It was managed to be completed within three days, at least.
Holding the entire set of underwear in her hands, Wan Anran let out a long sigh. Looking down at her ten fingers, which were wrapped tightly in bandages, she couldn't help but sigh, "Thank you for your hard work."
Consort Xuan was finally able to breathe a sigh of relief.
She readily drank a whole bowl of cold tea to calm her agitated mood. But after only three breaths of tranquility, when she looked up and saw Consort Wan's tearful face, Consort Xuan couldn't help herself. She grumbled, "Most of this dress was made by Hai Tao and Zi Su, and you still have the nerve to feel sorry for it!"
Originally, Consort Xuan planned to keep an eye on Consort Wan.
All things considered, three days is more than enough time to make a simple set of underwear.
No matter how well Consort Xuan planned, she never expected that Consort Wan's ten fingers would not obey her commands at all. Not only that, they even turned against each other and killed each other. In just one day, all ten fingers were pierced into sieves, and by the second day, the sight was even more appalling.
Seeing that things were not going well, Consort Xuan quickly called for a halt.
Seeing the pitiful inner garment stained with blood, Consort Xuan could only ask Hai Tao and Zi Su to work overtime to make a set as soon as possible—as for Consort Wan, a few stitches on the last stitch would suffice as a token of her feelings.
I feel a little guilty thinking about it.
Consort Xuan sighed and poked Consort Wan's forehead: "You should at least practice your needlework. What kind of person can't even finish a simple undergarment!"
Wan Anran wasn't embarrassed at all.
She held her head high and said, "I can embroider it like that, but I can't embroider it like this."
Consort Xuan chuckled and ignored her.
They sewed cross-stitch together on the fabric, calling it cross-stitch. If you sent such an embroidery to the emperor, it would be a miracle if he didn't laugh himself to death!
What's wrong with cross-stitch?
The fact that cross-stitch has become so popular over the centuries shows that it's no ordinary craft!
Of course, Wan Anran was also muttering to herself.
On the surface, she obediently put the clothes away and wiped the cold sweat from her forehead—as long as the task was completed.
---
March 18th, the seventeenth year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign.
The Emperor's birthday banquet was held in the Cining Palace Garden, a place lush with flowers and plants, where pomegranate blossoms blazed like fire. The apricot and peach blossoms had not yet faded, and the colorful roses were already in full bloom, each one delicate and beautiful, a feast for the eyes.
Wan Anran followed Consort Xuan inside.
All around were palace concubines dressed exquisitely and charmingly. For example, Consort Yi, who was already beautiful, had her begonia-red palace dress set off her beauty even more brightly. The tassels on her head swayed, and her makeup was exquisite and delicate, which showed how much effort she put into it. No wonder she was Kangxi's favorite!
For example, Consort An, who has a fresh and elegant style, has a slender waist like a willow and a beautiful smile like a spring flower. Her light green palace dress ripples as she walks, which amazes people.
There's also Consort Xi, who's lively and cute; Consort Hui, who's dignified and elegant; and Consort Rong, who's a mature and sophisticated woman... Basically, whatever you can imagine, you'll find her there.
The sight of all the beautiful women dazzled Wan Anran, and she couldn't help but secretly envy Kangxi—wouldn't it be wonderful if she could travel back in time to become Kangxi and get close to these beautiful ladies?
Little did they know that Wan Anran and the others were also a sight to behold in the eyes of others. Compared to the other elaborately dressed imperial concubines, the three from Xianfu Palace were like civilian airliners among a group of fighter jets, practically an anomaly.
The three of them silently entered the seating area.
The palace rules were strict and regulations did not tolerate any transgression. Only after all the concubines had arrived did the Emperor and Empress make their entrance. The Emperor and the Crown Prince helped the Empress Dowager, while the Empress and the eldest princess helped the Empress Dowager; the three generations of the family entered the hall in a harmonious and joyful manner.
Consort Hui and Consort Rong's expressions darkened.
Not only were both of their sons still outside the palace and unable to attend the palace banquet, but what frustrated Consort Rong even more was that her own Third Princess was the Emperor's biological daughter, yet she was overshadowed by the Emperor's adopted daughter and Prince Gong's illegitimate daughter.
