In fact, not only Consort Rong could not tolerate it, but the other concubines who had children could not tolerate it either.
Consort Hui, Consort Yi, and Consort Cheng were already worried, as was Noble Lady Liang. However, her rank was too low, and the ladies above her had no idea what to do, so she could only worry helplessly.
The anxious empresses, seeing that the auspicious day chosen by Emperor Kangxi was approaching, gathered together. Regardless of any past grievances, they sat down in harmony at this moment.
"Sister Hui, you've been in the palace for a while now, so could you give us some advice? It's not like it's just a day or two, or even ten days or half a month. If we can't see our son for months on end, who can bear it!"
It was Consort Yi who spoke. She was quite blunt, which Consort Hui disliked. She said something like, "She's been in the palace longer, doesn't she know how to speak properly?"
However, now is not the time to dwell on this. Consort Hui was only slightly unhappy in her heart. She was the oldest among them, but when it came to making decisions, she really didn't have any good ideas.
"Sister Yi, don't just rely on others, think of a way yourself."
“If my younger sister had a solution, she wouldn’t need to come and ask her older sister.”
Consort Hui was momentarily speechless and stopped arguing with her, as dealing with important matters was more important.
At this moment, Consort Rong spoke up: "Unless His Majesty changes his mind, there is no way to resolve this matter."
The Emperor's trip to the garden has already been decided; it's impossible for him to cancel it and leave the children in the palace. That's out of the question. Even if Kangxi were willing, they wouldn't! If the children are separated from their parents for a long time, their bond will weaken, and it will be difficult to rebuild it later. Although the father-son relationship in the royal family is fragile, it is extremely valuable when necessary.
Consort Yi: "But none of us have the power to make His Majesty change his mind, so it's as if Sister Rong didn't say anything at all."
At this moment, Consort Liang, who was not particularly noticeable but had been brought along by Consort Hui to make up the numbers, spoke up: "Your Majesty, I think we can go to the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager dotes on her grandchildren and would not want the children to be separated from their mother."
Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes lit up. That's right! How could they have forgotten about the Empress Dowager?
At this moment, Consort Hui spoke up: "Your Fifth Prince is being raised by the Empress Dowager's side, so it's most appropriate for you to speak on this matter, Miss Yi. What do you think?"
Consort Yi nodded in agreement, but she knew she wouldn't be going alone.
The group agreed to go to the Empress Dowager's place together that afternoon.
In the afternoon, just after the Empress Dowager woke up from her afternoon nap, Consort Hui, Consort Rong, Consort Yi, Consort Cheng, and Noble Lady Liang came over.
Consort Hui and the others did not bring the concubines who had given birth to daughters this time.
"How did you get here?"
Consort Yi smiled and said, "Yesterday, I heard from Xiao Wu that Your Majesty ate half a bowl less rice. I was wondering if Your Majesty was bored, so today I came with a few of my sisters to keep Your Majesty company and chat with you! We can also amuse Your Majesty and relieve your boredom."
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager smiled kindly. She had indeed eaten half a bowl less rice yesterday. When the Fifth Prince came to pay his respects, they had eaten together. It was kind of the Fifth Prince, who was so young, to remember her daily food intake. The Empress Dowager was willing to support the Fifth Prince, and she was naturally pleased that he was so filial.
"It's good that you have this intention. I will definitely eat half a bowl more rice today."
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Consort Yi began to get down to business.
"I heard that His Majesty is moving to a garden in the suburbs, and he will be taking the Crown Prince and all the other princes with him. I wonder if Xiao Wu will be able to get used to it."
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager understood why they had come today. There were no stupid or foolish people in the palace; if there were, they would have long since turned to dust.
She doesn't mind; that's only natural.
"The Emperor has spoken to me about this matter, but the specific procedures haven't been finalized yet. If you're worried about the children, I'll have the Emperor come over tonight to ask him."
With the Empress Dowager's words, they knew that she was willing to help.
"With Your Majesty's words, I can finally rest assured."
After they left Cining Palace, the Empress Dowager sent someone to Qianqing Palace, and Emperor Kangxi went to Cining Palace for dinner that evening.
"The Queen's Mother."
"The emperor has arrived. Please sit down and let's talk."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Kangxi first inquired about the Empress Dowager's health before asking, "Does Your Majesty have something to say to me?"
“Indeed, there are some things. This afternoon, Consort Hui, Consort Rong, and Consort Yi all came over. They are about to move to Muqing Garden. The Crown Prince and all the other princes are also going there. We don’t know when they will return. These mothers are worried about being separated from their children for so long, so they came to me for help and asked me to ask you.”
Upon hearing this, Kangxi frowned slightly. He had built Muqing Garden to pursue his wife, and he brought the children there because he was afraid that they would become undisciplined and not study diligently after he had been away from the palace for too long. If he really brought his concubines there, he would probably have no hope of pursuing his wife.
However, what the Empress Dowager said was indeed a problem. The son was separated from his own mother for several months at a time, and he had not thought this through.
“Your Majesty is right. This matter was indeed ill-considered. Rest assured, Your Majesty, I will make proper arrangements before leaving the palace.”
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager smiled, looking much more relaxed. She then said, "Before she passed away, my mother instructed me to keep a close eye on the children. Don't blame me for being nosy."
"How could that be? I know that my mother meant well."
"Good, I'm relieved that you think that way. By the way, you haven't had dinner yet, have you? I've asked the kitchen to prepare some food. Let's eat first!"
"Alright, I'll do as my mother says."
After leaving the Cining Palace, Kangxi began to think about how to make arrangements.
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