“Grandmother, it was by my decree that the Third Prince’s one-month feast was delayed. This child is frail, and I was truly worried. If you must blame someone, blame me.” Kangxi shielded the Empress. He knew that his recent confession to his grandmother had caused her to harbor a certain dislike for the Empress, but she was entirely innocent in this matter.
Even if the Grand Empress Dowager was angry, she should not direct it toward the Empress.
“Emperor!” The Grand Empress Dowager was truly incensed now. Her once-exemplary grandson was actually contradicting her for the sake of the Empress. What kind of love potion had the Empress fed XuanYe?
She was iron-willed by nature. After witnessing the unwavering, obsessive infatuation of her husband and her son, seeing the grandson she held in such high regard also entangled in the threads of passion was something she could not ignore. She refused to believe her grandson would disregard his grandmother for the sake of the Empress.
“The Empress should have reminded the Emperor to spread his favor more evenly. While harmony between the Emperor and Empress is a fine tale, you must not forget your responsibilities, Empress,” she said pointedly.
Kangxi’s grip on Li Mu’s hand tightened slightly. “Grandmother, I have been preoccupied with state affairs lately and naturally could not find the time. Rather than blaming the Empress, you might as well punish me alongside her.”
“Emperor, you simply won’t listen to anything I say anymore.” The Grand Empress Dowager glanced at Kangxi and then at the Empress. In her extreme frustration, she ignored both the grandson and the granddaughter-in-law.
Li Mu maintained her understanding and gentle demeanor. She knew the Grand Empress Dowager was dissatisfied with her recent performance. Although she didn’t believe she was at fault, maintaining a facade of grace at such a moment was better than standing there awkwardly for people to mock.
“Grandmother, please do not be angry. It is all my fault. You have been feeling unwell lately, so you must take care of your health and not let anger overcome you. Yinreng was so sad when he didn’t see you the last few times; his little head was bowed, and he was moping for the longest time. He even thought of giving you a beautiful bracelet. Look at how endearing he is; please, have a little pity for the child.”
Li Mu signaled Xuelian to bring Yinreng to the Grand Empress Dowager. Elders always harbor a natural affection for their grandchildren. Thus, even in her state of anger, the Grand Empress Dowager instinctively took Yinreng into her arms. Seeing Yinreng’s lively and cute appearance and hearing the Empress’s gentle, considerate voice, the nameless fire in her heart began to dissipate bit by bit. She felt her great-grandson was indeed quite pitiful; he had come specifically to see her, yet she had consistently avoided him.
She gave a cold snort and ordered a servant to bring a bracelet she had recently acquired to put on Yinreng. Hmph, let no one think she was easy to sway, or that her anger would vanish just because the Empress spoke a few gentle words. She continued to ignore the Empress, but a smile bloomed on her face when she looked at Yinreng. The Crown Prince was truly irresistible.
Kangxi breathed a sigh of relief. When he turned to meet the Empress’s gaze of gentle support, he couldn’t help but smile. “The Empress truly understands me.” No matter the circumstances, she always stood behind him. This sense of unspoken understanding made him yearn for her company, and he felt fortunate to have such a person by his side.
Li Mu returned a shallow smile.
The concubines watching the scene were dumbfounded. They had expected the Grand Empress Dowager to give the Empress a harsh lecture, but the Emperor had protected her in front of everyone. If this didn’t count as the Empress monopolizing him, then what did they, the other concubines, count for in the Emperor’s eyes? Furthermore, why was the Grand Empress Dowager so easy to appease? She was just angry a moment ago; why did she stop ignoring the Empress after a few light words?
Wasn’t the Grand Empress Dowager supposed to be on their side?
Confused, the concubines didn’t dare to stand around watching anymore. With the Emperor protecting the Empress so fiercely and the Grand Empress Dowager’s attention entirely on the Crown Prince, there was no show left to watch. If they stayed, they might be marked by the royal couple next.
A flash of raw violence crossed Noble Lady Rong’s eyes. She, the dignified Concubine Rong, had been demoted to Noble Lady in front of everyone. After this, she could forget about ever holding her head up in the palace. Moreover, she was now the same rank as the Zhaojia lady—how could she protect the Third Prince!
It was all the fault of the Empress and the Crown Prince; they had ruined everything for her.
