When Ninth Prince entered Xianfu Palace, Consort Yi was eating grapes that had been presented as tribute from Xinjiang. The fact that she was able to eat them at this time shows that Emperor Kangxi held Consort Yi in high regard.
"What brings you to visit your mother today?" Consort Yi rolled her eyes at the Ninth Prince. In truth, she adored this youngest son. Although the Fifth Prince was also her son, he was naturally indifferent and not as attentive as the Ninth Prince. Aside from the gifts from Emperor Kangxi, many of the things in Consort Yi's palace were brought in by the Ninth Prince.
“Mother, your son thinks of you every day. That’s why I came to see you.” The Ninth Prince walked up to Consort Yi, sat down next to her, then reached into the plate, took a few fruits, peeled them himself, and handed them to Consort Yi.
"You, what are you always up to? You don't do a single proper job." Consort Yi looked at the Ninth Prince. Although she knew in her heart that among Kangxi's sons, his ability and talent were not the most outstanding, a mother's heart always hoped that her son would be the one to inherit the throne. Consort Yi was no exception. However, the Ninth Prince had long ago expressed to her that he had no interest in that position, but supported the Eighth Prince.
“Mother, I’m making money! I’m making lots and lots of money for you, so I can take you away to live out your days in peace. It’s much better than being some damned Empress Dowager.” The Ninth Prince suddenly grabbed Consort Yi’s arm, rested his head on her arm, and shook her as he spoke.
"You have no self-control. Be careful your Emperor father sews it up for you." Consort Yi was ultimately pleased and affectionately flicked the Ninth Prince's nose with her hand.
They still treat him like a little kid!
"Speak up, all this flattery and fawning, what exactly do you want your mother to do for you?" Consort Yi glanced at the palace maids serving her and gestured for them to leave.
Looking at Consort Yi, Ninth Prince felt boundless respect and affection. In truth, our Ninth Prince was somewhat attached to his mother; he was charming, but not lewd; passionate, but not promiscuous. If one paid close attention to the women he had loved, one could find some quality reminiscent of Consort Yi—perhaps charm, playfulness, a sharp tongue, or a fiery temper…
"Actually, it's nothing much. I just wanted Mother to visit Fourth Prince's mother and casually tell her that she's had two more grandchildren, twins!" Ninth Prince said calmly.
Upon hearing this, Consort Yi rolled her eyes in disgust and said, "She's had two grandsons, why are you getting so worked up?"
Ninth Master chuckled and said, "Isn't this just to cause some trouble for Fourth Brother's household?!"
Consort Yi raised her hand and slapped the Ninth Prince's arm, saying, "Your hands are long enough to reach into his inner quarters?"
The Ninth Prince simply gave Consort Yi an awkward smile but said nothing. Consort Yi knew he was following in the footsteps of the Eighth Prince, so she didn't ask any further questions. She never interfered in their affairs; as long as it didn't cause any trouble for her or the Guo Luo Luo family, she couldn't be bothered.
After the Ninth Prince left, Consort Yi thought about how to convey those words to her old rival, knowing that she certainly wouldn't say it herself.
Actually, passing on a message within the palace was quite simple. It was common for palace maids to visit each other when they weren't on duty. The maids in Xianfu Palace and Yonghe Palace often had good relationships, and they would naturally get together and chat from time to time.
In short, three days later, Consort De learned that the Fujin's sister had given birth to twins for the Fourth Prince.
The fourth prince was not present, but as the madam, she couldn't very well remain silent. Therefore, the princess was finally summoned to the palace.
"Madam, why didn't you come to announce the good news?" After Madam paid her respects, Consort De did not offer her a seat.
"Replying to Mother, I intended to wait until Fourth Prince returns before informing you and Father Emperor of the good news. My sister's two children are still young, and it's not appropriate to announce it yet. It won't be too late to announce the good news after they turn one month old." The Fujin had already prepared her explanation along the way.
"Since she's your sister, reward her handsomely. We haven't heard from the fourth prince yet, so take those back and distribute them first." Consort De pointed to a row of palace maids standing in the shadows on the left. They each carried a large black lacquered tray, covered with a red envelope.
"On behalf of my younger sister, I thank Mother for the reward," the Fujin said quietly.
"Twins are an auspicious sign. I will speak to the Emperor myself, and there might even be a reward. Your sister is a good one. When the Fourth Prince returns, those who are due will be promoted." Consort De didn't feel that the Fujin disliked her at all. After all, she was her own sister, and she had given birth to twins. Promoting her to the rank of Consort would be a great honor for the Ulanara family.
"Your Majesty, I thank you. My younger sister is still too young to be a suitable concubine," the Fujin said, forcing herself to speak.
Consort De was surprised by the Fujin's reply and said unhappily, "I think it's more in accordance with the rules. You and the Fourth Prince can decide what to do."
The Fujin knew that the decision to promote the concubines in the household was ultimately made by her and the Fourth Prince, and then reported to the Kangxi Emperor. That was why she had just contradicted the Consort De and declined her offer.
"Where is the fourth prince now?" Consort De asked.
The Fujin was speechless, because she herself didn't know where the Fourth Prince was. In his last letter home, he had only told her that he was still in Hangzhou.
"It should be in Hangzhou Prefecture," the princess consort had no choice but to say.
"The fourth prince went out this time without a single servant by his side. Why didn't you arrange one for him?" Consort De was just trying to vent her anger.
I just felt bad for her trying to be nice, so now I can finally say something to her.
"It was my oversight, please forgive me, Mother!" The Fujin knew that Consort De was unhappy with her earlier retort, and even if the Fourth Prince himself said he wouldn't bring anyone, as the Fujin, she was also guilty; she should have persuaded him to bring them.
Sigh, women in ancient times had to be virtuous and gentle in front of men to be considered good wives!
"As the primary consort, one must be magnanimous to maintain harmony in the inner quarters. The fourth prince has always had few children, and now two more have been added. He should be rewarded handsomely, and this should also serve as a warning to those petty people not to have any improper thoughts. Your sister's higher rank will naturally protect those two children from some evil spirits!" Consort De said solemnly.
The princess felt a pang of bitterness in her heart; this was a warning to her.
"Replying to Mother, I will certainly speak to the Prince, and my sister should be promoted if she is due. We must not let the two children suffer," the Princess Consort said, suppressing the bitterness in her heart.
"Alright, you may leave now. Take these gifts back with you. I want to see the baby in person when he is a month old." Consort De had spoken, meaning don't try to fool me; she'll want to see it at the baby's one-month celebration.
The Fujin knelt before Consort De and left the palace with the gifts Consort De had given to Yan Yu.
The carriages of the Fourth Prince's mansion stopped at the Shenwu Gate. Chunliu was standing in front of the carriage looking at the gate when she saw the Princess Consort, Granny Li, and several palace maids carrying things out.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
