Chapter 95: The Fifth Princess Consort

Chapter 95: The Fifth Princess Consort

The news of Ming Zhu's severe illness quickly spread throughout the imperial court and the harem. Empress Hui and Elder Brother Prince sent people to visit the Nalan residence for several consecutive days, but instead of improving, Ming Zhu's condition worsened.

It was said that Elder Brother Prince was so anxious that he even got a fever in the mansion, showing how truly worried he was.

However, it is understandable. Ming Zhu has always been a core figure and strategist for Elder Brother Prince. Over the years, Elder Brother Prince has relied on him for many matters. Now that he suddenly fell ill, if something were to happen to him, Elder Brother Prince would lose a powerful right-hand man.

An Qing did not have much of an impression of Ming Zhu. Although both Ming Zhu and Suoetu were famous ministers during Emperor Kangxi's reign, by the time she married into the family, they had already lost their prominence due to previous factional conflicts and were no longer favored by Emperor Kangxi. Their presence in the court had diminished, so there wasn't much news about them.

However, An Qing knew a bit about these two figures from history. After all, they played significant roles in the struggle for succession among the nine princes.

Historically, as a member of Elder Brother Prince's faction, Ming Zhu gradually disappeared from the political scene during the later stages of the succession struggle. It seems now that he was seriously ill.

An Qing didn't think much about it at first, assuming Ming Zhu was genuinely sick. But then she learned from Yinqi that Ming Zhu might be feigning illness.

"Feigning illness?" she asked in surprise. "Why?"

At this point, Elder Brother Prince's faction was flourishing. It made no sense for him to step back suddenly. Did he have some kind of foresight or knowledge of historical events?

Regardless of which, it seemed impossible. So why was he doing this? An Qing couldn't figure it out.

Yinqi didn't hide anything from her. "On the day we returned to the palace, Father Emperor summoned him and Suoetu to the Palace of Heavenly Purity and gave them a stern warning."

An Qing thought to herself that it made sense. Both of them were no longer in high positions in the court, so Emperor Kangxi's warning was clear.

"Did Suoetu claim to be sick too?" she asked.

Yinqi understood what she meant and shook his head. "No, Suoetu still maintains mysterious interactions with the Second Prince."

An Qing nodded thoughtfully, feeling a bit impressed. Ming Zhu was indeed smart. He knew this was Emperor Kangxi's last chance for them. If they seized it, they might still have a chance at survival.

From historical records, Suoetu failed to seize this opportunity and remained stubborn, leading to a tragic end for himself and his descendants.

But Ming Zhu clearly seized it, ensuring his own survival and the continued prosperity of his sons' careers. This was already a good outcome.

Suddenly, An Qing wondered how Yinqi knew about Emperor Kangxi's warning to the two men. After all, Emperor Kangxi wouldn't make such a meeting public.

"Did you plant spies around Father Emperor?!" she asked, thinking it was the only possibility.

But that would be disastrous. If discovered, it would ruin everything, regardless of their intentions.

Yinqi looked at An Qing helplessly. What was she thinking? He wouldn't be foolish enough to plant spies around his father.

Besides, Father Emperor's surroundings were like a fortress; it was impossible to infiltrate easily.

"Minister Zhang Ying was also present that day," he explained.

An Qing blinked, still confused. "So what?"

It couldn't be that Minister Zhang Ying told him directly; they didn't have any close ties.

Yinqi rarely saw her react so slowly. While he wasn't close to Zhang Ying, he was familiar with his son, Zhang Tingyu.

"I met Hengchen today, and he hinted at it."

Zhang Tingyu couldn't openly say it, but he mentioned that "Ming Zhu is indeed wise, always clever." The rest was Yinqi's own deduction.

"Just that?" An Qing asked in surprise.

How could he deduce that Emperor Kangxi warned Ming Zhu and Suoetu, and that Ming Zhu was feigning illness, from such a casual remark?

Yinqi smiled and nodded. That was enough.

He happened to be at the Palace of Heavenly Purity when Father Emperor summoned the three for a meeting. The next day, news of Ming Zhu's illness spread. He found it too coincidental. Today, hearing Zhang Tingyu's hint, everything became clear.

Moreover, Zhang Tingyu never spoke lightly or casually. Combining the two pieces of information, it wasn't hard to deduce.

