“Grand Empress Dowager, Consort Xuan has arrived.”
The Grand Empress Dowager was reciting Buddhist scriptures with the Empress Dowager in Cining Palace when Sumalagu entered to announce the visitor. The Grand Empress Dowager stopped turning her prayer beads and smiled, “Why has Wen Shan come at this hour?”
The Empress Dowager smiled without speaking.
“Let her in,” said the Grand Empress Dowager, sitting cross-legged on the couch and setting aside her prayer beads.
Wen Shan entered and immediately performed a deep ceremonial bow. “I beg the Grand Empress Dowager and Empress Dowager to uphold justice for Yinzhen!”
After hearing Consort Rong’s words, she had become extremely agitated. Her only thought was that this matter must be suppressed quickly – if it truly spread throughout the palace, imagine how distressed Yinzhen would be.
The Grand Empress Dowager and Empress Dowager exchanged glances. The Grand Empress Dowager looked at Sumalagu, signaling her to help Wen Shan rise first.
“What has happened? Who has wronged Yinzhen?”
Wen Shan refused to rise. Sumalagu persuaded, “Consort Xuan, please rise and speak. The Grand Empress Dowager will naturally see justice done for you.”
“Throughout the palace, they’re spreading rumors that yesterday Yinzhen was reprimanded by the Emperor for being unfilial and unbrotherly, unworthy of being a son,” Wen Shan lifted her head to say. “Grand Empress Dowager, you know well that yesterday was merely the Emperor’s angry words spoken in the heat of the moment. Somehow this has spread throughout the entire palace.”
“Yinzhen is still young, always pure and filial, observing proper rites, and holds deep admiration for his Emperor Father. If he learns of this, imagine how distressed he would be. How could he maintain his standing in the palace hereafter?”
Wen Shan spoke with choked sobs. Hearing this, the Grand Empress Dowager frowned deeply and immediately looked at Sumalagu. “What is this about? Didn’t we expressly forbid anyone from speaking a word of this yesterday?”
Under Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang’s management, Cining Palace had always been tightly sealed. This was the first time in many years that someone from Cining Palace had leaked information.
Sumalagu assumed a serious expression and thought for a moment before saying, “This servant hasn’t heard of this matter. Please don’t worry, allow this servant to investigate.”
The Empress Dowager rose and personally helped Wen Shan to her feet, patting her hand affectionately. “Don’t be anxious. Since this matter originated from Cining Palace, Her Majesty and I will certainly address it.”
Sumalagu immediately went out to investigate.
A palace maid brought an embroidered stool and placed it below where the Grand Empress Dowager sat. After Wen Shan was seated, the Grand Empress Dowager asked, “Where did you hear these words?”
Zhen Zhu curtseyed and replied, “Replying to the Grand Empress Dowager, just now Her Highness was admiring plum blossoms in the Imperial Garden when she encountered Lady Niohuru and Consort Rong. The two ladies mentioned this matter in their conversation. Upon hearing it, Her Highness became extremely anxious and rushed here immediately.”
“Niohuru and Consort Rong?” The Grand Empress Dowager lowered her eyes and coldly repeated the two names. “It seems I have truly grown old. The imperial consorts in the palace nowadays are like flowers in the garden – so numerous I can no longer recognize them all.”
Niohuru came from a noble family and enjoyed imperial favor, while Consort Rong had entered the palace early and borne many children. Neither were marginal figures in the rear palace. How could the Grand Empress Dowager not recognize them? Wen Shan understood that what the Grand Empress Dowager meant was that she didn’t know when these two had become so closely acquainted.
The Empress Dowager, clear-minded as well, merely smiled and said, “Your Majesty, you are still young and sharp-eyed.”
The Grand Empress Dowager looked at Wen Shan and suddenly laughed. “Indeed, becoming a mother changes a person. I’ve never seen you come rushing to beg me so anxiously before.”
Wen Shan fell silent for a moment before saying, “I’ve only taken care of Yinzhen for a few days. I can’t claim to be his mother, but this child is so well-behaved that I can’t bear to see him suffer such injustice.”
The Grand Empress Dowager picked up her prayer beads again, smiling meaningfully. “Who can predict what the future holds?”
Before long, Sumalagu returned.
“I’ve inquired, Your Majesty. There are indeed rumors circulating in the palace, seemingly originating from a maid named Yunqing in Chengqian Palace.”
“Chengqian Palace?”
Wen Shan’s delicate brows furrowed slightly. That couldn’t be right. Consort Tong Jia had always shown affection toward Yinzhen—how could such rumors come from her palace?
