There were many others who shared the same thoughts as Consort Yi, after all, Consort Wenxi's invitation was too sudden.
As for Consort Wenxi, she managed the harem far better than Consort Tong before her, always treating everyone equally and rarely causing trouble.
That is why her practice of inviting people to watch operas is so surprising.
Finally, the day to watch the opera arrived.
In the Imperial Garden, across the waterside pavilion, Kunqu Opera was being sung on the stage. However, Consort Wenxi's mind was not on the opera. After the first half of the performance, during the intermission, Consort Wenxi's nanny suddenly said, "Your Majesty, the imperial physician has arrived."
Consort Hui, who was closer to Consort Wenxi, spoke up: "What's wrong with Your Highness? Why did you suddenly summon the imperial physician?"
"It's nothing serious, just a little uncomfortable. Someone called the imperial physician over."
Amidst everyone's concern, the imperial physician examined Consort Wenxi's pulse.
The imperial physician said, "Your Majesty is fine. It's just a change of seasons. Just pay attention to your diet."
Consort Wenxi nodded: "Thank you for your trouble, Imperial Physician. Now that you're here, please examine all of you sisters!"
Upon hearing this, most people felt that Consort Wenxi was indeed thoughtful and considerate, except for Consort Shi, whose face turned frighteningly pale at this moment.
Consort Xu suddenly spoke up: "Sister Shi, are you alright? Look at your complexion, Your Majesty, why don't you let the imperial physician examine Consort Xu first!"
Looking at Consort Shi's deathly pale face, Consort Wenxi was already fairly certain of the truth.
Consort Shi quickly shook her head: "No need, I'm fine."
Xu Changzai said "enthusiastically": "How could it be nothing? Look how pale you are, sister. Don't hide your illness and avoid seeking medical treatment, sister."
The others also offered their advice to Shi Changzai, and a few of the more perceptive ones noticed something amiss, but they hesitated to speak up, as they themselves did not know the specifics of the situation.
Finally, Shi Changzai was examined by the imperial physician with a deathly pale face. At this moment, Shi Changzai could only pray that she would not be discovered, but was that possible?
After a long while, the imperial physician finally stood up and said, "Young Master Shi is deficient in qi and blood and needs more nourishment."
Consort Wenxi had made arrangements; she wouldn't let this scandal be exposed in public. After hearing the imperial physician's words, she understood the situation.
"Did you hear that, Consort Shi? You'd better take good care of yourself in the future."
"Yes, thank you, Your Majesty."
Shi Changzai also breathed a sigh of relief, thankfully she hadn't been discovered.
After the opera ended, Consort Wenxi returned to her palace, and the imperial physician came over again.
Consort Wenxi asked, "Tell me about Consort Shi's situation?"
"Shi Changzai did have an abortion, and because she didn't take good care of herself, she became very weak."
After listening, Consort Wenxi had a headache for a while: "Alright, can you at least tell me what you think about this?"
"This servant understands."
"Granny, please escort the imperial physician to me."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
After the old woman saw the imperial physician off and returned, she said, "Your Majesty, should we inform His Majesty about this matter?"
"I will definitely say it." With a sigh, Consort Wenxi said, "Prepare pen and ink."
Consort Wenxi didn't have much affection for Emperor Kangxi. Now that she was a consort, she had the highest rank in the harem, and with no one above her to control her, her life in the palace couldn't be more comfortable.
But there are always people who can't stand her living a comfortable life and always try to find something for her to do.
In the study, Consort Wenxi wrote down the matter concerning Consort Shi and then had it urgently sent to Muqing Garden.
The letter arrived that same day.
"Your Majesty, Consort Wenxi has sent a message saying it is an important matter."
Emperor Kangxi still trusted Consort Wenxi to some extent, knowing that she was not the type to joke. Since she said it was something important, it must really be something important.
"Give it to me!"
“Zha”
Kangxi took the letter from Liang Jiugong, opened it, and read it without expression.
When Chun agreed to fake a pregnancy, he suspected he had been cuckolded, and he was genuinely furious at the time. But this time, when he heard Consort Wenxi talking about Consort Shi, he only felt displeasure. He was displeased that someone was being unruly, but he wasn't angry.
Regarding the concubines in the harem, Kangxi believed he had not wronged them. They entered the palace and stayed voluntarily; otherwise, it wouldn't have been impossible for them to be dismissed. Entering the palace brought them wealth and honor, which was their choice.
Anyone who enters the palace must be prepared to be sidelined, but Emperor Kangxi simply made the entire harem sidelined.
Emperor Kangxi would definitely investigate and punish Consort Shi for adultery.
Because of this incident, Emperor Kangxi began to consider the arrangements for the concubines in the harem.
It's not that he can't keep those people, but after what happened, he plans to make other arrangements for the harem.
After reading the letter, Kangxi burned it and then summoned his secret guards to investigate Consort Shi's matter. If it was true, they would handle it according to the rules.
Emperor Kangxi did not intend to make a big fuss about this, as it would be difficult for him to save face.
"You're in a bad mood today, is something wrong?"
Kangxi was naturally unwilling to discuss Shi Changzai's adultery with someone, not because of a lack of trust, but because it was simply too embarrassing to talk about.
"It's nothing, I'm just a little tired from reading too many memorials."
"In that case, you should rest well today. There's no rush at the farm."
This means you have to sleep alone at night.
Kangxi suddenly made a joke overnight, but he didn't say anything.
Two days later, the people Kangxi sent to investigate returned, and the results were even more serious than Kangxi had imagined. They not only found out that Consort Shi had had an abortion, but also that Consort Shi had an affair with a eunuch.
This matter made Emperor Kangxi somewhat uncomfortable.
During the Ming Dynasty, the practice of eunuchs and palace maids engaging in sexual relations was prevalent. In the Qing Dynasty, during the reign of Emperor Shunzhi, this practice was banned, but it was only officially prohibited. In reality, it was repeatedly prohibited but not stopped. Now, this practice has even been extended to the concubines in the imperial harem.
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