In the early part of the 46th year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign, the New Year arrived as scheduled amidst heavy snowfall.
Yi Hua's belly is already nine months big. Because she had a big appetite throughout her pregnancy, her belly is much bigger than that of an ordinary lady.
Seeing that Yihua was very tired every day, Yinzhen was also a little anxious. The imperial physicians came to check his pulse more than once to reassure him. They all said that the fetus was developing very well and was not too big. Pregnant women like Yihua do exist.
Although the imperial physicians concluded that the death was justified, Yinzhen remained anxious, knowing he would only be able to breathe a sigh of relief once she had a safe delivery.
On New Year's Eve, Yihua was supposed to be present at the palace banquet, but Yinzhen couldn't bear to see her suffer in the palace while heavily pregnant, so he reported to Consort De early on that he was on sick leave. Consort De understood, since she was in a state where she could give birth at any time, and who knows what might happen if she gave birth in the chaotic palace.
Thus, for the first time this year, Yinzhen entered the palace alone with his concubine Li and the children. Liu Liu was held in the arms of the eldest princess, and she was often fed by Li, so she did not feel uncomfortable.
To avoid suspicion, Honghui did not ride in the carriage, but instead rode a horse with Yinzhen. Hongyun, seeing that he was the only one being asked to ride in the carriage, also objected and insisted on riding a horse. In the end, Yinzhen could not persuade him otherwise, and Honghui rode with his younger brother, not feeling cold at all.
Li tried to coax Liu Liu into playing with her favorite snacks, but seeing the eldest princess with her head down, she was somewhat disappointed: "Why are you still wearing this rubbish? The injury on your face has already healed!"
Consort Li was also a social person. She felt angry whenever she thought of the regretful yet gloating expressions on other people's faces when they talked about the eldest princess. However, since the prince had repeatedly warned her, she dared not say anything. She just thought about when the eldest princess could make a stunning appearance and save face for her.
The eldest princess remained composed, her face now covered by a thin veil: "Mother, Father always has what's best for his daughter, and I will listen to Father."
"I can't say a word to you now, you've even learned to use the Prince to pressure me." Madam Li muttered, but she didn't stop feeding Liu Liu.
Liu Liu glanced at the eldest princess, then at Li Shi, and a smile appeared on her chubby little face: "Mother Li, Liu Liu is full, but eldest sister hasn't eaten yet. Mother Li, feed eldest sister."
Li was slightly taken aback for a moment, and then actually handed a pastry to the eldest princess's mouth, which the princess ate in small bites.
Liu Liu rested her chin on her hand; indeed, there was nothing she couldn't accomplish!
Little did she know that the eldest princess was completely unmoved. She was past the age of begging for her mother's love. Liu Liu was a good child, and she just didn't want to hurt her feelings.
"Your marriage..." Madam Li began, but was stopped by the eldest princess.
“Mother, my marriage is a matter for my father and stepmother to decide. It’s not something I should listen to or consider. Besides, Liu Liu is still here.”
Li was speechless from the retort and shut her mouth in frustration.
This child has been raised in vain. No wonder the Prince wanted to marry into the Ulanara clan. He's completely in cahoots with the Princess Consort. Anyone who didn't know better would think she was the Princess Consort's child!
******
Before the New Year's Eve banquet officially began, Emperor Kangxi would first lead the imperial family to worship their ancestors, recounting the achievements of the past year to them and praying for their blessings for a prosperous and peaceful new year.
Yi Hua understood it as the company's annual performance report. The emperor spoke until his throat was dry, which would take at least two hours. Even if the people below were drowsy, they had to stay awake.
This year, the Crown Princess and Lady Nalan were spared the hardship because of their large pregnancies, but they were not so fortunate and could only endure their discomfort and pray that their child would be strong.
Nalan was only a secondary consort, and could secretly use the excuse of going to the toilet to get some fresh air. The Crown Princess could only kneel obediently behind the Crown Prince. Because her position was too far forward, Tong Guining dared not use any tricks and had to kneel there for so long.
But she couldn't care less about her belly now. Tong Guining kept staring at the Crown Prince's back, thinking to herself, "Has he gone mad?"
The position of Crown Prince has always been very stable, second only to the Emperor, and he is the one closest to Kangxi.
However, the prayer cushions were placed too far forward today, only half a body length away from Kangxi's seat.
Emperor Kangxi was thin, while the Crown Prince had gained some weight in middle age. Kneeling on the prayer mat, he leaned slightly forward, and from behind, he appeared to be standing almost shoulder to shoulder with Emperor Kangxi, and even occasionally leaned over him.
Tong Guining was somewhat alarmed. She subconsciously moved her prayer mat back a little. The Crown Prince glared at her from behind, and she dared not move any further.
Emperor Kangxi remained silent throughout the entire process, seemingly oblivious to the discordant scene. He smoothly completed the ancestral worship ceremony and then led the large entourage to the Qianqing Palace to begin the palace banquet.
At the banquet, everyone's eyes involuntarily turned to the Crown Prince. Yinzhen poured himself a drink and thought to himself.
Second Brother was driven to desperation. He thought that by gaining military merit and winning people's hearts, his path to becoming Crown Prince would be smoother. However, he did not expect that Father Emperor would not give him any praise. But this approach would not only make Father Emperor feel disgusted and resentful, but it would also have no effect. After Songgotu's death, no one could restrain his behavior.
The Crown Prince was very satisfied with the current results. As the legitimate heir of the Qing Dynasty, he should be the center of attention, his brothers should kneel at his feet, and he should be only one step away from that prestigious position.
Tong Guining felt like she was sitting on pins and needles. She felt a chill run down her spine from the scrutinizing gazes coming from all directions. She clutched her stomach, her body trembling slightly.
The Crown Prince noticed Tong Guining's behavior and looked down on her, finding her lacking in refinement: "Ning'er, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"
Tong Guining subconsciously shook her head: "Your Highness, it's a bit stuffy here. I'd like to go out for some fresh air."
"Go ahead, but be careful." Tong Guining's belly was quite large, and the Crown Prince always spoke to her gently.
The palace banquet ended as usual when the sky was just beginning to lighten. Kangxi was quite drunk and couldn't sleep after returning to the Hall of Mental Cultivation, so he took Liang Jiugong to the Changchun Palace.
This was the residence of the late Empress Hesheli. After she died in childbirth, Emperor Kangxi sealed off Changchun Palace and would occasionally come here to remember her. When the Crown Prince was a child, he would also secretly come here when he missed his mother.
Hanging in the main hall was a portrait of the late empress. Kangxi stared at the eternally youthful portrait and felt a surge of emotions: "I am sorry for you. I have not raised our child well. Our crown prince has become more and more arrogant and conceited. How did this child suddenly change like this?"
The Changchun Palace was quiet. Kangxi's mutterings went unanswered. He lay on the bed, closed his eyes, and his mind was filled with images of the young crown prince.
Three days into the New Year, the Minister of Rites was dismissed and executed, and the Crown Prince was ordered to return to the Imperial Study to study, kneeling before the late Empress Hesheli for an hour every day to learn etiquette and filial piety.
The entire court and the public were astonished.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
