"This servant also thought that the new concubine would gain face, but I did not expect that Chuxiu Palace would win first place in the end."

Chunyu's words sound good, but they shouldn't be taken too seriously.

Winning the first prize? What kind of winning the first prize is this? At most, some people are too embarrassing, like eye-catching bags, making a spectacle for the many concubines.

Xiuning couldn't stop laughing, thinking to herself that her maid was really good at cutting to the bone, saying the opposite of what she meant. If you didn't listen carefully, who would guess that her words were meant to be sarcastic?

"Alright, alright, whether it's a newly arrived concubine gaining favor or an old man successfully taking the lead, it's all a matter of respect given by the Emperor."

However, Chuxiu Palace has indeed been quite outstanding lately. Hmm, how many months until that Juechan clan member gives birth?

Juechan was truly embarrassed, and was subsequently completely ignored by Kangxi, not even receiving any consolation gifts from him on certain important holidays.

With such indifference, who would bother to pay attention to her unless the concubines were fools? Xiu Ning naturally didn't have that kind of free time.

Chunyu said, "I'm already seven months pregnant, and I'll give birth in a little over two more months."

Xiuning muttered to herself, "Two months or so, that's really fast."

Based on the timeline, the due date is early next year, and if all goes well, it might even be on an auspicious day.

However, given Juechan's image in the Emperor's eyes, even a good life might not be able to save her and her son.

Yes, as early as when Juechan was six months pregnant, the imperial physicians diagnosed that the baby was a boy.

However, because the emperor did not make any further remarks, Chuxiu Palace became famous throughout the entire harem.

In all the years since Kangxi ascended the throne, I have never seen him so ruthless to anyone. Even when a concubine in the harem was pregnant with a daughter and lost favor, Kangxi still gave her the rewards she was entitled to.

Only Juechanshi, with no reputation, no rank, and no one caring about her pregnancy, single-handedly brought shame upon Chuxiu Palace and Consort Hui.

Of course, Consort Hui wouldn't feel ashamed, because Juechan had nothing, so the child in Juechan's womb would definitely be entrusted to her for upbringing.

Especially given Yinti's current condition, Consort Hui should be overjoyed to have another healthy prince. She might even be grateful to Juechan for her foolish idea, otherwise she wouldn't have been able to bring him over so smoothly.

"Now there are more and more imperial heirs in the harem. In a few more years, when they grow up, we will all be old."

At that time, the disputes between them would definitely be more intense than the current competition for favor.

She got up, turned over, and lay back down. Xiu Ning gestured to Chun Yu to massage her shoulders.

As the sensation spread across her body, Xiu Ning squinted her eyes comfortably. "I heard from the Emperor that Yin Yi has been behaving poorly in the Imperial Study lately."

"When you have time, send someone to the Prince's residence and summon him back to me."

Upon hearing this, Chunyu responded softly.

"A couple of days ago, the Emperor bestowed a batch of spring clothing fabric over and sent a few bolts to Ning Chuge, asking her to have someone cut out the clothes in advance."

They're all grown up now, so their daily outfits need to be carefully chosen, including a few nice headpieces and jewelry.

Yinlu has been living in Qixiang Palace. I won't go into the usual worries he has, but recently I need to give a few extra instructions to the palace servants around him: keep a tight rein on certain things..."

Xiuning spoke in a lower and lower voice, and told almost all three children what had happened.

Chunyu listened attentively, occasionally replying, until Xiuning stopped talking and began to snore soundly as she slept.

Seeing this, Chunyu quickly stopped, carefully got off the bed, and took a blanket to cover herself to prevent catching a cold before leaving the room.

...

At the beginning of the 20th year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign, before the festive atmosphere of the New Year had even dissipated, the Chuxiu Palace sent the good news that Lady Juechan had given birth.

When the message arrived, Emperor Kangxi was flirting with Xiuning in Qixiang Palace.

Having finally finished dealing with the affairs of the previous dynasty, Emperor Kangxi needed to relax.

As a result, some ignorant person came to inform Juechan about the birth of his child.

"Women have midwives and imperial physicians to help with childbirth. What's the use of telling me? Do you think I can help deliver babies?"

With a cold face, Kangxi completely transformed into a scumbag, displaying an irresponsible attitude. Not to mention the palace servants who came to inform him, even Liang Jiugong and others who had served him for a long time could hardly keep their composure.

The young palace servant had only hoped to earn a reward for running an errand, but instead he was met with a barrage of insults. He could only kneel on the ground, trembling, and dared not utter a single word.

Seeing this, Xiu Ning quickly waved her hand to signal Liang Jiu Gong, and then pulled Kangxi to sit down. "I think Consort Hui is also nervous. Why don't you send a palace maid to check on her?"

Normally, when a concubine gives birth, her biological father will be notified to attend. Whether the biological father goes or not depends on whether the person giving birth is of sufficient weight.

Anyway, Emperor Kangxi was present when Xiuning gave birth, and after the birth, regardless of whether it was a boy or a girl, he would generously reward the palace servants.

"It's nothing serious, you don't need to go."

Emperor Kangxi rejected Xiuning's suggestion and was even reluctant to make arrangements for the palace servants.

Suddenly, Xiuning gained a new understanding of why Juechan was not well-liked.

With a quick glance and a smile, the somber atmosphere in the hall instantly brightened.

Kangxi patted Xiuning's hand, his coldness lessening considerably. "My beloved consort, you are still the one who wins my heart the most."

Upon hearing this, Xiu Ning smiled even more shyly. What does it mean to be the most pleasing to the Emperor? It's because she knows how to assess the situation, doesn't speak when she shouldn't, and never hesitates to change the subject.

Rolling her eyes inwardly, Xiu Ning simply snuggled into Kangxi's arms. She couldn't show too much emotion towards this scumbag; she'd better bow her head first as a sign of respect.

On the other side, Consort Hui was standing anxiously in the courtyard, waiting for the palace servant who had delivered the message to return.

The occasional screams of pain reached her ears, and Consort Hui was increasingly annoyed by Juechan's antics.

"Your Majesty, His Majesty will probably be a while longer. Let me help you into the palace."

It was very cold outside. Chengxin was extremely anxious when she saw that her master's hands had turned red from the cold after standing for only a short while.

Consort Hui shook her head. "Let's wait a little longer." Going back would be too hasty; it's better to calm down here.

Seeing that Consort Hui did not want to leave, Chengxin felt that no matter how much she tried to persuade her, it would be useless, so she simply went back to the room, took out the cloak, and put it on her mistress.

"You should rest too," Consort Hui sighed, her expression growing increasingly grim.

Since her mistress wasn't even entering the palace, Chengxin dared not slack off. She shook her head and stayed close to Consort Hui, never leaving her side.

The master and servant waited and waited, and finally the little palace maid who had gone to deliver the message returned.

As a result, the little palace maid's words made Consort Hui lose her composure, and the Emperor didn't even come.

Not only did they not come, but the emperor's tone was also harsh, clearly indicating that he did not want to hear any news about Juechan.

Consort Hui: ...Oh no, the trouble that Juechan caused before was too big, and the Emperor still holds a grudge. Even if she raises Juechan's son, is she really confident that the Emperor will like the child?