Chapter 28 Consort Hui's Life in the Imperial Study

At the second quarter of the hour of Yin (3:45 AM), as the night grew dim, the Forbidden City began to light up with scattered candlelight.

Upon hearing the crisp, short sound of the clapper, the palace maids and eunuchs of the East Third Palace gradually got up and began their work.

After washing up, Granny Sun tiptoed into the inner room and called out in a voice that was neither too loud nor too soft, "Brother, it's time to get up."

Baoqing's eyelids twitched.

Granny Sun called out again.

"Okay," a mumbled voice came from the bed. Bao Qing rubbed her eyes and slowly sat up from the thick, soft silk quilt. She shivered as soon as her skin touched the cold air.

Fearing that the prince would get cold, Granny Sun quickly put a silver fur coat on Baoqing.

Before changing her clothes, Granny Sun warmed her hands with charcoal, so Baoqing didn't feel cold.

A clever little eunuch had already prepared hot water and a soft towel. He wasn't the one who had to serve Baoqing personally. Granny Sun wet the soft towel with warm water and gently wiped Baoqing's cheeks. She then took some tooth powder from the ivory-handled cane and handed it to the half-asleep Baoqing.

Baoqing, still half-asleep, mechanically brushed her teeth and rinsed her mouth based on her memory. Then, Granny Sun served her by braiding her hair and changing her clothes.

Yes, Granny Sun still came to the Imperial Study with Baoqing.

Yunyun observed Granny Sun for half a year and felt that she was quite reliable. She also used some means to find Granny Sun's family and gave them some favors.

Trusting genuine interests is worse than trusting people's conscience.

After all that, Baoqing was almost fully awake. Children can't stand being hungry, so without Baoqing saying a word, Xiaodezi had already rattled off the names of the dishes.

"Today, the kitchen has prepared Sachima and Silver Thread Rolls for noodles, walnut porridge for congee, pickled cucumbers and radishes and stir-fried bean sprouts for side dishes, and also a serving of Poria cocos cakes."

All of them are light and easy-to-digest foods.

Baoqing nodded and followed Xiaodezi to the outer room, where they began to eat, following the rule of not speaking while eating.

Xiao Dezi then checked his writing implements and the large characters he had written the night before, and carefully put them into his book bag.

Emperor Kangxi had very strict requirements for his princes. They had to arrive at the Imperial Study before 4 a.m. to review their lessons.

Before dawn, eunuchs had already lit candles in the Imperial Study. A dozen fine white candles burned brightly, illuminating the room.

When Bao Qing arrived, the four Haha Zhuzi were already seated.

Yunrui still looked sleepy, with droopy eyelids. He was lying on his desk early in the morning, and greeted Baoqing listlessly, "Good morning, Fifth Prince."

Having been in the Imperial Study for over two months, Yunrui still hasn't gotten used to this schedule of getting up earlier than the rooster.

He is no longer happy to be with Baoqing.

At such a young age, he developed a strong aversion to school, wishing that the Imperial Study would burn down today and close down tomorrow so he wouldn't have to go to school.

Bao Qing was used to Yun Rui's behavior. He sat in front of him and calmly took out the "Great Learning". "Get up quickly, Eunuch Zhao is coming soon."

Eunuch Zhao, the full-time supervisor of the Imperial Study, would appear in the Imperial Study at four o'clock sharp in the morning to keep an eye on their reading.

After all, the instructor doesn't start teaching until 5 a.m., and the hour in between is for morning reading. It's obviously unlikely that the children will consciously maintain discipline.

Yunrui's face looked even more gloomy.

But I had no choice but to sit properly.

To avoid disturbing the prince's studies, Eunuch Zhao usually sat on a small stool behind Baoqing—right next to Yunrui.

Whether it was intentional or not, Yunrui was the most prone to daydreaming among the five children. Playing with pens during morning reading and touching paperweights were minor things, but occasionally he would pull out a piece of pastry from somewhere and eat it noisily behind Baoqing.

Then it was confiscated by Eunuch Zhao.

Before Eunuch Zhao arrived, Yunrui took out two mints from his purse and poked Baoqing's back with his index finger. "Fifth Prince, would you like some mints?"

Bao Qing didn't even turn his head; despite his young age, he was incredibly cold and ruthless. "I won't eat."

In this weather, the mints were probably specially prepared by Yunrui's mother to wake him up. Baoqing ate one earlier, and a chill ran straight to the top of his head.

I have no idea how Yunrui managed to eat it.

“Okay,” Yunrui said regretfully, putting one in her mouth herself, her right cheek slightly puffed out, her words muffled, “Tell me if you want some more.”

The clock struck three times.

Yunrui quickly started chewing, afraid that Eunuch Zhao would see him eating and then report him to his master, forcing him to copy large characters as punishment.

