Chapter 174 Emperor Kangxi personally killed Consort De
"Whether you admit it or not, this is your crime. Therefore, you shall be confined to Kunning Palace for one month as a warning to others."
The punishment has been handed down, and youth will not linger any longer.
He immediately accepted the imperial decree and left Jingyang Palace with his men.
However, as she left, she glanced at Consort Tong, a glance that held a lot in it. When Consort Tong met her gaze, she smiled.
Then he strode away.
Emperor Kangxi was also very concerned about the child in Consort De's womb, after all, it was a child he had obtained through force.
He didn't ask the imperial physicians for their results because he didn't trust them, so he let Wu Ming go in to examine Consort De's pulse.
Everyone knows who Wu Yuanpan is; he is the emperor's personal physician.
The fact that the Emperor ordered him to make house calls proves that the Emperor had doubts about Consort De's miscarriage.
Consort Tong tightened her grip on the embroidered handkerchief, her heart filled with unease and anxiety.
It was only when her attendant, Granny Tong, noticed something was wrong and stepped forward to support her that Consort Tong's unease subsided.
"It's alright, Your Highness. This old servant will arrange everything."
Granny Tong whispered something in Consort Tong's ear, then immediately knelt up straight to avoid arousing suspicion.
Upon hearing this, Consort Tong was able to kneel for a bit longer than before. She held Tong Mama's hand tightly and awaited the verdict to be announced in the bedchamber.
Judge Wu came out shortly afterward.
His expression was unusual.
Seeing his expression, Kangxi guessed what was going on, but he still asked, "How is Consort De?"
Wu Ming recounted his findings one by one.
"Your Majesty, Consort De's miscarriage was caused by her mistakenly consuming a large amount of musk and safflower. This miscarriage has damaged her health, and she will likely have to stay in bed for many years to come."
After speaking, Wu Ming lowered his head, not daring to look the emperor in the eye.
Emperor Kangxi was furious upon hearing this. "Wei Zhong, investigate for me. I want to see how many monsters and demons are in this harem."
With the Emperor speaking, the matter was quickly investigated and clarified.
What Kangxi didn't expect was that the person who poisoned him was actually his trusted cousin.
Holding the testimony in his hand, he dared not look at Lady Tongjia for a moment.
Tongjia naturally sensed the Emperor's change in attitude and immediately collapsed to the ground, showing how guilty she felt.
But since she was his cousin, Kangxi couldn't bring himself to punish her severely. So, he said angrily, "Consort Tong, you have disappointed me greatly." He threw a bunch of evidence in her face.
Consort Tong had lost her previous energy and spirit; at this moment, she didn't even have the strength to complain.
Even so, she still forced back her tears and looked up at the person she loved deeply, murmuring, "Your Majesty, cousin, I hate it! Why, why can't I keep my child, while that vile Consort De is pregnant? I refuse to accept it, I refuse to accept it!"
Kangxi was nearby and naturally overheard her words. That child was also what he had hoped for, and it was truly no one else's fault that they couldn't keep it. However, he couldn't tell his cousin the truth.
That's what led her astray. Alas, "Consort Tong plotted to harm her own child, so she is demoted to the rank of Consort and imprisoned in Chengqian Palace. She is not allowed to leave without an imperial decree." After saying this, he wearily waved his hand, ordering someone to take Consort Tong away.
When Consort De woke up, she learned that she had been framed by Consort Tong. Not only did she lose her son, but she would also be bedridden for the rest of her life. She was filled with hatred.
She never imagined that her boastful act would lead to such a disastrous outcome. If only she had known then what she knows now.
She regretted it.
"His Majesty is truly biased. Even after all this, she was only demoted to a concubine and imprisoned in Chengqian Palace. How could His Majesty treat her like this? His Majesty, why?"
Compared to Consort De's regret and resentment, the rest of the harem didn't have as many thoughts.
They were actually happier that there were no more favored concubines vying for the emperor's favor.
Whether it's Consort Tong or Consort De, it has little to do with them.
The loss of Consort De's child and Consort Tong's imprisonment did not stop the Emperor from favoring the harem, which is quite ironic.
Sure enough, a man's words are deceitful.
Don't believe a single word they say.
Trusting men leads to misfortune, especially on the seventh day after death.
What no one expected was that Consort De, despite being ill, actually barged into Chengqian Palace.
She was accompanied by a large group of people, mostly maids and servants. Her imposing presence was so impressive that even lower-ranking concubines on the road would kneel down and beg for mercy, fearing that they had offended this sickly Consort De.
Everyone knew she had just miscarried, and this was the time when the Emperor felt most guilty towards her. They dared not confront this man directly.
When Consort De arrived at Chengqian Palace with such a large group of people, they naturally tried to stop her, but unfortunately, their strength was insufficient, and Consort De led her people all the way into Consort Tong's bedchamber.
Consort De was also a ruthless character. Without saying a word, she had Consort Tong restrained and then personally took a bowl of medicine containing top-quality safflower and top-quality strychnine and forced it down Consort Tong's throat.
