Consort Ping had done something she would normally disdain—attempting to win the emperor's favor. Though initially uneasy, the moment she laid eyes on the emperor, all her nervousness and shyness melted away like distant clouds, leaving her utterly captivated by the man before her.
She had deliberately worn a pristine white gauze dress, a treasured piece from her maiden days, meticulously crafted by a dozen embroiderers as a birthday gift the year she entered the palace. Elegant and unique, it carried the charm of Jiangnan-style Han attire.
Hoping to erase past unfavorable impressions, Consort Ping endured the bitter winter chill, her teeth chattering, eagerly anticipating a look of admiration in Kangxi's eyes. Yet, none came.
Not only did the emperor speak to her coldly, he even mocked her for dressing improperly…
At his words, her face turned deathly pale, her lips trembling as she knelt. "Your Majesty!"
Perhaps worn down by such antics, Kangxi found himself increasingly irritated by the scheming women of the harem.
Coming to the imperial garden in the dead of winter, dressed like this—did they think he didn’t know their intentions?
Once, Kangxi had been lenient toward his consorts. But after witnessing endless schemes, enduring repeated disappointments, and seeing their true colors, his heart had hardened.
Unconsciously, his once-gentle temperament had vanished. To Liang Jiugong’s eyes, he had become truly unpredictable—except, of course, when it came to Consort Yi.
In the past, if a consort tried to catch his attention in the gardens, the emperor might have dismissed it with a laugh. On good days, he might even grant a favor. But now…
His mood for admiring the plum blossoms was utterly ruined.
His expression unreadable, Kangxi glared at Consort Ping and said sternly, "Has the Imperial Household Department failed to provide for you? A consort of your standing, dressed like this—what kind of example is this? Liang Jiugong, relay my decree: ensure Chuxiu Palace is supplied with ample winter garments. No need for extravagance—focus on warmth."
Liang Jiugong nearly choked back a laugh, pinching himself hard before bowing in acknowledgment.
Now, Consort Ping had unwittingly increased expenses—and the Imperial Household Department would surely resent her for it.
But that wasn’t all. "No need for extravagance, focus on warmth"—His Majesty’s words meant no dyes, no embroidery, just plain, drab robes for Consort Ping.
No wonder she had stumbled into misfortune. With Suo Etu’s grave mistakes and her own past accusations against Consort Yi, the emperor had not forgotten.
Seeing Consort Ping’s disbelief, her eyes welling with tears as she slumped in a sobbing heap, Kangxi sneered and turned away.
"With the New Year approaching, I will not punish you for spying on my whereabouts. Reflect on your actions." Then, his voice icy, he added, "Liang Jiugong, root out the disloyal servants and teach them proper discipline."
Liang Jiugong paused, then smiled and complied.
Where there were people, there were factions—even among the eunuchs of Qianqing Palace. As Kangxi’s personal attendant, Liang Jiugong held the highest authority, but beneath him were ambitious deputies like Liu Qin, eager to take his place.
Truthfully, who in Qianqing Palace hadn’t accepted bribes from consorts in exchange for hints of the emperor’s movements? Liang Jiugong had once turned a blind eye, but after one too many bitter lessons, he had tightened his grip, forbidding his subordinates from dealings with the harem—unless it involved Yikun Palace.
When it came to Consort Yi, the chief eunuch held genuine admiration.
Kangxi might see Yunxiu through rose-tinted lenses, but to Liang Jiugong, beauty and charm alone couldn’t sustain a favored consort’s position.
Cunning and strategy were indispensable—and Consort Yi was a master of both. In just a year, despite the harem’s storms, she had not only remained unshaken but had grown even more indispensable to the emperor.
Strengthening his loyalty, Liang Jiugong smirked. If the bribed servant belonged to Liu Qin’s faction, well… let the old fool deal with the fallout.
On the twenty-first day of the twelfth month, after a long journey, Tuyue and his family finally arrived in the capital. Ten-year-old Yartan and five-year-old Fulu accompanied their parents into the city.
Officials returning to the capital for debriefing were usually required to stay at post stations, awaiting summons before proceeding to the Ministry of Personnel for formalities—or, if fortunate, an audience with the emperor—before returning to their own residences.
But before Tuyue could even unpack, a minor official greeted him with a beaming smile. "This humble servant pays respects to Lord Guoluoluo. Orders have already been issued—you are exempt from the usual formalities. Please rest here tonight, and tomorrow morning, an escort will take you to the palace for your audience. Lately, you alone have been granted this honor!"
Exchanging a glance with Guargiya, Tuyue’s eyes sparkled with delight.
The official led them to their quarters with reverence, unable to hide his envy. Then, a young man with a refined appearance stepped forward, smiling. "The madam, young miss, and young master will also accompany you to the palace. Consort Yi has requested His Majesty’s permission, saying she longs to see her sister-in-law and wishes to meet her niece—and the future study companion of the Fifth Prince."
His voice was soft as he introduced himself—Shuangxi, protégé of Yikun Palace’s chief eunuch Zhang Youde. He had come to relay his mistress’s message, putting Tuyue’s mind at ease.
Tuyue was beyond thrilled.
