Yunxiu’s address of "Emperor Shunzhi" truly left the emperor speechless.
Kangxi fell silent for a moment before replying, "The Imperial Noble Consort speaks rightly."
Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince’s expression shifted slightly. His shoulders trembled as he lowered his head deeply, suppressing a laugh that nearly escaped his lips. As for the emperor, he was caught between anger and amusement, his face flushing with a mix of emotions, his ears turning a vivid shade of red.
In an instant, all his memories rushed back.
Pouring his heart out to Xiuxiu and even arranging his posthumous affairs was one thing—he neither could nor would retract the edict he had prepared. Bestowing upon her the title of Imperial Noble Consort for her devoted care during his illness was an honor no one could dispute, and it was the dignity he wished to grant her.
Only his cheeks burned slightly, for these words were more sincere than any sweet nothings.
But as for Yinreng, this child…
He had spoken of resting in peace in the afterlife, yet the Crown Prince hadn’t stopped him, allowing him to make such a spectacle of himself.
His dignity was utterly shattered.
With great effort, Kangxi straightened himself and coughed heavily, feeling the chill in his limbs gradually warming, the weight in his body lightening.
Stiffening his expression, his weakened voice grew steadier. "Yinreng, since that’s the case, what I just told you is nullified. Your merit in presenting the medicine and your earlier misstep cancel each other out. Rest is now the most pressing matter—withdraw at once. Have the medicine distributed immediately. Once the palace servants and physicians recover, I will summon you again."
The Crown Prince responded with a heart full of mixed emotions, his steps heavy as he retreated. Never had a thought been clearer in his mind:
He was nothing but an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire.
Merit and fault offset? His imperial father hadn’t allowed him to speak a single word—how could this be his fault?
Even in grave illness, Kangxi remained adept at twisting the truth, showing no concern for his son’s exhaustion, his thoughts solely occupied by Imperial Noble Consort Yi. This was the imperial father he knew best.
With a long sigh in his heart, he bowed gracefully and took his leave, though his phoenix-like eyes—so like Kangxi’s—were warm with amusement.
His imperial father’s recovery was all that mattered.
As he passed the screen, Liang Jiugong suppressed his excitement and whispered, "This servant bids farewell to Your Highness." The Crown Prince gave a slight nod. Soon, only Yunxiu and Kangxi remained in the hall, the atmosphere entirely transformed.
Kangxi curled his fingers slightly and called softly, "Xiuxiu."
Before she could respond, his voice softened further as he coughed lightly and murmured, "The Crown Prince has retired—you should rest as well. The journey was arduous, and I could see how weary you were. Only with proper sleep will you have the energy to tend to me, won’t you? Don’t exhaust my little princess."
His tone was almost coaxing. Yunxiu’s heart swelled, and the corners of her lips lifted in a faint smile as she yielded. "This consort will obey His Majesty’s command."
A dull ache crept up her legs from sitting too long in the carriage. Though the road hadn’t been terribly rough, it was far from comfortable. Earlier, her focus had been solely on Kangxi, ignoring the protests of her body. Now that her worries had eased, her stomach betrayed her, letting out a soft, barely audible growl.
Kangxi turned to look at her. Yunxiu’s cheeks warmed slightly as she withdrew her hand from his—now slightly warmed by her touch—and rose from the bedside to pour him a cup of warm water, holding it to his lips. Once he finished, she leaned over with some difficulty to help him lie back down.
"Your Majesty," she said, tucking the blankets around him with a gentle smile, "aren’t you exhausted as well? A good sleep will restore your spirits. This consort will wait in the eastern chamber and return soon to attend to you, alright?"
After a pause, Kangxi gave a low hum of agreement, his voice hoarse. "Before you retire, have the kitchen prepare something light and easy to digest. I’ll leave Liang Jiugong at your disposal."
Yunxiu’s eyes curved in agreement.
Her gaze drifted slightly, deliberately avoiding the emperor’s still-flushed ears.
With a soft creak, the chamber door opened. As the room fell silent, Kangxi closed his eyes peacefully, his breathing steadying.
His dry, fevered lips curled faintly upward, as if the haze of illness was no longer unbearable.
The surroundings were utterly still.
The candlelight flickered as Yunxiu blinked awake, disoriented for a long moment before realizing—this wasn’t her familiar Yikun Palace.
"Your Highness, you’re finally awake!" A delighted voice chimed. "Hot water has just been prepared outside. This servant will help you wash and dress—Grand Imperial Physician Chen awaits outside by His Majesty’s order."
Their departure from the palace had been rushed, requiring a light entourage rather than a grand procession, so Yunxiu had brought only Ruizhu. Earlier, when she entered the emperor’s chambers, the Crown Prince had dismissed her and He Zhuer, instructing them to rest briefly. The side chambers had been prepared by the palace servants, ensuring they were well-rested to serve their mistress.
Hearing "Grand Imperial Physician Chen," Yunxiu grew more alert. After a pause, she asked, "How long have I slept?"
"Your Highness was utterly exhausted from the journey. After bathing, you rested a full four hours." Ruizhu shook out an outer robe and draped it carefully over her shoulders. "If this servant recalls correctly, it’s just past the evening meal."
