Kangxi lifted his eyelids slightly at the words, glancing indifferently at Niohuru Shi, fully aware of her little schemes. However, Kangxi also understood that the entry of Borjigit Shi into the palace was inevitable, and there was no need to oppose the Grand Empress Dowager on this matter. After all, to ensure Tongjia Lanzhu’s smooth entry into the palace and her rise to a high position, some benefits had to be given to his grandmother. The harem could certainly support another consort; at worst, she could be brought into the palace and left there. He didn’t believe his grandmother could force him to favor her.
“Grandmother, what do you think?”
“Since they are both from the Khorchin, if you like her, I will let her stay to accompany you.”
At this point, Kangxi was equally flawless. The Grand Empress Dowager’s eyes paused imperceptibly, then she chuckled, “Emperor, why are you asking for my opinion when selecting a consort?”
“The ones entering the palace should naturally be to your liking, Emperor. How can it be otherwise?”
“Grandmother, your taste is excellent. If you like her, I will certainly like her too.”
It must be said, when Kangxi wanted to please someone, there was no one he couldn’t charm. Just look at the Grand Empress Dowager’s face full of wrinkles from smiling, and you could tell how happy she was.
“Did the Emperor have honey water for breakfast today?”
“I am speaking the truth.”
“Hehe…”
“I feel joy when I see Tana. She is your cousin, Emperor, and you two are well-matched.”
As the Grand Empress Dowager said this, she kept an eye on Tongjia Shi beside Tana. Seeing her expression remain unchanged, the coldness in her eyes softened a bit. As long as she wasn’t like the Dong’e clan, she could tolerate her!
Kangxi’s first reaction upon hearing this was to look at Lanzhu, but remembering that the Grand Empress Dowager and Niohuru Shi were still present, he suppressed the urge. No! He couldn’t let Lanzhu be exposed in front of others, at least not reveal his feelings so plainly. Doing so would not bring Lanzhu glory, only endless trouble and schemes! Previously, going to the Tongjia Residence had already made his grandmother notice some clues. No rush! Take it slow! He and Lanzhu had plenty of time in the future!
“Since you like her, let her stay.”
Kangxi then signaled to Liang Jiugong beside him. “Gift a sachet to the daughter of the Khorchin Darhan Prince and Tana, and keep her name on the list!”
“This servant thanks Your Majesty.”
Tana accepted the sachet handed over by the eunuch, her face showing neither excitement nor displeasure, as if she had just received an ordinary sachet. After accepting the sachet, Tana stepped back and returned to the lineup.
Consort Zhao, wanting to please the Grand Empress Dowager, naturally also wanted to please the Emperor. Compared to the Grand Empress Dowager, Consort Zhao felt the Emperor’s preferences were more important.
“Your Majesty, I find the second candidate also quite charming, just looking at her lifts my spirits.”
“Step forward.”
Upon hearing Consort Zhao’s words, Lanzhu took a steady step forward, “This servant Tongjia Shi greets Your Majesty, the Grand Empress Dowager, the Empress Dowager, and Consort Zhao.”
“Rise.”
Consort Zhao did not make things difficult and allowed Lanzhu to stand with a smile. “I see that Tongjia Gege has an air of someone well-read.”
However, her words made the Grand Empress Dowager’s smile fade a bit. Lanzhu calmly replied, “Consort Zhao, you overpraise me. This servant only knows a few words, not worthy of such praise.”
“A woman’s virtue lies in her lack of talent; knowing a few words is enough,” said the Grand Empress Dowager.
“Aunt…”
At this moment, the Empress Dowager, who had been silent, spoke up.
“What is it?” The Grand Empress Dowager turned slightly.
“It’s nothing.” The Empress Dowager opened her mouth but said nothing in the end. It was just a bit of affinity, not worth speaking to her aunt about. She wanted to raise a child, but she still needed her aunt’s help.
The Grand Empress Dowager was somewhat displeased with Niohuru Shi. Trying to please both sides, her appetite was indeed large, not afraid of overreaching. However, Tongjia Shi was also one of the predetermined candidates. If she wanted the Emperor to accept Tana more quickly, some demands had to be relaxed.