Seeing Yinqi explain his deductions so calmly, An Qing couldn't help but marvel. These politicians were indeed sharp-minded, able to infer much from little. She, a science student with a straightforward mind, knew she could never learn to do that.

However, having Yinqi, who was so perceptive about court affairs, as a teammate gave her peace of mind.

Though they didn't plan to get involved, being aware of the situation was crucial for their own safety.

After returning to the palace from the estate, An Qing finally had time to relax and focus on her pregnancy.

But she couldn't stay idle for long. One day, while sorting through her seeds, she came across the strawberry seeds given to her by officials from the Agricultural Administration Department. They said a missionary had brought them over, and Emperor Kangxi, upon hearing they were fruits, dismissed them as useless and left them with the department.

An Qing had casually asked if they had any special seeds, and the next day, she received the strawberry seeds. She was delighted; strawberries were delicious. How could they be useless?

But then she remembered Emperor Kangxi's opinion and felt it made sense. Yinqi had told her that every year, the governor-general and governor of Fujian submitted requests to offer local fruits to Emperor Kangxi, such as mangoes from Taiwan, but most were rejected.

Initially, An Qing planned to plant the strawberry seeds in her estate next spring, but seeing them now, her craving for strawberries peaked uncontrollably.

With a decisive gesture, she decided to plant them immediately. Though she lacked the modern greenhouse conditions, the current warm room technology was advanced enough. There were empty rooms in the western warm pavilion that could be used.

So, An Qing immediately instructed Little Xizi to take some silver and find someone from the Imperial Household Department to build a few warm rooms. Thinking about eating fresh, sweet strawberries during the snowy winter, she couldn't help but salivate.

"Milady, Liu Jiashi and the others have come to pay their respects," Perilla reported from outside.

An Qing was taken aback. Why were they here?

Perilla realized her mistress had forgotten the date. "Milady, today is the fifteenth. According to your rules, they must pay their respects to you."

An Qing then remembered. It was the fifteenth, no wonder. According to her established rules, they should pay their respects on the first and fifteenth of each month.

Only, ever since taking over the Royal Manor last year, An Qing has had to leave the palace frequently. This year, she's been even busier—first with the southern tour, then moving to Changchun Garden, and soon after setting up the agricultural school. She returned to the palace due to Consort Min’s passing. As a result, she often missed the first and fifteenth of each month.

She was away in the frontier for over two months, and upon returning, she went straight to the manor. Indeed, she hasn't seen many people this past year.

Tsk~ Look at how she handles her role as Fu Jin; it's certainly not very competent.

Well, the formalities must be observed, so let's go see them.

When An Qing arrived at the main hall, Liu Jiashi and the others were having tea. Upon seeing her enter, they hurriedly stood up to pay their respects.

"Please, sit down. It's been quite some time since we've met. There's no need to be so formal."

The others quickly responded affirmatively, thanked her, and sat down.

Sitting at the head of the table, An Qing silently observed the others, feeling a bit estranged.

To be honest, although she's been married for over two years, she rarely interacts with Yinqi's concubines. Liu Jiashi was confined to her quarters for a year, and later, An Qing was busy with the manor. Gatherings like this could be counted on one hand.

Even when they did meet, it was usually just exchanging pleasantries, which explains why she feels distant.

But An Qing believes she is a decent leader. At least in terms of food, clothing, and monthly allowances, she has never treated them poorly. In fact, she treats them better than most other princes' households. If this were in modern times, finding such a generous and hands-off leader would be a blessing.

Of course, An Qing understands that everyone has different aspirations.

Her gaze swept over the ladies, finally landing on Hongsheng beside Liu Jiashi, and she frowned instinctively.

Why is this child so thin? Although he was born weak, he seemed fine when he was under Yinqi's care last year. He was much healthier then.

Also, when did Hongsheng become so timid? Though he's shy, he used to be outgoing. Last year at Changchun Garden, he often visited her courtyard to play with Snowball.

Now, seeing her, he hides behind Liu Jiashi, too scared to speak or even make eye contact. His behavior is so timid. Is Liu Jiashi even capable of raising children?

No wonder Yinqi suddenly suggested bringing Hongsheng to the front yard to study a few days ago. At the time, An Qing didn’t think much of it, assuming it was because he was old enough and needed a tutor.

Now, it seems Yinqi is also dissatisfied with Liu Jiashi.

