At this time, Li Jia arrived at Yuqing Palace.
She was initially granted the title of Consort, which, in theory, meant she held a higher rank than Tong Wanyan.
However, with Emperor Kangxi's imperial edict before her, she could only humble herself before Tong Wanyan.
On the day she entered Yuqing Palace, Yinreng felt no emotion.
He continued to follow Emperor Kangxi and learn the ways of governing the country. Emperor Kangxi was so busy lately that he forgot to urge his son to go back and be the groom.
Li Jia sat in the bridal chamber, her eyes filled with shy allure, her lips parted in a smile.
A few days ago, Empress Hesheli sent a nanny to Li Jia's residence to teach her all of Empress Xiaochengren's little habits.
She believed that once the Crown Prince entered her room and listened to her talk about Empress Xiaochengren, he would never want to leave.
Li Jia's little scheme was going smoothly, but unfortunately, Yinreng didn't take the bait.
After dark, Li Jia's patience was completely worn away.
"Go and find out where the Crown Prince is?" Li Jia couldn't help but ask.
Tang and Fan lived in the courtyard next to Li Jia's. It's hard to keep secrets among neighbors. As soon as there was any commotion in the north courtyard, the northwest corner could hear it clearly.
Madam Tang laughed gleefully, "The master didn't come back today either? I wondered who he was. He was so arrogant when he came in this morning, but now he's being ignored just the same. Speaking of which, the master hasn't rested at Yuqing Palace for two days, has he?"
"This servant went to the South Courtyard to inquire, and it seems there are some urgent matters in the court these days, keeping the Crown Prince very busy. The Crown Prince is deeply favored by the Emperor, and Your Highness will have great fortune in the future."
The words were pleasant and soothing, and Tang felt comfortable enough to turn off the lights and go to sleep.
Emperor Kangxi and his son Yinreng were engaged in heated debates over matters of state.
By the time Kangxi realized he was starving, it was completely dark outside.
Yinreng naturally stayed overnight at Qiankun Palace, a cunning smile playing on his lips.
Li Jia sat there silently all night, refusing to lift her veil unless someone did. She certainly had a strong will to do so.
Tang, who had been keeping a close eye on things, made sure to have an extra bowl of rice porridge for breakfast the next day. Fan also secretly asked the kitchen to add a dish for her at noon to celebrate.
The matter of the Crown Prince taking a concubine attracted widespread attention from both the imperial court and the harem.
When Emperor Kangxi, a man of many affairs, recalled this matter, his expression remained unchanged.
But after the court session that day, he did not keep Yinreng any longer, but said, "Baocheng, everything in excess is as bad as deficiency."
Yinreng's face stiffened; he knew that Kangxi had seen through his thoughts.
Emperor Kangxi sighed: "Do I not love the Imperial Noble Consort? However, the inner palace and the court are inextricably linked. I wish to make the Imperial Noble Consort Empress, but for the sake of stability in the court, I cannot do so. I understand your youthful infatuation, but it must not go too far. The royal family can have many lovers, but you are not allowed. You are the true Crown Prince, the future emperor of the Qing Dynasty!"
Yinreng's face turned ashen; he could find no words to refute him.
If he hadn't met Tong Wanyan, he would have wholeheartedly agreed with Kangxi's words.
“Father is right to reprimand me. I was just being willful. I just wanted to know what it was like for Mother to be pregnant for ten months. That’s why I spoiled my concubine a bit.”
Yinreng's explanation was somewhat useful, and Kangxi's slight anger subsided.
“I know that, which is why I have always indulged you,” Kangxi said.
After leaving Qiankun Palace, Yinreng was absent-minded the whole way.
He didn't want to go to Li Jia's courtyard. He originally didn't want to go, but after being scolded by Kangxi, he became even more rebellious.
Upon arriving at Yuqing Palace, Yinreng changed into casual clothes and went straight to Tong Wanyan's room without any detours.
"Xiao Yan, shall we study military strategy or Confucianism today?"
He pulled out two books from the library and spoke with great interest to the beauty lying on the chaise longue.
He looked energetic and showed no signs of having been reprimanded by Emperor Kangxi.
Tong Wanyan lay on her side, her thin inner garment clinging to her body, revealing her curves and making her look as alluring as a fairy.
She said sweetly, "Read a storybook."
Yinreng pretended not to hear her words, put the book of military strategy aside, and began to read Confucian classics to himself.
As for the storybook, well, he won't spoil her like that!
Just as Mencius' mother moved three times to find the right environment for her son's education, Yinreng also wanted to teach his children well from the very beginning.
Yinreng's voice was pleasant to hear, and he looked even more handsome when he bowed his head to read.
With a face as serene as jade, Tong Wanyan felt that what she heard was unimportant; having this face was enough.
Yinreng did not believe that a woman's virtue lay in her lack of talent. He appreciated that Tong Wanyan spoke meaningfully and often responded to his remarks.
Under his personal tutelage, Tong Wanyan, while not a master of Chinese studies, certainly broadened her horizons considerably.
As evening approached, Deshun paced back and forth at the door, looking troubled.
He wanted to remind Yinreng that it was time to go to the North Courtyard to lift Li Jia's veil, but he was afraid of being scolded.
Consort Tong was a jealous woman, and De Shun knew this all too well.
Tong Wanyan scoffed, "Master, it's getting late. If you don't go to Consort Li's place soon, Deshun will wear out the threshold stone here."
"Are you trying to push me away?" Yinreng put down the book, his face stern.
Tong Wanyan immediately turned to glare at him: "Are you turning black into white, sir? I wish I could be with you day and night, sir. Who would want to push you away?"
"Speak properly," Yinreng said, pinching her cheek.
Tong Wanyan rolled her eyes: "Your Highness acted willfully yesterday. I'm afraid if you don't go to the North Courtyard, Consort Li will file a complaint with the Emperor. If that happens, I, this femme fatale, will be in danger. If I lose my life, it will be difficult to stay with Your Highness forever. Besides, I believe Your Highness has a way to avoid touching Consort Li."
"Isn't Xiao Yan afraid that I'll never return?" Yinreng was in a good mood and teased him merrily.
"If you really don't come back, then I guess I was wrong!" Tong Wanyan shrugged, she didn't believe anyone could be more likable than her.
This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
