Chapter 056

Chapter 056

During the meal, Su Yi noticed that Little Milk Dragon's appetite didn't seem great. Previously, when they had meals together, Su Yi had already known his usual amount of food, and he had always been very cheerful and in a good mood.

Just now, he also looked very excited, but it seemed like he was trying hard to stay alert. He was much quieter than usual during the meal and ate less than usual.

Even his favorite dishes couldn't tempt him to eat more.

Soon, he said he was full and then lay on his side, watching Su Yi. As he watched, he became a bit drowsy. The little guy was struggling to keep his eyes open, "If you're tired, go take a nap."

Su Yi also quickly finished her meal and was wiping her hands and rinsing her mouth out.

But Little Milk Dragon shook his head, "Hmm... I'm not sleepy." Although he said so, his eyes weren't as wide as usual, "I still want to watch Consort Rong take her medicine." He sat up straight, looking like a well-behaved child.

So determined?

Even though you're sleepy, you won't rest until you see me finish drinking it.

And at this time, the medicine had already been brought in.

Steaming hot, it could be drunk once it cooled to the right temperature.

It was very considerate.

Su Yi looked at the medicine bowl, which smelled awful even from a distance. Unfortunately, she heard Kangxi, that jerk, talking to the imperial physician last night about adding coptis to the prescription, asking how much could be added without affecting the efficacy of the medicine, as much as possible.

Her hand, resting on the table, trembled slightly. What could she do? She was already scared.

But she couldn't show fear.

Could she cry in front of Little Milk Dragon and admit she was scared?

She had to act like an adult, didn't she?

——

Cining Palace

When the Grand Empress Dowager learned that Kangxi was coming for lunch, she immediately had Suma Lagu prepare some of the emperor's favorite dishes in the small kitchen.

Although the Grand Empress Dowager didn't show it, she was pleased that Kangxi was coming to Cining Palace for a meal.

The two had been at odds for some time, and the emperor had rarely stayed at Cining Palace for lunch.

When the emperor was a child, he also had a very good relationship with the Grand Empress Dowager.

But as the emperor grew up, there were gradually differences in political views. The emperor grew day by day, no longer just a young emperor sheltered by his grandmother.

The emperor insisted on reducing the feudal lords, but the Grand Empress Dowager disagreed. The contradictions that had been buried between the grandparents were suddenly intensified.

In the end, the Grand Empress Dowager, who had once assisted in governance, retreated to the rear palace and no longer inquired about court affairs. Although the emperor would still come to Cining Palace to pay his respects, it was only to pay respects, say a few words, sit for a while, and then leave.

Today, the emperor came, mostly because the Imperial Noble Consort and Consort Tongjia both wanted to adopt the fourth prince, to discuss with the Grand Empress Dowager.

Even so, the Grand Empress Dowager was still happy.

When Kangxi arrived, the Grand Empress Dowager had already ordered the meal to be served.

When the two grandparents sat down, Kangxi greeted as usual and asked Suma Lagu about the Grand Empress Dowager's recent health condition.

After all, the Grand Empress Dowager is elderly, and naturally, more attention should be paid to her care.

"Imperial Grandmother should take better care of herself. I cannot always be by your side, but with Suma Lagu serving you attentively, I can be a little more at ease."

Suma Lagu has been serving the Grand Empress Dowager for many years, and no one could care for her better than Suma Lagu.

"Serving the Grand Empress Dowager is my duty, and I would not dare take credit," Suma Lagu replied from the side.

The Grand Empress Dowager, with concern on her face, said, "Your Majesty, while you’re concerned about me, you should also take care of your own health. I have heard that you’ve been calling for the imperial physician a lot lately. As the ruler of the nation, your imperial health is of utmost importance and should not be taken lightly."

The Grand Empress Dowager's words seemed to hint at something deeper, ostensibly concerned about Kangxi's health but skipping over the usual health checks and only mentioning the recent emergencies.

"I understand, Imperial Grandmother, you needn’t worry. I have it under control," Kangxi replied with an unchanged smile. The two adhered strictly to etiquette during the meal, and even though the dishes were prepared according to Kangxi's taste, he only took a few bites.

The principle of not speaking during meals and not speaking during sleep was taken to the extreme here.

The Grand Empress Dowager stayed calm, and Kangxi also maintained his composure. Both continued their meal without feeling anything amiss.

