The two embraced, warmly discussing the child and dreaming about what the future would be like after the child's birth, just like first-time parents.
It wasn't until Ruoshu came in to report that dinner was ready that the two stopped talking and went to the dining table together.
After the young eunuch tasted the dishes, Kangxi enthusiastically served Yunyi many dishes, saying, "Eat more so the baby can grow well. You are carrying two babies now, so you can't eat too little."
Yunyi was very unreserved and had a great appetite. She ate all the dishes that Kangxi put on her plate without being picky.
Seeing this, Kangxi was overjoyed. Being able to eat well is a blessing; a good appetite proves good health. If the mother is healthy, the child will also grow up healthy.
Emperor Kangxi had many children with his consorts in his early years, but most of them died young. He now had few children left, only three sons and four daughters. One of his daughters was an adopted daughter, born to the concubine of Prince Gong.
He already had few children, and those born in the harem were extremely precious. Now, his most beloved cousin was pregnant, and Kangxi's joy was indescribable. He was full of expectations for this child, and his affection for this child was second only to that for Crown Prince Bao Cheng.
Stroking his belly, which was still flat and smooth, Kangxi was in a very good mood, and his mind was filled with the adorable image of his child.
That evening, Kangxi originally wanted to stay overnight in the inner palace, but Yunyi was unwilling to serve him. She dismissed Kangxi with a few words and told him to go find Consort Liu in the west wing of Chengqian Palace.
Seeing this, Ruoshu was somewhat puzzled but remained silent. Ruoqin, however, couldn't keep things to herself, and as soon as Kangxi left, she couldn't help but ask, "Your Majesty, why didn't you let His Majesty stay, but instead sent him to find Consort Liu?"
Wiping away non-existent tears from the corners of her eyes, Yun Yi's acting was phenomenal, perfectly portraying a deeply affectionate and virtuous ancient imperial concubine.
"I am currently pregnant and may not be able to serve my cousin as well as before. Rather than making things difficult for him, I would like to ask someone else to serve him. That Liu is well-behaved and has no ulterior motives. I trust her."
Ruoqin suddenly realized that this was how it was. Regarding Yunyi's thoughts, she couldn't help but sigh that her master was truly deeply in love with His Majesty and was so considerate.
In the west wing, Liu Shi, having nothing to do and being of low status, dared not wander around. She had already finished washing up and was preparing to go to sleep.
Hearing a noise outside, she simply put on an outer garment and went outside with her maid Jinxiu to see what was going on.
Just as she reached the door, Emperor Kangxi walked in. Liu was startled and hurriedly stepped forward to pay her respects. Gone was her earlier ease; her words became cautious as she spoke, "This concubine, Liu, greets Your Majesty. I was unaware that Your Majesty would come so late at night. I have failed to greet you properly and beg Your Majesty's forgiveness."
Kangxi didn't care at all. He waved his hand and told Liu to get up. "It's alright. I just came from the Imperial Concubine's place. She mentioned you, so I came to see you."
Hearing Kangxi's words, Lady Liu was puzzled. Consort Tong was already pregnant, and these women were no longer of any use. Shouldn't the Consort abandon these concubines who had conceived through illegitimate means?
His Majesty should be resting in the main hall tonight, so why did the Imperial Concubine suddenly bring her up and ask His Majesty to come here?
After thinking for a long time, Liu still had no answer, so she simply stopped thinking about it.
Forget it, my brain isn't working properly. The thoughts of the Imperial Concubine are beyond the comprehension of a lowly concubine like me. As the saying goes, when soldiers come, we'll block them; when water comes, we'll dam it. Since His Majesty has already arrived, my most urgent task is to serve him well.
Summoned by Emperor Kangxi, Lady Liu stood up, somewhat embarrassed. "I didn't know His Majesty was coming. I haven't dressed up properly and I'm afraid I'll be disrespectful before His Majesty..."
Hearing this, Kangxi finally had time to examine the concubine before him closely. Lady Liu was plump and had a cheerful appearance. Normally, Kangxi wouldn't particularly like this type of beauty, but perhaps it was because of his mood tonight, or something else entirely.
Seeing Liu's unadorned figure tonight, with her long hair loose and draped over her shoulders, dressed in a simple white nightgown with only an outer garment draped over her shoulders, her natural beauty, so pure and unadorned, actually moved him.
At this moment, he only felt that Liu's appearance was quite pleasing to the eye; she looked very refreshing, very comfortable, and very clean.
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