Princes officially begin their studies at age six, but Yinzhen, now three years old, has already started his early education. Unlike his older brothers who must rise at 3-5 AM for rigorous day-and-night studying, he only needs to attend the study for two hours at noon.
Early the next morning, Hupo accompanied the already dressed and washed Yinzhen into the main hall. Yinzhen wore a light green casual gown with paired front panels, embroidered with numerous emerald bamboo patterns. The collar and cuffs were trimmed with exceptionally fine fox fur that gleamed with moisture, complementing his fair and tender little face.
After paying respects to Wen Shan, Yinzhen was pulled up to sit by her. The breakfast had already been laid out on the table: several plates of pastries, a steamer basket of buns, and a pot of fragrant millet porridge.
“Yinzhen, later Consort Xuan will first take you to Cining Palace to pay respects to the Grand Empress Dowager and Empress Dowager,” said Wen Shan, using a handkerchief to wipe a bit of porridge from the corner of Yinzhen’s mouth.
Yinzhen’s face flushed slightly: “Your son understands.”
Noticing his fondness for the jujube paste cake, Wen Shan served him another piece and said: “The Grand Empress Dowager and Empress Dowager adore children the most. Your Fifth Brother is also in Cining Palace, so you two brothers can go to the study together.”
Wen Shan’s tone was gentle, her eyes smiling. Yinzhen did feel somewhat restrained around the two elder ancestors in Cining Palace, as Noble Consort Tong Jia had always maintained a strained relationship with Cining Palace, resulting in Yinzhen’s infrequent visits.
But seeing Consort Xuan’s gentle yet firm gaze, he seemed less afraid.
After breakfast, Wen Shan took Yinzhen to Cining Palace. Upon entering, they saw Sumalagu urging the small kitchen to serve breakfast.
“Greetings to Consort Xuan. Good fortune to the Fourth Prince,” Sumalagu welcomed them with a smile as soon as she saw them.
Wen Shan quickly helped her up: “Auntie, you’re too polite. Have the two elder ancestors not eaten yet?”
“Her Majesty the Grand Empress Dowager slept in a bit today and just called for the meal to be served.”
Sumalagu glanced at Yinzhen standing beside Wen Shan, quietly tugged at Wen Shan’s sleeve, and whispered: “Last night, Consort De requested an audience with the Grand Empress Dowager, tearfully begging to have the Fourth Prince brought to Yonghe Palace.”
Wen Shan was momentarily stunned. Historically, Consort De had always favored her younger son, and in the over two years since Wen Shan arrived, she had personally witnessed Consort De’s consistently indifferent attitude toward Yinzhen—especially after Yinzhuo’s birth, when she practically ignored Yinzhen as her son.
Of course, Noble Consort Tong Jia’s deliberate obstruction also contributed significantly to this situation.
It had long become an entangled mess impossible to sort out.
Now, this late-night appeal to Cining Palace was unclear for whose benefit it was intended.
Since Yinzhen was present, Wen Shan only nodded and said softly: “After all, she is Yinzhen’s birth mother. Blood ties can never be completely severed.”
Beneath his sleeves, Yinzhen’s hands tightened slightly, his brow twitched, and he pressed his lips together without speaking.
Sumalagu also smiled. Just then, the Fifth Prince Yinqi, wearing a red rabbit-fur mandarin jacket with ruyi cloud patterns, came running from the side hall, followed by two palace maids anxiously chasing after their young master, fearful he might bump or hurt himself.
“Fourth Brother!”
Yinqi ran up to them. At just over two years old, his speech still carried a milky tone, and he wore a tiger-head hat that made his round head appear even rounder. Currently, the youngest prince in the palace was Seventh Prince Yinyou, born to Consort Cheng. Both he and Yinzhuo were born in the nineteenth year of Kangxi’s reign. Though only a year younger than Yinqi, these two younger brothers were still being raised in their respective mothers’ palaces, knowing only how to nurse and cry. Thus, Yinqi preferred the company of Yinzhi and Yinzhen, who were only a year or two older than him.
