Chengqian Palace.
The Imperial Noble Consort reclined on the divan, her personal maids massaging her legs and shoulders. Without her makeup, her complexion appeared pallid, and the exhaustion in her brow was unmistakable as she cradled her belly.
Then came the news—the Emperor had bestowed lavish gifts upon Consort Yi.
Recalling the bare stand in the treasury meant for the purple coral, the Imperial Noble Consort’s expression darkened. A cold sneer escaped her lips. "What a favored one Consort Yi is! Truly unrivaled in His Majesty’s graces."
She had coveted that red coral for so long, even commissioning a custom stand for it, waiting for the day the Emperor would grant it to her. It would have been displayed in the main hall, drawing envious gazes from all.
It wasn’t the beauty or rarity of the object that mattered—it was the symbolism behind it.
One for the Grand Empress Dowager, one for the Empress Dowager, and by rights, the last should have gone to the Empress. But with no Empress appointed, she, as the highest-ranking Imperial Noble Consort, stood as the de facto mistress of the inner court.
The Imperial Noble Consort held a status akin to a deputy Empress. That red coral should have been hers!
Yet now, Yikun Palace had snatched it away. What merit did Consort Yi even have?
The memory of this morning’s greetings surfaced—how she had shown Consort Yi "special favor" and even assigned her a prestigious task. The thought now made her stomach churn with disgust.
She had almost begun to tolerate that Guoluoluo woman, only to be betrayed like this.
Consort Yi and that scheming Wuya woman were cut from the same cloth—neither was worth a damn!
"His Majesty humiliated me openly for Consort Yi’s sake," the Imperial Noble Consort murmured bitterly, her voice laced with old grievances. "In the twenty-first year, when the Emperor toured Shengjing with the Empress Dowager, he took no one else—only Consort Yi. They even stayed in the private residence of Sanguanbao..."
Sanguanbao, Consort Yi’s father, was a lieutenant of the Bordered Yellow Banner. Though his official rank seemed modest, he commanded the military defenses of Shengjing—a position of immense power and trust from the Emperor.
Shengjing, the birthplace of the dynasty.
To be hosted in a private residence—what an honor!
Even her own maternal clan, the Tongjia, had never received such distinction.
"His Majesty… has gone too far," the Imperial Noble Consort whispered, shutting her eyes against the sting of envy.
How she wished such favor had been hers instead.
The bitterness churned her stomach, and a wave of nausea rose. She quickly popped five or six sour plums into her mouth, barely suppressing the urge to retch.
"Your Highness! You must think of the little prince. Do not let anger harm your health," urged Lady Zhen, her childhood nurse, who understood her mistress’s fury all too well.
Pregnant women were sensitive, easily agitated. Handing her a jar of preserved plums, she soothed, "No matter how favored Consort Yi is, she remains but a concubine. How could she compare to you? As your father said, a wife and a concubine are fundamentally different."
At the mention of wives and concubines, the Imperial Noble Consort’s expression softened.
Yes. Concubines relied on fleeting beauty to please, but she was destined to stand beside the Emperor as his rightful partner—the future Empress.
Her father had taught her well: an Empress must be virtuous, dignified, and magnanimous. She had engraved those words in her heart, never forgetting them.
No matter how much she adored His Majesty or loathed those who stole his attention, she swallowed her emotions, never daring to reveal them.
She would be Empress.
Above all else, an heir was paramount. Her priority now was to deliver a healthy prince.
With a sigh, the Imperial Noble Consort gently caressed her belly, her gaze tender. "You’re right, Nanny. The child comes first. As for those women… there will be time to deal with them later."
Flowers could not bloom forever. How high could Consort Yi truly rise?
Lady Zhen nodded in approval. "Your Highness is wise."
As they discussed preparations for the Emperor’s birthday celebrations, a eunuch announced the arrival of the Fourth Prince.
Yinzhen, now six, had just begun his studies and moved into the Princes’ Quarters. Whenever he had time, he came to Chengqian Palace to pay his respects.
At the news, the Imperial Noble Consort brightened, straightening slightly. "Let him in."
Yinzhen entered with the earnest steps of a child trying to appear grown-up. His young face lit up with affection as he bowed. "This son greets Mother."
