If he only had physical needs for Youqing, then most of the memories he had of Youqing were interesting ones.
For example, the ugly snowman at Jiangxue Pavilion.
When I open the Records of the Grand Historian, all I can picture is You Qing speaking eloquently about Qin Shi Huang.
Even when there's a fish dish on the table, he can recall the taste of the fish soup that Youqing once made for him.
Of course, there were also countless nights of sweet whispers.
...
When the scenery evokes memories, one might think of a certain person. Kangxi was perfectly aware that he had developed feelings for Youqing.
This situation is somewhat complicated. If he didn't see ghosts every time he touched a woman, perhaps it wouldn't be so intense. But the reality is that he has this problem. He met Youqing, so he fell in love and his mind became confused.
So much so that I still think about it intensely.
Feelings are unpredictable! You often realize things too late.
After the New Year, on the second day of the Lunar New Year, the Empress Dowager took it upon herself to bring back a woman, Lin Miaoting, a former imperial concubine, who bore a resemblance to You Qing.
On the second day of the Lunar New Year, Emperor Kangxi began writing, and various government affairs began to return to normal. He became busy and was unaware of this matter. On the fifth day, he went to Cining Palace to pay his respects to the Empress Dowager and saw Lin Miaoting dressed in simple and elegant attire.
Youqing also preferred simple and elegant attire, especially her head, which was almost entirely devoid of jewelry. When Kangxi asked why, she replied that she found the jewelry too heavy and uncomfortable to wear.
Lin Miaoting only learned five parts of it, and although her outfit was simple and elegant, she still had too many things on her head.
It had the form but lacked the spirit, and at first glance it was indeed somewhat indistinguishable from the real thing. However, upon closer inspection, it was a cheap imitation made up with heavy makeup, a poor imitation. This made Kangxi frown and feel very displeased. If this were not the Cining Palace, he would probably have lost his temper.
"The Emperor has arrived. Miaoting, serve him tea."
Lin Miaoting finally returned from the temple. Life there was hard and boring, and she didn't want to go back. She hadn't expected to be able to enter the palace again, but now that the opportunity was right in front of her, she was determined to seize it.
These past few days, she has been studying Consort Shu's attire and dressing style, and practicing her tea-serving techniques repeatedly, all for today's moment.
Having received the Empress Dowager's words, she carried the tea to Emperor Kangxi, bowed slightly, revealing her porcelain-white neck, smiled demurely, and said softly, "Your Majesty, please have some tea."
Lin Miaoting wasn't ugly, but her behavior annoyed Kangxi. He admitted to himself that he had feelings for Youqing, but what was Lin Miaoting anyway? Did she really think he would take just anyone? A fake.
However, since they were in the Cining Palace, he held back his temper, but he didn't give Lin Miaoting a pleasant look either.
At this moment, the Empress Dowager spoke up: "I see that you don't look well. State affairs are important, but you should also take care of your health."
"You're too kind, Grandma. I will take good care of myself."
"Liang Jiugong is good, but he is not as meticulous as a woman. How about this, I have a meticulous person by my side, you can take her back, and she can take care of your health for me."
At this moment, Lin Miaoting lowered her head shyly.
Kangxi naturally understood what the Empress Dowager meant, but he really didn't want Lin Miaoting, even if she was perfectly healthy.
He's not a junk collector; he doesn't take just anyone.
"Grandma cares about her grandson, so of course I won't disagree. I think Granny Ming is quite good. She cooks soup well, and I love drinking her soup. Grandma, how about giving Granny Ming to me?"
These words were a clear rejection of Lin Miaoting serving him. The Empress Dowager understood his meaning, and so did Lin Miaoting. She was unwilling, but at this moment, she dared not say anything.
He could only lower his head and reveal his resentment where no one could see him.
The Empress Dowager sighed inwardly, then smiled and said, "It's rare that you like Granny Ming's cooking. Since you like it, I'll give Granny Ming to you."
Before leaving the Cining Palace, Kangxi said, "Grandma, I think this palace maid is clumsy and won't be able to serve you well. Please send her back to where she is!"
He didn't want to see Lin Miaoting posing and flaunting herself, which was annoying, especially since she was staring at a face that resembled his sweetheart's. She didn't deserve it.
The Empress Dowager sighed inwardly, "Alright, I understand."
Upon hearing this, Lin Miaoting was stunned. Her face turned ashen, and she looked extremely unwell. For a moment, she didn't know what to do.
By the time she realized what was happening, Emperor Kangxi had already left Cining Palace.
After he left, Lin Miaoting couldn't help but kneel on the ground. The Empress Dowager frowned at this, wondering what kind of behavior this was.
"Guards, take him out."
Lin Miaoting knew that once she left this temple, all that awaited her was a lifetime of Buddhist devotion and solitary meditation. She had never wanted to experience that kind of life again.
"Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, I beg you to give me another chance. I will certainly not let you down."
The Empress Dowager shook her head and waved her hand. Lin Miaoting's mouth was covered, and she was dragged away from Cining Palace.
Using Lin Miaoting was merely a test by the Empress Dowager. She clearly saw through Kangxi's behavior and knew that it was unlikely she could find a substitute to replace Consort Shu.
Since this is impossible, there is no need for Lin Miaoting to stay in the palace any longer.
The next day, Lin Miaoting was sent back to the temple, and this time she would really have to spend the rest of her life with the lamplight.
She was unwilling, but what could she do? It was all her own doing. If she hadn't tried such underhanded methods during the talent show, things wouldn't have turned out this way.
The Empress Dowager kept Lin Miaoting's affair a secret, but a living person who has ever appeared cannot be without leaving a trace. The fact that Lin Miaoting came and was then sent away by Kangxi is something that those who need to know know.
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