With Xiu Ning's order, the spring rain was implemented, and Consort Ping, who had been watching the spectacle, was caught in the crossfire.
The cause was quite simple: Lady Zhangjia, who lived in Yonghe Palace, was dissatisfied with the matter of the little princess, so when Consort Ping brought Yinxiang to visit her, she muttered a few words.
Originally, this was just a venting of emotions, and it's over now.
However, the speaker meant no harm, but the listener took it to heart. Consort Ping was raising Zhangjia's son and had a good relationship with Zhangjia. Thinking that this person usually treated her with respect, she offered a simple helping hand.
As it turned out, Consort Ping walked right into Kangxi's line of fire.
The harem is in such a mess now, why is Consort Ping still thinking about doing this and that? She should just go back to the palace and rest quietly.
After being indirectly criticized by Emperor Kangxi, Consort Ping became depressed and fell ill upon returning to the palace.
Consort Hui was dismissed, and Consort Ping fell ill. Only Tong Jia Rongyue and Xiu Ning, who were temporarily helping out, were able to keep going. However, the number of people managing the harem had suddenly decreased, and the situation seemed quite strained.
With no other option, Xiuning could only go with the flow and reluctantly take over some of the palace affairs from Kangxi.
After going through a roundabout process, things were finally accomplished as Xiuning wished.
"Congratulations, Master, on achieving your wish."
Chunyu stood in front of Xiuning, smiling as she congratulated her mistress on the success of her plan.
Xiuning waved her hand, "It all depends on everyone's cooperation. Now that we have the power of the palace, it's easier for us to get involved in some things."
She always had to conceal it beforehand, lest the emperor think she was overstepping her bounds and leave a bad impression.
Now, as long as she doesn't overstep the boundaries of palace authority, she's not afraid of Kangxi discovering anything.
With a slight upturn of her lips, Xiu Ning was in an exceptionally good mood, after all, she had obtained the power to rule the palace.
"Let our people all be more restrained, and we need to adjust the plan and proceed cautiously."
Chunyu nodded, "Yes, this servant understands."
...
Spring of the 27th year of Kangxi's reign
All things revive, spring returns to the earth.
The Empress Dowager's funeral had long since ended, and the people in the palace were gradually recovering from the loss of the Empress Dowager.
Kangxi regained his former imperial demeanor, just as the fragility he displayed when the Empress Dowager passed away was like a dream.
Xiu Ning finally seized power through her own means, and together with Consort Ping and Tong Jia Rong Yue, she replaced Consort Hui and became the undisputed number one person in the harem.
"A new year brings new beginnings. His Majesty has already decided on the selection of the First Prince's consort, and the imperial decree will be issued in the next couple of days."
In the main hall of Qixiang Palace, taking advantage of Yin Yi's return, Xiu Ning told him about the most exciting things happening in the harem.
Yin Yi's palms were already perfectly healed. He was dressed in a prince's everyday robes, with various jade pendants tied around his waist. He walked with a graceful and elegant bearing, looking very dashing.
Well, it has to be said that Xiuning's good looks were ultimately passed down to her children.
Compared to other princes and princesses who each had their own flaws, her children inherited their features perfectly. Their facial features were just right, each with its own unique characteristics, and they had no flaws.
Although Yin Yi is not yet married, there are many people outside the palace trying to find out about him, and even his family often sends messages, wanting to strengthen their kinship through marriage.
"Since this is a joyous occasion for my elder brother, it seems that I should prepare a generous gift in advance."
Yin Yi laughed heartily, because the matter of Yin Ti had been debated since the end of the year, with twists and turns and interventions from various forces. In the end, Kangxi was the one who prevailed and decided to select a young lady from the Irgen Gioro clan.
"Not only the eldest prince, but also the crown prince's marriage is progressing well."
Xiu Ning smiled slightly and casually mentioned something that even Yin Yi didn't know.
Yin Yi was stunned. "Crown Prince?"
"His Majesty said it himself, that a candidate has been chosen, but due to various circumstances, it has not been made public yet," Xiu Ning's words greatly shocked Yin Yi. While surprised, Yin Yi was also amazed by his mother's favor. Did his father even tell his mother about the Crown Prince?
In fact, this was not something Kangxi did intentionally; it was just something he mentioned casually.
Xiu Ning was just overthinking things, and with the original timeline as a reference, she could easily guess Kangxi's thoughts.
"Second Brother's marriage involves many aspects," Yin Yi stroked his chin, "Mother, in your opinion, which family does Father Emperor prefer for Second Brother's consort?"
Xiu Ning raised her eyebrows, said nothing, but instead wrote the character "容" (rong) on the table with her finger.
Upon seeing this, Yin Yi thought of Consort Rong in the harem. So she was from the Guarjia clan?
"It's highly likely to be them. The Emperor wants to find an ally for the Crown Prince, but he can't let them be too overt."
The Guarjia clan falls somewhere in between.
Moreover, the Crown Princess in the original timeline had her grandfather and father die one after another after her engagement, which can truly be described as 'extremely lucky'.
Thinking of how Consort Rong had been getting closer to Qixiang Palace in recent years, a dark glint flashed in Xiuning's eyes. If the Emperor really bestowed the marriage upon Lady Guarjia, could her cooperation with Consort Rong continue?
"Of course, it will continue. Your Majesty, please do not worry. The Guarjia clan is not just one lineage. Our willingness to cooperate with Your Majesty will not change."
Consort Rong sat on the couch, facing Xiu Ning.
Two days later, before Xiu Ning could even send someone to invite her, Consort Rong arrived in person.
Smiling, Consort Rong laid everything bare with Xiu Ning, making no attempt to hide anything.
Xiu Ning hadn't expected Consort Rong to be so direct, coming over without any attempt to conceal herself, as if offending the Emperor was no big deal to them.
"Why?"
Looking at the restoration of the Xiang Palace lineage from this perspective, Xiu Ning doesn't think she has any special talent, especially since the Xitala clan, after many years of development, is still only a middle-class family.
"I have been in the harem for many years, and I have observed that none of the other concubines are as special as Your Highness."
Consort Rong had always lived in the harem as an observer, so at times, she was the one who could see the inner workings of the harem most clearly.
Xiu Ning is very strong, not only strong but also very capable. Consort Rong comes from the direct line of the Guarjia clan. She entered the palace carrying the wishes of her family, so naturally she also had to find good partners for her family.
It wasn't that Consort Rong looked down on the Crown Prince's faction, but rather that the other side was simply too weak. In addition, Consort Ping's father was the current clan leader of the Hesheli clan, so naturally, Consort Ping was supported.
However, Longkodo values the crown prince, and their interests are in conflict. Although neither can do anything about the other now, it is clear that the clan leader has the upper hand.
If the emperor were to betroth a daughter of the Guarjia clan to the crown prince, the Hesheli clan would naturally split into two. This would have obvious advantages and disadvantages, and the Guarjia clan would not be able to join the family.
With a sigh, Consort Rong looked at the teacup beside her, waiting for Xiu Ning's reply.
Xiu Ning was not satisfied with Consort Rong's explanation, but she knew she wouldn't get any answers from her.
Consort Rong must have valued her for a reason to choose her. For Xiu Ning, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, so what is there to hesitate about?
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