The Grand Empress Dowager, being old, didn’t have much of an appetite, and Kangxi also stopped eating almost simultaneously.

The servants cleared the table efficiently and, after washing hands and rinsing mouths, served freshly brewed tea.

The Grand Empress Dowager took a sip and then put it down. Suma Lagu had already dismissed all the servants and then left the room.

Until it was just the two of them.

The Grand Empress Dowager cut to the chase, "The matter of the Imperial Noble Consort and Consort Tongjia wanting to adopt the Fourth Prince, I presume you are aware, Your Majesty."

She looked at Kangxi, "Your Majesty, what are your thoughts?"

Consort Tongjia is more straightforward; her intentions are simple. Wanting to adopt the Fourth Prince is more about undermining the Uya clan.

The Imperial Noble Consort's move, however, is a bit out of the ordinary.

The Imperial Noble Consort's younger sister entering the palace is precisely the Niohuru family's intention, to have Consort Rong bear a prince for the Imperial Noble Consort to raise, thus giving the prince the title of a son of a secondary queen, which would be most beneficial for the Niohuru family.

Why then the sudden desire to adopt the Fourth Prince?

It would be better to let Consort Tongjia care for the Fourth Prince than the Imperial Noble Consort.

The Tongjia family is merely a consort, but the Imperial Noble Consort is just a step away from being the queen. If she were to become the queen in the future, the Fourth Prince would go from being a commoner to a legitimate heir, and where would that leave Baocheng?

Baocheng is the crown prince, the designated successor. If another legitimate heir were to appear, it would inevitably spark a succession crisis, and an unstable heir could easily shake the foundation of the empire. How could the Grand Empress Dowager let something like that happen?

"Then, Imperial Grandmother, who do you think I should choose?" Kangxi did not answer but instead threw the question back to the Grand Empress Dowager.

Naturally, Consort Tongjia.

If Consort Tongjia were to adopt the Fourth Prince, she could no longer have her own children. Letting her raise the Fourth Prince would also fulfill her future desire to be a mother.

The Imperial Noble Consort is not suitable for pregnancy, and neither is Consort Tongjia.

The Tong family, as the emperor's maternal family, has already received too much. With the position of the queen vacant, the Tong family's intentions are clear—they wish to continue being the maternal family of the heir apparent.

Although she thought so, the Grand Empress Dowager did not say it directly, as the Tong family is the emperor's maternal family, and naturally, there is more affection for them.

"How I think is not as important as your own thoughts, Your Majesty. Imperial Grandmother is old, and some things are not as clear to me. You decide who should raise the Fourth Prince."

Kangxi smiled, his expression unchanged, but in his heart, he thought, when had he and his grandmother become so distant.

"Both the Imperial Noble Consort and Consort Tongjia wish to adopt the Fourth Prince, but it's difficult for me to choose between them. Aren't there suitable candidates among the concubines as well?"

This means either choosing between the two or letting neither have the Fourth Prince, and allowing someone else to adopt him.

Among the concubines, there are many without children, yet they are qualified to raise a prince.

The Grand Empress Dowager was momentarily taken aback, "Your Majesty means to choose from among the concubines?"

Kangxi smiled without answering.

Although there are many childless concubines, few are suitable candidates. Concubine An, being from the Han military banner, is not suitable.

Concubine Yipin is arrogant and comes from a good background, but she is young and beautiful, with plenty of opportunities to bear her own child in the future, and thus would not be willing to raise a prince born to a lower-ranking concubine.

Concubine Xi, from the collateral branch of the Hesheli family, is also not quite suitable.

That leaves us with Concubine Duan, Concubine Jing, and Consort Rong.

Concubine Duan has just lost the Fourth Princess and is now without a child. However, her failure to properly care for even a princess has left the Grand Empress Dowager quite displeased. Although Zhang Shi was the foolish and malicious one, Concubine Duan still bears some responsibility.

If she couldn't even raise a princess well, the Grand Empress Dowager is even less inclined to entrust a prince to her care.

As for Consort Rong, she has just entered the palace, young and beautiful, with a good family background, and being the younger sister of the Imperial Noble Consort, she is even less suitable.

"So, Your Majesty, do you want Concubine Jing to adopt the Fourth Prince?"