After reading for half an hour in the morning, at the hour of Mao (5-7 AM), Master Hanwen appeared in the study on time. He was a rather witty old man.

Although Emperor Kangxi was not a good person and required his princes to read a book 120 times and then memorize it 120 times, the Chinese tutors would make learning fun by telling them interesting stories, making the morning classes less boring.

Time flies when you get serious.

The old man finished speaking the last word precisely at noon, smiled and told them get out of class was over, then closed his book and left first.

Everyone likes a chef who doesn't stay overnight. Yunrui, who was originally drowsy, instantly perked up, took out a mint and handed it to Baoqing, whispering, "Want some? I saw you nodding off."

No matter how witty the master is, he can't help but speak in a flat and monotonous manner when lecturing, and his hypnotic tone makes people drowsy.

When Yunrui, who was always daydreaming in class, pointed out that he was dozing off, Baoqing's face instantly turned red.

But he still awkwardly took it and put it in his pocket, saying, "I'll save it to eat before my Manchu and Mongolian reading and writing class this afternoon."

The first class in the afternoon is when their willpower is truly tested.

Seeing his master come out, Xiao Dezi happily carried the food box inside.

There's a martial arts lesson in the afternoon, so it won't do if the prince doesn't get enough to eat.

We are currently in mourning, and according to regulations, we cannot eat meat.

The meals for the five children looked quite substantial, and two or three eunuchs quickly laid out the dishes one by one.

During the hundred-day mourning period for the Empress, the staple food could only be coarse rice and coarse flour, and the vegetables were mainly cabbage, radish and tofu, which looked very bland and tasteless.

But Yunrui, who always loves to eat, didn't complain.

He did learn some things in the Imperial Study, such as rules, rules, and more rules; rules are paramount.

However, he was somewhat uninterested. He had been spoiled since childhood, and his mouth was practically dripping with saliva.

Bao Qing was also chewing absentmindedly, eating slowly and leisurely, and upon closer inspection, his eyes were already vacant.

Xiao Dezi chuckled, opened the exquisitely crafted food box, and brought out several bowls of steamed egg custard, which was smooth and tender, still steaming hot.

Normally, steamed egg custard is a very common dish and wouldn't attract Baoqing, who is used to eating good food.

But what can you do when it's a special time like this? They've been eating nothing but cabbage and tofu for a month, and their mouths are practically tasteless.

However, Baoqing still asked one more question, "Did Mother send someone to deliver this?"

Although he knew that apart from his mother, probably no one would give him special treatment.

"It was Eunuch Fu who personally led the people to deliver it," Xiao Dezi said happily. He had also heard Eunuch Fu vaguely mention that Consort Hui was assisting with the affairs of the inner palace. As a result, the kitchen staff were paying more attention to the prince, and there were no Poria cocos cakes at the previous breakfasts.

Fu Gonggong, also known as Xiao Fuzi, always strives for excellence. He is also the adopted son of the chief eunuch of Yanxi Palace and is the most trusted eunuch by Yun Jun among the junior eunuchs.

Even when he's out and about, he's respectfully addressed as "Grandpa Fu."

"Consort Hui has always been thinking of the prince," Xiao Dezi added, subtly flattering Bao Qing, "I suppose Consort Hui knows that the prince studies diligently and works hard, and she feels sorry for our prince."

Bao Qing's lips curled up slightly.

He knew that his mother always thought about him.

But lately, we've been getting things delivered every day. Isn't that too frequent?

Has something happened on Mother's side?

Sometimes Baoqing is also a very perceptive child.

He thought he should go back and ask Granny Sun.

The steamed egg custard, infused with her mother's care, tasted especially delicious.

Unfortunately, Baoqing didn't have that much appetite.

He glanced regretfully at Yunrui, who was happily munching on the steamed egg custard in her hand.

Yunyun specifically instructed Fuling to prepare the food according to the appetites of six children, ensuring that they would eat well and be full.

-

Yanxi Palace.

Yunyun was also preparing to have lunch.

But before using it, I asked, "Has the steamed egg custard been delivered yet?"

Fuling nodded, "Xiao Fuzi is quick on her feet. Judging by the time, the prince should have used it by now."

Lingzhi, however, was still somewhat puzzled. "This servant is dull-witted. I understand why you sent clothes and special food from Yanxi Palace before, but why send steamed egg custard? Does the kitchen think they would mistreat the prince's food?"

Besides, we are currently in a period of mourning, so there's no reason to mistreat them; there are only a few things they can eat.

Yun Jun gave a cold laugh.

"The kitchen will not mistreat him, but it will not take good care of Baoqing either. Although he cannot eat meat during the mourning period, for the sake of the health of the princes under the age of ten, things like egg custard are fine."

