News that Emperor Kangxi had spent the night at Chengqian Palace spread through the harem as though it had grown wings, reaching every palace courtyard before dawn.
When the imperial consorts gathered for their morning greetings the next day, the topic dominated every conversation. Noble Consort Tongjia had arrived unusually late, while the other person involved in the matter had become the center of everyone’s discussion.
“Have you heard? His Majesty was speaking with Consort De at Yonghe Palace yesterday, but Noble Consort Tongjia invited him to Chengqian Palace instead…”
“Exactly. The Noble Consort currently enjoys the emperor’s favor more than anyone else. On top of that, she’s a Noble Consort. I’m afraid the winds in the harem are about to change…”
The hushed gossip drifted into Shulan’s ears.
She rolled her eyes inwardly.
A stale old cucumber that’s been passed around for years—not some fresh, tender cabbage.
Seeing that Shulan had no intention of responding, the others quickly lost interest and changed the subject.
Not long after, Noble Consort Tongjia finally arrived.
She wore an elaborate court robe, but the fatigue she tried to conceal was still visible on her face.
The room instantly fell silent. Everyone rose to greet her.
As Tongjia surveyed the hall, her gaze landed on Shulan, and a meaningful smile curved her lips.
“Little Sister De, you’re looking quite radiant today.”
Shulan offered a graceful curtsy.
“Thanks to Your Highness’s blessings, I am indeed doing well.”
“That’s good. His Majesty spent the night at my palace yesterday. This morning, he even remarked that the flowers in Yonghe Palace are the finest. It’s a pity he left in such a hurry yesterday and didn’t have time to admire them.”
The atmosphere froze instantly.
Everyone held their breath, waiting to see how Shulan would respond.
“Is that so?” Shulan raised her eyes, her smile calm and effortless.
“If Elder Sister likes them, I’ll have some sent over to your palace today so you may enjoy them at your leisure.”
Tongjia’s expression stiffened for a moment before her smile returned.
“You’re very generous, Little Sister. Unfortunately, my warm chamber is already filled with the peonies His Majesty has bestowed upon me. I’m afraid there’s no room for anything else.”
Consort Hui watched the exchange closely, taking in Shulan’s quiet restraint and Tongjia’s barely concealed satisfaction.
Slowly rising to her feet, she brushed imaginary dust from her skirts and addressed the others.
“It’s about time. We should be going. The Grand Empress Dowager is waiting.”
Tongjia’s face froze.
The triumphant smile on her lips faded considerably.
Watching Consort Hui stroll away, she unconsciously tightened her grip on the embroidered pouch hanging from her waist until her knuckles turned white.
Her nanny hurried forward to smooth things over.
“Your Highness, please don’t be upset. Consort Hui is simply anxious about arriving late to Cining Palace and displeasing the Grand Empress Dowager.”
“Displeasing her?” Tongjia let out a cold laugh, unable to suppress the anger in her voice.
“She’s clearly enjoying the spectacle. Who knows how much she’s laughing at me inside?”
She shook off her nanny’s hand and strode forward.
When she saw the other consorts waiting for her outside, her expression changed instantly. Composed once more, she led the group toward Cining Palace.
By the time Shulan emerged from Cining Palace, the sun was already high in the sky.
There wasn’t much to do if she returned to Yonghe Palace immediately, so she decided to enjoy the rare winter sunshine instead.
Following the stone path through the imperial garden, she basked in the warmth of the sunlight.
Beside her, Suyun chatted with her casually as they strolled at an unhurried pace.
Just as they passed a rockery, a soft babbling voice drifted toward them, accompanied by the rhythmic thump-thump of a rattle.
Following the sound, Shulan spotted a wet nurse sitting on a stone bench outside a pavilion, holding a little boy of about two years old.
The child wore a moon-white jacket embroidered with silver patterns. Red cords tied his hair into two small topknots.
His round cheeks were as smooth and plump as freshly peeled eggs.
The sunlight gilded his soft hair with a faint golden glow, casting delicate shadows beneath his long eyelashes.
Lost in play, he waved his little hand, accidentally dropping the rattle onto the ground.
Startled, he leaned over with his chubby fingers to retrieve it. Instead, he lost his balance and nearly toppled over.
The maids rushed forward in alarm to steady him.
The child who had just frightened everyone merely burst into delighted giggles, deep dimples appearing in his cheeks.
He was unbearably adorable.
Standing beneath the corridor a few steps away, Shulan watched quietly without approaching.
Who could have imagined that the cold, distant emperor of history had once been such a lovable child?
“Your Ladyship, it’s the Fourth Prince. Would you… like to go see him?” Suyun asked cautiously, glancing around from time to time.
Jinhua had remained at Yonghe Palace to care for Little Six today, so Suyun, who usually dressed Shulan’s hair, had accompanied her instead.
Shulan shook her head gently.
“No need. Watching him from afar is enough. Otherwise, certain people will be unhappy again if word gets out.”
She didn’t mind trouble for herself.
What she feared was bringing trouble to the child.
“But—”
“That’s enough. I—”
Turning to leave, Shulan suddenly stumbled.
No one had noticed that in the brief moment they had been talking, the little boy had toddled over on unsteady legs.
The two collided.
Still unsteady on his feet, little Yinzhen flailed his arms and pitched forward, crashing directly into Shulan’s leg.
His soft little body bumped warmly against her knee.
Fortunately, Suyun was behind her to steady her.
Alarmed, Shulan immediately bent down to catch him.
The moment her fingers touched his tiny arm, his mouth puckered.
“Waah—”
His eyes reddened instantly, but no tears actually fell. Instead, he looked up at her pitifully, his little hand clutching tightly at the hem of her robe.
Seeing his dependent gaze, Shulan felt a sudden ache in her heart.
The emotion wasn’t hers.
It belonged to Consort De—the lingering feelings of a mother who had barely seen the child she had given birth to.
Before Shulan could speak, the wet nurse hurried over, her face pale with fear.
“This servant deserves death! I frightened Consort De!”
Shulan waved her hand dismissively.
“It’s nothing.”
She lowered her gaze to the little bundle in her arms.
Held by the wet nurse, little Yinzhen stared curiously at Shulan with his large round eyes.
Then, displaying astonishing boldness, he reached out his chubby hand toward the pearl ornament dangling beside her temple.
Babbling softly, he uttered two indistinct syllables.
“M-Mother…”
The entire courtyard froze.
Everyone knew Noble Consort Tongjia’s temperament.
Even the wet nurse dared not linger. She hurriedly gathered the Fourth Prince into her arms and prepared to withdraw after paying her respects.
Shulan stood rooted to the spot.
That single word—Mother—struck her like a hammer.
The bitterness swelling in her chest became almost unbearable.
She clenched her palms tightly to suppress it.
The palace maids around her exchanged uneasy glances, unsure what to do.
Suyun looked at Shulan with concern.
“Your Ladyship, we should return to the palace quickly before this causes trouble.”
Shulan finally came back to herself.
Just as she was about to leave, she saw Noble Consort Tongjia approaching slowly with a group of attendants behind her.