Chapter 94

Chapter 94

"Why do I smell meat?" Emperor Kangxi interrupted the Empress Dowager's teasing, frowning directly at Geng Shuning.

"Is it you, girl, who instigated this? Don't you know that the Empress Dowager cannot consume meat?"

Geng Shuning thought to herself, fortunately, she was wearing deerskin boots today, and she quickly stood beside the Empress Dowager.

She spoke softly, "Your Highness, the lunch prepared by Sui Ning was reviewed by Imperial Physician Zheng. I dare not act on my own."

"The Imperial Physician said that excessive dietary control is not beneficial. The Empress Dowager's mood and health will improve if she is happy."

The Empress Dowager then glared at Emperor Kangxi, "What, am I not allowed to eat a few pieces of meat? Why don't you just lock me in a sheep pen!"

Yinzhen glanced subtly at Geng Shuning, his thin lips pressed tighter, but the amusement in his eyes was gone.

Previously, this little fox would always stand by his side, but in just over a month, she had found a new patron?

If she continued to stay, would she even remember where the Hall of Mental Cultivation was?

Emperor Kangxi, having been rebuked by the Empress Dowager, could no longer find fault with Geng Shuning, only showing a helpless expression.

"Mother, you know my heart. You are my only elder now. If something were to happen to you... I wouldn't be able to go on."

No matter how decisive Emperor Kangxi was as a ruler, he was indeed a man of deep emotions.

When the Empress Dowager passed away, Emperor Kangxi fainted from crying several times, and his health deteriorated significantly from then on, taking a long time to recover.

Now, with his frail body, he is barely holding on, hoping to support Fourth Brother so he can quickly take on the burden of the empire. In reality, his spirit has already waned.

Although the Empress Dowager was not Emperor Kangxi's biological mother, she had been by his side since he was a child, caring for him like a mother. The bond between them was no less than that of a biological mother and son.

If something were to happen to the Empress Dowager, Emperor Kangxi didn't know how long he could hold on.

After speaking, Emperor Kangxi's eyes reddened, making the Empress Dowager too embarrassed to continue scolding.

Geng Shuning sighed inwardly, it seems the historical records about the Emperor being prone to tears were not fabricated!

She didn't want to stir up trouble, after all, her life was still in Emperor Kangxi's hands.

She quickly explained, "Your Highness, the Empress Dowager prefers richer flavors. Constantly restricting her diet is not beneficial. While a vegetarian diet is beneficial, completely avoiding meat can lead to a lack of energy and blood."

"The Imperial Physician has long intended to prepare medicinal meals for the Empress Dowager, but she dislikes the taste. Sui Ning, though not particularly skilled, recalls some delicious and healthy recipes that are beneficial to the Empress Dowager's health."

Emperor Kangxi snorted, speaking less politely to Geng Shuning, "What guarantee do you have? Even the Imperial Physician dares not claim to take good care of the Empress Dowager's health. You speak rather boldly."

"If something happens to the Empress Dowager, what will you offer as compensation?"

Geng Shuning inwardly clicked her tongue, slightly raising her eyebrows to meet Yinzhen's gaze, silently asking for his opinion.

To be honest, she was not a patient person and disliked ingratiating herself with those who treated her coldly.

If it weren't for the historical records describing Emperor Kangxi as seemingly gentle but actually ruthless, and she didn't want to cause discord between father and son, she would have retorted long ago.

Consider the things she introduced, for example. Yinzhen, being a pragmatic emperor, as long as he trusted her, wouldn't overly concern himself with their origins but focus more on the results. She could strive for the glory she deserved.

But if she had initially encountered Emperor Kangxi, she would never have openly introduced so many things.

Emperor Kangxi would undoubtedly try every means to uncover Geng Shuning's origins, even resorting to unscrupulous methods to control her and keep everything in his hands. He trusted no one.

Upon arriving at the imperial retreat, Geng Shuning had always maintained a gentle and obedient demeanor, aiming to make Emperor Kangxi feel in control through her submissive and tactful behavior.

As long as she became the empress, with the phoenix seal and imperial edict in hand, and with Yinzhen's support, there were certain things that the Emperor couldn't stop, as long as he still cared about the dignity of the imperial family.

Now, having figured out many things, she no longer wanted to endure.

*

Yinzhen nodded almost imperceptibly, the slight bitterness in his heart dissipating.

It seemed this troublemaker still knew her place.

Receiving Yinzhen's signal, Geng Shuning immediately flashed a bright smile, shedding her previous meekness, and sat arrogantly beside the Grand Empress Dowager, hugging the old lady's arm.

