Luzhu and the others sat next to Mingxiu, doing needlework and occasionally adding tea and pastries to her bowl.
While things were peaceful and serene on this side, things weren't so harmonious on Kangxi's side.
Because the post station wasn't a suitable place to meet with some officials from Jiangnan, we went directly to the government office in the city.
Kangxi sat on the throne watching the officials below offer toasts, and subtly inquired about how Liang Tianqing and his son had been dealt with.
Kangxi raised an eyebrow, brushed it off, and didn't give them a clear answer.
Cao Yin was also present, and he sat not far below Kangxi. Although Cao Yin did not hold a high official position and was mainly responsible for business, that was primarily to make money for Kangxi's purse.
Therefore, he was always highly valued by Emperor Kangxi.
You can tell from the distance of where they are sitting.
However, Cao Yin did not think that way. Although he knew that Kangxi still valued him, the invention of glass and cement a few years ago had already brought Kangxi a lot of money. Therefore, Cao Yin was a little uneasy and worried that the emperor did not need him.
The main purpose of this visit was to find a way to strengthen ties with Emperor Kangxi and ensure that he would continue to rely on the Cao family.
That evening,
Because it was too late, Kangxi did not return to the post station, but instead stayed in a large house next to the county government office.
I just took a look, and it's obvious that the officials have already prepared this place in advance; it even looks more luxurious than the post station.
Kangxi glanced at it silently, but said nothing.
He casually indicated that he was tired and needed to rest early. Some officials, naturally, tactfully left. After they went outside, Yu Chenglin and Cao Yin exchanged a glance, understanding the meaning in each other's eyes.
The simplest way to impress Emperor Kangxi was to send him beautiful women.
Cao Yin had this idea, but he couldn't do it alone, so he had already discussed it with Yu Chenglin.
He originally intended to present his niece to the Emperor, but Yu Chenglin worried that his niece was a bit too young and not quite suitable.
Therefore, after much deliberation, Cao Yin personally selected two untouched, upright officials who were both beautiful and talented, and skilled in the seductive bedroom arts of courtesans.
I'm not afraid the emperor won't like it.
On the other hand, Kangxi was unaware of their thoughts. After eating with them all day, Kangxi only felt that his stomach was not very comfortable.
They said they were going on an inspection tour, but wherever they went, a huge crowd followed them, so they couldn't get anything done.
Kangxi's expression was somewhat unpleasant. At this moment, he particularly missed Mingxiu's beautiful face and her cooking skills.
The food served outside wasn't as good as what she cooked herself, which made Emperor Kangxi somewhat sentimental.
After resting for a while, he instructed people to prepare a bath and some water. Liang Jiugong served him and naturally prepared everything.
A short while later, a glass screen was carried into the room, followed by a bathtub.
Several maids who were originally serving in the house came in, poured hot water, and arranged a chair, towel, and other items for bathing.
Mingxiu had prepared all these things in advance. When Kangxi came out this time, he entrusted them to Liang Jiugong so that the emperor would not feel unfamiliar with them.
After Liang Jiugong led everyone outside, he closed the door and personally served the emperor his bath inside.
Kangxi felt refreshed as he soaked in the bathtub, his nose filled with familiar scents that he used to enjoy, which made him very relaxed.
When Mingxiu said she wanted to bring him before, he thought it was making a mountain out of a molehill, but now he doesn't think so anymore.
I don't know how Mingxiu made them, but the bath products he made were all exceptionally comfortable.
After soaking for a while and feeling relaxed and comfortable all over, I asked Liang Jiugong to give me a quick back wash, and then I did the rest myself.
Spending a lot of time with Mingxiu, I've picked up some of her habits.
After changing into his nightgown, Kangxi prepared to go back to his room to rest, as he needed to rush back to the post station early the next morning.
Liang Jiugong went to deal with the water after his bath, and Kangxi didn't pay any attention to it. After returning to his room, Kangxi immediately noticed two maids standing next to him.
He didn't pay any attention, assuming that Liang Jiugong had arranged for him to be served in advance.
After waving for them to leave, Kangxi prepared to go back to bed.
They discovered that the two women did not leave, but instead bowed and asked the Emperor, "Your Majesty, we were assigned to give you a massage. Your Majesty must be tired after a long day, so please allow us to massage you."
After listening, Kangxi felt that although he had already soaked quite comfortably, a massage would be fine too. So he nodded, lay down on the couch, and had two maids begin to massage him.
Two maids, one holding his calf and the other pressing on his acupoints on his shoulder, gently massaged them.
After massaging for a while, Kangxi clearly felt his whole body getting warmer, and the meridians were indeed unblocked, making him feel much more comfortable.
These two are indeed well taken care of. Kangxi was planning to tell the people who arranged for their service tomorrow and reward them.
Suddenly, he noticed that the two people's hands had started moving around his body, intentionally or unintentionally.
In an instant, Kangxi understood something, his face darkened, and he ordered the two to stop.
Just then, Liang Jiugong returned. Seeing Kangxi's composed expression and then looking at the two maids standing cautiously beside him, he suddenly understood what was going on.
He quickly bowed his head and came in, his face darkening. He waved his hand, dismissing the two men.
"Your Majesty, this servant doesn't know either. I suppose it was arranged by Lord Cao and the others," Liang Jiugong stammered.
Kangxi glanced at him, giving him a look without giving any instructions or warnings, and then waved for Liang Jiugong to leave.
Liang Jiugong, standing outside the door, looked at the two women still standing there with a gloomy expression. It was all because of them that he had been scolded by the Emperor again.
I closed my eyes, out of sight, out of mind, and had them taken away.
Previously, Cao Yin had approached Liang Jiugong, hoping he would make arrangements, but Liang Jiugong refused outright. Unexpectedly, they dared to make arrangements on their own.
He was the Emperor's confidant, so naturally he always sided with the Emperor. Moreover, Consort Ming treated him very well, so he couldn't possibly let the Emperor bring two people back with him when he left the palace; that would be a slap in Consort Ming's face.
What happened here was naturally reported to those outside. Cao Yin's expression was rather unpleasant; he hadn't expected the Emperor to refuse.
Although the Emperor brought Consort Ming with him on this trip, she is not by his side, and he has been eating the same dishes all the time. Doesn't he want to change things up?
Cao Yin couldn't understand why Kangxi would refuse.
It seems we'll have to find another way.
Cao Yin thought silently.
The next day, Kangxi got up early and returned to the post station with his entourage, paying no further attention to anyone else.
But those who know what happened last night know that the Emperor is already angry.
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