Xitala Nongyu's funeral was very simple.
Firstly, she had lost the emperor's favor due to her disrespectful behavior. The palace servants, who were adept at stepping on the weak and flattering the strong, naturally took advantage of her misfortune and cut back on funeral expenses.
Secondly, when Nongyu was favored, she became arrogant and offended almost all the concubines in the palace. Under the secret instruction of Consort Zhao, all the concubines in the harem, except for Xu Lejin who sent someone to offer condolences, pretended not to know anything.
End of August
As the weather gradually turned colder, the concubines who were weaker, such as Consort Ma Jia and Consort Wanyan, put on thick winter clothes early and used warm hand warmers.
Consort Zhao, dressed in a rose-red palace gown and brocade robes, sat regally in the main seat.
Looking at the heavily pregnant Consort Xiao Nara and Consort Sixue, who was now three months pregnant, Consort Zhao pondered for a moment and then spoke softly.
"Is the little concubine's unborn child seven months along now?"
"Your Highness, my unborn child is indeed seven months along."
Consort Xiao Nara looked at her swollen belly with a loving expression, her eyes darting around, and said with a smile, "This concubine is pregnant and I always crave sour foods."
Having said all that, the young concubine, Xiao Nara, displayed a stubborn and proud expression, her chin slightly raised.
Consort Zhao's expression darkened slightly, and she subconsciously looked at Consort Nara.
Nara, the concubine, chuckled lightly, her expression calm and composed, but her hands, folded over her abdomen and concealed by her sleeves, unconsciously clenched tightly.
Xu Lejin raised her eyes, glanced at the young concubine Xiao Nara, smiled gently, and said nothing more.
Having just finished her postpartum confinement, pale-faced and dressed in thick winter clothes, Consort Ma Jia stared at Consort Xiao Nara's belly with eyes as sharp as knives, and said coldly, "Folklore says that sour foods indicate a boy and spicy foods indicate a girl. Little Consort Xiao Nara has been craving sour things during her pregnancy; could it be that the child in her womb is a prince? However…"
Consort Ma Jia paused.
Changing the subject, with a mocking expression, Consort Ma Jia said self-deprecatingly, "The saying 'sour for a boy, spicy for a girl' isn't actually accurate. When I was pregnant with the fifth and tenth princesses, I also craved sour foods and thought I was carrying a prince, but I only found out after the babies were born that they were princesses."
"Little Nara sister has a blessed face and is young and beautiful. Even if this child is not a prince, she will still have the opportunity to give birth to a prince for the emperor in the future."
The young concubine's face turned pale, her expression filled with resentment.
Consort Zhao held her handkerchief to her mouth, smiling without saying a word.
Nara Consort's lips curled up slightly as she looked at Ma Jia Consort and said with a smile, "Sister Ma Jia is absolutely right. Sister Ma Jia is the most senior and has given birth to the most children in the palace."
"Whether it blossoms before bearing fruit or bears a child in one go, the dragon child in Little Nara's womb, whether it is a prince or a princess, is of the emperor's bloodline, a precious royal offspring."
Upon hearing this, Consort Ma's already pale face turned as white as a sheet of paper.
Consort Zhao gave a few perfunctory reprimands, then ended the greetings and dismissed the concubines to return to their respective palaces.
Sunset
Xu Lejin, holding a white piece, gently placed it down, and the situation on the board immediately reversed. The white piece turned the tables and instantly gained the upper hand, forcing the opponent into a complete rout.
Emperor Kangxi tossed aside his black chess piece and laughed heartily, "My beloved consort's chess skills are getting better and better. Earlier, looking at the situation on the board, I was full of confidence that I would definitely win this game, but unexpectedly…"
"My beloved consort's chess skills are superb; I am ashamed to admit my inferiority."
Xu Lejin smiled sweetly.
"Your Majesty flatters me. It is Your Majesty's tenderness and consideration that gave me the opportunity to turn the tide. My skills are but trifles, which I have only shown off to Your Majesty."
Emperor Kangxi looked at Xu Lejin with doting eyes, "My beloved consort is too modest!"
"The concubines in the palace, such as Consort Zhao, Lady Li, and Lady Wanyan, are all good at playing chess. However, every time I go to their palaces, they deliberately let me win. Only with my beloved consort can I experience the joy of winning and losing."
Upon hearing this, Xu Lejin gave Kangxi a coquettish look.
After quickly considering the matter in her mind for a moment, Xu Lejin whispered, "Your Majesty does not mind my lack of talent and learning, and it is my honor to have you play chess with me. I dare not spoil Your Majesty's enjoyment and will do my best."
"Hahaha,"
Emperor Kangxi laughed heartily and said, "What a wonderful 'all-out effort'! I love my beloved concubine's 'all-out effort'."
The moon rises above the willow branches, in the Yikun Palace, the hibiscus-scented tent is warm, but the spring night is too short.
Meanwhile, in Chuxiu Palace...
Consort Zhao sat blankly by the window, gazing at the bright moonlight, her thoughts already wandering far away. Caiyue and Lianxing lowered their heads and served her carefully.
The midnight watchman's drum sounded.
After considering for a moment, Caiyue spoke softly, "It's late, Your Majesty should rest early?"
"Um."
Consort Zhao snapped out of her reverie and responded softly, then added, "It's only the eighth day of the month, but His Majesty has already spent three days this month resting in Consort Yu's palace."
Caiyue and Lianxing exchanged a glance.
Lianxing lowered her voice and whispered, "Your Majesty, although Consort Yu is favored, she can never surpass you. Your Majesty, you manage the six palaces and hold the rank of Consort, enjoying the trust of the Emperor and the Empress Dowager. Consort Yu…"
"Consort Yu comes from a humble background; His Majesty's interest is merely temporary!"
Consort Zhao frowned slightly and sighed softly.
"Whether the Emperor's affection for her is just a passing fancy or a long-term commitment, the fact remains that she now has both a son and a daughter and enjoys the Emperor's favor."
Clutching her handkerchief, Consort Zhao's movements tightened. "The Emperor dislikes me and is wary of me because I am the daughter of the regent appointed by the late Emperor. I know this, but I am unwilling to accept it."
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