By nature lively, Yinqi immediately pulled Yinzhen along to see the little Pekingese dog he had acquired just two days prior. Raised under the Empress Dowager’s care, Yinqi was the little tyrant of Cining Palace. Even Kangxi found this son somewhat unmanageable, so Yinqi had grown somewhat spoiled. Without regard for Yinzhen’s willingness, he dragged him toward his own room.
Yinzhen had no way to resist this younger brother and could only allow himself to be led away.
Only after Yinzhen had left did Sumalagu continue, “Consort Xuan, rest assured. The Grand Empress Dowager sees everything clearly. She knows exactly what that one is scheming. You just focus on raising Fourth Prince peacefully.”
Wen Shan was already quite familiar with Sumalagu and spoke more directly, “This move both disgusts the Noble Consort and me while also showcasing her maternal devotion before the Emperor.”
Having been raised outside the palace from a young age to avoid smallpox, Kangxi had enjoyed little familial affection. His mother passed away just two years after his ascension to the throne, making parental love something he forever lacked yet deeply yearned for. Naturally, he would appreciate Consort De’s actions.
Sumalagu nodded approvingly. Consort Xuan was intelligent and perceptive, though she never directed her cleverness toward currying the Emperor’s favor.
“This morning, when the Emperor left Chengqian Palace and heard about this matter, he bestowed numerous gifts upon Yonghe Palace. It’s said the Noble Consort was so distressed that she summoned the Emperor back during breakfast.”
Wen Shan: “…”
These two had been locked in their rivalry for years without change.
Having learned the day’s fresh news from Sumalagu, Wen Shan thought to herself that since Kangxi had rewarded Consort De today, it seemed unavoidable that she must bring Yinzhen to pay respects at Yonghe Palace today.
“Consort Xuan, the Grand Empress Dowager and Empress Dowager were just saying you should be arriving soon.” Heyu Gugu lifted the curtain and emerged from the inner chamber. Seeing Wen Shan and Sumalagu standing beneath the corridor, she approached with a smile and performed a courtesy.
“Then let us go in quickly. We mustn’t keep our elders waiting.” Sumalagu said with a laugh.
Wen Shan nodded and entered the main hall. The hall was scented with calming sandalwood incense, with over a dozen palace maids standing solemnly on both sides, heads bowed, holding fresh flowers and fruits. The Grand Empress Dowager and Empress Dowager were already seated at the table, beginning their meal.
The palace staff paid their respects to Wen Shan, who in turn performed the proper courtesies to the two elders seated above.
“Rise quickly and come sit here.” The Grand Empress Dowager raised her hand slightly, then raised an eyebrow upon noticing no one behind Wen Shan. “Where is Yinzhen? Did he not come with you?”
Taking her seat, Wen Shan smiled and said, “We encountered Fifth Prince outside the hall earlier. Fifth Prince dragged Yinzhen off to see his new puppy.”
Sumalagu stepped forward to serve dishes to the Grand Empress Dowager and added with a smile, “Fifth Prince was in exceptionally high spirits today. It seems his illness has completely recovered.”
Yinqi had been suffering from an upset stomach a few days prior, vomiting whatever he ate, which greatly worried the Empress Dowager. To coax the little master into taking his medicine, they had indulged him by bringing a puppy from the dog kennel.
The Empress Dowager shook her head indulgently, “That child Yinqi is too playful, frolicking about all day like a mischievous monkey.”
“He’ll naturally improve as he grows older. Besides, as a prince, it’s fine if he indulges in some pleasures,” the Grand Empress Dowager said after taking a sip of tea. “As long as his nature remains good and he doesn’t go astray, that’s what matters.”
Wen Shan nodded silently in her heart. This Fifth Prince Yinqi indeed lived his whole life steadily as a wealthy prince – one had to admit he was a winner in life.
