For a moment, Liang Jiugong felt that Mu Sili was his savior. After all, her appearance successfully calmed Kangxi's anger.

"It's not a big deal. What took you so long? Are you feeling unwell?"

"No, I just realized you haven't eaten yet and was afraid you'd be hungry, so I went to get you two plates of snacks to fill your stomach. Would you like to try some and see how they taste?"

Kangxi clearly saw the eagerness in Mu Sili's eyes. Could it be that she made this dessert? Although it didn't look very good, he decided to give it a try because she made it herself.

"Orchid scent?"

"Your Majesty, did you smell it? I thought you liked orchids, so I took some and made some into cakes. My technique is not very good, so I hope you don't mind."

It was not the first time that Kangxi had eaten pastries made by imperial concubines, but it was the first time that he had eaten pastries made with such care. He looked at the plate of pastries again and it didn't seem so ugly anymore.

"It tastes fresh, sweet but not greasy. I like it very much. But you are too heavy now, so you are not suitable for such rough work. Just ask the kitchen to prepare whatever you want to eat."

"A small kitchen? This small kitchen is behind the main hall. This side hall of mine doesn't have one, but if Your Majesty is willing to build one for me, I would be happy to do so."

Kangxi was shocked. If Mu Sili hadn't reminded him, he would have thought this was the main hall.

"One small kitchen is enough. You can move it to the main hall after you give birth. You can use it now if you want. I'm not forbidding you from using it."

"Hmm? Your Majesty, I am only a noble lady. How can I use the small kitchen in the main hall? Even if you want to show me some favor, please wait until I am officially a concubine.

If I use the small kitchen in the main hall now, rumors will probably spread that I am too ambitious and lack the skills to achieve my goals. I don't want to be laughed at.

However, I am still very happy that the emperor is willing to show me grace. After all, I am the first person to enjoy such treatment.

I suddenly understand why the Grand Empress Dowager asked me to visit the Cining Palace more often. It seems I am worthy of it. No, I must go and pay my respects tomorrow."

The corners of Kangxi's mouth kept twitching, and he finally understood that this woman was just looking for an opportunity to praise herself!

But she was right. If she used the small kitchen in the main hall now, the women in the harem would indeed be gossipy. So, she could just build one in the side hall.

"Liang Jiugong, tell someone to build a small kitchen for Concubine Wuya. From now on, Concubine Wuya's meals will be prepared from the small kitchen."

"yes."

Sure enough, Mu Sili was about to stand up. This small kitchen was not something that ordinary people could have. With a small kitchen, one could avoid many conspiracies and plots.

Because Mu Sili was pregnant, nothing happened between the two, but just chatting with her made Kangxi feel relaxed.

He secretly made up his mind to come to Yonghe Palace more often in the future, even if it was just to sit there, which would definitely help him concentrate and calm down.

The next day, Concubine Yi was waiting outside the Palace of Heavenly Purity early to serve Kangxi. After learning that she was in the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the Imperial Noble Concubine also followed her there.

"I pay my respects to the Imperial Concubine. Why are you here at this hour? Has the Emperor summoned you?"

Concubine Yi was a little unhappy. She felt that the Imperial Noble Concubine was here to compete for her favor. Otherwise, why would she come at this hour instead of earlier or later?

"When did I have to report to you when I came to pay my respects to the Emperor? And you, what are you doing in the Qing Palace?"

"I mentioned to His Majesty yesterday that I would be serving in the Qing Palace today. It's normal that you didn't know about it, but it doesn't matter. I will go in with you.

If His Majesty doesn't want to see me, I will immediately turn around and return to Yikun Palace. After all, I am not the kind of person who would pester you, and I will not compete with you."

Concubine Yi firmly believed that Kangxi would keep her to serve him, so she was a little rude in her words to the Imperial Noble Concubine. This was a matter of favor, and she could not lose.

The Imperial Noble Consort narrowed her eyes. Did Concubine Yi not take her seriously? As expected, she couldn't treat them well, otherwise they would think she was easy to bully.

"I haven't been in charge of the six palaces for long, but I am the Imperial Noble Consort, Concubine Yi. Do you think I'm not serious?"

"I dare not. You are in charge of the six palaces. I dare not go against you. But what I said is true. Let me serve the emperor."

The Imperial Noble Consort almost burst into a curse. Was Concubine Yi telling her to hurry back to Chengqian Palace? She refused to leave.

She was the Imperial Noble Consort personally appointed by Emperor Kangxi, and her rank was equivalent to that of the Vice Empress. In the absence of a Queen, she had the final say in the harem.

If Concubine Yi dared to provoke her like this, wasn't she afraid that she would turn around and complain to Emperor Kangxi? She had already thought of the crime she was charging her with: insubordination.

"For the first time, I feel that your straightforwardness is not straightforwardness, but stupidity. I am the Royal Concubine, how can you order me around at will?

Forget it today. This is the Palace of Heavenly Purity. I won't bother with you. But if you do it again, I'll have you teach me the rules again."

What this means is that Concubine Yi doesn't know the rules, so Concubine Yi is unhappy. She just said a few words. Why does the Imperial Noble Concubine say that she doesn't know the rules?

Just as she was about to refute her words, Kangxi came back.

"What are you doing here? I heard you arguing from afar. If you came to the Palace of Heavenly Purity just to argue, then you should hurry back to your own palace and stop disturbing me."

Kangxi looked very unhappy, which made the Imperial Noble Consort and Concubine Yi a little nervous.

They came to the Palace of Heavenly Purity not to quarrel, but to compete for favor. If they disgusted Kangxi, it would be a waste of time.

"Your Majesty, you misunderstood. I was thinking that Concubine Wuya was already seven months pregnant. Shouldn't I arrange for a midwife? She is someone who has left my palace, so I should pay more attention to her."

Midwife? Isn't it the Imperial Household Department that's in charge of arranging midwives? When will it be the Imperial Noble Concubine's turn to personally inquire about it?

Kangxi looked at the Imperial Noble Consort with some doubt. He didn't believe that she was so kind. Maybe she was still thinking about the child in Mu Sili's belly.

"This Concubine Wuya is already seven months pregnant, and the Imperial Concubine only just remembered to find a midwife for her. Isn't that a little late? Furthermore, this matter has always been handled by the Imperial Household Department. When did you need to take charge?"

Yipin's words were tantamount to slapping the Imperial Noble Consort in the face. The reason she said this was not only to express to Kangxi her intention to adopt the child, but also to let Kangxi see her abilities.

The harem has been managed by her since the death of Empress Xiaozhao. If Kangxi disagrees, she will order the Imperial Household Department to take some action.

"What Yipin said is correct. I know you want to share my worries, but just leave this matter to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. As the Imperial Concubine, you have plenty of things to deal with, so you don't need to worry about these trivial matters."