Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Soon after the empress and the others arrived at Cining Palace, both the inner and outer court ladies gathered. The scorching sun could not dampen the lively atmosphere of Cining Palace.

The kitchen was abuzz, with water being boiled furiously. The eunuchs carrying water made trip after trip to the tea house in the front hall, drenched in sweat as if it were pouring rain.

The storeroom was on the west side of the rear hall. Tong Siya, along with her successor Dan Zhu, was busy going in and out.

At the eastern side of the small storeroom, Geng Shuning caught a vague glimpse of Tong Siya's figure and felt somewhat surprised.

Even Niuheru Jingyi had gone to the Six Bureaus to help with the preparations for the noon banquet at Kunning Palace and the Hall of Preserving Harmony.

Tong Siya, who had been busy with her own schemes recently, was now honestly staying in Cining Palace. Something wasn’t right.

But Geng Shuning’s thoughts passed as quickly as they came. Even if something was off, it had nothing to do with her.

The eunuchs carried boxes of congratulatory gifts and red lacquer trays back and forth, while Xu Chang, the head of Cining Palace, announced the rewards at the door of the small storeroom. This occupied all of Geng Shuning's attention.

The congratulatory gifts had to be carefully inspected. If anything was chipped or damaged, it would be considered inauspicious, and no one could bear the responsibility.

The items that the Empress Dowager bestowed upon the consorts and court ladies had to be properly registered, noting whether they had the imperial seal and their destination, to avoid any issues later.

These were tasks that required meticulous attention to detail.

Not only were Nanny Chen and the young palace maids busy with sweat on their foreheads, but Geng Shuning, holding her small seal and managing the ledger, was also overwhelmed and dizzy.

The main storeroom was also busy distributing rewards to the palace attendants, though not as urgently as the small storeroom.

When the rewards for each palace were almost done, Tong Siya rested by the small ice box in the storeroom, subtly observing Geng Shuning several times, her eyes filled with deeper calculations.

*

By mid-morning, Cining Palace quieted down.

The consorts and their relatives from the palace returned to their own quarters, while the other court ladies went to Kunning Palace, where the grand banquet was being held, to wait for the noon feast.

Empress Dowager Uya had been sitting for the entire morning and was quite exhausted.

Geng Shuning, being quick-witted, seized the opportunity to bring the mint-infused cooling drink she had prepared, with added stewed Codonopsis juice, to the main hall.

After drinking a cup, the cool and sweet beverage made Uya feel refreshed.

She held Geng Shuning's hand and smiled, "You are truly thoughtful. The weather is too hot, making people feel restless."

Geng Shuning thought to herself that indeed, the heavens were giving face. The mid-sky sun seemed to be shining relentlessly as if it would never end, which was indeed uncomfortable.

But she couldn’t say that out loud.

Geng Shuning replied with a bright smile, "Your Highness’s virtues are boundless, and your noble presence is a gift from heaven. The heavens have blessed us with a clear sky to enhance your eternal glory."

"This servant learned methods to make people feel relaxed from the Imperial Physician. May I ask for a reward from Your Highness to let me help you relax?"

She took the opportunity to raise the Empress Dowager's expectations, "I heard that the emperor has prepared a surprise for you. Please rest well, Your Highness, and you will surely dazzle the entire palace."

Uya laughed and teased, "Your mouth is so good at flattering, always coaxing me."

Though she said that, she was pleased with Geng Shuning's words and showed more affection.

The Retired Emperor did not come from Changchun Garden.

If Kangxi were to appear in public, and people saw his frail limbs, she would not be able to hold the position of Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager is, after all, the proper mother-in-law, so it's impossible for her to travel all the way to celebrate the birthday of a birth mother who is also an Empress Dowager.

With both major figures absent, there was no one else in the palace more prestigious or dignified.

Everyone loves to hear good words, and after suffering for decades, she had finally enjoyed supreme honor, so she deserved this flattery.

*

In the morning, the consorts and noble ladies paid their respects at Cining Palace, but this was just an informal gesture of flattery. The formal ritual, the two kneelings and six kowtows, took place at Kunning Palace.

On the way to Kunning Palace, a banquet had already begun at the Hall of Preserving Harmony.

Unlike the Empress Dowager's joy, someone was already fuming.

The ministers who came to celebrate the Empress Dowager's birthday were all surprised by the modest, even spartan dishes.

Not to mention Yinzhen, who had come all the way from the Jingjiao Military Camp to congratulate his mother on her anniversary.

Especially Yinti, whose foul mouth wouldn't stop running off at the mouth.

"Tsk, tsk, I knew the Emperor was frugal, but I didn't expect him to be so thrifty even with the Empress Dowager, truly an eye-opener for me."

"If the Emperor is short of money, he should just tell us. Even if we have to pawn everything, we'll help the Emperor fulfill his filial duty."