Yunxiu nodded, instinctively asking, "And His Majesty—?"
"Your Highness need not worry! The Crown Prince brought a miraculous cure for malaria—something called quinine. Within moments of taking it, the afflicted servants showed marked improvement. They’ve been spared, weeping and kowtowing in gratitude. Even the physicians were astounded!"
Ruizhu’s face glowed with joy as she continued bustling about. "Everyone says the Imperial Noble Consort’s deep devotion to His Majesty and her boundless blessings, combined with the Crown Prince’s filial piety, moved the heavens to grant this divine cure and save the Son of Heaven."
Having rushed thousands of miles to Rehe, Yunxiu had been elevated to Imperial Noble Consort—second only to the empress, pending only the formal investiture ceremony.
When Ruizhu had arrived, she had barely contained her grief. Even this news brought little joy, for Yunxiu had insisted on coming despite all the discouragement. With tears in her eyes, Ruizhu had thought: If His Majesty succumbs, what will become of Her Highness? Even as Imperial Noble Consort, what future awaits her?
How Yunxiu had longed for a little princess… but for the child to be born without a father—
Now, everything had changed. In mere hours, the situation had turned entirely. Ruizhu nearly wept with relief—her mistress’s suffering had finally borne fruit.
The risk had been worth it. The emperor would never forget her devotion.
News of Yunxiu’s elevation spread through the palace within an hour. With the Crown Prince’s miraculous cure ensuring Kangxi’s recovery, the servants’ despair melted into exuberance. They now greeted Ruizhu with fervent respect, addressing her as "Auntie" and eagerly asking if the Imperial Noble Consort had further orders.
The moment Ruizhu stepped out, she was swarmed with attention.
She regaled Yunxiu with amusing tidbits from the palace:
"This servant was so startled, I thought I’d become some grand figure from the backwaters!" The remark drew a light laugh from the Imperial Noble Consort, easing the last of her tension.
After dressing and washing up, Yunxiu used warm water to soothe her face while servants outside prepared bathwater and meals. Grand Imperial Physician Chen, his gray-streaked beard quivering, strode briskly in and meticulously took her pulse.
Now that her life was no longer in danger, the physician finally relaxed enough to huff and scold—though he dared not do so openly. Instead, he muttered veiled reprimands under his breath. "Her Majesty is four months pregnant—this is sheer recklessness! Running about all day, even venturing into a den of wolves—an ordinary woman in good health would struggle, let alone someone as delicate as Her Majesty. If anything had happened..."
When the Emperor had fallen ill, Grand Imperial Physician Chen had been terrified, nearly despairing, as if he had brushed shoulders with death itself. He had even drafted a lengthy farewell letter, only to miraculously escape calamity. Having weathered such storms, he now carried an air of unshakable calm.
As if some epiphany had struck him, he prattled on without pause. "Fortunately, Her Majesty has always been robust. The signs of an unstable pregnancy are faint. Once this old man brews a dose of medicine..."
Yunxiu had a headache from his lecturing, but knowing she was at fault, she refrained from arguing. Under the physician’s deeply reproachful gaze, she hastily agreed to everything. Only then did Grand Imperial Physician Chen seem satisfied, bustling off to prepare the medicine.
Yunxiu fell silent, while Ruizhu stifled a laugh beside her. After a moment, Ruizhu’s expression sobered. "Your Majesty," she said softly, "this servant forgot to report earlier. Consort Rong has provoked the Emperor’s wrath for some reason and was confined to the westernmost room in the side courtyard. They say the place is covered in cobwebs and dust, untouched by cleaners, and the kitchen hasn’t even sent her meals."
The Third Prince’s residence was far from the Hall of Refreshing Mists and Waves, so he likely hadn’t heard the news yet. As for what offense Consort Rong had committed, the eunuchs guarding the courtyard kept tight-lipped. Her personal maids, who had accompanied her to Rehe, were detained elsewhere, leaving no one to plead for her.
Yunxiu knew exactly why this had happened. Her expression cooled. "This outcome is what she sought."
With a light laugh, she added, "After I finish the medicine, I’ll pay her a proper visit—ensure she feels welcomed."
The room was empty, lit only by a single candle. Consort Rong, the white veil still covering her face, sat motionless on a dust-covered wooden chair.
Suddenly, clamor erupted outside, followed by uniform greetings: "This servant pays respects to the Imperial Noble Consort!"
Her eyes flew open, her brow twitching violently. She shot to her feet and rushed toward the door—only to freeze mid-step, as if all strength had left her.
Imperial Noble Consort?
Had she misheard?
The growing commotion shattered her denial. "Your Majesty, watch your step—the path here is uneven!"
Consort Rong stood rooted in place, unmoving.
Her nails dug into her palms, her eyes bloodshot. An eternity seemed to pass before blinding light flooded the room through the windows and door. With the creak of the wooden door, Yunxiu stepped inside.
Slap! Before Consort Rong could react, a heavy blow sent her crashing to the ground.
The burly maidservant shook her wrist and retreated respectfully. "Your Majesty."
Yunxiu crouched down, smiling as she gripped Consort Rong’s chin and leaned close to her ear. "You enjoyed burning incense for Concubine Hui, didn’t you? Tell me—how does it feel to be drugged by her now?"
