Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Midsummer, early afternoon in the Forbidden City. Even the red walls and green tiles seemed to radiate heat.

It was so hot that there were hardly any people on the palace paths.

Only Geng Shuning, who had been sent out on an errand, trudged slowly back to Cining Palace. She wore a lake-blue satin flag dress with simple patterns, her oval face sunburned, trying to stay in the shady spots along the palace walls.

The four small eunuchs following her were equally listless, and the surroundings were so quiet that it felt like a graveyard.

Geng Shuning let out a silent sigh and involuntarily zoned out again.

She had just time-traveled to this era three days ago, arriving in the Qing Dynasty, but not the one she was familiar with.

This year should have been the forty-fourth year of Kangxi’s reign.

But here, Kangxi had already become the retired emperor in Changchunyuan, and Prince Yinzhen had ascended the throne nineteen years earlier than expected.

Now, it was already the second year of Yongzheng’s reign.

In official history, this was the beginning of the "Nine Sons' Contention" following the death by starvation of Suo Etu, the uncle of Crown Prince Yinreng, who had been imprisoned in the Imperial Clan Court.

But after time-traveling here, Geng Shuning quickly realized that the "Nine Sons' Contention" no longer existed.

Because the earthquake that should have occurred in the eighteenth year of Kangxi’s reign was delayed until the spring of the forty-second year, catching Kangxi and his sons off guard. The earthquake caused the collapse of the Qianqing Gate, burying everyone from Crown Prince Yinreng to the Tenth Prince.

Prince Yinzhi and Prince Yinqi suffered head injuries, and Prince Yinti suffered internal injuries, all falling into a coma.

Unexpectedly, the crippled Seventh Prince Yinyou and Prince Yin E suffered only minor injuries and, along with Kangxi, who had fractured his right hand and left leg, were rescued.

As she neared the vermilion gate of Cining Palace, adorned with auspicious Fu symbols, Geng Shuning sighed inwardly.

No wonder Prince Yinzhen was considered lucky.

*

When Kangxi summoned his sons to Qianqing Palace, Yinzhen was inspecting the flood defenses along the Yongding River on behalf of his father and was not in the capital.

With the remaining young princes unable to take the throne and Kangxi himself unable to attend court, there was no other choice.

Prince Yinzhen was urgently summoned back to the capital, and the throne was swiftly abdicated. Kangxi, despite his injuries, helped his son calm the people, provide disaster relief, and rebuild the capital.

A year and a half after the disaster, the capital had returned to stability.

With the Forbidden City and Changchunyuan having been quiet for almost two years, the masters there naturally wanted some excitement.

Banquets were a minor concern; what everyone was most anxious about was the new emperor’s offspring.

Not only were the ministers outside the palace and Empress Dowager anxious, but even the retired emperor in Changchunyuan was in a hurry, having urged Empress Dowager several times.

It was acceptable to not have an heir, but if there were no princes for an extended period, both the court and the entire Qing Dynasty would be in turmoil.

If someone else were the emperor, perhaps people wouldn’t be so anxious, but this new emperor had a Buddhist nature, making him exceptionally detached and uninterested in worldly desires.

Even when he was still a prince, he would spend his free time in temples discussing Buddhism with monks.

In his inner chambers, apart from Empress Ulanara, only Consort Qi, Lady Li, enjoyed some slight favor.

After ascending the throne, he devoted himself even more to disaster relief, working late into the night in the Hall of Mental Cultivation, and only occasionally visiting Lady Qi at Changchun Palace to see his son.

Even the Retired Emperor, whose arms and legs had not fully recovered, had summoned concubines in Changchun Garden, yet their twenty-seven-year-old emperor hadn't flipped a single plaque.

*

Geng Shuning entered the Cining Palace at a leisurely pace, a barely noticeable smirk curling her delicate cherry-colored lips.

It’s a classic case of the eunuchs being more worried than the emperor. Yongzheng wasn't a fool; he was smart enough to be the winner in the historical record.

Without an heir, it meant the throne was unstable. His younger brothers were still eagerly waiting for any opportunity, especially since the Retired Emperor was still around.

Having sat on that throne, how could he not be anxious about having an heir?

His lack of interest in the concubines might be due to some undisclosed reasons, or maybe... the ladies in the palace just didn’t pique his interest.

The emperor must be more anxious about this than the women in the harem.

Although Geng Shuning didn’t understand the court, she felt that the reason the new emperor wasn’t visiting the harem was likely the former.