Wen Shan turned to look at the items in the palace maids’ hands and casually asked, “It’s not even spring yet. Where did all these fruits come from?”
“I knew you’d only be thinking about food,” the Grand Empress Dowager tapped her forehead.
“His Majesty sent them this morning. They were rushed to the capital from the south, so we can taste something fresh at the beginning of spring.”
The Empress Dowager, having finished half a bowl of porridge, rinsed her mouth and said, “Later, pick some you like and take them back to Xianfu Palace. Make some fresh delicacies to offer to me and Her Majesty.”
Wen Shan happily agreed. After the long winter, seeing so many fresh fruits made her mouth water.
“Don’t just focus on the food. His Majesty also bestowed gifts upon Yonghe Palace this morning – did you know?” The Grand Empress Dowager looked over at her.
Wen Shan nodded obediently: “Aunt Suma already told me.”
Sumalagu said: “Consort Xuan is exceptionally clever – she understands everything immediately.”
The Grand Empress Dowager snorted coldly: “The Noble Consort relies on favor to act willfully, and Consort De isn’t easy to deal with either. They turned my Cining Palace into a theater stage late at night. You should keep your wits about you so you don’t fall into someone’s trap one day.”
The Grand Empress Dowager had finished her breakfast and washed her hands. Wen Shan directly hugged the Grand Empress Dowager’s arm and cooed: “As long as my ancestor cares for me, I’m not afraid of anything.”
Through two years of experience, Wen Shan had discovered that the Grand Empress Dowager was very susceptible to her coquettish antics. Perhaps because all three of her daughters had married far away to Mongolia, she particularly enjoyed having girls cling to her and act spoiled.
Sure enough, the Grand Empress Dowager couldn’t help but laugh, poking her forehead: “Then you’d better bring me more nice things, otherwise I won’t handle these matters for you.”
Wen Shan readily agreed, making the Grand Empress Dowager beam with delight.
After some casual conversation, the Grand Empress Dowager finally said seriously: “There aren’t many Mongolian consorts in the palace now, and none have borne princes or princesses. I let you raise the Fourth Prince hoping to secure you some support for the future. I hope Yinzhen will remember these days you cared for him and provide for you somewhat in the future.”
The Empress Dowager added: “Take good care of Yinzhen, let the Emperor know you’re capable. If lower-ranking consorts bear children in the future, we’ll let you raise them.”
The two were indeed exhausting their efforts for her.
“But still, having your own child is most reliable.” The Grand Empress Dowager changed the subject and began her daily urging: “You’ve been in the palace for quite some time now. You’re beautiful and clever – why don’t you like to appear before the Emperor?”
“Tell me yourself – how many times has the Emperor visited you this month?”
Not even once.
Hopefully next month would be the same.
The Grand Empress Dowager was exasperated, while the Empress Dowager was more open-minded: “Let it be, Your Majesty. Children and grandchildren will have their own fortunes.”
The Grand Empress Dowager sighed deeply. Even this master of palace intrigue was helpless when faced with Wen Shan, this slacker in palace struggles.
Fortunately, Yinqi and Yinzhen entered at that moment, breaking the situation that had made Wen Shan feel like sitting on pins and needles.
The two little ones properly bowed and paid their respects to them. As soon as they were told to rise, Yinqi threw himself into the Empress Dowager’s arms. Holding her precious grandson, the Empress Dowager smiled so widely her eyes nearly disappeared, coaxing him to eat a piece of pastry.
Both the Grand Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager treated Yinzhen with great warmth, inquiring about his daily life and comforting him not to dwell on the previous day’s incident. In the end, they each presented him with generous gifts.
Yinzhen was overwhelmed by the unexpected favor. The Grand Empress Dowager had always been rather stern with him, and he had never seen her display such kindness before.
After leaving Cining Palace, Wen Shan took Yinzhen to Yonghe Palace.
