In the days that followed, people would come around to advise Qingyan to find a suitable partner for Yin, so that Yin's favor would remain with her and no one would compete for it.
If so, the women selected by Emperor Kangxi would probably not have been limited to just one concubine or a princess.
With the election approaching, Qingyan doesn't seem nervous at all, which many people find strange. Why isn't Qingyan busy at all?
"Fourth Brother, you know that your sister-in-law keeps talking about me, saying that I don't care about you at all!" Qingyan squeezed Yin's hand.
She had a headache. After Dong Eshi made a scene, several of the Fujin (principal wives) came over one after another. She had to admit that these people weren't afraid of what others would say.
For the sake of their respective families' interests, they all betrayed their consciences. Fortunately, Lady Yin Genjue Luo disdained such methods. Of course, some people were subjected to sour words and criticisms. The two sisters-in-law were the only two primary consorts of princes in the palace with children, so of course they didn't know their predicament.
Every time Qingyan heard these words, she would give a cold smile. She had no idea what these people were thinking.
However, she really had a headache from holding it in.
"This time, Father Emperor will not choose a concubine for the mansion!" Yin's assurance instantly made her feel much better.
"Really?!" Qingyan looked up at Yin.
He nodded directly. This was also what his mother had said, after all, his mother understood Qingyan's meaning very well.
Qingyan's pregnancy was not yet stable, and if it weren't for Imperial Physician Yuan's excellent medical skills, he probably wouldn't have been able to diagnose how many children she had.
"Fourth Prince, at least we don't need anyone to come into our mansion anymore. Is Third Sister-in-law about to send people in?" Qingyan said with a hint of schadenfreude. Third Princess Consort was truly an oddball. During the election, she tried her best to push all the family members to other people's mansions.
"Definitely. Not only did Consort Rong go to Father Emperor to request that two people be able to bear children for Third Brother, but Third Brother himself said that he needed someone to keep him company. Fortunately, Third Sister-in-law doesn't have any children, so Father Emperor will agree. If she did have children, Father Emperor would definitely prioritize the legitimate son!" Yin recalled that when Third Princess Consort was pregnant twice, Father Emperor did not bestow any concubines upon her.
Yin wanted to complain that Yin Zhi was thinking too much; no wonder his father found him annoying.
What's so good about having more women?!
Qingyan couldn't understand why Yinzhi insisted on having beautiful women by his side. How many of the young ladies were cultured? They were mostly daughters of concubines. The legitimate daughters chosen by Kangxi were to become the primary consorts of the princes. Therefore, the secondary consorts or even princesses they could obtain were mostly daughters of concubines from prominent families.
“Third Brother has this addiction, and I must say, his approach is quite good!” Yin laughed heartily.
Qingyan leaned against Yin's chest, a warm smile on her lips. It was just nice to have Sisi by her side.
The next morning, Qingyan went to Chenggan Palace to pay her respects as usual. As soon as she sat down, the Third Princess Consort came over. She observed carefully and noticed that the Third Princess Consort's makeup was much heavier than usual.
After Consort Tong came out of the inner chamber, she saw Xiao Guai sitting there obediently and couldn't help but smile slightly. Wasn't the Third Princess Consort always making things difficult for Xiao Guai?
"Little Darling, didn't I tell you not to come?" Consort Tong had been telling Yin that Little Darling was too heavy-set and shouldn't come to the palace. Besides, Emperor Kangxi had already said that no one from the Fourth Prince's residence would be included in this year's imperial concubine selection.
"Mother, I miss you too. You won't be so disgusted with me, will you?" Qingyan pouted, looking unhappy.
"Yes, of course a woman who has a grandson will dislike you!" Consort Tong joked casually. Her relationship with Xiao Guai became even closer, and even Lady Jue Luo would envy her.
Consort Rong envied the relationship between Consort Tong and Xiao Guai. Xiao Guai was more considerate than a child. Even Lady Yin Genjue Luo, under Xiao Guai's influence, would often bring Songkelierha to the palace. Consort Hui's palace was always very lively.
Of the four consorts, Consort Dong'e was the most prone to causing trouble. Back then, he shouldn't have coveted Consort Dong'e's military power and allowed Yinzhi to marry Consort Dong'e's female relatives.
Even when the Empress Dowager and Empress Dowager were still alive, they disliked women from the Dong E clan and always said that they couldn't let Yinzhi be schemed against by such women.
Consort Rong once thought that, apart from Qingyan, Dong Eshi's status should be the best. Who would have thought that the Dong Eshi family and the Ulanara family were worlds apart? Fei Yanggu was a doting father, but Dong Eshi was not. Sometimes, he would ask Dong Eshi to find connections for the family's concubine daughters.
In Yinzhi's harem, there were several young and beautiful concubine daughters of Consort Dong'e. If they could give birth to a son or daughter, Consort Rong would probably accept it. However, Consort Dong'e's methods were very similar to her mother's. Before the birth of a legitimate son, she would never allow a concubine son to live. Therefore, many concubine sons were personally dealt with by Consort Dong'e.
When Consort Rong learned of this, those children had already turned to dust.
"Noble Consort, I envy you and Fourth Prince's wife. Your relationship is just like that of a mother and daughter!" Qingyan found Consort Rong's words somewhat ironic.
The poor relationship between Jue Luo and her was mostly caused by Dong E's people bribing the maidservants around Jue Luo. Now, bringing this up again is just like the thief crying "stop thief!"
"No, that's not it. Xiao Guai is very well-behaved. If I had a daughter like Xiao Guai, I would probably wake up smiling in my sleep." Consort Tong was not stingy with her praise for Qing Yan. It has to be said that Qing Yan's well-behaved image has deeply impressed the elders.
The Empress Dowager and Emperor Kangxi both liked Xiao Guai and hoped that the next few consorts would be like Xiao Guai, or at least not as troublesome as Consort Dong E.
Harmony in the family brings prosperity in all things!
These five short words are enough to make them keep talking about Xiao Guai's achievements.
Instantly, the concubines remembered the Empress Dowager's fondness for Qingyan. Had the Third Princess Consort lost her mind, constantly causing trouble for the Fourth Princess Consort?
"Mother, you're too kind. I don't have that much charm!" Qingyan pursed her lips, a little embarrassed.
The concubines all laughed; this girl could be quite amusing at times.
"Your Majesty is thinking of having you go and get some things. Granny Su has prepared the rewards that the Empress Dowager was going to give you for your good fortune. And for the third son's family, if any of you have good news, the Empress Dowager has also bought and prepared some for you!" Consort Tong would never let Qingyan suffer a loss, so she simply revealed who would receive the rewards.
"Yes!" Several wives rose to express their gratitude.
Dong E felt even more aggrieved. Consort Tong had been consistently helping Qing Yan seek revenge. It had to be said that Qing Yan was like an inviolable line; Consort Tong always retaliated on her behalf. (To be continued. If you like this work, please vote for it on Qidian.com. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please read at m.qidian.com.)
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