“But her appearance is indeed lovely. It’s been a long time since the harem has seen such a striking consort. It lifts my spirits,” said the Grand Empress Dowager, a statement that angered most of the consorts in the harem. But they were all concubines, not qualified to challenge the Grand Empress Dowager, so they could only vent their anger on Tongjia Shi. This was exactly what the Grand Empress Dowager intended.
“Since Grandmother likes her, let her stay.”
Kangxi spoke lightly, but his hand at his side couldn’t help but move. “Gift a sachet to the daughter of the Inner Minister Tong Guowei, and keep her name on the list!”
After selecting two candidates in a row, the remaining candidates’ eyes all lit up, but the fact was that out of the hundred or so candidates from this and the previous selection, only five were actually chosen.
Kangxi originally wanted to leave after Lanzhu was kept on the list, but he feared his actions would be too obvious and cause trouble for Lanzhu. So he sat there absent-mindedly, waiting until the selection was halfway through before finding an excuse to leave.
Outside Shenwu Gate, Liu Chun and Liu Xia waited on the carriage for their mistress. As the sun rose higher, they finally saw someone coming out of the palace.
“Liu Xia, quick!”
“Gege is out.”
In the crowd, Liu Chun could always quickly spot their Gege. Once Gege exited Shenwu Gate, Liu Chun and Liu Xia supported her arms from either side.
“Gege, are you tired?”
Lanzhu neither nodded nor shook her head, “Let’s return to the residence.”
“Yes, Gege.”
At this time, in the Palace of Heavenly Purity, after the selection ended, the Grand Empress Dowager went to the Palace of Heavenly Purity. The selection was over, but Tana’s position had not yet been decided. Knowing the Emperor well, she thought Tana would likely only be a concubine, which was unacceptable!
“Your Majesty, the Grand Empress Dowager is here.”
Seeing the Grand Empress Dowager, Zhao De quickly ran into the Palace of Heavenly Purity. Kangxi had anticipated this, so his expression remained unchanged, “Invite her in.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Just as Consort Zhao left, the Grand Empress Dowager arrived. Kangxi looked at the decree already drafted on the table, feeling a bit irritated. When the Grand Empress Dowager entered, Kangxi walked down from the imperial desk, “Grandson greets Grandmother.”
“Emperor, rise.”
The Grand Empress Dowager, supported by Su Ma Lagu, looked at the dignified Emperor before her. “I suppose the Emperor already knows the purpose of my visit,” the Grand Empress Dowager asked directly, not beating around the bush.
“I have some idea.”
“Since that’s the case, I won’t say much. I just want to know what position the Emperor plans to give Tana?” The Grand Empress Dowager was very concerned about this niece. After all, she was old and likely wouldn’t see the next Emperor ascend the throne. Therefore, she cared deeply about the treatment Tana would receive upon entering the palace.
Kangxi was somewhat displeased by the Grand Empress Dowager’s question, but he maintained a slight smile, “Grandmother, newly entered consorts cannot surpass Consort Zhao, don’t you agree?”
“Moreover, there are many consorts in the harem who have given birth to princes and princesses. I can’t let them feel disheartened, can I?”
The Grand Empress Dowager nodded, “Naturally.”
Although she had the idea of letting Tana ascend to the position of Empress, she knew it was basically impossible. Xuanye was not Fulin, and she didn’t want to experience the pain of family estrangement again.
“Grandmother, you also know that the current harem system is not very well-organized. I plan to make a major appointment in the harem this year, so we might have to temporarily wrong Borjigit Gege.”
Kangxi’s words were not absolute, as Lanzhu was also among those entering the palace this time. He didn’t want to wrong Lanzhu, so he couldn’t be too harsh with the Grand Empress Dowager.
The Grand Empress Dowager’s expression became serious, “So, according to the Emperor’s intention…”
“Why not let her be a concubine first, enjoy the treatment of a consort, and when I make the major appointment in the harem this year, she will have a title.”
To be honest, the Grand Empress Dowager was not satisfied with this result. She knew that with the major appointment in the harem this year, the Emperor would likely establish an Empress, so wouldn’t a consort position for Tana seem insufficient? But the Emperor was right; Tana had just entered the palace, and being placed above other consorts could easily cause dissatisfaction among court officials and other consorts in the harem. Tana’s personality was obviously too simple. If she wasn’t watched over, she might be devoured by others in the harem. In this light, the Emperor’s plan seemed acceptable?
