Chapter 36: Update

Chapter 36 Update

Niuhulu Yuwan also visited Consort Rong upon hearing of her bleeding incident. Aside from appearing somewhat pale, Consort Rong was otherwise well, and the imperial physician had successfully stabilized her pregnancy.

When she returned to Kun Ning Palace, she couldn’t help but wish that Consort Rong had suffered a miscarriage like she had. Since she herself could no longer bear children, she didn’t want any other woman in the harem to deliver safely.

But Consort Rong had been fortunate this time—only slight bleeding, and the fetus remained unharmed.

Feeling depressed and restless, she couldn’t stay indoors and took her attendants for a walk in the imperial garden. There, she saw a group of palace staff gathered around the crown prince, coaxing him to walk.

Who would have thought that the child born from Empress Renxiao’s difficult labor would survive? The two-year-old crown prince looked healthy and well cared for.

Hesheli Shi continued to overshadow her even in death. As Niuhulu Yuwan watched the lively and adorable crown prince, her gilt nail guards dug into her palm. If her own child had survived, two years later, he would have been just as lively as the crown prince.

She approached the crown prince. Since the emperor kept the crown prince by his side and the child was still young, even if they had met before, the crown prince didn’t remember her. It was the nanny beside him who reminded him.

"Your Royal Highness, this is Her Majesty the Empress. Please pay your respects to Her Majesty."

The two-year-old crown prince bowed slightly—his manners were well taught, though he still seemed a bit chubby and lively.

"I am your true mother. Your Royal Highness may address me as 'true mother.' Can you speak yet?"

"Your Majesty, His Royal Highness can already speak."

Niuhulu Yuwan glanced at the nanny and said coldly, "I asked the crown prince. Let him answer himself."

The crown prince looked confused, as if he didn’t understand what the adults were saying. Wanting to run ahead and play, he toddled forward on his short legs.

The palace staff quickly followed, afraid he might fall.

"Your Majesty..." The nanny also moved to follow, glancing at Niuhulu Yuwan for permission. Niuhulu Yuwan knew these attendants were personally chosen by the emperor for the crown prince. Even as empress, she couldn’t touch them. She said nothing, turned, and left.

Encountering the crown prince only worsened her mood. Suppressing her anger with no outlet, she cut short her walk and returned to Kun Ning Palace. She then summoned Attendant Yin.

When Yin Shi arrived, she made her kneel.

"You’ve served the emperor many times. Why is there still no sign of pregnancy?"

"Your Majesty, this servant—"

Niuhulu Yuwan cut her off coldly, "Your purpose in entering the palace is not to win favor, but to bear a child—a prince. If your belly remains empty, remember—I can elevate you, but I can also cast you down. It’s better for me to promote someone who can bear children than one who cannot."

"This servant will do her utmost to conceive."

Niuhulu Yuwan had no interest in empty promises. She ordered Nanny Gui to summon the imperial physician to examine Yin Shi and prescribe tonics and nourishing herbal remedies for her to take daily.

As the saying goes, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Since Yin Shi had shown no progress after half a year, Niuhulu Yuwan began considering which other ladies in the harem she could use. She thought Daijia Shi, who had entered the palace in the same selection as Yin Shi the previous year, was a good choice—young, from an insignificant family, and of low rank. Only such people were easy to control. Moreover, Daijia Shi had not yet served the emperor even after half a year in the palace.

But to win someone over, kindness alone wasn’t enough. Combining favor with authority was most effective.

She planned to have the palace servants intentionally mistreat Daijia Shi. She believed that if Daijia Shi couldn’t endure the hardship, she would naturally seek help from her, the empress.

January passed quickly. On the nineteenth day of the second month of the sixteenth year of Kangxi’s reign, Consort Rong safely gave birth to a son. The emperor was overjoyed and bestowed rewards throughout the harem, giving every servant two taels of silver.

Niuhulu Yuwan forced a smile and went to Zhongcui Palace to congratulate Consort Rong. In her heart, she thought that since Consort Rong had lost three princes before, it was uncertain whether this child would survive. What did it matter if he was born safely? The important thing was growing up safely. With that thought, she felt somewhat better.

