Yinzhen nodded muffledly against her shoulder while Yinzhuo continued crying uncontrollably in Consort De’s arms. Palace maids were busy clearing the shattered glass fragments from the floor, leaving the room in complete disarray. Without a word, Wen Shan carried Yinzhen out of Yonghe Palace.
Not far from Yonghe Palace, Yinzhen seemed to recover slightly. Clutching Wen Shan’s cloak, he twisted around and said, “Consort Xuan, please put me down. I can walk by myself.”
Consort Xuan appeared so slender and delicate—what if she became exhausted from carrying him all this way?
Hearing the lingering unhappiness in his voice, Wen Shan hoisted him higher with a gentle bounce and smiled. “It’s alright, Consort Xuan can carry you. When Yinzhen grows bigger and stronger from eating more, then I won’t carry you anymore.”
Wen Shan’s physical strength was actually quite good. She often exercised out of boredom in Xianfu Palace, and the distance from Yonghe Palace to Xianfu Palace wasn’t far—just through the Imperial Garden. Carrying Yinzhen for this short while posed no real problem.
Besides, Zhen Zhu and Hupo were carefully flanking them for support.
“When we return to Xianfu Palace, Consort Xuan will make you something delicious. How about some honeydew melon ice cheese?”
“The Grand Empress Dowager gifted us many fine things. See what you like, and Consort Xuan will make it all for you.”
Listening to Wen Shan’s tender, concerned voice, Yinzhen wrapped his arms around her neck, burying his face against her shoulder as he held her tightly.
Wen Shan patted his back, coaxing him to speak a little more.
“Does Yinzhen like honeydew? Or should I make persimmon flavor instead?”
“I like honeydew.”
“Oh, then how about adding a bowl of small glutinous rice balls? Osmanthus flavored?”
“Okay, I like that too.”
“Then would Yinzhen like to make them with Consort Xuan later? I’ll teach you how to prepare the rice balls.”
“Okay.”
Zhen Zhu and Hupo exchanged smiles as they watched their mistress patiently comforting the Fourth Prince. Their lady was truly so suited for raising children.
Back in Xianfu Palace, Wen Shan finally set Yinzhen down on the couch. She removed her own cloak before helping him out of his outer garments. With ample provisions and the heated floors warming the rooms thoroughly, the transition from the cold outside made them feel rather flushed.
“Master, the goat milk is warmed. You and the Fourth Prince should have some.” Bao Quan entered carrying the heated goat milk and, noticing the Fourth Prince’s subdued mood, quickly stepped forward with a cheerful smile.
“Oh, what’s troubling my young master?” Having spent yesterday afternoon flying kites with Yinzhen, Bao Quan had grown much closer to him. Seeing Yinzhen upset now, he genuinely felt concerned and teased lightly, “Is it too cold outside? From now on, this servant will bundle you up warmly and carry you out like a workhorse.”
Zhen Zhu and Hupo couldn’t help laughing. “You make yourself sound like an old ox!”
“What’s wrong with an old ox?” Bao Quan continued cheerfully, “As long as the young master is happy, I’ll turn into anything.”
Fei Cui also entered from the outer chamber, presenting a selection of fruits from the Grand Empress Dowager’s rewards.
“The Fourth Prince mentioned liking honeydew, so this servant prepared some.”
Seeing everyone’s caring attention, Yinzhen felt warmth returning to his heart. He tried hard to push aside the earlier incident at Yonghe Palace, mustering a polite smile as he thanked them. “Thank you, Sister Fei Cui.”
Fei Cui was so flattered she nearly dropped the plate in her hands, while Bao Quan’s eyes lit up with theatrical flair as he immediately cried injustice—how could Fei Cui earn the young master’s gratitude just by bringing a plate of fruit? Their playful banter successfully made Yinzhen laugh.
Wen Shan watched with a smile as Bao Quan and the others amused Yinzhen, then instructed Zhen Zhu to fetch ingredients for making tangyuan. She had promised Yinzhen they would make them together.
Zhen Zhu acknowledged the order and left the room with Bao Quan.
“Miss Zhen Zhu, why did our mistress return so early?” Bao Quan glanced back to ensure Wen Shan was still chatting with Yinzhen before lowering his voice to ask.
Wen Shan hadn’t brought Bao Quan along for the morning greetings at Cining Palace, leaving him to watch over the simmering dishes in the small kitchen. Bao Quan had estimated that his mistress would need to visit Cining Palace, Chengqian Palace, and Yonghe Palace with the Fourth Prince, expecting her return around noon. To his surprise, she came back much earlier than anticipated.
“Don’t even ask,” Zhen Zhu lowered the door curtain and chatted with Bao Quan under the corridor. “After leaving Cining Palace, we went to Consort De’s place. Consort De was solely focused on the Sixth Prince and gave our Fourth Prince a cold shoulder. Noble Consort claimed discomfort early on, and the Emperor stayed with her at Chengqian Palace, so our mistress didn’t take the Fourth Prince there.”
