Chapter 101: The Fifth Princess Consort

Chapter 101: The Fifth Princess Consort

In the midst of a season when the biting wind and snow made it difficult for ordinary people to get fresh vegetables, the strawberries grown in An Qing's greenhouse became a sensation both inside and outside the palace.

First, she sent some to the Empress Dowager and Concubine Yi. Both praised the strawberries highly and even asked for more on the same day, showing how much they loved them.

This was within An Qing's expectations. In winter, when it is bitterly cold outside, people generally stay indoors where the warm stoves and heated floors keep things cozy but also make the air dry and stuffy.

At such a time, enjoying a cool, sweet, and tangy strawberry is simply delightful.

In her previous life, An Qing's favorite winter activity was eating delicious strawberries in a warmly heated dormitory room. She could finish a large bowl in no time, taking two bites for the larger ones and one bite for the smaller ones.

If not for her current condition, she would have indulged herself again.

As for Kangxi, An Qing naturally did not forget him. Coincidentally, when Little Xizi delivered the strawberries to the Palace of Heavenly Purity, Kangxi was meeting with several missionaries.

The missionaries recognized the strawberries immediately, as they had brought the seeds themselves. However, seeing the strawberries grown from those seeds, they were amazed.

These strawberries were not only large and sweet but also juicy, far surpassing the ones in their own country.

"May I ask, Your Majesty, did the Fifth Princess Consort truly grow these strawberries from the seeds we brought?" one missionary asked, still incredulous.

Kangxi waved his hand confidently. "Indeed, these strawberries have never been seen before in our Great Qing."

The missionaries thought about it and realized that this fruit was indeed new to the Great Qing. So why was it so exceptional?

"Could there be a special cultivation method?" another missionary speculated.

Kangxi was unsure about any special methods. In fact, he had not known that An Qing had grown strawberries from the seeds he had casually given to the Agricultural Administration Department until recently, when the Fifth Prince had consulted various court physicians.

Logically, vegetables grown in greenhouses during winter usually do not match the quality of those grown in normal seasons. Yet, according to the missionaries, An Qing's strawberries were better than those grown in their home country during regular seasons.

Since Kangxi had nothing pressing at the moment, he became curious upon seeing the missionaries' puzzled expressions and decided to send someone to the prince's residence.

When Perilla reported that someone from the Palace of Heavenly Purity had arrived, An Qing had just finished her postpartum exercises with an official midwife. She wiped the sweat from her forehead and wondered what Kangxi wanted.

Could he also be asking for more strawberries?

"If His Majesty wants strawberries, you can have Cui Liu pick some more from the greenhouse," An Qing said.

Perilla shook her head. "My lady, it's Liang Gonggong who came. He didn't mention strawberries; he just said the Emperor has something to ask you."

An Qing raised an eyebrow. What did Kangxi want to ask her?

"Alright, bring Liang Gonggong in."

An Qing was still in confinement, so Liang Jiugong could only enter the outer room and speak through a screen.

After hearing Liang Jiugong's message, An Qing was momentarily stunned. Did she have any special cultivation method for the strawberries?

No, she used ordinary methods. She had previously consulted officials from the Agricultural Administration Department, and the missionaries' cultivation methods were similar to hers.

"I must admit, Liang Gonggong, I don't have any special methods. Perhaps it's just my natural talent. I've always had a knack for growing things better than others, even with the same methods and seeds," An Qing said, somewhat boastfully.

But it was true. Even in her previous life, she could grow almost anything effortlessly. Sometimes, she would scatter seeds randomly, and they would grow better than anyone else's. At the agricultural college, her plots consistently outperformed her seniors', despite using the same methods and seeds.

Her classmates often joked that she might have a farming system or a magical spring, but it was all in jest. She believed it was simply her connection with the land.

Throughout her pregnancy, An Qing managed the greenhouse herself, which resulted in a bountiful harvest.

Liang Jiugong was initially confused by her explanation but found it oddly reasonable.

However, reasonableness alone was not enough.

"Fifth Princess Consort, perhaps you could come up with a suitable explanation. The Emperor and the foreign missionaries are waiting in the Palace of Heavenly Purity," Liang Jiugong suggested gently.

The method itself was not important; what mattered was a convincing explanation that would enhance Kangxi's prestige among the missionaries.

An Qing understood Liang Jiugong's hint.