After returning from Zhongcui Palace, she inquired about Daijia Shi’s situation.

Nanny Gui replied, "Everything has been done as you instructed, but it hasn’t been long. Lady Daijia has just entered the palace and probably doesn’t dare speak out yet. For now, she’s suffering in silence."

Niuhulu Yuwan smiled. When Daijia Shi could no longer endure, she would offer her help. That way, Daijia Shi would remember the favor.

…

Since Daijia Shi lived in Yonghe Palace, Consort Duan was the first to notice the servants intentionally mistreating her. When Wuya Shi had been mistreated by servants, Consort Duan had stood by and done nothing. Later, Wuya Shi gained the emperor’s favor. Although Wuya Shi didn’t hold her inaction against her, Consort Duan felt she couldn’t let it happen a second time. What if Daijia Shi also gained favor like Wuya Shi?

As the head consort of Yonghe Palace, she warned the servants not to go too far. A mistress was still a mistress and should not be bullied by servants. If she caught them again, she would punish them severely.

The situation improved slightly after that—at least Daijia Shi’s meals were no longer consistently cold or spoiled.

In early March, the Imperial Household Department (Neiwufu) distributed monthly stipends to the ladies.

What Daijia Shi received were tea twigs and dregs—they could barely be called tea. Other ladies might have received some fabric, like this year’s spring silk or gauze, but she got nothing. There weren’t even many candles sent by the Imperial Household Department.

At night, candles or oil lamps were necessary. Most of the harem used candles. Without candles, everything was completely dark after dark.

Daijia Shi had thought she would live a better life after entering the palace, but instead, her situation was worse than before. She had just seen servants from the Imperial Household Department delivering many things to Noble Lady De, carrying several trays.

Yet she didn’t even have a few candles. This was the difference between favored and unfavored mistresses in the palace.

Since they lived in the same palace, Daijia Shi had visited Noble Lady De’s room a few times, chatting and playing cards (playing leaf games). She saw that Noble Lady De’s fresh fruits were always plentiful, and the fabrics she wore were high-quality, soft, and smooth.

It would be false to say she wasn’t envious. Daijia Shi also wanted to serve the emperor and gain favor, but she had been in the palace for so long. The other four who entered with her had all been summoned by the emperor—only she had not.

On the day for attending the morning greetings to the empress, after the greetings, Daijia Shi was about to leave when Nanny Gui stopped her.

She was to have a private meeting with the empress.

"I’ve heard that you haven’t served the emperor yet."

"That’s right."

"The others who entered the palace with you have all served, only you haven’t. The emperor must have forgotten you. I should bring you to his attention."

Daijia Shi looked at the empress in surprise. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Since I’m helping you, how do you plan to repay me?"

Daijia Shi was young and not well-versed in palace politics. She felt the empress had everything she needed and wondered if her modest jewelry would be of any interest.

"Your Majesty, this servant is willing to give all her jewelry to you."

The empress laughed softly. "Why would I want your jewelry? I pity you and want to help. In the future, you need only follow my instructions."

"This servant will definitely obey."

"Good, you may go. I will have the emperor summon you."

Daijia Shi left Kun Ning Palace happily, but her maid, Pei’er, looked worried. After they returned to Yonghe Palace, she told her mistress that the empress meant that from now on, she would be the empress’s person.

"What does that mean?"

"Mistress, Her Majesty wants to recruit you."

"If the empress recruits me, isn’t that beneficial for me?"

Pei’er said anxiously, "Mistress, we live in Yonghe Palace. Our direct superior should be Consort Duan."

As the saying goes, when under someone’s roof, you must lower your head. The head consort of Yonghe Palace was Consort Duan. If Consort Duan found out that her mistress had sided with the empress, Consort Duan certainly wouldn't look out for them anymore. One cannot serve two masters.