“No wonder the Fourth Prince seemed a bit downcast upon returning,” Bao Quan understood, then added, “I don’t know what Consort De is thinking—the Fourth Prince is her own flesh and blood too…”
“Enough, that’s not for us servants to discuss,” Zhen Zhu cut him off.
Bao Quan immediately realized his mistake and slapped his own mouth a few times. “Look at this mouth of mine—it deserves a good beating.”
Consort Xuan had a gentle temperament and treated them well, never putting on airs in daily interactions. Though they were servants, their hearts were made of flesh and blood. When their mistress treated them kindly, they naturally wanted to repay her a hundredfold. Unconsciously, he felt indignant on behalf of Consort Xuan and the Fourth Prince.
The two didn’t speak further and went about their respective tasks. Making small tangyuan was simple—just glutinous rice flour and water were needed. After Wen Shan guided Yinzhen through making one, his interest was clearly piqued. He rolled several more, getting flour smudges on his face like a little kitten.
It seemed he had completely forgotten about the morning’s events.
Children forget easily, and Wen Shan deliberately didn’t want Yinzhen to dwell on such matters—they only leave pain behind.
Soon after finishing the tangyuan, Wen Shan went to the small kitchen to prepare the honeydew melon ice cream and osmanthus tangyuan she had promised Yinzhen. These weren’t proper meals but snacks between breakfast and lunch.
When Wen Shan reentered the room, Yinzhen was seriously reading on the couch.
She moved closer and saw it was likely homework assigned by his study hall teacher.
There was a small line of commentary beside it. Wen Shan looked carefully and saw it was written by Gu Badai.
“Yinzhen, have some snacks,” she called to him. Yinzhen obediently climbed down from the couch and sat at the table.
This was Yinzhen’s first time eating something he helped make himself. Wen Shan served him a bowl, and he drank it all.
After the snacks, it was nearly time for the study hall. Classes would end around lunchtime, and there would be no afternoon session.
As Zhen Zhu and Hupo cleared the snacks from the table, Yinzhen’s mood suddenly dipped again. After hesitating for a long time, he looked at Wen Shan and asked, “Consort Xuan, will the Crown Prince be at the study hall today?”
Wen Shan was momentarily startled, then remembered what the Grand Empress Dowager had hinted to her earlier. She replied gently, “The Crown Prince is fine. He woke up yesterday and should be attending classes as usual today.”
Yinzhen gave an “oh” and fell silent. As for yesterday’s conflict between Yinzhen and the Crown Prince, Wen Shan hadn’t questioned Yinzhen about it yet. She thought it was normal for children of this age to have disagreements, especially among brothers, and since the Grand Empress Dowager clearly didn’t take it seriously either, she didn’t make a big deal of it. But seeing Yinzhen’s expression, she realized the situation might not be as simple as a child throwing a tantrum.
“Yinzhen, can you tell Consort Xuan what exactly happened yesterday?” Wen Shan tried to communicate with him.
Fortunately, Yinzhen didn’t resist her inquiry. After hesitating for a moment, he laid out the whole story.
It turned out the problem lay with that Gu Badai.
The imperial princes had two teachers in the Imperial Study: one was Zhang Ying, father of Zhang Tingyu who would later become the only Han minister honored with a place in the Imperial Ancestral Temple; the other was this Gu Badai.
In terms of scholarship, both were masters of Manchu and Chinese learning, exceptionally talented—otherwise Kangxi wouldn’t have chosen them as teachers for the princes. However, this Gu Badai was too rigid and upright. Not only did he refuse bribes and avoid currying favor in daily life, but he was also extremely strict in teaching the princes, never treating these children as celestial nobility. Thus, the other princes didn’t like him much.
Especially the Crown Prince, who had been raised surrounded by adoration since childhood.
But Yinzhen particularly liked this teacher and often drew close to him, which displeased the Crown Prince. Yesterday, the Crown Prince directly ordered Yinzhen to stop associating with Gu Badai and said some insulting and belittling words. Yinzhen naturally wouldn’t comply with such an unreasonable demand—respecting teachers and upholding righteousness were principles of propriety, and he didn’t feel he had done anything wrong.
Coupled with the Eldest Prince Yinti fanning the flames back and forth, they eventually provoked the Crown Prince’s anger, leading to what happened later.
“Consort Xuan, I haven’t done anything wrong.” Even now, Yinzhen remained unwavering.
After listening, Wen Shan patted his head and affirmed, “You were right to defend your teacher. When you go to the study later, just act as usual. Don’t worry.”
Yinzhen nodded. After all, he was still young and had been scolded and punished by Kangxi yesterday—it was impossible not to feel fearful.
“After you finish your studies, Consort Xuan will come to pick you up.”
Yinzhen looked at the smiling Wen Shan and nodded.
Wen Shan personally escorted Yinzhen to the Imperial Study. Since it was only an hour away, she couldn’t be bothered to go back and forth, so she simply took a stroll in the Imperial Garden.
