It was only after spending three full days in the Palace of Earthly Tranquility that Yiqing came to realize she would likely be living here from now on. She could not quite figure out whether she had been formally adopted or if the woman who had cared for her previously had been nothing more than a foster mother.
But regardless of what the truth might be, there was nothing she could do to change her situation now, and she had no choice but to accept reality. Fortunately, life in this palace was quite comfortable. That gentle woman would often come to see her, and she loved nothing more than holding her in her arms and soothing her.
Because she still did not fully understand her own circumstances, Yiqing found herself longing more and more to understand what the people around her were saying. If only she could comprehend their words, she would at least be able to learn more about what was happening, instead of remaining as completely in the dark as she was now.
From that moment on, whenever people spoke nearby, Yiqing would turn her small head toward the sound, as if her little mind were a radar searching out every word. At first, the wet nurses did not notice this habit of hers, but Empress Heseri observed it while listening to reports from officials of the Imperial Household Department.
Empress Heseri was responsible for managing all matters within the inner palace. She was a thorough and intelligent woman, and in all the years she had held this position, she had never made a mistake. As a result, there was always a great deal of work to be done each day, and meeting with the heads of various departments was a regular part of her duties; it was not uncommon for her to meet with several of them in the space of a single day.
Sometimes, when the matters at hand were minor and could be resolved with just a few simple instructions, she would bring Yiqing along with her.
It was during these meetings that she first noticed the pattern. Even when several people were standing in attendance, Yiqing would immediately turn her head to look at whoever was speaking. When that person finished speaking and the empress herself said a few words, Yiqing would turn her attention right back to her. Then, as soon as the official began speaking again, Yiqing would shift her gaze back once more.
This discovery greatly amused Empress Heseri, and she even went so far as to call several senior palace maids to stand in different positions and speak to her specifically to test the child’s reactions.
Yao Huang and Wei Zi stood facing one another. Wei Zi spoke first.
The weather is truly lovely today, she said. It feels as though winter is finally coming to an end.
Yiqing caught the sound of her voice and quickly turned her small head in Wei Zi’s direction.
Empress Heseri smiled softly and nodded for Yao Huang to speak next.
Who could disagree with that? Yao Huang replied, looking down at Yiqing with a smile in her voice. I for one am eagerly waiting for spring to arrive. Once it comes, I will finally be able to take off these heavy winter clothes. Wearing them makes me feel as though I am carrying several extra pounds on my body.
Yiqing turned her head to look toward Yao Huang, and she even tilted it slightly to one side, as if trying hard to understand exactly what was being said.
Watching her reaction, Zhao Fen and Dou Lü, who stood behind Empress Heseri, could not help but burst into laughter. Though their personalities were quite different, they both found the sight delightful. Zhao Fen covered her mouth and laughed quietly, her shoulders shaking gently, but making very little sound.
Dou Lü, however, was far more open and unrestrained, and she laughed so loudly that even Kangxi, who was walking outside the hall, could hear her clearly.
What is so funny? Kangxi asked as he stepped inside, looking around with curiosity. I could hear your voice from quite a distance away, little one.
Dou Lü’s expression changed instantly. The wide smile that had spread across her face vanished in an instant. She composed herself and bowed along with the others, keeping her head lowered while silently lamenting in her heart—why did the emperor have to arrive just at this moment?
Empress Heseri spoke in her usual warm and gentle tone. Your servant offers her respects to Your Majesty. I simply asked them to come and play with the princess to keep her entertained.
Yiqing’s small head began turning back and forth rapidly between Empress Heseri and Kangxi, a sight that brought a smile to the empress’s eyes as she struggled to hold back her laughter.
Look, Your Majesty, Empress Heseri said softly, pointing toward Yiqing. Our little princess turns to look at whoever is speaking. I was playing this game with them just now precisely to see who she would turn her attention toward.
Is that so? Kangxi said, turning his attention fully to Yiqing. Seeing that this was indeed the case, a faint smile also appeared on his face. It certainly seems that way. It appears she is a child who enjoys liveliness and company. When she grows older, she will likely always prefer to be where there are many people around her.
That may not necessarily be true, Empress Heseri said with a smile. She could very well turn out to have a quiet and gentle nature. I have cared for the princess for several days now, and she is hardly ever one to cry. Aside from when she is hungry or needs to be changed, she remains calm and content. In all my years, I have never met a child who is so easy to care for.
Quiet and gentle? Kangxi shook his head. That would not be a good thing at all. A girl with such a temperament would suffer greatly if she were ever to be married off to a family far away from home. It would be far better for her to be like Princess Shuhui, whose bold and forthright character allowed her to live a happy and secure life.
People often held different standards depending on the situation, and Kangxi was no exception. For him, all the women who entered his imperial harem or married into the families of his brothers were essentially daughters raised by other households. For these women, he believed it was best that they be gentle, well-behaved, and mindful of their place and duties.
But when it came to his own daughter, things were entirely different. His own daughter did not need to be gentle or obedient, and she could be as lively, spirited, and bold as she wished. As long as such a character helped her live a good life, it was more than acceptable. In fact, the ideal temperament would be one strong enough to ensure that once she married, she would be able to hold her own and command respect within her husband’s entire family.
