Chapter 31: A Late Menstrual Cycle

Chapter 31: A Late Period

In early March of the fifteenth year of Kang Xi's reign, news of the imperial selection of consorts spread throughout the palace, instantly becoming the hottest topic of conversation among the ladies of the harem.

With so many consorts and concubines in the harem, some had not received the emperor's favor for a year or more. The arrival of new beauties would likely make it even harder for them to gain the emperor's attention.

Fang Yu, however, was not worried about this. Her menstrual period was several days late, and she was concerned that she might be pregnant. Since it was only a few days late, she did not want to summon a physician to check her pulse and risk making it public knowledge. What if it was just a delay and a false alarm? Her periods were not always regular anyway. Besides, the fourth prince couldn’t possibly arrive two years early, could he?

Before she could figure out whether she was pregnant, another shocking piece of news spread through the harem: the long-barren Empress was with child and had already reached three months. This meant she likely conceived before the New Year.

On March 15th, everyone went to Kunning Palace to pay their respects to the Empress. This time, Noble Consort Tong also attended, though Consort Rong still claimed illness. Upon seeing the Empress, they all congratulated her.

The Empress sat on the phoenix throne at the front, a clear smile of joy on her lips. "I appreciate all your well-wishes, sisters," she said. "I also hope each of you will soon have good news and continue the imperial line for His Majesty. Since becoming pregnant, I am easily fatigued. Until I give birth, there is no need for you to come and pay respects. If anything arises, I will have the servants inform you."

Everyone agreed.

"If there is nothing else, you may leave. I am rather tired."

The consorts and concubines rose and departed.

As soon as they left Kunning Palace, Consort Duan, who happened to be walking just to Fang Yu’s left, remarked, "The Empress finally has a child in her womb, and now she’s even exempted us from paying respects. It seems she’s afraid one of us might harm her unborn child."

Answering Attendant Fu Cha, walking on Fang Yu’s right, responded, "Pregnancy is difficult. Perhaps Her Majesty truly isn’t feeling well."

Consort Duan said, "We’re the ones who have to get up early to pay respects. It’s not as if the Empress exerts much effort. Besides, it’s only been three months—how much discomfort could there be? The Empress is afraid that with so many people around, accidents might happen. After all these years, her belly finally quickened. Ultimately, she’s worried someone might try to harm her child."

Fang Yu reminded Consort Duan, "Your Highness, perhaps we should save this conversation for when we return to Yonghe Palace."

Only then did Consort Duan fall silent.

The group walked back to Yonghe Palace together.

Upon returning to her room, Fang Yu had just sat down when Xiao Fangzi entered, presenting a plate of cherries. He explained that the Internal Affairs Department had sent them and that he had already washed them.

Seeing the vibrant red cherries, she couldn’t resist picking one and putting it in her mouth. The sweet and sour taste was irresistible, and she ended up eating almost half the plate.

"My lady, if you like them, this servant can request more from the Internal Affairs Department."

Fang Yu’s heart skipped a beat. The sweet and sour flavor was exactly what pregnant women often craved. Some even had a particular fondness for sour foods. Could she really be pregnant? She looked at Xiao Fangzi and waved her hand. "No need. Cherries are a rarity. Requesting more might put the Internal Affairs Department in a difficult position. Serve the morning meal. I might just be hungry."

After breakfast, Fang Yu finished the remaining cherries. She thought to herself that if she really was pregnant, she would have to let nature take its course.

That evening, Fang Yu's name was drawn for the night. She had to leave for Qianqing Palace in the middle of her dinner.

Kang Xi had already heard the news of the Empress’s pregnancy. He touched Fang Yu’s belly. Among all the consorts in the harem, she received the most favor, yet her womb showed no signs of life. Seeing her watery, rippling eyes fixed on him, he said softly, "When will you bear Us a prince? I dote on you the most, so why is your belly still silent?"

Fang Yu forced a dry laugh. "Perhaps it will happen soon," she said, though she wasn’t sure if she was actually pregnant. She could only reply, "Your Majesty, children are a matter of fate. Perhaps the time hasn’t come yet. These things cannot be rushed."

"You are still young. There is indeed no hurry."

Kang Xi felt that Fang Yu’s body was not yet fully developed. She was too thin and delicate. It would be better to wait a year or two for her to bear a child. His hand slowly moved upward, palm covering the softest part of her.

"Your Majesty, please be gentle tonight."

Kang Xi agreed dismissively, but he was not gentle at all. Especially since Fang Yu was particularly coy tonight and did not properly receive his favor. Intending to punish her for moving around arbitrarily, his movements were more forceful than usual.

But gradually, he sensed something was wrong. Looking down, he saw a spot of blood on the bed and some on her legs.

Kang Xi froze, thinking he had hurt her, and immediately stopped.

Fang Yu also felt a warm liquid flowing out from below. She looked down and burst into laughter.

"Can you tell me what’s happening?" Kang Xi asked helplessly, seeing Fang Yu laughing uncontrollably on the bed.

"Your Majesty, I got my period. I didn’t expect it to arrive today."

Kang Xi had not expected it to be her period. He thought he had injured her. Menstrual blood was considered impure, but seeing how happily Fang Yu was laughing, he couldn’t bring himself to be angry. With bloodstains everywhere, they certainly couldn’t continue. He had no choice but to call for water and servants to clean up.

Fang Yu was so happy because she now knew she wasn’t pregnant. The fourth prince, Yin Zhen, had not arrived early. She also felt that her body was not yet suitable for pregnancy—she was too young and too thin. Becoming pregnant now would not be a good thing.

After they had bathed and returned to bed, Fang Yu had already padded herself with a menstrual belt. After all the commotion, her stomach felt empty and she suddenly craved something to eat. She looked pitifully at the emperor and coquettishly said, "Your Majesty, may I ask a favor of you?"

After the night’s absurdities, Kang Xi was in a state of calm acceptance. He remained silent, waiting for Fang Yu to continue.

Fang Yu leaned on the emperor’s chest and said she was hungry, wanting something to fill her stomach; otherwise, she wouldn’t be able to sleep.

"Stay hungry."

"Your Majesty, could you bear to let me go hungry?"

"I can. Just stay hungry."

Fang Yu glared at the emperor in frustration.

Kang Xi patted her bottom but still called for the servants and instructed them to bring some food.

"Your Majesty, I will never forget your great kindness in this lifetime."

Kang Xi looked resigned. "I should never have summoned you tonight. You’re still causing me trouble in the middle of the night."

"There’s no helping it. Your Majesty is the one who missed me. Don’t worry, I’ll make it up to you later. This was an accident, but it’s your fault—I asked you to be gentle, but you didn’t listen."

Kang Xi had to admit she was right. He could only let her off for tonight.

When the food arrived, Fang Yu didn’t get out of bed. Instead, she set up a small dining table right on the bed and began eating in front of the emperor.

The imperial kitchen always had food prepared, day and night, in case the emperor felt hungry. Among the offerings were many pastries.

Fang Yu ate several pieces of pastry and only after she was full did she have the servants clear everything away.

By the end of the night watch, the two finally settled down to rest.