"I can't control what's going on with the Crown Prince, but Baoqing hasn't seen a single bowl of steamed egg custard in all this time."

It wasn't intentional withholding; it was just that no one brought it up.

Baoqing's birthday is February 14th, and he gets a day off. Yunyun had been preparing to celebrate for a month in advance.

But then, the Empress passed away, and forget about celebrating, they couldn't even show a smile in public.

She also had to cry for the Empress, which meant that she only spent a few hours with Baoqing that day.

But she didn't miss a single question about what she needed to know.

Baoqing doesn't understand, but doesn't she already know?

That's just how people in the Imperial Household Department are; they'll only ever take advantage of kindness.

"Besides, Baoqing is a thoughtful child. Knowing that I care about him makes me feel more at ease," Yunyun's expression softened.

She knew the rules and study time of the Imperial Study. It was heartbreaking to see a six-year-old child living a life comparable to that of a senior in high school.

But this is the rule and the necessary path to success. She couldn't interfere with his studies, so she could only care about Baoqing's life.

Moreover, she now manages a portion of the palace affairs, so sending people to the Eastern Three Palaces has become legitimate.

-

Consort Tong was also in a flurry of activity for several days after receiving the palace affairs.

Organizing account books, meeting with heads of various departments of the Imperial Household Department, and handling matters related to the Empress's mourning period—even with Chunzhi's help, she was still extremely busy.

After almost everything was sorted out, when I opened the official register, I saw a whole row of Consort Yi's names.

Consort Tong was so angry she almost laughed.

Is Consort Yi trying so hard to win the emperor's favor because she can't spare any time?

Pressing her temples, Consort Tong asked with some puzzlement, "Why is it that Consort Yi is vying for the Emperor's favor, but Consort Xi hasn't made any moves?"

These two women were well-known rivals in the palace, both holding the rank of concubine with favor but no children, and both were stumbling blocks on the other's path to gaining favor.

Even Granny Zhao was unsure, and even had a wild guess: "Could it be that Consort Xi is pregnant too?"

Otherwise, it wouldn't make sense. The Empress had already finished her mourning period on the 27th, and the Emperor had begun to visit the inner palace. This was clearly a sign of vying for the Emperor's favor.

Besides having more confidence, Granny Zhao couldn't think of any other reason.

Consort Tong frowned and carefully flipped through the official records. "Consort Xi last served the Emperor three months ago. If she was pregnant, how could it not have been revealed by now?"

As everyone knows, the first three months are the danger period.

The imperial concubines would have their pulse checked by the imperial physician every month. If they concealed it for two months, they could use the excuse that the pulse was too weak to detect. But if it was for three months, they would have to say that the concubines were deep in thought.

However, given Consort Xi's flamboyant personality, she was hardly scheming.

If she really is pregnant, she'll probably be the first one to brag to Consort Yi.

"Why is that?" Consort Tong was completely baffled.

She couldn't let Consort Yi's family become too powerful, and she wanted to help Consort Xi compete with her, but now Consort Xi was up to no good, and Consort Tong couldn't force her to vie for the emperor's favor.

Granny Zhao then came up with another outrageous guess, "Your Majesty, look, Consort Xi didn't serve the Emperor during the Empress's serious illness, and now she's acting as if nothing's wrong. Could it be...?"

Could it be that she's trying to cultivate a persona of deep affection for Empress Niohuru in order to win the Emperor's favor?

In this world, people who are kind and righteous are never disliked.

Consort Tong also thought of this.

However, Consort Xi, who could not be of use to her, was not worth her attention. Consort Tong mentally searched through the concubines in the harem.

We don't need to worry about those invisible concubines; they were never favored by the emperor before, and even if we were to raise them up, they would probably just be good fools.

"I remember there was a Noble Lady Nara in Yanxi Palace?" Consort Tong suddenly remembered that there was such a person.

Zhao Mama understood the unspoken meaning: "Noble Lady Nara is the birth mother of the Ninth Prince, but she is only a Noble Lady, which is a rather low position."

With a prince, she could rival Consort Yi; her position was lower, making her easier to control.

Consort Tong's mood improved. "Go and invite Consort Nara over."

A very simple sentence.

She, a noble consort in charge of palace affairs, wouldn't need any pretext to summon a mere lowly noblewoman.

Yunyun was puzzled.

As a member of Yanxi Palace, Consort Nara was required to report to her whereabouts.

"What does the Imperial Concubine want with Consort Nara?" Yun Jun fed the parrot a handful of food and clapped her hands. "When Consort Nara returns, tell me that if I have nothing else to do, I should have her come to the main hall."

For specific details, ask the person involved directly when the time comes.

-

After discussing government affairs with the Grand Councilors for three hours, Kangxi finally formulated a feasible strategy.

In early March, Wu Sangui declared himself emperor in Hengzhou, causing shock throughout the court and the country.