Despite this, the Grand Empress Dowager was still somewhat unwilling, “Then what position does the Emperor plan to give Tongjia Shi?”
Hearing this, Kangxi’s displeasure grew. His grandmother, in her old age, was increasingly biased towards the Khorchin. But Kangxi still patiently replied, “Grandmother, Lanzhu is the niece of the late Empress, and Tong Guowei and Tong Guogang currently hold high positions. I can’t let the ministers feel disheartened.”
Kangxi’s words were not wrong. So far, Lanzhu could be said to be the highest-ranking candidate in the harem. Even though there was a first-class noble’s concubine, there was no comparison between a legitimate daughter and a concubine’s daughter.
“Then isn’t the Emperor afraid of disheartening the consorts in the harem?” The Grand Empress Dowager’s voice turned cold.
“Grandmother, you value lineage the most. Do you think it’s appropriate for Tongjia Gege to be a concubine?”
“If you truly think it’s appropriate, then I have nothing to say.”
Kangxi’s retreating move made the Grand Empress Dowager’s face look even worse. Although it sounded unpleasant, the Grand Empress Dowager had to admit that the Emperor’s words were correct. Even if she placed Tana in the first position, the fact remained that a candidate from the Mongolian banner could not compare to one from the Manchu banner. If she were not still alive, the Mongolian banner might be even less valued.
Although Tana was the daughter of a prince and her grandniece, her status was indeed not as noble as Tongjia Shi’s. After all, she was the Emperor’s legitimate cousin. Moreover, the court was still dominated by the Manchus. Even if she wanted to do something, the rule that the harem should not interfere in politics was still in place.
“Forget it, Emperor, do as you wish.”
“I am old, and the affairs of the court and harem should be left to you young people to worry about.”
At least there was a consort position, and she felt her body could last another ten years. So why not take a step back now and use these ten years to plan for Tana’s children?
Seeing his grandmother relent, Kangxi’s tense demeanor relaxed a bit, “Grandmother, you are not old. You still have to watch Baocheng grow up, marry, and have children.”
“Hehe…”
“I have nothing more to say. Emperor, go about your business. I will return.”
Although the purpose of this visit was not very satisfactory, it was within her expectations.
“Grandson respectfully sees off the Grand Empress Dowager.”
After the Grand Empress Dowager left, Kangxi turned around and handed the decree on the table to Liang Jiugong, “Go find someone to announce the decree.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
…
Tongjia Residence
When Lanzhu returned to the residence, Hesheli Shi and Tong Guowei, who had been waiting, held back their bitterness and brought their daughter back to the main courtyard. Everything was settled, and there was no way to change it even if she wanted to.
“Mother, don’t cry. Your daughter is fine.”
Seeing her mother like this, Lanzhu felt bad.
“The decree might arrive soon. Yujin, just wait a bit longer.”
The news of five candidates being selected had already spread throughout the capital. Yujin was the highest-ranking among them, and given her relationship with the Emperor, their family would be the first to receive the decree.
“Your daughter knows.”
“Yujin, after receiving the decree, go to the study with your father. He has something to tell you.”
The Tongjia family’s spies in the palace were all under his and his elder brother’s control. Now that Yujin was selected to enter the palace, they would likely all be handed over to her.
“I don’t know how long you can stay at home.”
As she spoke, Hesheli Shi’s eyes welled up again. As they spoke, the steward hurriedly ran in from outside, barely catching his breath, and couldn’t wait to speak.
“Madam… Madam, someone from the palace… someone from the palace is here!”
Upon hearing this, Hesheli Shi and Tong Guowei, along with Lanzhu, headed towards the door. When they reached the door and saw who was standing there, Tong Guowei’s heart skipped a beat. It was none other than Chen Yanjing, the Vice Minister of Rites and a scholar of the Cabinet. This meant Yujin’s position should not be low!
“Lord Tong, congratulations.”
“Congratulations to you too, Minister Chen.”
