers, creating a scene full of vibrant life.
“Forgive this servant for speaking out of turn, Your Highness, but the old lady’s words may hold some truth. Previously, in a fit of anger, you brought Fourth Prince back, only for the young prince to pass away. As soon as Fourth Prince was sent away, you immediately conceived another imperial child,” Juyue said. “It seems that you and Fourth Prince may simply lack the bond of mother and son, so there is no need to cling to those thoughts anymore.”
Chen Momo shot Juyue a stern look and scolded, “How dare you! Such words are not to be spoken!”
It was precisely because of this matter that the Imperial Noble Consort had been placed under house arrest by the Emperor. Why bring it up again now?
The Imperial Noble Consort waved her hand lightly and said softly, “Do not blame Juyue. She only meant to comfort me.”
Her gaze drifted toward the fallen petals in the pond.
“Perhaps it is truly fate’s design.”
…
The Grand Empress Dowager’s hope that Wen Shan would seize the opportunity during this lull to conceive a child went unfulfilled. Instead, Defei, who had lost her princess less than a month ago, was once again diagnosed with pregnancy.
When Wen Shan learned of this news, she was genuinely shocked. Defei had just emerged from her postpartum confinement and had experienced the loss of her daughter. Becoming pregnant again at such a time could not be good for her health.
Thus, Defei’s nearly seamless pregnancy overshadowed the Imperial Noble Consort and Niuhulu Noble Consort, becoming the recent event that made the other consorts grit their teeth in resentment.
Some envied Defei’s luck, conceiving again so soon after losing her princess. Others secretly cursed her as a seductress, accusing her of using the Emperor’s pity to lure him without regard for her recently deceased daughter. In short, opinions varied widely.
In Wen Shan’s view, Defei was simply unlucky this time, stumbling into a period when the consorts were already discontented with the successive pregnancies of others but had no one to vent their frustrations on. Defei’s pregnancy stood out too prominently, and since her own family background was not influential, the consorts who dared not speak ill of the Imperial Noble Consort or Niuhulu Noble Consort directed all their resentment toward her.
Wen Shan and Zhen Zhu chatted idly, remarking that this child wasn’t something Defei could have produced alone—ultimately, it all came down to Kangxi’s favor.
Moreover, in Wen Shan’s view, Kangxi was truly acting a bit beastly this time.
Perhaps it was because the Imperial Noble Consort, Niuhulu Noble Consort, Yifei, and Defei were all pregnant, which felt like a sharp stab to everyone’s already fragile hearts. As a result, rumors about Defei grew increasingly rampant. Fortunately, before they could spread throughout the entire palace, Yinsi keenly sensed something amiss.
“Mother, you and Noble Consort Niuhulu are currently jointly managing the six palaces. Now that Noble Consort Niuhulu is pregnant, she can easily wash her hands of any responsibility. If Emperor Father becomes enraged and investigates the charge of lax palace management, you won’t be able to escape blame.”
Yinsi sat cross-legged, speaking earnestly to Wen Shan.
Emperor Father’s current pity for Defei was likely at its peak. Judging by Defei’s calm and unmoving demeanor, it was clear she was waiting for an opportunity to make a major move. Once she lodged a complaint before Emperor Father, Mother would be the first to suffer.
Although Wen Shan had previously held the title of co-managing the six palaces, Niuhulu Noble Consort had always been domineering, and Wen Shan was content to slack off, so she had essentially been a figurehead with no real palace affairs handed to her. Even after Noble Consort Niuhulu became pregnant, she hadn’t relinquished much authority.
Being a figurehead was acceptable, but becoming a scapegoat was absolutely out of the question.
Wen Shan gasped, realizing Yinsi’s point was valid, and hurriedly pulled out her notebook, ready to learn how to handle the situation.
Yinsi rubbed his forehead. “Just go to Cining Palace and report this matter to the Grand Empress Dowager.”
Both the Grand Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager doted on Mother as if she were their own daughter. While he could help his mother resolve this issue himself, it didn’t quite align with her usual… wisely foolish character. After careful consideration, Yinsi decided it would be better to leave the matter to the Grand Empress Dowager.
So, after leaning on her son, Wen Shan now turned to her elders, eagerly rushing to Cining Palace to seek the Grand Empress Dowager’s advice.
“You’ve become quite clever today,” the Grand Empress Dowager remarked, surprised that Wen Shan had thought of this approach.
Wen Shan smiled sheepishly.
The Grand Empress Dowager signaled to Sumalagu with her eyes, and Sumalagu retrieved a ledger from the inner chamber.
“Take this. It contains records of the inappropriate rumors circulating in various palaces lately. Present it to the Emperor.”
Wen Shan took the ledger and examined it. Inside, every detail—when, where, what was said, and what was done—was clearly documented.
“So, Your Majesty had already anticipated this. If I hadn’t come today, when were you planning to bring this out?”
The Grand Empress Dowager snorted coldly. “If you were truly hopelessly foolish, I wouldn’t care whether you lived or died.”
Wen Shan knew the Grand Empress Dowager was harsh in words but soft at heart and didn’t take it to heart. She quickly took the ledger and hurried to her next task.
Sure enough, Kangxi was furious after reading it. Glancing at the meek and submissive Wen Shan below, he pinched the bridge of his nose and said, “The Noble Consort has been thoughtful. Defei has just lost a child and is now pregnant again. Such talk is truly inappropriate. Since the matter has been clarified, handle it according to palace regulations.”
The ledger prepared by the Grand Empress Dowager was also cleverly curated—it contained no high-ranking or favored consorts, only low-ranking ladies and attendants who had long been out of favor, making them the most suitable examples to set as a warning.
Just as Wen Shan was about to leave after receiving the order, she saw Liang Jiugong hurriedly enter to report that Defei had suddenly felt dizzy and fainted, and the imperial physicians were rushing to attend to her.
Kangxi’s expression turned stern, his voice icy: “Perhaps those unspeakable rumors have reached Defei’s ears. How audacious.”
Wen Shan was startled, thinking that had she arrived a moment later, she would have been the one facing misfortune today.
As Kangxi hurried to Yonghe Palace, Wen Shan leisurely returned to Xianfu Palace. Before long, news indeed arrived that Defei had awakened sobbing uncontrollably in the Emperor’s arms, claiming she was guilty for failing to protect the princess and had now become a “bewitching consort” who tarnished the Emperor’s sacred reputation.
Yinsi, listening nearby, raised his small hand: “Mother, I want to eat Crispy Duck!”
Wen Shan kissed him: “Good son, Mother will make it for you right away.”
Yinzhen looked utterly confused: “What secret understanding are you and Mother sharing this time?”
“Can’t it just be that Mother dotes on me?” Yinsi flipped open his book and perfunctorily read a few lines.
Yinzhen: “Last time you asked for Crispy Duck, Mother told you to wash up and go to bed.”
“…”