But the Empress Dowager and the nannies and ladies-in-waiting around her believed it was the latter, which led to Geng Shuning’s errand today.

To deliver bolts of cloth, jewelry, and rouge to Empress Ulanara, urging her to get to work.

Quickly distribute them and call on the concubines to start charming the emperor.

Put your charm to work on the emperor, don’t hesitate, for fear that young Hong Yun’s health couldn’t endure the delay.

*

After entering the Cining Palace, the front hall was eerily quiet. The young palace maid at the door silently gave Geng Shuning a curtsey without making a sound.

Geng Shuning knew that Empress Dowager Uya was still resting.

She discreetly tucked her sleeves and passed the empress’s gift to the young eunuch standing at the entrance, waving them off and quietly turning to walk along the corridor by the wall into the back hall.

In the back hall, outside the warm pavilion of the west side hall, two palace maids, looking about in their early twenties, sat properly on small stools.

They sat upright, fanning themselves with round fans and chatting quietly.

Palace rules were strict, and ordinary maids wouldn’t dare do this. If the nannies saw them, they would certainly be punished.

Those who could were the chief palace ladies from high-ranking families who came to the Empress Dowager’s side to gain experience.

Now, there were six chief palace ladies in charge of the six departments and the treasury in the Cining Palace, and Geng Shuning was the youngest.

The other ladies spent more time in the Imperial Household Department, while the chief palace ladies in charge of the kitchen and treasury always served in the Cining Palace.

The two chief palace ladies chatting glanced up at the sound, and with the breeze through the hall, they caught sight of Geng Shuning’s swaying graceful figure, feeling a pang of jealousy.

Dressed in the standard-issue palace uniforms, their delicate faces could be compared, but their figures were supposed to be uniform.

Yet, some managed to wear the standard uniform in a way that accentuated their waists.

Especially Geng Shuning.

With a fair and tender oval face, apricot eyes and peachy cheeks, her small cherry-colored lips with a lip pearl didn’t appear delicate or charming, only giving off an air of fortune and graceful charm.

She looked both endearing and approachable, otherwise, it wouldn’t have been her sent to deliver rewards to Empress Ulanara at Yongshou Palace at noon.

Geng Shuning didn’t want to be burned as a witch, so in the first few days, she followed the original owner’s nature and accepted the errand.

The two chief female officials saw that Geng Shuning's forehead and nose were glistening with sweat, hanging delicately on her face. She moved slowly toward them, her steps heavy but composed, making her look even more pitiful. They both felt a little guilty.

The impatient Shangshan female official, Niuheru Jingyi, couldn't stand seeing Geng Shuning moving so sluggishly. She stepped forward and led her to the shaded area by the door.

"Sit down. Has the Empress issued any orders to the other palaces yet?"

As she spoke, the young palace maid who usually accompanied her gently placed a bowl of mung bean soup into Geng Shuning's hand.

Another chief female official from the main storeroom, Tong Siya, fanned Geng Shuning and said with a smile, "Let Shuning have a sip of the soup first."

"The mung bean soup was freshly brewed and chilled in well water for an hour, making it perfect for cooling off."

The other two young maids serving also curiously gathered around.

Their eyes sparkled with curiosity, brighter than the afternoon sun, as they eagerly watched Geng Shuning.

Geng Shuning slowly sipped the mung bean soup to quench her thirst.

After swallowing carefully, she said calmly, "The Empress is a prudent person. How could there be orders so quickly? She needs to think it over."

Empress Ulanara was meticulous and thoughtful in her actions, never impulsive.

None of them were surprised, but they were a little disappointed and anxious.

Especially Niuheru Jingyi, who was so anxious it was like a fire on the roof. She paced around with a round fan.

"What is there to think about? The emperor's heir is the priority! The Empress should issue decrees for the sake of filial piety!"

"If the emperor doesn't choose a consort soon, the Empress will be forced to take drastic measures."

Tong Siya lightly glared at Niuheru Jingyi.

"The Empress has been ill for some time and has many palace duties. She should think it over carefully. How can you urge her?"

Niuheru Jingyi pressed her lips together and fell silent.

Everyone knew that the Empress's only eldest son, Honghui, was weak and didn't survive the fright of a tragedy.

Managing palace affairs while ill was already a struggle; vying for the emperor's favor was the last thing on her mind.

Bearing another child with the emperor? Her body couldn't take it right now.

Encouraging others to bear a child for the emperor? The Empress wasn't that selfless.

