Suo Etu gazed steadily at Longkodo, whose appearance had changed drastically from before, then slowly broke into a smile. Stroking his long beard, he said, "Second Master Tong must be exhausted from your journey. Please, come inside."
The dowry list for the Crown Princess Consort was drafted by the Imperial Household Department, revised and amended by the Emperor himself, and then presented to the two Empress Dowagers for review. Only after the Grand Empress Dowager gave her approval were the officials ordered to prepare everything.
Once the Grand Empress Dowager nodded, the entire team handling the wedding preparations collectively sighed in relief, wiping cold sweat from their brows. They thought with lingering fear—they had finally passed this hurdle.
While imperial princes' weddings had precedents, the Crown Prince's grand wedding was the first since the founding of the Qing Dynasty. The Imperial Household Department was swamped, and the ceremonial procedures drafted by the Ministry of Rites were repeatedly rejected. The Emperor had only one opinion—it wasn’t grand enough, not lavish enough. "Do you even know how to do your jobs?"
The Minister of Rites developed two massive dark circles under his eyes from exhaustion. Gritting his teeth, he referred to the precedents of the Emperor’s wedding with his first Empress, cautiously reducing the scale by twenty percent. Only then was the plan approved.
When the Eldest Prince married the Eldest Princess Consort, her dowry was fully provided by her natal family. But for the Crown Princess Consort, the Guargiya Clan contributed forty percent, while the palace covered the remaining sixty. The Emperor dipped into his private treasury to add many fine items, and the two Empress Dowagers naturally followed suit. Yunxiu pondered for a long time—since Jingchu was still unfamiliar with the palace and would need ample funds in the future, she added the scattered gold and silver she had saved over the years.
The Yikun Palace was home to Noble Consort Yi, the highest-ranking and most favored imperial consort. The Imperial Household Department dared not slight her—the finest teas, the most exquisite silks, and all rare tributes were sent there first. The eunuchs and maids didn’t even need bribes; they were eager to serve Her Highness with utmost devotion, hoping to catch her attention.
With frequent rewards from the Qianqing Palace and the lavish celebrations for the Fifth, Ninth, and Eleventh Princes' birth ceremonies, though Yikun Palace had considerable expenses, Yunxiu was undeniably wealthy. Her personal fortune would make the other consorts green with envy. The scattered gold and silver she had saved for the dowry, when converted to banknotes, amounted to a staggering sum.
Ruizhu carried a red sandalwood box to the Imperial Household Department. When opened, the officials were so astonished they didn’t dare decide on their own and immediately reported it to the Emperor.
It was said that Noble Consort Yi treated the Crown Prince with great affection, and now he finally believed it. Her love extended even to his bride—this dowry gift was no different from what one would give their own daughter.
Upon hearing the report, Kangxi paused, then chuckled. "If the Noble Consort gave it, then accept it. Her wealth is no less than mine."
The official from the Imperial Household Department didn’t know how to respond and could only bow repeatedly in agreement. Nearby, Liang Jiugong sighed inwardly—why wasn’t this fool dismissed yet?
The Chief Eunuch shot him a meaningful look, but the official remained oblivious, still waiting respectfully for His Majesty’s further instructions.
Then, in front of all the palace attendants, Kangxi pondered for a moment and ordered, "Open my private treasury. Whatever the Noble Consort gave, I will match it. Add another hundred taels of gold, and ask if she lacks anything else—make sure she is fully compensated. For the Crown Prince’s wedding, it’s enough to show sincerity. There’s no reason for her to spend so much."
After a pause, Kangxi added, "Do this quietly. Don’t let others know."
The official was dumbfounded. Match it?
No reason for the Noble Consort to spend?
Everyone said the Crown Prince was the Emperor’s most treasured son—was this what such treatment looked like?
After decades of navigating the palace’s treacherous waters, he lost his composure for the first time, walking out of the study like a stiff-legged crab. The guards at the door watched him pause, rubbing their jaws in confusion—was he having tooth trouble?
The next day, in Yikun Palace, Yunxiu stared blankly at the gleaming golden ingots.
Picking one up, she examined it—perfect shape, impeccable quality, exactly the kind reserved for imperial rewards.