To boost Lao Kang's reputation among the foreigners, she pondered for a moment and then said, "Liang Gonggong, please tell His Majesty that I grew the strawberries following the missionaries' methods. There is no special technique. As the saying goes, 'One's environment shapes one's character.' In agriculture, water and soil are crucial. Our Great Qing is vast and rich, with beautiful mountains and clear waters, nurturing everything..."

An Qing elaborated, emphasizing that while the method was ordinary, the excellent water and soil of the Great Qing made the fruits exceptional.

Liang Jiugong's eyes lit up. This answer was perfect, highlighting the Great Qing's natural advantages. He immediately returned to the Palace of Heavenly Purity to report.

An Qing did not think much of it, considering it a small favor to Kangxi. She did not expect that this incident would make her strawberries famous throughout the Imperial City.

Yinqi later told her that Liang Jiugong had relayed her words verbatim to the Palace of Heavenly Purity. When he finished, the entire hall fell silent.

The missionaries were initially bewildered but soon nodded in understanding.

Kangxi was delighted and boasted to the missionaries about the Great Qing's unparalleled agricultural prowess.

The ministers present also felt a surge of national pride, standing tall and proud.

Soon, the story spread throughout the Imperial City. Storytellers in teahouses even created new tales about the Great Qing's agricultural techniques impressing foreigners and divine blessings upon the nation.

An Qing was surprised by the exaggerated tales.

The consequence of this incident was that her strawberries became even more sought after.

She sent more to Kangxi and also distributed them to the Crown Prince and other princes. To make them look more appealing, she had small bamboo baskets specially crafted, similar to modern fruit baskets.

Previously, An Qing had only shared the strawberries with close friends, citing safety concerns. But now, with the missionaries and ministers having tasted them, that excuse no longer held.

Fortunately, the greenhouse covered a substantial area, and the strawberries were quite productive, allowing her to distribute them widely.

Besides sending some to her relatives in the Imperial City, An Qing also sent some to those who had married into or out of Mongolia. She had been living in the Forbidden City for nearly three years now, and although she wasn't very social, her parents had given her a list of relatives in the Imperial City, so she maintained contact with them and sent gifts during festivals.

After all, in a society that highly values family ties and kinship, it wouldn't do to be too independent. Social obligations must be fulfilled.

She also sent some to the relatives of Concubine Yi's family, which is Yinqi's maternal side. Although his maternal grandfather was in Shengjing, several of his uncles were officials in the Imperial City.

Additionally, she didn't show favoritism among her students at the agricultural school; she sent some strawberries to each of them.

Although strawberries are just fruit, they are as rare and special as watermelons were back then, and their novelty makes them a treat.

Thus, receiving strawberries became a matter of prestige in the Imperial City.

For Empress Dowager and Concubine Yi, she instructed Cui Liu to set aside a portion specifically for them. Her principle was to ensure a daily supply to Ningshou Palace and Yikun Palace throughout the strawberry season.

Every morning, people from Ningshou Palace and Yikun Palace would come to the Palace of Heavenly Purity to pick the freshest strawberries, which made many envious.

Of course, this treatment extended to the Palace of Heavenly Purity as well. As for Lao Kang, whether he ate them himself or gave them as gifts was his choice; she had done her duty by providing them.

An Qing also sent some strawberries to Dong Eshi's residence, the future consort of the Ninth Prince.

She never hesitated to extend kindness to her future sister-in-law, hoping for a harmonious relationship and sparing the beautiful mother-in-law any discomfort.

She hoped the future sister-in-law would understand her goodwill.

At Dong Eshi's residence, the person An Qing sent had just left, leaving the family staring at the basket full of strawberries, exchanging glances.

These were the famous strawberries that had become the talk of the Imperial City, personally delivered by the Fifth Consort.

Qi Shi, who happened to be off duty today, looked at his wife Jueluo and their daughter, Dong Eshi Wan Yun, who had been granted a marriage by Kangxi.

"Didn't you say you hadn't met the Fifth Consort when you went to the palace last time?" Qi Shi asked.

Jueluo replied, "Indeed, we haven't."

They had visited the palace during the New Year, where she led her daughter to pay respects to Concubine Yi. The Fifth Consort was busy with her pregnancy, so they didn't want to disturb her, hence they didn't meet.

Dong Eshi Wan Yun also said, "Yes, Father, neither Mother nor I have met the Fifth Consort."

Qi Shi nodded thoughtfully.

Having navigated the political landscape for years, he understood the Fifth Consort's gesture. As a sister-in-law, she was extending kindness, indicating a desire for a good relationship with their daughter. They couldn't afford to be ungrateful.