Yinzhen: "..." Does she know whose family she belongs to?

"Sui Ning has been truly wronged! Grandmother, please stand up for me!" Geng Shuning ignored Emperor Kangxi, pouting and speaking only to the Grand Empress Dowager.

"Grandmother, Sui Ning has a way to make sure you eat well and drink well, even roast whole lamb. Do you believe me?"

Hmm?

The Grand Empress Dowager's eyes lit up as Emperor Kangxi's expression darkened.

She resolutely replied in Manchu: "I believe you!"

After speaking, she immediately turned to Emperor Kangxi to defend Geng Shuning, "You are an elder after all, don't scare the younger generation."

"I am already this old, it's normal to meet Heaven anytime. While alive, one should live comfortably. Don't always plot against your own family!"

Emperor Kangxi choked: Think again, who is really your own family?!

Geng Shuning listened to Nanny Wuyunna's whispered translation, muttering sarcastically under her breath.

"You must not think that way. As long as no one upsets you, Grandmother, you will surely live a long life!"

Yinzhen glanced at the Emperor's increasingly dark expression, suppressing a laugh and subtly shaking his head at Geng Shuning.

That's enough. If the Emperor really gets upset, a beating is probably unavoidable.

Geng Shuning refused to relent. Under Emperor Kangxi's increasingly intimidating aura, she coolly spoke—

"By the way, Grandmother, I remember a dietary recipe that can cure symptoms of weak stomach energy and stagnant energy."

Emperor Kangxi's impending outburst suddenly halted. He exchanged a glance with the Grand Empress Dowager, both their expressions turning slightly awkward.

Well, as people age or move less due to poor health, certain aspects indeed become very difficult.

If it weren't for the discomfort during official duties, Emperor Kangxi wouldn't have insisted on a vegetarian diet with the old lady.

At least a vegetarian diet could slightly alleviate the discomfort. Every time he ate meat, he would suffer for a long time, even several days... ahem, unable to... you know.

Nanny Wuyunna also...

Seeing the awkward expressions of the two masters, as if moved but too embarrassed to ask, she quickly asked on their behalf—

"Is what the County Princess said true? Do you remember a dietary recipe that can... treat weak stomach energy?"

Geng Shuning nodded with a smile. In her past life, constipation was also a pain that most people couldn't discuss. Improving through diet was the most common method.

Although she didn't suffer from constipation, her colleagues and superiors did. To secure her position in the company, she had researched it quite thoroughly.

Later, when organizing events for the catering industry, she also discussed this issue with several experienced chefs who specialized in medicinal cuisine. Whether it was pastries or dishes, these old masters had their secret recipes.

Nanny Wuyunna's face visibly brightened with joy. If it could really... relieve constipation, life would be much more comfortable.

Emperor Kangxi's expression stiffened slightly, his anger, provoked by Geng Shuning, was left simmering, unable to fully erupt, leaving him extremely uncomfortable.

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Yinzhen smirking, so he directed his frustration toward his son—

"Why are you just standing there? Don’t you have any common sense? Don’t you know to quickly serve your grandmother and escort her out of the palace?"

"If we delay any longer, we might not reach Huangxin Village until midnight!"

"It’s fine if I’m tired, but if your grandmother gets exhausted, are you planning to make your great-grandmother restless even underground?"

Yinzhen: "...Grandmother, the carriages and horses are ready. Let me help you."

*

The Grand Empress Dowager hadn’t taken her afternoon nap because she was waiting to go to the Western Mausoleum.

She stood up directly, leaning on Geng Shuning.

"No need, you should serve your father. This girl here will suffice."

After speaking in Mongolian, the Grand Empress Dowager turned to Geng Shuning and switched to Manchu.

"Remember what you promised—bring the chefs!"

As they walked out, the Grand Empress Dowager couldn’t help but mutter to her maidservant, "We’ll have to teach this girl Mongolian later; otherwise, communication is too cumbersome."

Yinzhen’s brows furrowed unconsciously again, his gaze following Geng Shuning. It seemed his grandmother didn’t want to let her go either.

Although this fox was a bit foolish in some areas, she was quite clever when it came to important matters. She had already promised him last night to accompany him back to the palace, so how could she...

His eyes darkened slightly. Was this scoundrel just sweet-talking him under the canopy and now pretending nothing happened?

*

Geng Shuning, unaware that her boyfriend was inwardly accusing her of being heartless, still had to prioritize the recipe the Grand Empress Dowager was most concerned about.

