Chapter 29 Hui Concubine Grasshopper
Emperor Kangxi put down his teacup, looked at Consort Tong, and pondered, "Should we find a foster mother for the Ninth Prince?"
Consort Tong sat beside Emperor Kangxi, smiling broadly. "What I'm thinking is that since there is no Empress in the harem now, and Noble Lady Nara's rank is insufficient to raise a prince, and the Ninth Prince is in poor health, even with the palace servants' meticulous care, there are bound to be areas they can't attend to. Perhaps it would be better to arrange a foster mother for the Ninth Prince..."
The Ninth Prince had just fallen seriously ill before the New Year, and his already weak constitution had become even more frail. The imperial physician said that he could only be properly cared for with precious medicinal herbs.
One of the wet nurses who served the Ninth Prince was sent back to the Imperial Household Department by Emperor Kangxi on the grounds that she had not taken proper care of the prince.
Emperor Kangxi stared intently at Consort Tong, his expression unreadable. "Is there anyone suitable to be your consort?"
"According to palace rules, the child should be entrusted to the care of the principal consort."
Consort Tong only said this one sentence.
There are only a limited number of empresses in the palace, eight in total including her. As for who the emperor favors, it depends on his preference.
Kangxi neither agreed nor disagreed; he simply twirled the tourmaline beaded bracelet on his wrist.
Consort Tong knew that this meant her advice had been taken to heart.
The Emperor wasn't particularly fond of Zhao Xiang Suo either. After all, so many princes had died young before. No matter the reason, Zhao Xiang Suo couldn't escape blame if he wasn't properly cared for.
"It's been a long time since we played chess," Kangxi changed the subject. "Come, let's play a game."
The chessboard and pieces are made of jade, which has a warm and smooth feel to the touch.
Emperor Kangxi stroked a chess piece, seemingly contemplating the game, but then brought up another matter, "Wuya has agreed to be four months pregnant?"
Mentioning Consort Wuya always made Consort Tong break down, but she didn't show it in front of Emperor Kangxi. Her face remained gentle and mild. "It's been four months. Imperial Physician Li said the pregnancy is going well. When Consort Wuya came to pay her respects today, I also took a close look and she's showing."
"Just keep a close eye on things," the black piece landed.
-
Without an empress, the concubines were not required to pay their respects at Kunning Palace morning and evening, but lower-ranking concubines still had to greet the head concubine of their respective palace.
This is the rule, and also the etiquette.
The weather in April was no longer cold, and Yanxi Palace only had two concubines, Yunyun and Noble Lady Nara, who were still acquaintances with a tiny bit of superficial friendship.
Therefore, Yunyun was much more relaxed. "Please invite Noble Lady Nara to the next room for some tea and snacks. I will come out after I finish dressing."
In the next room, Consort Nara was drinking warm almond milk when she somehow remembered Consort Tong summoning her to Chengqian Palace the day before.
Actually, she didn't say anything, nor did she make any hints or attempts to win her over. Consort Tong simply inquired about her health and gave her some rewards. Then she returned home in a daze.
Unable to understand Consort Tong's thoughts, Consort Nara could only assume that Consort Tong had suddenly become kind and was helping the concubines.
However, she couldn't let Consort Hui think that she had sided with Consort Tong.
Upon seeing Yun Yun, Consort Nara put down her teacup, stood up, and bowed, saying, "Greetings to Consort Hui, may Consort Hui enjoy boundless blessings."
"No need for formalities, sit down and let's talk."
The two sat on the heated kang (a traditional heated platform bed) on either side of each other. A palace maid came forward and put away the almond milk, replacing it with pre-rain Longjing tea.
Consort Nara was rather anxious, fearing that Yunyun might misunderstand something, so she spoke first, "Yesterday, I don't know why, but after the Imperial Concubine summoned me to Chengqian Palace, she just kept asking me if I was feeling well and if I needed anything, without saying what it was about. In the end, she gave me a few bolts of cloth and sent me back."
She assured everyone that she was completely innocent and had no intention of colluding with the imperial concubine.
After being promoted, she decided to remain silent outside Yanxi Palace and behave herself. Even when she couldn't hold it in any longer, she would just chatter on to Bai Lan in her room and had no connection with the Imperial Concubine at all.
If you think about it carefully, she was even punished by the Imperial Concubine. The fact that she didn't hold a grudge shows her magnanimity.
Anyway, she felt that it was already a fact that the emperor disliked her, so she might as well live her life well.
Yunyun was simply curious about what the Imperial Concubine wanted to see Consort Nara about.
She was busy yesterday too. The Imperial Wardrobe was preparing summer clothing for the harem and came to her for advice, but she had forgotten about it.
Hearing what Consort Nara said, Yunyun comforted her, "Since it's been given to you, just accept it. It's a good deal."
Fabric was a valuable commodity in the imperial harem, and it was presentable whether one wore it oneself or gave it as a gift.
Seeing that Yun Jun didn't care about the matter, Consort Nara took it as a small advantage she had gained from the Imperial Concubine and changed the subject to everyday matters, "The Imperial Household Department sent some cotton thread. I'm planning to make some pillowcases and handkerchiefs. Do you have any styles you like?"
The implication was that he was going to make it and give it to her.
In the imperial harem, lower-ranking concubines would send small handmade items to their superiors as a way of expressing respect and maintaining relationships.
Yun Yun naturally wouldn't slap a smiling face, so she had a palace maid bring her an embroidery pattern booklet.
The two discussed various patterns.
In the end, Lady Nara decided to embroider orchids and cloud patterns, a simple design that wouldn't seem out of place during the mourning period.