She was determined to win back the Emperor’s favor. So many of her children had died in infancy, and heaven had never shown her any pity. If the Empress hadn’t monopolized the Emperor these past few months, she surely would have been pregnant by now and wouldn’t be raising someone else’s son. Heaven was always so unfair; had it ever seen her sorrow?
After forcing her emotions into a state of calm, she put on a smiling face, as if nothing had happened. However, she had already made up her mind to ensure the Emperor stayed after the feast. She could not afford to lose his favor after losing her status. As for the Empress—who cared about her? She wished the Empress would disappear before her very eyes.
She turned and ordered a servant to bring some “items,” unaware that the servant’s eyes flickered as he nodded and headed toward the back courtyard.
The atmosphere in the hall remained lively. After Li Mu and Kangxi sat down, though they weren’t exactly flaunting their affection, every movement revealed the rapport and tenderness of a couple. The Grand Empress Dowager would occasionally look up at them, only to have her attention drawn back by the child in her arms. She was still angry; the Empress was fine, but the Emperor shouldn’t be so completely absorbed by her.
In her son’s generation, although she didn’t like Consort Donggo, she knew that Donggo was wholeheartedly devoted to Fulin. But now, she only saw the Empress’s face of indifference; she was too calm toward the Emperor. Having seen too many women, she didn’t find the Empress’s expression entirely normal.
However, she had indeed seen affection in the Empress’s eyes just now. The Grand Empress Dowager fell into self-doubt and finally gave up on the matter. She would watch and see. If the Emperor never visited the other concubines’ quarters, she would have to force the Empress to yield. The Emperor did not belong to her alone; allowing the Heseri clan to dominate the harem would be a most disadvantageous move for the imperial court.
“Your Majesty, did you just call the Third Prince ‘Yin-Zhi’? Is that the child’s name?” Noble Lady Rong asked with a beaming smile.
Kangxi continued to play with the Empress’s hand. Following her gaze to the child in her arms, he said with some satisfaction, “I have named the Third Prince ‘Yin-Zhi,’ and the Eldest Prince ‘Yin-Ti.’ Yin-Zhi’s health seems much improved; I expect he will become a great support to the Crown Prince in the future.”
He said this without any hidden meaning, simply happy for his young son’s health. Noble Lady Rong’s face stiffened again, but she feigned composure. “Then, to celebrate the Third Prince’s good health, may I offer Your Majesty a toast?”
The servant who had left earlier brought a cup of wine. The liquid was slightly cloudy. With a smile on her face, she said, “Your Majesty, please drink.”
She had timed it perfectly. The wine contained something to “heighten the mood.” When the banquet ended, she would naturally have the Emperor stay to look at Yin-Zhi. After that, the nighttime service would follow as a matter of course. Sometimes, using certain methods for service was a tacitly accepted practice among palace concubines; one couldn’t let an opportunity for benefit fly away.
But she didn’t know that when the servant handed over the wine, his eyes flickered slightly—the tampering he had done might not be what she wanted.
Meanwhile, in the back courtyard, Lady Wuya breathed a sigh of relief, a mysterious smile playing on her lips. This was an opportunity sent by the heavens; how could she not cherish it? Magiya had lived in the palace for so long as a high-ranking concubine that she had likely forgotten how those of low status survived.
The Wuya clan’s status was not high, being tied to Booi (bondservant) status. Thus, they strove to develop power in every aspect. They could get money and open connections, but status alone had to be fought for. Unfortunately, none of the Wuya men were particularly capable. Fortunately, the daughters were all as beautiful as flowers. How to climb into the dragon bed was the problem that needed solving now.
She used money to bribe Magiya’s confidant and had her switch the medicine with one she had prepared—a potent aphrodisiac. Once the Emperor drank it, he would become impatient within a few hours. Then, how could the Emperor not suspect Magiya’s hand in it? In his rage, the Emperor would not favor Magiya, but he would very likely favor her, the maid who was painstakingly waiting by his side.
It was two birds with one stone: she would become the Emperor’s woman, and Magiya would receive a well-deserved lesson. Perfect.
