As soon as these words left her lips, Yunxiu’s ears tinged faintly red, as if even she found them embarrassingly sweet.
In the past, when sweet nothings had rained down upon her, she could hardly bear to hear them. Yet the Emperor had always worn an amused smile, utterly unbothered—his skin was thick as could be.
Back then, she had thought, This must be the difference between an emperor and an ordinary person. I could never reach his level.
As luck would have it, just moments ago, Noble Consort Yi had been propping her cheek, drowsy and lost in thought, mulling over how to "care more for the Emperor." Before she could reach any conclusion, Kangxi had strode into Yikun Palace, immediately reprimanding the palace maids and ordering them to summon the imperial physician.
Wait—what illness did she have?
Yunxiu knew the misunderstanding had gone too far. Ruizhu and the others hadn’t done anything wrong! Seeing the situation turn precarious, her priority was to soothe the Emperor’s faint irritation. With her mind still fixated on "caring," she had blurted out her longing without thinking.
She had no experience in this sort of thing. Wasn’t this how one showed they cared…?
The moment the words left her mouth, she regretted them.
Even when she had first entered the palace, her heart and eyes full of the man upon the throne, overjoyed at his arrival, she had never spoken such blunt, saccharine words!
After awakening from her grand delusion, she no longer fixated on the Emperor, yet the lingering affection remained, hovering stubbornly. No matter what, the Emperor was someone she valued—the father of her children. Speaking like this to someone she held dear was unbearably embarrassing.
She took a deep breath, silently scolding herself. Why must you speak so quickly?
But the words were already out, impossible to take back. Lowering her gaze, she steeled herself for a long moment before finally looking up—
Unbeknownst to her, she had already become a sight to behold in another’s eyes.
Gone was the pallor of exhaustion. Not just her ears, but her cheeks too were dusted with a delicate flush. Her brows arched like distant mountains, her lashes trembling slightly. Though free of cosmetics, her beauty only grew more striking—every inch of her radiant, every inch exquisite.
Kangxi froze for only a moment before his gaze burned into her, deep and fathomless as the sea.
Noble Consort Yi’s promotion had undoubtedly required the Emperor’s considerable influence. Yet even after achieving his wish, a strange emptiness had lingered in his heart—one he couldn’t quite name.
Now, at last, he understood.
He had longed for Yunxiu to seek him out unprompted, to act without restraint—not to thank him with stiff formality!
Like last night, when a mountain of memorials had kept him trapped in the study. Unable to leave, he had sent Liang Jiugong to inform her. Nearly an hour later, a eunuch reported that Noble Consort Wen had brought the Tenth Prince to keep Noble Consort Yi company.
Perhaps he had grown too accustomed to Yunxiu’s presence. The sudden "loneliness," the lack of warmth or concern, left him unsettled as he flipped through the documents, an inexplicable dissatisfaction creeping in.
Now, it felt as if his efforts had finally borne fruit. A scalding warmth surged through the Emperor’s chest, his entire body relaxing as if submerged in a hot spring. A smile tugged irresistibly at his lips.
The hazy barrier between them shattered in an instant. For the first time, Kangxi recognized the clarity of his own thoughts—what he felt for Yunxiu… perhaps went beyond mere fondness.
Missing me so dearly, awaiting my arrival… Could the "illness" Zhang Youde mentioned be lovesickness?
In the blink of an eye, the Emperor had pieced together an entire narrative in his mind. The reprimand for the palace maids was long forgotten.
Amid his joy, a fine, aching tenderness welled up.
Yunxiu was too considerate. Even when her longing grew unbearable, she refused to disturb him, enduring it alone—sleeping restlessly through the night.
Really, what was he to do with her?
Burdened by long-suppressed yearning, she had finally broken at his arrival… Ahem. This was the first time she had ever said she missed him!
Half a moment passed with no response from the Emperor. Yunxiu’s cheeks burned hotter, and she turned her face away, her expression a mix of embarrassment and frustration.
Watching this scene, Liang Jiugong found his earlier irritation replaced by an odd sense of gratification. With a wave, he quietly dismissed the surviving palace attendants, leading them away on tiptoe.
At last, this day has come! His Majesty has finally reaped what he sowed!
The thought struck him as absurd. The chief eunuch froze, then hastily spat thrice and slapped his own cheek. What nonsense! "Reaped what he sowed"?
Tsk, tsk. Picking up a few poetic phrases and tossing them around carelessly—I must be going senile.
Inside the chamber.
Recognizing Yunxiu’s flustered state, Kangxi’s lips curved. He took her hand, suppressing the storm of emotions within, and murmured, "So that’s how it is. We won’t summon the physician. Yesterday, I was buried in state affairs and couldn’t dine with you. Allow me to make it up to you." With that, he guided her to recline on the daybed, his large hand resting against her forehead, massaging gently.
For the Son of Heaven to humble himself like this—had anyone seen, their eyes would have popped from their sockets!
Though his voice was tender, his touch feather-light, Yunxiu was no longer the same woman as yesterday.
She had to change. She had to care for the Emperor.
Noble Consort Yi had braced herself. Even startled by the warmth of his touch, she swallowed her unease and glanced back with a coy frown. "Make up for what? I merely had a poor night’s rest. The servants exaggerated—a short rest will suffice. Your Majesty has just concluded the morning court session and still has memorials to review. How could you waste time here with me?"
Her words said one thing, but her reluctance was plain to see.
Sensing something deeper—an intimacy and dependence that had grown stronger—Kangxi couldn’t bear to leave.
Yunxiu was unsettled.
The thought of the palace maid’s frantic report about her "illness" melted the Emperor’s heart entirely, dissolving all traces of frost. He willingly softened for her sake.
