Chapter 010

Chapter 010

Before long, it was the 16th year of Kangxi's reign. Su Yi, through gradual accumulation, had finally nurtured her once frail body to a relatively stable state. The little milk dragon had also grown from a tiny infant to a slightly larger toddler.

On his first birthday, Kangxi had officially designated him as the Crown Prince.

The once somewhat inexperienced emperor had gradually transformed into a deeply enigmatic ruler, consolidating his power. In the court, he was no longer the young emperor suppressed by the four regents.

The previously controversial policy of reducing the power of the feudal lords had also shown significant results. Shaanxi, Fujian, Guangdong, and Jiangxi had all been pacified one after another.

Wu Sangui was cornered in Hunan, his external support dwindling daily, while the Qing army had advanced from Jiangxi to besiege Changsha. His defeat was inevitable, and the pacification of the Three Feudatories was imminent.

Originally, the harem had only one high-ranking concubine, Concubine Niohuru. However, this situation was broken in the 15th year of Kangxi's reign. Although Tong Jia had not been officially titled as a concubine shortly after entering the palace, she enjoyed the privileges of a concubine. Even though she was not yet a concubine, everyone in the harem knew it was only a matter of time.

Tong Jia was the emperor's cousin, so a concubine title was inevitable. She might even stand on equal footing with Concubine Niohuru.

Although Concubine Niohuru still managed the palace affairs, she had delegated some of her responsibilities to Tong Jia.

Although the two seemed cordial on the surface, everyone knew they were rivals.

This year, the emperor was going to conduct a grand conferral of titles within the harem, and both of their positions would be elevated. However, there was only one position for the Empress.

Concubine Niohuru knew she would be appointed Empress, but until it was finalized, she feared unexpected changes.

Over the past three years, Kangxi had not visited the harem frequently, only a few times a month. The number of visits to the Yikun Palace was not many, and her womb remained silent.

Yet, Ma Jia, just as in history, had given birth to the eighth prince, Changsheng. Shortly after giving birth, she became pregnant again and this year bore another prince!

In private, Concubine Niohuru couldn't help but mutter a few curses. How could she be so fertile? Kangxi didn't visit the Zhongcui Palace often, yet she got pregnant so easily, while she herself couldn't conceive.

Knowing the history, Concubine Niohuru was aware that the Niohuru clan was short-lived, and she would die of illness in the 17th year of Kangxi's reign. Under her control, she had avoided many schemes and was not bedridden as in history, but she still had no children.

She couldn't help but wonder, was it her fate to remain childless?

This made her start making plans.

An Empress without children, how could she maintain authority over the concubines in the harem?

Especially since Tong Jia would be named Noble Consort, which was very unfavorable for her.

Even if she didn't show it much, she couldn't help but feel a bit of irritation. When Kangxi arrived, Concubine Niohuru was unaware until he suddenly spoke.

"What are you thinking about?"

Concubine Niohuru's heart skipped a beat, but she quickly steadied herself. She had only been thinking in her heart and hadn't spoken out. She calmed herself and turned around with her usual gentle demeanor, the one she always showed in front of Kangxi.

First, she paid her respects to Kangxi, then replied, "Your servant was just thinking about what to prepare for Your Majesty when you arrive."

She then chided, "Your Majesty startled me by speaking so suddenly. Yujing, hurry and prepare tea and snacks." She then sat down behind Kangxi.

Meeting Kangxi's gaze, she couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy. His eyes seemed to see through her.

"Is that so? I just wanted to give you a surprise, but I didn't mean to scare you." Kangxi's words were profound, and Concubine Niohuru tried to read something from his expression but found nothing.

She then put all her energy into conversing with Kangxi, and for a while, the atmosphere was quite pleasant. After dinner, when Concubine Niohuru was about to serve Kangxi and have him stay, Kangxi said, "No need, I still have some memorials to review. I just came to see you today." And then he left.

As he walked away, his retreating figure betrayed no hint of hesitation. Concubine Niohuru watched his retreating figure, bowing respectfully, but her heart sank.

She had been with Kangxi for many years, one of his first concubines, yet she could never truly understand him. She had tried her best to win more of his heart, but to no avail. Kangxi treated her no differently from the other women in the harem.

Drops of water can wear away stone, yet they could never seep into the emperor's heart.

When Kangxi returned to the Palace of Heavenly Purity, it wasn't because he truly had unfinished memorials to review; he simply didn't want to stay overnight at the Palace of Eternal Spring.

This Concubine Niohuru of his was truly remarkable. If it weren't for his ability to read minds, he wouldn't have known that Concubine Niohuru harbored such a secret—seemingly able to foresee the future.

At first, Kangxi didn't believe it, but some things happened just as she had predicted.

This time, during the grand promotion within the six palaces, he hadn't yet revealed his intentions, and no one in the harem knew. Yet, she was already certain that he would promote his cousin as a noble consort and make her the empress.

Recently, some ministers had indeed hinted that the position of empress had been vacant for many years and hoped he would appoint one. Among those in the harem who were eligible for the position, aside from Concubine Niohuru, there was only his cousin.

Liang Jiugong, serving carefully by his side, was utterly confused. What was wrong with the Emperor? Why did he leave the Palace of Eternal Spring so abruptly, using excuses to leave? Concubine Niohuru had performed quite well tonight, hadn't she?

The Emperor left without a second thought.

"Liang Jiugong."

Kangxi suddenly called out in a deep voice.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Liang Jiugong's thoughts scattered instantly, and he responded respectfully.

"Go check if Baocheng has gone to sleep."

"Yes, Your Majesty, this humble servant will go at once." Liang Jiugong smiled and agreed, then personally went to check instead of sending a eunuch. The Crown Prince's status was too noble; it had to be him who went.

In truth, Kangxi just wanted some peace and quiet, but Liang Jiugong's mind was too active, giving him a headache. So, he sent him to check on Baocheng.

Speaking of which, the female ghost had been quiet lately. He hadn't heard her thoughts anymore, nor had he encountered her near Baocheng. In the past, it was always a sure thing, but now there was no sign of her.

Liang Jiugong returned quickly.

His face showed a hint of urgency and a wry smile. Upon seeing Kangxi, he reported, "Your Majesty, the little Crown Prince hasn't gone to sleep yet. He's throwing a tantrum and refusing to settle down, and even the wet nurse can't calm him down."

As soon as he finished speaking, Kangxi stood up and walked past him. Liang Jiugong quickly followed. These days, the little Crown Prince's mood had been unstable, giving the wet nurse a headache. It was good that the Emperor went to check; perhaps seeing His Majesty would calm him down.

"I don't want to sleep! Everyone, leave me alone!" The little child puffed his cheeks, looking displeased. The maids around him knelt on the ground, not daring to leave.

The little Crown Prince was still so young; he couldn't be left alone. If something happened to him while his attendants were absent, they would lose their heads.

Thus, a standoff ensued.

Until Kangxi arrived. "What is all this commotion? This is no way to behave!"

The little milk dragon, upon seeing Kangxi, immediately ran over on his short legs and hugged Kangxi's leg without saying a word. His face was full of grievance, his eyes slightly red. He didn't speak, just clung to Kangxi's leg.

Kangxi grabbed the little chubby boy by the collar and lifted him up, then dismissed the other maids.