Concubine Jing's family background is quite respectable. During the Three Feudatories' rebellion, the Emperor often relied on Concubine Jing's father. After adopting the Fourth Prince, even if the Imperial Noble Consort and Consort Tongjia are displeased, they cannot treat Concubine Jing too harshly.

"I am more inclined towards Consort Rong," Kangxi replied instead.

"Consort Rong?!" This was unexpected for the Grand Empress Dowager, who thought even Concubine Yipin would be more suitable than Consort Rong.

"Exactly."

Kangxi initially wanted to entrust the Fourth Prince to Consort Tongjia, but the involvement of the Imperial Noble Consort slightly changed his mind.

"Your Majesty, have you forgotten that Consort Rong is the younger sister of the Imperial Noble Consort? Entrusting the Fourth Prince to Consort Rong is no different from giving him to the Imperial Noble Consort."

These two sisters, if not of one mind, are still closely connected by blood. The Niohuru family already has a high-ranking concubine in the harem.

One is the Imperial Noble Consort, and the other is Consort Rong. With this pair of sisters in the harem, the Imperial Noble Consort already holds a high position, and Consort Rong's rank as a concubine has reached its peak and cannot be further elevated.

Otherwise, the harem would become the domain of the Niohuru family, leading to chaos, as the Zhao sisters are a cautionary tale.

The Grand Empress Dowager is finding it increasingly difficult to understand her grandson. What exactly is he thinking? It is said that Consort Rong is beautiful and greatly favored by the Emperor, but she knows her grandson well; he would not be swayed by beauty to the point of losing his judgment.

"Naturally, it's different. The Imperial Noble Consort is the Imperial Noble Consort, and Consort Rong is Consort Rong," Kangxi said with his own calculations in mind.

The Grand Empress Dowager was about to say, "Your Majesty,"

But Suma Lagu hurriedly entered to report something urgent.

"Suma Lagu, what has happened? Why are you so flustered?"

Suma Lagu is usually very composed and rarely shows such a flustered expression, so the Grand Empress Dowager did not mind her sudden interruption of the conversation between her and the Emperor.

"Reporting to the Grand Empress Dowager and Your Majesty, news has just come from the Qianqing Palace that... the Crown Prince has contracted smallpox," Suma Lagu replied with a grim expression.

Smallpox!

The Crown Prince has contracted smallpox?!

The Grand Empress Dowager exclaimed anxiously, "Has the imperial physician confirmed it?! Baocheng!" She suddenly stood up, her movements too quick and her emotions too intense, causing her to feel dizzy and her vision to blur. She was about to collapse when Kangxi, who reacted swiftly, caught her. "Grandmother!"

Suma Lagu also hurried over to help support the Grand Empress Dowager and guide her back to her seat. "Grand Empress Dowager, you must take care of your health."

The Grand Empress Dowager took a moment to compose herself. "This old body of mine has its good days and bad, and I'm used to it. But Baocheng is still so young, and now he's contracted smallpox! What are we going to do? Emperor, you must hurry back to the Qianqing Palace to see how Baocheng is doing!"

As a child, Kangxi also contracted smallpox. At that time, the situation was perilous. Not only did Kangxi contract smallpox, but other princes who caught the disease did not survive. Only Kangxi managed to pull through.

This shows how dangerous smallpox can be.

Baocheng is just three years old and has already contracted smallpox. If he doesn't survive, the Grand Empress Dowager can't bear to think about it.

Kangxi was equally anxious. "Suma Lagu, take good care of Grandmother. Grandmother, I will hurry back to see Baocheng."

Suma Lagu nodded in understanding.

Seeing that the Grand Empress Dowager had calmed down and appeared fine, Kangxi hurriedly left the Cining Palace. Liang Jiugong followed closely, updating him on the situation at the Qianqing Palace.

"Consort Rong was the first to notice something was wrong and immediately called for the imperial physician. Initially, it was thought to be a stomach issue, but then it was discovered that the Crown Prince had a fever. After the imperial physician examined him, it was confirmed that the Crown Prince had contracted smallpox. Consort Rong had already ordered the Qianqing Palace sealed off." Liang Jiugong spoke quickly, summarizing the key points.

He continued speaking while jogging to keep up.

Kangxi's expression turned stern as he listened. "Is Consort Rong still in the Qianqing Palace?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," Liang Jiugong replied.

