Yunxiu hesitated for a moment, pushing aside the faint resistance in her heart, and finally extended her hand, letting it be enveloped in Kangxi’s palm.
Liang Jiugong hurriedly brought over a chair, placing it right beside His Majesty’s, then flashed her an ingratiating smile before retreating to the side.
Yunxiu: "…"
She felt everything had spiraled beyond her expectations.
And then came something even more unsettling!
The Emperor’s expression was tender, his voice gentle, and he even spoke such words…
She froze for a long moment, nearly breaking out in goosebumps.
Yunxiu knew well that her love for Kangxi wouldn’t be so easily discarded. As long as she stepped away from the competition for his favor, out of sight would mean out of mind—given time, it would surely fade.
Wasn’t this how all emotions in the world worked?
These past few days, her thoughts and words had revolved solely around her children and plans for the future. She hadn’t left Yanxi Palace even once, living a fulfilling and carefree life.
Even without the Emperor as her "center," once she grew accustomed to it, there was nothing bad about it.
But then, at noon today, Liang Jiugong suddenly delivered the Emperor’s verbal decree, summoning her to accompany him…
Even the Imperial Noble Consort had never been invited to Qianqing Palace to attend to His Majesty.
She had changed—had Kangxi changed as well? Not only was he behaving intimately, but his sweet words had also reached new heights.
Such words, such smiles, were always reserved for those he cherished most, brimming with affection.
She had done nothing to deserve such treatment—why was this happening?
Yunxiu couldn’t make sense of it, so she could only remain vigilant, guarding against sinking into it. On the surface, she lowered her head as if shy, deliberately ignoring the first half of his praise and focusing instead on the latter part.
"Tiring yourself out?"
How had she tired herself out?
Before she could figure it out, Kangxi brushed his fingers against her temple and chuckled softly, "Look up."
His voice was low, teasing.
Yunxiu clenched her handkerchief, barely resisting the urge to defy the imperial command.
Since her expression had turned stiff while looking down, and she couldn’t force a smile in time, Consort Yi resigned herself to her fate and lifted her face—only to meet a pair of profound, phoenix-like eyes.
To Kangxi, Yunxiu’s delicate brows were slightly furrowed, her confusion tinged with unmistakable disapproval, as if silently refuting his words and expressing her resistance. It was utterly vivid.
He was accustomed to concubines who were meek and submissive—none dared show such an expression in his presence.
Yet the Emperor didn’t erupt in anger. Instead, he laughed heartily. "You…"
Xiuxiu had never feared him. Her affection for him was the deepest, the most genuine, always presenting her best self to him without the slightest neglect.
See? He had worried she might exhaust herself and advised her to dress casually, yet she disagreed and even threw a little tantrum.
As the saying went, women adorned themselves for those who appreciated them. Thinking this, Kangxi felt a warmth in his heart, a surge of delight scattering the gloom that had gathered yesterday.
The Emperor pulled Yunxiu down to sit, his large hand resting over her abdomen as he coaxed gently, "This is my fault! I won’t say another word—do as you please."
Yunxiu: "…"
She had braced herself, waiting for the Emperor’s fury, prepared to become the laughingstock of the harem without regret.
But what was this scene before her?
Expressionless and utterly bewildered, Yunxiu opened her mouth but found herself uncharacteristically speechless.
It seemed they had been talking past each other the entire time.
As if sensing its mother’s predicament, the child in her womb—whether a hand or a foot—gave a little kick, landing squarely against Kangxi’s palm. Delight flashed across his face, followed by… a soft growling sound.
Yunxiu snapped back to reality, her face flushing crimson—she was hungry.
Amusement flickered in Kangxi’s eyes before he turned and glared at Liang Jiugong in the corner. "Why haven’t you called for the meal yet? Where are your eyes? If my little prince goes hungry, you’ll answer for it!"
His tone was a far cry from the soothing one he’d used earlier.
This servant, shrinking into the shadows as if trying to vanish! The meal should have been served long ago—how dare he delay until now?
Liang Jiugong shuffled out from behind the pillar, nearly in tears.
Fine, it’s all this servant’s fault—
His Majesty and Consort Yi were immersed in such tender intimacy—who would dare interrupt?
The atmosphere was so thick it made his teeth ache, wishing he could burrow underground.
Who would be foolish enough to speak up now? Did they have a death wish?
His Majesty might just strike him down!
With Kangxi’s reprimand, Liang Jiugong had no choice but to take the blame, forcing a smile. "Yes, this servant is utterly blind… May Your Majesty and Her Ladyship forgive me. I’ll summon the meal at once…"
With that, he dashed off like the wind, vanishing in an instant.
Yunxiu blinked, then burst into laughter, dispelling her unease as her features softened. "Why must Your Majesty frighten him so? The Chief Steard has worked diligently, serving you with utmost devotion."
Her laughter was bright, tinged with playful reproach, as if she had suddenly rediscovered her usual ease with the Emperor.
Kangxi arched a brow. "I wasn’t aware Liang Jiugong had earned Consort Yi’s favor…"
Then, with a smile, he leaned in and pressed a light kiss to her forehead. "Consider this your punishment."
Yunxiu’s eyes widened in shock.
"…Baocheng has been visiting Cining Palace frequently lately, saying he wants to teach Yinqi Mandarin," Kangxi said, thoroughly enjoying her stunned expression before smoothly changing the subject. "I didn’t believe him at first. But after testing him, it turns out Yinqi has already mastered simple phrases."
Before Yunxiu could dwell on the kiss, her attention snapped to her eldest son.
"He can speak Mandarin now?" she exclaimed, overjoyed.
