"Consort Su lives in the Jixiang Pavilion over here, and Consort Chen lives in the Ruyi Residence across the street. Both are excellent places, not only spacious and bright, but also adjacent to the mansion's small garden, with pleasant scenery. If the two ladies have time, they can go there to relax at any time."
As the old woman walked, she talked, and took the opportunity to explain to the two people behind her where they would be living in the future.
Su Jingtong kept her head down, occasionally glancing up and giving a soft "hmm" as if in response. Chen Yuwei was a little better than her, as she would ask a few questions about the other people living in the Prince's Mansion.
It should be noted that these two women were brought into the palace in the tenth year of the Yongzheng Emperor's reign.
By this time, Consort Fucha had both a son and a daughter, making her a winner in life.
Apart from Princess Fucha, who had served Hongli earlier, giving birth to the eldest prince Yonghuang in the sixth year of Yongzheng's reign, no other children were born in the inner courtyard.
This is not to say that Consort Fucha was unable to tolerate having children with other men.
According to historical records, the control over Fucha's wife in this regard was not very strict. This may also be related to the status of the mothers who gave birth to the children. After all, Fucha Gege, who gave birth to the eldest prince, was a bondservant, while others, including the later prominent families who gave birth to many children, such as Consort Chun Su and Consort Jia Jin, were either Han Chinese or bondservant. Even Consort Yu, who gave birth to the fifth prince after entering the palace, was only a Mongol.
The only princes who truly came from the Manchu Banner were the two sons born to Empress Fucha after her death, and the sons born to Consort Shu, of the Guarjia clan.
Even though Emperor Jiaqing later successfully inherited the throne from Emperor Qianlong, his mother, Consort Ling, was from a low-ranking bannerman family, but she was incredibly prolific.
Chen Yuwei felt that she should make the most of this time to have more children, so that when she gets old, she will be surrounded by her children and grandchildren and won't feel lonely.
"Concubine Chen, the Fujin and several concubines now live in the back courtyard. You will understand when you meet them tomorrow."
The old woman didn't mention the exact number, but Chen Yuwei noticed her expression and knew that there were quite a few women in the back courtyard. It would definitely be lively when they met tomorrow.
However, she would have to wait until tomorrow. Chen Yuwei smiled and thanked the nanny, without asking any further questions.
Su Jingtong, on the other hand, stared wide-eyed at Chen Yuwei, her ears perked up, as if afraid of missing anything.
Chen Yuwei didn't know if the other person's behavior was an act or their true nature, but she had no intention of getting close to them.
Before Hongli ascended the throne, only Su Jingtong gave birth to the third prince Yongcheng in the thirteenth year of Yongzheng's reign. All of Hongli's other children were born in the palace.
When Emperor Yongzheng passed away, the entire harem, including the emperor himself, observed a three-year mourning period.
If we calculate the time, if Chen Yuwei cannot give birth to two more children while she is still in the mansion, she will have to wait until the fourth year of Qianlong's reign to become pregnant.
Tsk, this battle is dragging on for too long, it won't work.
Shaking her head inwardly, Chen Yuwei decided to take this opportunity to quickly recuperate. After all, given her status, Fucha Fujin wasn't stupid enough to restrict her fertility, so why not do it sooner rather than later?
After Hongli is granted the title of Prince Bao next year, the two vacant positions of secondary consorts will be filled in just one year.
Chen Yuwei also plans to try her best to become a concubine by having children.
Even if she couldn't become a concubine, there was still the chance to enter the palace in the thirteenth year of Yongzheng's reign. She couldn't just follow the historical trajectory and become a dispensable Consort Chen, could she? It would be better to just kill her. She couldn't bear such humiliation.
"Concubine Chen, we have arrived at Ruyi Residence. I will now escort Concubine Su to Jixiang Pavilion. Please make your own way."
The old woman spoke with neither servility nor arrogance, befitting someone from the household of the main wife.
Chen Yuwei nodded and said, "Thank you for leading the way, Granny."
"You're too kind, Concubine Chen. This servant will take her leave now."
The nanny gave a proper curtsy, leaving no room for criticism, and then led Su Jingtong away.
Su Jingtong breathed a sigh of relief as she left, though it was unclear whether she was relieved or regretful.
Unable to figure it out, Chen Yuwei simply stopped thinking about it. She turned around, entered the courtyard, and walked into Ruyi Residence behind her.
There were four people standing in the courtyard, two men and two women. Judging from their clothes and appearance, they were clearly servants assigned to her.
"This servant greets Concubine Chen."
Upon seeing Chen Yuwei enter, the four of them bowed and greeted her in unison.
If Chen Yuwei hadn't been prepared, she might have been startled by these four people.
With a smile and a wave of her hand, Chen Yuwei didn't say anything, only telling the four of them to go about their business, as she was too tired from walking and needed to go back to her room to rest first.
Hmm? Take a break?
Shouldn't they introduce themselves and inquire about the basics of the mansion first?
Seeing that their master had left, the four people left in the courtyard looked at each other, none of them knowing what to do next.
Why
This newly assigned concubine, Chen, doesn't play by the rules.
"Sister Xiahe, what should we do?" A young eunuch couldn't help but ask, calling out to the most composed palace maid among the four.
"Sister Xiahe, should we go over and show our loyalty to our master?"
What if the master is dissatisfied and we get replaced?
Another eunuch spoke up. Both of them were newly assigned to the Imperial Household Department and were confused about the situation, so they could only ask Xia He, who had experience working in the mansion, for help.
And Xia He? She was pondering the words Chen Yuwei had just said.
Beside Xia He was Xia Yu, who had been assigned from the Imperial Household Department. He was a little better than the two junior eunuchs, but he still looked blank and didn't understand the situation.
"Little table, little chair, don't rush, the young master is probably really tired."
After all, she hadn't rested since being brought into the manor, and the imperial concubine selection had just ended before she entered.
Xia He, being an experienced person, knew some of the details and trends of the talent show.
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