The Imperial Noble Consort lightly uttered the words "establishing an empress," her lips curling into a mocking smile. "Someone submitted a memorial, stating that the position of the central palace has been vacant for too long, and humbly requested His Majesty to appoint an empress. Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia, virtuous and exemplary, is deemed worthy of the position..."
As she spoke, her smile widened. "The court erupted in chaos. The Imperial Noble Consort was supposedly 'resting in seclusion,' yet her authority over the palace was stripped away, causing quite a stir. Who wouldn’t know that the memorial was instigated by Tong Guowei? Suo Etu vehemently opposed it, while Mingzhu, on the other hand, appeared fully supportive. The Emperor withheld his decision for the time being, but at noon, he invited Tong Guowei to dine with him."
Yunxiu listened with great interest before sighing, "The Tong family is getting desperate."
The Tong family had produced Empress Xiaokangzhang, becoming the Emperor’s maternal clan. Now, they sought to produce another empress, aiming to become the maternal clan of the next emperor as well.
Little did they know that the Grand Empress Dowager would never allow it, and neither would the Emperor—at least, not while the Imperial Noble Consort was alive.
Recalling scenes from her dreams, Yunxiu shook her head slightly. The Imperial Noble Consort chuckled in agreement. "You’re absolutely right... The Tong family is desperate, and so are others."
"Right after court adjourned today, Suo Etu rushed to the Duke’s residence, insisting on urgent discussions to prevent the Tong family from succeeding." After laughing, she sighed. "Aling’a couldn’t decide what to do, so he sent word to ask for my opinion. From what I see, he’s in favor of forming an alliance."
This "Duke’s residence" referred to the Imperial Noble Consort’s maternal family, the Niu Gulu clan.
Knowing that the Imperial Noble Consort always had a clear mind, Yunxiu asked softly, "What did you say?"
The Imperial Noble Consort snorted coldly. "I told him to focus on his duties and stay out of the empress selection matter—unless he has a death wish! Hesheli has Suo Etu, the Tong family has Tong Guowei, both pillars of their clans. But who does Niu Gulu have?"
Back in the day, her father, Ebilong, had been closely associated with Ao Bai and even harbored disrespect toward the current Emperor, never taking a firm stance. After Ao Bai’s downfall, Ebilong didn’t fare well either—stripped of all official positions, left with only an empty title.
The Imperial Noble Consort understood all too well that her father’s actions had left a lasting scar in the Emperor’s heart, one that would affect the entire family in the long run.
Without the Emperor’s favor, allying with Suo Etu to meddle in the empress selection would be nothing short of courting disaster.
"Fortunately, he listens to me..." With that, the Imperial Noble Consort turned to Yunxiu, her eyes filled with melancholy. "At times like this, I envy you the most. The Guoluoluo family has never involved itself in court struggles, and your father is far away in Shengjing—no need to be tangled in these troubles."
Yunxiu knew that the Imperial Noble Consort cared deeply for her family and didn’t wish to dwell on her sorrows. She smiled gently and changed the subject. "Enough of this. By the way, has Aling’a recovered?"
Aling’a was the Imperial Noble Consort’s younger brother. Two days prior, while enjoying an opera, he had clashed with Mingzhu’s second son, Kuixu. Despite others trying to pull them apart, both ended up injured.
"He’s fine now." At the mention of this, anger flashed in the Imperial Noble Consort’s eyes. "Kuixu provoked him first, but with Mingzhu backing him, what could I do? The Nara family goes too far..."
Speaking of the Nara family inevitably led to Consort Hui. With the Eldest Prince under her care and Mingzhu’s support, even the Imperial Noble Consort had to show her deference on ordinary days.
In the end, a woman’s standing in the imperial harem relied on three things: family, favor, and heirs. Consort Hui had two of these, making her unyielding and the highest-ranking among the four consorts. She had never shown much respect to the Imperial Noble Consort, who had never made an issue of it.
And now, Kuixu had clashed with Aling’a again!
Even though it was Kuixu’s fault, fearing Mingzhu’s influence, the Imperial Noble Consort had no choice but to make Aling’a apologize and seek reconciliation.
She poured out all her frustrations to Yunxiu.
But then, recalling Noble Consort Liang’s request for medicine, her anger slowly turned into a smile. "Consort Hui is raising the Eighth Prince, but he’ll never compare to a son of her own. The fire in Yanxi Palace’s backyard is nothing less than what she deserves..."
Such leverage should be saved for the most critical moment.
The imperial edict stated that the Imperial Noble Consort, due to the hardships of pregnancy, had voluntarily requested seclusion, with her authority over the palace transferred to the Empress Dowager. Though it appeared selfless, who didn’t see through the underlying scheme?
The entire court and harem were fixated on this matter, with undercurrents of tension swirling beneath the surface.
Kangxi kept Tong Guowei for lunch, and the two spoke privately for an hour. Soon after, the news spread like wildfire, reaching all who wished to know.
It was said that when Lord Tong left the palace, he was beaming, walking briskly. Upon returning home, he shut his doors, refusing all visitors.
