With a displeased expression, Kangxi remained silent for the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea. "I understand what Grandmother means. Please allow me to think about it and give Grandmother a reply in a couple of days."
The Empress Dowager smiled and nodded gently.
Night falls
Emperor Kangxi visited Yikun Palace and dined with Xu Lejin. Xu Lejin, who was pregnant, had become much fuller-figured. Under the bright candlelight, she exuded the kindness and amiability of a mother.
"Your Majesty, this is a 'Pearl Jade White Jade Soup' that I specially ordered the Imperial Kitchen to prepare. Although it is not as delicious as meat and fish, eating delicacies every day can get greasy, so it is good to have some occasionally."
Xu Lejin looked at the Pearl Jade White Jade Soup on the table, which was actually just cabbage and tofu soup, and spoke softly.
Kangxi nodded.
After finishing a bowl of cabbage soup, Kangxi took a handkerchief from a palace maid and wiped his hands.
"Did my grandmother and mother mention the daughter of Wang Huashan, the military commander, to me this afternoon?"
Xu Lejin slightly raised her eyes to look at Kangxi, her face showing a look of doubt.
Kangxi said in a deep voice, "My grandmother and mother-in-law want me to summon Wang Huashan's daughter to the palace. They also mentioned that Consort Yu, you live alone in your Yikun Palace, which must be lonely and desolate."
With her eyes lowered, Xu Lejin quickly pondered in her mind.
After a moment, Xu Lejin looked up and said with a smile, "Your Majesty, I am foolish and have never met Sister Wang Jia, but I imagine she must be a rare beauty."
"If Sister Wang Jia were to enter the palace and reside with me in Yikun Palace, I would be very pleased, but..."
Xu Lejin looked up at Kangxi, then quickly lowered her head.
"I am deeply grateful for His Majesty's favor in granting me permission to reside in the main hall of Yikun Palace. If Sister Wang Jia were to enter the palace, I would have to trouble her to reside in a side hall."
"Um."
Kangxi responded and pondered, "Wang Huashan's wife is the Empress Dowager's elder sister. I have heard that Wang Huashan's daughter is dignified, elegant, beautiful and intelligent, and has the same demeanor as the Empress Dowager in her youth."
Xu Lejin lowered her head, a strange light flashing in her eyes.
Kangxi then added, "Of the six palaces in the east and west, Qixiang Palace and Jingyang Palace are not inhabited, while Jingren Palace was the residence of my birth mother, Empress Xiaokangzhang."
"Yonghe Palace..."
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