"All the ministers are watching. If this goes on, the imperial family will lose face in front of everyone..."

Yinzhen was so angry that his molars were grinding together.

Had it not been for Yinxiang's keen eyes pulling him down to kneel, he might have confronted his brother on the spot.

Yinzhen had never gotten along with his elder brother, and although he had somewhat reined in his resentment after Yinzhen became emperor, he didn't expect that his brother would dare to humiliate their mother on such an important day.

Hearing the sound of the whip outside the door, Yinzhen could no longer contain himself when Su Peisheng called for rising.

With a dark face, he stood up and asked loudly, "Brother, today is the Empress Dowager's birthday. This banquet is a disgrace. What, do you plan to have us brothers cook a birthday feast for her ourselves?"

The Hall of Preserving Harmony, which had been somewhat noisy, fell completely silent. Most people in the hall didn't dare to breathe, fearing the Emperor might erupt in anger.

Guaerjia Guanyinbao, the Minister of War, gave a worried glance at the Emperor, hesitating on whether he should speak.

Contrary to the ministers' expectations, Yinzhen did not erupt in anger. He could tolerate even a slap, so what was Yinti's little outburst to him?

With a faint smile, he mockingly followed Yinzhen's words, "If the Fourteenth Prince has the heart, I won't stop you."

Yinzhen's nostrils flared with rage, and his almond-shaped eyes, inherited from Consort Uya, were wide with anger. The force to charge out was almost too much for Yinxiang to hold back, even with all his strength.

Yinxiang cursed inwardly; this brat hadn't wasted his time at the Jingjiao Military Camp. His strength was like a bull.

He quickly signaled the Twelfth Prince, Yintao, and together they pulled Yinzhen back.

Seeing Yinzhen's defiant attitude clearly visible to everyone in the hall, the atmosphere became even more awkward, though Yinzhen's smile grew deeper.

"If you want to go, then hurry. If the Empress Dowager is happy, I will reward you."

Yintao and Yinxiang exchanged a glance. They had been to the imperial study frequently and had come to understand this Emperor's temperament somewhat.

Seeing their brother's gentle smile, there must be a catch!

The two were in perfect sync and suddenly let go of Yinzhen's hands.

Yinzhen stumbled and looked back at the two with a bewildered expression. What were these two idiots thinking by letting go?

He was a prince, raised in luxury, and had no clue how to cook.

Yinzhen stood there stubbornly, his neck stiff, breathing heavily. When no one paid him any attention and unable to swallow his pride, he finally stomped off in frustration.

Yinti couldn’t stand to see the emperor acting so imposing and, stepping over his two younger brothers, pulled Yinzhen back.

With a cheeky smile, he said, "Brother, the emperor is just joking with you. How can you take it so seriously?"

"Don't you know your own brother? Today is the Empress Dowager's birthday. Of course, the emperor has preparations. Do you really think he'd let the imperial family lose face?"

"Don't worry yourself. Sit, sit. When the Empress Dowager arrives, we'll get to see for ourselves!"

Seeing Yinti's loud banter and the spectating expressions of his other brothers, and even some ministers standing by eagerly, Yinzhen's smile faded slightly.

The brothers had only been in their roles for a few days, but they were already playing their games.

He calmly ordered the banquet to begin.

Though the banquet seemed simple, it followed the same elaborate standards as the former Empress Dowager's birthday feast, which included thirty-two main dishes.

However, some dishes were labor-intensive and required expensive ingredients, reflecting the family's dignity.

Some dishes were all show, looking elaborate but actually quite simple.

The eight cold and eight hot dishes weren't particularly complex, which only fueled Yinzhen's frustration.

But with this opportunity to step down, Yinzhen no longer insisted on leaving.

Even though he was still angry, he knew his brother's temperament well.

Yinzhen knew that his brother could easily have him expelled from the palace, confining him to his residence as an idle man, with even the old man unable to protect him.

Still fuming, Yinzhen let out a heavy snort, just loud enough for everyone to notice.

"I'd like to see how the emperor explains this to the Empress Dowager!"

In Kunning Palace, the same dishes were served. Uya didn’t feel disrespected. After all, they were all grand dishes, appearing dignified.

More importantly, hundreds of women were in Kunning Palace, some of whom had conflicts with her, and some who had once been more prestigious, were now kneeling respectfully before her.

Even the most prestigious had to bow their heads, hands folded, and keep their voices low. The birthday wishes rose like a tidal wave.

This honor was enough to keep her calm.

Uya knew exactly what kind of person her son was—meticulous and by the book.

The conventional banquet was exactly as she expected.

It was just that, after being raised by Geng Shuning's expectations, Uya felt a slight disappointment, though it wasn't enough to affect her good mood.

*

After receiving the ceremonies in Kunning Palace, Uya had a few bites of the food and was carried to the Hall of Preserving Harmony to accept the kneeling greetings of the royal family and ministers.