Once everyone was present, Chen Yanjing straightened his expression and opened the decree he was holding. “I, the Emperor, uphold the principles of heaven and earth, and internal governance is the foundation of human relations… To the daughter of Inner Minister Tong Guowei, Tongjia Lanzhu, who is graceful and virtuous, and a model of gentleness and elegance. By the Grand Empress Dowager’s benevolent command, she is appointed as a consort, bestowed the title of Jin. May she serve the inner palace with sincerity and filial piety, and lead the consorts with humility and respect… Enter the palace on the first day of the sixth month.”
Even Lanzhu, kneeling behind her mother and father, did not expect her cousin to appoint her as a consort. To know that the highest-ranking position in the palace now was Consort Zhao, and she was entering the palace on equal footing with Consort Zhao, wasn’t this too ostentatious?
“Consort Jin, receive the decree.”
After reading the decree, Chen Yanjing folded it and respectfully handed it to Consort Jin.
“This servant thanks Your Majesty for the great favor.”
Lanzhu accepted the decree with both hands.
After everyone stood up, Tong Guowei quickly pulled Chen Yanjing towards the door, with the intention of inquiring further. After a while, Tong Guowei returned with a smile on his face.
“Let’s go inside.”
In the main courtyard, “Yujin is the highest-ranking candidate this time. Besides her title as Consort Jin, only the Grand Empress Dowager’s grandniece received consort treatment, but she is actually a concubine without a decree.”
“The other three candidates, besides one from the Hesheli clan receiving consort treatment, the other two are concubines.”
Tong Guowei was very satisfied with this result. Although they couldn’t compete for the position of Empress, being the first below the Empress was not bad! Although Yujin grew up with the Emperor, she had just entered the palace and lacked experience.
“In this case, Madam, you need to prepare more dowry money for Yujin.”
“Everywhere in the palace requires greasing the wheels, especially when just entering the palace. We can’t let people look down on our Tongjia clan’s Gege.”
Hesheli Shi forced a smile, “Don’t worry, Master. Even if you didn’t say it, I would have done so.”
Money can make the devil turn millstones! She didn’t have much else, but she had plenty of silver! As long as she provided Yujin with enough silver, with Yujin’s intelligence, how could she not have a good life in the future!
“Yujin, come with me to the study.”
“Yes, Father.”
…
Forbidden City, Yanxi Palace
“Consort Jin?!”
“Our Consort Zhao is truly magnanimous!”
Nara Shi’s emotions fluctuated upon hearing the news from the palace maid. But considering her own face, she held back from sweeping everything off the table. She reminded herself to endure! She still had Baoqing! She couldn’t ruin the impression of her and her son in front of the Emperor!
“I heard the Grand Empress Dowager also went to the Palace of Heavenly Purity. Did you find out what was said?”
Given the Grand Empress Dowager’s nature, she wouldn’t just watch the Emperor appoint a consort.
“Forgive this servant, the Palace of Heavenly Purity is heavily guarded. Our informant is just a small eunuch who sweeps outside, and this servant couldn’t find out anything.”
Zhao Yun lowered his head in disappointment.
“I understand. Did you find out the positions of the other candidates who entered the palace this time?”
Nara Shi was not disappointed. After all, the Palace of Heavenly Purity was the Emperor’s residence. It was already good to have someone inside; finding out the Emperor’s affairs was obviously impossible. If she had that ability, she would have been the first in the harem long ago, not just a struggling concubine now.
“This servant found out everything.”
At the mention of this, Zhao Yun perked up. “This time, five candidates entered the palace. Besides Tongjia being appointed as Consort Jin, Borjigit received consort treatment without a decree, Hesheli received consort treatment, also without a decree, and the last two, Nara and Guoluoluo, were appointed as concubines.”
“Heh…”
Nara Shi sneered. “Those with status are all above us.”
She had been in the palace for ten years, and now she was still a concubine without rank, yet a young girl was placed above her!
“Don’t worry, Mistress. A high position isn’t necessarily a good thing.”
“Don’t forget, the Emperor’s position is vacant, and we are the most anxious.”
Having served her mistress since childhood, Lanrou understood her mistress’s temperament better than others. Nara Shi smiled, “You’re right.”
“Baoqing is six years old now. It’s time for him to return to the palace.”
