Liang Jiugong cautiously glanced up at Kangxi's calm expression, unable to discern his thoughts.
After weighing the standing of Consort Yi and Consort De in the emperor's heart, he bowed respectfully and said, "Your Majesty, perhaps Consort Yi had a nightmare last night."
That would explain her heightened temper and clash with Consort De.
Not to mention, Consort Yi was dressed in apricot-white—wasn’t that unusual enough?
Rumors said Consort De had summoned a physician upon returning to Yonghe Palace, as if suffering from a threatened miscarriage...
After a moment of contemplation, Kangxi spoke, "...Tonight’s dinner will be at Yikun Palace. Deliver the red coral from the treasury, along with that sapphire headpiece. You will go personally."
Liang Jiugong exhaled in relief as he accepted the order, though inwardly startled.
That red coral was a southern tribute—one of only three pieces. One went to the Empress Dowager, another to the Empress Dowager Mother, and the last had been kept in the emperor’s treasury. The Imperial Noble Consort had inquired about it repeatedly, clearly coveting it.
Liang Jiugong had assumed His Majesty would eventually grant it to her—who would have thought Consort Yi would receive it instead!
And that sapphire headpiece? Exquisite and valuable, it was a consort’s ceremonial adornment.
Though bestowed by the emperor, even if slightly above her rank, no one would dare question it.
He mused silently: The emperor truly favors Consort Yi. Even if she cannot attend to him, his regard remains undiminished.
See? Hearing she slept poorly, he pampers her without hesitation—not a word of reproach for her outburst.
As for Consort De? She’ll just have to swallow this slight.
With that thought, Kangxi continued, "Send someone to Yonghe Palace with bolts of silk and a jade ruyi scepter. Check on Consort De."
His tone lacked warmth.
The scheming among his consorts was no mystery to him. Consort De, unwilling to be outshone, had subtly suggested summoning a shaman to dispel evil—a roundabout tactic compared to Consort Yi’s bluntness. In comparison, she paled.
The emperor picked up a memorial again, recalling Yunxiu’s words with a soft chuckle.
Sharp-tongued, yet not wrong.
Back at Yikun Palace, Yunxiu was greeted by the fourth princess, Yierha, led in by her wet nurse. The little girl, just a few months older than Yinqi, had rosy cheeks and a sweet demeanor—utterly well-behaved, with no trace of spoiled arrogance.
Noble Consort Le, Yun Shu, was Yunxiu’s sister by blood, and naturally lovely; Yierha inherited her mother’s looks, bearing a faint resemblance to Yunxiu—already a budding beauty.
"Consort Yi." Yierha curtsied before taking Yunxiu’s hand. "Did you not sleep well last night? You seem tired."
Yunxiu stroked the child’s head, her voice tender. "I did wake, but seeing you, my dear, has lifted my spirits."
Yierha smiled shyly, eyes bright.
Yunxiu had the kitchen prepare snacks. While the girl nibbled daintily, she reclined on the daybed, meticulously questioning Nanny Dong about Yierha’s daily routine.
Nanny Dong, from the same clan as Lady Dong, had been handpicked by Yunxiu from the Imperial Household Department. Standing respectfully, she answered with warmth, "The princess has had a hearty appetite lately—just last night, she finished a bowl of whitebait soup..."
"Take good care of her," Yunxiu said before beckoning Yierha closer. "Your mother misses you dearly. Go play in the side hall now."
Yierha’s face lit up. Sensing her aunt had matters to attend to, she curtsied like a proper young lady before skipping off cheerfully.
Watching her go, Yunxiu smiled—until weariness crept in.
Wenyuan had just prepared the bed when Zhang Youde, the chief eunuch of Yikun Palace, announced in a hushed voice from behind the curtain, "Your Highness, Chief Eunuch Liang has arrived with imperial gifts!"
Though quiet, his excitement was palpable.
Wenyuan and Ruizhu exchanged delighted glances. Yunxiu, rubbing her temples, suppressed a sigh. "Serve tea," she murmured, rising reluctantly.
Before she could even give the order, the palace staff had already rushed out in jubilation to welcome them.
