He considered himself exceptionally capable and insightful.
But he couldn't control the jealousy and rivalry among women.
Only after several such visits did he realize that his beloved empress was embracing his favorite concubine while boating, strolling in the garden, and admiring the flowers!
He worked very hard to handle government affairs!
Fortunately, the two lackeys did a good job.
Ao Bai and Wu Liangfu each held one and teased it!
The busier Shunzhi was, the angrier he became. He took his men out to stroll through the Imperial Garden to admire the flowers, birds, insects, and fish.
And by sheer coincidence, he saw his beloved empress lying on a soft couch.
Ma Jia, who usually treated him coldly, relied on the Empress to apply perfume to her hands, the little dark-faced man to perform a sword dance for the Empress, and the gentle and beautiful women he longed for.
They're either fanning themselves, peeling grapes, or smiling broadly while holding a glass of fruit wine...
There are also storytellers who add to the fun, and straight men who provide the comedic relief...
Emperor Shunzhi felt a strange, inexplicable unease in his chest.
These women aren't nearly as devoted to him!
"My beloved concubines are all here!" Shunzhi's smile was stiff.
The women paused for a moment, then turned around, stood up, or helped Xue Li to pay their respects to Shunzhi.
At night, Shirley is accompanied by Ao Bai, and during the day, she is with the Little Beauty. Palace affairs, children, and the Empress Dowager are all under her watchful eye.
Her skin looked comfortable, with a fair and rosy glow.
In addition, she had grown up a bit, and her bright eyes and charming demeanor made her even more beautiful.
Emperor Shunzhi felt that there was something wrong with him.
Otherwise, with so many beautiful women, how could he have spotted the Empress, the one who angered him the most, at a glance?!
It was only at this moment that he realized he hadn't really looked at his empress properly in recent years.
She has grown taller and fuller, with moist and rosy skin, and her eyes remain as clear and bright as ever.
Wait, what's with that dark-faced guy staring so intently at his empress?!
Shunzhi, looking displeased, pushed Shi aside and then sat down with Xue Li by his hand.
Sherry looked at his claws with a completely bewildered expression.
Just as he was about to shake off, Shunzhi held on tightly and wouldn't let go.
The concubines around him noticed that Shunzhi was in a bad mood, and they bowed and took their leave in twos and threes.
Emperor Shunzhi simply nodded slightly.
He still didn't say anything.
Sherry was worried for him: "Your little beauty has run away, what are you thinking?!"
"I miss you!" Shunzhi replied crisply, looking at the rise and fall of Xue Li's chest.
Sherry followed his gaze and looked down.
Yes, she's gotten a bit bigger after giving birth, and her skin is so fair, tender, and chubby—it's so nice to touch.
Shunzhi seemed to realize what he had said and awkwardly looked away.
Shunzhi thought that Xue Li would be shy, embarrassed, and would affectionately punch him.
Sherry puffed out her chest with a smug look on her face and said, "Envious? If you're envious, then go practice!"
Shunzhi was in a daze before he realized what Shirley had said.
He couldn't help but cough, then turned his face away angrily.
"What nonsense are you talking about! How come they're always hanging out together?"
Shunzhi casually changed the subject.
"Of course it's because you've learned the rules well! You're serving me like this!"
Sherry was very generous with her praise.
Every now and then, they would receive jewelry, rouge, and face powder as a reward, and their status would be elevated from time to time.
At least Emperor Shunzhi wouldn't remember.
Even now, Dong Eshi only enjoys the status of a Grand Consort, standing out for several years without ever receiving the rank of Imperial Concubine.
Otherwise, why would everyone assume that the competition is for the Empress's favor rather than the Emperor's?
Emperor Shunzhi himself didn't know why; he was simply a little jealous.
He just wasn't sure whether he was jealous of the Empress or the other concubines.
However, if he's unhappy, no one else should be too happy either.
He couldn't stand seeing him so busy, while others were carefree, surrounded by women.
Yes, I'm talking about Sydney.
So, under the guise of starting education from childhood, he had Shirley bring her children to the Qianqing Palace every day to watch him review memorials.
The way Shirley looked at him was as if she were looking at an ignorant child.
Emperor Shunzhi stubbornly insisted on this course of action.
So the concubines went off to find their own amusement.
Sherry sat opposite Shunzhi with a long face, staring blankly at him.
Jinghua couldn't stay still, so she took Baizhi's hand and walked around.
Jingrong is different; he loves listening to excitement.
Whether it was a minister coming in to report or Shunzhi reading a memorial and scolding someone, he was always very interested.
In contrast, there is Sydney.
Sherry said she was sleepy, and then the royal guards performed martial arts for her.
Shunzhi's mouth twitched, but he didn't say anything.
After all, if he refused Sherry, he would have a reason to abandon the child and run away.
As a result, the Qianqing Palace remained closed for a long time.
Emperor Shunzhi handled state affairs, Jingrong listened in, Xueli watched the imperial guards practice martial arts, and Jinghua ran around with her short legs...
Ao Bai stared at the little girl every day with a silly grin on his face.
Shunzhi didn't mind the noise. When Xue Li got bored, she stared at him intently. After a while, he didn't feel embarrassed at all; on the contrary, he was quite happy.
Is it that he gets happy when others are unhappy?
Sydney thinks so too.
"No man is as charming as me, and no woman is as beautiful as me, no wonder they're jealous of me~"
Shunzhi paused in writing without saying a word.
"Sigh, being invincible is the loneliest thing~"
Shunzhi: ...
"It would look even better if those guards were shirtless!"
"Empress!" Shunzhi suddenly shouted angrily, and Xue Li opened her sleepy eyes.
"What?!" Sherry looked utterly miserable.
Seriously, they're just looking for trouble when they have nothing better to do.
"Go and rest if you're tired!" Shunzhi's imposing manner suddenly weakened when he met Xue Li's gaze.
"Ha!" Yue Ji rolled his eyes at him and looked at his fat son.
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