The Imperial Noble Consort quickly motioned for him to rise, pulling him close to fuss over him. She cupped his face, examining him with concern. "You’ve lost weight. Are your studies too taxing? All the flesh you’d gained is gone."
She pressed further: "Is Su Peisheng serving you well? If the servants neglect you, you must tell me—"
Yinzhen’s lips pursed slightly, but he seemed pleased by her attention. "Thank you for your care, Mother. My studies are not difficult—they are my duty. The servants attend to me well."
"That’s good."
She smoothed his hair, about to speak further, when Yinzhen suddenly blushed and whispered shyly, "Mother… may I touch your belly? They say my little sibling is inside."
His eyes sparkled with hope.
The Imperial Noble Consort froze. Without thinking, she shifted slightly away, hands instinctively shielding her abdomen.
The moment she did, her heart sank. Yinzhen’s face fell, his fingers twisting together.
Does Mother fear I’ll harm the baby?
"..." The Imperial Noble Consort opened her mouth but found no words.
Lady Zhen stepped in swiftly. "Fourth Prince, Her Highness has been unwell since the pregnancy. It’s not that she doubts your gentleness—she worries about passing any illness to you."
Hearing his mother was ill, Yinzhen’s concern immediately shifted. "Mother is sick?"
"The pregnancy has weakened me," the Imperial Noble Consort said awkwardly, seizing the excuse. "But it’s nothing serious. The imperial physicians have prescribed remedies… Once I recover, you may greet your sibling properly."
After soothing Yinzhen and sending him off, the Imperial Noble Consort clenched her fists, a sharp glint flashing in her eyes.
"Investigate! Who told the Fourth Prince such things?"
After seeing Kangxi off, Yunxiu felt as if a weight had been lifted. She washed up leisurely and slipped into bed, falling asleep almost instantly.
No prophetic dreams haunted her tonight—just peaceful slumber.
With no morning greetings required the next day, she slept until noon before summoning breakfast.
Thanks to her pregnancy, Kangxi had granted Yikun Palace its own private kitchen—a privilege not extended to the Noble Consort or Consort De, reserved only for the Imperial Noble Consort and Consort Yi. One by rank, the other by favor.
The kitchen was a blessing, allowing meals at any hour and eliminating worries about food safety.
Perhaps due to her improved mood, Yunxiu’s appetite had grown steadily. This morning, she finished a bowl of fish congee, a plate of spring rolls, and several side dishes, her cheeks rosy, a far cry from yesterday’s fatigue.
When the imperial physician arrived for her routine checkup, Nanny Dong discreetly pulled him aside. "Her Highness seemed… unwell yesterday. What do you make of it?"
"Consort Yi’s pregnancy is perfectly healthy, with no signs of distress," the physician assured, stroking his beard. "Sleeplessness is common during pregnancy. More rest and leisure will suffice—there’s no cause for concern."
Perfectly healthy!
Nanny Dong exhaled in relief, her worries finally laid to rest.
Meanwhile...
Ruizhu watched in astonishment as Yunxiu picked up the half-finished ceremonial robe, rummaged through the chests, and leisurely tucked it away beneath a pile of items in the corner.
She was stunned: "..."
This was the gift Her Ladyship had prepared for the Emperor's birthday, nearly completed with every stitch poured from her heart. How could it be shoved into a chest like this?!
Wenyuan hesitated before speaking: "Your Ladyship?"
"I won’t embroider anymore. My hands are clumsy—I’m not skilled at such things," Yunxiu said dismissively, smiling faintly. "I’ll choose another gift. This one is too shabby. The Emperor wouldn’t like it."
Wenyuan and Ruizhu obediently agreed, though they thought otherwise.
Given the Emperor’s deep favor, wouldn’t he cherish anything Her Ladyship gave him? Especially something made by her own hands!
But since their mistress had spoken, they had no choice but to comply. Suppressing their doubts, they sighed inwardly before storing the robe away.
With that matter settled, Yunxiu selected a water-red palace gown instead, its edges exquisitely embroidered with peony patterns—vibrant and elegant.
Her dark hair was adorned with a silver hairpin inlaid with kingfisher feathers, while two pink pearl earrings dangled delicately. A light dusting of powder, faintly traced brows, and a touch of rouge on her lips soon transformed her into the radiant Consort Yi reflected in the bronze mirror.
