Bathed in the golden-yellow glow of the setting sun, Tongjia Lanzhu’s face seemed to shine, as if she were about to soar away with the wind. Kangxi couldn’t help but step forward, grabbing Lanzhu’s hand with a somewhat forceful motion: “Cousin, the wind by the window is strong, be careful not to catch a cold.” Saying this, he pulled Lanzhu away from the window.
Lanzhu, lost in thought, was startled by his action. Despite the overwhelming urge to shake off his hand, she restrained her reaction. Lanzhu’s lips curved into a gentle smile, and she looked at him with a playful reproach: “Cousin, you always scare me.”
“It’s because you were too absorbed, Lanzhu.” Embracing her, Kangxi led her into the inner chamber, his expression joyful. As for why he had received the news in the morning but only came in the afternoon, Kangxi naturally had his own plans.
“You’ve just entered the palace, are you getting used to it?” Kangxi looked at Lanzhu with rare tenderness, his gaze soft.
“I like it,” Lanzhu replied, lowering her head immediately. She feared she might give herself away. She found the palace oppressive and didn’t quite like it. But now that she was in the palace, she had to put away other emotions.
“As long as you like it.” Kangxi, being perceptive, knew Lanzhu well, having grown up with her. He knew she didn’t particularly like the harem, and it was he who had insisted on her coming. The higher one stands, the colder it gets; he wanted someone to accompany him. They would have plenty of time in the future, and Lanzhu would understand him.
“The Imperial Kitchen is a bit far from Chengqian Palace. Tomorrow, I’ll have someone set up a small kitchen for you, so it will be more convenient for your meals.” Knowing he was at fault, Kangxi treated Lanzhu with utmost gentleness. In the palace, apart from the Grand Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager, only Consort Zhao’s Yongshou Palace had a small kitchen. Even though Lanzhu had just entered the palace today, Kangxi didn’t want her to feel wronged.
“Cousin, there’s no need. I really like the craftsmanship of the Imperial Kitchen, so there’s no need to set up a small kitchen here.” Lanzhu wasn’t lying about this. She did like the food from the Imperial Kitchen, but not wanting to be too ostentatious was also a reason. She just wanted to live quietly in the harem and didn’t want to stand in the spotlight. Her current position in the palace might have already pricked some people’s hearts. If she were to have a small kitchen, her future days might be far from peaceful.
“It’s their good fortune to have your favor.” After Lanzhu’s refusal, Kangxi didn’t bring it up again. He had been thoughtless earlier, not considering Lanzhu’s current situation. With his grandmother still around, such favoritism towards Lanzhu wasn’t a good thing. Fortunately, his cousin had firmly refused without arrogance or impatience.
“Your Majesty, it’s getting late. Would you like to have the meal served?” Seeing the sky grow darker, Liang Jiugong spoke up at the right moment from the corner. Kangxi glanced at the palace door: “Go ahead.”
“Remember to serve more of what Noble Consort Jin likes.”
“Yes, Your Majesty, I’ll go right away.” As the chief eunuch by the Emperor’s side, Liang Jiugong naturally wouldn’t ask foolish questions about what Noble Consort Jin liked to eat. He only needed to mention it at the Imperial Kitchen, and the people there would prepare everything perfectly.
After Liang Jiugong left, Kangxi also dismissed the others in the hall. At this moment, Chengqian Palace was lit with thick candles, and the candlelight filled the palace with warmth. Kangxi looked at Lanzhu, whose smile was as radiant as a flower, and couldn’t help but feel a slight movement in his throat. His dark eyes also showed a hint of heat.
Lanzhu felt a bit uncomfortable under his gaze. She shifted slightly, and her cousin’s gaze followed her movement. The increasingly intense gaze made Lanzhu’s cheeks flush. Lanzhu wasn’t completely naive. The night before entering the palace, her mother had given her a booklet. After a quick glance, Lanzhu understood very well what her cousin’s current gaze meant. She was a bit scared.
Her cousin, who had always been gentle with her, was showing the most fundamental side of a man for the first time in front of her. This made Lanzhu a bit overwhelmed. But she also understood that this was inevitable. Fortunately, Liang Jiugong was quick with the meal, and just as Lanzhu felt she might be ignited by her cousin’s gaze, Liang Jiugong’s voice suddenly came from outside the door.
