Mingxiu, ever the optimistic type, quickly forgot about the cheat system.

Loot some things that won't give you away, since it's too inconvenient to enter the space.

Kunning Palace

"Greetings, Your Majesty the Empress"

"Rise, please sit down," the Empress said, gesturing for the two women to sit. She smiled and said, "My two sisters, I'm so sorry, I'm sure you all know my situation."

"It's a big deal that Her Majesty the Empress is pregnant. How could we not know? We haven't even congratulated Her Majesty yet!" Consort Shu hurriedly said.

Consort Tong quickly echoed this sentiment.

The Empress looked at the two people below. Niohuru could not tell anything from them. She smiled, but only she knew what she was thinking.

The Empress turned to look at Consort Tong, noticing her somewhat unpleasant expression, but she was secretly pleased without showing it on her face.

"I called my two younger sisters over today because I'm currently quite busy with things at the palace, so I was hoping you two could help me out." As she spoke, she had someone place the items on their table.

"This part of the palace affairs will be handled by my two younger sisters."

Niohuru looked at the account book in front of her and a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, but she quickly concealed it.

Consort Tong was also a little surprised when she saw what was in front of her, her eyes flashing with excitement, but she quickly calmed down.

It's unexpected that the Empress, who used to hold onto power so tightly, is now willing to relinquish it. However, neither of them said anything, since having power allows them to better manage their affairs. They simply assured the Empress that they would handle their responsibilities well.

After saying her goodbye, the Empress narrowed her eyes as she watched the two figures walk away.

"Your Majesty"

The Empress, regaining her composure, smiled slightly and said, "Don't worry, Granny, I'm fine."

She is really fine; she just hopes that the two people can handle the palace affairs well and not let her efforts go to waste.

Chengqian Palace

Inside, the gauze curtains, swaying like cicada wings, swayed in the wind, layer upon layer, revealing the exquisite ornaments in the room.

The people inside the room were far from calm.

"That's wonderful! Your Highness, now that we hold the reins of power in the palace, things will be much easier to handle!" The maid beside her was so excited that her voice trembled as she looked at the things in front of her.

Consort Tong didn't speak, but there was a smile in her eyes. Although the Empress's pregnancy made her very sad, having power in the palace did make her feel much more relaxed.

The Empress herself certainly couldn't have imagined it; it must have been something the Emperor said that made him still think about her.

Thinking this made Consort Tong even happier.

Empress Niohuru of Yongshou Palace shared the same thought: it must be something the Emperor said.

Looking at what was in front of him, he sneered and patted his stomach.

"What do our people say?" Niohuru stared blankly ahead.

A figure stepped forward from behind. "Your Majesty, rest assured, our people have begun preparations. Everything will be absolutely foolproof."

"That's good"

Mingxiu, who had just emerged from the space, was busy again without even having a chance to rest. Since the Emperor left, gifts had been pouring into Kunning Palace.

"Your Majesty is well," Liang Jiugong said with a smile. "These are gifts bestowed upon you by the Emperor: a pair of openwork cloud-shaped gold hairpins, a white jade phoenix hairpin, a jade ruyi, a pair of 'Nine Heavens Embracing the Moon' fans, a box of deep-sea pearls, a red gold filigree beaded jade ring, a pair of tourmaline and pearl hairpins, and 500 taels of silver."

"Thank you for making this trip, sir," the Empress said, and a palace maid stepped forward and handed her a red envelope.

Liang Jiugong pinched it, and his smile deepened.

He thanked them and then took his leave.

As soon as Liang Jiugong left, Su Ma La Gu, who was by the Empress Dowager's side, walked in.

The head maidservant beside the Empress quickly ushered the person inside.

Mingxiu looked on with envy, drooling with envy. It looked so valuable.

Looking again at Su Ma La Gu who had already gone inside, I felt even more envious. I wonder if she'll ever have the chance to become an aunt like Su Ma.

Of course, as long as the identity is similar, it's fine; as long as the habits are similar, it doesn't matter.

Mingxiu recalled a record she had read somewhere about Sumalagu: "The aunt was devoted to Buddhism and in her later years maintained a vegetarian diet, never bathing throughout the year. Only on New Year's Eve did she wash herself and drink the water herself." She couldn't help but shudder, feeling a bit nauseous.

As a modern person, she simply couldn't accept taking only a few baths in her entire life and even drinking the bathwater.

Of course, she was just thinking about it; these things were still far from her reach. She hadn't yet figured out a way to become familiar with the Empress, let alone take care of Yinreng.

The task is arduous and the road ahead is long.

It's finally over. Mingxiu just wants to go back and rest. The Empress has bestowed so many dishes today, the meal tonight is sure to be delicious. She needs to hurry back for dinner.

Thinking of Mingxiu, she hurried back.

Cining Palace

"Su Ma, how is the Empress's health?" the Empress Dowager asked, looking at the maid who had been with her since childhood.

"Your Majesty, please rest assured, Her Majesty the Empress looks quite well. The imperial physician says she's just a little weak and will be fine after some rest."

The Empress Dowager nodded. "That's fine then. However, I was surprised that the Empress entrusted palace affairs to others this time. It seems she knows what's important."

"I heard that the Emperor gave some pointers, but it's good that Her Majesty the Empress understood," Su Mala Gu said with a smile, looking at the white-haired person in front of her.

"Yes, yes," the Empress Dowager nodded.

This is Xuan Ye's legitimate son, so naturally he deserves more attention. Xuan Ye doesn't have many children; so far, only one eldest prince is still healthy and living outside. The rest have either died young or are in poor health, so she is really worried.

Qianqing Palace

As Kangxi looked at the memorial before him, his expression grew increasingly grim.

With a 'bang,' the folded document was thrown to the ground.

The more Kangxi thought about it, the angrier he became. This Ao Bai was really going too far, even trying to interfere with my offspring.

It seems that's still not enough.

"Liang Jiugong, what is Consort Shu doing?"

"Your Majesty, Consort Shu just received a task from Her Majesty the Empress today, and is presumably familiarizing herself with palace affairs."

Yes, proceed to Yongshou Palace.

After saying this, Kangxi turned and left.

The days that followed were uneventful. Mingxiu never had a chance to appear in front of the Empress, partly due to the Empress's overly protective nature. The weather was gradually turning cooler, and Mingxiu's first New Year here was approaching.

However, even though the Lunar New Year is approaching this year, there is no festive atmosphere in the palace.

Looking at the snowy weather outside, Mingxiu took a sip of tea, not surprised that there was no activity for the New Year this year. After all, she still remembered some history.

In the twelfth year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign, he ordered the abolition of the feudal domains, removing the three feudatories of Wu Sangui, Geng Jingzhong, and Shang Kexi. Their military, financial, and personnel powers were returned to the central government, ending the situation where each held considerable military power, ruled independently, and became uncontrollable. After the Qing court issued the order, Wu Sangui secretly plotted a rebellion against the Qing. Thus began the Rebellion of the Three Feudatories, and the affairs of the court changed rapidly as time slowly passed.