It's frustrating to see a good child raised this way. An Qing doesn’t have strong feelings towards Liu Jiashi but likes Hongsheng. Seeing him so timid breaks her heart.

Noticing An Qing's gaze, Liu Jiashi instinctively shielded Hongsheng behind her. "Fu Jin, please forgive him; he's still young and shy."

Hearing this, An Qing felt even angrier. She wanted to scold Liu Jiashi, but remembering the child was present, she held back.

No, she needs to talk to Yinqi about this later.

Though she usually avoids meddling, she can't ignore the fact that Hongsheng calls her his birth mother. She can't stand by and do nothing.

Having made up her mind, An Qing withdrew her gaze, picked up the nearby tea, and sipped it calmly.

While she observed the others, they were also observing her.

Seeing An Qing's rosy complexion, Liu Jiashi guessed the pregnancy was stable. Staring at her slightly swollen belly, she felt resentment.

Despite all the activities—setting up the agricultural school and traveling to the frontier—how could there be no mishap? It’s unfair. When she was pregnant with Hongsheng, she couldn’t do anything. Now, looking at An Qing, she felt increasingly resentful.

She had hoped all the commotion would cause a miscarriage, but now, her handkerchief in her sleeve was nearly torn to shreds.

Baijia Shi, watching An Qing's belly, felt a surge of jealousy, which turned into frustration as she looked at her own flat abdomen.

She wanted her own child, but with Fu Jin controlling everything, even speaking to Yinqi was difficult, let alone having a child.

Recalling Fu Jin's wedding, she had thought someone could balance Liu Jiashi. Now, she realized how foolish that was. At least Liu Jiashi occasionally visited her chambers.

Now, Baijia Shi clenched her teeth in frustration.

Guoerjiashi remained silent, occasionally joining the conversation when prompted by An Qing.

After chatting aimlessly for a while, An Qing feigned fatigue and dismissed them.

"Madam, why was Liu Jiashi staring at your belly? I hope she doesn’t have ill intentions," Cui Liu muttered as soon as they left.

An Qing noticed too. She wasn’t naive; though she couldn’t guess Liu Jiashi’s thoughts, she knew they weren’t positive towards her pregnancy.

Perilla asked worriedly, "Madam, should we keep an eye on Liu Jiashi?"

An Qing pondered for a moment. While she didn’t want to assume the worst, it was wise to be cautious.

Instinctively touching her belly, she recalled that initially, she hadn’t felt much attachment to the child. But as it grew and started moving, she began to understand the phrase "a child is a mother’s bond."

She vowed to protect her child.

"Keep an eye on her," An Qing said softly, "but focus more on our own courtyard."

Though her servants had been loyal, it’s best to be vigilant. After all, wealth tempts the heart, and human nature is unpredictable.

Perilla understood and agreed.

After leaving the main hall, Liu Jiashi and the others returned to their respective quarters. The layout of the rear courtyard remained unchanged: Liu Jiashi and Hongsheng lived in the eastern wing, while Baijia Shi and Guoerjiashi resided in the western wing.

In the western wing.

Upon entering the courtyard, Baijia Shi couldn’t help but say sarcastically, "They say the Eighth Fu Jin is jealous, but compared to ours, she’s nothing. Our Fu Jin is far worse."

Guoerjiashi glanced at her but said nothing.

After venting, Baijia Shi continued, "Who else in the Imperial City keeps their husband to themselves while pregnant? Only here."

Guoerjiashi lowered her eyes, seemingly indifferent, "Fu Jin didn’t forbid Beile from coming to the rear courtyard."

He simply chose not to come.

This point was not obvious to others, but as the princesses in the master's courtyard, they naturally saw it more clearly than outsiders. In fact, this had nothing to do with their Fulinjin.

Baijia Shi choked and her gaze towards Guanjia Shi turned hostile instantly. "Which side are you on? If Master doesn't come to the courtyard, you won't get anything either!"

"Moreover, it's not that Fulinjin didn't forbid Master from coming to the courtyard; she just pretends well. I only realized this recently. Don't be fooled by her indifferent demeanor. If she truly didn't care, why would she always drag Master around? Look at this past year—how many days has Master spent in the palace? Even if he wanted to come to the courtyard, when would he have the chance?"

From the southern tour at the beginning of the year, they were left behind in the palace. That was fine, but later, when Fulinjin was diagnosed as pregnant, she pretended to be magnanimous and took them all to Changchun Garden. However, she then turned around and dragged Master to the country estate. And don't even mention the trip to the frontier.