This entry of candidates might be a good opportunity. After all, as the Emperor’s eldest son, he couldn’t always grow up outside the palace.
“You’re right, Mistress. Once the Fifth Prince enters the palace, who can compete with you here?”
“Go to the Imperial Kitchen and bring a bowl of bird’s nest soup. Let’s visit the Palace of Heavenly Purity.”
“Yes, Mistress.”
…
On the first day of the sixth month, before dawn, Lanzhu was awakened by Liu Chun from her bed.
“Gege, today is the day you enter the palace.”
Lanzhu groggily opened her eyes, with a hint of dark circles. She had tossed and turned until late last night, so naturally, she wasn’t in good spirits today. Liu Chun, who had stayed up the first half of the night, had heard Gege tossing and turning, so she had the kitchen prepare boiled eggs early in the morning to roll over Gege’s eyes.
“What time is it?” Lanzhu asked hoarsely.
Liu Xia replied, “Gege, it’s just past the hour of the rabbit.”
“Is everything packed?”
“Yes, Gege, everything is packed.”
Lanzhu, being initially appointed as a consort, according to palace rules, could bring four maids and thirty-six sets of dowry into the palace. This was the first of its kind in the harem, except for Empress Xiaocheng. Although Consort Zhao also entered the palace as a consort, because she was a concubine’s daughter, her dowry was only twenty-eight sets.
For this entry into the palace, Lanzhu planned to bring all her maids except Liu Qiu. Although Liu Qiu had become more stable, after much consideration, she decided it was better to leave Liu Qiu at the residence. As for the vacant position, she would decide after entering the palace.
After washing and dressing, it was almost the hour of the dragon. Lanzhu sat in her court attire, waiting for the voices outside to bring her back to reality. Hesheli Shi stood by her daughter’s side, unable to hold back tears as she looked at her daughter dressed in her finery. But she remembered that today was her daughter’s departure day.
Lanzhu wore a crimson flag outfit, with a crown adorned with phoenixes, cranes, and auspicious symbols, her face heavily made up, making her originally delicate appearance even more striking. But aside from the bright red on her lips, there was no trace of red on Lanzhu.
Today, Tong Guowei had taken a rare leave from the palace, naturally wanting to personally see his daughter off. At the Tongjia Residence, except for Tong Guogang, who had gone to court, everyone else had gathered in Lanzhu’s room.
Entering the palace was not the same as an ordinary marriage; there was no need for family to carry her out. As the auspicious time approached, Lanzhu wanted to bid farewell to her parents, but with the palace nanny present, she had to forgo it.
“Daughter is leaving, I hope Mother and Father take care of themselves.”
If you listened carefully, you could hear a hint of choking in Lanzhu’s voice.
“Go.”
Tong Guowei held back his wife, who wanted to step forward, his eyes slightly red.
Then, Lanzhu took one last look at the courtyard where she had spent sixteen years, and with Liu Chun’s support, she turned and left. From this moment on, she was no longer the carefree Tongjia Lanzhu.
…
Palace of Heavenly Purity
The ministers attending the morning court could clearly feel the Emperor’s imposing presence today, so they reported cautiously, wishing they could grow another mouth to speak faster. Despite his impatience, Kangxi’s expression remained unchanged. However, Liang Jiugong beside him noticed a slight change. Connecting it to the fact that today was the day Consort Jin entered the palace, Liang Jiugong understood everything.
So, upon receiving the Emperor’s signal, Liang Jiugong quickly stood up, “If there is anything to report, speak up; if not, court is dismissed!”
After a moment of silence, Liang Jiugong announced, “Court is dismissed!”
As the ministers filed out, the front of the Palace of Heavenly Purity returned to calm. Kangxi stepped inside, removed his court hat, and tossed it to Liang Jiugong.
“Has Consort Jin entered the palace?”
Liang Jiugong bowed, “In response to Your Majesty, the palace attendants sent to escort Consort Jin have already departed. She should be entering the palace soon.”
“Help me change.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The weather in June was already starting to heat up. Although Kangxi’s court attire was made of excellent material, it was still stiflingly hot. After changing into a lighter robe, Kangxi’s face, which had been slightly flushed, returned to its usual coolness. He slowly fiddled with the eighteen-bead bracelet in his hand, his emotions clearly unsettled.