A grand procession approached, led by Liang Jiugong and flanked by eunuchs and maids from Qianqing Palace.
"Careful now! Any mishaps, and I’ll hold you accountable!" Liang Jiugong fretted over the largest red-draped item. Spotting Yunxiu in her apricot-white robes, he masked his astonishment, his smile deepening into creases as he bowed. "This humble servant greets Consort Yi."
Even as he paid respects, he couldn’t help marveling inwardly—Consort Yi’s uncharacteristic attire had struck him, a eunuch, with its brilliance.
Yunxiu gestured for him to rise, eyeing the red cloth with forced alertness. "Chief Eunuch, what is this?"
"His Majesty’s gifts, Your Highness." Liang Jiugong followed a step behind as they entered the courtyard, directing servants to place the items before clearing his throat. "Bestowed: one red coral, one sapphire headpiece..."
Alongside these were silks, gold ingots, and more.
Red coral? The very one the Imperial Noble Consort coveted?
Yunxiu paused, brow furrowing briefly before she conjured a look of delighted surprise. She moved to kneel in gratitude, but Liang Jiugong hurriedly stopped her. "No need, Your Highness! Given your condition, His Majesty has exempted you from formalities."
Taking the cue, Yunxiu straightened, offering polite inquiries about Kangxi’s well-being—perfunctory yet flawless.
"His Majesty is well, though concerned after last night’s events. He sent this servant to check on you. It’s chilly—allow me to escort you inside." Liang Jiugong beamed, guiding her toward the inner hall with a eunuch’s practiced deference.
Had other consorts witnessed this, they’d have gaped—when had Liang Jiugong ever acted so obsequiously?
But Yikun Palace’s staff took it in stride.
Nanny Dong noted silently: The chief eunuch seemed even more ingratiating than usual...
With Qianqing Palace’s frequent gifts, no one dared slight Yunxiu despite her inability to serve the emperor. Her household carried themselves with unmatched pride.
Today was exceptional—who didn’t know the red coral’s worth?
Joy radiated from every face, celebrating the emperor’s favor.
Once seated, Wenyuan brought tea without prompting, while Ruizhu discreetly slipped Liang Jiugong a pouch. He accepted it graciously, earning a pleased smile from her.
Ever observant, Liang Jiugong noted Yunxiu’s fatigue and the shadows under her eyes. Perched on the edge of a stool, he swiftly relayed Kangxi’s plan to dine at Yikun Palace that evening.
"This servant won’t impose further." With a final bow, he excused himself tactfully.
"...?" While the household buzzed with excitement, Yunxiu’s smile faded, a vein throbbing at her temple.
Coming to Yikun Palace?
Just yesterday, she’d have personally overseen the kitchen, ensuring every dish was flawless.
But now, after that dream—he chose to visit.
Gifts, an imperial summons—none of this had happened in the dream.
Yunxiu rubbed her temples and frowned. She wouldn’t be able to play with Yinqi today—seeing Little Fifth would have to wait another day.
Moreover, she had already made up her mind not to compete for favor. If that was the case, what attitude should she adopt toward the Emperor?
She didn’t want to care too much, but she couldn’t be too dismissive either—otherwise, her children might fall out of favor.
Consort Yi, rarely agitated, couldn’t help but feel a flicker of irritation. Was the Emperor simply bored?
The child in her womb seemed to sense its mother’s fluctuating emotions and gave a small kick. Yunxiu exhaled slowly, her gaze softening as she gently touched her belly.
She would deal with whatever came her way.
Nanny Dong, keenly aware of her mistress’s displeasure, assumed Yunxiu was exhausted. She quickly arranged for her to change clothes, drew the bed curtains, and lit a stick of fragrant sandalwood.
"Your Highness may rest easy. Chunbai and the others are overseeing the kitchen. When the time comes, this old servant will wake you," she said softly.
Yunxiu closed her eyes and gave a faint hum.
After waiting for the time it took an incense stick to burn, Nanny Dong listened carefully. Only when steady breathing came from behind the curtains did she tiptoe out.
Pushing aside the door curtain, she saw the maidservants beaming with joy and couldn’t help but smile herself. "Keep it down," she whispered. "Don’t disturb Her Highness’s rest."