"Is the Emperor afraid I’ll starve his little princess?" Yunxiu murmured, then couldn’t help but laugh. "A deal where I can’t lose—I wouldn’t mind a few more of these."
Ruizhu stole a glance at her mistress. The peach-blossom eyes shimmered with deep amusement, her arched brows making her exceptionally radiant. For some reason, Ruizhu felt a surge of emotion—Her Highness seemed different now.
If she had to describe it, it was as if… as if she had become lighter, freer.
Just then, someone announced that the Fifth, Ninth, and Eleventh Princes had come to pay their respects. Yunxiu set down the ingot, pleasantly surprised. "How rare for all three to come together. Let them in."
Soon, Yinqi led the way, with Yintang holding Yinzi’s hand behind him. After paying their respects, the Ninth Prince grinned and called out, "Mother!" His peach-blossom eyes—identical to Yunxiu’s—twinkled mischievously. "Mother, I heard you gave Second Sister-in-law a dowry gift yesterday!"
The Fifth Prince nodded eagerly. "Second Brother even bragged about it to me."
At this, Yintang pinched Yinzi’s chubby little hand. Taking the hint, Yinzi immediately puffed out his cheeks and snorted in pretend anger. "Mother! Ninth Brother says when he marries, you must treat him the same!"
Yunxiu looked from one to the other, then beckoned Yinzi over before casting a knowing glance at Yintang.
"..." Yintang nearly fainted. He had taught Yinzi to say, "When I marry," but the little traitor had thrown him under the carriage instead!
"Mother, I wasn’t eyeing your money," the Ninth Prince stammered in defense.
Amused yet suddenly weary, Yunxiu sighed. Children were truly debts—these three rascals, even the usually well-behaved Yinzi was a little imp, not to mention the seemingly simple-minded Tenth Prince. Would they bankrupt her treasury?
Seeing her expression, Ruizhu stifled a laugh and teased, "Your Highnesses should know—Her Highness has secured a foolproof deal. From now on, her dowry gifts will only grow."
As she spoke, her gaze unconsciously drifted to the tray of golden ingots. Yintang followed her line of sight, his eyes lighting up instantly. "Mother—!"
The gleam was unmistakable—where had these come from?
Yunxiu knew exactly what Yintang was thinking. A seven-year-old brat who couldn’t even leave the palace yet was already dreaming of the grand business ventures of his past life? Ridiculous.
She smiled sweetly, drawing out her words. "Oh, these? Your imperial father pitied me and specially sent these treasures."
Her tone was so unlike her usual self that Yinqi and the others broke out in goosebumps, falling into stunned silence.
"..." Walking out of Yikun Palace stiffly, Yinqi said with difficulty, "Ninth Brother, you really shouldn’t have asked."
Yintang seemed utterly devastated, his expression dazed. After a long pause, he finally muttered, "Mother, she—"
Yinzi, toddling slowly behind them, puffed his round cheeks in thought before concluding solemnly, "Mother really loves golden ingots."
I’ll tell Imperial Father later!
On the sixteenth day of the third month in the twenty-ninth year of Kangxi’s reign, Crown Prince Yinreng married his primary consort, Lady Guargiya.
On the eve of the grand wedding, one hundred and twenty-eight dowry cases, filled to the brim, wound their way through the bustling streets, drawing crowds of onlookers before being carried one after another into Yuqing Palace. The bearers were clansmen of the Guargiya family, the maternal relatives of the future Crown Princess, hosted by the Imperial Household Department in a grand feast. For a time, both guests and hosts reveled in joy, and the atmosphere brimmed with celebration both inside and outside the palace.
The next day, before dawn had broken and while the sky still hung dark, the entire Forbidden City was already ablaze with lights and alive with clamor. The Crown Prince, having exchanged his apricot-yellow casual robes for a grand crimson dragon-embroidered gown, proceeded solemnly to three palaces—Cining Palace, Ningshou Palace, and Qianqing Palace—performing the ritual of three kneelings and nine prostrations at each.
The dragon robe bore a four-clawed golden dragon, coiled and spitting pearls, its eyes gleaming fiercely, accentuating the Crown Prince’s noble bearing and striking handsomeness. His phoenix-like eyes held the same imposing dignity inherited from Kangxi, now fully matured.