"Since she has shown such courtesy, Wan Yun, you must treat her with respect in the future," Qi Shi instructed.

Dong Eshi Wan Yun nodded slightly, "Father, don't worry, I understand."

After Qi Shi left, Jueluo had the basket of strawberries taken away. Though nominally sent to Wan Yun, their family always shared good things together.

Back in their inner quarters, Jueluo couldn't help but advise her daughter.

"Wan Yun, your cousin's words about the Fifth Consort aren't entirely accurate. She doesn't seem like the person she described."

Jueluo referred to the Third Consort, who had invited them after they paid respects to Concubine Yi. At the time, they didn't think much of it, but after meeting the Third Consort, both mother and daughter felt uneasy.

According to the Third Consort, the Fifth Consort was difficult to get along with—temperamental and domineering, prone to outbursts. Moreover, she was favored by Concubine Yi, making her a formidable sister-in-law.

Jueluo worried about her daughter's future.

But today, the Fifth Consort seemed different.

Especially the eunuch who brought the strawberries, reportedly the head eunuch of the Fifth Consort's household, treated them kindly and respectfully, reflecting the Fifth Consort's attitude towards them.

Seeing her daughter silent, Jueluo repeated her advice, "The Fifth Consort is your direct sister-in-law and favored by Concubine Yi. You must get along well with her after marriage."

Though all sisters-in-law, there were closer and more distant relationships. The Fifth Prince and Ninth Prince were siblings, so closeness was natural.

While the Third Consort was related, the families weren't close, and interactions were infrequent. The choice was clear.

Dong Eshi Wan Yun, deep in thought, was pulled back by her mother's words, "Mother, I'm not foolish. I never believed my cousin's words."

Though outside the palace, she knew of the Fifth Consort's contributions to agriculture. A person who cared for the people couldn't be as described by her cousin.

"I've already told you not to worry. My cousin's nature is known to us. Father often says not to judge someone based on others' words. I understand this," Dong Eshi Wan Yun said.

Seeing her daughter's genuine understanding, Jueluo felt relieved.

Dong Eshi Wan Yun looked at Jueluo and asked eagerly, "Mother, do you need anything else? If not, I'd like to read for a while."

Jueluo saw her daughter holding a book and waved her hand, "Go ahead, go ahead."

As she walked out, she couldn't help but glance back at her daughter, sighing silently.

Her daughter was excellent in every way, but her personality mirrored her father's—rigid and rule-bound, which some might find rigid.

Many in the clan called her a little stickler behind her back.

Sigh, marrying into the royal family, one could only hope for the best.

Due to the strawberries, An Qing's confinement period wasn't boring.

Moreover, Concubine Yi frequently visited her courtyard, as did the Eighth Princess and the Fourth Consort. She couldn't feel lonely even if she wanted to.

*

However, An Qing knew that Concubine Yi's visits were primarily to see Xiao Bao, whom she adored because he resembled the Eleventh Prince.

Because Concubine Yi visited so often, Kangxi found the palace empty several times when he tried to visit Yikun Palace during the day.

Spring returned to the earth, and all things revived. Xiao Bao finally reached his full month, and An Qing also emerged from her confinement.

Throughout the entire month, since she didn't have to breastfeed, and someone helped take care of the baby, her body was indeed well-restored, and her figure had improved significantly. An Qing put on her newly made clothes and examined herself in the bronze mirror, expressing great satisfaction.

Curves in all the right places, with flesh where it should be and slimness where needed. She couldn't help but marvel once again at the skills of the official wet nurse in the palace.

Her current success was largely due to the efforts of the official wet nurse.

Apart from An Qing herself, Yinqi was also very pleased with her current figure.

On the night she came out of confinement, there were five calls for water in the main courtyard. Every time they thought they would cease, something would spark again, and they would roll back together, continuing until dawn.

Of course, An Qing bore some responsibility too, as she had been craving intimacy after such a long abstinence.

During her pregnancy, their intimate encounters were quite restrained, mainly because Yinqi insisted on following the doctor's advice strictly. They engaged moderately during the middle trimester but completely abstained during the early and late stages. Sometimes, An Qing admired his self-control.

Now that the restrictions were lifted, they naturally indulged a bit more. It was only natural for young couples.

Given the grandeur of the washing ceremony, An Qing and Yinqi decided to keep the full moon celebration small, just a few tables.

