Emperor Kangxi laughed heartily.
He didn't deny it and even sighed, "It's been a long time since I've dined at Chuxiu Palace."
Kangxi's gaze shifted and landed on Consort Qi's fingertips.
He asked with slight curiosity, "What are you doing today?"
On the round table sat a large bamboo basket piled high with potatoes, corn, carrots, various mushrooms, cucumbers, and other vegetables. On the other side were soaked and rehydrated black fungus and dried gongcai (a type of vegetable), and other bowls held fresh seafood and meat. Judging from this arrangement, it was clear that Consort Qi was preparing a meal.
Emperor Kangxi looked expectant.
Wan Anran glanced at him, then raised her eyebrows and pushed the bamboo basket towards Kangxi: "Your Majesty, if you want to eat, why don't we eat together?"
Emperor Kangxi was slightly taken aback.
The palace servants couldn't help but gasp. Liang Jiugong stared wide-eyed, wondering if Consort Qi had lost her mind. Otherwise, how could she have such audacity?
A wise man keeps away from the kitchen, let alone the emperor?
Wan Anran regretted her words as soon as they were spoken, and then gently advised, "The food is being prepared rather slowly, so why don't you come later, Your Majesty?"
Kangxi was unconvinced. He rolled up his sleeves and said, "I can even farm and harvest grain. What can't I do? Tell me, what kind of help do you want me to provide?"
"Is the Emperor here to chop potatoes?"
"...That's a trivial matter, isn't it?" Kangxi's gaze sharpened, and he began to prepare to cut the potato. He grabbed the grayish potato and was about to startle Wan Anran.
Wan Anran quickly reached out to stop her.
She dared to give the order before Kangxi could get angry: "Your Majesty, the potatoes must be washed and peeled before they can be cut. The slices should be even and thin enough to be translucent."
Emperor Kangxi coughed and said, "Of course I know."
His gaze then swept over Liang Jiugong, who was standing to the side: "Aren't you going to wash the potatoes?"
Finally, it's time to cut the potatoes.
Wan Anran, who was busy cutting beef, couldn't help but cast a worried glance, almost cutting her own hand.
Kangxi glared at Consort Qi and snorted, "Worried about me? I think you should worry about yourself first!"
He twirled the cleaver in his hand, then brought it down heavily on the potato. Unlike Wan Anran's worries, although Kangxi's initial potato slices had some issues, he found his rhythm after a few cuts. Not only was he incredibly fast, but the potato slices he made were also uniformly thin, and each slice was truly translucent.
Wan Anran put down the kitchen knife in surprise.
As she placed the sliced potatoes into the water, she exclaimed in amazement, "Your Majesty, your technique is absolutely superb!"
Kangxi thought to himself with pride, "I am skilled with swords and weapons; how could this matter be difficult for me?"
Wan Anran clapped her hands: "Yes! Your Majesty is amazing!"
Before Kangxi could even feel smug, Wan Anran excitedly brought over the beef, honeycomb tripe, and other cuts she was holding: "And this, Your Majesty, would you please cut it for me as well?"
Kangxi: ...
Since we've already cut the potatoes, why don't we reluctantly cut some too? Kangxi twisted his arm and actually got to work.
I must say, this stuff is actually quite good at venting my emotions.
The emperor was happily chopping vegetables, while Liang Jiugong watched from the side, stamping his feet in frustration. Just as he was pondering how to persuade the emperor, a plate was shoved into his hand.
Liang Jiugong looked up in confusion.
Consort Qi cupped her cheeks and smiled, "Leave the task of removing the shrimp veins to Eunuch Liang!"
Liang Jiugong fell into deep thought.
But seeing the emperor diligently chopping potatoes, what right did he have to refuse? He had no choice but to take the plate and obediently begin removing the shrimp veins.
Wan Anran, Hai Tao, and the others got together to work on other things. They also had to blanch the meat that Kangxi had chopped with scallions, ginger, and garlic. They were busy for half an hour. When everyone stopped, the table was already full of various foods skewered on bamboo sticks.
Pots have already been set up under the corridor.
The pot was filled with chili oil, a recipe specially prepared by Chef Zhao from the Imperial Kitchen. After simmering the skewered food in the pot for a while, Wan Anran looked up at Kangxi: "Your Majesty?"