The Grand Empress Dowager, seated in the place of honor, received his obeisance. Once the rites were completed, the elderly lady repeatedly praised him, her eyes glistening slightly as she said, "Yinreng grows more and more like the Emperor. To witness this day leaves me with no regrets in this life. Live well with your bride, and do not betray your imperial father’s expectations."
By the end, her voice trembled with breathlessness. After a pause, she smiled warmly and urged, "Go now. Your imperial grandmother surely has many words of advice for you as well."
The Crown Prince knelt once more, his voice choked as he uttered, "Esteemed Ancestor," and remained prostrate for a long while.
Finally, he spoke hoarsely, "Baocheng will never forget your grace and teachings."
At Ningshou Palace, the Empress Dowager offered earnest words of guidance before cheerfully adding, "I’ve always been fond of Jingchu. You mustn’t bully her."
The Crown Prince smiled in response. "Imperial Grandmother need only keep an eye on this grandson."
Qianqing Palace.
Liang Jiugong held his breath as he adjusted the Emperor’s court robes, smoothing the folds at the collar. Outside, eunuchs intermittently reported the Crown Prince’s movements: "His Highness has paid respects at the Empress Dowager’s palace and is now approaching Qianqing Gate."
Kangxi gazed into the bronze mirror without a word, offering only a quiet hum of acknowledgment.
Having attended the Emperor since childhood, Liang Jiugong knew without a doubt that he had slept poorly the night before. True enough, the rustling of the imperial bed had continued ceaselessly until the second watch before finally settling.
Deeply aware of the Emperor’s emotions as he watched the Crown Prince—once a tiny jade-like child—grow into such an exceptional man, Liang Jiugong remained silent, careful not to disrupt his sovereign’s thoughts.
After a long pause, Kangxi finally looked away from the mirror and asked gravely, "What do you think of this jade cream? Does it show any effect?"
Liang Jiugong nearly stumbled in surprise before scrambling for a reply. "Your Majesty, Imperial Physician Min’s skill is renowned throughout the capital. The efficacy of the jade cream goes without saying. Yet Your Majesty is in the prime of life, hardly in need of such remedies. Still, with your diligent application morning and night, this humble servant daresay you appear even younger than the Crown Prince himself."
"Nonsense." Kangxi kicked him lightly, feigning displeasure, though inwardly pleased. A faint smile tugged at his lips. "Enough. It is time for me to receive Baocheng’s respects."
Preoccupied with wedding preparations and archery practice, the Crown Prince had scarcely found time for close conversation with his imperial father in recent days.
Upon entering the hall, he lifted the hem of his robe and performed the three kneelings and nine prostrations with utmost solemnity.
Kangxi, moved, bade him rise. But no sooner had the Crown Prince stood than his eyes instinctively sought traces of the jade cream on his father’s face, forgetting his own brimming emotions.
Noticing his son’s gaze, Kangxi arched a questioning brow. Startled, the Crown Prince realized his impropriety.
Hastily, he bowed in apology. "This son begs forgiveness. It’s just... Father Emperor’s complexion appears even more youthful than mine..."
The moment the words left his mouth, the Crown Prince inwardly cursed himself. On his wedding day, of all times, he had chosen to act foolishly, uttering such impertinence!
Unaware of his son’s inner turmoil, Kangxi was far from angered. Instead, he burst into laughter, pointing at the Crown Prince in delight and pride. "Today, as you take a bride, Baocheng has truly come of age."
In the end, the Crown Prince’s eyes did not redden. Brimming with encouragement and praise, he withdrew in a daze. Only when the breeze brushed his cheeks outside Qianqing Palace did he regain some composure.
Setting aside the oddity of his father’s behavior for now, he gestured toward the brick-paved path leading to the Western Six Palaces and said to He Zhuer with a smile, "No need to follow. I wish to walk there alone."
Dawn had just broken, leaving the palace paths deserted and silent. Finding a secluded spot, the Crown Prince let his smile fade and knelt properly, pressing his forehead to the ground in reverence.
The direction of his bow faced Yikun Palace, its upturned eaves and vermilion walls half-veiled in the morning mist.
