That night, Kangxi did not stay overnight at Yikun Palace, but returned to Qianqing Palace.
A few days later, the second princess, Tongjia Xianyu, entered the palace to accompany the ailing Consort Tongjia. The eunuch responsible for guiding Tongjia Xianyu took her directly to Qichun Garden in the northwest corner of the Imperial Garden.
Tong Jiaxianyu stared at the large characters "Qichun Garden" that came into view, her face so gloomy it seemed as if water could drip from it.
Turning her head slightly, Tong Jiaxianyu gave a wink to Xiangling, the maid beside her.
Xiangling immediately realized what was happening, took out a purse from her sleeve, handed it to the young eunuch who was leading the way, and said with a fawning expression, "Eunuch, why is this Qichun Garden, and not Chengqian Palace where the Empress of Chengqian Palace resides?"
The young eunuch slightly raised his head and glanced at Tong Jiaxianyu with an ambiguous look in his eyes.
With swift movements, the young eunuch took the purse and lowered his voice, speaking softly, "Second Princess Tongjia, Chengqian Palace is the residence of the Emperor's concubines. Although you are the younger sister of the Consort of Chengqian Palace and a cousin of the Emperor, it is improper for you to live in Chengqian Palace."
"After careful consideration, His Majesty has specially allocated Qichun Garden to you, Second Princess. Qichun Garden is located in the Imperial Garden, separated from the East and West Six Palaces, which will also help to avoid suspicion."
Upon hearing this, Tong Jiaxianyu's face turned from white to green.
The young eunuch glanced at Tong Jia Xianyu out of the corner of his eye, and then said, "Second Princess, I have errands to run at the palace gate, so I won't bother you any longer to prepare your formalities."
"This servant takes his leave."
After speaking, the young eunuch lowered his head and hurriedly left the Imperial Garden without waiting for Tong Jia Xianyu's response.
Tong Jiaxianyu's face was ugly, her hands, which were hanging in her sleeves, were clenched into fists, and her face was ferocious.
At this moment, a young palace maid, about fourteen or fifteen years old, with her hair styled in two buns, petite, with a small nose, small eyes, and arched eyebrows, walked out from Qichun Garden.
The young palace maid was taken aback when she saw Tongjia Xianyu, and quickly stepped forward to bow, "This servant, Xiaocui, greets Second Princess Tongjia. May Second Princess be blessed."
"Who are you?"
Tong Jiaxian's face showed a wary expression.
Xiao Cui wore a fawning smile and said respectfully, "Reporting to Second Princess, this servant was ordered by Consort Zhao to be stationed at Qichun Garden to serve you."
"Together with me, Second Princess, there is another palace maid, Xiao Hong. Xiao Hong is currently tidying up your room inside."
Upon hearing this, Tong Jiaxian glanced at Xiao Cui with a stubborn and arrogant expression, and gave a cold reply.
Upon entering Qichun Garden, Tongjia Xianyu instructed her maids Xiangling and Xiangyun, who had accompanied her to the palace, to pack their luggage, while she left Xiaocui behind alone.
Tong Jiaxianyu took off a silver bracelet from her wrist and handed it to Xiao Cui, asking softly.
“Xiao Cui, do you know why my cousin the Emperor placed me in Qichun Garden instead of Chengqian Palace, where Consort Chengqian resides? I remember that in Chengqian Palace, only Consort Hanyan lived in the West Annex Hall; the East and West Side Halls and the East Annex Hall were all empty.”
Xiao Cui looked up at Tong Jia Xianyu, her eyes darting around.
After a moment, Xiao Cui spoke in a low voice, "Second Princess, I heard that your arrangement to stay in Qichun Garden is related to Consort Xu of Yikun Palace. Consort Xu mentioned to the Emperor that you are not a concubine of the harem and should not stay in Consort Chengqian Palace to avoid suspicion."
"Second Princess, I think Consort Xu's words make sense."
Upon hearing this, Tong Jiaxianyu's eyes turned sinister. She clenched her fist, and her fingernail snapped with a 'crack,' drawing bright red blood. However, Tong Jiaxianyu seemed completely oblivious to the pain.
After a long while, Tong Jiaxianyu said coldly, "This princess understands. Xiao Cui, you can go and get back to work."
"Second Princess, your hand..."
Xiao Cui glanced at Tong Jiaxianyu out of the corner of her eye, noticing her bloodstained hands and a worried expression on her face.
Tong Jiaxian chuckled softly.
"It's nothing, just a superficial wound. Xiangling and Xiangyun will bandage it for me later."
Xiao Cui responded with a soft "Yes" and withdrew.
More than half a month passed in the blink of an eye, and it was soon the eighth day of September.
Xu Lejin spent two whole months in postpartum confinement, and now it's finally over.
Chuxiu Palace.
Consort Zhao sat upright in the main seat, smiling as she looked at the concubines below and said, "Concubine Xu has worked hard to give birth to the imperial heir for His Majesty. Now that she has just finished her confinement period, she has come to pay her respects to me. Concubine Xu is very thoughtful."
Xu Lejin gave Yingchun a wink.
Yingchun bowed slightly and helped Xu Lejin up from her seat.
Xu Lejin looked respectful and spoke humbly, "Your Highness Consort Zhao is now highly regarded by the Emperor and in charge of the six palaces. It is my duty to pay my respects to Your Highness Consort Zhao after I have finished my confinement period."
"Um."
Consort Zhao looked dignified and composed. She gazed at Xu Lejin and pondered for a moment before smiling and saying, "Consort Xu has finished her postpartum confinement. Her complexion is rosy and her demeanor is even more charming. It is evident that Consort Xu took excellent care of herself during her confinement. The Imperial Physician Xu from the Imperial Hospital who treated Consort Xu is truly skilled."
Xu Lejin's expression froze for a moment.
Her fair, jade-like hands caressed her cheeks as she murmured, "Really? Your complexion is rosy, and you have such a graceful bearing. How come I didn't notice?"
“Yingchun, aren’t I still the same as before? Why do the Emperor and Consort Zhao say that my complexion is even more rosy and my appearance is even better after giving birth and during my postpartum period?”
Yingchun looked surprised.
"Your Highness, Your Highness, Consort Zhao, all the concubines are watching."
With her head down, Yingchun's voice was barely audible, a soft reminder.
Xu Lejin snapped out of her daze, her expression slightly startled, and she looked embarrassed.
At this moment, Consort Ma Jia, standing to the side, covered her mouth, a mocking expression on her face, and spoke in a coquettish voice.
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