Earlier in Cining Palace, the Grand Empress Dowager had specifically instructed her to bring Yinzhen to Yonghe Palace today, even if it was just for appearances in front of Kangxi.
Upon arriving at Yonghe Palace and knocking on the door, Consort De’s personal maid Xiayun quickly came out to personally welcome them inside.
“Consort De misses the Fourth Prince dearly and has been waiting since early morning. Our mistress said Consort Xuan is always the most proper and would surely come today.”
Was this a veiled criticism of Noble Consort Tong Jia’s unreasonable behavior?
From the moment he entered Yonghe Palace, Yinzhen became visibly tense, his small face tightly drawn. Though he tried hard to conceal it, Wen Shan could still see a glimmer of expectation in his eyes.
After all, he was still just a child, deep down yearning for maternal love.
Especially after hearing about Consort De’s late-night appeal at Cining Palace.
Entering the main hall of Yonghe Palace, sure enough, Consort De was already waiting for them.
“This humble consort pays respects to Consort Xuan.” Consort De lowered her eyes as she bowed in greeting.
Wen Shan helped her up: “Sister Consort De, please rise quickly.”
Yinzhen also performed a deep bow: “Your son pays respects to Mother.”
Consort De helped him up with a loving expression.
“Let Mother take a look at you, you’ve grown so tall already.”
Yinzhen’s tense face relaxed slightly: “Mother…”
Consort De took out a handkerchief to wipe her tears, then pulled Yinzhen toward the table: “Mother didn’t know what you like to eat, so I prepared some pastries. See what you’d like to try.”
Just as she was speaking, a maid entered and reported: “Your Highness, the Sixth Prince has woken up and is crying for you.”
Upon hearing this, Consort De’s expression immediately changed, and she hurriedly released Yinzhen’s hand.
“Yinzhuo will cry for a long time if he wakes up and doesn’t see me. I must go check on him first.”
Without waiting for Wen Shan to respond, she rushed off.
Yinzhen looked at his empty hand, a trace of disappointment showing on his face.
Wen Shan stepped forward, crouched down, and patted his head: “Your younger brother is still small and needs constant attention. Your mother naturally worries more about him.”
Yinzhen nodded, then after a moment gathered his courage and asked: “May I go see my brother?”
Wen Shan smiled and nodded, calling over a nearby maid to take them to the Sixth Prince’s quarters.
The Sixth Prince resided in the side hall of Yonghe Palace, just through a corridor. As they reached the doorway, a maid carrying a glass ornament came out, keeping her head down without watching where she was going, and directly bumped into Yinzhen, causing him to stumble and fall to the ground.
Then came a clear shattering sound as the glass ornament fell and broke right beside Yinzhen. Wen Shan, startled, hurried to pick up Yinzhen, afraid he might be cut by the fragments.
Hearing the noise, Consort De turned around and her face instantly changed.
“Worthless slave! How dare you be so careless!” Consort De stood up and rushed over, her attention entirely focused on the broken ornament: “This was Yinzhuo’s favorite! Your life isn’t worth enough to repay this!”
The little palace maid wept and pleaded for mercy.
Just then, Yinzhuo, who had just rolled over and gotten up, saw his beloved toy broken and began wailing loudly.
“Mother… my little tiger is broken.”
Consort De glared fiercely at Yinzhen, who was sitting dazed nearby, unable to contain her anger any longer. He was truly a jinx, born to bring her misfortune.
She then hurriedly picked up Yinzhuo and patiently comforted him.
Yinzhen watched helplessly as his mother held his younger brother and gently soothed him, then recalled the disgusted and impatient look she had given him earlier, his heart sinking to the depths.
Though young, having grown up in the palace, he was more perceptive than ordinary children.
He could distinguish genuine emotions from mere pretense.
Wen Shan sighed, picked up Yinzhen, and paid no further attention to Consort De: “Yinzhen, Consort Xuan will take you back to Xianfu Palace, alright?”