But now, the palace only had a frail princess and a sickly second prince, Hong Yun, who was being raised by Consort Qi.

At four years old, Hong Yun couldn't walk well, and it didn't seem like he would live long.

If he couldn't be raised properly, there would be no more princes under the emperor. Niuheru Jingyi's thoughts became more turbulent.

If she weren't in the Cining Palace, she would have already taken action.

Tong Siya also had some thoughts and said softly, lowering her eyes, "The Empress Dowager said that the chief female officials in the Hall of Mental Cultivation have always been insufficient in number."

Geng Shuning understood what Tong Siya meant.

The new emperor was raised by the late Empress Xiaoyi, and although they were mother and son by blood, their relationship was somewhat awkward.

When they spoke, there was always a lack of warmth, and there were many things the Empress Dowager couldn't say clearly.

The Retired Emperor was pressuring the Empress Dowager, and the Empress Dowager couldn't help but urge her son. She couldn't always speak directly, fearing her son would get annoyed, so she had to find other ways.

The female officials from the Qianqing Palace had all been sent to the Changchun Garden, and there weren't many female officials left in the Hall of Mental Cultivation. The Empress Dowager wanted to send someone over.

If they were around him every day, they might have more opportunities to catch the new emperor's attention, right?

Niuhuru Jingyi subconsciously glanced at Geng Shuning. Among them, Geng Shuning had the greatest chance.

After all, Geng Shuning was not only beautiful and young but also had a figure that turned heads, with curves in all the right places.

Her slender waist served as a dividing line, separating her captivating charm and her blessed fortune for bearing children.

Tong Siya also looked at Geng Shuning with a half-smile.

Geng Shuning innocently blinked her round, almond-shaped eyes and spoke slowly, her voice gentle. "You all know my situation. If I had any ambition to advance, I would have participated in the grand selection. Why would I come to the Empress Dowager and risk her displeasure?"

A chief female official, in essence, was a daughter from a noble family who held an awkward position at home.

Participating in the grand selection offered little prospect for advancement, so it was better to use the family's influence. With some effort in the Imperial Household Department, they could secure a spot through an unspoken 'special selection' to enter the palace as a maid.

The family didn't want these noble daughters to delay the more promising members of the family. Additionally, having someone in the palace meant they could get more timely information.

If she were a favored lady of the family, there was no way she would enter the palace to serve others without a proper status.

This 'special selection' was similar to the small selection for maids, selecting girls at the age of thirteen or fourteen. After a year of learning the rules in the Imperial Household Department, they would be assigned to the Empress Dowager or the emperor's palace, often receiving a position with rank.

Although they entered as maids, they were exempt from manual labor. After serving for a few years, and reaching the age of twenty, they could leave the palace. If they served well, they might even receive a bestowed marriage.

Due to the previous earthquake, a lot of time was lost, and now the new maids could only serve as ordinary maids, while the previous batch couldn't leave.

The original owner's family was managed by a stepmother, and there was a more favored younger sister with better looks in the family. Not wanting her marriage to be arranged casually and harboring a secret crush, she begged her father to get her into the palace.

Niuhuru Jingyi lightly scoffed, "That crush of yours has already married and gone to Shengjing (present-day Shenyang). What's there to keep missing?"

The other maids of similar backgrounds exchanged knowing glances, and their eyes on Geng Shuning now carried a hint of pity.

Geng Shuning said helplessly, "I'm not someone who collects leftovers. I hope he and my illegitimate cousin stay locked together forever and don't ruin someone else's life."

Both Niuhuru Jingyi and Tong Siya were amused by Geng Shuning.

The original owner's story wasn't complicated.

The scum man and his scheming mother had planned to trick the original owner into marrying him for her deceased mother's dowry.

Once the original owner was married, they only needed to ensure she died in childbirth. Then, the scum man's true love, the concubine, could become the official wife under the guise of caring for the child, taking over everything.

The original owner was quite lucky.

During the earthquake, the two lovers, unable to resist temptation, were trapped in the same place.

While waiting for rescue, they relied on their grand 'ideal' to encourage each other, unaware that the original owner's elder brother was nearby.

After being rescued, the original owner's unruly brother immediately spread the news.

Naturally, the stepmother was delighted that the first wife's daughter had lost face and took the opportunity to deal with the troublesome concubine daughter. The scum man and his true love were quickly locked away and sent back to Shengjing (present-day Shenyang).

The original owner was ridiculed and pitied for a long time, with no shortage of gossip.

