“Your Majesty… because the Fourth Prince has been having nightmares lately, his wet nurse paid attention and overheard him talking in his sleep. She then learned that Consort De had sent someone to look for him…” said the nanny beside Consort Tongjia.
These things had been arranged beforehand, but of course, it couldn't be revealed that it was Yinzhen who had proactively told Consort Tongjia this. After all, Consort De was his biological mother, and Yinzhen was still young. However, if others found out later, they might use this to slander him. It wouldn't be good if he were to be seen as cold-blooded and ruthless!
Consort Tongjia was placed in an inner room, where she was attended to by servants, and a maid was also arranged to stay there to feed her medicine.
Outside, there were only the closest nanny and a few senior palace maids to Consort Tongjia.
In addition, there was the nanny sent by Consort De kneeling on the ground, Emperor Kangxi sitting in a chair, and Liang Jiugong standing to the side.
"Of course Consort De did nothing wrong, and it's understandable that she misses the Fourth Prince... It's just that the Fourth Prince is still young, and Her Majesty hasn't told him everything about what happened back then. Her sudden visit really frightened him quite a bit, and he had to drink some nourishing medicine for several days before he felt a little better... For the Fourth Prince's safety, Her Majesty sent someone to accompany him. Her Majesty is so worried about the prince's safety, and poor Her Majesty is heavily pregnant... And today, this old nanny has come..." Granny Tong said with a mournful face.
Her surname was Tong, a surname bestowed upon her by the Tongjia clan. This surname alone shows how highly she was regarded. Tears streamed down her face, and even Emperor Kangxi could not bear to see her like this.
Emperor Kangxi knew her. He had lived in the Tongjia Mansion for a while when he was young, and he was well taken care of by this nanny. In the end, he had some affection for her.
Now that Consort Tongjia is asleep, it is the most appropriate person for her to speak up!
Emperor Kangxi frowned.
The reason why the Fourth Prince was raised by Consort Tongjia was because Uya's status was not high enough. She came from a lowly palace maid background and was just a minor concubine at that time.
There was never a custom in the palace of a concubine raising a child by her side. At that time, Consort De knew about this, so she was very obedient and never caused any trouble for Emperor Kangxi. Even though she was reluctant to part with the child, she still sent him away.
Even at that time, it was she who personally asked to keep the Fourth Prince by Consort Tongjia's side, repeatedly saying that she was mindful of their past relationship and believed that Consort Tongjia could raise the child well.
Emperor Kangxi felt sorry for her understanding nature and also felt some guilt. He bestowed upon her the rank of Noble Lady and has been quite fond of her over the years.
Perhaps this is when she began to be increasingly favored.
If it weren't for this, Mingyue wouldn't have been born.
The struggles in the harem were always ongoing, but Consort De was different. She always seemed very serene, and even when vying for favor, she did so in a gentle way that made Emperor Kangxi feel at ease. Over the years, he visited her quite often.
Emperor Kangxi rubbed his forehead.
Especially the year before last, when she gave birth to the sixth prince, but failed to raise him... this caused Emperor Kangxi even more heartache.
Emperor Kangxi looked at the kneeling nanny and asked, "You tell me, was it really your master who sent you here? What is the matter?"
Emperor Kangxi was extremely displeased. Even if he wanted to acknowledge Yinzhen back, he had not paid any attention to him for five years. How could he suddenly do such a thing while Consort Tongjia was pregnant?
Even if he was anxious, he could wait until Tongjia gave birth, or even later!
The old woman wasn't stupid. She was already half scared out of her wits, but after all, she had been by Consort De's side for so many years and had seen her share of ups and downs. Of course, she wouldn't reveal that Consort De had sent her to find the Fourth Prince and help persuade the Emperor.
They could only insist that Consort De missed the Fourth Prince and was very concerned about him, which is why she did such a foolish thing!
Giving such a reason might seem a bit rash, and might make people think that Lady De was not thinking things through, but it truly reflects a mother's loving heart!
Besides, this matter is understandable. Does that mean people aren't allowed to have feelings for their own son?
Nobody can say for sure!
But if she gave that reason, not only would the Emperor be furious, but Lady Uya in the prison would be completely finished! She stubbornly refused to admit it.
A stalemate ensued.
If you can't find out why Consort De is looking for the Fourth Prince—don't mention that Consort De really misses him, no one will believe that!
If we can't get the information, then it will be quite difficult to convict the perpetrator!
At this moment, Yinzhen's wet nurse, who had been silent, stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, as far as I know, that's not the case."
She remained silent, standing there quietly. This time, however, she did not stay by Yinzhen's side but stood in the main hall.
"Your Majesty, ever since the Fourth Prince learned of that incident, he has been caught in the middle, torn between two options. He is kind-hearted and doesn't know how to treat his own mother, nor can he bear to harm Consort Tongjia, who has always cared for him. However, the other day the Prince asked me if Lord Uya was truly in prison, and whether his situation was extremely critical..."
“This servant is puzzled. The Fourth Prince couldn’t possibly know about this. But this servant also doesn’t know about Lady Uya’s situation, so I couldn’t answer the prince. And the prince has never gone out or had any contact with her. How could he know about Lady Uya? This servant dares to guess that someone from Consort De’s side told him…” After she finished speaking, she lowered her head.
Emperor Kangxi's eyes were sharp as he looked at the kneeling nanny, watching to see if she would show a momentary look of guilt.
Even the most mentally strong person couldn't withstand the gaze of Emperor Kangxi.
******
That day, the main hall was in great turmoil. Even Consort Tongjia, who had just woken up, was disturbed, but Emperor Kangxi stopped her from showing herself inside.
At the same time, Consort De was also summoned. As soon as she entered, she met Emperor Kangxi's stern gaze.
She had to try her best to cover up the lie and tell the Emperor what she had been sending people to tell Yinzhen, and why she had suddenly come to see Yinzhen.
She vehemently denied it, but she was identified by someone. The palace maid who was sent there was timid and was taken to the Imperial Prison. In less than half a day, she confessed everything.
This matter is neither a big deal nor a small one; it's simply that Consort De wanted to use the Fourth Prince to clear her father's name.
Since the matter was exposed before it was even done, she certainly wouldn't be severely punished. However, in Emperor Kangxi's mind, the image of Consort De as a quiet and unassuming person had been completely destroyed.
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