Concerned for her son, the fifth prince Yinqi, Yunxiu instructed her senior maid Wenyuan to personally visit Cining Palace and inform the Grand Empress Dowager and Empress Dowager of her visit.
Wenyuan departed on her errand. Less than an hour later, a messenger arrived from Cining Palace—none other than Nanny Qian, the Empress Dowager’s most trusted attendant.
Nanny Qian briskly lifted the curtain, her face beaming as she greeted Yunxiu. "This old servant pays respects to Consort Yi. What a coincidence—the fifth prince has been missing you dearly. Her Majesty the Empress Dowager, concerned for your condition, has instructed me to escort you safely to Cining Palace."
"How could I trouble you so!" Yunxiu hurriedly helped Nanny Qian up.
Thanks to Yinqi, the Empress Dowager had always shown her kindness, and now with this pregnancy, the care had only deepened. How could she not be grateful?
Along the way, Yunxiu inquired warmly about the Grand Empress Dowager and Empress Dowager’s well-being. Nanny Qian answered each question cheerfully: "Her Majesty is in good health—this morning, she enjoyed extra servings of milk cakes..."
This meant the Grand Empress Dowager was in high spirits, and when she was happy, so was the Empress Dowager.
Yunxiu took note. Stepping down from the palanquin and entering the outer hall, she smiled brightly and announced in fluent Mongolian: "This humble consort greets the Grand Empress Dowager and Empress Dowager—"
A kind, aged voice responded warmly, "Listen—our dear Yi has arrived."
A younger voice, equally delighted, replied in Mongolian, "No need for formalities. Come in, come in!"
Supporting her belly, Yunxiu stepped gracefully into the inner chamber.
The scent of sandalwood filled the air as the room opened up before her. Seated cross-legged on the heated kang were the two elder ladies.
To the left was the Grand Empress Dowager, her silver hair coiled neatly, deep wrinkles lining her face—a picture of gentle warmth as she gazed fondly at Yunxiu.
This was the matriarch who had raised the Emperor, the grandmother he revered most.
To the right sat the Empress Dowager, née Borjigit, from the Khorchin grasslands—grandniece of the Grand Empress Dowager and Emperor Shunzhi’s second Empress.
Dressed in indigo robes, she appeared to be in her forties, her round face framed by a perpetual smile that radiated warmth.
Though not the Emperor’s birth mother, their bond was deep, a model of filial devotion.
Blessed by the Grand Empress Dowager’s protection and the Emperor’s unwavering respect, the widowed Empress Dowager lived contentedly—tending flowers, chanting sutras, and doting on little Yinqi.
The sight of Consort Yi, radiant in her beauty, brought a spark of joy to both women. The Grand Empress Dowager beckoned her closer to sit.
At her age, the elder adored lively youngsters—especially pretty ones—and Yunxiu fit both perfectly.
This "liveliness" wasn’t just about appearance.
Having endured the sorrows of Emperor Shunzhi’s infatuation with Consort Donggo, the two matriarchs despised weepy, delicate women. Instead, they favored Consort Yi’s bold Manchu spirit and straightforward grace.
With Yinqi further endearing her to them, Yunxiu had become a cherished presence in Cining Palace. Her fluency in Mongolian only deepened their regard.
Without hesitation, Yunxiu took her seat beside the Grand Empress Dowager and grinned. "Your Majesty looks so youthful today—no one would guess you’re a great-grandmother!"
The old lady laughed, pointing at her. "Don’t trust that silver tongue of yours! I was just thinking the same about you—aside from that belly, you haven’t changed a bit since becoming a mother."
It was an indirect compliment, and Yunxiu feigned shyness, drawing another chuckle from the Grand Empress Dowager.
The Empress Dowager smiled too, eyeing Yunxiu’s waistline. "Five months along now?"
"Indeed, Your Majesty," Yunxiu replied. "In just a few months, little Yinqi will have a sibling to play with—and another joy for Your Majesties to dote on."
Her words carried the unspoken promise that this child, like Yinqi, would naturally grow close to the Grand Empress Dowager and Empress Dowager.
Nanny Qian mused inwardly: Consort Yi was truly a clever woman!