There, she happened to run into the Niohuru Clan and Consort Rong, who had come out to admire the late-blooming plum blossoms.
The Niohuru Clan was the younger sister of Empress Xiaozhaoren, also from an illustrious family. She had entered the palace just last year and was immediately granted the rank of consort, though without an official title. People in the palace called her Consort Niohuru—the future Noble Consort Wenxi.
Incidentally, the younger sister of Empress Xiaochengren of the Hesheri Clan also entered the palace last year but was only granted the title of Noble Lady Ping. The younger sisters of two empresses entering the palace in the same year meant the tension was palpable from the start.
However, Noble Lady Ping lived up to her title “Ping” (ordinary) in both status and favor. After entering the palace and realizing she wasn’t liked by Kangxi, she devoted all her energy to her nephew, the Crown Prince Yin Reng. In contrast, the Niohuru Clan received even more of Kangxi’s favor than her elder sister, Empress Xiaozhaoren.
The Niohuru Clan was quite charming in appearance, with a natural, artless sweetness. Her face was oval like a goose egg, her eyebrows fine as willow leaves, and every smile and frown was lively and delightful, bright and vivacious.
Currently in the palace, only the Niohuru Clan could rival Consort Tong Jia in terms of imperial favor and rank. After discovering that Noble Lady Ping was ineffective, the Niohuru Clan immediately redirected their efforts to challenge Consort Tong Jia head-on.
Today, when the Niohuru lady strolled through the gardens, she wore a crimson palace gown embroidered with gold and silver threads depicting lifelike butterflies. A sheer outer layer further accentuated her graceful figure, and a gold-inlaid gemstone butterfly buyao hair ornament adorning her hair swayed with exquisite elegance.
Consort Rong, who had entered the palace earlier and was slightly older than the others, had given birth to Princess Rongxian—nominally the emperor’s third daughter but actually Kangxi’s eldest—and the Third Prince, Yinzhi. Compared to the younger palace consorts, she carried a more mature charm. Her attire today was understated: a blue-green cloak over a plain, light-blue qipao, with her hair styled in a simple yet elegant manner.
Consort Rong greeted her with a formal salute, while Wen Shan and the Niohuru lady exchanged polite nods. After the customary courtesies, the Niohuru lady, cradling a hand warmer, raised an eyebrow and remarked, “Sister Consort Xuan seems in high spirits today. You rarely venture out.”
“I just saw Yinzhen off to the Imperial Study. The weather is pleasant, so I thought I’d take a stroll,” Wen Shan replied with a smile.
Exchanging a glance with Consort Rong, the Niohuru lady covered her mouth with a light laugh. “Sister Consort Xuan is truly compassionate. Even after the Fourth Prince was reprimanded by His Majesty for lacking filial piety and fraternal duty, you still care for him so attentively.”
Wen Shan had always maintained a gentle, unassuming persona in the palace—neither competing for favor nor flattering for attention. She typically stayed either in Cining Palace or Xianfu Palace, so despite her noble background and high rank, her presence in the palace was rather low-key.
Because of her mild temperament, the newly arrived Niohuru lady assumed she was timid and reserved, speaking to her with a hint of audacity.
To her surprise, Wen Shan’s expression darkened instantly at these words. “Sister Niohuru,” she said coldly, “does speaking recklessly about a prince align with the etiquette taught by Lord Ebilun?”
The Niohuru lady faltered, taken aback that the usually placid Consort Xuan would confront her over an adopted son—who wasn’t even formally recognized—and one whom Kangxi had just severely reprimanded.
Consort Rong stepped in to mediate, “Your Highness, please calm your anger. Sister Niohuru merely spoke offhandedly. After all, this matter has been the talk of the palace.”
“The talk of the palace?” Wen Shan’s brow furrowed. Kangxi had indeed reprimanded Yinzhen in Cining Palace, but this was a royal secret. The Grand Empress Dowager had sternly warned the palace staff not to utter a word about it. How could it have spread like wildfire in just one day?
“Rumors must have an origin,” Wen Shan said icily, her imposing aura pressing down on them. “Where did this news come from?”
“I wouldn’t know, Your Highness. I merely overheard idle chatter,” Consort Rong replied, noticing Wen Shan’s genuine anger and not daring to say more, especially given Wen Shan’s status as a relative of both the Grand Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager.
The Niohuru lady, also from a prestigious family, did not retreat like Consort Rong. Instead, she remarked, “If you wish to find out, Sister Consort Xuan, you’d better investigate quickly. Otherwise, how will you trace the source amid all the gossip?”
“I will naturally look into it. Let us part ways here, sisters.” With a cold nod, Wen Shan turned and left.
Zhen Zhu and Hupo were frantic with worry. Once they had walked a distance, they anxiously asked, “Your Highness, what should we do?”
If such rumors spread, how would the Fourth Prince maintain his standing in the palace?
“To Cining Palace.”