Emperor Kangxi seemed to approve of their approach and did not send any particularly extravagant gifts on the day of the full moon ceremony. The Empress Dowager and Concubine Yi also kept their gifts modest, though they did make up for it behind the scenes.

Although they did not hold a large celebration, many people still sent gifts through intermediaries, both inside and outside the palace. These gifts were not particularly expensive, mostly items suitable for a child, which they could not refuse. So they recorded them, intending to return the favor someday.

However, regardless of the washing ceremony or the full moon ceremony, An Qing had all the gifts listed separately and stored away for the little one, to serve as his dowry in the future.

When An Qing reviewed the list, she couldn't help but feel envious. This little guy, so young yet so wealthy, truly enviable.

Not long after the full moon ceremony, Yinqi went to Emperor Kangxi to request a name for the child, which was set as Hong Zhi. The character "郅" (Zhi) signifies righteousness and brightness, indeed a good name.

"Father Emperor is well-versed and knowledgeable; his choice of names is impeccable," Yinqi smiled.

An Qing glanced at him, huffing. He was clearly mocking her naming ability.

"If you hadn't insisted on me naming him, I wouldn't have tried. I told you I'm terrible at naming, yet you still wanted me to give Xiao Bao a nickname. Now you're mocking me. You're really unfair!"

Yinqi helplessly rubbed his forehead, genuinely surprised by her lack of skill in this area.

The name "Xiao Bao" was simple enough and fine for a child, but for a boy growing up, it felt odd. He feared his son might blame him later, so he sought the Emperor's blessing for a name as soon as possible. Typically, in the imperial family, names were given only after the child's first birthday.

Children in the imperial family often had high mortality rates, so a name was usually given after the first birthday, signifying the child had survived.

People say children grow like the wind, and An Qing initially doubted it, but after raising her own child, she realized how true it was. Children truly change every day.

As the weather warmed up, An Qing began taking the little one out more often.

For convenience, she spent a considerable amount of money having the palace staff build a baby stroller according to her drawings. This made trips to Yikun Palace and Ningshou Palace much easier. She could push the stroller, and the little one could sleep comfortably without being disturbed.

After the beginning of summer, the Forbidden City started to heat up, and Emperor Kangxi led everyone to Changchun Garden.

Life in Changchun Garden was pleasant. An Qing loved her courtyard surrounded by water, enjoying its scenery and coolness. When bored, she could even fish.

This year, she no longer insisted on bringing Snowball over, as she now had her own child. While fishing, she would have Xiao Bao brought out in the stroller and placed in the shade, allowing her to fish and play with the little one simultaneously.

"Milady, Fourth Princess Consort has brought Little Prince Honghui," Perilla reported.

An Qing, who was fishing, quickly handed the rod to someone nearby and pushed the stroller back.

Upon entering, she saw Honghui looking around at the entrance. Seeing her, he ran over but stopped a few steps away to bow.

"Honghui greets Auntie."

An Qing smiled and waved him closer, "No need for formalities, Honghui is such a good boy."

Honghui stood up and peeked into the stroller's canopy, "Auntie, is my brother awake?"

After the initial disappointment, Honghui quickly accepted having a brother instead of a sister and now adored his uncle's son.

An Qing smiled, "He's awake. Let's go inside, and then we can let your brother play with you."

Honghui nodded obediently.

An Qing held his hand and led him into the room.

Fourth Princess Consort, seeing them enter, got up and approached. Seeing Xiao Bao playing with his hands in the stroller, she couldn't help but remark, "Hong Zhi is so well-behaved. He doesn't cry or fuss when awake. Honghui wasn't like that; he would cry hoarsely if not held."

Honghui, hearing his mother mention him, shyly said, "I'm not as good as my brother, making Mother work hard."

An Qing patted his little head, "That's not true. Our Honghui is also very good, knowing how to care for Mother."

Honghui, being a child with a thin skin, blushed upon hearing his aunt's praise, although he was secretly delighted.

Perilla took the stroller and brought Hong Zhi to a larger crib nearby, while Honghui sat beside it, playing with toys to entertain his brother.

An Qing and Fourth Princess Consort sat nearby, sipping tea and chatting casually.

Soon, Cui Liu entered to report that the chief eunuch from Fourth Princess Consort's courtyard requested an audience with urgent news.

Hearing this, An Qing turned to Fourth Princess Consort, "Fourth Sister, go attend to your matters. I'll watch over Honghui."

Fourth Princess Consort did not hesitate, rising and saying, "Thank you, Fifth Sister-in-law. I'll be back soon."