“Your Majesty, Noble Consort Jin, the meal has been brought back.” Kangxi was startled back to reality by Liang Jiugong’s voice, followed by a trace of annoyance. Liang Jiugong, that dog servant! Usually, it took him a long time to bring the meal, so why was he back so quickly today! Although he was cursing Liang Jiugong in his heart, Kangxi’s face remained calm: “Come in.”
With a creak, Liang Jiugong pushed the door open, his beardless face reflected in Kangxi’s eyes. After entering, Liang Jiugong didn’t dare to look around. He bowed and placed the meal on the table. When the Emperor led Noble Consort Jin over, Liang Jiugong vaguely sensed something was off. He wasn’t sure if it was his imagination, but he felt that the Emperor’s gaze on him today was a bit cold.
He hadn’t done anything recently. With palace attendants present, Kangxi restrained his actions a bit, but his gaze towards Lanzhu still carried a hint of heat. After the evening meal, Kangxi’s gaze towards Lanzhu became even more frequent.
“Lanzhu, it’s getting late. Let’s rest early.” Kangxi stepped forward, holding Lanzhu’s hand, his gaze direct and intense. Lanzhu, feeling a bit uncomfortable, tried to pull her hand back, but in the end, she couldn’t take it out of her cousin’s hand: “Cousin, the palace attendants are still here.”
“Look up, there’s no one here.” With his tall stature, Kangxi picked up Lanzhu and headed towards the inner chamber.
“Ah~”
“Cousin, I… I can walk by myself.” Lanzhu was truly a bit frightened at this moment. But she didn’t know that her innocent and uneasy gaze only further ignited the deep desire within Kangxi. When Lanzhu was placed on the intricately carved bed in the inner chamber, she could only weakly tug at her cousin’s clothes: “Cousin, you… you have to be gentle!”
“I’m afraid of pain.” After saying this, Lanzhu closed her eyes, and her eyelashes fluttered like butterfly wings, revealing her inner unease. Kangxi chuckled softly, casually lowering the bed curtains, his voice husky and alluring: “Don’t be afraid.”
…
It was past midnight. Outside the door, Liang Jiugong had already yawned several times, but the sounds from inside hadn’t stopped. Beside him, Liu Zhong stood respectfully, his eyes bloodshot but still showing a hint of excitement. The more favored their master was, the higher the status of the servants beneath them. This was an unspoken rule in the harem.
Being able to serve in Chengqian Palace at his age meant he had both the temperament and the means. Before Noble Consort Jin entered the palace, the palace attendants had used every trick to serve in Chengqian Palace. He had only succeeded because his master had some connections with Liang Gonggong, so he cherished this opportunity immensely! Noble Consort Jin was his ladder to success!
“Liang Gonggong, there’s a soft couch in the tea room. Why don’t you take a nap? I’ll keep watch here and call you when it’s time.” Liang Jiugong, with red eyes, looked at Liu Zhong. He recognized Liu Zhong but didn’t intend to greet him. It was Liu Zhong’s master, Liu Wu, who had connections with him, not this young lad.
“Alright, I’ll nap for half an hour. Remember to call me at the beginning of the third watch.” Although it was past the Emperor’s usual rest time, Liang Jiugong wisely refrained from reminding him. The Emperor rarely had such a good time, and he didn’t want to be the one to interrupt and be remembered by the Emperor. Rules are dead, but people are alive. In this palace, the Emperor is the greatest.
Although the Grand Empress Dowager was watching, everyone here was on their side, and no one would be foolish enough to spread the news. “Don’t worry, Liang Gonggong. I won’t let you miss the time.” After Liang Jiugong went to rest, only Liu Zhong, Liu Chun, and Liu Xia were left guarding outside Chengqian Palace.
Liu Chun listened to the faint sounds from inside, her eyes filled with growing concern. The Gege’s voice sounded so weak, and it was already this late. How could it not be over yet? How could the Gege’s body endure this! Liu Chun and Liu Xia exchanged a glance, both showing the same emotion in their eyes. But the person inside was the Emperor, and they didn’t dare to interrupt rashly.