The Grand Empress Dowager’s voice turned cold. “Chengqian Palace? And where did the Noble Consort obtain this information?”
The fact that the information had come from Chengqian Palace was even more troubling to Xiaozhuang. If someone from Cining Palace had leaked information directly to Chengqian Palace, it would prove that Consort Tong Jia had planted spies within her quarters—who knew how much information had already been passed along?
“This… requires further investigation,” Sumalagu replied.
As Wen Shan sorted through the increasingly tangled web of information, she took a moment to observe the Grand Empress Dowager’s expression.
The Grand Empress Dowager’s face was stern, a flash of ruthlessness passing through her eyes. She was clearly displeased with Consort Tong Jia’s transgression.
The Empress Dowager appeared worried as well, murmuring “Amitabha Buddha” several times.
In less time than it took to drink a cup of tea, the source of the information had been traced, leaving Wen Shan astonished by the Grand Empress Dowager’s control over the Forbidden City.
“No need for further investigation. Summon the Emperor,” the Grand Empress Dowager declared, lifting her eyes with a grave expression.
Wen Shan glanced at the Western clock Emperor Kangxi had gifted to the two elder ladies just days before. Seeing that it was nearly time for Yinzhen to finish his studies, she took her leave.
“Bring Yinzhen directly to Cining Palace later,” the Grand Empress Dowager instructed.
Wen Shan acknowledged the order before leaving Cining Palace for the Imperial Study.
Zhen Zhu supported her arm as they walked, saying, “Fortunately, the Grand Empress Dowager and Empress Dowager favor you, mistress, and are willing to stand up for the Fourth Prince.”
“Any information leaked from Cining Palace, regardless of which prince it concerns, would require the Grand Empress Dowager’s attention,” Wen Shan replied.
That was precisely why her first reaction upon learning of the matter had been to immediately report it to Cining Palace.
In the Imperial Study, the imperial princes had just concluded their morning lessons and were reviewing their materials.
Currently studying in the Imperial Study were The Eldest Prince Yinti, Crown Prince Yin Reng, Third Prince Yinzhi, and Fourth Prince Yinzhen.
The three remaining princes were still too young to begin their formal education. Only Fifth Prince Yinqi had recently started learning basics and occasionally visited the Imperial Study, though the Empress Dowager, doting on her young grandson, usually kept him in Cining Palace without pressing his studies.
At nine years old, The Eldest Prince Yinti and seven-year-old Crown Prince Yin Reng were beginning to shoot up in height, already showing signs of adolescence. Particularly The Eldest Prince Yinti, who had inherited his mother Consort Hui’s good looks—with clear-eyed handsome features, he was the very image of a dashing young noble.
Today, Zhang Ying had been their instructor. After the lesson concluded, Zhang Ying departed first, leaving the princes in the study to practice calligraphy and read.
“Is the Crown Prince fully recovered now?” The Eldest Prince Yinti asked with a smile.
The Eldest Prince neatly arranged his papers, which a eunuch standing nearby collected and organized. The Crown Prince’s seat was at the central front of the room, with The Eldest Prince seated to his left.
The Crown Prince’s personal eunuch was already packing up his belongings. Ever since arriving at the Imperial Study this morning, the Crown Prince had ignored Yinzhen. Disliking this elder brother who wore a perpetual smile like a cunning tiger, he had only exchanged a few words with Third Prince Yinzhi.
Third Prince, merely four years old this year, had been instructed by Consort Rong early on not to involve himself in the matters between the Crown Prince and Yinzhen, and he obediently complied.
Remembering Wen Shan’s advice, Yinzhen focused solely on his own tasks and studied diligently without saying much.
It wasn’t until the end of class that The Eldest Prince, having observed the awkward atmosphere between his brothers all morning, took the initiative to bring up yesterday’s incident.
The Crown Prince glanced at Yinzhen, who was still practicing his calligraphy with concentration, and snorted disdainfully.
The Eldest Prince rose and positioned himself between the two, saying, “There should be no lasting grudges among us brothers. Fourth Brother, as the younger sibling and a subject, you should apologize to the Crown Prince. Let this matter be put to rest.”
Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince looked over. Though he said nothing, he tacitly approved of The Eldest Prince’s suggestion.
Yesterday, Yinzhen had publicly humiliated him. By both reason and propriety, Yinzhen ought to apologize, and he, as the elder brother, would magnanimously forgive him.
Yinzhen remained motionless, his brush gripped tightly.
The Eldest Prince secretly rejoiced. Yinzhen had been stubborn since childhood—how could he possibly bow his head to the Crown Prince? Even when the Crown Prince had fainted yesterday, Yinzhen hadn’t apologized. If Yinzhen remained obstinate, the Crown Prince’s proud and arrogant temperament would surely lead to a repeat of yesterday’s scene.