Of course, Consort Rong was still in the Qianqing Palace. The Crown Prince had contracted smallpox, and Consort Rong had been in close contact with him. It was highly likely that she might also contract the disease...

Consort Rong's health is weak, and if she were to develop a fever as well, it could be fatal.

Kangxi stayed silent, but his expression grew increasingly grim. Finally, he slammed his fist on the sedan chair's armrest, startling Liang Jiugong.

But Liang Jiugong didn't dare say a word. He knew that the Emperor's mood was far from good. The Crown Prince's condition was critical, and while Consort Rong's presence in the Yonghe Palace would not have been an issue, she had stayed overnight in the Qianqing Palace and had not yet left when the Crown Prince fell ill.

It was the Emperor himself who had called for the Crown Prince to dine with Consort Rong.

What a disaster this was.

They soon arrived at the Qianqing Palace. The servants there were no longer allowed to leave freely, and guards were stationed outside.

Kangxi practically leapt out of the sedan chair before it fully stopped and rushed inside.

Kangxi strode ahead swiftly, his robe fluttering, while Liang Jiugong struggled to keep pace.

The two quickly reached the Crown Prince's quarters. Kangxi stepped over the kneeling servants and strode into the inner chamber, where he saw Consort Rong sitting by Baocheng's bedside.

He paused for a moment, seemingly surprised that Consort Rong was still there. After glancing at Baocheng, who lay unconscious on the bed, Kangxi quickly walked over to Consort Rong and grabbed her shoulders, his voice urgent. "Why are you still here?! Don't you know Baocheng has contracted smallpox?"

Consort Rong was startled by his reaction but calmly replied, "I know."

Wasn't she the one who called for the imperial physician?

"If you know, why are you still here?" Kangxi said, almost in a panic. He glanced at the maids standing nearby. "Hurry and take Consort Rong to another hall for now."

The other maids exchanged glances before stepping forward to escort Consort Rong away.

However,

"But it doesn't matter much now. We had lunch together and took a nap, so there's no need to be nervous anymore. Besides, there's the imperial physician, isn't there?"

Su Yi thought it was something else, "Don't grab me so hard, my shoulder hurts. Are you putting all your strength into my shoulder?"

Kangxi looked at her for a while, and the imperial physician, after observing for a moment, said, "Your Majesty, Consort Rong is doing just fine. Even if she has been in contact with the little milk dragon, it doesn't necessarily mean she will immediately fall ill. Having her around might help spot any issues sooner."

The imperial physician was saying that since she had already been in contact, if Consort Rong were to contract smallpox, isolating her now wouldn't prevent the illness from manifesting later.

At this point, there was no need to separate the little milk dragon and Consort Rong.

Moreover, the little milk dragon clearly relies on Consort Rong. Having her around would make him feel better, right?

Kangxi knew the imperial physician was speaking the truth, but at this moment, he released Consort Rong, turned, and sat down by the little milk dragon's bed, looking at him whose face was already flushed red from fever, with smallpox beginning to appear on his body.

He reached out and touched the little milk dragon's burning forehead, asking in a deep voice, "Where's the wet nurse?!"

The wet nurse, who had been taking care of the prince day and night, should have noticed something was off. The little milk dragon had been unwell for days—how could the wet nurse not have noticed?

The little milk dragon, bundled up in thick blankets, was shivering. Su Yi crouched beside him, tucking in the corners of the blanket, "I had the wet nurse locked up earlier.

During lunch, I felt the little milk dragon's face was a bit warm, but his hands were cold. I asked the wet nurse, and she said it was normal, so I thought I was being paranoid and didn't think much of it.

But at lunch, he didn't eat much and seemed really tired. I thought he was just tired from waking up early, so I took a nap with him.

He fell asleep quickly.

I watched him for a while and noticed he was shivering and felt warm to the touch. I knew something was up and called the imperial physician. By then, red spots had already appeared on his body.

The wet nurse hadn't noticed anything, which made me suspicious, so I had her locked up. That's what happened."

Su Yi recounted the events. When she had the wet nurse detained, the woman had shouted at her, claiming she was the prince's wet nurse and that Su Yi had no right to touch her.

She also said the prince couldn't be left alone, especially without her looking after him, and accused Su Yi of having ulterior motives for removing her when the prince fell ill.

Su Yi, with her fiery temper, wasn't going to stand for it.