Consort Hui and Consort Rong's rare good mood vanished suddenly, but they had to force a smile to avoid being noticed by others, while the frustration in their hearts was like a raging storm.
Wan Anran glanced at Consort Hui, then at Consort Rong.
She secretly shook her head—it was clear that Consort Hui and Consort Rong's discontent had already been sown, and it was no wonder that the princes would all be eager to challenge for the throne in the future.
It's best not to have children.
If you really want to have a baby, you should wait until later in life. Wan Anran became more and more certain of her idea and gave herself a thumbs up.
After the Emperor and his entourage took their seats, the birthday banquet officially began. The princes and princesses took turns stepping forward to recite congratulatory messages and present their gifts.
Following closely behind were the birthday gifts for the imperial concubines.
For example, Consort Jing went all out. At first glance, the character she presented was an ordinary "longevity" character, but upon closer inspection, it was revealed that it was composed of hundreds of smaller "longevity" characters. This immediately pleased Emperor Kangxi, who gave it the top prize.
There were students who were shockingly excellent, and there were also students who were utterly terrible. For example, Wan Guiren's gift left everyone speechless.
Just one set of underwear?
This wasn't something the concubines would usually make—one, two, three, or four sets—and either send them to the Qianqing Palace or store them in the palace, waiting for the emperor's occasional needs.
And what about Consort Wan?
She actually gave this as a birthday gift?
Seeing that even the Emperor was stunned, the Empress sighed and quickly explained for Consort Wan: "Your Majesty, look, Consort Wan's fingers are still bandaged. She's never been good at needlework."
Kangxi took a look.
Indeed! To be honest, the question that Kangxi had asked before resurfaced. He earnestly asked the Empress, "How did someone as stupid as Consort Wan get selected to enter the palace?"
Empress Niohuru almost burst out laughing.
She forced a laugh: "Your Majesty, you can't say that. Consort Wan also has her merits."
Tell me, what makes her so outstanding?
"...Uh..." The Empress suddenly stammered.
"Look at you, even you don't know."
"...Consort Wan can cook." The Empress suddenly had a bright idea: "Actually, she's just not good at embroidery. I think Your Majesty's gloves are quite well made."
"Strange skills and tricks are not the right path."
"Then next time Consort Wan cooks something delicious, Your Majesty, please don't freeload." The Empress covered her mouth and chuckled.
"I only did this because Consort Wan was thinking of my past," Kangxi chuckled.
Empress Niohuru remained silent.
After all, she couldn't tell the Emperor, "Doesn't it look like it? It's clearly Your Majesty who wants to eat it!"
Unaware that the Emperor and Empress were discussing their own affairs, Wan Anran sighed to Consort Nara, "The Emperor and Empress have such a good relationship."
Lady Nara nodded in agreement.
Consort Yi and the others sitting nearby originally regarded Consort Wan as an enemy, but now... they shook their heads and completely forgot about Consort Wan.
That's it? That's it!
Are they even considered candidates for the position of favored concubine? Perhaps the Empress herself released them to attract attention?
After admiring the gifts, the drama that everyone had been eagerly anticipating finally began. Now, Wan Anran finally understood why the imperial concubines were looking forward to the palace banquet. Compared to the tedious Qianqing Palace banquet, the birthday banquet held in the Cining Palace Garden was much more lively and humane.
The banquet was filled with melodious music and pleasant strains of music.
After the opening three grand plays—"Longevity and Prosperity," "Double Happiness and Fortune," and "Peace and Prosperity Throughout the Land"—the plays selected by the Grand Empress Dowager, the Empress Dowager, the Emperor, and the Empress followed.
Interspersed with acrobatic and dance performances, the Shengping Department could put together anything you could imagine. This was the first time Wan Anran had ever seen anything like this since arriving at the Qing Palace. She was so engrossed in watching that she didn't even notice when the soup and dishes were served.
When the enticing aroma wafted over, Wan Anran realized that the table was already laden with food. It was a feast of delicacies from land and sea, each dish vibrant in color and steaming hot, and incredibly delicious – far surpassing any imperial banquet in the Qing Dynasty!
More importantly, many of the dishes were ones that Wan Anran had never tasted before, such as wild game that was no longer encouraged to be eaten in later generations, like bear paws, and sturgeon. Sturgeon caviar was extremely famous in later generations, but it was not well-known now. The palace preferred to preserve it and eat it, especially the snout meat.