A few days later, Consort Tong did not summon Consort Nara again, and Consort Nara was relieved, thinking that Consort Tong had only acted on a whim and put the matter out of her mind.
Who would have thought that the Emperor would actually choose her!
After seeing off the messenger eunuch, Consort Nara was completely dizzy and resigned to not receiving the emperor's favor.
The Emperor actually remembered her?
Incredible.
She was taken to the Qianqing Palace in a sedan chair, where she was washed, rinsed, and wrapped up like a chicken roll. After completing her nightly service according to protocol, Consort Nara was drowsy.
Emperor Kangxi lay on his side, looking at Consort Nara's half-closed eyes, and suddenly asked, "I heard that the Imperial Concubine summoned you to Chengqian Palace?"
Ever since Consort Tong made that suggestion, Emperor Kangxi ordered an investigation to see if anyone was gossiping about it.
As it turned out, there was no need for any effort at all; the interaction between the Imperial Concubine and Consort Nara was only that one time.
Kangxi did not know the specific content of the conversation, but he suspected that Consort Nara had said something to the Imperial Concubine that led her to have such thoughts.
Is it to find a foster mother of high social standing for the Ninth Prince?
Or is there some ulterior motive?
Consort Nara woke up almost instantly. What a terrifying thing! She had made up her mind never to mention the other concubines in front of the Emperor, but the Emperor asked about it. What could she say?
She could only reply, "Yes, Your Highness the Noble Consort cares for me and has rewarded me with some of the finest fabrics."
Unsure of the Emperor's thoughts, Consort Nara spoke some good words about the Imperial Concubine, saying, "The Imperial Concubine is kind and compassionate; even when she was weeping, she showed great concern for the concubines."
She couldn't speak ill of others, but surely she could speak well of the other concubines?
Noble Lady Nara went on and on, giving many examples to prove that the Imperial Concubine was truly a beautiful and kind-hearted person, trying to reverse her image as someone who liked to talk badly about others behind their backs.
At first, Kangxi listened calmly until Consort Nara flipped through the history books all the way back to when the Imperial Concubine had just entered the palace.
It's amazing that she has such a good memory.
Emperor Kangxi had to attend the morning court session the next day, and seeing that Consort Nara still intended to continue speaking, he had no choice but to interrupt her, saying, "Go to sleep early."
Noble Lady Nara shut her mouth, still wanting more.
It's been a long time since I've had such a hearty conversation.
Consort Nara, who had not served the emperor for a long time, suddenly made this appearance, attracting the attention of the other concubines.
They really have too much free time.
During the mourning period, drinking and merrymaking are forbidden, as are banquets. In the past, they could dress up and wear beautiful clothes and jewelry, but during the mourning period, these things were put away. The concubines had fewer things to pass the time, but their gossipy nature became more intense.
Upon inquiring, I found out...
oh.
It turns out that it also had some connection with Consort Tong.
Not long after Consort Tong summoned Consort Nara, Consort Nara went to sleep with her.
It must have been something Consort Tong said to the Emperor.
Everyone still remembers how Consort Xi managed to become the lowest-ranking concubine by currying favor with the Empress.
In the imperial harem, seeking patronage from high-ranking concubines was also a survival skill.
Only Consort Nara felt wronged. Who said she was going to side with Consort Tong? Couldn't she use her brain? Couldn't she have worked hard to win the emperor's favor herself?
-
The inner palace was not so peaceful, and the days in the Imperial Study were not so idyllic either.
"Fifth Prince, Fifth Prince," Yunrui sneaked out from who-knows-where, his face full of excitement, his hands clasped together, peeking out from outside the door in a soft voice.
It was lunchtime, and only the soft breathing could be heard in the study. Baoqing and the three Haha Zhuzi were dozing off in the study.
The morning Chinese class focused on the "Doctrine of the Mean," which was quite mentally taxing. After lunch, they lay down on their desks, trying to take a nap whenever they could.
Only Yunrui yawned constantly during class but was full of energy after class.
After lunch, I went for a walk outside.
Baoqing wasn't fast asleep. Hearing the sound, she looked up from her arms and was confused for a second or two.
Yunrui was still outside calling for Baoqing.
In order not to disturb others' rest, Baoqing gently moved the back of the chair and waved to Yunrui to signal her to go outside.
Yunrui looked left and right, then led Baoqing to a small corner of the study, opening his arms a crack.
A small green grasshopper.
"Yunrui!" Baoqing's eyes widened in disbelief. "Where did you catch this?"
"Shh, shh, shh," Yunrui almost covered Baoqing's mouth in her anxiety, "Keep your voice down, I waited for a long time to catch him."
There are seasonal flowers and plants displayed under the corridor of the Imperial Study, and Yunrui likes to pluck the leaves and play with them when he has nothing to do.
Who would have thought we'd find such a big surprise today?
What child can resist the allure of a cricket?
Even if we protect Qing, it won't work.
He poked the little grasshopper lying in Yunrui's palm. "But where are you going to put it? And it chirps. If it suddenly makes a sound during class and Master finds out, that would be terrible."
“It doesn’t seem to chirp,” Yunrui said, tearing off a tender leaf and placing it in his palm as food for the little katydid. “I’ve had it for so long, and it hasn’t chirped once. It’s probably a mute katydid.”
Yunrui confidently declared, "I can put it in the pencil case. There are empty spaces inside. I can put a few sheets of soft paper in it, and my teacher definitely won't find out."
Seeing Yunrui's serious expression, Baoqing chose to believe him. "Then I'll pick a few tender leaves and put them in the compartment so it won't get hungry."
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