A group of people were happy for Tong Wanyan, and some others were secretly delighted as well.
The backyard of Yuqing Palace was clean, and the number of wives and concubines there was no more than five, and they had all entered the palace a few years ago, so they were like yesterday's flowers, no longer fresh and vibrant.
Now that Consort Tong is pregnant, she certainly cannot serve the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince and Crown Princess treat each other with utmost respect, but none of the other concubines or princesses have ever won the Crown Prince's favor.
Does this mean that their daughter has a chance to be selected for the Eastern Palace and try to win favor during this time?
Even if the Crown Prince dotes on Consort Tong, he can't remain celibate for a whole year.
The Crown Prince's position was secure. He entered Yuqing Palace when he was still the heir apparent. Even if he was the lowest-ranking princess, he would at least become a concubine after ascending the throne.
Such a golden opportunity is a once-in-a-lifetime chance and must not be missed.
The court officials dared not offend Yinreng, fearing he would fly into a rage and hurl insults. They all went to see Emperor Kangxi.
Looking at the recent imperial harems, Emperor Kangxi added people to his own harem, and most of his other sons' courtyards also saw an influx of people. Only Yuqing Palace remained untouched, with only servants being replaced and no new masters added.
There were indeed many good girls, and Kangxi was somewhat tempted by their words.
He secretly had Liang Jiugong summon Yinreng, for no one knows a father better than his son. Upon seeing Kangxi's furtive actions, Yinreng's alarm bells rang.
"Father, you haven't finished reviewing the memorial you gave me yesterday." Yinreng's implication was that Kangxi shouldn't bother him unless it was something important.
Kangxi felt a little embarrassed, so he asked Yinreng to sit down first and then had Liang Jiugong serve him tea.
The more attentive Kangxi was, the more flustered Yinreng became.
He wanted to go back to be with his wife; he didn't want to stay here and see his father's wrinkled old face.
"Baocheng!" Kangxi called out to Yinreng.
Yinreng's hair stood on end, and he looked on guard.
"Would I possibly trick you? What kind of look is that!" Kangxi said disdainfully.
"Father, I have a bad feeling about this. What is it? Please tell me quickly," Yinreng said.
Kangxi composed himself, remained silent for a moment, and then mustered his courage: "Baocheng, would you like to add a few more people?"
Yinreng clapped his hands and looked at Kangxi gratefully: "Father's consideration is very wise."
Kangxi's eyes lit up: "Baocheng, you're willing?"
Yinreng looked at Kangxi and said, "Of course I'm willing, how could I not? Xiaoyan is pregnant now and certainly can't take care of several children. We need to add more servants to Yuqing Palace. Father, you are indeed an experienced man."
"Would I specifically ask you to add a few more servants?" Kangxi was furious.
Yinreng glanced at Kangxi, making Kangxi feel uneasy. He slowly said, "Father, have you forgotten that your little cousin is blessed by Heaven? If you insist on giving someone to your son, I can accept her, but she's not as pretty as Xiao Yan, and I can't bring myself to kiss her."
"Yuqing Palace has been expanded, but no empty courtyard has been left. In the future, they will be crammed into one room and sleep on a large communal bed," Yinreng continued.
"However, Father Emperor, are you willing to let our Qing Dynasty risk being struck by divine calamity for the sake of a few imperial concubines?"
Emperor Kangxi was reluctant to recall those two years, which were marked by both drought and earthworms, and they were truly a headache for him, prompting his edict of self-reproach.
"I was just asking casually. If you don't want it, can I force you?" Kangxi changed his tune very quickly.
Having figured out Kangxi's meaning, Yinreng was no longer flustered.
He sat there calmly: "Father, think about Hongzhao. Those who cause trouble for our Aisin Gioro family, those who try to get rewards and official positions by relying on women's connections, are worthless. They're not worth it."
"How could I not know? Didn't you say you hadn't finished reviewing the memorials yet? Hurry up and go back, don't waste my time here!" Kangxi was furious and dragged Yinreng out of the chair.
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