This matter is not difficult to verify; the imperial physicians who could serve in the Imperial Hospital were naturally skilled.

Consort Tong soon received confirmation that Shuwan was indeed unable to have children.

Then Consort Tong began to make her plans.

It wasn't really a scheme; Consort Tong understood that the Emperor's treatment of Consort De was no longer what it used to be.

Previously, Consort De was the most favored among the high-ranking concubines, but now the most favored high-ranking concubine is Consort Yi.

Moreover, according to the people who stayed behind by her sister, Consort De was not good to Yinzhen. In addition, after her sister's death, Consort De's actions were almost self-destructive. Consort Tong is sure that Consort De's image in His Majesty's heart is no longer as good as it used to be.

Furthermore, given Consort De's past actions towards Yinzhen, if His Majesty were to find out that Consort De had chosen an infertile wife for Yinzhen at first glance, regardless of whether it was intentional or not, His Majesty would definitely harbor even more resentment towards Consort De.

At that time, the possibility of Yun Yao being chosen as the fourth prince's wife is naturally greater.

Thinking this way, Consort Tong sent someone to spread the word in secret that Consort De valued Shuwan and intended to make her her daughter-in-law.

Moreover, among Shuwan's many advantages that make her suitable to be the fourth prince's wife, the ability to bear children was added.

Now everyone in the palace knows who Consort De's daughter-in-law is, and Shuwan, who wasn't particularly noticeable among the young ladies-in-waiting, has started to attract attention.

Emperor Kangxi paid close attention to this year's imperial concubine selection, since three daughters-in-law would emerge from this selection, so he couldn't afford to ignore it.

Although he didn't frequent the harem much, he knew everything that was happening there.

Kangxi also knew that Consort De valued Shuwan and intended to make her the fourth prince's wife. Kangxi was quite satisfied with Shuwan's family background. He thought to himself that Consort De might have really thought things through and finally knew how to think about her son. Wouldn't it have been better if she had done this earlier?

With the final selection just days away, Kangxi finally began to enter the inner palace. He first went to Consort Rong's quarters, and following the order of seniority, he asked the Third Prince first.

When Consort Rong saw Emperor Kangxi approaching, she served him with meticulous care. Emperor Kangxi asked, "Third Prince's wife, do you have someone in mind?"

Consort Rong said, "I feel that the princess from the Dong'e family is pleasing to my eye."

Emperor Kangxi disliked the surname Dong'e. He was also a victim of his father's favoritism towards Consort Dong'e, and he always blamed Consort Dong'e for his mother's early death.

Although the Dong'e Princess who is currently being selected has absolutely no connection to the Dong'e Consort of yesteryear, it doesn't stop Emperor Kangxi from disliking this surname.

However, while he disliked them, as the emperor, he couldn't openly express his dislike for the Dong'e clan. Furthermore, Kangxi understood that the Dong'e clan had indeed been quite dormant in recent years, and the major Manchu clans couldn't afford to decline like this.

Kangxi thought it was about time for the Dong'e clan to make their appearance in court, so he nodded and said, "If you think she is good, have the Imperial Observatory calculate her birth chart later. If she is compatible with Yinzhi's, then we will choose her."

Consort Rong breathed a sigh of relief upon receiving Emperor Kangxi's approval.

She knew perfectly well what Consort Dong'e represented, but although the quality of this year's candidates was not bad, there were too many problems, and not only would a Crown Princess be chosen, but also a Fourth Prince's Consort.

There are really not many people who are both of high status and of good character.

The princess of the Ulanara clan was of good status, but Consort De had her eye on her. Moreover, the princess of the Ulanara clan was somewhat troublesome, and Consort Rong could not bear to let her son's harem be in turmoil.

That's why, when His Majesty asked, he mentioned that Princess Dong'e had gone up.

She was also nervous as she spoke, but she was relieved to hear that His Majesty did not blame her.

"Your Majesty, I thank you."

Emperor Kangxi spent the night at Consort Rong's residence, and the following evening he went to Consort De's Yonghe Palace.

Emperor Kangxi had not visited Consort De for a long time. He was quite comfortable being served by Consort De with gentleness and attentiveness. It was no wonder that Emperor Kangxi had favored Consort De in the past; she was incredibly considerate in serving people.

"Consort Yinzhen, what are your thoughts?"

"I have met many young ladies and princesses, and they are all quite good. I particularly get along well with the second princess of the Ulanara family."

Emperor Kangxi nodded: "I understand."

As for whether Shuwan was the final choice, Kangxi did not give a definite answer. However, based on Consort De's understanding of him over the years and her lack of explicit objection, it was certain that she had agreed.

After spending a night at Consort De's Yonghe Palace, Emperor Kangxi decided not to enter the inner palace again until the selection of concubines was over.

Liang Jiugong entered the imperial study and said to Emperor Kangxi, "Your Majesty, Consort Tong personally cooked chicken soup and had it delivered here."

When Emperor Kangxi heard that it was Consort Tong, he was somewhat surprised. His impression of his cousin was that she was particularly obedient and sensible. After entering the palace, she was very honest, well-behaved, and knew how to behave appropriately. She never did anything she shouldn't have done.

She seemed to understand perfectly well that she had entered the palace to maintain the dignity of the Tong family.

This was the first time Consort Tong had ever served soup.

Emperor Kangxi found it quite strange and asked Liang Jiugong, "What did the person who came say?"

"Your Majesty, the eunuch who delivered the chicken soup said that the Empress has something to say to Your Majesty and asked if Your Majesty is free tonight."

Kangxi frowned. Could it be the usual palace intrigue and power struggles? But then he thought, she was now in charge of palace affairs, and if he didn't go to her grand gesture of sending chicken soup, it would be a loss of face for her.

To give her face, I said, "Remind me to go to the Imperial Concubine's place tonight."

"Yes, Your Majesty, what about the chicken soup?"

"Here you go."

Liang Jiugong smiled and thanked His Majesty: "This servant thanks His Majesty for the reward."

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