Wan Anran sighed with regret.
I'll have to ask the Imperial Kitchen later; if they have any fish roe, please send some over so I can try it. Her chopsticks landed on the stewed deer tail. The fact that it was served as one of the main dishes shows how much the Qing court valued it.
The character "鹿" (lù) is the same as the character "禄" (lù).
Wan Anran had never eaten this before.
The deer tail had been stewed until tender; large pieces could be easily separated with a gentle stroke of the serving chopsticks. Wan Anran picked up the chopsticks and tasted the delicate aroma without any unpleasant odor. She watched the performance on stage as she put the deer tail into her mouth.
Despite the strong aroma, Wan Anran's pupils dilated in shock the moment she put it in her mouth. An unprecedented fishy, muttony smell exploded in her mouth, and almost instantly, Wan Anran clutched her mouth tightly. Her stomach churned violently, and her face drained of color, covered in cold sweat.
Hai Tao's face changed in shock: "Master!"
Her slightly shrill voice drew the attention of the palace concubines, especially Consort Nara, who immediately noticed Consort Wan's unusual behavior. Holding Wan Anran in her arms, she cried out urgently, "Sister Wan? Sister Wan!"
Wan Anran covered her mouth, as if she was about to vomit.
It's the Emperor's birthday! What if she throws up on such an occasion? She forcefully suppressed her churning stomach and whispered weakly, "Don't worry, sister, I'm fine. I just don't like the taste of this deer tail; it's a bit too fishy..."
She couldn't help feeling nauseous again.
Wan Anran quickly covered her mouth again.
Lady Nara was stunned.
Before she could speak, Consort Rong, who was sitting diagonally opposite Consort Xuan, gasped: "Noble Lady Wan... could she be pregnant?"
No matter how low Consort Rong's voice was, the surrounding palace concubines heard it clearly.
Everyone's expression changed drastically at that moment.
The first to come to her senses was Consort Xuan. Though inexperienced, she knew what to do. Consort Xuan took a deep breath and said in a low voice, "Haitao, quickly, quickly help Consort Wan to the palace to rest. Xia Mama? Report this matter to Her Majesty the Empress immediately!"
It is a joyous occasion to have a child on the Emperor's birthday.
Before Granny Xia could even report the good news, a quick-witted palace maid trotted forward to deliver the message.
A smile immediately appeared on Kangxi's face. He clapped his hands and laughed heartily, "Good, good, good! This is a good thing! This is a good thing! Liang Jiugong, quickly go and fetch the imperial physician."
Granny Xia was a step too slow.
Unlike the palace maid who directly diagnosed her as pregnant, she was cautious in her wording, saying that the imperial physicians checked her pulse every five days and had not detected any signs of pregnancy before, so it might be due to Consort Wan's gastrointestinal discomfort.
Kangxi, however, disagreed.
He thought about it carefully and sighed: "It was my fault. When we went to Xianfu Palace to eat roast meat last time, Consort Wan especially liked sour sauce, and I was too embarrassed to say that it was too sour. Now that I think about it, maybe her taste has changed since she got pregnant."
The Empress was delighted, but also somewhat solemn.
Compared to the troublesome and disruptive Wuya Changzai, Wan Guiren's sudden good news was indeed more gratifying, but at the same time, it also caused some concern.
She squeezed Kangxi's palm: "Your Majesty, let's have the imperial physician diagnose this matter first. After all, Consort Wan just escaped death before the New Year, so it's best to be careful in everything. Even if she is pregnant, she still needs to be careful!"
The Empress Dowager nodded: "The Empress is right."
Despite her thoughts, her expectations remained high. The Empress Dowager had specifically assigned Su Mala to look after Consort Wan, and most importantly, to report back immediately upon receiving any news!
I wish I were pregnant!
I hope she's not pregnant!
Everyone present was distracted and no longer had any interest in watching the performance; their attention was entirely focused on Wan Guiren.
As for Wan Anran?
She was helped into the palace in a daze, and finally came to her senses after sitting on the soft couch.
Looking at Hai Tao, who was beaming with joy, and the group of nervous palace servants, Wan Anran chuckled awkwardly: "Perhaps... perhaps I ate too much at once. It's not that I'm pregnant, really."
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