Then, with deep gratitude, she added, "The Crown Prince is so kind, taking such care of his younger brother. I don’t even know how to thank him…"
After a thoughtful pause, she smiled sheepishly. "The Crown Prince lacks nothing—I can’t think of a suitable gift at the moment. Perhaps Your Majesty could advise me?"
Every word was sincere, and Kangxi knew it well.
Each syllable struck a chord in his heart.
His pride in the Crown Prince swelled even more—filial to elders, affectionate toward brothers, and already capable of standing on his own at just ten years old.
What child could compare to Baocheng?
And then there was Consort Yi. She was one of Baocheng’s stepmothers, just like the Imperial Noble Consort and the Noble Consorts.
Yet while the others avoided even mentioning the Crown Prince outside formal occasions—only interacting with him for ulterior motives—Yunxiu was different.
Even Young Lady Hesheri, the Crown Prince’s aunt, was no exception.
And then there were those like Mrs. Tongjia, nursing resentment toward him and the Crown Prince…
But today, Consort Yi spoke of giving Baocheng a gift for teaching Yinqi Mandarin, praising his brotherly care.
For a moment, the Emperor couldn’t describe the emotion in his chest—only that it felt tender and bittersweet. His gaze softened further as he looked at Yunxiu.
Kangxi waved a hand, chuckling. "The Crown Prince is his elder brother—this is his duty. As for a gift, there’s no need…"
Under Yunxiu’s hopeful stare, he paused, then amended, "…No need for Xiuxiu to trouble herself. I’ll send something on your behalf."
News of Kangxi summoning Consort Yi to attend him spread swiftly through the palace, stirring waves of astonishment.
The current Emperor is wise, valiant, and ambitious—far from a lustful ruler. Since ascending the throne, he had never once allowed his consorts to accompany him in the Qianqing Palace. Yet now, he broke this precedent. Despite being buried in state affairs and having neglected the imperial concubines’ name plaques for days, he summoned the pregnant Consort Yi to his side… How could this not shock everyone?!
In an instant, the court’s perception of Yunxiu’s favor took a new turn.
The gazes of the imperial consorts converged upon the Yanxi Palace—some sour, some malicious, but most brimming with envy.
Lower-ranking concubines could only silently yearn, hoping one day to emulate Consort Yi’s unwavering favor, where even pregnancy did nothing to diminish the Emperor’s affection.
Those of higher rank, however, tore embroidered handkerchiefs and shattered teacups in jealousy, cursing Yunxiu inwardly as a fox spirit.
…
Meanwhile, in the Yanxi Palace, Consort Hui happened to be discussing the matter with her confidante.
"Consort Yi certainly has her ways, keeping the Emperor so devoted," she remarked lightly, lifting the lid of her teacup and blowing softly. Her expression was calm, though a faint scoff escaped her lips. "Truly unmatched."
Her chief maid, Ying'er, massaging her shoulders, ventured cautiously, "With so many beauties in the palace, why would His Majesty favor a five-months-pregnant consort? This… defies propriety, my lady."
Knowing that Consort Hui had long withdrawn from the battle for favor—devoting herself entirely to the Eldest Prince in recent years—Ying'er dared to voice such bold, almost presumptuous words.
"Propriety?" Consort Hui flicked her nails dismissively. "The Emperor’s preference is propriety. Have you seen the Empress Dowager or the Grand Empress Dowager object? No! They might even tacitly approve, perhaps even delight in it."
With the Fifth Prince by the Empress Dowager’s side, Consort Yi naturally held an advantage. Add to that her frequent visits to the Cining Palace, charming the elders with wit and humor—was it any wonder she won their favor?
Then, as if struck by a thought, Consort Hui added pointedly, "Look at Consort Yi, then look at others. Their looks may compare, but their cleverness? Not even close."
The subject ignited her frustration. "...Calling her a blockhead would be generous. Holed up in her side chamber all day, wasting such a pretty face!"
Ying'er knew exactly whom her mistress meant.
That woman, low-born and easily controlled, had stubbornly refused to vie for favor or serve Consort Hui’s interests.
Softening her massage, Ying'er soothed, "Do not upset yourself, my lady. Since Noble Consort Liang has no ambition, let her be. At most, she’s just another face during morning greetings."
When Consort Hui remained silent, her lips curled in a cold smile, Ying'er lowered her voice further. "The Eighth Prince is under your care. When he grows, he’ll be a pillar of support for the Eldest Prince. As for Noble Consort Liang… she is still his birth mother. It wouldn’t do to slight her. Best to simply ignore her presence."
At this, Consort Hui’s expression eased. "You speak sense."
Anything tied to Yinti could draw out her boundless patience.
Speak of the devil. Just as classes ended, a robust voice echoed from outside the hall: "Mother!"
Consort Hui’s face lit up with joy. "Yinti is here."
Waving Ying'er away, she rose—only for the Eldest Prince, Yinti, to burst into the chamber like a whirlwind.
The twelve-year-old boy, still youthful yet already bearing traces of future martial prowess, grinned widely, clearly thrilled about something.
Before Consort Hui could ask, she froze. "Yinti, why are you carrying your Eighth Brother? This is reckless."
Cradled in Yinti’s arms was the two-year-old Eighth Prince, Yin Si.
At the babbling age, still unsteady on his feet, the toddler squirmed slightly in his elder brother’s grip, his dark, grape-like eyes wide with curiosity.
The panting Wet Nurse finally caught up, hovering anxiously nearby, terrified the Eldest Prince might drop the child…
"Mother, I’m just happy," Yinti declared, eyes sparkling. "Today’s archery contest—I outperformed the Crown Prince!"
※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※
Kangxi: Xiuxiu truly cares for me.
Yunxiu: Has the Emperor lost his mind??
