Even though Consort Hui held the highest rank among the imperial consorts, was the mother of the Emperor's eldest son, and had the backing of Mingzhu in court—whose influence was unrivaled—she still had to bow to Noble Consort Yi when they met.
This was palace protocol, a rule written into the Collected Statutes. Below the Noble Consort were the four consorts, and since her rank was inferior to Yunxiu’s, she had no choice but to comply.
Catching sight of the extravagant and ostentatious procession, Consort Hui’s already displeased expression darkened further. She turned to leave immediately, thinking that if she were accused of disrespect, she could claim ignorance—"I saw from afar and did not realize it was the Noble Consort’s entourage." But once Yunxiu called out to her, escape was no longer an option, no matter how unwilling she was.
...
A month ago, she had painstakingly copied volumes of Buddhist scriptures and sent them to Qianqing Palace. Kangxi had glanced through them without comment, merely nodding faintly. Consort Hui had breathed a sigh of relief, assuming the matter was behind her. Yet, just days later, Noble Consort Yi was elevated to Noble Consort!
The woman who had once addressed her as "younger sister" now outranked her. The injustice weighed heavily on Consort Hui, and she grew visibly haggard. Aside from keeping a close watch on the happenings in Yanxi Palace, she withdrew into seclusion, avoiding public appearances whenever possible—her pride simply couldn’t bear it.
How could she endure bowing to Mrs. Guoluoluo?
If there were two things Consort Hui valued most in life, they were Yinti and her status and influence in the harem.
When the Eighth Prince was still in Yanxi Palace, her position was secure, her authority unchallenged, and she could devote all her energy to her son, meticulously planning his future. But times had changed, and the situation was now entirely different.
She had fallen out of the Emperor’s favor, been outmaneuvered by rivals, and now had a newly promoted Noble Consort looming over her. Struggling to find a way out of this predicament, she was consumed by frustration, and her focus on Yinti had waned.
Every scheme she devised against Noble Consort Yi seemed futile—Mrs. Guoluoluo always emerged unscathed. Unable to win her over or suppress her, Consort Hui maintained her usual composure, but an inexplicable obsession with Yunxiu had taken root in her heart.
Take yesterday’s impeachment incident, for example. Consort Hui found it utterly absurd.
Accusations of "a hen crowing like a rooster" had been hurled, yet the Emperor still shielded her—even the Empress Dowager had taken her side!
And now, she had been openly entrusted with the Crown Prince’s care...
With such support, her Yinti would be overshadowed yet again. How long must they bide their time?
A surge of resentment gnawed at her like thousands of ants. Unable to bear it any longer, Consort Hui decided to step out for fresh air—only to have the misfortune of encountering Noble Consort Yi’s procession in the imperial garden, along with that infuriatingly beautiful face, wearing the same haughty, mocking smirk she knew all too well.
The sight stung Consort Hui’s pride.
Bowing—this was worse than death.
And then came that insufferably sarcastic tone, addressing her as "younger sister" while insinuating she lacked manners. Consort Hui swayed on her feet, fury boiling in her chest, her eyes flashing as she prepared to retort—
Ying'er, her maid, softly called out, "Your Highness," pulling her back from the brink of losing control.
"Your servant... pays respects to Noble Consort Yi... May the Noble Consort enjoy boundless fortune..." Her face rigid, Consort Hui performed the required bow, nearly choking on her own rage.
Yunxiu stared at her intently, then smiled magnanimously and waved a hand. "Rise."
Who else but Consort Hui had the means to leak details about the imperial chefs and clothing to the court?
Consort Ping lacked influence and had lost favor—at most, she could only whisper a few words to Suo Etu, but nothing more.
Back and forth, scheming and counter-scheming—Yunxiu was sick of it. Baseless accusations piled upon her as if she were made of clay.
And now, they’d resorted to impeachment? How exhausting for them.
Kangxi, out of consideration for his eldest son, would preserve Consort Hui’s dignity, but Yunxiu had no such obligation.
"Walk a narrow path too often, and you’ll trip. Once is nothing, but to keep stumbling—that’s sheer stupidity," Yunxiu murmured, leaning closer, her peach-blossom eyes narrowing. "I’ve no patience for your games. Look at you—already plain, now aged beyond your years. The Emperor won’t spare you a glance, and I doubt Yinti does either."
She smiled radiantly, her beauty unmatched. "What do you have to challenge me? Think Mingzhu’s backing makes you untouchable? Prosperity today is but fuel for the flames tomorrow. Oh, and tell him to rest easy—with me here, the Crown Prince is perfectly safe."
...
Consort Hui returned to Yanxi Palace and collapsed onto her bed, falling gravely ill.