"But Consort Duan cannot arrange for me to serve the emperor in bed, while the Empress can. Pei’er, I want to serve the emperor in bed. Only by serving and gaining favor can we live a good life. The Empress is willing to help us; we shouldn't refuse. After all, the Empress is the most esteemed in the harem. Pei’er, think about our meals these past few months. If Consort Duan had any intention of helping us, we wouldn't have eaten so poorly. Even the servants from the Imperial Household Department bully us. Look at the tea they sent."

Pei’er couldn't persuade her mistress and knew she had made up her mind, so she stopped trying.

Not long after, the emperor indeed summoned Daijia Shi. She was thrilled to be intimate with the emperor for the first time.

The day after serving the emperor, the Empress sent someone with rewards, and her meals were upgraded.

Daijia Shi saw nothing bad in throwing her lot in with the Empress.

Over the next month, she was summoned two more times. With the emperor's favor, her life in the harem became less difficult, and the Imperial Household Department sent her enough candles.

Consort Duan only realized Daijia Shi had sided with the Empress when she saw them getting close. Without the Empress's support, Daijia Shi wouldn't have gained favor.

Thus, Consort Duan became less favorable toward Daijia Shi, though she didn't rupture relations. She still let her stay in Yonghe Palace but decided not to intervene if servants mistreated her.

Fang Yu lived comfortably, unaware of the subtle tension between Consort Duan and Answering Attendant Daijia.

The Imperial Household Department had recently sent fresh tea, precious Lu’an tea, which she would brew a pot daily to idle.

When the emperor visited Yonghe Palace to see her, Fang Yu prepared tea for him.

"Lu’an tea from the Imperial Household Department. It's hot, and this will help cool you down, Your Majesty."

Kangxi found it novel that Wuya Shi was smilingly serving him tea. He couldn't help but ask, "Do you need something from me?"

"Why would you ask that? Can't I simply be good to you?"

"Nothing comes without a reason. I fear after drinking this, I'll have to do you a favor."

Fang Yu nearly raised her hands to swear she had no ulterior motives. Having enjoyed favor for so long, she could handle matters without involving the emperor.

"Your Majesty, why don't you believe me? I brewed this tea because it's good, and I wanted to share it. You rarely visit the harem, so I must ensure your comfort. Do you have good news to share?"

"Can't I just come to see you?"

Fang Yu laughed, "Your Majesty, you must have news you're eager to tell me. Otherwise, you'd summon me to Qianqing Palace instead of coming here."

"You know me so well?"

Fang Yu proudly lifted her chin, "Of course. No one understands you better than I."

Kangxi chuckled, pinched Wuya Shi's cheek, and was promptly kissed on the lips. He laughed, "You'd better not tempt me during the day."

"Your Majesty, please tell me. I'm listening."

Kangxi then said, "This month, several of Wu Sangui's subordinates surrendered with twenty thousand troops and their families. I estimate that by next year, the Qing Dynasty will triumph, capturing all the rebels and ending this war."

Fang Yu couldn't say the emperor's prediction was wrong, knowing the Revolt of the Three Feudatories would last several more years and not end next year. She clapped, pretending to be excited, "This is truly wonderful news. Congratulations, Your Majesty. You are wise."

Kangxi smiled more broadly, set down the tea, held Wuya Shi by the waist, and intensified the brief kiss. But he couldn't indulge as last time; after a lingering kiss, he ended it, patted her bottom, and said deeply, "I'll take care of you tonight. I'm going to pay respects to the Empress Dowager."

"Your Majesty, you haven't drunk the tea I brewed."

Kangxi took a few sips. Having tasted all kinds of fine tea, he wasn't craving it, but he obliged since Wuya Shi made it herself.

"Did I brew it better than the servants?"

"Hmm, not bad."

"You’re being perfunctory, Your Majesty isn't sincerely praising me."

"Alright, I must go. Await me."

Fang Yu curtsied to see the emperor off.

The other mistresses in Yonghe Palace were no longer surprised to see the emperor, who always visited Wuya Shi and went to her room. They could only watch him come and go without exchanging a word.