Fortunately, they didn’t have to worry for long, as the sounds inside finally stopped. After a long while, the Emperor’s pleased voice came from inside: “Someone, prepare water!” Liu Zhong’s eyes lit up: “At your command.”
In the deep night, Chengqian Palace was silent, with the lights in the main hall barely visible. In the dim light, Kangxi, bare-chested and muscular, exuded a lazy satisfaction. On the bed, with one side of the bed curtains drawn back, Lanzhu’s hair was damp and clung to her cheeks and neck. Her eyes were somewhat unfocused, and her exposed arms and collarbone were marked with red spots, some even turning blue. The marks extended from her chest to the areas covered by the blanket.
When there was movement from the bathroom, Kangxi, still bare-chested, carried Lanzhu wrapped in the blanket. In her dazed state, Lanzhu reflexively pleaded: “Cousin, don’t…” Kangxi looked at Lanzhu, feeling a bit of pity. He had indeed lost control today.
“Don’t be afraid, Yujin. I’m just going to wash you.” Hearing his voice, Lanzhu tried to open her eyes but ultimately failed. She was exhausted and sleepy. She had woken up early to enter the palace today and had been tense all day. She really couldn’t take it anymore.
Seeing Lanzhu fall asleep, Kangxi couldn’t help but tighten his grip slightly. No one in the palace dared to sleep so freely in his arms, not even Empress Xiaocheng. Lanzhu was the first, so how could he not be moved? Refusing the palace attendants’ offer to serve, Kangxi clumsily washed Lanzhu himself. But the more he washed, the brighter his eyes became. However, considering it was Lanzhu’s first time, Kangxi had to restrain himself.
After finally washing Lanzhu clean, Kangxi’s forehead was already covered in sweat. After placing her back on the bed, he quickly washed himself and then hurried back to the inner chamber, lying beside Lanzhu, contentedly holding her in his arms.
…
The next day, when Lanzhu woke up, her cousin’s figure was long gone. Lanzhu, using the light filtering through the bed curtains, groggily opened her eyes. “Liu Chun, what time is it?” As soon as she spoke, Lanzhu was startled by her own hoarse voice. Then she recalled everything from last night, and her already pink cheeks turned bright red.
By the bed, Liu Dong, who had received the Emperor’s instructions, quickly lifted the bed curtains upon hearing her mistress’s voice. “Your Majesty, you’re awake.”
“Liu Dong, get me a cup of water.” Her throat was terribly dry, so Lanzhu propped herself up.
“Your Majesty, please wait. I’ll get it right away.” Fortunately, there was a pot of warm tea on the table in the inner chamber, brewed by Liu Chun before she left, just in case her mistress woke up thirsty. Lanzhu drank a cup of tea with Liu Dong’s help, finally easing the pain in her throat.
“What time is it?” After drinking the tea, Lanzhu asked again. This time, Liu Dong quickly replied: “It’s past the third hour, Your Majesty.”
Hearing this, Lanzhu frowned slightly: “It’s already so late?” She had planned to visit Consort Zhao at Yongshou Palace today, but given her current state, it seemed inappropriate to go. After Lanzhu finished dressing and grooming, it was already the fourth hour, and the sun was high in the sky. By the time she finished her breakfast, it would be noon by the time she reached Consort Zhao’s Yongshou Palace.
…
“Where’s Liu Zhong?”
“Go call him in.” Putting down the silver chopsticks in her hand, Lanzhu instructed Lü Shui beside her. Compared to the other three palace maids, Lanzhu found Lü Shui, with her plain appearance, to be calm and composed. So she had chosen her to serve during the meal.
“Your Majesty, please wait. I’ll go call Eunuch Liu.” After Lü Shui left, Lü Yi and Lü Yun quickly cleared the dishes from the table. By the time Liu Zhong entered, he had already guessed the purpose of his mistress calling him. Even after a night, Lanzhu’s body still felt uncomfortable, but her demeanor showed no sign of weakness.
“Liu Zhong, what’s the situation in the harem today?” Today was her second day in the palace, and the restless consorts in the harem had probably already taken action. She wondered how many people had visited Consort Zhao’s Yongshou Palace today. Liu Zhong was momentarily stunned by his mistress’s question, but he quickly understood: “In response to Your Majesty, no one has gone to Consort Zhao’s Yongshou Palace today.”
