This news instantly ignited an uproar throughout the entire harem.
With her rank, Xiuning was able to get Emperor Kangxi to make an exception and stay overnight, something few others could do.
In other words, the only birth mother of the prince in the harem, Lady Majia, was a favored concubine of moderate importance before Xiuning and others entered the palace, but she did not enjoy this treatment. Even now that she has been summoned to serve the emperor, she is still carried into the Qianqing Palace.
Therefore, the public outcry caused by Xiu Ning's incident in the harem was much greater than expected.
Surprisingly, neither Cining Palace nor Kunning Palace reacted to this, and even when Xiuning went to these two palaces to pay her respects as usual, she was not harassed or targeted.
Even Empress Hesheli Fangyi treated Xiuning with kindness and tolerance, and would occasionally bestow small gifts upon her in front of all the concubines.
Such an attitude puzzled the concubines in the harem, especially those who originally harbored ambitions to become the birth mother of a prince or even the new emperor. Their first reaction was to not dare to act rashly, believing that something was amiss.
The stark reality slapped them hard in the face.
Kangxi proved with his actions that he had no other ulterior motives and simply doted on Xiuning.
During September and October, Xiu Ning's time spent serving the emperor increased steadily.
Qixiang Palace showered the palace with gifts, and every few days servants from different places would come to curry favor with them.
Xiu Ning's clothes became increasingly glamorous and striking, with exquisite and eye-catching accessories. She could instantly attract everyone's attention simply by appearing in a crowd.
Once again, Xiuning left Kunning Palace in a sedan chair specially bestowed by Emperor Kangxi, leaving in a high-profile and arrogant manner.
Behind her were Consort Sun, who was heavily pregnant, and other concubines of all ranks.
"The difference between people is really huge. My sister-in-law is almost five months pregnant now," how come she still can't get rid of the greetings?
Borjigit Consort glanced indifferently at Consort Sun's belly, her words carrying ill intent, causing Consort Sun's face to flush red.
Consort Sun couldn't help but reach out and touch her belly. She was three months pregnant before she came out to pay her respects. However, unlike Consort Zhang, who was in the same palace, Consort Zhang had been ordered to rest and recuperate, while Consort Sun had not yet made any progress. It was getting cold, and she still had to run around everywhere.
Embarrassed, Consort Sun lowered her head without saying a word, and, with the help of her maid, she left in a disheveled state.
"Ugh, how frustrating!"
With such a spineless nature, she probably won't even be able to save the baby in her womb.
Consort Borjigit rolled her eyes, turned around and left.
“This temperament,” Consort Nara shook her head, feeling that Consort Borjigit had become much more stubborn and twisted since her miscarriage.
Whenever they come out to pay their respects, whether in the Kunning Palace or the Cining Palace, they will criticize anyone if they can, and they won't tolerate anyone.
Tsk, this is the benefit of having the Empress Dowager backing you up, it's truly enviable.
"Sister Nara, you and Consort Xitala usually have a good relationship. Now that Consort Xitala is enjoying great success, why haven't you seen any improvement in your career?"
Ma Jia's eyes flickered, and before leaving, she deliberately made a sarcastic remark to her old rival, Nara.
"They're not even blood sisters, are you really going to painfully divide this affection among them?"
Consort Hesheli readily answered, glancing at Nara with a slightly haughty look in her eyes.
"Heh, they're just sisters from the same clan, I don't usually see them taking care of each other much," so what's the big deal about her?
Empress Nara turned her head and retorted to Consort Hesheli, showing no intention of giving way to her newly arrived cousin, the Empress.
Xiu Ning, who was sitting in the sedan chair, had no idea that she had just left when an argument broke out.
But it's easy to guess that everyone is vying for the same man; if you spend more time serving him, others' time will be cut short.
If Xiuning wants to secure her position as a favored concubine, she needs to obtain tangible benefits.
"Another nice gift has been delivered?"
Sitting on the couch in Qixiang Palace, Xiuning looked at the angry Chunyu with a calm expression.
There was no way around it; as the number of days she enjoyed the emperor's favor increased, various laced-up delicacies began to appear frequently in Qixiang Palace.
Problems will arise in everything you can think of, from food and clothing to housing and transportation.
Xiu Ning was already used to this, and because of the system's cheat code, she was even able to discover some more subtle matters.
“My lord, they are really going too far. This is the fourth incident this month.”
Keep in mind that it's only mid-November, and not counting the trouble of being blocked before even reporting to the master, there are problems almost every day.
Chunyu had considered the consequences of Qixiang Palace becoming a thorn in the side of others.
However, it came too fiercely and too intensely, and even though Chunyu was on high alert, she still couldn't resist it.
“It’s normal, they’re afraid I’m pregnant.” They even sent me musk and safflower when my period was only a day late, which shows how strong their guard was and how they caught me off guard.
Chunyu pouted, about to complain a few more times, when she heard Xuanting at the door reply, "Your Highness, Consort Shu from Yongshou Palace requests your presence."
Spring Rain: ...
Damn, here we go again. This is the fifth time Consort Shu has invited her mistress this month. She's as punctual as clockwork.
"Get ready, it's time for us to head over."
Xiu Ning smiled with a good attitude, got up, and took Chun Yu's hand to walk outside.
Chunyu looked reluctant, but she still had to greet Cuizhi, who came to ask for help, with a smile.
There was no other way; the other party was in a situation where they wanted to find fault with their master but couldn't find anything, and Chunyu couldn't give them the chance.
"This humble concubine greets Consort Shu."
Xiu Ning respectfully bowed to Consort Shu, her entire being standing tall and straight like a green bamboo.
"Consort Xitala has arrived, please sit down," Consort Shu said with a smile, waving her hand and scanning Xiu Ning's entire body with her eyes as if she had a detector installed.
"Speaking of which, my younger sister showed off her skills a couple of days ago, and I've been longing to do it. I wonder if you could help me finish copying this Buddhist scripture today?"
As she spoke, Cuizhi brought up the Buddhist scripture that Xiuning had copied halfway.
When Xiuning saw that even the writing brush and ink had been prepared, she thought to herself that this person really wouldn't stop until he had tormented her.
"This concubine is most honored."
She stood up, picked up a brush, dipped it in ink, rolled up her sleeves, and began working on the clean paper.
Beautiful small regular script characters appeared on the paper. Xiu Ning held her breath and remained calm and unhurried.
Compared to the leisurely Consort Shu, Xiu Ning seemed rather busy.
"Your Majesty"
Cuizhi carried a tray of warm tea and handed it to Consort Shu.
"It's a bit smoky in the room, so put out two basins of charcoal fire first," Consort Shu said, her expression revealing nothing of joy or anger.
Cuizhi responded with a "yes" and beckoned to the palace maid at the door to bring out the two basins of charcoal fire closest to Xiuning.
Xiuning: ……
Tsk tsk, such pettiness, you'd think she really liked Emperor Kangxi.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