The palace servants scrambled to summon the imperial physicians, and within moments, word reached Qianqing Palace. Kangxi closed his eyes, unable to conceal his disappointment and anger—not at Yunxiu, but at the mother of his eldest son.
A sickness of the heart, brought on by rage.
Or perhaps guilt?
"Deliver this message," the Emperor said coldly, reopening his eyes. "For Yinti’s sake, I’ve shown leniency time and again. If she dares stir more trouble... she is unworthy of her rank as first among the consorts."
The words sent a shiver down Liang Jiugong’s spine.
The edict summoning Suo Etu to court had yet to be issued, and Consort Hui’s standing in the Emperor’s eyes had plummeted beyond recovery.
Mingzhu, oh Mingzhu... you’d best pray for your own survival.
The next day, at the imperial study.
The Eldest Prince’s foul mood was palpable throughout the day—his tutors and companions alike noticed it.
The Third Prince and Fourth Prince exchanged glances, then realized his ire was directed at the Crown Prince, glaring at him with undisguised hostility... and even the Fifth Prince!
Was this about Consort Hui?
The Fourth Prince, though only seven, had heard whispers of how Consort Hui had taken to her bed after encountering Noble Consort Yi. Frowning, Yinzhen subtly pulled Yinqi behind him, shielding the younger boy from their elder brother’s glare. The Eldest Prince’s expression darkened further.
Fulu adjusted his little melon-skin cap, glared back, and stuck out his tongue. The Eldest Prince: "..."
I won’t stoop to a child’s level.
Fuqing gasped softly and quickly dragged Fulu away.
At noon, the princes practiced archery and horsemanship, occasionally gathering to chatter excitedly about the southern tour. The Crown Prince remained aloof, but a faint smile eased the anger simmering in his heart.
The impeachment against Yunxiu had been spearheaded by a minor official under Mingzhu and the Vice Censor-in-chief. When news reached Yuqing Palace, the Crown Prince was first shocked, then scornful. Though young, he saw through the ministers’ malicious intent—they feared Noble Consort Yi’s influence over him and her potential alignment with his faction.
Hah. I’m not even of age, yet Mingzhu doesn’t bother hiding his ambitions.
That Yunxiu had been dragged into this left the Crown Prince guilt-ridden. But the involvement of the Vice Censor-in-chief? That ignited his fury.
Once upon a time, Hu Ming and Hu Guang, trusted subordinates of Suo Etu who had been planted in the Yuqing Palace, were swiftly won over by the Crown Prince through a mix of favors and intimidation. As if aware of who had sent them, they trembled as they reported, "Years ago, this humble servant had the fortune of catching a glimpse... in Lord Suo's residence..."
The Crown Prince's expression darkened instantly, disbelief washing over him, his heart growing cold.
What difference was there between his granduncle stabbing Noble Consort Yi and stabbing him directly?
How had his granduncle, idle at home, come to know such palace secrets?
Raised under imperial tutelage and further educated by Yunxiu, the Crown Prince’s composure was ingrained in his bones, even in anger. Just as now, during archery practice, though his face grew noticeably colder, not a trace of his emotions leaked in the presence of outsiders.
With a soft sigh, as if resolving himself, the Crown Prince led his horse to a secluded corner of the training grounds and quietly instructed He Zhuer beside him, "The Vice Censor-in-chief... tell Noble Consort Yi everything, in full detail..."
It was as if he had severed ties with the version of himself who once relied on his granduncle. He took a deep breath, his eyes bright as morning stars.
He had done what he believed was right.
Meanwhile, the Eldest Prince watched from afar. Thoughts of his mother’s sallow complexion, her incessant coughing, Noble Consort Yi’s arrogance, and the Emperor’s blatant favoritism filled his mind. His fists clenched tightly as he strode toward the Crown Prince.
"Second Brother," Yinti, several years older and far taller, glared down at him coldly, enunciating each word, "Don’t push your luck."
"What are you talking about, Eldest Brother? I don’t understand," the Crown Prince glanced at him, unfazed by the height difference in the empty surroundings. He smiled mildly, "However, you haven’t paid your respects to me yet, have you? First comes the distinction of ruler and subject, then brothers. Etiquette must not be neglected. Eldest Brother, if you please."
His tone carried an unmistakable hint of arrogance, uncannily reminiscent of Yunxiu’s demeanor.
Yinti was so furious he nearly struck that smug face, barely restraining himself.
First comes ruler and subject?
Did you ever make such detestable demands of the Fourth and Fifth Princes?!