Wei Zhu, standing nearby, exchanged a subtle glance with Liang Jiugong.
“Send someone to keep an eye on the palace gate. Report back as soon as Consort Jin enters the palace.”
Liang Jiugong: “This servant will handle it immediately.”
…
As a consort, Lanzhu was entitled to ride in a palanquin within the palace. So, after getting off the carriage at Shenwu Gate, a group of eunuchs came out to carry the palanquin. Entering the palace again with a different status, Lanzhu clearly had no intention of admiring the scenery along the way. After all, with the morning’s hustle and bustle, both the crown on her head and the court attire on her body were weighing her down. Not to mention, she hadn’t rested well the night before, leaving her feeling even more drained.
Leading the way was a delicate-looking young eunuch, whose attire was clearly new, with a flattering yet appropriately measured smile on his face.
“Which palace are we heading to?”
Upon hearing the question, the young eunuch quickly bowed and jogged over, “In response to Consort Jin, we are heading to Chengqian Palace.”
After asking this question, Lanzhu remained silent. Once she settled in, there would be plenty of time to ask questions, no need to rush.
Half an hour later, Lanzhu and her entourage arrived at the entrance of Chengqian Palace. The palace attendants, who had received the news, were waiting at the door. As soon as Lanzhu got off the palanquin, a large group of people knelt down, “This servant greets Consort Jin, wishing Your Majesty a thousand blessings.”
After Lanzhu stood still, she glanced at the two people at the front and then said, “Rise.”
“Thank you, Consort Jin.”
A large group of people escorted Lanzhu into the gates of Chengqian Palace. Once inside the hall, Lanzhu looked around and could tell that Chengqian Palace had been newly renovated. The entire hall was elegant and grand, very much to Lanzhu’s liking.
“The palace is well-decorated.”
“As long as Consort Jin likes it.”
Liu Chun and Liu Xia followed Lanzhu closely, while a middle-aged nanny stood respectfully a step behind. Her face was fair, with a benevolent appearance, and her mouth always carried a slight smile, making people feel at ease.
Once Lanzhu reached the main hall, she sat on a low couch with the help of Liu Chun and Liu Xia, “Since I am new here, why don’t you all introduce yourselves?”
“Nanny, why don’t you start?”
Lanzhu gestured for the nanny who had spoken earlier to begin.
“Consort Jin, a thousand blessings, this servant is the steward nanny of Chengqian Palace, my surname is Zhao.”
After the nanny finished speaking, she stepped back, and a eunuch stepped forward, “This servant is the steward eunuch of Chengqian Palace, Liu Zhong, wishing Your Majesty all the best and happiness every day.”
The speaking eunuch appeared much younger than Nanny Zhao, looking to be in his twenties, with an average build and appearance, not quite like a steward eunuch.
“You have a way with words.”
People value first impressions, and Lanzhu found this eunuch quite agreeable. “Liu Chun, reward him!”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
As the first-class maid by her mistress’s side, Liu Chun naturally wouldn’t make the mistake of addressing her mistress incorrectly. Liu Chun took out a prepared purse from her bosom and handed it to Liu Zhong.
“This servant thanks Your Majesty for the reward.”
Nanny Zhao, watching from the side, maintained her cheerful demeanor, though a quick glint flashed in her eyes.
“This servant Lü Shui greets Consort Jin.”
Then four individuals, clearly of different status than ordinary palace maids, stepped forward. The other three were Lü Yi, Lü Yun, and Lü Qing. There were also two young eunuchs, one named Xiao Xi and the other Xiao Song.
“Today is my first day in the palace, and everyone has worked hard. Liu Chun, reward them all!”
“Now, we don’t know each other well, but over time you’ll see that I’m not a demanding mistress. As long as you do your duties, rewards will be plentiful. But if you betray me, don’t blame me for being merciless!”
Lanzhu knew her appearance wasn’t intimidating, so she rarely spoke so sternly.
“We heed Your Majesty’s teachings.”
“Nanny Zhao, you have the most experience here, so please keep an eye on the three maids I brought.”
