"The Empress Dowager also mentioned the Empress and the Sixth Princess."

Kangxi looked at Xu Lejin with disbelief.

Xu Lejin lowered her head and spoke softly, "The Empress Dowager also said that the harem should be equally blessed in order to have many offspring. She asked me to persuade Your Majesty to visit Consort Zhao and the other concubines more often."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Kangxi's expression turned solemn.

After pondering for a long time, he laughed loudly and said, "I only have three princes now, which is indeed a bit too few offspring. The Empress's three-month mourning period has ended, and I should indeed spend more time in the harem."

"Thank you for your concern, Imperial Grandmother!"

Kangxi's tone was unreadable, but Xu Lejin knew that he was angry—angry at the Empress Dowager for interfering in the affairs of the concubines' nights with him.

With her head slightly lowered, Xu Lejin's lips curled up slightly. Then she raised her head and looked at Kangxi with a pleading expression. "Your Majesty, I have a favor to ask of you?"

"Your Majesty, you must not tell anyone that I have told you all the admonitions that the Empress Dowager gave me."

Emperor Kangxi laughed heartily and gently patted Xu Lejin's hands.

"Don't worry, I won't."

Looking up at the sky outside, Kangxi pondered for a moment and then said in a deep voice, "My dear consort, it's getting late. Let's rest early."

"emperor,"

Xu Lejin exclaimed in surprise, lowered her head in shame, rubbed the hem of her clothes, and spoke softly, "Your Majesty, this concubine has not yet had dinner, and I am afraid that my stomach will rumble in the night and disturb Your Majesty's enjoyment."

Emperor Kangxi was taken aback for a moment, then clapped his hands.

"It was I who was in a hurry. Since my beloved concubine has not had dinner, then let the palace servants serve her."

After a pause, Kangxi continued, "I just remembered, there are still some memorials submitted by court officials today that I haven't reviewed yet. I'll return to the Qianqing Palace to review them first. I'll visit my beloved consort another day."

Xu Lejin spoke in a low, humming voice.

"Yes, Your Majesty, this humble servant will see you off."