The original owner was a sensitive soul who had deeply fallen for that 'good brother.' Her anger, frustration, and heartbreak slowly consumed her, eventually manifesting as a deep-seated heart ailment.

Ten days ago, that despicable pair left the capital.

Five days ago, the original owner of the body could not let go of her beloved and, unable to become his concubine, fell into a high fever, lost the will to live, and passed away, allowing Geng Shuning to take over.

After obtaining the original owner's memories, Geng Shuning was unsure for a long time whether she should avenge the original owner or set things right on her behalf.

Besides, it wasn’t an urgent matter, and Geng Shuning didn’t care what others said, but she didn’t want to be constantly comforted.

At this moment, seeing the familiar looks in everyone's eyes, she felt a twinge of impatience and raised her delicate eyebrows slightly, her gentle voice carrying a hidden sense of unrestraint.

"I have a little over a year before I can leave the palace. For now, I just want to serve Empress Dowager well, save up more dowry, and earn her favor so she’ll help me find a husband with a frail body."

Tong Siya was startled and somewhat curious.

"Why a frail body?"

Geng Shuning, with an unchanged expression, made a mysterious gesture, drawing several heads closer to her.

"As long as you take care of the medicine, you'll have money and leisure time, and you can occasionally watch the guards wrestle. Isn’t that better than being stuck managing a household?"

The heads that had gathered around Geng Shuning went, "!!!"

It... kind of makes sense, and it's a little tempting.

Niuheru Jingyi no longer viewed Geng Shuning with suspicion, now seeing her as someone admirable.

"You want to be a widow?"

Geng Shuning innocently finished her last sip of mung bean soup, her lips curving subtly with a smile as she handed the bowl to a young palace maid.

"Of course, I hope my future husband lives a long life. I just want to see the world on his behalf, that's all."

"You all stay seated. The jewelry from the storeroom needs to be inventoried again, so I’ll go check the ledgers."

After Geng Shuning left, Niuheru Jingyi and Tong Siya exchanged glances and burst into laughter.

Both of them had ambitions and knew Empress Dowager's thoughts well.

Since Geng Shuning had given a reason, allowing her to step back from the situation was a win-win solution.

The two eagerly waited for Empress Dowager to wake from her afternoon nap, and while helping her with afternoon tea, they brought up the matter as a joke.

Niuheru Jingyi, with her lively nature, spoke crisply yet humorously, "I saw Geng Shuning’s eyes light up like pearls when she said that."

Tong Siya also laughed, "I didn’t expect her to have thoughts of being a flirtatious widow."

The Empress Dowager, just over forty, was amused and laughed heartily.

She had been irritated for days because the Retired Emperor kept urging her to find ways to bring the emperor into the harem, so she felt unusually light-hearted.

"Don’t mention it. It’s not easy for us women to live. Being a wealthy lady of the house… I’ve had similar fantasies too."

Empress Dowager Uya felt a bit embarrassed to admit she still harbored such thoughts.

As far as Empress Dowager knew, there were many princesses and noblewives in the capital who, after losing their husbands, would frequently have the guards engage in martial competitions and keep a few favorites in their rooms.

If not for the Retired Emperor, even I might be tempted to watch.

*

The group of mistresses and servants were completely unaware of the unnatural quiet outside.

The young palace maids and eunuchs standing guard at the door had their heads bowed as if trying to bury them in their chests, frozen in silence.

Technically, palace maids were considered the emperor's property.

Right now, even the emperor's consorts and mothers were contemplating widowhood. Wasn't this tantamount to wishing for the emperor and the Retired Emperor to pass away sooner?

Not to mention that the current emperor was a stickler for rules, watching wrestling matches among the imperial guards and such...

As the emperor's cold presence intensified in the corridor, the guards wished they could cut off their own ears, swearing to heaven that they hadn't heard anything.

After reviewing the records with the elder nurses, Geng Shuning made her way to the main hall to report.

As she turned from the rear hall, she saw the famous Chief Steward Su of later generations wiping his sweat.

Geng Shuning felt the tension in the air and hesitated. She lifted her clear, almond-shaped eyes and secretly glanced sideways.

A tall figure in dark gold dragon robes stood in the corridor, radiating a cold, disapproving presence. His handsome profile, seen from the side, looked rigid and stern as he stood under the corridor.

It was the ascetic Fourth Prince.

He was incredibly perceptive, and the moment Geng Shuning's gaze met his, his cold, piercing eyes locked onto her like a blade.