Emperor Kangxi sat cross-legged on the long corridor.
It's very satisfying to prepare food yourself after all the hard work, and the slicing of meat with a bang also helped me release my emotions.
Wan Anran picked up the warm wine with both hands and poured a cup for the emperor. Since the earthquake, the emperor had been busy without a moment's rest; he must have many worries.
Kangxi raised his eyebrows.
He glanced at Consort Qi in surprise, but said nothing. He simply picked up his wine cup and drank it all in one gulp. The wine was mellow on the palate and spicy on the aftertaste. Kangxi's cheeks flushed slightly: "Good wine!"
"If it's good wine, drink a few more cups." Wan Anran filled Kangxi's cup again, and of course, he didn't forget to pour himself a cup as well.
The wine was both clear and strong, and the two drank with great gusto. Just as the wine-loving poet Li Bai had said: "Raising a cup to drown sorrows only brings more sorrow." As he drank, Kangxi couldn't help but start muttering to himself: "Do those who rebelled against the Three Feudatories really think they can sweep away the previous predicament? What use is a spoiled brat like Wu Shifan?"
The sudden words sent chills down the spines of the surrounding palace servants. They held their breath, bowed their heads and raised their hands, trying their best to minimize their presence, even Liang Jiugong was no exception.
Wan Anran glanced at everyone.
Hai Tao quickly signaled the palace servants to leave, and everyone walked away, leaving only Wan Anran and Kangxi on the long corridor.
Wan Anran tilted her head back and drank the wine in her glass in one gulp.
The eighteenth year of Kangxi's reign was arguably the most difficult year since he assumed personal rule. Despite the seemingly excellent situation, a sudden turn of events and numerous complications left the young emperor feeling frustrated and resentful.
Wan Anran listened quietly to Kangxi's ramblings with a smile. She knew perfectly well that the emperor before her did not need any opinions from her; he simply wanted to vent and say things he couldn't say in public.
As for myself, I can only be an emotional dumping ground for now, and just listen to the emperor's words.
Wan Anran stared blankly at the courtyard.
It seems there's still some space in the yard. How about we do some parent-child farming together after Yinzhen turns one and a half? We can plant some potatoes here, some tomatoes here, and some strawberries here...
"And that Zheng Jing, does he really think I won't dare to deal with him just because I'm busy with the Three Feudatories? I'll make sure he knows..." Kangxi kept nagging on and on.
Wan Anran moved the wine aside and replaced it with a pot of tea.
Sure enough, as soon as he changed into his teacup, Kangxi picked up the teacup, took a sip, moistened his lips, and prepared to continue speaking.
Before she could even speak, a commotion arose near the gate of Chuxiu Palace. A messenger went to inquire and discovered that Consort Miao was unwell and wished the Emperor to take a look at her.
Kangxi's drunkenness vanished instantly, and his face turned as black as the bottom of a pot.
Wan Anran secretly shook her head. The emperor hated this kind of person the most, and Consort Miao had just walked right into his line of fire.
Before Kangxi could speak, another eunuch rushed in. His face was beaming with joy: "Your Majesty, news has come from Yikun Palace that Consort Yi has gone into labor."
Emperor Kangxi was slightly taken aback.
A hint of surprise and joy appeared on his previously gloomy face. He didn't even bother to eat, and after comforting Consort Qi for a few moments, he hurriedly left.
Chuxiu Palace fell silent instantly.
Hai Tao's face showed some resentment: "Not to mention Consort Yi, even Consort Miao dares to be so disrespectful to her superiors."
"Never mind, never mind."
"Master—!" Hai Tao sighed helplessly, feeling that her master's temper was just too good.
Wan Anran picked up the teacup and drank it all in one gulp.
She said calmly, "Don't forget, the last person who threw a tantrum because of her pregnancy was Uya."
When the name Uya was mentioned, Haitao immediately fell silent.
She quickly changed the subject: "Your Majesty, do you think Consort Yi will get what she wants this time?"
Wan Anran thought for a moment: "Perhaps...?"