No matter how much Emperor Father favored the Crown Prince, it would be unjustifiable for the Crown Prince to repeatedly bully his younger brother.
Yinzhen initially stood firm, unwilling to yield. But recalling Emperor Father’s cold reprimand yesterday and Consort Xuan’s admonitions, his clenched fist gradually relaxed.
Sure enough, when the Crown Prince saw that Yinzhen still disregarded him just like the day before, his temper flared. Just as he was about to erupt in anger, Yinzhen stood up. With a stern little face, he bowed to the Crown Prince and said, “This subject brother had no intention of disrespecting the Crown Prince yesterday. I hope Your Highness will take care of your esteemed health.”
Though it wasn’t an outright apology, it was a step toward reconciliation.
The Eldest Prince was stunned. The Crown Prince lazily responded with an “Mm,” accepting the gesture with an air of superiority.
Third Prince looked left and right, sensing something amiss, and decided to make a quick exit. Claiming that Consort Rong needed him, he left with his eunuch. Just outside the door, he bumped into Wen Shan, who had come to pick up Yinzhen.
“Greetings, Consort Xuan,” Third Prince said respectfully, paying his respects to Wen Shan.
Wen Shan smiled and asked, “Why are you in such a hurry, Third Prince?”
“Mother is looking for me in the palace. I must hurry back,” Third Prince replied before hastily departing.
The three princes inside heard the commotion outside, especially Yinzhen, whose eyes lit up the moment he heard Wen Shan’s voice. He dashed out eagerly.
Consort Xuan had indeed come for him.
“Consort Xuan!”
Wen Shan looked into his bright eyes, knelt down, and gently patted his head.
The Eldest Prince and the Crown Prince also emerged. As the heir apparent, the Crown Prince wasn’t required to bow to her, but Kangxi, despite doting on him, was strict about filial piety and etiquette. Thus, the Crown Prince would bend slightly to greet his father’s consorts as a sign of respect to his elders.
Seeing Wen Shan arrive, The Eldest Prince abandoned any further schemes and excused himself under some pretext. The Crown Prince watched as Yinzhen nestled close to Wen Shan, tightly holding her hand, and felt a twinge of discomfort. With a stern expression, he said, “Since Fourth Brother is under Consort Xuan’s care, you should diligently teach him to understand propriety and observe decorum.”
Yinzhen’s grip on Wen Shan’s hand suddenly tightened. Wen Shan soothingly squeezed his small hand in return and replied with a smile, “All the imperial princes have been personally educated by His Majesty, so naturally they understand propriety and observe decorum.”
Yinzhen breathed a sigh of relief, feeling deeply comforted—Consort Xuan was protecting him.
The Crown Prince gave a noncommittal hum and said nothing more before leaving with his attendants.
Wen Shan held Yinzhen’s hand as they walked toward Cining Palace, pondering how to explain the situation to him.
Yinzhen was clever and realized within a few steps that this wasn’t the way back to Xianfu Palace.
“Consort Xuan, are we going to Cining Palace?” Yinzhen looked up and asked her.
Wen Shan nodded, stopping in her tracks. “Your Emperor Father is likely there now. When we arrive, don’t be afraid. Both your Emperor Father and Imperial Grandmother care for you deeply.”
Yinzhen obediently nodded.
After further reflection, Wen Shan felt that making Yinzhen witness the proceedings would be too cruel for a child, especially since Consort Tong Jia was involved. After careful consideration, she decided to have Zhen Zhu take him back to Xianfu Palace first. She could simply use Yinzhen’s physical discomfort as an excuse—after all, he had indeed been injured the previous day.
Unexpectedly, when Wen Shan suggested Yinzhen return first, he firmly refused.
“This matter must concern me, Consort Xuan. I’m not afraid.”
Seeing his determined expression, Wen Shan’s heart softened, and she stopped insisting. She briefly explained what had just happened to Yinzhen, omitting the harsh remarks.
Though Yinzhen listened quietly, Wen Shan could sense his dejection and sorrow. When she hugged him, she noticed his slight trembling.
Yet Yinzhen comforted her instead: “I’m fine, Consort Xuan. Please don’t stand up for me in the future. Emperor Father doesn’t favor me—I don’t want to implicate you.”
“What kind of talk is that?” Wen Shan looked at him sternly. “As long as you’re under my care, I will protect you. How could I ignore it when you’re bullied? Those words just now were childish—don’t say them again.” With that, she took Yinzhen’s hand and continued toward Cining Palace.