As the highest-ranking elder in the imperial family, the Grand Empress Dowager’s carriage was even larger than those of Emperor Kangxi and Yinzhen, almost like a small one-room house.

The front was a spacious reception area, while the back was divided into an official room, a washroom, and a sleeping chamber.

It was mid-afternoon, and the Grand Empress Dowager, having eaten her fill, was struggling to stay awake.

Geng Shuning first helped the Grand Empress Dowager to sleep, then went to the low table in the front to write down the fastest-acting recipe she remembered and handed it to Nanny Wuyunna.

Nanny Wuyunna still had some concerns: "The Imperial Physician has prescribed remedies before, but not only do those herbs smell bad, every time... after using the official room, one feels completely drained."

"Her Majesty has already drunk many medicinal soups. If the recipe uses too few herbs, it might not work, but if it uses too many, Her Majesty might not be able to tolerate it—huh?"

Before she could finish, Nanny Wuyunna was stunned by the words "milk curd" clearly written on the recipe.

She began to suspect that Geng Shuning was a Mongol. "This... does suit Her Majesty’s taste, but it’s precisely because she consumes too many dairy pastries and meat that she suffers from insufficient stomach qi."

Even though this recipe included both herbs and rice wine, wasn’t it still a milk curd?

Geng Shuning confidently winked at Nanny Wuyunna: "Just take it to the kitchen and have the royal chefs consult Imperial Physician Zheng for the herbs. You’ll see the results tonight."

Nanny Wuyunna coughed lightly, shifted uncomfortably, and awkwardly went out to instruct someone to prepare the unusual milk curd.

*

With the Grand Empress Dowager asleep and Nanny Wuyunna, who managed her affairs, not around, Qiao He, who had been waiting outside the door, seized the moment to whisper a reminder—

"Master, the Emperor requests your presence to speak with him when it is convenient."

Geng Shuning knew that her previous confrontation with the former emperor and her use of the dietary prescription to win over the old lady had displeased Yinzhen.

She nodded to Nanny Tuya inside the phoenix carriage, told Qingfang to stay behind in case the Grand Empress Dowager needed her, and took Qiao He to Yinzhen's imperial carriage.

In the middle of winter, Chief Su had been standing in the open space in front of the carriage steps for a long time. When he saw Geng Shuning approaching, he almost cried with relief.

This troublemaker has finally arrived!

If she hadn't shown up soon, the Emperor's icy mood would have snuffed out the charcoal fire, freezing everyone to death.

Without waiting for Geng Shuning to speak, Su Peisheng hurried forward to greet her.

"The Emperor has instructed that you need not announce your arrival. Please, come inside."

Geng Shuning entered through the cotton curtain lifted by Su Peisheng and saw Yinzhen sternly going through reports. Hearing the commotion outside, he didn't even look up, clearly upset.

At the doorway, she removed her sky-blue cloak lined with rabbit fur and casually tossed it onto a nearby screen.

She tucked her small hands into her sleeves, stood still, and flashed a mischievous smile.

Yinzhen shot her a frosty look: "Are you waiting for me to invite you in?"

Only then did Geng Shuning burst into laughter. Ignoring the fact that he was reviewing reports, she snatched his vermilion brush, set it aside, and boldly approached, squeezing into Yinzhen's arms and hugging him.

She teased him boldly: "I just served you this morning, and now you don't know how to cherish me?"

Yinzhen raised an eyebrow, "I’d gladly let you take charge, but you’ve got to earn it."

Geng Shuning: "..." *Cough*, how did we suddenly start bantering? Where is Fourth Master's usual demeanor?

After a few playful exchanges, Geng Shuning sat up straight in Yinzhen's arms and became serious, explaining her previous actions.

"I am definitely going to be by your side, but I won't be returning to the palace with you this time."

Seeing Yinzhen frown, Geng Shuning reached out to smooth the crease between his brows.

"Listen to me. If you think I'm right, I will join you in the palace by the New Year's Eve banquet at the latest. If you think I'm wrong..."

Yinzhen looked down at her, "You'll return to the palace with me tomorrow?"

Geng Shuning shook her head seriously: "Then I’ll just have to persuade—or maybe seduce—you again."

Afraid that the man might not understand her meaning, Geng Shuning, with a serious expression, wiggled her small hand like a mischievous fish, greeting their complicated relationship.

Yinzhen took a deep breath, tightly gripping the mischievous little hand, the veins on his temples throbbing.

"Behave, or I won't hesitate to teach you a lesson!"

