Seeing that his comforting words had no effect, the Crown Prince called out firmly, "Fourth Brother!"
Yinzhen hiccuped between sobs, his tear-filled eyes gazing up at him.
"Is having two mothers really so bad? Look at me—my own mother passed away long ago!" The Crown Prince vaguely understood the conflict between the Imperial Noble Consort and Consort De. Regretful for having given advice earlier, he wiped his face and stared straight into Yinzhen’s eyes, enunciating each word, "You’re far better off than Second Brother."
Yinzhen froze in place.
The Crown Prince sighed, his youthful yet handsome face etched with seriousness.
In a low voice, he said, "Sometimes, you shouldn’t believe everything you hear. It’s wiser to feign ignorance."
He didn’t expect his six-year-old brother to fully grasp his meaning—just remembering it would be enough. Being so stubborn at such a young age, if he insisted on distinguishing right from wrong in everything, wouldn’t he only end up hurting himself?
Yinzhen stopped crying, his eyes still dazed as he murmured, "Second Brother..."
The Crown Prince’s heart softened, and he patted Yinzhen’s shaved head.
Caught between his adoptive mother and birth mother, Fourth Brother’s days wouldn’t be easy.
The more he thought about it, the more his heart ached. Resolute, the Crown Prince decided to seek an audience with the Emperor at Qianqing Palace.
Qianqing Palace, Western Warm Pavilion.
"Imperial Father," the Crown Prince began, uncharacteristically hesitant. After fumbling for a while, he finally said, "This son has a request."
The half-grown boy always carried himself like an adult, usually composed beyond his years—this awkward demeanor was rare.
Kangxi continued reviewing memorials, hiding a smile as he glanced at him. "Speak."
Gritting his teeth, the Crown Prince laid out Yinzhen’s troubles in full. Once finished, he hung his head and said dejectedly, "Fourth Brother has lost his appetite lately. This son didn’t know what to do… so I came to report to Imperial Father, hoping to cheer him up."
The warm pavilion fell into sudden silence.
Liang Jiugong inwardly panicked—Oh, Your Highness!
Matters between imperial consorts and concubines—why must you involve yourself?
This issue wasn’t insignificant, but it wasn’t your place to intervene. If His Majesty suspects you’re stirring trouble…
Kangxi set down his brush and studied the Crown Prince in silence, making Yinreng increasingly uneasy. Clenching his fists, he whispered, "Imperial Father."
Contrary to Liang Jiugong’s expectations, after a moment, Kangxi’s lips curled slightly. He stood and patted the Crown Prince’s shoulder, murmuring with emotion, "Baocheng has grown up."
His tone was full of pride.
Having ascended the throne young and lacking paternal care, Kangxi had lost his birth mother not long after. Determined to be a good father, nothing pleased him more than seeing brotherly harmony.
Though the Crown Prince was his favorite, he held paternal affection for all his children.
Now, Baocheng had impulsively come to him for Yinzhen’s sake—knowing he shouldn’t interfere yet still worrying.
How could such brotherly love not move him?
Good, very good.
"Imperial Father understands." Recalling Yinzhen’s sorrow, Kangxi’s eyes darkened briefly before softening again as he addressed the Crown Prince. "Baocheng, these matters aren’t for you to fret over. Focus on your studies. Understood?"
With that, he tested the Crown Prince on his lessons.
The Crown Prince exhaled quietly, secretly pleased. Gone was his usual nervousness during such quizzes—he recited fluently and explained clearly.
As he spoke, a thought crossed his mind: Imperial Father had praised him for growing up for the first time!
Was it because he helped Fourth Brother?
Faintly, the young Crown Prince realized something, a flash of insight in his mind.
From now on, I must treat my younger brothers even better.
"Your Ladyship, see? How could His Majesty forget you? Tonight’s dinner is to be held at Yonghe Palace…" Nanny Wu beamed, her face creasing with wrinkles as she hurried the maids to prepare Consort De’s makeup.
Consort De smiled joyfully, resting a hand on her stomach as she said softly, "Have you reminded the imperial kitchen? They mustn’t slack off."
Lately, she hadn’t been in the best of spirits.