Princess Shuhui was the daughter of the Grand Empress Dowager, making her Kangxi’s aunt. She had first married Solha and later a nobleman of the Barin tribe, and her life had been filled with happiness and stability. Among all the imperial princesses, she was widely regarded as the most fortunate. No other princess—whether among Kangxi’s aunts or his older sisters—had enjoyed a life as good as hers.
Princess Shuhui? Empress Heseri repeated the name as she recalled the stories she had heard about her. She then looked down at Yiqing, who was still resting peacefully in her swaddling clothes, and found it difficult to imagine how this child, who currently seemed so quiet and reserved, could ever resemble the bold and strong-willed princess she had just mentioned.
Before Empress Heseri could gather her thoughts further, Kangxi had already reached out his hands to take Yiqing from her arms.
Kangxi was a man of great pride and determination. On the day Yiqing had cried the moment he held her, he had said nothing outwardly, but deep down he had felt quite unconvinced that it was entirely his fault. He had since decided that her reaction must have been due to her feeling unsettled and unaccustomed to her new surroundings, and this was exactly why he had returned today to try holding her once more.
Seeing that the emperor intended to take the child, Empress Heseri did not dare to stop him, though she still felt a twinge of worry in her heart. Yiqing was not a child who cried easily, so the fact that she had burst into tears the very first time the emperor held her could only mean that he had been holding her in a way that made her feel uncomfortable.
As if he could sense exactly what was passing through Empress Heseri’s mind, Kangxi let out a soft hum. This time, he held Yiqing with great gentleness and care. He was naturally a very intelligent man, and though he had never paid much attention to such matters before, he had spent the past two days carefully observing exactly how the wet nurses held and carried infants. His movements now were deliberate and precise, modeled exactly after what he had seen.
Yiqing found herself being passed into another person’s arms. This embrace was not particularly soft and comfortable, but neither did it feel as awkward or unpleasant as it had the previous time. She struggled only very slightly for a moment before settling down peacefully and remaining still in Kangxi’s arms.
Seeing that Yiqing had stopped resisting and had relaxed completely, Kangxi glanced over at Empress Heseri with a look of clear triumph and satisfaction, then began to pat her gently. He controlled the strength of his movements perfectly, and before long, Yiqing began to feel sleepy and soon drifted off into a deep sleep.
Once the child was fast asleep, Kangxi held her for a short while longer before handing her back to the wet nurse so she could be carried inside to rest.
Concubine Nara is due to give birth in just a few days, Kangxi said, looking directly at Empress Heseri. I have decided that this child will be sent to be raised in the household of Gali.
Empress Heseri was taken aback by his words, and she could not help but glance instinctively in the direction of Yiqing’s quarters before speaking. But… did the Grand Empress Dowager not say…?
The Grand Empress Dowager places great faith in such beliefs, Kangxi replied, sounding somewhat troubled, and as her grandson, I cannot simply dismiss her wishes or cause her to lose face. But at the same time, it is also true that so many children born within these palace walls have failed to survive. Perhaps a change of environment will bring better fortune. We can bring the child back to live in the palace once they are older, when they are five or six years old and their health and growth are well established.
It is my own failure that has led to this, Empress Heseri said, her expression becoming somewhat gloomy. After all these years, not a single child born in the palace has survived to adulthood, and I cannot avoid bearing responsibility for this misfortune.
Kangxi shook his head gently. This matter has nothing to do with you at all.
The empress was not a woman consumed by jealousy or resentment, and she had always treated the children born to other consorts with great care and kindness. Furthermore, the reason most of these children had not survived was due to poor health and weakness from birth, while only a small number had fallen ill or failed to thrive after they were born. Kangxi knew full well that he could not possibly place the blame for this situation upon her.
Speaking of which, Empress Heseri said, a warm smile returning to her face, I have yet to offer my congratulations to Your Majesty.
What is there to congratulate me for? Kangxi asked, looking confused.
Concubine Magiya is with child, Empress Heseri replied with a smile. The imperial physician has examined her pulse carefully and confirmed that she has already been pregnant for three months.
Instead of appearing pleased by this news, Kangxi’s expression grew heavy, and he let out a long sigh.
Concubine Magiya was one of the women Kangxi favored and loved most deeply. She had already given birth to two children in the past, but neither had survived, and her most recent child, Saiyin Chahun, had passed away only a short time ago. Now, upon hearing that she was pregnant once more, Kangxi found himself unsure whether he should feel happy or anxious.
We shall follow the proper rituals and present the customary gifts, Kangxi said after a long pause, finally gathering his thoughts and giving his instructions. But let the value of these gifts be increased by twenty percent this time.
After all, Magiya was still a woman he held great affection for, and besides, no one could say for certain what the future held before a child was even born. Perhaps little Yiqing, who was now sleeping soundly in another room, truly was a bringer of good fortune, and her presence would ensure that this child, as well as the one yet to be born to Concubine Nara, would both grow up strong, healthy, and safe.