This was an honor not even the Empress Dowager had.

As Uya entered the Hall of Preserving Harmony, her fatigue couldn’t stop her from smiling as she personally helped Yinzhen to his feet.

She knew life wasn't perfect, but getting half of what she wanted was already a blessing.

But her youngest, favored son wasn’t willing to be content.

As soon as Empress Uya sat steadily, Yin Zhen immediately stood up, his face twisted in frustration, ready to lodge a complaint.

“Mother Empress……”

“Fourteenth!” Yinzhen didn’t let his younger brother disrupt things, cutting him off sharply. While he could indulge his younger brother’s capriciousness, he couldn’t let it undermine his own filial duty.

He shot Yin Zhen a cold look. “You and Ninth Brother wanted to see what’s going on, didn’t you? Then sit quietly and don’t disturb Imperial Mother’s good mood.”

Seeing her youngest son’s aggrieved expression and hearing Yinzhen’s tone, Empress Uya realized a conflict must have just occurred.

She felt a twinge of unease.

It was her special day, and her youngest son had finally come back to the palace, only to be suppressed by his brother… Who was trying to ruin her mood?

Empress Uya’s expression turned cool.

Yinzhen stood up, walked to the steps of Empress Uya’s phoenix chair, knelt on one knee, and spoke clearly.

“Father told me that since you entered the palace, you’ve been gentle, virtuous, and kind, filial to Grandmother, and have given birth to many children for the imperial family. To have such a virtuous wife is the blessing of the Aisin Gioro clan.”

Empress Uya was stunned, not expecting Kangxi to have such an evaluation, her eyes softening with emotion.

Yinzhen continued, “Since I can remember, Mother, you have personally overseen the palace servants around you, made clothes and boiled soup for me, taught the Empress, managed the household, and I remember every little thing you did.”

Tears welled up in Empress Uya’s eyes.

This was the flesh of her flesh, and she had yearned for him day and night, wishing she could give up her bones and blood to keep him at peace.

But later... how had they drifted apart?

“As a wife, you set an example for all, and as a mother, you touch the heavens. Just before your birthday, unprecedented auspicious longevity fruits and phoenix pomelos appeared, tended by Gua Jia’s imperial estate, and have been presented as an offering.”

Auspicious?

Empress Uya remembered Geng Shuning’s earlier reminder and a smile reappeared in her eyes.

Especially since her son continued to praise her—

“Heaven has mercy and must want you to taste these fruits yourself, Imperial Mother.”

“I didn’t want the banquet to overshadow Heaven’s auspicious gifts to you, so I asked the Imperial Kitchen Bureau to keep things simple, honoring your frugality.”

Empress Uya laughed heartily, forgetting to notice her youngest son’s dumbfounded expression as she gently patted Yinzhen’s hand.

“Very well, very well, the Emperor has a thoughtful heart.”

Yinzhen: “……” Imperial Mother, don’t be deceived, this Fourth Brother only has a black heart.

Using worthless fruits to pretend to be filial? Pah!

Yinzhen ignored his younger brother’s exaggerated facial expressions and neatly clapped his hands.

Su Peisheng immediately called out, ordering the palace attendants waiting outside to present the auspicious offerings.

Yinzhen smiled as he served the Empress Dowager, "I only hope that the Empress Dowager will eat a few more bites, so that you may enjoy longevity and be blessed by heaven!"

This time, not only Yinxiang and Yinzhen, but even Yin Zhi, who had been silent all along, were dumbfounded.

As for the longevity fruits and phoenix pomelos, which noble family doesn't have chefs who can carve flowers? Is it really something to boast about?

Sure, everyone knew the emperor would put on a show of filial piety, but no one expected him to go this overboard. He’s blowing his own horn so much, even exaggeration can’t keep up!

*

The commotion in the palace reached Cining Palace before the banquet was even over, brought excitedly by Niuheru Jingyi, who had just returned from Kunning Palace.

"You should have seen it, the longevity fruits and phoenix pomelos were so magical that the noble ladies were astonished, they were so envious they almost tore their handkerchiefs to shreds, admiring like never before. No one could be more filial than our master!"

"Not to mention what the emperor said, which pleased the Empress Dowager so much she couldn’t stop smiling, praising him for his filial piety."

"I heard from the eunuch delivering the food that the ministers were all praising the deep mother-son bond, setting an example for all people, and they couldn’t wait to ask the Empress Dowager for some of those longevity fruits!"

After a long, tiring morning, Geng Shuning, who had been resting on the kang, was genuinely surprised when she heard this.

Her impression of the Fourth Master being cold and hard had softened a bit, her eyes reflecting a deep sense of sorrow.

Sure, he’s a bit of a show-off, but this guy was definitely born in the wrong era.

If he lived in modern times, he’d be a smooth-talking heartthrob for sure!