Consort Zhao was so excited and overjoyed that she laughed herself silly and fainted.
The news quickly spread throughout the six palaces, reaching the ears of the Empress Dowager and Empress Dowager in the Cining Palace, and even Emperor Kangxi in the Qianqing Palace. It even spread beyond the palace walls.
Xu Lejin rested her chin on her hand, gazing at the withered yellow leaves falling outside Yikun Palace with the autumn wind.
She sighed softly and said, "Consort Zhao's temper is far too petty."
"Although Consort Xitala has made a fool of herself in front of the Emperor and is too ashamed to face anyone, Consort Zhao should not be laughing so hard that she chokes."
Lianzhi and Ruhua lowered their eyes slightly, trying their best to suppress their laughter.
Cining Palace
The Empress Dowager's expression was grim; her face darkened, and she spoke in a cold voice, "What kind of things are these?"
"When Lady Hitara was serving the emperor, she behaved improperly in front of him and defiled his body. Lady Nara openly discussed this in the Chuxiu Palace."
"Now Consort Zhao is too complacent and emotional, laughing so hard she can't breathe. The palace is in such a mess and is completely out of line."
The Empress Dowager slightly raised her head and glanced at the Grand Empress Dowager.
She then lowered her head and pondered for a long time before speaking respectfully, "Your Majesty, not every concubine in the palace is as muddle-headed and unable to distinguish between important and unimportant matters as Consort Zhao and Consort Nara."
"I think Consort Yu of Yikun Palace is very good."
The Empress Dowager looked up at the Grand Empress Dowager, paused slightly, and then said, "Although Consort Yu comes from a humble background, she is intelligent, quick-witted, steady, and knows how to behave. When Consort Nara openly discussed the embarrassing matter of serving the emperor, she stopped Consort Nara in time."
The Empress Dowager frowned slightly.
"Yes, what you say makes sense. Consort Yu is indeed a good person. Although it was an accident that Consort Yu was favored by the emperor, she was blessed with good fortune. She became pregnant on her first time being favored and gave birth to three imperial heirs."
“The three children born to Consort Yu, Bao Shou, Wu Xi Ha, and Wu Na Xi, are all well-behaved, adorable, and very sensible.”
The Empress Dowager spoke softly.
The Empress Dowager wore a kind and amiable smile. She glanced at the Grand Empress Dowager, then looked down at her, continuing to turn the prayer beads in her hand and mutter incantations.
After a short while, the Empress Dowager pondered for a moment and then said, "I remember Changning's concubine, Xu Muer, who married Changning as a concubine and is now five months pregnant?"
"Your Majesty, Consort Changning, Xu Muer, is a blessed child. She became pregnant less than half a year after entering the palace."
The Empress Dowager paused slightly, then replied respectfully, pondering to herself what she meant by mentioning Consort Changning, Xu Muer.
The matter of Changning seeking to marry Consort Yu's elder sister caused a great stir in the palace and the capital.
The Empress Dowager, with her aged and frail face, wore a thoughtful expression.
A quarter of an hour later, the Empress Dowager spoke, “I remember that Longxi is also of marriageable age. Longxi is the only one of the late Emperor’s children who has not yet married a consort. Last year, the Emperor conferred upon him the title of Prince.”
"Although Consort Yu's maternal family is of humble origin, it wouldn't be suitable for her younger sister to become Emperor Longxi's primary consort, but she could become a secondary consort."
The Empress Dowager looked shocked and asked in surprise, "What does Your Majesty mean?"
The Empress Dowager nodded.
"Consort Yu has given birth to three imperial heirs for the Emperor. She is gentle, considerate, well-mannered, and knows the bigger picture. In the palace, Consort Zhao is becoming increasingly reckless. For the sake of the Emperor's harem, I need to promote someone who can rival Consort Zhao."
After a pause, the Empress Dowager continued, "Consort Yu's maternal family has no connections in the court; their only support is their in-laws."
The Empress Dowager nodded slightly.
“Your Majesty is wise. I have heard that Consort Yu’s maternal family has two younger sisters of suitable age who are of marriageable age, namely fifteen and thirteen years old.”
Turning her head to the side, the Empress Dowager glanced at the Grand Empress Dowager, then lowered her head and remained silent.
After a moment of contemplation, the Empress Dowager spoke in a deep voice, “A few days ago, the Emperor mentioned to me the son of Prince Pingnan, Shang Kexi. Shang Zhilong has a daughter named Shang Jia, who is fifteen years old and is as beautiful as a flower and as charming as a flower.”
"Shang Zhilong was the consort of Princess Heshun. His daughter, Shangjia, had half of the royal blood in her veins. She and Longxi were a perfect match, a match made in heaven."
"In Consort Yu's maternal family, there were two daughters of marriageable age. I think thirteen years old is just right. After Lady Shangjia married Longxi, a year or two later, Consort Yu's younger sister married into Longxi's household as a secondary consort."
The Empress Dowager smiled and agreed.
After a pause, the Empress Dowager continued, "As for Consort Yu, she is only fifteen years old. You can look among your relatives to see if there is a suitable one."
"Consort Yu is the emperor's concubine. Consort Xu Muer of Changning Mansion, and future Consort Longxi, are both concubines. The one who is fifteen years old will be matched with an ordinary member of the imperial clan to be the principal wife."
The Empress Dowager nodded and said with a smile, "Your Majesty is very thoughtful. Consort Yu will be very grateful to Your Majesty for such a high regard."
Two days later, Emperor Kangxi had lunch with the Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager at Cining Palace.
Afternoon (5-7 PM)
Li Dequan, a courtier of the Emperor, arrived at Yikun Palace with a beaming face and respectfully addressed Xu Lejin, "Congratulations, Consort Yu! The Emperor will be visiting your palace tonight. Please prepare to receive him."
"Thank you, Eunuch Li."
Xu Lejin smiled radiantly and thanked Li Dequan.
After seeing Li Dequan off, Lianzhi, Ruhua, and others congratulated Xu Lejin in unison.
With a gentle expression, Xu Lejin said softly, "Both thunder and rain are blessings from Heaven. His Majesty's visit to Yikun Palace is a blessing for everyone in Yikun Palace. Lianzhi and Ruhua, instruct the palace maids and eunuchs below to be on their best."
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