Xu Lejin glanced at Kangxi out of the corner of her eye and whispered, "Your Majesty, Consort Gong and her sister Consort Gong have been under house arrest for some time now, and it seems they have truly repented."

"After the investiture ceremony tomorrow, Your Majesty might as well take the opportunity to lift Consort Gong's confinement. In addition, Consort Rong has given birth to Your Majesty's fourth son and four princesses. Even if she has not made any great contributions, she has certainly worked hard."

"His Majesty's bestowal of titles upon the harem is a joyous occasion for all six palaces. Why not add to the joy and also lift Consort Rong's confinement?"

After speaking, Xu Lejin lowered her head, revealing her fair and slender neck.

The next day at dawn, Xu Lejin got up to see Kangxi off, then sat upright in front of her dressing table, gazing at her oval face, willow-leaf eyebrows, and cherry lips in the bronze mirror, and smiled gently.

Lianzhi and Ruhua bowed and served Xu Lejin as she dressed and made up.

"Your Majesty, Qing'er had some inappropriate thoughts last night. I wonder how Your Majesty intends to deal with her?"

Lianzhi lowered her head and asked softly.

Xu Lejin smiled faintly and said casually, "His Majesty instructed last night that Qing'er's manners were not good enough, and that I should send her back to the Imperial Household Department to learn manners for another year or two."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Lianzhi responded softly.

Ru Hua, who was gently wringing out a towel for Xu Lejin, paused for a moment and said carefully, "Your Majesty, I have noticed that Wan Liuhashi in our palace has been frequently contacting the Imperial Household Department these days."

“Wanliuha came from a family of bondservants. Many of his father, uncles, and other relatives served in the Imperial Household Department. The Wanliuha clan had been operating in the palace for many years.”

Xu Lejin nodded slightly.

"Wanliuha? I remember Wanliuha. She entered the palace two years ago during the preliminary selection. She should be fifteen or sixteen years old now. I wonder what her appearance and character are like?"

Ru Hua glanced quickly at Xu Lejin and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, Wan Liuha is now sixteen years old. She is beautiful and virtuous, and is the best among the palace maids."

"Yes, I understand."