During her visit to Chengqian Palace, provoked by Consort Yi, she had made a mistake—one she deeply regretted. With Kangxi not visiting Yonghe Palace for nearly five days, she had feared displeasing him. Now, she could finally relax.
"Your Ladyship, set your heart at ease. Who would dare neglect you?" Nanny Wu bustled about, tidying the inner chamber. "With the Sixth Prince and the Little Prince in your womb, everyone must respect you."
The words warmed Consort De’s heart.
Yinzuo was clever and quick-witted, dearly loved by the Emperor. Even his name, "Zuò," reflected His Majesty’s high hopes. Remembering her youngest son’s earlier visit, her smile deepened, radiating maternal tenderness.
As dusk fell, Kangxi’s palanquin arrived at Yonghe Palace.
Consort De wore a light green gown, her subtle makeup enhancing her delicate beauty. Though she couldn’t match Consort Yi’s natural allure, among the imperial harem, her looks were still exceptional.
The moment she saw Kangxi, she curtsied in apology, her eyes reddening slightly. "Your Majesty, this concubine erred the other day. Reflecting before the jade ruyi you bestowed, I’ve repented deeply…"
Kangxi stood with his hands behind his back, scrutinizing her coolly before his expression softened. "Rise."
After all, she was his consort, mother to two sons and currently pregnant. A small lesson was enough.
Consort De lifted her gaze, gratitude in her voice as she complied.
Once inside, she stood by Kangxi’s side, serving him his meal—just as she had in her early days as Noble Consort Wuya.
Back when she was a low-ranking consort, this had always been her place during meals. So many years had passed!
Kangxi’s expression softened further at the memory.
Consort De’s heart leapt—the Emperor still remembered the past…
Seizing the moment, she was about to speak when Kangxi gestured at the table, setting down his chopsticks casually. "This Eight-Treasure Duck—the version at Yikun Palace tastes better."
Consort De’s smile stiffened.
Yikun Palace’s version was better?
The imperial kitchen’s dishes were what His Majesty had always favored. After eating them for years, why suddenly criticize them now? Unless… Consort Yi’s private kitchen was truly superior?!
Consort Yi, that Guoluoluo woman! She haunted her like a ghost.
Consort De’s breath hitched, but she forced a smile. "Your Majesty is right. Next time, this concubine will have the imperial chefs improve it."
Kangxi paused in turning his jade ring, glancing up to see Consort De’s serene smile—utterly unruffled.
He hummed in acknowledgment, feeling oddly dissatisfied.
This excessive docility felt artificial.
If it were Xiuxiu, wouldn’t she have thrown a tantrum by now?
With that thought, he tapped the table, cutting to the chase impatiently. "The Imperial Noble Consort is far along in her pregnancy. Caring for Yinzhen may be too taxing. I’ve decided to have Yinzhen return to Yonghe Palace."
Consort De never expected the Emperor to bring this up!
Caught off guard, her face betrayed not joy but a flicker of reluctance.
How could this be?
Would the Imperial Noble Consort ever agree?
It was an instinctive reaction—one Kangxi caught entirely.
Even as Consort De quickly masked it with delight, her flawless expression couldn’t erase that momentary truth.
Kangxi closed his eyes briefly, his thumb ring spinning faster as a cold glint seeped into his gaze, though his tone carried amusement. "I was merely jesting with you. My cousin dotes on Yinzhen—she would never agree to part with him."
Since one stood while the other sat, no one noticed the emperor’s icy expression.
Consort De’s unease lasted only a few breaths before the term "cousin" seized her attention.
Her nails dug deeply into her palms, masking her resentment and unwillingness.
Of course. The emperor and Mrs. Tongjia were first cousins by blood, their bond naturally different from others. Unless Mrs. Tongjia relented, Kangxi would never return Yinzhen to her care.
If so, what was the emperor’s intention in saying this? Was he testing her?
Had the Imperial Noble Consort discovered the spies she planted and reported her, accusing her of coveting Yinzhen?
"Since Yinzhen has been entrusted to the Imperial Noble Consort’s care, how could I disregard propriety and snatch him away?" Consort De deliberated before answering with a soft smile. "I merely miss him dearly and occasionally send someone to Chengqian Palace for news… It is my fault. I beg Your Majesty’s forgiveness…"
Listen to this! She twisted the matter entirely.