As the saying goes, those who are active in the harem are not fools. Just by looking at the Emperor’s special treatment of Noble Consort Jin, they knew that on her second day in the palace, she might not even be able to get up. They had all been through this, so they knew. In the past, when there was an Empress in the harem, they couldn’t avoid paying respects. Now that there was no Empress, the Emperor probably wouldn’t want Noble Consort Jin to get up either. Why should they make things difficult for themselves?
However, this situation would last at most three days, as the Grand Empress Dowager was still watching. Hearing this, Lanzhu lowered her eyes thoughtfully. It seemed she had underestimated the capabilities of the harem consorts. “I understand.”
…
Meanwhile, in Cining Palace
“When did it stop?” The Grand Empress Dowager’s face, already expressionless, turned even more unpleasant upon hearing the time from the eunuch. “At the end of the second watch…” The eunuch who came to report was so frightened by the sudden aura from the Grand Empress Dowager that he began to stutter.
“If I had known, I shouldn’t have let Tongjia Shi enter the palace from a young age!” Back then, because of Empress Xiaocheng’s matter, the Grand Empress Dowager felt a bit guilty towards the Emperor, so she allowed the Tongjia family to enter the palace to accompany the Emperor. Unexpectedly, in the end, she had shot herself in the foot!
On the first day in the palace, she had already enticed the Emperor to break the rules. “Su Ma Lagu, you go…” The Grand Empress Dowager stopped mid-sentence, suddenly thinking of something. “Forget it, let’s wait and see after three days.” Back then, Consort Zhao also took three days, so she would wait for three days. Having finally reconciled with the Emperor, the Grand Empress Dowager didn’t want to cause discord between the grandmother and grandson over this. Tana still needed the Emperor.
As long as it wasn’t a major breach of rules, she could pretend not to see this minor transgression. “It’s good that you understand, Your Majesty. The Emperor is no longer the child he once was. Your Majesty, you should learn not to listen or see.” Su Ma Lagu, having followed her mistress since childhood, naturally didn’t want her mistress to repeat past mistakes and walk the old path.
To speak bluntly, the world now belonged to the Emperor, and he had been in power for many years. Even if he favored a consort or established an Empress, the Grand Empress Dowager had no right to interfere. Fortunately, her mistress stopped in time.
“Sigh!”
“Su Ma, you understand me.” The Grand Empress Dowager’s expression turned desolate at Su Ma Lagu’s words. Su Ma Lagu nodded with slightly red eyes: “I understand, Your Majesty. You do everything for the sake of Khorchin.” From a naive girl like Tana to the now deeply scheming Grand Empress Dowager, no one understood her mistress’s hardships and struggles better than Su Ma.
“Let’s not talk about it.”
“I don’t have many years left. While the Emperor still listens to me, I should help him watch over the harem and prevent others from disturbing his mind.”
“Your Majesty, please don’t say that. You will live a long life.”
“It’s just a consort. Once she shows her head, there’s no need for you to act. There are plenty of people in the harem to deal with her. Why dirty your own hands?” Su Ma Lagu, who had also fought her way through the harem, had become more gentle with age. Having supported her mistress through three reigns, Su Ma Lagu’s skills surpassed many. In the end, she just didn’t want to see a rift between her mistress and the Emperor, not out of pity for Noble Consort Jin.
“That’s true. The harem has been quiet for a long time. Since Empress Xiaocheng’s passing, the palace has been much quieter.” The Grand Empress Dowager saw clearly. The current Consort Zhao was different from Hesheli Shi. The former sought power, while the latter sought affection. Between the two, she admired Consort Zhao, but Hesheli Shi was the Empress she had personally chosen, so she wasn’t unaware of Hesheli Shi’s actions in the harem. She just chose to ignore them.
In the end, all her maternal love was given to Fulin and her daughter. Even the current Emperor didn’t receive much, let alone the great-grandchildren who hadn’t grown up yet. “Don’t worry, Your Majesty. With the selection of new candidates, the harem should become lively again.”
“Then I’ll wait and see.” At this moment, the Grand Empress Dowager returned to being the kind and gentle old lady.