What had His Majesty said to him?
Many were left puzzled, but Suo Etu had a sinking feeling.
Before long, Lady Tong tidied her appearance, obtained permission to enter the palace, and made her way inside with deliberate grace.
...
"The Emperor actually allowed Lady Tong to visit the Imperial Noble Consort," Wenyuan said indignantly. "Such an extraordinary favor, really..."
Seclusion was akin to house arrest. Did Consort De ever receive such treatment?
The Imperial Noble Consort paused, then sighed. "After all, she’s a daughter of the Tong family. She’s different from us."
Her mind raced with thoughts, her expression growing solemn.
Could it be that the Emperor was truly considering appointing an empress?
Yunxiu laughed at her. "You’re too young to be worrying so much. Only after the Imperial Noble Consort gives birth will everything be settled. What’s meant to come will come—why overthink it?"
Indeed, if the Imperial Noble Consort bore a prince, for the sake of the Crown Prince, the position of empress...
The Imperial Noble Consort suddenly realized. "I’ve let my concern cloud my judgment."
She then smiled at Yunxiu. "You always see things so clearly!"
After seeing the Imperial Noble Consort off, Yunxiu yawned lightly, resting her cheek on her hand as drowsiness overtook her. She hadn’t given the empress selection a second thought.
Remembering today’s "double celebration" and the chaotic court session that had resembled a marketplace, her lips curled into an irrepressible smile.
Bathed in sunlight by the window, her jade-like face glowed with a golden hue. Her half-lidded eyes shimmered, long lashes fluttering like wings. This was the scene Kangxi walked in on.
He motioned for the servants to remain silent and approached the couch, his gloomy mood from the morning court gradually lifting. His earlier intention to settle scores faded away.
His ministers had argued fiercely over his personal affairs, even neglecting the established strategy of supporting Shi Lang and suppressing the Zheng family!
A single memorial proposing the appointment of an empress had exposed countless schemers.
Suo Etu, Mingzhu, and their factions had clashed relentlessly, while the Tong family, who had initiated the matter, remained aloof. The vast court was teetering toward factional strife...
Kangxi’s eyes turned cold.
One was Baocheng’s granduncle, the other Baoqing’s uncle. If their conflict escalated, the court would descend into chaos.
—Before that, he needed to placate Tong Guowei.
After seeing Tong Guowei off, Kangxi tossed aside the memorials, feeling an uncharacteristic weariness.
"Your Majesty, shall this servant present the birthday tributes from the consorts?" Liang Jiugong stood by, hardly daring to breathe, watching as the Emperor paced restlessly around the grand hall. Suddenly struck by inspiration, he cautiously suggested.
He thought to himself, whatever Consort Yi’s gift might be, it would surely bring His Majesty some joy.
At this, Kangxi’s gloom lifted instantly, and his interest was piqued. "Bring forth the one from Lady Yi."
Liang Jiugong exhaled in relief, silently thanking the heavens for Consort Yi’s existence, and eagerly dispatched someone to the treasury. "Be careful with it—that’s Consort Yi’s belongings…"
The young eunuch nodded repeatedly, but when he returned, his expression was oddly strained.
Liang Jiugong had no time to dwell on it.
The chief steward cradled the tray like a treasure, hurrying forward with a beaming smile. He lifted the red cloth with a flourish: "Your Majesty, look—Consort Yi’s tribute is both exquisite and valuable—"
Er… exquisite and valuable… Buddhist scriptures?
Instantly, Liang Jiugong’s voice caught in his throat.
Kangxi’s lips curved slightly as he glanced down, only for his face to darken abruptly.
……
"Yunxiu."
Kangxi’s expression was stern as he leaned close to Yunxiu’s ear, murmuring her name. Startled, she snapped her eyes open: "…"
Her heart leapt into her throat at the sight of his handsome face looming so near, and her fingers itched with the urge to—
Had she not spent the past while chanting "The Emperor is wise," she might have done something utterly rebellious.
Yunxiu drew a slow breath, her smile strained. "This consort greets Your Majesty. What a delightful surprise."
She made no move to curtsy.
Kangxi wasn’t deaf to the suppressed fury in her tone. Clearly, he had frightened her.
Instead of anger, the Emperor felt an inexplicable pang of guilt and rubbed his nose. "This was my fault. I acted too rashly."
Then it struck him—wait, wasn’t he here to confront her? Why was he apologizing first?
Clearing his throat, Kangxi hardened his expression again and barked at Liang Jiugong to come forward at once.
Liang Jiugong grimaced, dragging his feet like a reluctant maiden before finally stepping up. "This servant pays respects to Consort Yi…"
Noticing the tray in his hands, Yunxiu’s brow twitched, a sense of foreboding rising. "Your Majesty, what is this?"
"I waited day and night for your tribute, and what do I receive?" Kangxi pointed at the tray, his voice icy. "For the Imperial Birthday, my most beloved Consort Yi presents me with—a stack of Buddhist scriptures. Handwritten or not, they’re still scriptures!"