Inside Cining Palace, Kangxi had already been summoned. The Grand Empress Dowager explained the entire situation to him, and Kangxi’s expression turned somber.
“These wretched slaves! Normally, they gossip among themselves, but now they dare spread rumors about an imperial prince.Kangxi set his teacup down on the table with a thud, his voice deep.
The palace servants in the room immediately dropped to their knees.
The Grand Empress Dowager cast a light glance their way. “The servants should be punished as deserved, but their masters are hardly blameless. Since this occurred in Noble Consort’s Chengqian Palace, what does the Emperor think?”
Kangxi knew the Grand Empress Dowager had never liked Consort Tong Jia and wouldn’t let her off lightly now that she had faults to exploit.
“The Noble Consort is with child, so her subordinates have grown lax. Though she bears responsibility for inadequate supervision, given her condition, let us overlook it this time.” Kangxi ultimately considered Consort Tong Jia’s pregnancy and sought leniency.
“The Noble Consort is Yinzhen’s adoptive mother, yet such a matter has arisen…” The Grand Empress Dowager knew this incident alone couldn’t topple Consort Tong Jia, so she feigned resignation. “Very well, let the Emperor decide.”
Just then, Wen Shan arrived with Yinzhen.
After paying respects to the three elders, Kangxi beckoned to Yinzhen.
“Yinzhen, come to your Emperor Father.”
Yinzhen complied and walked to Kangxi’s side.
A palace maid brought a stool, and Yinzhen sat to Kangxi’s lower left.
Yesterday, Kangxi had been so frantic over the Crown Prince’s fainting spell, coupled with Yinzhen’s stubborn defiance, that he had spoken harshly in a moment of anger. Returning to the Hall of Mental Cultivation, he calmed down and realized his words had been excessive. The events in the Imperial Study had already been reported to him verbatim, and upon reflection, it wasn’t entirely Yinzhen’s fault.
“Those two insolent servants who gossiped recklessly shall each receive two hundred cane strikes. Have all palace staff witness the punishment. If anyone dares to speak improperly of the princes again, they shall face the same penalty,” Kangxi remarked lightly, twisting the thumb ring on his hand.
“As Your Majesty commands,” Liang Jiugong acknowledged and went to arrange the matter.
“Niohuru and Consort Hui, for their irresponsible talk in the palace involving the princes, shall forfeit three months’ stipends and be confined to their quarters for reflection,” Kangxi declared, then turned to the Grand Empress Dowager. “Imperial Grandmother, does this seem appropriate?”
The Grand Empress Dowager nodded. “The Emperor’s judgment is most fitting.”
Kangxi had acted decisively, his anger unmistakably genuine. Wen Shan thought to herself, Fortunately, Kangxi is no foolish emperor—such acts of insubordination and disrespect toward the imperial family are never treated lightly.
Yinzhen sat below, lost in thought.
As the matter concluded, the Grand Empress Dowager suddenly brought up another topic.
“Speaking of pregnant consorts in the palace, Consort Wei is now six months along, isn’t she?”
Kangxi was taken aback, momentarily unable to recall. His impression of Wei Shi was that she was exceptionally beautiful but aloof. Yet, the palace was never short of beauties, so after a few days of favor, he lost interest and set her aside.
Wen Shan’s heart jolted. She glanced at the obediently seated Yinzhen beside her and thought, So your lifelong rival, the Eighth Prince Yinsi, is about to be born.
Yinzhen, catching Wen Shan’s complex gaze—a mix of pity and anticipation—was puzzled. Why is Consort Xuan looking at me like this all of a sudden?
“According to ancestral rules, Consort Wei’s rank is too low to raise her own child. Which consort does the Emperor intend to assign the child to after its birth?” the Grand Empress Dowager continued.
Consort Wei resided in Yanxi Palace under Consort Hui’s jurisdiction. In the past, Kangxi might have casually assigned the child to Consort Hui, as the palace was not lacking in heirs. Consort Wei, being of lowly origins from the Xinzhoku and holding a minor rank, hardly drew Kangxi’s particular concern for this child.
But today, the Grand Empress Dowager had specifically raised the issue…
Kangxi glanced at the demure Consort Xuan beside him and understood the Grand Empress Dowager’s intent. His earlier protection of the Noble Consort had prompted her to seek advantage for Consort Xuan, who also hailed from Mongolia.
Kangxi took a sip of tea and said leisurely, “Currently, all high-ranking consorts in the palace already have children. Consort Xuan has none yet and has been meticulous in caring for Yinzhen. Why not let her raise the child?”
Wen Shan, silently observing the drama: ?
Who’s raising whom?
Who am I raising?