While pouring the drink, he shouted and cursed, "You bitch, this is your retribution for harming my son, your retribution!"
It wasn't until a bowl of medicine was poured into her mouth that Consort De, panting heavily, staggered two steps and collapsed onto Granny Ye, who had followed her.
Using the strength of Granny Ye to stand in front of Consort Tong, she said arrogantly, "You caused me to have no children in this life, so you can forget about having children either. You wretch, this is retribution. Remember this well, this is the retribution for your Tongjia clan."
Fanghua and Kangxi rushed over as soon as they received the news, but unfortunately they were too late.
Logically speaking, Fanghua is under house arrest and shouldn't be here, but for such an important event, it would be a serious crime for the Empress not to appear.
As soon as Kangxi entered, he saw servants holding Consort Tong down to kneel before Consort De, while Consort De actually ordered someone to slap Consort Tong. This scene caused Kangxi to lose his composure on the spot. Without saying a word, he stepped forward and slapped the servants who were restraining Consort Tong to death.
Upon seeing someone die, the remaining servants cried out in terror.
Consort De was also terrified by this scene, but before she could speak, Emperor Kangxi slapped her.
Even until her death, Consort De never uttered a word in her own defense.
She died with her eyes wide open in disbelief.
Consort De died, and was even beaten to death by the Emperor himself—something no one had expected.
Fanghua was so horrified that she dared not take a single step forward; this was the first time she had ever seen the Emperor use such force.
No matter how wrong Consort De was, he shouldn't have killed her himself, especially since there were still the Second and Third Princesses between them.
The fact that the father killed the mother raises the question of how the second and third princesses will face their imperial father in the future.
In order to prevent more servants from dying in vain, Fanghua ordered her people to leave and took away all the servants who were far away from the room.
Wei Zhong was naturally unwilling, but since she was the Empress, he could not disobey her orders and had no choice but to let her go.
Emperor Kangxi was also brought back to his senses by Consort Tong's cries. He looked at Consort De, who was lying on the ground with her eyes wide open in death, took a deep breath, and then said in a chilling tone, "Wei Zhong, leave no servants alive in the room. All those who came with Yehenara clan shall be beaten to death."
Upon hearing this, Wei Zhong glanced at the Empress, dared not think further, and immediately accepted the order.
However, when he called someone in to handle the matter, he came to the emperor's side and whispered a few words in his ear.
After hearing this, Kangxi turned his attention to the Empress.
Seeing her standing there calmly, neither sad nor happy, Kangxi closed his eyes. When he opened them again, the fierceness in his eyes had dissipated, as if he hadn't been the one who had been furious just moments before.
"Your Majesty, I do not wish this matter to be spread. Consort De died suddenly in a moment of excitement while plotting to kill Consort Tong."
These words, spoken lightly, could cost a person their life.
Oh.
The most ruthless are those in the imperial family.
It seems the second and third princesses are destined for a marriage alliance with Mongolia. Hopefully, they were born with good fortune.
Otherwise, he's destined to die young.
"Yes, Your Majesty, I will certainly not allow anyone to spread rumors." Fanghua bowed respectfully and then responded calmly.
"Alright, Consort Tong is unwell. I'll stay here with her. Empress, please go and attend to matters outside."
Upon hearing that he had entrusted the matter to her, Fanghua almost couldn't help but curse him, calling him shameless.
Unfortunately, he was the emperor, so he couldn't be scolded.
"Yes, Your Majesty, I obey."
Fanghua went out, and Wei Zhong had already had benches set up outside. The servants who had come with Consort De were all gagged and forced to lie face down on the benches.
Fanghua knew exactly what to do next and understood why Wei Zhong hadn't made a move yet.
This is something I'm waiting to handle myself.
Of course, she wouldn't take the blame for anyone, so she said, "The Emperor has decreed that the crime of plotting to harm Consort Tong is unforgivable, and all those involved should be beaten to death."
If it's the Emperor's decree, then it's the Emperor's decree; it has absolutely nothing to do with her, the Empress.
Wei Zhong understood the meaning behind the Empress's words, but he couldn't refute them; the Empress was right.
So he shouted loudly and waved his hand, ordering the execution to be carried out.
Everyone's mouths were gagged, but the cries of pain still couldn't be hidden.
As the story progressed, the bloody and mangled sights disgusted Fanghua. She left Li Changfu behind and took her men to deal with other matters.
The death of a concubine in the palace, and the fact that she was beaten to death by the emperor himself, is no small matter. We must ask the emperor for his decree on how to bury Consort De.
Every single one of these issues is a headache.
News of Consort De's death quickly spread throughout the entire palace.
Fanghua was still busy at Jingyang Palace at this time.
Faced with the questions from the second and third princesses, Fanghua opened her mouth again and again, but in the end she could only tell them that their mother died of a sudden heart attack from anger. She had already damaged her body due to a miscarriage, and before she had even finished her postpartum confinement, she went to Chengqian Palace to settle accounts with Consort Tong. How could her body withstand that?
But she still left a message for them in her words, and if they were smart enough, they would understand what she meant.