Who would let a pregnant woman run around like that? She is different from everyone else!

"Fulinjin would rather risk the child in her belly than let Master go. Her intentions are quite deep. I've noticed that she is the one with the most cunning." Baijia Shi said angrily.

When she scolded and ridiculed me before, she spoke nicely, even mocking me for not being favored by Master. If she really thought we were useless and not favored by Master, why would she resort to such underhanded tactics? Clearly, she fears that we might gain Master's favor.

The more Baijia Shi thought about it, the angrier she became. Without giving Guanjia Shi a chance to respond, she turned and went back to her room. Before leaving, she glared fiercely at Guanjia Shi, clearly resenting her for what she had said.

Guanjia Shi stood silently in the courtyard for a moment before turning and returning to her own room.

Once back in her room, her attendant Qing'er couldn't help but say, "My lady, why did you do that? You and Princess Baijia had just started to mend your relationship. Why ruin it by speaking up for Fulinjin?"

After all, they lived in the same courtyard, and Baijia Shi was known for causing trouble. After today, she would likely give her a hard time again.

Guanjia Shi smiled and replied, "I wasn't speaking up for Fulinjin; I was just telling the truth."

Qing'er found it increasingly difficult to understand her mistress. If she was close to Fulinjin, she didn't seem to be actively seeking favor. She wondered what her mistress was after.

"What's there to misunderstand? I just want to live a peaceful life," Guanjia Shi said with a smile.

Ever since the incident at Changchun Garden two years ago, when she needed money for her family, Fulinjin seemed to know about her sending money home. Since then, the gifts and holiday presents sent to her were no longer ornamental items that couldn't be sold but practical things that could be exchanged for money.

Though Fulinjin never said anything, Guanjia Shi felt grateful for this kindness. She had few opportunities to repay her, so defending her when misunderstood or slandered was the least she could do.

Qing'er nodded, understanding somewhat. She knew her mistress' difficulties and that she preferred to avoid unnecessary trouble. But...

"Princess, don't you think what Princess Baijia said made sense? Maybe Fulinjin isn't as favored as we think. If she truly didn't stop Master from coming to the courtyard, why would she make such a fuss?"

Guanjia Shi shook her head. "Qing'er, Fulinjin is not confined to the inner quarters. She has a broader vision and exceptional abilities. How could such a woman not attract attention?"

Therefore, it's perfectly normal for Master to like her.

As for what Baijia Shi said, it's just talk. She has known since childhood that if the men in the family want to go somewhere, no woman can stop them.

Over the past two years, Guanjia Shi observed that Fulinjin was not ordinary. From her words and actions, she could tell that Fulinjin was not an ordinary woman. This extraordinary quality extended beyond the inner quarters and into the imperial harem.

But gradually, she realized that Fulinjin was not just extraordinary; she was truly capable. With her farming skills, she caught the Emperor's attention, benefited countless people, and helped elevate her family's status.

Guanjia Shi genuinely admired her brother's letters describing Fulinjin's achievements and the gratitude of the common people.

How many women in the world could match her?

Only then did Guanjia Shi realize that Fulinjin was not an ordinary woman confined to the inner quarters. Such a woman would have her own pride and wouldn't resort to such tactics as Baijia Shi suggested.

Finally, the western wing quieted down, but the eastern wing remained unsettled.

Liu Jiashi returned from the main courtyard and immediately threw a tantrum, smashing all the tea sets on the table.

Her attendant Ruijuan, seeing this, quickly signaled someone to take Hongsheng away, fearing that Liu Jiashi might scare him.

However, before the person holding Hongsheng could move far, Liu Jiashi shouted directly.

"Bring Hongsheng to me!"

As servants, they dared not disobey their mistress and brought him over.

Liu Jiashi held Hongsheng in her arms. Clearly frightened by her actions, Hongsheng's eyes welled up with tears.

"Why are you crying? You're your father's eldest son. How can you be so weak? No wonder your father doesn't like you!" Liu Jiashi said harshly.

Hongsheng, now four years old, understood these words. But being a child, already scared, he burst into tears upon hearing that his father didn't like him.

Liu Jiashi, already annoyed, was further infuriated by his crying. "Crying, crying, all you know how to do is cry! Wait until Fulinjin's child is born; then you'll have plenty to cry about!"