The pattering raindrops pattered against the trees outside the window, and the sound traveled through the space to Xiuning's ears inside the palace.
Spring has passed and summer has arrived. The weather is hot and humid, and the rain outside is gradually increasing.
This time, due to the Empress Dowager's sudden illness, Emperor Kangxi did not choose to go to the summer palace to enjoy himself. Instead, he continued to stay in the Forbidden City to handle government affairs while taking care of the ailing Empress Dowager in Cining Palace.
Such news was naturally not good news for some concubines who had children.
Young children have weak immune systems, and leaving them in the sweltering Forbidden City could easily lead to something bad happening.
However, the Empress Dowager was one of the bosses in the harem. Since she was ill and unable to go out, they had no choice but to accept her dissatisfaction.
Not only could they not get angry, but they also had to take the place of the busy Emperor Kangxi and go to Cining Palace to attend to his illness.
Xiu Ning was one of the many concubines who served the sick, but because of her high rank and the fact that she had several imperial heirs to raise, her time was arranged in the morning, unlike those concubines who had to endure the scorching sun or stay up all night.
"Your Majesty, the rain outside is too heavy. The palace servants from Cining Palace have just sent word that the Empress Dowager has ordered that Your Majesty is exempt from attending to the sick today and need not go."
Spring rain came in through the door, its body still damp with moisture, even its shoes and socks were soaked.
"In that case, you should go and rest. Let someone else come and serve you."
Seeing Chunyu's miserable state, Xiuning, knowing she had nothing to do at the moment, pretended to give Chunyu a short break.
Chunyu smiled and nodded, "Yes, this servant understands."
Chunyu was still a few steps away from Xiuning, but she didn't get close, afraid of passing on the moisture she brought with her to her mistress and causing her to feel unwell, which would be a sin.
Spring rain quickly subsided, and Xuanru, Xiuning's confidante, took her place.
However, Xuanru had previously been in charge of affairs outside Qixiang Palace, unlike Chunyu who served her master closely. Therefore, Xuanru felt somewhat constrained when she entered.
This is understandable. Although Xuanru comes from the Hitara clan and was chosen by the Hitara clan to work in the secret estate for Xiuning, Xuanru has very few opportunities to get close to Xiuning. For example, when Xiuning goes out, Chunyu accompanies her. This shows that Xiuning values Chunyu and that Chunyu is capable.
It's rare to find a maid who has stayed by her master's side for many years in the imperial harem.
"master"
Xuanru brought over a cup of warm tea, her gaze gently sweeping over the books in Xiuning's hands.
"Since you're in charge of Qixiang Palace affairs, have you heard any gossip or rumors coming in from outside?"
Feeling bored, Xiu Ning put down her book and casually struck up a conversation with Xuan Ru.
Xuanru was taken aback at first, then nodded and said, "There is a lot of news in the harem every day, but it is mostly trivial matters. I am afraid that if I say something, it will offend your ears."
Xuanru wasn't sure how to handle the situation. She had mentioned it before, but she always received a hint from Chunyu beforehand and made thorough preparations before daring to speak. Now that Chunyu wasn't around, she still felt a little apprehensive.
"What could possibly offend my ears? Speak freely."
Xiu Ning rested her chin on her hand, chuckled, and waved to Xuan Ru, "Let's talk here. We're still in Qixiang Palace, so we don't have to worry about any rumors."
Seeing this, Xuanru hesitated for a moment before nodding, "This servant understands."
The conversation would begin with recent events within the palace, including but not limited to: where the Emperor has been enjoying his time lately, which concubine has been arguing with whom, how the young princes who have gone to the princes' quarters are faring, and which palace maid is being restless and eyeing people with the intention of climbing the social ladder…
Xuanru knew a lot of information, which was numerous, varied, and unrelated. She basically just kept saying one thing after another, with the only connection being the dates.
As Xiuning listened, her thoughts gradually drifted away.
It wasn't that Xiu Ning wasn't serious; rather, some truly trivial matters didn't help Xiu Ning at all. She asked Xuan Ru to talk about them, mainly to pass the time. Originally, she, as a mistress, and her maid had nothing to talk about. If she couldn't get the maid to say something to distract her, how would she get through the day?
Xuanru, of course, had no idea what Xiuning was thinking. She stood there, babbling on and on, basically saying whatever came to mind, regardless of whether it was useful or not.
“...This servant thinks she does have some beauty, but Consort De is not here, and Yonghe Palace is only occupied by a few concubines and maids. They don’t usually see the Emperor, so I’m afraid it will be difficult.”
Shaking her head, Xuanru felt a little sorry for the beautiful palace maid. Then, she changed the subject and mentioned Consort De, who was still at the summer palace. "Consort De's condition has been fluctuating, and I heard that she will not be able to return to the palace anytime soon."
However, Consort De has already consulted with Consort Tong, and Prince Yinzhen will be returning soon.
Yinzhen was not young, and had been living in the princes' quarters for almost a year.
Originally, Consort De left Yinzhen behind because she thought that since he was the emperor's son, the emperor would not abandon them. But Kangxi was really so heartless. Consort De had been staying with Yinzhen at the summer palace for a year, but Kangxi still had no intention of bringing them back to the palace (and Consort De herself brought it up, but she was rejected every time with various reasons, the core of which was that they could not come back).
After trying for a long time, Consort De gave up. This time, she sent Yinzhen back alone because she was afraid that if Yinzhen was delayed, it would be even more disadvantageous for her.
It can be said that Yinzhen's return was a self-inflicted wound for Consort De.
However, Consort De had no other choice. If she continued to delay Yinzhen from leaving, she and her son would likely suffer losses.
At this time, Consort De wanted to minimize the losses. If Yinzhen performed well in the palace, it was not impossible for the emperor to remember her at the imperial palace and bring her back.
“If the Fifth Prince returns, it will be even more difficult for Consort De to return.”
Xiu Ning smiled to herself, thinking that Yinzhen ultimately won the throne by being patient. Consort De thought that Yinzhen would strive for her sake and stand out among the princes. Ha, you can tell what a person will be like at three years old. Yinzhen will not do that.
Xuanru listened to the firmness in her master's words and a look of surprise flashed across her face.
However, she was a servant girl, so she knew what she should and shouldn't ask.
Xuanru continued to speak respectfully about palace gossip, only pausing when Xiuning spoke up.
The sound of rain outside the window gradually subsided, and the sleeping little daughter woke up.
The palace maid serving her was changed to Chunyu, and Xiuning held the babbling babies, Buer and Dai, in her arms.
When nothing major happens, the imperial harem is always peaceful and carefree.
Xiuning enjoyed life while raising her children, and three years passed in the blink of an eye.
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