…
Three days later
Yongshou Palace
Consort Zhao was having breakfast when a little eunuch hurriedly came in from outside. “Your Majesty, Concubine Nara and Concubine Ma Jia have arrived.” Niohuru Shi slightly raised her eyelids: “Just the two of them?”
“Yes.” Niohuru Shi put down the silver chopsticks in her hand, her eyes showing some inexplicable emotion: “No wonder they could compete for favor under Empress Xiaocheng. They’re quicker than others.”
“Alright, clear the table.”
“Have them brought in.” Although she hadn’t eaten much, Niohuru Shi had lost her appetite.
“Yes.”
“I’ll go right away.” The palace maids and eunuchs beside Consort Zhao responded in unison.
Outside the gates of Yongshou Palace
Having just given birth and experienced the pain of losing a child, Ma Jia Shi stood with a thin figure, her gentle and dignified face clearly showing a pale expression, her face carrying a faint expression. Over the years, the successive loss of children and childbirth had almost exhausted Ma Jia Shi’s vitality. If it weren’t for her only son and daughter supporting her, she might have long gone with her children.
Standing beside Ma Jia Shi was the bright and beautiful Nara Shi. Although they were about the same age, Nara Shi appeared younger. It must be said that although Nara Shi wasn’t as favored as Ma Jia Shi, she had the Fifth Prince. In the future, who would be higher or lower between the two was hard to say.
While waiting at the door, Nara Shi, ignoring Ma Jia Shi’s cold face, started a conversation: “Sister Ma Jia, how is the Tenth Prince doing lately?”
“I heard he’s been ill recently. You must take good care of him, as children are weak.” Ma Jia Shi, having experienced many ups and downs, didn’t lose her composure even when Nara Shi poked at her wound. She just tightened her grip on the silk handkerchief in her hand.
Children were always Ma Jia Shi’s pain. Nara Shi, relying on the Fifth Prince being the Emperor’s eldest son, had started to become arrogant. Things weren’t over yet, and it was still uncertain who would win or lose.
“Thank you for your concern, Concubine Nara. The Emperor granted medicine the other day, and the Tenth Prince is much better now.”
“But as for the Fifth Prince, it’s almost time for him to go to the study. Does Concubine Nara know when the Fifth Prince will return to the palace?”
“Make sure he doesn’t miss going to the study.” Ma Jia Shi wasn’t easy to provoke. If Nara Shi dared to bring up the Tenth Prince, she dared to bring up the Fifth Prince. Nara Shi was choked by Ma Jia Shi’s words, wanting to retort, but suddenly remembered they were still at the entrance of Consort Zhao’s Yongshou Palace. She had to stop the conversation.
“No need to worry, Sister Ma Jia. After all, he’s the Emperor’s eldest son, and he remembers.” As the two were engaged in their exchange, the steward eunuch of Yongshou Palace came out.
“Greetings to the two young mistresses. Her Majesty invites you in.” Ma Jia Shi and Nara Shi both fell silent, then followed behind Qian Sheng into the gates of Yongshou Palace. Since Empress Xiaocheng’s passing, apart from the first and fifteenth of each month, when they needed to gather at Consort Zhao’s place to pay respects to the Grand Empress Dowager at Cining Palace, this was the first time they had entered Consort Zhao’s Yongshou Palace at this time.
When the two entered, there was no sign of Consort Zhao in the main hall, indicating she was still in the inner chamber and hadn’t come out. “Please wait a moment, young mistresses. Her Majesty will be out shortly.”
“Thank you, Eunuch Qian.” Both Ma Jia Shi and Nara Shi were extremely polite to those around Consort Zhao. Everyone in the palace knew that if the Emperor were to establish another Empress, Consort Zhao was the most likely candidate. They were trying to curry favor in advance.
Shortly after the two sat down, Nara Shi’s relative, Nara Shi, also arrived.
The author has something to say: Today’s update was a bit late, please don’t mind, my dear readers. Feel free to give feedback and comment, I’ll be very happy. Love you all~ Thank you to the little angels who voted for me or watered me with nutrient solution between 2035-07-01 00:42:39 and 2035-07-02 22:25:35~ Thank you to the little angel who watered me with nutrient solution: Tunan 12 bottles; Thank you all for your support, I’ll keep working hard!