At the Tong residence, Tong Guogang and Madam Tongjia were already mentally prepared when they received the imperial decree. The two of them, along with Qingyin, calmly accepted the decree. Compared to the composed Qingyin and the others, Tongjia Wanying was full of shock. Her younger sister had directly married the emperor, but... well, it was all for the best. She couldn't compete with the fourth prince anymore. Thinking of this, a surge of secret joy welled up in her heart.
The next day, Qingyin, having packed her things, entered the palace amidst the reluctance of her companions. Kangxi, knowing he was far older than Qingyin, showed even greater favor to her. He not only sent fine gifts to her palace but also exempted her from the traditional courtesies. Because of his favoritism, Kangxi held a grand ceremony for Qingyin's investiture as a concubine. Had he not already bestowed the title of Noble Consort upon her, making it inappropriate to grant her the same rank again, he would have had to wait until Qingyin was pregnant before granting her the title.
Qingyin also took the opportunity to give Kangxi a health-strengthening pill. Although Kangxi was getting old, he had been exercising and had maintained a good physique. Otherwise, Qingyin might have wanted to replace him. These days with Qingyin, Kangxi felt that his body was better and the wrinkles on his face had lessened. He attributed everything to Qingyin with a beaming smile and gave her a large number of gifts. Even the adult princes were no longer so displeased with her.
When the princes who had returned to the palace to inquire about the Second Miss Tong heard that their father had chosen her to enter the palace, it was like a bolt from the blue. This was especially true for Yin Tang and Yin Zhen, who drank heavily that night.
The other two princes had little contact with her, only catching a fleeting glimpse. Now that the second young lady had entered the palace, they could only suppress their discomfort and stop thinking about it.
During this time, the concubines were very curious about the newly favored Consort Qiong. However, without an empress in the palace and without the emperor's permission, they really couldn't meet this new Consort Qiong. They could only hope to "accidentally" bump into her when she came out, but unfortunately, this idea was shattered.
Qingyin stayed in the Yan Palace and really didn't like to go out. She spent her days watching dramas, being waited on hand and foot, and living a very enjoyable life.
A month later, the good news of her pregnancy was naturally discovered. Kangxi was so happy that he once again sent a large number of rewards to Qingyin's palace. He even wanted to tell Qingyin to give her maternal clan more honors, but Qingyin stopped him.
"It's good that Your Majesty is so kind. If the family members have any merits, they will earn them themselves. Your Majesty need not bestow any more rewards."
Kangxi gently grasped Qingyin's hand, "Very well, then bestow upon Lady Tongjia the title of First-Rank Imperial Lady, and upon General Tong the title of Grand General Who Guards the Nation."
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