With the death of the Empress and external threats, Emperor Kangxi has been having a difficult time lately.

Fortunately, the Qing Dynasty clearly had the upper hand in the war, and as long as it continued to fight steadily, external threats were not a major concern.

After the Grand Councilors and the Six Ministers left the Qianqing Palace, Kangxi stretched his stiff body and asked, "Is the Imperial Study currently holding martial arts classes?"

Liang Jiugong was fully aware of the schedule of the Imperial Study. He bowed and replied, "Your Majesty, it is time for Anda to teach the Fifth Prince riding and archery."

"Let's go take a look."

-

Baoqing was too young to ride a big horse, so he was currently riding a gentle chestnut pony.

One of the instructors, Anda, led the horse on foot, holding the reins and guiding Baoqing, while another walked alongside the horse, supporting Baoqing's waist and abdomen to prevent him from falling suddenly.

At the same time, I paid attention to Baoqing's riding posture and corrected him from time to time.

"Keep your back straight, relax your shoulders and neck, and hold the reins with your hands shoulder-width apart."

"Look straight ahead and keep your feet firmly against the stirrups."

This was Baoqing's first time riding a horse; before that, he had practiced the basic postures of holding the reins and stepping on the stirrups on a wooden horse.

He was somewhat excited, his eyes sparkling.

Once he could maintain his balance independently, the two attendants gradually released their grip. "Alright, Fifth Prince, please keep this posture. Don't rush, take your time."

Baoqing gripped the reins tightly, feeling an urge to make the foal run.

But he knew it wouldn't work.

There were four guards holding long poles next to the training ground. If the horse suddenly started running, they would assume it was startled and use the poles to control its movement.

He rode his pony slowly around the training ground, a stark contrast to Yunrui, who could only watch him longingly from the sidelines.

Who told Yunrui to ride a horse and run on her first try yesterday?

The guards were surprised by his audacity; he started riding right away on his first time on horseback. They thought the horse was frightened and immediately used a long pole to stop it.

Yunrui wasn't hit or scolded, but he ran away suddenly and his inner thigh was chafed, so he could only stand aside and watch today.

As Baoqing walked, he suddenly spotted a familiar figure and exclaimed in surprise, "Father Emperor!"

It's unclear how long Kangxi stood there watching.

At least the guards knew that Kangxi had arrived, but they didn't make a fuss about it.

Baoqing slowly rode his pony to Kangxi. Even while sitting on the horse, he still had to look up at Kangxi.

After all, he was only riding a small, round pony with short limbs.

"Why is Father Emperor here!"

Emperor Kangxi patted Baoqing's head and said, "After I finished dealing with state affairs, I wanted to see how Baoqing was doing in his studies."

As a master of time management, no matter how busy he is, he always makes time to check students' work in the Imperial Study.

However, previously it was all literature lessons, where Baoqing would recite texts in front of Emperor Kangxi.

This was the first time Baoqing had seen her father, the Emperor, during a martial arts class.

The three Haha Pearls who were practicing archery noticed the commotion, put down their arrows, and respectfully came over to bow: "Your Majesty, may you enjoy a long life."

Kangxi nodded, "No need for formalities. I've just come to take a look. Please continue."

He said he was just coming to take a look, and he really just came to take a look. Kangxi didn't get itchy to mount a horse or show off his riding and archery skills. He just watched Baoqing ride a chestnut pony, and his riding skills gradually went from unfamiliar to familiar.

With the Emperor watching over him, Baoqing was very happy and tried her best to perform well.

Emperor Kangxi noticed that his calves were trembling from exertion and personally lifted him down.

"I remember the first time I mounted a horse was when you were about your age," Kangxi said nostalgically, looking at his son who had just reached his waist. "Fuquan, also your uncle Prince Yu, was skilled in archery and horsemanship, and his riding skills were better than mine back then. I was so frustrated with myself that I spent two hours a day on horseback..."

It was rare to hear the interesting stories about Father Emperor reading, and Baoqing was completely absorbed.

After waiting for a while, there was no further news.

Baoqing's head: ?

And then, Father Emperor, and then what?

If things had progressed normally, the next step should have been for Kangxi to practice day and night, surpass Prince Yu, and become a renowned prince skilled in both literature and martial arts.

But the result was—

No results found.

Kangxi changed the subject, "So I want to tell you that practice needs to be moderate. Martial arts lessons are arranged according to your physical condition, so don't push yourself too hard."

Although he was eager to know what would happen next, Baoqing could only obediently reply to his father's admonition: "Your subject understands, Your Majesty."

Kangxi patted Baoqing's head again, and then left.

The drill ground was once again filled with people respectfully seeing off the Emperor.

Emperor Kangxi was in a very good mood after teasing the child.

This pleasure lasted into the evening.