Hai Tao couldn't help but pout: "If he gets what he wants this time, wouldn't Consort Yi be even more pleased?"
Historically, Consort Yi enjoyed the emperor's favor for even longer.
Wan Anran smiled and said, "Let her be proud, it doesn't bother us. Besides, are we afraid of her?"
Consort Yi gave birth to the Thirteenth Prince.
Hearing that the child was perfectly healthy, Emperor Kangxi was overjoyed and immediately named him Yinqi.
Similar to, yet dissimilar to, historical events.
For example, after the New Year, the princes' jade tablets were finally revised. Yinzhen sat on a small stool, listening to everyone's address, and felt a vague sense of things being different now.
He was no longer the Fourth Prince, but the Fifth Prince.
Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, it's late spring and early summer again. One-and-a-half-year-old Yinzhen is healthy and strong, always walking around the yard with a waddling gait, and occasionally jumping around.
The only regrettable thing is that he doesn't like toys.
Despite having prepared so many swings, slides, and other such items, which were previously greatly favored by Crown Prince Yinreng and Yinzuo, Yinzhen remained indifferent to them, only reluctantly setting them up at her request.
Wan Anran couldn't help but feel melancholy.
What's most baffling is why Yinzhen (Emperor Yongzheng) loved playing in the mud so much? Considering the historical rumors that Emperor Yongzheng loved farming, could it be that he started from a young age?
Look! There are all sorts of toys piled up over there.
Look again! Yinzhen, who was indifferent and even a little cold towards the toys, walked towards the flower garden with a golden hoe in his arms.
Wan Anran felt deeply depressed.
Wait a minute… Wan Anran stared at the golden hoe for a long time: “Where did this hoe come from?”
Granny Zhao replied cheerfully, "My lady, this is a gift from the Emperor, and there's a whole set!"
That's right.
Wan Anran stared expressionlessly at the golden hoe, golden rake, golden shovel, golden spade...
It really is a set! :)
Your Majesty, you are truly amazing!
When Emperor Kangxi arrived at Chuxiu Palace, he saw Consort Qi looking resentful. His eyelids twitched, and he casually asked, "I plan to take you to stay in the West Garden for a while."
The resentful look vanished instantly.
Wan Anran cheered and took Kangxi's arm with both hands: "Your Majesty, you are amazing!"
This change is too drastic, isn't it?
Emperor Kangxi was already used to Consort Qi's change of attitude, and casually instructed her, "I only mentioned this to the Empress. Don't say it out loud for now, understand?"
Wan Anran bowed deeply and replied, "Yes."
After getting up, she couldn't help but pout again: "Do I look like someone with such a big mouth?"
Kangxi smiled but didn't say anything.
The disdainful look ignited a spark in Wan Anran's eyes, but before she could speak, Kangxi changed the subject, casually inquiring about dinner that evening.
Compared to other noisy palaces, the quiet and comfortable Chuxiu Palace became a rare place for Emperor Kangxi to relax and rest.
Wan Anran rarely starts to look forward to things.
Going to Xiyuan means seeing pandas and petting pandas. I wonder how big the red pandas have grown since I last saw them in over half a year? Are they eating well? Are they sleeping well? Just thinking about the giant pandas makes even cats seem less appealing!
But something broke the silence in the palace.
Good heavens! First, Consort Dai announced her pregnancy in the palace, then Consort An announced her pregnancy, and then even Consort Tong announced her pregnancy!
Wait, wait, wait?
Isn't this timing a bit off? Wan Anran was completely dumbfounded, unable to even count on her fingers who was pregnant with each of the babies... She was completely confused.
Wan Anran slammed her forehead on the table with a loud thud.
Who cares! Let whoever wants to have a baby have one, it's none of my business anyway.
This development was something even Emperor Kangxi hadn't anticipated.
He originally forbade Consort Qi from spreading the word, fearing that more people would come to plead for her, but now that things were like this... Kangxi was both happy and worried.
The Empress Dowager, however, was overjoyed and decided to stay. Forget about being tired in the summer; she was full of energy and couldn't wait to hold her three grandchildren next year.
As for what Xiyuan?
The Empress Dowager happily instructed, "The Emperor is so kind; let him accompany the Empress Dowager for a stroll."
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