Consort Cui shared the same idea as Consort Bu of Changchun Palace, Lady Zhaojia.

The difference is that Changchun Palace currently has no principal position. After feeling sorry for herself, Consort Bu suddenly cheered up and prepared to compete for Emperor Kangxi's favor, hoping to be promoted to a concubine and become the principal of a palace as soon as possible.

Consort Bu was eager to win the Emperor's favor, but Emperor Kangxi was busy with state affairs and rarely visited the inner palace.

June 18

Xu Lejin and Consort Duan had arranged to go to Cining Palace together to pay their respects to the Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager. They happened to run into Consort Jing in Cining Palace.

The Empress Dowager's face was kind and gentle, a benevolent smile gracing her aged features. "Consort Yu, Consort Jing, and Consort Duan are very thoughtful, coming to pay their respects to me and the Empress Dowager every few days."

Xu Lejin said respectfully, "It is our good fortune that the Empress Dowager does not mind our disturbance."

"Um."

The Empress Dowager responded softly, closing her eyes and muttering incantations.

The Empress Dowager, who was standing quietly to the side, smiled, beckoned Consort Jing to come forward, and said softly, "Consort Jing is a good girl. Not only does she assist in managing palace affairs, but she also insists on coming to accompany me and the Empress Dowager to eat vegetarian food and chant Buddhist scriptures every day."

"The Eternal Heaven is watching Consort Jing's filial piety towards me and the Empress Dowager. Sooner or later, the Eternal Heaven will favor Consort Jing, allowing her to gain the Emperor's favor and give birth to a son or daughter."

Consort Jing smiled shyly and lowered her head, nervously twisting the hem of her clothes.

Xu Lejin and Consort Duan exchanged a silent glance, their heads slightly lowered, both knowing exactly what was going on.

Although the Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager also loved the concubines in the harem, they showed different levels of affection towards them.

Previously, the Empress Dowager and Empress Dowager favored Consort Xuanyi. After Consort Xuanyi passed away, Consort Jing was the next favorite.

Ultimately, they did not have the blood of the Khorchin flowing through their veins, so in the eyes of the Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager, they were not as good as Consort Xuanyi and Consort Jing.

In the quiet Cining Palace, Xu Lejin and Consort Duan accompanied the Empress Dowager for half a day before bowing and taking their leave.

Walking along the long street with its red walls and golden tiles, Xu Lejin sighed softly and murmured, "Today, Her Majesty the Empress Dowager deliberately mentioned Consort Jing's filial piety and her devoted service to the Grand Empress Dowager and Her Majesty the Empress Dowager. Her meaning is clear!"

Consort Duan lowered her eyes and remained silent.

Xu Lejin continued, "I imagine that in a few days, the Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager will persuade the Emperor to visit Consort Jing's palace more often."

"Consort Duan, after you return, tell Consort Yin and Consort Niu in your palace to keep a low profile these days. If it is feasible, have Consort Yin and Consort Niu report to the Imperial Household Department that they are not feeling well and will suspend their green-headed plaques for a while."

Consort Duan nodded gently.

"Yes, Your Highness, I will certainly convey your instructions upon my return."

Xu Lejin looked up at the blazing sun and murmured to herself, "The tree may wish to be still, but the wind will not cease. The Emperor is in his prime, and in recent years there have only been three princes in the harem. The Manchu noble families and the Mongol tribes all want to compete for them."

Three days later

Emperor Kangxi visited Yikun Palace and had lunch with Xu Lejin.

With a furrowed brow, Kangxi said in a deep voice, "Yesterday afternoon, I went to Cining Palace to pay my respects to my grandmother and mother, and I met Consort Jing there."

"The Empress Dowager and the Empress Mother praised Consort Jing for her gentle and virtuous nature, saying that Consort Jing goes to Cining Palace to serve every day."

Xu Lejin raised her eyes, glanced quickly at Kangxi, then lowered her head and remained silent in thought.

Kangxi then spoke.

"My grandmother and mother-in-law want me to visit Consort Jing's palace more often, to tell her that Consort Jing's mother came from Khorchin, and that Consort Jing has Khorchin blood flowing through her veins."

Xu Lejin nodded slightly, thinking to herself, "Just as I expected."

“Your Majesty, I believe that Consort Jing is gentle, respectful, and obedient, and is very filial to the Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager. Your Majesty is busy with state affairs and does not often visit the inner palace. Consort Jing is fulfilling her filial duties to the Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager on behalf of Your Majesty, and she deserves to be rewarded.”

After speaking, Xu Lejin looked down at her toes, her expression inscrutable.

Emperor Kangxi paused for a moment, then laughed loudly, "What my beloved consort says is not without merit. Consort Jing has served her grandmother and mother with utmost devotion and indeed deserves commendation. Liang Jiugong..."

"Your servant is here."

Liang Jiugong glanced at Xu Lejin in surprise, then bowed and awaited Kangxi's orders.

Emperor Kangxi announced in a loud voice, "By imperial decree, Consort Jing is hereby awarded one hundred taels of gold, one bushel of pearls, and one bolt of silk gauze from the Western Regions as a reward for her pure and filial conduct and meritorious service to the Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager. Furthermore…"

"A painting and calligraphy piece are bestowed upon Consort Jing, and Consort Jing's mother is granted the title of Fourth-Rank Lady Gong."

Liang Jiugong lowered his head, desperately trying to suppress his laughter, and quickly left Yikun Palace to deliver the imperial decree to Consort Jing in Yonghe Palace.

Xu Lejin gave Kangxi a coquettish look and lowered her voice, saying, "Your Majesty is always good at teasing people. I thought Your Majesty was going to promote Consort Jing to the rank of Imperial Concubine, but I never expected Your Majesty to bestow gold and silver treasures and extend your favor to Consort Jing's mother."

Emperor Kangxi looked at Xu Lejin with affection and laughed heartily.

“Consort Jing is timid and weak. When I summoned her to the palace, it was to save face for my grandmother and mother. Letting her assist in managing the six palaces is already a great honor.”

“My beloved consort is only a consort now, and Consort Jing has no children and is petty. How could I allow Consort Jing to be on equal footing with my beloved consort?”

Xu Lejin paused for a moment, suppressing her surprise.

"Your Majesty's favor is not overwhelming. I come from a humble background, and my father and brothers are not very learned. The fact that I have been granted the title of Consort is already a great favor from Your Majesty."

"Your Majesty, I dare not ask for too much. I only wish to stay by Your Majesty's side, bear your children, and serve Your Majesty."

Consort Jing had been waiting and waiting, and finally she received a reward from Emperor Kangxi, as well as an imperial edict bestowing upon her mother, Lady Borjigit, the title of Fourth-Rank Lady.

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