Chuxiu Palace
Consort Zhao had a cold face, her expression so gloomy it seemed as if water could drip from it.
"Song'etu and Tong Guowei, how dare you! You actually obstruct me from becoming Empress. I have waited bitterly for three years, and finally the mourning period for my father has ended. I am just waiting for the Emperor's decree to establish me as Empress."
"Unexpectedly, that old scoundrel Tong Guowei actually obstructed me, and Suo'etu even said that I was born to a concubine and was unworthy to be empress..."
She nearly crushed her teeth, and the handkerchief in Consort Zhao's hand was almost deformed from her grip.
Caiyue and Lianxing dared not utter a sound. Like Consort Zhao, they were furious, feeling that Tong Guowei and Suo'etu had gone too far.
Their empress had held power in the palace for three years, and was already widely considered the future empress both inside and outside the palace. But now, at the very last moment, this has happened. Although it was a good thing, it has been full of twists and turns, and it still makes people feel uneasy.
Changchun Palace
When Consort Xiaohesheli learned of what had happened in the court, her face turned from white to pale.
Sitting blankly in her chair for a long time, Consort Xiao Hesheli murmured softly, "My uncle is truly cunning. When he sent me to the palace last year, he said he would use the power of the entire family to help me rise to a high position, and now..."
"My uncle went back on his word in just one year."
With a look of resentment on her face, Consort Xiao Hesheli sneered and muttered to herself, "Uncle, since you are so heartless, then don't blame me for being ruthless too. Your daughter, cousin Yunqi, may be exceptionally beautiful and is your legitimate daughter, but..."
"You probably don't know these little secrets of a young woman."
Peony and Jade, who served Consort Xiaohesheli, exchanged a silent glance, their hearts filled with fear, wondering how to stop their mistress from doing something crazy.
Although they accompanied the young mistress into the palace, their lives, property, and families were all in the hands of the Hesheli family outside the palace.
"Your Highness, you must not! Consort Yunqi is your own cousin. The Third Master is only opposing Consort Zhao becoming the new Empress, not what you think—that Consort Yunqi should become the Empress."
After a moment of thought, Peony and Jade Lotus spoke in trembling voices.
Consort Xiao Hesheli, her face cold, said in a deep voice, "The Emperor and the Empress Dowager decided long ago that Consort Zhao would become the Empress. What use is it for Uncle to obstruct her?"
Lowering her voice, Consort Xiao Hesheli murmured to herself in a whisper, "Even if Consort Zhao becomes Empress, she may not be able to firmly hold onto the position."
Peony and lotus looked puzzled.
Afternoon
Xu Lejin went to the Qianqing Palace to accompany the emperor.
Inside the Qianqing Palace, a faint scent of ambergris burned, refreshing the mind and spirit. Emperor Kangxi, with a solemn expression, sat on his dragon throne, his eyes closed in deep thought.
After hesitating for a moment, Xu Lejin spoke softly, "Your Majesty, I have learned some massage techniques from the female physicians. How about I give you a massage?"
"Um."
Kangxi did not open his eyes, but gave a faint reply.
Xu Lejin rolled up her sleeves and gently placed her slender fingers on Kangxi's head with just the right amount of pressure. Soon, she could hear Kangxi's even breathing.
With a gentle smile on her face, Xu Lejin continued to press Kangxi's head.
Liang Jiugong bowed as he entered from outside the hall, intending to report something to Emperor Kangxi. Xu Lejin stopped him in time, walked down slowly, and said softly to Liang Jiugong, "His Majesty has just fallen asleep. Is there anything important, Eunuch Liang?"
"Your Highness Consort Yu, it is Prince Yu, Prince Gong, and Prince Chun who have come to the palace to pay their respects by order of the Emperor."
Liang Jiugong hesitated for a moment before speaking respectfully.
Xu Lejin nodded, glanced back at the sleeping Emperor Kangxi on the dragon throne, thought for a moment, and then said, "Eunuch Liang, do you think it would be possible to let Prince Yu, Prince Gong, and Prince Chun have a cup of tea in the side hall, and then summon them after the Emperor wakes up?"
"His Majesty is busy with the affairs of the court and the harem, and rarely gets a moment's rest."
Liang Jiugong looked up, glanced quickly at Kangxi, and nodded.
Emperor Kangxi slept for half an hour.
Upon waking, Kangxi looked at Xu Lejin, who was quietly reading a book beside him, with doting eyes, and said with a smile, "My beloved consort's massage technique is excellent. I fell asleep without even realizing it."
Xu Lejin smiled gently.
"Your Majesty flatters me. My skills are mere trifles, and I have made a fool of myself before Your Majesty."
Emperor Kangxi laughed heartily.
Looking towards the outside of the Qianqing Palace, Kangxi said in a deep voice, "Liang Jiugong?"
Liang Jiugong bowed as he entered the Qianqing Palace.
"Liang Jiugong, have your second brother, fifth brother, and seventh brother entered the palace?"
"Your Majesty, Prince Yu, Prince Gong, and Prince Chun are waiting in the side hall. When the three princes entered the palace earlier, Your Majesty was asleep. This servant discussed with Consort Yu and decided to let the three princes have a cup of tea in the side hall."
Kangxi nodded.
"I'm going to the side hall to see my second brother, fifth brother, and seventh brother. Consort Yu, you should return to Yikun Palace first. I'll come to see you in a few days."
With that, Kangxi walked out.
Xu Lejin curtsied and said respectfully, "Yes, Your Highness, I obey your command. I will take my leave now."
Half an hour later, Xu Lejin returned to Yikun Palace.
Lying comfortably on the soft couch, Xu Lejin squinted her eyes and pondered to herself. She had heard a little about what happened in the morning court session. Prince Yu, Prince Gong, and Prince Chun, as Emperor Kangxi's brothers, were summoned to the palace in the afternoon.
It must be related to the matter of establishing an empress in the imperial harem.
Previously, it was thought that Consort Zhao becoming Empress was a foregone conclusion, but now, with the interference of the court officials, there is some suspense. Consort Zhao may not be able to become Empress smoothly.
If Consort Zhao cannot become Empress, then who will take the Empress's position?
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