His mother lay bedridden, pleading with him repeatedly. With the southern tour imminent and court duties awaiting their return, he couldn’t afford to cause trouble. Revenge was a dish best served cold...
"Your Highness... may you be well," he forced the words through gritted teeth.
A few days later, the end of March arrived, marking the Emperor’s birthday celebration.
On this day, the Emperor hosted a grand banquet at the Hall of Preserving Harmony, feasting with his officials while issuing an edict to reinstate Suo Etu to his former position, affectionately addressing him as "Chancellor Suo."
Suo Etu, once idle at home, had been restored to power.
The ripple effect was immediate. Mingzhu’s hand trembled as he raised his cup, spilling half his wine. Closing his eyes, he thought of Consort Hui... His Majesty had grown displeased with him at last.
The man on the throne could dismiss Suo Etu just as easily as he could reinstate him—the same logic applied to the Nara clan.
A chill ran down his spine. Lately, he had grown too complacent!
Convinced the Emperor couldn’t do without him, he had nearly followed in that old fox’s footsteps.
While Mingzhu silently cautioned himself and reflected, Suo Etu, summoned to the palace, felt no such restraint.
After ecstatically expressing his gratitude, he stepped out of the Qianqing Palace and gazed toward the direction of the Palace of Earthly Tranquility. Recalling the fate of the Vice Censor-in-chief, a shadow slowly crept into his eyes.
He would never allow Noble Consort Yi to steal the Crown Prince away!
Superficial goodwill had to be maintained, but in private...
Before he could reach out to his niece in the Chuxiu Palace or arrange for his wife to visit, news arrived from the palace: Consort Ping had fallen ill with a severe cold during the seasonal change.
Rumors spread of her dire condition—bedridden like Consort Hui, unable to rise, confined to medicines. Before Suo Etu could react, the imperial procession was set to depart for the southern tour!
By the Emperor’s decree, the Grand Empress Dowager and Empress Dowager would accompany the journey, with Prince Yu and Mingzhu overseeing state affairs in the capital, assisted by Suo Etu. Among the Six Ministries, the ministers remained in the capital, while several younger vice ministers were granted the honor of accompanying the Emperor—among them Tuyue of the Guoluoluo family and Ma Qi of the Fucha family.
Among the imperial princes, the Crown Prince, Prince Rong, the Eldest Prince, and the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Princes were all on the southern tour roster. The Seventh and Eighth Princes, still too young to travel, remained behind. The accompanying consorts included only Noble Consort Yi, Consort Rong, and a few minor noble ladies and lower-ranked concubines.
Though advanced in age and rarely having left the Forbidden City, the Grand Empress Dowager was deeply moved by Kangxi’s filial piety and looked forward to the journey south. Still, she worried Noble Consort Wen might struggle to manage the rear palace alone and feared her own health might delay the imperial procession. Hesitation tinged her words.
The Emperor wasn’t traveling for leisure—he had weighty matters to attend to. How could he spare attention for an old woman like her?
Moreover, the bumpy roads might prove too much for her.
"Grandmother has never seen the landscapes of Jiangnan. How could I speak of you as a burden?" Kangxi urged solemnly. "As for the journey, I’ve arranged everything. The waterways are smooth, and you and the Empress Dowager may leisurely enjoy the scenery by boat, with physicians on standby... At most a half-month’s delay. I’ll take the land route and await your arrival in Jiangning."
The Empress Dowager added, "Would you really leave me behind, Grandmother?"
The Grand Empress Dowager looked between them and finally chuckled, "Very well, I’ll go."
Just the thought of the riverbanks’ scenery filled her heart with longing.
How different would Jiangnan be from the grasslands?
The land route, expected to be rough, proved otherwise.
The imperial carriage, crafted by master artisans, bore little resemblance to ordinary ones. Noble Consort Yi, riding alongside, scarcely felt any jostling. Peering out the window at the passing scenery, a faint smile graced her lips, her spirits lifting.
The journey passed without incident, save for her unusual drowsiness—
She paid it little mind, never suspecting the true cause. After all, her pregnancy with the Eleventh Prince wouldn’t occur until late in the twenty-third year, still far off.
When the guards ahead announced their imminent arrival in Jiangning Prefecture, mention of the textile commissioner’s residence unwittingly brought to mind the Wang family—Lady Wang, the Han Woman presented by the Cao and Li families, who had borne three imperial princes and risen as the favored Concubine Mi.
Inside the spacious carriage, Kangxi, reviewing memorials cross-legged, felt a sudden chill on his neck. Glancing up, he found Yunxiu smiling at him, and his heart swelled with delight.
Did she think he hadn’t noticed? Whenever she had a spare moment, Xiuxiu stole glances at him!