She immediately had the wet nurse tied up tight. She hadn't planned to bind her at first, but now, well, those who protest the loudest often have something to hide.

"Alright, Liang Jiugong, handle the wet nurse."

Kangxi looked at Liang Jiugong, who nodded, indicating he would take care of the matter quietly.

The little milk dragon's wet nurse had been picked by the Hesheri family. In theory, she wouldn't harm the little milk dragon.

But you can never predict human nature. With the little milk dragon contracting smallpox, the wet nurse, who was with him day and night, couldn't have missed all the signs. Consort Rong had noticed something was wrong during lunch, but the wet nurse, who was with the little milk dragon constantly, hadn't noticed anything?

The scariest thought was that the little milk dragon's smallpox wasn't an accident, but on purpose.

If it was deliberate... A flash of killing intent crossed Kangxi's eyes. How dare someone meddle in the Qianqing Palace?

The remnants of the White Lotus Sect had not been eradicated. After the fourth princess died, now the little milk dragon was in trouble.

The little milk dragon, who had been lying still with his eyes shut, now let out a soft moan of discomfort, his brows tightly furrowed. He started kicking at the blankets, muttering, "I'm cold... I feel awful..."

His hand reached out, trying to grab something, but finding nothing, he whimpered in frustration, clearly in distress.

Kangxi tucked his hand back under the blanket and covered him up, but in no time, the little milk dragon was fussing again. Kangxi, unsure of what to do, turned to the imperial physician for advice.

The imperial physician wanted to say that it was Consort Rong who had been comforting him earlier.

Seeing this, Su Yi felt a wave of disdain. She stood up, patted Kangxi, and said, "Move aside." He was just sitting there, clueless about what to do.

Su Yi's tone was sharp, but Kangxi didn’t have the time to argue with her about it right then.

Kangxi stood up and gave up his seat, watching Consort Rong sit back down. She then moved Baocheng, along with his blanket, towards her, patting the blanket skillfully as if lulling a baby to sleep.

The gentle patting gave a sense of reassurance, helping him calm down quickly.

The little milk dragon (Baocheng) moved slightly, and after smelling the familiar scent, leaned over, sticking close to Su Yi. He then stopped moving much, gradually calming down.

Kangxi stood by and watched, finally understanding why Consort Rong had been sitting here earlier when he arrived.

"Consort Rong, you..." He wanted to say something, but was shushed by Consort Rong, signaling him to be quiet.

He had been sleeping soundly earlier but was woken up by the talking. Now that he’d finally fallen back asleep, it would be a shame to disturb him again.

It’s good if he can sleep now, but later, when the red spots turn into blisters and start itching, it’ll be unbearable, and he won’t be able to sleep at all.

Kangxi simply closed his mouth and stood by, watching Consort Rong comfort Baocheng.

——

The Qianqing Palace was sealed off, and the news of the little prince (Baocheng)'s smallpox could not be hidden, quickly spreading to the entire harem.

The Yikun Palace got the news early. When it was confirmed that the little prince had smallpox, Consort Rong was there. The Qianqing Palace was sealed off, and even Consort Rong could not leave.

The Imperial Noble Consort knew the little prince would get smallpox, but how convenient that it happened now?

Could this be what the black-cloaked man meant, that Kangxi would soon be too busy to pay attention to other matters? And he mentioned the Hesheri family.

This time, the prince’s smallpox outbreak was actually orchestrated by the Hesheri family.

The Imperial Noble Consort was shocked. How could the Hesheri family do such a thing?

Kangxi himself barely survived smallpox, and none of the other princes who caught it with him made it. That’s why he ended up on the throne.

Now that the prince has smallpox at such a young age, in ancient times, smallpox was a dreaded disease, and there was no good way to treat it. It was often fatal, so Kangxi was understandably anxious and worried.

Historically, when the prince had smallpox, Kangxi skipped court for three days to stay by his side. No other prince received such special treatment.

Thus, Kangxi indeed had no time to attend to other matters, and by the time the prince recovered, any loose ends that had not been dealt with would have already been taken care of.

The Hesheri family’s actions were indeed a huge advantage for their plans.

She knew the prince’s smallpox was a close call, but he’d pull through in the end. But why would the Hesheri family do this? This was the prince's maternal family—who would have thought that the prince's own family would be behind it?