Hearing what her mistress said, the maid couldn't help but open her mouth as if to say something more, but seeing the mistress's expression, she only mumbled a few words and said no more.

Yes, her mistress is exceptionally clear-headed. Even if she tries to persuade her again, can she really solve these problems? Besides, what ability would a mere maid like her have?

The maid shook her head inwardly. Although she felt sorry and disappointed for the lady, she understood that this was the lady's own choice, and all she could do was offer some modest support.

Consort Rong sighed, as if speaking to her maid or to herself, "It's not that I don't want to compete, it's just that after so many years in the harem, I'm afraid."

Previously, I had the will, but my family repeatedly made me endure.

I have endured this for over a decade.

Now the family has lost patience and wants to confront me, but times have changed, and they have never considered my situation.

"Ha, they're all just looking out for their own interests. How laughable that I was so hesitant and indecisive back then."

Enough, it's all for nothing. What was she hoping for?

This time, she would prioritize herself. Family or not, she had already given so much, there was no need to put her own body into it.

"Your Majesty"

The maid's eyes were filled with worry; she knew that her mistress had been emotionally unstable lately, especially due to family conflicts.

"I am fine, and no matter what happens to my family, we cannot send any more direct descendants into the palace."

"I am not entirely useless; they dare not," at least not to press me further.

Consort Rong waved her hand, her gaze settling on the tall and beautiful building not far away.

The Qianqing Palace was the sleeping quarters where the emperors of the Qing Dynasty had always resided.

Unfortunately, Zhongcui Palace, where she lived, was far from Qianqing Palace. Without the emperor's summons, she couldn't even step on the paved bricks at the entrance of Qianqing Palace.

"It's getting late, let's go back to the palace."

Turning away from her gaze, Consort Rong glanced again at the palace, which was hidden by trees and corridors.

Zhongcui Palace was still too remote. Over the years, she had moved from one palace to another, but the only thing that remained unchanged was the distance between her palace and the Qing Dynasty.

...

In June, cicadas hummed outside the window.

Xiu Ning, dressed in a light gauze dress, stretched out her body and lay on the couch.

The couch was covered with a soft mat woven from jade, which was cool and refreshing to lie on.

As the weather gets warmer outside, it's best to prepare your belongings in advance if you want to feel more comfortable.

Xiuning didn't need to say much; Chunyu, with her ample experience, took them out one by one.

A gentle breeze from a round fan brushed against Xiu Ning's cheek. With a slight flick of her wrist, Xiu Ning wiped the fine beads of sweat from her forehead and neck with a handkerchief. "Bring a cup of plum juice. Don't forget to send some to Bu Er and Dai."

Spring Rain should be the answer; she remained motionless, but the little palace maid standing to the side stepped forward upon hearing the sound.

A moment later, a bowl of plum juice, steaming in the center, was brought over.

"master"

Chunyu put down the fan in her hand, took the tray, and handed it to Xiuning.

Xiu Ning hummed in agreement, then gently lifted her jade-like hand and steadily supported the porcelain bowl in her palm.

The slightly sour plum drink was smooth and refreshing. "The soup is quite good; remember to give me a reward."

After saying that, before Chunyu could speak, Xiuning drank most of the plum juice in the porcelain bowl in one gulp.

The cool soup instantly soothed most of the dryness in her body.

Xiu Ning breathed a sigh of relief, thinking to herself that she had really had a hard time, enduring the unbearable summer heat while confined to the palace.

Chunyu took away the empty porcelain bowl and then continued to fan Xiuning.

Stray hairs at her temples fluttered in the breeze, but Xiu Ning remained calm and composed.

"The incense in the sachet has been replaced with fruit fragrance; this Huan Ning fragrance is too cloying for summer."

Despite being a gift from Emperor Kangxi, this incense is truly unsuitable for the hot summer; it's like a golden band around your neck, making it hard to breathe.

Chunyu responded softly, and gestured to the palace maid beside her to quickly bring out the incense burner.

As the incense burner receded into the distance, the fragrance faded. Xiu Ning exhaled and once again lay on her side on the jade mat, emptying her mind.

I must say, staying in the bedchamber day after day is really boring.

"Your Majesty, a palace maid from Chuxiu Palace has brought news that the prince's primary consort has given birth."

Hearing the noise, Chunyu hurried to the door. "Has the First Consort given birth?"

The palace maid curtsied and said, "It's a young princess. Consort Hui has already gone to keep watch over her, and now the palace servants of Chuxiu Palace are going around informing everyone to send their congratulations."

Xiuning opened her eyes. "Sending good news? It's a happy occasion."

Chunyu waved for the palace maids to leave, then turned back to Xiuning's side. "My lady, should we send someone to deliver gifts?"

Xiuning nodded. "Send it."

At her command, Chunyu immediately began making arrangements. Before long, palace servants left Qixiang Palace, their destination being the distant Prince's Residence.

The Grand Consort's happy event got off to a good start; her daughter was born smoothly, and the palace also gained a newborn.

The newborn was naturally the child of Consort Zhangjia. However, Consort Zhangjia had accompanied the Emperor on a southern tour and then Consort Ping was pregnant, so the pregnancy was not going well. As a result, the newborn princess was weak and the baby's third-day celebration could not be held.

Of course, I heard that there will still be a full moon banquet, but before that, Xiu Ning will first attend the third-day celebration of the eldest daughter of the Grand Consort, who is also the first grandchild of the Emperor.

"Heh, she's just a princess, and Consort Hui is already so happy. What will Consort Hui do when the First Princess gives birth to a prince?"

Consort Jia truly lives up to her reputation as the concubine with the most powerful verbal attacks. Even after retiring for a long time, she remains invincible once she steps out of the palace.

Xiu Ning sat in the seat of honor above Consort Jia, with Consort Yi, who had come to join in the fun, beside her. Although the two had fallen out, they still had the tacit understanding they should have. They glanced at each other and then ignored Consort Jia.

Consort Jia: ...Hey, what do you mean?!

Consort Jia puffed out her cheeks. Although her body was somewhat weak from years of bed rest, she spoke with a strong voice. Seeing that Consort Xiuning and Consort Yi ignored her, she snorted and simply started talking to herself.

At this moment, Consort Hui was standing next to Tong Jia Rongyue, showing off her new granddaughter.

Although she was just a granddaughter, she was still Kangxi's first grandchild. Kangxi issued an edict to bestow a generous reward upon her, which made Consort Hui both happy and regretful. If only she had been a legitimate son, the reward would have been several times greater.

Consort Hui was not simply greedy for these rewards; she cared more about Emperor Kangxi's attitude.

It is obvious that Emperor Kangxi preferred boys and princes. If the First Consort could give birth to a legitimate son, it would be entirely beneficial for both her and Yinti.

Hmm, when we get back, we should urge the First Princess to take good care of her health and get pregnant as soon as possible. The Crown Prince has already issued an imperial decree to grant them marriage, so they don't have much time left.