As the end of the month approached and the imperial concubine selection was nearing, the royal consorts began to search for candidates. They hoped to screen all the candidates who had the potential to become secondary consorts and find the one who was most suitable for the residence and the best to manage. The remaining outstanding candidates were either to enter the palace or to be kept to prepare to become the primary consorts of the princes to be betrothed in the next imperial marriage.
"Mother, my sisters-in-law have been investigating the candidates for the imperial concubines behind the scenes." Qingyan tilted her head and talked to Consort Tong about her sisters-in-law. It has to be said that they were more worried about choosing a troublemaker for the household.
Consort Tong smiled, this situation was quite common, the timing of Xiao Guai's pregnancy was too coincidental, the Empress Dowager and Emperor Kangxi both felt that they should not upset Xiao Guai.
In the past few days, the imperial concubines have been coming to Chengqian Palace to pay their respects in an endless stream. Most of them are concerned about the selection of candidates for the imperial concubines. Some hope to secure a good marriage for their families, while others come to inquire about the list of candidates for the imperial concubines.
All day long, Qingyan watched as Consort Tong greeted the palace concubines with a smile, and none of them acted presumptuously in front of her.
As she followed Yin toward the mansion, she puffed out her cheeks and told him about her day's events.
"Mother calmly told the palace concubines, 'I certainly can't do the selection of the imperial concubines for Father Emperor!'" Qingyan had to admit that the palace concubines felt that every time there was a selection of imperial concubines, someone would be brought into the palace.
Emperor Kangxi selected some beautiful women based on their backgrounds to fill the harem. Most of the legitimate daughters of powerful officials were betrothed to princes, partly in the hope of balancing the court.
Yin nodded, his large hand slowly stroking Qingyan's abdomen, where their child was.
She patted his hand; the way he moved his hand across her abdomen was so strange, it made her whole body feel warm.
For the first three months, Yin and she could not get close. Imperial Physician Yuan was still worried and instructed Su Lan, Su Shu and others to keep an eye on the Fourth Prince. If they found anything wrong, they would directly remind their masters.
"Little darling, it's been so long since we've been close!" Yin's palms were burning hot, and Qingyan felt warm all over.
"No, you can't do this now that you have a baby!" Qingyan quickly shook her head.
Yin sighed helplessly. Xiao Guai took what Imperial Physician Yuan said very seriously. Under normal circumstances, if her words contradicted Imperial Physician Yuan's, she would directly refuse all of Yin's requests.
“Little darling, we need to make this clear. This child is taking up too much of your attention,” Yin said, quite displeased.
Pfft!
Qingyan laughed. Was Sisi jealous of her unborn child?
Imperial Physician Yuan mentioned that men of the Aisin Gioro clan are all petty and, apart from themselves, they cannot afford to pay too much attention to even their sons in the eyes of the women they like.
Back then, when Consort Tong was taking care of Yin, she often caused trouble for Emperor Kangxi, who would sleep in the study. Before a month had even passed, Kangxi became angry and even increased the number of nannies taking care of Yin by three.
That evening, when Yinzhi didn't see Consort Tong, he started crying in the side hall. Without saying a word, Consort Tong went straight to the side hall, which infuriated Kangxi, who was preparing to retire for the night.
In the past few days, Kangxi reminisced about the bitter past and talked directly with Yin about the past, hoping that Yin could feel the heartache he had once felt.
Therefore, when Yin Gang heard the news, he felt quite relieved. Soon, he remembered the struggles between father and son.
"Sisi, you're even jealous of the kids!" Qingyan complained.
Yin leaned on Qingyan's shoulder, his face icy cold.
"My little darling, everyone else is just a passerby in my life except for you. The children will grow up and gradually drift away from us. Only the two of us will stay together forever!" Yin whispered in her ear.
Qingyan smiled, her lips pursed. Yin's words always sounded grand and dignified, but she felt a warmth in her heart.
His embrace was much wider than others', making her feel safe and secure staying by his side.
"Fourth Brother, after we go back, we still need to tidy up the mansion. Perhaps Mother will not be able to refuse those concubines and will send a couple of palace maids to you." Qingyan looked up at him and couldn't help but scold him.
Yin pinched her nose, trying to make her behave herself.
"Stay quietly in my arms." Yin hugged the little girl tightly. The concubines had always hoped to sow discord between Yin and Qingyan, but their repeated failures had given them a lot more experience in dealing with such situations.
She couldn't help but laugh; it was enough that Yin was always by her side.
"No!" Qingyan twisted his little body. Now, he couldn't move freely, because she would torture him severely. Otherwise, the little devil in her heart would not stay still.
Yin gripped her slender waist tightly. Fortunately, the pregnancy was still in its early stages; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to tighten his grip on her waist.
"I'll take you to Quanjude in a bit!" A few days ago, Xiaoguai mentioned that she wanted to dine at Quanjude, and she had been thinking about their whole duck feast ever since.
Um? !
Qingyan's eyes lit up instantly. During this time, she had been eating the nutritious meals prepared by the imperial physician, which meant that she had to rely on Si Si to sneak her some delicious snacks!
"I mentioned to Mother that the nutritional meals prepared by Imperial Physician Yuan are somewhat unreasonable, which has made you lose your appetite!" Yin whispered to Qingyan, trying to curry favor.
Consort Tong glanced at Yin, knowing the secrets between the two little ones. However, Imperial Physician Yuan said that Qingyan's health was not bad, and that consuming a small amount of unhealthy food would not cause much harm.
"Hehe, Mother is so good!" Qingyanzhen cheered, her wish had finally come true.
He hugged Xiao Guai tightly, a slight smile playing on his lips, and his usually cold eyes finally warmed up.
"Yes, Mother. And me?" Yin asked in a low voice, leaning close to her ear.
"It's also the best for me, Sisi. Wouldn't it be great if we could bring back another roast duck?" Qingyan wasn't greedy, but she hoped that after using it once, she would remember the next time.
puff!
Yin shook her head. One was acceptable, after all, these baked goods were really not good for her current condition.
"Fine, I understand!" Qingyan pursed her lips and lowered her head.
Yin pinched her little face and immediately agreed.
"Alright, I'll ask Su Peisheng to order an extra portion later. When we get back, I'll have the kitchen staff make soup for you!" Duck bone soup has always been Qingyan's favorite.
Inside the carriage, Qingyan looked out the window at the scenery. The people were all rushing to Darun Supermarket, where the staple foods were more affordable than at home.
Previously, the main dishes sold at the restaurant became increasingly unpalatable, and even the portions were much smaller than before.
"From now on, we should try to open more supermarkets. I always felt that Mother really enjoyed shopping there!" Qingyan remembered that Consort Tong had mentioned many issues there. (To be continued. If you like this work, please vote for it on Qidian. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please go to m.qidian.com to read.)
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