In the front courtyard, Magiya held up the wine cup to toast the Emperor. Kangxi frowned. Beside him, Liang Jiugong quickly took the cup. “I thank the Noble Lady, but the Emperor has been busy with state affairs lately, and the imperial physician has advised against strong wine. I shall drink it on the Emperor’s behalf, so as not to waste the Noble Lady’s kind intentions.”
“Wait—that’s not…” It wasn’t for Liang Jiugong to drink. Magiya froze on the spot, her hand halfway extended.
Liang Jiugong moved extremely fast; no one could stop him. After drinking it, his mind was full of grumbles. Noble Lady Rong didn’t consider the Emperor’s health at all—unlike the Empress, who was always concerned for His Majesty. The Emperor needed to rest, and since this wine hadn’t been checked by him, there was no way he was going to let the Emperor drink something of unknown origin.
Since things had come to this, Magiya had no choice but to drink the other cup on the tray herself. “Fine.”
Liang Jiugong was a eunuch; surely the medicine wouldn’t affect him much. She felt a bit uneasy but remained calm. Because of her misgivings, she made no further moves, but her eyes kept darting toward Liang Jiugong.
Li Mu had been watching the actions of those below. Magiya’s behavior especially caught her eye. She discreetly followed Magiya’s gaze to Liang Jiugong, but her attention was suddenly pulled back by the Emperor holding her hand. She looked at the Emperor with some helplessness. “Your Majesty, do you like me—” she meant her hand, but saying it aloud felt like doing something shameful in broad daylight.
Li Mu had to speak more subtly. For the moment, she had no time to worry about Liang Jiugong.
Kangxi said with a beaming smile, “Wasn’t it the Empress who first said she loved me?”
Li Mu blinked and placed her other fair, soft hand into the Emperor’s palm, slowly pulling out the hand that had been held for a long time. “Your Majesty, let’s switch then. I want to change positions.”
“Hahaha!” Kangxi couldn’t help but laugh loudly, cherishing the other hand in his palm. The Empress, oh the Empress, was truly becoming more and more to his liking.
As the couple flirted, Liang Jiugong, standing dutifully by the Emperor, felt something wrong with his body. A wave of heat seemed to be rising, and he couldn’t tell where it was coming from. He was a eunuch; how could he have such “worldly” passions?
Li Mu glanced back, and her expression changed drastically. She tugged at the Emperor. “Your Majesty, look at Liang Jiugong. What is happening to him?”
Following the Empress’s gaze, Kangxi’s face shifted abruptly. Liang Jiugong’s neck and face were an alarming shade of red. Many people were startled. Magiya couldn’t help but take a step back. The imperial physician hurried over, and after a diagnosis, he hesitated to speak.
Kangxi said sharply, “Speak, quickly!”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Eunuch Liang… Eunuch Liang has consumed something he shouldn’t have. I estimate it is a potent aphrodisiac. Because of his unique physical condition, the medicine took effect rapidly.” The physician closed his eyes and blurted out the details of his diagnosis.
The concubines present were all shocked. For a moment, suspicious and wary glances were exchanged. Liang Jiugong, enduring the discomfort, hurriedly explained, “Your Majesty, everything I have eaten is documented, except for the cup of wine I just took from Noble Lady Rong. It was after drinking that wine that I felt this heat.”
“No… it wasn’t like that, Your Majesty! I wouldn’t have the audacity to scheme against the Emperor.” Magiya was almost in tears. She had clearly ordered the servant to bring a mild “mood enhancer”; how could it be a potent aphrodisiac? Wasn’t this a deliberate frame-up? If the crime of drugging the Emperor with a potent aphrodisiac fell on her, her life would be forfeit—never mind seeking favor or revenge.
The people present would not listen to her excuses. Under Liang Jiugong’s direction, the physician found the wine cup from earlier. He tentatively touched the liquid to his mouth and sniffed it before saying with absolute certainty, “Your Majesty, the potent aphrodisiac was indeed in this wine.”
The evidence was irrefutable!
Kangxi slammed the wine cup down. “Magiya, you actually dared to scheme to drug me.”
He never thought his concubines would be so heartless—even more so than the Mongolian consorts of his father’s time. Earlier, he had only disliked their private maneuvers, as if they were fighting over him like a trophy. But now, a murderous intent rose in his heart like never before. He had only shown Magiya a little favor before, and it had led to such thoughts.
