Bumbutai had nothing to say about this matter. She herself had climbed up from a lowly concubine! In fact, she wasn't even a favored person at the beginning. If it weren't for Hailanzhu's death and Huang Taiji's sudden death, Hailanzhu would probably be the current Empress Dowager!

It's even possible that Fulin wasn't the emperor!

"Grandmother, you surely know there's no one, right? They do admire me, but only for my power and status!"

Bumbutai wanted to retort, but Kangxi beat her to it, saying, "Grandmother, it's not easy for a person to meet someone who would risk their life for them in their lifetime. Although I am the emperor, I am also a human being! Is it really against the heavenly rules, an unforgivable sin, to want to spend my life with someone I love and who loves me?"

After Kangxi finished speaking, neither of them spoke for a moment, and the room was quiet.

After an unknown amount of time, a glimmer of light finally appeared in the Empress Dowager's eyes.

"Xuan Ye, have you ever considered what will happen to the Crown Prince if Harigana continues to be the sole favorite?"

Emperor Kangxi had considered this question before; he had asked Harigana when she was pregnant. Although he hesitated at first, he trusted Harigana's words. He knew that although Harigana seemed simple-minded, she was very thoughtful in matters like these.

Since she said she wanted a son so she could be a carefree prince, he absolutely believed Harigana's words.

And most importantly, there's what the Imperial Astronomical Bureau said. If the child in Harigana's belly is indeed the noble person the Imperial Astronomical Bureau said, then for the future of the Qing Dynasty, changing the crown prince wouldn't be out of the question.

It's too early to talk about these things now; we'll only know for sure after Harigana gives birth.

"Grandmother, I have already thought about Bao Cheng's matter, and I have a clear understanding of it!"

"Do you intend to depose Bao Cheng from his position as crown prince? Have you considered whether the Hesheli clan would agree if you did so?"

The Empress Dowager immediately questioned Kangxi after he finished speaking. If he truly intended to depose the Crown Prince, then not only would Lady Borchijin be condemned, but even the child in her womb would be exterminated!

“Grandmother, I will not depose the Crown Prince. Even if I did, it would be because Bao Cheng is not qualified to be emperor. I am the emperor, and I know that matters of state are not to be taken lightly. I will never let the fact that Harigana has given birth to a son shake Bao Cheng’s position.”

The Empress Dowager was still worried that Kangxi was now so bewitched by the woman from the Borchijin tribe that he had forgotten the thinking and considerations that an emperor should have.

However, a remark from Emperor Kangxi reminded her that she could leave this person alone, but if the Hesheli clan found out about this matter, they would definitely not let it go.

"Xuan Ye, you should go back first! I need to think this over carefully!"

When Bumbutai thought of Hesheli, she made a decision. She now regretted not only her actions against Hesheli, but also the early death of Niohuru. However, all of that was in the past now, and she felt that the woman from the Borchijin tribe was favored only because none of the concubines who came with her were to Kangxi's liking.

Once they return to the palace, he didn't believe the emperor would still be clinging to a heavily pregnant woman. Even if she agreed, the officials of the previous dynasty wouldn't allow a Mongol concubine to enjoy exclusive favor. He figured that would be the right time for her to make her move.

Moreover, the imperial concubine selection will begin next year. When batches of young women enter the palace, I don't believe that none of them will catch the emperor's eye!

The woman from the Borchijin tribe is pregnant with the dragon's child. We must ensure she gives birth first, no matter what. After all, Xuan Ye has very few children, only eight so far, and it's uncertain whether the younger ones will survive. It's not advisable to take any action for now.

“Grandmother, Harigana is the person I love and want to spend my life with. I know that you will not like her, and I will not let her come to you and annoy you, nor will I ask you to accept her.”

After Kangxi finished speaking, he lifted his dragon robe again and knelt in front of her. His expression was very solemn, and he looked at Bumbutai with deep eyes. His appearance made the Empress Dowager's heart tremble.

"Grandmother, I know your concerns, and I have not forgotten your teachings. But on the matter of Harigana, I will absolutely not back down! You are my grandmother, my family! Harigana is my lover, my wife, and I cannot live without her!"

Xuan Ye doesn't want to pressure you, but if Grandmother does anything to hurt the bond between grandmother and grandson, Xuan Ye doesn't know what he might do! Perhaps, I could ask Wenduer what the crime of harming the Emperor's health is!

How could Emperor Kangxi not understand Empress Dowager Bumbutai's thoughts? From the age of seven or eight, he had been following the Empress Dowager. Although the Empress Dowager hadn't let him know many things, he was no longer a child. After assuming personal rule, he had also employed numerous methods.

He had felt guilty before, but upon reflection, he realized he himself was helpless, let alone those women.

So there were things he wasn't unaware of, but after weighing the pros and cons, he made the choice that was most beneficial to himself.

In recent years, he has even allowed the women in his harem to fight amongst themselves, and allowed everyone, including the Empress Dowager, to put women in his hands, simply because he didn't care.

But things are different now. He can't pretend he doesn't know anything and let those people continue doing the same things as before.

He said he would protect Harigana, and no matter what the future holds, he would grit his teeth and persevere.

Therefore, he now had no choice but to bring this matter to light. Although it would make the Empress Dowager uncomfortable, he had no other option for the sake of Harigana.

He could protect them, he could send people to watch over them. But he couldn't withstand multiple people working together, and he was afraid something might happen.

The Empress Dowager was indeed shocked. During this time, because of the women of the Borchijin tribe, she suddenly realized that she really didn't know this grandson at all.

"Xuan Ye, you—"

Bumbutai suddenly didn't know what to say; she had never imagined that Kangxi would discover these things.

Over the years, Xuan Ye has never uttered a harsh word. Even though she brings several Khorchin girls into the palace every year, he remains silent and eventually compromises.

But I never expected him to say such hurtful things.

"Xuan Ye, so you didn't tell me about her pregnancy because you're afraid I might do something?"

Kangxi shook his head. Even if he had thought about it before, he wouldn't admit it now. It's enough that he knows it in his heart; some things can be said, and some things cannot.

“Grandmother, the child in Harigana’s womb is Xuan Ye’s son, and also your great-grandson. Xuan Ye believes that you will not harm Xuan Ye’s child.”

Bumbutai felt a pang of pain in her heart. Although Kangxi hadn't made it clear, she knew that their relationship as grandmother and granddaughter had been completely fractured.