Chapter 8: Rewards

Chapter 8: Bestowals

September was the season when osmanthus flowers bloomed abundantly. Xiao Shunzi had just brought them a box of osmanthus cakes, and Fang Yu was savoring a piece, enjoying its rich, sweet aroma. She gestured for Pan Liu to eat quickly as well.

While the master and servant were happily enjoying the osmanthus cakes in the room, footsteps were heard outside, followed by a eunuch's piercing voice announcing, "His Majesty has sent imperial gifts. Please come out to receive them, Concubine Wuya."

Pan Liu quickly put down the osmanthus cake, wiped the crumbs hastily on her clothes, and went to open the door to invite them in.

Liang Jiugong, a eunuch from the Qianqing Palace, led four other eunuchs forward to kneel in salute, smiling as he said, "Concubine Wuya, His Majesty has ordered us to bring these bestowals for you. Please kneel to receive them."

Fang Yu and Pan Liu knelt on the ground, watching as Liang Jiugong signaled to a eunuch beside him to announce the items.

"Bestowals for Concubine Wuya: one pair of kingfisher-feather begonia-pattern hairpins, one pair of silver-gilt filigree pearl-inlaid hairpins, one pair of gold pearl earrings, one pair of coral bracelets, one pair of jade bracelets, two jars of indigo ink, two boxes of Kong Feng Chun rouge, two boxes of Snow in Spring Blush, six bolts of cloud-pattern brocade, and six bolts of Hangzhou silk. Please acknowledge and accept them."

The eunuchs stepped forward holding black lacquer trays. Fang Yu gave them a quick glance before kowtowing to express her gratitude.

"My Lady, if there is nothing else, we shall return to our duties."

"Thank you for your trouble, please take care on your way."

Fang Yu knew she should tip the servants, but she lacked even small coins and was utterly broke. She could only see them off politely. Once they left, she began to inspect the gifts.

"My Lady, these are imperial gifts from His Majesty. The Emperor truly holds you in high esteem. Such generous bestowals—your servant has never seen anything like it," Pan Liu exclaimed excitedly, her eyes shining as she touched the gifts.

Fang Yu didn’t think the bestowals were particularly lavish, but any reward was a good thing. This was her first time receiving such gifts, and she wondered if the Emperor had somehow overheard her conversation with Noble Lady Guo.

The news of the Emperor’s bestowals spread quickly, and soon other concubines from the Yonghe Palace came to congratulate her. In less than an hour, the news had spread throughout the harem. Even the Answering Attendant, with whom she often interacted, came to offer congratulations.

That evening, Fang Yu's plaque was chosen again.

As Kangxi entered the bedchamber, he saw Wuya Shi sitting on the bed, wrapped in a light mandarin duck duvet, her eyes curved into smiles as she looked at him, her gaze overflowing with joy.

"Your Majesty…"

Her voice was soft and drawn out, coquettish and sweet. With her lotus-like face and seductive, gentle eyes, he felt his breath catch.

"Your servant thanks Your Majesty for the bestowals. From now on, I will serve Your Majesty diligently and never slack off."

"Just don’t cry out in pain," Kangxi teased. As soon as he sat on the edge of the bed, she wrapped herself around him.

"I promise not to cry tonight. Your Majesty can do whatever you wish. Your servant will not complain."

She kissed his neck, trailing kisses up to his face, covering him with feather-light kisses. When their eyes met, her almond-shaped eyes, shimmering with moisture, blinked gently. She then lightly kissed his lips.

Kangxi patted her bottom, unable to resist her teasing any longer. He leaned over her, claiming her lips as she wrapped her arms tightly around his waist, holding him close.

After a long, heated kiss, Wuya Shi hugged him and chuckled.

"What are you laughing at?"

"I’m just happy. Your Majesty treats your servant so well. Your servant likes you so much, Your Majesty. How are you so good to me?" she cooed.

He had only given her a reward, and it was nothing particularly valuable, yet she was so delighted. Kangxi couldn’t help but feel a bit of joy himself. He lifted her chin and captured her lips again.

True to her word, she did not cry out in pain that night. She accepted everything, allowing him to have his way, like an obedient little rabbit. Kangxi took his pleasure with her, indulging twice before summoning attendants for water.

Exhausted, the two cleaned up and quickly fell asleep.

The next morning, Kangxi woke first. Wuya Shi was still asleep—she was a heavy sleeper. Others who shared his bed usually woke earlier, but she always slept later. In the four times she had served him, she had never once gotten up to attend to him. He wondered how she had ever served her masters when she was a servant.

Kangxi was not a petty man. After rising, he signaled the others to be quiet so as not to wake her. Once dressed, he left for court.

When he returned after court, he found Wuya Shi just waking up, her eyes bleary as she let the palace maid help her dress, her little head drooping.

"Have breakfast with me," Kangxi said.

As soon as he spoke, Wuya Shi gave him a reproachful look. He knew he had been too rough with her the previous night.

"Your Majesty, I have to apply ointment again."

"That ointment is for you to use. If it runs out, I’ll have more sent to you, along with some bruise ointment. I’ll have it delivered to you."

Her skin was too fair and thin, too easily marked with bruises. Kangxi thought about sending her some bruise ointment. Seeing her pout, still a little unhappy, he went over and gently touched her cheek. Wuya Shi nuzzled his palm, and he felt she was even more like a little rabbit seeking its master’s affection.

"Alright, I’ll be gentler next time. But last night, you were the one who agreed."

"Hmph."

Kangxi chuckled at her light humph.

A little later, the two sat down to eat.

Wuya Shi ate with great enjoyment, her appetite so infectious that Kangxi found himself eating more than usual.

After breakfast, Wuya Shi left, and Kangxi began reviewing memorials.

Not long after Fang Yu returned to the Yonghe Palace, Nala Yingshan came to chat with her. They had both been palace maids before being promoted to concubines. Fang Yu had won favor, while Yingshan had yet to serve the Emperor. But Yingshan’s attitude toward her remained unchanged. In the harem, it was important to have one or two confidantes, and Fang Yu already considered Nala Yingshan trustworthy.

Before Yingshan left, Fang Yu gifted her two bolts of cloud-pattern brocade and two bolts of Hangzhou silk. Both came from humble backgrounds, and in the palace, they could only rely on the Emperor’s favor. Yingshan had not yet received any favor, and it was Yingshan who had used her own savings to summon the imperial physician for Fang Yu when she was ill, helping her recover. Giving her a few bolts of fabric was a small repayment.

"Sister, please don’t refuse. There’s no need for formalities between us."

"Then I’ll accept," Yingshan said, taking the gifts.

Fang Yu smiled and patted Yingshan’s hand. "I remember all the kindness you’ve shown me. In the future, we sisters must support each other in the palace."

Nala Yingshan was moved to tears and nodded emphatically.

Half a month passed peacefully. During this time, Fang Yu's plaque was chosen only twice, while Consort Wan received the most summons, and Noble Lady Guo was also summoned twice.

Thanks to these few nights of service, Fang Yu had become a favored concubine in the harem. The servants no longer dared to look down on or mistreat her, and even Noble Lady Dong treated her politely. Her life in the harem began to become more comfortable, and she thought, how good it is to be in favor.