Yartan, though excited, couldn’t help but feel a trace of nervousness at the thought of entering the palace. As for Fulu, his bright eyes shone with unrestrained excitement, his heart brimming with anticipation for his future role as the Fifth Prince’s companion.
Born and raised in Shengjing, he had never met his aunts. Rumor had it the elder was stunning, the younger gentle—just how beautiful was Consort Yi?
After sending Shuangxi off with profuse thanks, Tuyue turned to see his son’s starry-eyed expression and nearly lost his temper. Instinctively, he reached for a switch—only to remember, bitterly, that they were no longer in Shengjing but in a capital post station.
Guargiya, a noblewoman by birth, had ingrained impeccable manners in their daughter. But this rascal of a son… Tuyue’s brows furrowed in despair. The imperial study hall was no place for his mischief.
What if he corrupted the Fifth Prince? Would the emperor hold him responsible for poor parenting?
With a heavy heart, Tuyue resolved to ask his wife to speak with Consort Yi—better to withdraw Fulu from the role before disaster struck.
Fulu paid no heed to his father’s warning glare. He wasn’t scared in the slightest!
Before setting off, he had thoroughly searched their luggage—no switches, no dreaded feather dusters. Emboldened, he grinned.
As the saying goes, a plucked phoenix is no better than a chicken (or so they say). Without his trusted tools, even a mighty man is powerless, just like a common pheasant.
After the long journey, the family quickly fell asleep once the candles were extinguished. Before drifting off, Fulu lay wide-eyed, missing his Maternal Grandfather and grandmother back in Shengjing, then happily slipped into dreamland.
The next morning, before dawn had even broken, Fulu sprang out of bed full of energy. He slipped on his favorite red jacket and a fluffy skullcap, making him look round and utterly adorable—a picture of festive cheer.
The escort arrived at the post station soon after. The carriage passed through bustling markets and quiet alleys, traveling for nearly an hour before stopping at the imposing palace gates.
Liang Jiugong had sent Eunuch Li and a group of attendants ahead—half to guide Tuyue to the emperor’s audience, and the other half to lead Guargiya and the two children to Yikun Palace.
Walking along the long palace corridors, Yartan dared not look around too much, merely pressing her lips into a smile, her eyes filled with awe. Fulu, however, was far bolder.
He glanced left and right, showing not a hint of shyness, addressing every eunuch with a sweet "Gonggong" (honorable sir), charming the head eunuch so thoroughly that the man beamed, his heart thoroughly warmed.
Everyone knew this was Consort Yi’s dear nephew, soon to be the Fifth Prince’s study companion. The head eunuch marveled inwardly—in all his years in the palace, he’d never seen a child like this: eloquent, brimming with energy, and showing not a trace of disdain toward eunuchs.
Not only would Consort Yi adore him, but the emperor surely would too.
Smiling, he said to Guargiya, "Madam, what a blessed fortune you have! Truly blessed!"
Guargiya: "…"
She shot her son a warning glare, signaling him to rein it in. The Forbidden City was not Shengjing—even if their family’s favored aunt enjoyed unwavering imperial favor, there were still places beyond her reach. How could Fulu afford to act so recklessly?
What if someone ambushed him? He wouldn’t even know who did it!
Chastened by his mother’s look, Fulu scratched his head and instantly turned docile. The group soon arrived at Yikun Palace.
Inside, Yunxiu kept glancing toward the entrance, restless with anticipation. Noble Consort Le was no different, shifting in her seat, her face alight with eagerness.
Before long, one adult and two children stepped into the hall, bathed in the morning light. Nanny Dong, who had gone out to greet them, smiled until her wrinkles deepened. "Your Highness, Noble Consort, they’ve arrived."
Tucked in a corner, Yinqi peeked out curiously, spotting his aunt—whose bearing bore a faint resemblance to his mother—along with his slender, pretty cousin… and his little cousin, who was as round as a ball.
Yunxiu had initially forbidden him from coming, but the Fifth Prince had begged relentlessly, insisting on meeting his future study companion. With teary eyes, he’d pleaded, "Mother, Grandmother already gave permission! I’ll hide in the corner and won’t disturb your reunion!"
Yunxiu: "…"
She had no choice but to relent, wondering who on earth had taught her son to act so pitiful.
As for Yinqi, he’d been curious about Fulu for a long time.
His mother had mentioned that his Maternal Grandfather often wrote about how Fulu was a natural at martial arts. If he studied in the imperial academy, in a few years, he might even rival the Eldest Prince!
Yinqi widened his eyes skeptically. What nonsense! Even the Second Elder Brother couldn’t match the Eldest Prince’s horsemanship and archery. A match for him? This little ball?
Meanwhile, the three women—sister-in-law and aunts—finally reunited. Yunxiu’s eyes grew slightly red.
Guargiya bowed solemnly, then wiped her eyes and grinned brightly, about to speak—when her son cut in first.
Fulu had been staring in awe the moment he entered the hall, his dark eyes unblinking. Finally snapping out of it, he adjusted his skullcap and sighed enviously, "Emperor Uncle is truly blessed."
Yinqi: "…"
His mother: "…"!