Kangxi waved his hand, cutting her off, leaving Consort De standing there as he rose and departed immediately.
The palace servants knelt in rows, but before Consort De could even bow, the emperor had vanished.
She froze, her face turning deathly pale.
When Nanny Wu hurried into the hall, Consort De grasped her hand urgently. "Did His Majesty return to Qianqing Palace?"
Nanny Wu hesitated before replying with difficulty, "This old servant overheard… His Majesty’s procession headed to Chengqian Palace."
Chengqian Palace! The Imperial Noble Consort’s residence!
Consort De felt the world spin around her…
Since returning from Cining Palace, Consort Yi had been in excellent spirits. She rested peacefully, tended to her pregnancy, amused herself with Fourth Princess Yierha, and chatted with Noble Consort Le—Yikun Palace was a picture of tranquility.
As night approached, candles illuminated the bedchamber. Before the bronze mirror, Yunxiu removed her hairpins, her dark tresses cascading down, carrying a faint fragrance. A stray lock brushed against her rosy cheek before settling on her lips.
Brushing it aside, she studied her reflection and realized she had gained some weight recently—thanks to hearty meals. Apart from her growing belly, the extra curves had settled in all the right places.
Nanny Dong chuckled. "Your Highness suffered from morning sickness early in the pregnancy and ate little, so you grew thinner. Now, you look just right!"
She spoke the truth.
In all her years in the palace, Nanny Dong had seen countless beauties—but none compared to Consort Yi.
Beyond her peerless looks, her perfectly proportioned figure outshone everyone. Even now, pregnant, her grace remained undiminished.
Yunxiu tapped her cheek, a smile blooming, but before she could reply, Ruizhu lifted the curtain and entered, curtsying softly. "His Majesty first dined at Yonghe Palace… but stayed less than half an hour before diverting to Chengqian Palace."
"Less than half an hour?" Nanny Dong gasped. "Did Consort De anger the emperor?"
This was nothing short of a public humiliation—enough to make any consort lose face!
But Yunxiu’s focus was entirely different.
She mused, "Yonghe Palace, Chengqian Palace… His Majesty went for Fourth Prince’s sake."
The only matter connecting these two palaces was Yinzhen.
Mention of the Fourth Prince reminded Yunxiu of that dream—Yinzhen ascending the throne, and afterward…
Little Fifth, Little Ninth, and herself—all meeting grim ends.
Yunxiu closed her eyes, fingers curling slightly.
Did she resent it? Of course.
But her resentment was directed at the dream’s new emperor, not the six-year-old Yinzhen. She wasn’t so petty as to target a child the same age as Yinqi.
Besides, if she were in the new emperor’s position… Little Ninth’s rebellion was undeniable. The methods might have been harsh, but such was the fate of losers.
History had always favored the victors.
Very well. Out of sight, out of mind.
She had already declared that Mrs. Wuya would never become her dowager empress. Yunxiu smiled faintly, caressing her belly as she murmured, "If this mother aids the Crown Prince’s ascension…"
After much deliberation, her chances of becoming dowager empress were slim at best.
Yinqi had long been excluded from the succession, and as for Yintang?
With his temperament in the dream, if he became emperor, the Qing dynasty would crumble.
Little Eleventh, Yinzi, had always been frail. If he grew healthy in this life, even then, could he outmaneuver his brothers, each sharper than the last?
The safest path was to support the Crown Prince.
Shield him from his maternal family’s influence, free him from factional strife, and prevent the rift between father and son…
Come the new reign, she could at least retire peacefully as an imperial consort dowager. With luck, she might even earn the title of Noble Imperial Consort Dowager!
Yunxiu rested her chin on her hand and chuckled softly.
Yunxiu: "This consort’s dream is to become an imperial consort dowager."
Kangxi (fuming): "???"
Crown Prince, stunned: "I… have such good fortune??"
Yintang: "…………"
Yintang: "Mother, why drag me into this? Explain! How would the Qing dynasty ‘crumble’ under me?!"
