Harigana refused without even thinking: "I've had enough riding. If you like, you can ride for a while. I'm tired!"
Borjigit Urina clearly did not expect Harigana to be so cold. If it were anyone else, they would either want to show off their status and make things difficult for her, or they would want to recruit her as an ally and chat with her enthusiastically.
But Harigana's indifference really left her unsure how to respond.
"Your Majesty!"
Urina wanted to say something, but Harigana had already turned and left without any politeness. She could only stand there and watch Harigana's back as he walked away, feeling angry.
Emperor Kangxi was currently chatting with the Empress Dowager.
"Xuan Ye! After we return this time, do you intend to make Tongjia a Noble Consort?"
The Empress Dowager had no objection to this matter; after all, it wouldn't work if the harem wasn't managed properly! The title of Imperial Concubine sounds prestigious, but it's actually a bit too low for someone to truly manage the harem.
"Grandmother, do you have any good suggestions?"
Emperor Kangxi initially thought so, but after bestowing the title of Consort Chen upon Harigana, he never considered it again.
Hearing the Empress Dowager mention it now, he realized that it seemed he was unwilling to bestow the title of Imperial Noble Consort upon Lady Tongjia. If Lady Tongjia were to become an Imperial Noble Consort, wouldn't Harigana have to continue living under someone else's command?
So when the Empress Dowager asked, he did not answer, but changed the subject.
"Although I don't particularly like Lady Tongjia, it's perfectly justifiable for her to become an Imperial Noble Consort! After all, her status is undeniable, and her position in the harem is unmatched."
Most importantly, the Tongjia clan had always been loyal, and bestowing upon her the title of Imperial Noble Consort was a form of checks and balances between the court and the harem.
After reflecting on her actions that night, the Empress Dowager suddenly realized that something had been wrong with her lately. The more she went against Emperor Kangxi's wishes, the weaker the bond between grandmother and grandson would become.
This would not only harm their relationship as grandmother and grandson, but also diminish the status of the Khorchin women in the harem. Therefore, the current Empress Dowager is truly open-minded and wants to have a heart-to-heart talk with Emperor Kangxi.
Unfortunately, Emperor Kangxi now regrets his actions, and even when he is chatting with Bumbutai, his mind is already on Harigana.
"Xuan Ye, what do you say?" After the Empress Dowager finished speaking, she looked at Kangxi, wanting to hear her opinion.
"Grandmother, I will think this over carefully! Don't worry, the Tongjia clan does need to be appeased!"
The Empress Dowager nodded, thinking that the matter was settled and that Tongjia was a definite Imperial Noble Consort, so she stopped worrying about it.
Of course, the matter of the Khorchin was not mentioned again, especially by Anger, who was not mentioned at all. This made Kangxi wary, as he felt that the Empress Dowager should not be so calm.
"Dulan, I want to eat fried rice!"
Harigana suddenly had a craving for fried rice. She was about to fall asleep with her eyes closed, but suddenly her mouth started producing saliva, making her swallow hard.
"Princess, I'll prepare it for you right away!"
Dulan didn't notice anything unusual, and Surina was unaware that Harigana didn't like fried rice, so no one suspected Harigana's unusual behavior.
After a satisfying meal, Harigana was wide awake. She took out her sketchbook, which she had only half-read, and leaned against the window, enjoying the cool breeze.
It wasn't until lunchtime that Kangxi alighted from the Empress Dowager's carriage. However, due to a minister's report on the situation in Taiwan, Harigana did not meet with Kangxi for two consecutive days.
Li Dequan, being a shrewd man, did report to Kangxi about the matter of Urina seeking out Harigana, but Kangxi didn't say anything, only his brows were tightly furrowed.
"Has everything been arranged at the palace? Be sure to do your best. I remember I have some fine brocade from the south in my private treasury. Take it all to the Hall of Union!"
After Kangxi finished speaking, he felt that the name Jiaotai Hall was not very pleasant to hear.
"Li Dequan, bring me some Xuan paper!"
Li Dequan immediately had someone bring Xuan paper and, after preparing everything, invited Kangxi over. He had a vague suspicion in his mind, but he didn't know if his guess was correct!
Half a cup of tea later, Li Dequan emerged from the imperial tent, his face filled with shock, carrying a brocade box in his arms. He was right in his thinking, but he never expected the emperor to use that word.
"Jiaojiao! Don't let me down!"
Kangxi put down his pen, seemingly lost in thought. His expression was no longer as tense as before, as if he had figured something out.
After leaving the Greater Khingan Mountains and passing Genhe, they finally arrived at the Ergun River basin.
There are many ethnic minorities here, but the Evenki people left the deepest impression on Harigana the most. (The Evenki are a long-standing and ancient ethnic group; those interested can look up information about them. The author doesn't dare to elaborate too much, as it involves ethnic issues!)
"Princess, is the sunflower you're wearing around your neck made for you by the Grand Duchess Naiji?"
Dulan looked at the winding Ergun River, then turned to Harigana and asked him about the sunflower on his neck. (Photo taken with the author's phone, Ergun River) "Yes! It was made by my mother's daughter, Naiji, and there was also a pair of earrings, but they should be in the box Chasu took!"
Harigana really liked this sunflower; it was fluffy and beautiful! (Regarding the author's own sunflower earrings:) "No! This servant knew the princess liked this sunflower, so I specially kept it for you! I'll find it for you after we're settled!"
Dulan looked at Harigana with great pride, his face clearly saying: "Praise my little expression!" Harigana couldn't stop laughing.
Kangxi heard Harigana's laughter as he walked behind her, and he could tell she was very happy.
Just as he was about to call for help, he heard Harigana say, "My dear Dulan, although you've stayed, I can no longer wear those sunflower earrings!"
Not only did Dulan not understand, but even Emperor Kangxi behind him wanted to know why. But Harigana's next words were like a needle piercing his heart.
Note:
The Ergun River, with its tributaries including the Gen River and the famous Kerulen River, is the source (southern source) of the Heilongjiang River and forms part of the present-day Sino-Russian border. Before the Treaty of Nerchinsk in 1689, the Ergun River was an inland river; it only became part of the Sino-Russian border after the Treaty of Nerchinsk.
There's information on Baidu; you can search for it if you're interested. The photos were taken with the author's phone, so they're guaranteed to be original.
Sunflower: Evenki sunflower, an intangible cultural heritage, is purely handmade!
Naiji: Like Adachi, it means friend.
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