The door to the east side hall opened, and the old imperial physician, his head full of white hair, wiped the sweat from his forehead and came out with lingering fear.
The old imperial physician bowed to Xu Lejin and the others and said, "Your Highness Consort Yu and Your Highness Consort Que, the imperial fetus of Consort Guo has been saved for the time being."
"Consort Guo, you are less than two months pregnant and your emotions have been fluctuating wildly, which has affected the fetus. From now on, you must rest in bed until you give birth safely."
Upon hearing this, Xu Lejin and Consort Que exchanged a quick glance.
Consort Guo's unborn child requires bed rest until delivery. Therefore, although Consort Guo's pregnancy was saved, the fetus was weak, even if...
Even if she is born safely, she will still be physically weak.
Consort Guo was carrying a dragon's child, but due to her own actions, the child became weak and difficult to raise.
With a soft sigh, Xu Lejin instructed Nongying, who was beside her, to send the imperial physician to the palace. She then instructed Consort Fu to take good care of Consort Guo's unborn child and ensure the safety of both mother and child.
Half an hour later
Xu Lejin returned to Yikun Palace and sat on a soft couch, where Consort Que leisurely and comfortably sipped tea.
With her lips slightly parted, Xu Lejin said, "For Consort Guo to become pregnant at such a young age, her body is naturally not comparable to that of someone in their early twenties. Now, after several ordeals, it's already a miracle that the imperial fetus has survived. Now…"
"Now, I only hope that Consort Guo can understand and carefully protect the dragon child in her womb."
Consort Que smiled gracefully.
"What Consort Yu says is quite true. Consort Guo used to be very clever, but now that she is pregnant with the Emperor's child, her mind has become so dull. Could it be..."
"Is the legend of Consort Guo that 'pregnancy makes one stupid for three years' true?"
After speaking, Consort Que covered her mouth and giggled. Xu Lejin pursed her lips and smiled without saying a word.
After half a cup of tea
Xu Lejin carefully considered her words, looked at Consort Que, and spoke softly, "The Empress Dowager has been ill since the beginning of this year. How is her condition? Has it improved at all?"
"well,"
Consort Que sighed deeply and said slowly, "The Empress Dowager is getting old, and her health is no longer as robust. In the past few years, she has worked tirelessly for the sake of Mongolia. Now..."
Lowering her voice, Consort Que spoke softly.
“Sister Consort Yu, I reckon the Empress Dowager’s days are numbered. You are now the most powerful woman in the harem, so you should make plans as soon as possible.”
Upon hearing this, Xu Lejin understood.
On the surface, he glanced at Consort Que with disapproval and said in a deep voice, "Consort Que, please be careful with your words. The Empress Dowager is in good health and will surely get through this ordeal safely."
"Yes, Consort Yu's teachings are correct."
May 14
Emperor Kangxi visited Yikun Palace and had lunch with Xu Lejin.
Xu Lejin looked up at Kangxi, lowered her head slightly, pondered for a moment, and then spoke softly, "Your Majesty seems to have something on your mind, but are the ministers of the previous court making things difficult for Your Majesty again?"
Kangxi shook his head, then nodded.
Xu Lejin was stunned. She stared at Kangxi with wide eyes, puzzled. She wondered to herself, "What does it mean that he's nodding and shaking his head at the same time?"
"The ministers of the previous dynasty jointly petitioned me to issue an edict to select noble ladies from prominent families for the palace. Tong Guowei, Suo'etu, and others petitioned me to establish an empress as soon as possible to secure the inner palace."
Xu Lejin was taken aback upon hearing this.
However, Xu Lejin quickly regained her composure and said with a smile, "The ministers are also thinking about the Emperor's offspring. The Emperor currently only has five princes, including Consort Rui and Consort Wen. Although they are pregnant, it is unknown whether the child will be a prince or a princess."
"The Empress cannot be without a ruler for a single day. The Empress is the mother of the nation, and her position is highly respected. Lord Tong Guowei and Lord Suo'etu are also thinking of the peace and tranquility of the harem."
Emperor Kangxi frowned and remained silent, his gaze fixed intently on Xu Lejin.
Xu Lejin lowered her eyes and thought for a moment before speaking softly, “Among the concubines in the palace, Consort Que’s younger sister comes from the Tongjia clan, and Consort Fu, Noble Lady Jing, Noble Lady Ma, and Noble Lady Qi all come from prominent families of the Eight Banners. They are legitimate daughters with excellent family backgrounds and appearances, making them suitable candidates for Empress.”
"What does my beloved concubine mean?"
With a furrowed brow, Kangxi said in a deep voice, "Ma Jia and Qi Jia are not suitable. Although Consort Que is the daughter of my maternal uncle, her birth mother was of lowly birth and she is not qualified to assume the important role of Empress."
"Both Consort Fu and Lady Guarjia have their flaws and are not fit for the position of Empress."
Kangxi paused for a moment, then looked at Xu Lejin as if he wanted to say something but hesitated.
Half a cup of tea, after a cup of tea
Emperor Kangxi spoke in a deep voice, "There are quite a few concubines in the palace. At the beginning of this year, nine new concubines entered the palace, so the selection of concubines will be cancelled."
"If any member of the imperial clan comes to the palace to request marriage, my beloved consort, you and Consort Que should discuss selecting a few from the families of court officials and bestow them upon members of the imperial clan for marriage."
Xu Lejin respectfully agreed.
After quickly considering the matter in her mind for a moment, Xu Lejin raised her head, looked at Kangxi, and said softly, "Your Majesty, the eldest prince is now thirteen, and the second prince is twelve."
“A few days ago, Consort Hui mentioned that it was time to select a few maids to serve in the rooms of the First Prince and the Second Prince.”
Emperor Kangxi stood up and paced back and forth with his hands behind his back.
After a long pause, he said in a deep voice, "Yinzhi and Yinti are still young and should be studying and practicing riding and archery. As for the princesses serving in their rooms, let's wait a few years."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Two days later
When the concubines gathered at Yikun Palace to pay their respects to Xu Lejin, Xu Lejin carefully chose her words and relayed to Consort Hui the arrangements that Kangxi had made for the servants in the rooms of the First and Second Princes.
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