At this point, Liang Jiugong cautiously glanced at Kangxi's expression, but unfortunately couldn't discern anything, so he had no choice but to continue.
"That wet nurse, Wang, has been thoroughly interrogated and subjected to severe torture. Her identity is clear; she was selected by the Imperial Household Department to serve the Tenth Prince, and no other masters were found to be involved. I have also questioned the other palace servants in Zhongcui Palace. Wang is naturally timid and has always been the most attentive to the Tenth Prince, never slacking off. On the day of the incident, when she fell into the water, she lifted the young prince high, afraid he would choke on the water. I have also interrogated the other three wet nurses serving the young prince, and found nothing unusual."
"Oh! Nothing unusual has been found. So tell me, is this just a simple accident?" Kangxi couldn't control his anger. Accidents, accidents. Since the death of his first child, how many accidents have there been in the harem?
"Your Majesty, please calm down! It's all my fault for failing in my duties. Please, please calm down and take care of your health!" Bang bang bang! Inside the hall, Liang Jiugong banged his head against the ground, loudly begging for forgiveness. Soon, his forehead was bright red, a shocking sight.
After a long while, Kangxi regained his composure and saw Liang Jiugong still kowtowing. He rubbed his throbbing forehead.
"Alright, Liang Jiugong, convey my imperial decree: The Imperial Household Department's negligence led to the Tenth Prince falling into the water, a grave offense. However, considering the prince is unharmed, they shall be punished with thirty strokes of the cane and a six-month salary deduction. If there is a next time their negligence endangers the imperial concubines or the imperial heirs," Kangxi slammed his hand on the table and coldly uttered four words, "They shall all be beaten to death!"
Wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, Liang Jiugong answered tremblingly, "Yes, yes, yes, I will obey His Majesty's orders. This servant will go to the Imperial Household Department to deliver the decree immediately." After saying that, he carefully withdrew from the main hall.
On that day, the Imperial Household Department was filled with wails of despair. However, after this incident, the atmosphere of the Imperial Household Department was completely renewed, and they were much more attentive to their duties than before.
Wu Yaxin slept until the afternoon before she recovered. Just as she finished getting ready and changing her clothes, Yu Yin came to report that Wan Liuha, Zhang Jia, and Liu, who had lived with her before, had come to visit.
Wu Yaxin paused, a smile on her face. "Then let them in."
The three women entered the east wing hall, where decorations reserved for imperial concubines were displayed. Everything they used was far superior to what they had as palace maids, making their eyes gleam with envy. They quickly looked away, thinking to themselves that they too would one day experience such a fate.
Wu Yaxin Yue did not make them bow, and her attitude remained unchanged. She did not put on airs like a palace concubine to embarrass them, which put the three of them at ease.
Of the remaining three who did not serve the emperor, Wanliuhashi had the highest status, being a bondservant of the Manchu Banner and a member of a prominent Manchu family. Zhangjiashi, although also a bondservant of the Manchu Banner, had a lower surname and thus a lower status. Liushi had the lowest status among them, being a bondservant of the Han Banner, but she was plump and had a round face, which indicated good fortune and the ability to easily father children. She was specially chosen by Zhang Mama for the original Consort Tong.
After exchanging greetings, they all took their seats. Lady Wanliuha, holding a handkerchief and smiling slightly, spoke first, "We haven't yet congratulated Consort Xiaofei on gaining the Emperor's favor and becoming one of His Majesty's concubines. As soon as we heard the news, we rushed over to offer our congratulations."
Zhang Jia and Liu echoed, "Yes, yes, congratulations on your newfound favor, Your Highness."
The three of them offered their congratulations together. What Wu Yaxin was thinking was unknown, but she wore a kind and friendly smile on her face.
She smiled and said, "I dare not accept such praise, my sisters. It is all thanks to the Imperial Concubine's favor that I am where I am today." She glanced at them and said softly, "My sisters, don't be sad. I believe you will be here soon too."
Everything was left unsaid. They knew this themselves, but they couldn't say it out loud. With Wu Yaxin's comfort, the three of them felt a little better.
"Since Your Highness has spoken, then this servant will disobey the rules and shamelessly call you 'elder sister'."
After Wanliuha finished speaking, she glanced at Wuya Xinyue's expression and continued, "This is a congratulatory gift from your younger sister to your older sister, to celebrate your becoming a palace concubine. It was all made by your younger sister herself. It's just a small gift, nothing more."
Zhang Jia and Liu said with a smile, "As you know, elder sister, we younger sisters have nothing of value. Everything we have is a gift from the Imperial Concubine, and the rest is the allowance we receive from the palace maids. The only thing we can offer is a gift that we made ourselves."
After carefully examining the gifts, Wu Yaxin was delighted. She instructed Yuyin to put them away properly, then patted Wanliuhashi beside her with a smile, indicating to the three that she didn't mind. "Your embroidery skills are the most amazing. I like them so much, how could I possibly dislike them?"
Liu was always straightforward and outspoken, the most innocent and naive of the group. She had no ambition to rise above others, and her biggest concern was what to eat each day. It was precisely because of her large appetite and carefree, easygoing nature that she became quite plump.
Zhang Mama chose her because of two reasons: her plump figure and her simple nature, which she felt posed little threat to her mistress.
After listening to Wu Yaxin's pleasantries, she patted her chest and smiled sweetly, revealing two shallow dimples at the corners of her mouth. "I'm glad you like it, Sister Wu Ya. We were worried you would dislike it. You're so understanding."
Wu Yaxin's smile faltered for a moment, then returned. She reached out and pushed the pastries in front of her towards Liu Shi. "These are pastries sent from the Imperial Kitchen. I remember you love these pastries the most. Eat more. Don't be shy here with your older sister."
This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
