Chengqian Palace was located in the Eastern Six Palaces. Empress Niohuru lived in Kunning Palace, which was in the very center of the palace. The two palaces were separated by only a palace road and were very close to each other. In addition, they were traveling by palanquin and the speed was not slow. They arrived at Kunning Palace in no time.
Sitting in the palanquin, looking at the eunuchs below and the palace maids following behind her, Yunyi couldn't help but sigh. Such good treatment! The original owner of this body was truly blessed! Her identity was that of Kangxi's cousin, a position of high status. She lived in Chengqian Palace, a prime location, the head of the Eastern Six Palaces, its interior exquisitely decorated. It was very close to Kangxi's Qianqing Palace and the Empress's Kunning Palace, a truly convenient location. Her own rank was high enough that she could travel by palanquin, never having to walk, and her daily life was attended to by countless palace maids and eunuchs—truly incredibly comfortable. Living such a heavenly life, without considering anything else, Yunyi was genuinely satisfied.
Supporting Ruoshu's hand, they had just reached the side hall when the eunuch at the door announced loudly, "Consort Tong has arrived."
In the short time it took Yunyi to enter the side hall, she subtly observed the various concubines inside. The side hall was now filled with all sorts of beauties; their faces were exquisite, their figures graceful, their attire exquisite, each possessing their own unique beauty. Suddenly, Yunyi almost felt as if she were not in Kunning Palace, but in the Hundred Flowers Garden. These outstanding concubines were indeed like a hundred flowers vying for attention.
She couldn't help but secretly grumble to herself, "That Kangxi guy is something else! A room full of beauties, all kinds of them, he really wants to have the best of everything. And this is just the principal concubines, not including the lesser noble ladies, the junior ladies-in-waiting, the junior ladies-in-waiting, and those women who have been favored by him but have no official title. It's truly enviable."
Because Yunyi is currently the highest-ranking concubine in the harem besides the Empress, all the concubines in the hall bowed and greeted her. "This concubine/your humble servant greets Your Highness, may Your Highness be blessed with ten thousand years of happiness and peace."
"No need for formalities." To maintain her pampered persona, Yun Yi coldly dismissed them and walked straight to her seat. The Empress's phoenix throne was in the center of the hall, and the first chair on the left was Yun Yi's seat. Opposite her, on her right, was Consort An, née Li. Below Consort An was Consort Hui, née Nara, the mother of the First Prince, Yinzhi. Below Yun Yi herself was Consort Rong, née Majia, the mother of the Third Princess and the Tenth Prince—the pitiful woman who bore Kangxi five sons and one daughter, yet four of her sons died young.
Not long after Yunyi sat down, the Empress emerged from the inner chamber, arm in arm with her head maid. Niohuru was dignified and imposing, possessing an air of noble grace, befitting an empress, though her face was slightly pale due to illness. She was known for her fairness, handling palace affairs impartially and treating everyone equally, while also being kind and lenient towards her subordinates. She was an excellent leader for the other concubines.
The Empress glanced at the concubines below her and said in a deep voice, "There is a major matter at hand. Next month is the important Manchu festival, the Banjin Festival. I have already consulted the Emperor and said that this year's celebration should be grand. However, I have been feeling unwell recently, and the imperial physician said that I should not overexert myself. Therefore, I wish to select a few of you from among you to help with the preparations for this year's Banjin Festival. However, the selection has not yet been decided. If any of you are interested, you may speak with me." After speaking, Empress Niohuru coughed lightly a few times. The maid beside her was very worried and quickly handed her tea, saying, "Your Majesty, please have some hot tea to calm yourself down."
While the Empress was sipping her tea, those who heard the news began to whisper amongst themselves. Several concubines at the lower level exchanged calculating glances, each hoping to be chosen by the Empress. Although the Empress had only asked them to help out and the matter would be over once it was finished, this was still palace affairs. Being involved in palace affairs meant there were many things they could do. Even if they couldn't engage in underhanded tactics, doing things well would leave a good impression of being virtuous and capable with Emperor Kangxi, which would be beneficial to them in any way.
Sipping tea and eating snacks, Yunyi took in everyone's reactions. As a lazy bum, she felt nothing upon hearing the news. She had no intention of doing any work. She was already a Noble Consort and would never become Empress. She had the favor and status she desired, but these things were tiring and useless to her.
Consort Rong, of the Ma Jia clan, sat to the left of Yun Yi, seemingly noticing her unusual reaction compared to the other concubines. Holding a handkerchief, she said to Yun Yi with some curiosity, "Your Highness seems completely unconcerned. This is a great opportunity to interfere in palace affairs. Everyone else is determined to seize it, so why is Your Highness so calm?"
Sensing the intense curiosity in Ma Jia's tone, and recalling her past, Ma Jia had once enjoyed Emperor Kangxi's utmost favor. However, after the deaths of four sons, her favor waned in recent years, leading her to withdraw from the court and focus solely on raising her two remaining children. She rarely participated in the palace intrigues, becoming almost invisible in the harem. Since Ma Jia had never clashed with the original owner of this body, and Yun Yi was happy to extend a friendly gesture, she explained, "The matter of bestowing gold at the festival is of great importance. I am not capable enough, and I fear I might jeopardize Her Majesty the Empress's duties. Therefore, I will not participate. Such an important matter should be left to those who are more capable!"
Surprised by Yunyi's honesty, Ma Jia didn't expect Yunyi to have such thoughts. She couldn't help but chuckle twice, "Your Highness is so honest, and it makes perfect sense. It's quite a coincidence that I share the same thoughts as Your Highness. I also don't want to take on these matters. After all, I still have a young child to take care of, and I'm simply not in a position to handle them all." However, considering how much Consort Tong cared about her child, she didn't say the second half of her sentence.
Seated at the head of the table, Lady Niohuru sipped her tea while discreetly observing those below, taking in the scheming in their eyes. She overheard Yunyi and Lady Magia's conversation and found it amusing. Setting down her teacup, she took a handkerchief to wipe her lips, concealing a smile. This Consort Tong seemed somewhat different today; her attire was much simpler, she was less pampered, and her speech was much more interesting.
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