Then she asked, "Have the gifts been recorded and stored?"
"Nanny, they’ve all been stored," replied second-rank maid Lan Qiu, following closely behind her with a bright smile. "You should have seen the red coral—it was dazzling! In all my years in the palace, I’ve never seen such fine quality! The Emperor’s favor toward Her Highness is truly unmatched."
"Indeed!" Xi Yu chimed in.
When the mistress was favored, the servants reaped the benefits. They carried themselves with pride, and outside the palace, everyone addressed them respectfully as "miss."
In the entire harem, the only one who could claim unwavering imperial favor was Consort Yi, who received the Emperor’s attention for at least ten days each month.
They had initially worried that once Her Highness became pregnant, the Emperor’s favor might wane. Yet, he continued to send gifts every few days!
Just two days prior, the Emperor had lingered in Yikun Palace for hours. And now, after only a day’s interval, he was coming to dine with Her Highness again…
Once their excitement settled, they efficiently directed the servants to clean the main hall and sweep the courtyard of fallen leaves, preparing for the imperial arrival.
During a brief lull, a young maid blinked and quietly asked Xi Yu, "Sister Xi Yu, why didn’t Her Highness display the red coral in the main hall?"
Xi Yu rapped her lightly on the head. "How could we presume to guess Her Highness’s thoughts?"
She assumed it was because the mistress treasured the gift too much to risk damaging it by placing it on display.
The young maid giggled, curtsied, and scampered off with her broom.
Kangxi set down his brush and asked Liang Jiugong, "What time is it?"
Liang Jiugong bowed and smiled. "It’s time for Your Majesty to dine at Yikun Palace."
Earlier, when reporting back, he had deliberately described Consort Yi’s delighted reaction upon receiving the gifts. Though the Emperor hadn’t spoken, the slight upturn of his lips hadn’t escaped Liang Jiugong’s sharp eyes.
The moment the words left his mouth, Kangxi kicked him lightly and scolded, "Smooth-tongued rascal."
Yet there was no real displeasure in his expression.
Liang Jiugong feigned a yelp and quickly apologized, then briskly ordered his apprentice, Little Lizi, "Prepare the imperial carriage for Yikun Palace—"
In early March, the weather had yet to warm, though the days were growing longer. By the time the imperial procession arrived at Yikun Palace, dusk was settling in, and lanterns flickered along the corridors.
Yunxiu had slept for two full hours and nibbled on some pastries, leaving her refreshed and rosy-cheeked.
She waited outside the hall, her apricot-white qipao complementing the crimson sunset, creating a striking harmony. With her red lips and pearly teeth, she was radiantly beautiful.
Her hands rested gently on her belly, and she wore no makeup. The soft maternal glow brought on by her pregnancy made Kangxi pause mid-step. After a moment of awe, his heart softened in a way it never had before.
As the Emperor strode toward her, Yunxiu’s fingers trembled slightly. After the dreamlike revelation, the resentment and obsession buried deep in her heart remained clear. She lowered her lashes, unsure of what she felt now.
Kangxi wasn’t classically handsome, but neither was he plain—his phoenix eyes, thin lips, and deep-set brows exuded authority.
Fresh from quelling the Revolt of the Three Feudatories, the thirty-year-old Emperor was at the height of his vigor, his majesty only deepening with age.
Even as a youth, he had carried an imposing presence. Yunxiu, who entered the palace at fifteen, had secretly given him her heart.
After all, he was her sovereign. After so many years, how could she easily discard such love?
But Yunxiu had resolved not to serve him anymore—she refused to relive the nightmare of her dreams.
Once she made up her mind, the weight lifted, and her thoughts cleared. She curtsied gracefully. "This concubine greets Your Majesty. May the Emperor enjoy boundless peace."
Before she could complete the gesture, he gently raised her up.
"No need for formalities," Kangxi said warmly, taking her hand, his mood visibly bright. A teasing smile played on his lips. "Why are you dressed like this? It’s quite different from your usual style."
Yunxiu arched a delicate brow and tilted her chin up. "Is Your Majesty here to interrogate me?"