“The positions in the palace remain unchanged. Now I have three first-class palace maids by my side. As for the remaining position, it will be chosen from among you, Lü Shui.”
Lanzhu knew it was impossible not to have palace staff close by, so after careful consideration, she decided not to bring Liu Qiu and planned to select a palace maid from within.
“This servant understands, Your Majesty.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Upon hearing this, the eyes of Lü Shui and the others brightened slightly, and they looked at each other with a hint of wariness. After all, the difference between a first-class and second-class palace maid was significant, and they naturally wanted to be first-class. But there was only one position, so it would go to the most capable.
“You may all leave.”
“Yes.”
After dismissing the others, leaving only her own people in the hall, Lanzhu finally relaxed her shoulders.
“Quick, take off this crown, it’s hurting my neck.”
Lanzhu couldn’t help but touch her temples.
“Your Majesty, please bear with it, this servant will remove it right away.”
Since there was no Empress in the palace, and the highest-ranking consort was on par with her mistress, there was no need to pay respects on the same day. So when her mistress mentioned removing the crown, Liu Chun didn’t hesitate.
“Your Majesty, are you hungry?”
“Chengqian Palace doesn’t have a small kitchen yet, so we have to get meals from the Imperial Kitchen. I wonder how far it is?” Liu Dong said.
“There’s no rush for that.”
“You all organize the things first, I’m not hungry yet.”
After giving orders methodically, Lanzhu finally felt her neck relax after removing the crown.
Two quarters of an hour later, Liu Zhong was called in and soon came out again. The two young eunuchs guarding the door hurriedly stepped forward, “Eunuch Liu, does Her Majesty have any orders?”
“Her Majesty does have orders, but I’ll handle it myself, no need for you.”
After all, it was the first task given by Her Majesty, and he couldn’t let others do it. Otherwise, he might lose his position as the steward eunuch.
Then, Liu Zhong glanced at Nanny Zhao, who was always at the door, shook his duster, and strode out of the palace.
Inside the room, Lanzhu was leaning against the small table on the low couch, watching Liu Chun and the others organize things.
“Your Majesty, since there’s no Empress in the palace, should we visit Consort Zhao tomorrow?”
On the first day in the palace, Liu Chun wasn’t sure about the palace’s etiquette.
“We should go.”
Although Lanzhu disliked trouble, she knew she had to go in this situation. Consort Zhao held all the power in the harem, and being an elder in the palace, it was only right to visit her.
“Liu Chun, call Nanny Zhao in.”
Lanzhu was still unfamiliar with the palace, and since Nanny Zhao could become the steward nanny of Chengqian Palace, it proved her capability, making her suitable for inquiring about the harem’s situation.
Upon hearing this, Liu Chun stopped her work, “This servant will call her right away.”
Shortly after, Liu Chun brought Nanny Zhao in.
“Your Majesty, did you call for this servant?”
Seeing Nanny Zhao slightly tense, Lanzhu smiled, “Nanny Zhao, no need to be nervous. I just want to ask you something.”
“Please ask, Your Majesty. This servant will speak without reservation.”
“It’s nothing major. I just entered the palace today and am not familiar with the harem’s situation. Can you enlighten me?”
As Lanzhu spoke, she gestured to Liu Xia beside her, “Bring a soft stool for Nanny Zhao.”
Nanny Zhao waved her hands, “No need, Your Majesty. This servant can stand and answer.”
The new Consort Jin’s gentle demeanor eased Nanny Zhao’s tension a bit, but a hint of caution remained in her eyes.
“In response to Consort Jin, including the new candidates from this selection, there are fifteen consorts in the palace.”
“The two highest-ranking are you and Consort Zhao. Consort Zhao resides in Yongshou Palace in the Western Six Palaces. Her rear hall also houses a Concubine Zhao, who has a princess, the Fifth Princess.”
“Next are the two most noteworthy concubines, Nara and Ma Jia. However, Your Majesty, there are three Nara concubines in the harem, including the newly entered one this year.”
“They are the Nara concubine residing in the East Wing Hall of Yanxi Palace, who has the Fifth Prince, the eldest prince of the Emperor. Then there’s the Nara concubine in the East Wing Hall of Jingyang Palace, who has the Ninth Prince.”