He couldn’t help but recall years ago when his Imperial Father was on the throne; the concubines then were also at each other’s throats. As soon as one lost favor, the others would find every way to bring them down. Had his father also encountered such things, leading him to detest palace women so much and devote himself to Consort Donggo? If some concubines were as audacious as Magiya, it was no wonder his father had never favored them.
“Your Majesty, it wasn’t me! It wasn’t me! I am being framed!” Magiya was in tears, completely losing her composure.
Kangxi’s gaze toward her grew increasingly disgusted. He hadn’t fully understood his Imperial Father before. Just as he had intended to learn from him by favoring only one person so as not to lose even a fragment of the Empress’s love for him—and Mu’er was indeed someone he yearned for—it had been an uncertain thought. He hadn’t been sure if he would still favor only her if his affection for her ever faded.
But now, he found he could no longer bear the thought of favoring these concubines; he was disgusted by even a glance at them. Their private maneuvers were hidden yet everywhere, full of greed and calculation. Even he, their husband, could be schemed against. He couldn’t guarantee he wouldn’t die at their hands one day. Even the most indifferent-seeming concubines were only indifferent on the surface; years ago, the Niohuru lady had also schemed against others. He no longer trusted these women.
The Grand Empress Dowager was furious. “Investigate this thoroughly! Whoever dared to scheme against the Emperor should see if they have the strength to withstand the execution of nine generations of their clan!”
Magiya stopped arguing. Or rather, she fainted from shock upon hearing about the execution of nine generations.
“Wait,” Li Mu’s voice trembled. “Physician, quickly check the health of the Emperor and Yinreng. They also ate the food here just now. Quickly!”
She looked as though she was about to faint herself, only forcing herself to stay calm. Li Mu was truly worried about Yinreng’s health, and the Emperor’s as well. If something happened to them, even if Yinreng was the Crown Prince, how could such a small child control the empire? It would be a repeat of the Oboi crisis.
At that moment, no one made a sound. Watching the Empress feigning composure while actually drenched in cold sweat, Kangxi could care less about anything else. “Check the Empress first.” Mu’er looked like she might faint at any second; he couldn’t rest easy.
Li Mu ignored the Emperor and looked at the physician, threatening him word by word: “Physician Gu, do not listen to the Emperor. Quickly, check the Emperor and the Crown Prince! If anything happens to them, I will never forgive you.”
The Empress looked quite pitiful at this moment, as if her soul was being frightened away, and her frame was exceptionally frail. Yet, at this moment, she possessed a solemnity that no one present could ignore.
The Grand Empress Dowager suddenly sighed. Kangxi said nothing more, only watching the Empress quietly, as if this moment would last forever in his heart. Physician Gu bowed his head and checked Kangxi’s pulse; after a moment, the result put everyone at ease. Then, as he checked the Crown Prince’s pulse, other physicians also arrived. When Physician Zhao checked the Empress’s pulse, she still stared at the Crown Prince, unable to relax.
Only when the Crown Prince was pronounced safe did she breathe a sigh of relief and then completely faint.
“Mu’er! Mu’er!” Kangxi quickly caught her. “Physician, quickly see what’s wrong with her!”
The Grand Empress Dowager’s heart was also in her throat. “Physician, my granddaughter-in-law must not be in danger.”
The physician held his breath and carefully checked the Empress’s pulse. After a moment, a smile appeared on his face. “I congratulate Your Majesty and the Grand Empress Dowager. The Empress has been pregnant for over a month.”
The physician’s words caused a stir in the hall. The concubines were filled with jealousy and envy, but they no longer thought of competing with the Empress. After a moment of shock, the Grand Empress Dowager’s face was covered in smiles. “Excellent. It seems I will have another legitimate grandson.” Her words carried a hint of relief, as if the past grudge in her heart had finally vanished.
Only Kangxi remained unmoving throughout. Mu’er being pregnant with his child was indeed a happy event, but he didn’t seem as happy as he expected. It was as if, as long as he saw Mu’er was well, he asked for nothing else.
Perhaps he had initially approached his feelings for Mu’er with a hint of curiosity and doubt, but at this moment, he could no longer harbor even a sliver of doubt. Mu’er loved him; there was no question about that. And he, it seemed, had completely lost his heart to her.