Harigana turned over and only fell into a deep sleep after Kangxi lay down beside her and held her waist tightly.

That night, Kangxi thought a lot, but only he knew what he was thinking. Harigana, however, clearly sensed that Kangxi was not only more patient with her, but was also becoming increasingly clingy!

"Jiaojiao, you must not leave my sight tonight, understand?"

Upon arriving in Khorchin, Wenduer and his entourage prepared not only a whole roasted lamb feast but also a Zhama feast to welcome Emperor Kangxi and his party!

Those with a keen mind knew that Wenduer was trying to curry favor with Kangxi, after all, they had heard about the affair between Angel and Urina! Now that they were in the territory of Khorchin, Kangxi was still bringing the people of the Borchijin tribe with him, and there was absolutely no reason for this!

Bumbutai was also somewhat angry with Kangxi! It was one thing to have Harigana with him on the way, but now that they had arrived in Khorchin and Anger's rank had been restored, even for the sake of her status as the Empress Dowager, she should have a Borjigit concubine attend to her in bed!

But she had other plans in mind, so even though she was extremely displeased, she didn't say anything! It just so happened that Wenduer had put on such a grand show today, so she could subtly give the two of them a hint, since she and Xuan Ye were the closest to each other after all!

Kangxi also received reports from his secret guards. Although he hadn't punished anyone during this time, he had been able to track down most people's movements thanks to them. In particular, he had already made a mental note of Tongjia's resentment and insults.

Now all that's left is to wait for Tong Guowei and Longkodo's replies. And even if they want to deal with it, they'll have to wait until they get back to the competition! That's why he's always kept Harigana by his side; it's actually a form of protection for him!

“Okay! I know! I will never leave you! Don’t worry, even for his sake, I will protect myself!” Harigana said, tapping his stomach.

Of course she would stick close to Kangxi. She was neither skilled in martial arts nor particularly intelligent! Moreover, apart from Li Dequan, who was by Kangxi's side, and the few servants around her, there was not a single person at the entire banquet who could be trusted!

She must be crazy to wander around like that and put herself in danger!

After receiving her repeated assurances, Kangxi was finally relieved, but he still had his bodyguards follow her to prevent any accidents.

"Good boy/girl! Eat what you like for dinner, and don't eat what you don't like! Don't force yourself! And most importantly, unless I approve of it, no matter who gives it to you, you can't eat it, you can't even touch it, understand?"

Harigana nodded, but in his heart he thought: So the difference between liking and disliking really is enormous! Now that she is deeply favored by Emperor Kangxi, he even gives her these kinds of instructions. It's not that he's meticulous, but rather that she holds a special place in his heart.

But Harigana wouldn't be so presumptuous as to fall for his feelings and give him her heart. Kangxi's behavior tonight was due to two main reasons: firstly, their conversation the previous night; secondly, and most importantly, the fact that she was carrying a little one—Kangxi's child—made it understandable that he would treat him with care.

Kangxi took Harigana to the Empress Dowager's tent first; the three of them were to go to the banquet together. This was also the first time Harigana had seen the woman who had lived through three generations up close!

At first, Harigana asked Emperor Kangxi if she needed to pay her respects to the Empress Dowager. However, Emperor Kangxi said that they were currently in the border region and that her investiture ceremony had not yet taken place. He would personally take her to pay her respects after they returned. Harigana then obediently brought up the matter again.

"Okay, I understand!"

When Kangxi led Harigana to the vicinity of the Empress Dowager's tent, they saw several Khorchin concubines dressed in Manchu attire standing outside. Kangxi instinctively tightened his grip on Harigana's hand; after all, they had just discussed these women the night before, and he hadn't expected to encounter them today!

Moreover, Kangxi was reluctant to admit that he had excellent eyesight; he spotted Borjigit Anger standing at the very front immediately!

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects to the Imperial Noble Consort Chen!"

Harigana didn't feel anything special seeing these people today because she had talked a lot with Kangxi the night before. However, Kang Kang was holding her hand tightly, suggesting that he was not at peace with himself.

However, with so many people here, why can't we see that Tongjia woman?

"Get up, all of you!"

Kangxi spoke calmly, and before they had all gotten up, he took Harigana's hand and walked inside, leaving the others outside to feed the mosquitoes.

Bumbutai already knew about this when the people outside came to pay their respects to Emperor Kangxi, but she didn't expect that Emperor Kangxi would bring Harigana along.

"Royal Grandmother!"

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects to the Empress Dowager. May Your Majesty enjoy boundless blessings and peace!"

Harigana tried to pull his hand back to greet Bumbutai, but Kangxi wouldn't let go, making their situation quite comical. The Empress Dowager was angry, but with Kangxi present, she couldn't say much. Besides, she could see that it was her grandson who wouldn't let go.

"Get up!"

The Empress Dowager's voice was very distant. Harigana had long known that she disliked him, so he had no good feelings towards her at all. If it weren't for the fact that Kangxi's side was the safest place, even if she was very curious about Bumbutai, she wouldn't have come along.

"Xuan Ye! What brings you here?"

The Empress Dowager's voice softened, and everyone present wasn't stupid; they could easily hear the change. Kangxi's heart skipped a beat, but he showed nothing.

"Grandmother, I originally intended to welcome you together with Harigana!" Kangxi only said the first half of the sentence, and although he did not say the second half, the Empress Dowager understood his meaning.

"Xuan Ye, you're so kind! I was just about to set off, now's the perfect time for us all to come together! Let's make it more lively!"

Although the Empress Dowager understood Kangxi's words, the people of Khorchin were already standing outside, and no matter the reason, she could not allow them to leave first. They were currently on Khorchin territory, and the best course of action was to treat both host and guest with respect.

"Yes! I will obey my grandmother!"

Kangxi sighed inwardly. If he had known things would turn out this way, he wouldn't have brought Harigana with him!

Harigana could see Kangxi's displeasure and worry. Although he did not show it on his face, the two of them could still feel the change in the strength of their clasped hands!

She gently squeezed Kangxi's hand, and smiled when he looked over.

As luck would have it, the Empress Dowager turned around and saw them. Seeing the two of them, she unconsciously tightened her grip on her cane.

This scene is so similar to how Fulin and Dong Eshi interacted back then!