Geng Shuning knew when to stop and chuckled as she got up, walking to the nearby couch to pour two cups of tea.

She pushed one cup toward the man who had followed her and sat opposite her, still awkwardly smoothing his robe and crossing his legs.

"With the recent deposition of the empress, there must be a lot of things happening both inside and outside the palace, right? I bet someone has already set their sights on me, haven't they?"

Yinzhen's expression remained unchanged: "I have it under control. No one can touch you."

Geng Shuning nodded, "I trust that you can protect me, but I also need to grow on my own. I want to move forward with you, not hold you back."

Yinzhen paused, a bittersweet feeling rising in his heart, making him want to pull the little fox into his arms and kiss her.

And so he did.

Gently pulling Geng Shuning from behind the low table, he kissed her forehead.

"I know how capable you are. I want to give you the honor you deserve sooner."

"One day, everyone will know that you have never been a burden to me."

"You are my lucky star, and the blessing of the entire Qing Dynasty."

Geng Shuning leaned into Yinzhen's embrace, "I know."

She never doubted Yinzhen's feelings for her. His nature destined him to offer unreserved enthusiasm to those he cared about.

But she also knew that this man, once disappointed or resolved to let go, could turn colder than anyone.

She looked up at Yinzhen, "During this past month at the palace retreat, whether it was the ancestors or the retired emperor, they taught me a great deal. The most important thing is that they made me aware of my shortcomings."

"You protect me, and I want to protect you too. I don't care about reputation, and I don't want you to waste your energy on petty disputes and power struggles."

"There's still less than a month left. I want to stay by the ancestors and the retired emperor, learn more about surviving in the palace, and tend to their health."

She proudly nuzzled against Yinzhen's chest.

"You should know I have this ability. By the time of the palace banquet, the health of the Empress Dowager and the retired emperor will be my confidence as a courtier."

"During this time, you should return to the palace obediently and help clear the obstacles in the court for me!"

"Let's both put in the effort, and when I return to the palace, I can focus more on the important matters. What do you think?"

Yinzhen was silent for a moment. This little fox always had a way with words, and her words always seemed reasonable.

But the more sensible she was, the more it pained him.

She could have been like other women, acting spoiled with her husband's favor, but she always maintained her composure even in her mischief.

How could he not like her?

Yinzhen sighed, pinching Geng Shuning's cheek, "Then you must promise me not to be too playful in front of the old man. He values his dignity, and if he gets really angry, it's you who will suffer."

Afraid that Geng Shuning might misunderstand, he paused, pressing his forehead against hers and gently nuzzling like she did.

"I'm not afraid that you lack restraint, but the old man is getting on in years, and his temper is short. I... know how to cherish you."

Tsk, this was a response to her earlier accusation when she entered.

Finally, her boyfriend had learned to say sweet words, and Geng Shuning smiled again.

"Don't worry! I promise to be as obedient as a kitten!"

Yinzhen: "..." Recalling the cats in the palace that ran all over the walls when they were excited, he suddenly felt even more uneasy.

*

Yinzhen realized that his worries were not unfounded, especially after arriving at the Huangxinzhuang Palace Retreat.

Most of the imperial ancestors were buried in Shengjing and the Eastern Tombs, which were quite far from the capital. For significant anniversaries or death anniversaries, they had to set out several days in advance to make it in time.

But before Empress Xiaozhuang passed away, she left a will saying she did not want to return to Shengjing to be buried with Taizong, fearing it would disturb his spirit.

Emperor Kangxi knew full well that his grandmother had no affection for Taizong, yet she was the epitome of filial piety. He insisted that the Grand Empress Dowager, who had lived through three reigns, be buried in the Western Mausoleum.

The Western Mausoleum is about 130 li from the Hot Spring Palace, making it the closest imperial tomb to the capital.

They left at the start of the Wei hour and reached Huangxinzhuang by mid-Xu hour, traveling with minimal entourage.

Upon reaching the palace, Yinzhen could no longer linger with Geng Shuning. After getting off the imperial carriage, he told Geng Shuning to go back to the Grand Empress Dowager first, while he went to attend to the old master.

To his surprise, as soon as he neared Emperor Kangxi's carriage, Liang Jiugong awkwardly halted the imperial procession.

"Your Majesty, the retired emperor's verbal order..." Liang Jiugong's head was bowed low, his voice so faint it seemed it could vanish with the wind.

"...tell Fourth Brother to get inside first, and I'll deal with him later!"

Yinzhen: "..." He had a sinking feeling that the tongue-lashing he was about to get was definitely tied to that little fox.