“The last Nara concubine is the one who entered the palace this year, now residing in the West Wing Hall of Zhongcui Palace.”
“Also residing in Zhongcui Palace is Concubine Ma Jia, the most favored consort in the harem, with five sons and one daughter, but only one son and one daughter survive, the Third Princess and the Tenth Prince.”
“Others include the two Guoluoluo concubines in Yikun Palace, Concubine Dong and Concubine Wang Jia in Qixiang Palace, Concubine Li in Changchun Palace, and the Borjigit and Concubine Zhang in Xianfu Palace. Concubine Zhang is the oldest in the palace, with a Fourth Princess.”
“Among them, Concubine Li’s status is special. She is the descendant of a surrendered Han general and has some respect from the Emperor.”
After finishing the introduction of the harem’s consorts, Nanny Zhao secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Lanzhu, after listening, was somewhat thoughtful. The number of consorts in the harem was neither too many nor too few. Although some seemed unremarkable, Lanzhu dared not underestimate them. After all, those still active in the harem were not insignificant.
“Thank you, Nanny Zhao, for enlightening me. Liu Chun, give Nanny Zhao some tea money.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Upon hearing this, Nanny Zhao, who hadn’t fully sat down, immediately stood up, “Your Majesty, this is too much. This is my duty, no need for a reward.”
“Nanny, take it.”
But Lanzhu insisted, letting Liu Chun place it in Nanny Zhao’s hands. As her mother said, palace servants sought either fame or profit. Since she hadn’t figured out the palace’s situation or the people around her, spending more silver was no harm. After all, her mother and father had provided her with plenty of silver.
As they spoke, the hall door was gently knocked, and Liu Zhong’s voice came from outside, “Your Majesty, this servant has returned with the meal.”
“Come in.”
“Yes!”
…
At this time, in Yongshou Palace, “Your Majesty, Consort Jin has entered Chengqian Palace.”
Qian Sheng, who had been sent by Consort Zhao to gather information, finally returned.
“I know.”
Niohuru Shi, having prepared in advance, showed no expression, remaining as calm as ever, making it easy to overlook her age. Niohuru Shi entered the palace at a young age, and even though she had been in the palace for seven years, she was only nineteen now.
Qian Sheng, waiting for his mistress’s orders, couldn’t help but raise his head slightly, “Your Majesty, should this servant continue to monitor Chengqian Palace?”
“No need.”
“I don’t think Consort Jin is reckless, no need to keep an eye on her.”
“Besides, given the Emperor’s attention to Consort Jin, sending someone to monitor might backfire.”
“My goal is the position of Empress, no need to lose the big for the small.”
Niohuru Shi had always been clear about her goal. In the early years, with Empress Xiaocheng above her, she couldn’t advance further. Now that Empress Xiaocheng was gone, it was her time to shine.
“This servant understands.”
…
“Your Majesty, does the Imperial Kitchen’s cooking suit your taste?”
After her mistress finished eating, Liu Zhong personally inquired.
“The Imperial Kitchen’s cooking is good.”
Lanzhu wiped her mouth with a silk handkerchief, her face showing no emotion. After all, the Imperial Kitchen’s cooking was better than anything Lanzhu had tasted before.
“Reward!”
The eunuch who had returned with Liu Zhong from the Imperial Kitchen immediately smiled. It was great that Consort Jin liked the Imperial Kitchen’s cooking. The palace said the Imperial Kitchen was a good job, but only they knew the truth. It was a good job, but the pressure was also the greatest. After all, food was the easiest to tamper with, and if something went wrong, whether it was the Imperial Kitchen’s fault or not, a beating was inevitable.
“This servant thanks Consort Jin for the reward.”
Seeing the young eunuch still kowtowing, Liu Zhong quickly pulled him out of the hall. Then he whispered, “You have no sense of propriety. Even gratitude must be measured.”
“This servant thanks Eunuch Liu for the advice.”
After Liu Chun and the others finished organizing Chengqian Palace, the sun was already setting. Lanzhu leaned against the window, facing several pots of lotus flowers that were about to bloom. Although not as stunning as those in the pond, they had their own charm.
It was at this moment that Kangxi stepped into Chengqian Palace.