With a smile, he said, "I’ll have them bring the memorials to Yikun Palace. I’ll stay and watch over you as you rest."
Watch over her as she slept…
Yunxiu’s face flushed anew. If anyone heard this, I’d never live it down.
With Yinqi now attending the imperial study and Yintang growing older, their parents had somehow become more affectionate than ever, exchanging sweet nothings.
Though the Emperor still held the upper hand, Noble Consort Yi refused to fall behind. Spurred by competitiveness, she hesitated before giving a small, reluctant nod.
"Liang Jiugong!" Kangxi’s low, urgent voice called from within. "Did you hear me? Go to Qianqing Palace at once—not a moment’s delay!"
Today happened to be a rest day at the imperial study. When the Crown Prince, engrossed in his books at Yuqing Palace, received the summons from the Grand Empress Dowager, he was thoroughly puzzled. She only called for me?
About an hour later, the Crown Prince emerged from Cining Palace in high spirits, his lips pressed together in a smile bright enough to rival the sun—startling He Zhuer, who attended him.
"Your Highness..." He Zhuer, who had been left outside the hall earlier and thus unaware of what the Grand Empress Dowager had discussed with his master, cautiously asked, "What is the matter?"
"The Grandmother told me that if I encounter any matters involving the inner palace and feel uncertain, I may seek advice from Noble Consort Yi," the Crown Prince said, his smile widening. "If there are any unsatisfactory servants, Noble Consort Yi will also handle them for me..."
As he spoke, the Crown Prince gradually slowed his steps and fell silent.
After a long pause, his eyes reddened slightly as he murmured softly, "In the past, I envied Eldest Brother for having Consort Hui to care for him. But now, there’s no difference between him and me."
This moment of melancholy passed quickly. The Crown Prince rubbed his eyes and grinned again. Glancing in the direction of Yikun Palace, he whispered, "Go and find out—will Noble Consort Yi be dining with anyone else at noon today?"
Truth be told, to avoid suspicion, he had never once shared a meal at Yikun Palace.
As for the evening, there was no hope—the Emperor kept Noble Consort Yi firmly by his side, and he dared not provoke the tiger’s whiskers.
So, a noon meal it would be! And perhaps he could play with Little Ninth Prince while he was at it.
The more the Crown Prince thought about it, the more delighted he became. His steps lightened as he walked along the palace path.
Today’s surprises came one after another. Upon returning to Yuqing Palace, the kitchen steward came to report that Zhang Youde, the chief eunuch of Yikun Palace, had brought along a pastry chef and requested the Crown Prince’s instructions.
"The Fifth Prince and Fourth Princess adore this chef’s chestnut cakes—they are truly exceptional. Noble Consort Yi said you must try them," Zhang Youde said with a smile. "If they don’t suit Your Highness’s taste, just let this servant know... Her Ladyship reminded me repeatedly to ensure everything is to your liking."
Noble Consort Yi had sent him a chef!
This gesture of care warmed the Crown Prince’s heart, and his eyes crinkled with joy. "Why wouldn’t they suit me? I have no dietary restrictions. If Fifth Brother likes them, so will I."
Secretly, he resolved that this spring, his usual favorites—braised pork, duck stew, and sweet-and-sour mandarin fish—would have to make way. From now on, chestnut cakes would be his top choice.
After his initial excitement, the Crown Prince muttered to himself, "What a coincidence!"
Since Zhang Youde was already here, He Zhuer wouldn’t need to make inquiries.
Waving for the attendants to withdraw, the Crown Prince lowered his voice and asked, "Are there any guests at Yikun Palace?"
Zhang Youde was momentarily puzzled, but recalling Noble Consort Yi’s strict orders never to deceive the Crown Prince, he hesitated before answering truthfully, "Your Highness, there are no guests... but His Majesty is present. He brought memorials from the study and announced he would stay through noon and even have dinner there."
"..." The Crown Prince sighed, unable to hide his disappointment.
Spending the entire day at Yikun Palace?
How clingy His Majesty was!!
Meanwhile, Kangxi remained blissfully unaware that his beloved son harbored such grievances against him.
At noon, after sending the freshly awakened Yintang back to Yikun Palace, he reveled in his private time with Noble Consort Yi, feeling utterly content.
Her serene sleeping face on the daybed never failed to captivate him (ａｉｙｉｎｂei)•(com), and oddly enough, it even improved his efficiency in reviewing memorials. Liang Jiugong, standing nearby, marveled silently—what was the logic behind this?
Before the chief eunuch could ponder further, Kangxi set down his vermilion brush and strode toward the side hall. Liang Jiugong hurried after him.
In a hushed tone, the Emperor commanded, "Summon Grand Imperial Physician Chen."
Liang Jiugong hesitated. "Your Majesty, is Noble Consort Yi unwell?"
Kangxi shot him a sidelong glance. "Just summon him. Must you question everything?"
"At once, Your Majesty."
When Grand Imperial Physician Chen arrived, panting from his rushed journey, he was met with the Emperor’s solemn expression.
Clutching his medicine box, his heart sank. What had happened?
Given that Noble Consort Yi was the Emperor’s most treasured consort, had something befallen her?
His anxiety grew as he set down the box and prepared to kneel, only for Kangxi to wave him off. "No need for formalities. I summoned you to ask a question."
A question?
Not about Noble Consort Yi?
Grand Imperial Physician Chen exhaled in relief and bowed. "Of course, Your Majesty. This old servant will speak without reserve!"
The Emperor gave a curt nod, pacing the hall with his hands behind his back. After a long silence, he asked gravely, "What are the symptoms of lovesickness... and can it be cured?"