If you can't understand, then you're not doing a good deed in the first place.
The death of Consort De also alarmed the Empress Dowager, who summoned Fanghua to Shou Kang Palace for questioning. After dismissing everyone, Fanghua recounted in detail how the Emperor had personally beaten Consort De to death.
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager trembled uncontrollably. No one knew what she was thinking, but whatever it was, it was all within her power as the Empress.
"Your Majesty, I still need to discuss the funeral arrangements for Consort De with the Ministry of Rites, so I cannot stay any longer. Please accept my condolences."
The Empress Dowager was still somewhat flustered and did not intend to keep him. She waved her hand and said, "You've worked hard. Go and get back to work. This matter must not be spread as gossip."
"Your Majesty, I understand. Please rest well. I will take my leave now." Fanghua nodded, naturally agreeing to the matter.
Fortunately, Emperor Kangxi did not lose his mind. After comforting Consort Tong, he returned to the Qianqing Palace and quietly watched Fanghua while she was busy.
No one knows what he was thinking, but Fanghua didn't see this person immediately when she came to see him.
"Your Majesty, perhaps you could come later? His Majesty is currently quite troubled," the eunuch guarding the Qianqing Palace said obsequiously to the Empress.
Fanghua shook her head. She knew what the Emperor meant; he just wanted to give her the cold shoulder so that she would realize her place.
Perhaps it was because she learned of his violent nature that his previously hidden nature was exposed, leaving him somewhat embarrassed.
But the Emperor was overthinking it; Fanghua in this life didn't care at all about his true nature.
Because she had long understood that if you want something, you have to work hard yourself; relying on others is ultimately futile.
"I have nothing to do, but the matter of Consort De cannot be delayed. Otherwise, if her rank is determined as soon as possible, the Ministry of Rites will not be able to proceed with the funeral."
Fanghua answered the gatekeeper eunuch's question as usual, without moving an inch.
Another incense stick burned out, and finally the closed door opened.
Fanghua's eyes darkened when she saw the person who came out.
Liang Jiugong, I'm afraid his appearance is nothing but trouble; I wonder if he's here to settle scores.
Fanghua didn't want her people to be accidentally hurt.
"Your Majesty, the Emperor requests your presence."
Unexpectedly, after Liang Jiugong came out, he simply invited her in respectfully.
Although she was a little nervous, Fanghua still smiled and nodded: "Thank you for your trouble, Eunuch Liang."
After saying that, she strode into the Qianqing Palace, a place she had never found frightening before.
But now, she feels a chill down her spine, and she doesn't know if it's just psychological.
"Your Majesty, I extend my greetings. May Your Majesty be well."
"What brings the Empress here?"
Kangxi's tone was somber, indicating that he felt guilty about accidentally killing Consort De.
But there aren't many.
"Although Consort De has passed away, she was still a mistress of the palace. I wonder how her affairs should be arranged after her death? Does His Majesty have any other plans?"
She wouldn't have come here if it weren't for this.
Instead of answering her question, Kangxi looked directly at her and asked, "Empress, do you think I am too heartless?"
Fanghua wanted to shout at him, "You're heartless! You're cold-blooded!" But did she dare?
Yes.
She didn't dare.
"At the time, the Emperor was just angry, and Consort De's actions also violated the benevolence expected of a consort."
I wanted to offer more explanations, but it was truly difficult to utter those insincere words.
Fortunately, Emperor Kangxi did not want to listen to the Empress's opinion much. "For her meritorious service in giving birth, Consort De was promoted to Imperial Noble Consort De and her remains were placed in the Imperial Consorts' Mausoleum."
A few simple words sum up a woman's life.
Alas, the women in the imperial harem may seem to enjoy endless glory, but who knows the bitterness they endure?
To die young is a sign of bad luck, while to die late may mean an untimely death.
Only one person can have the last laugh.
"yes."
Next came the funeral of Consort De. After all, she was a consort, and the wives of officials with imperial titles were required to enter the palace to mourn her.
Fanghua met her mother and aunts.
Privately, Fanghua repeatedly instructed them not to discuss Consort De's affairs outside, and not only that, but also not to discuss them with their family members or servants.
Seeing the Empress's seriousness, everyone was smart enough to know that something was amiss.
They all obediently agreed.
"Mother, Changtai should be back next year, right?" The eldest son of the Hesheli clan's main branch has reached the age for marriage.
Although she knew the emperor intended to suppress her, she still wanted to find a good marriage for her younger brother.
This "good marriage" doesn't refer to family background, but rather to finding a good eldest daughter-in-law.
“Yes, according to past practice, we should return next autumn to celebrate the festival together.” Borjigit Fujin nodded with a smile. “Does Your Majesty have any instructions?”
Ever since the eldest son opened up the trade route between the Qing Dynasty and Mongolia, many people have been eyeing this lucrative opportunity.
Left with no other choice, they had to hand it over to the emperor and start their own small business of buying and selling.
Of course, this is what's on the surface; there's much more going on behind the scenes.
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