That night, Fang Yu served the emperor, who again mentioned her having a child.

"Your Majesty, it's not that I won't have one, but I haven't conceived. How can I bear a child without being pregnant? Please stop pressing me. The more you urge, the more nervous I get, and the less likely a child will come. Besides, it's not just my issue; I think it's yours."

"My issue? I can make others pregnant, but not you. Whose problem is it?"

Kangxi nibbled her chest.

Fang Yu laughed and dodged, "Your Majesty, stop teasing. You're like a dog, biting people."

"You bite me so often; I'm just returning the favor."

"I never did! When did I ever bite you? Don't falsely accuse me."

Kangxi pulled her close, holding her still. She laughed, her cheeks flushed. He felt her waist; after all this time, she had finally gained some plumpness.

"Your Majesty, it tickles."

"You've gained a little weight. It's better this way; it might help with bearing children."

Fang Yu gave him a pinch. What kind of talk was that? Was her only purpose to bear children? Thinking her child would be raised by others, she tentatively asked, "Your Majesty, since you want me to have a child, can I raise it myself?"

"We'll discuss that after you have one." Kangxi kissed her, silencing her.

Wanting a clear answer, Fang Yu pushed him away, "Your Majesty, I haven't finished."

Kangxi thought it too early to consider; Wuya Shi didn't even have a child yet. Moreover, it was rare in the Qing Dynasty for birth mothers to raise princes, to prevent maternal relatives from gaining too much power and to stabilize the rule. He couldn't explain this to her, so he silenced her, not letting her speak.

Fang Yu gradually quieted, swept away by passion.

...

In the eighth lunar month of the sixteenth year of Kangxi's reign, the young prince born to Consort Rong was sent to the home of Chancellor Chorji after staying with her for half a year.

Fang Yu worried for days after hearing this. If Consort Rong couldn't raise her own child, how could she?

Consort Hui's eldest son, Yin Ti, was also raised in a minister's home, and she could only see him every half month.

After her anxiety, Fang Yu decided to trust things would work out. Worrying now was useless. The emperor seemed to pamper her, but she felt he treated her like a pet, amusing himself when happy. What truly mattered to him was the Qing Dynasty's state and his imperial seat.

She told herself not to dwell on what hadn't happened yet.

Several more months passed, and another New Year arrived. The Empress invited an opera troupe to perform in the palace. Fang Yu went to the theater daily to watch, with performances lasting until the end of January.

On the first day of February, Fang Yu rose early to pay respects at Kunning Palace. On the small table between seats were some pastries. Having not eaten breakfast, she took a minced meat pastry and ate slowly.

"You always snack on these pastries when you visit, sister," said Noble Lady Qin sitting beside her with a smile.

Consort Yi was still somewhat arrogant, but her sister Noble Lady Qin was far more mild-mannered. Having sat next to each other many times, Noble Lady Qin always smiled at her, as if she never got angry.

"These pastries are delicious. Would you care for some, sister?"

"I don't really feel like having snacks in the morning."

Fang Yu quickly finished a pork pie and took a sip of hot tea. Feeling warmed up, she leaned back in her chair, waiting for everyone to arrive.

She tilted her body slightly to speak to Noble Lady Qin: "Sister, do you think Noble Consort Tong will come to pay morning respects today?"

"I don't think so. It's cold today."

Noble Consort Tong didn't come to pay morning respects to the Empress every time like they did; she only came occasionally, perhaps depending on her mood. Since Fang Yu had fought with her, Noble Consort Tong had stopped bullying her and had become much more restrained.

Everyone was used to Noble Consort Tong not coming to pay morning respects to the Empress.

"How about I make a bet with you, sister? I think Noble Consort Tong will come today. Let's bet two taels of silver."

Noble Lady Qin happily agreed.

Once everyone had almost arrived, they all took their seats. The foremost seat was indeed empty, so it seemed Noble Consort Tong wouldn't be coming today.

After the Empress arrived, everyone quieted down. Clearly, the Empress was also accustomed to Noble Consort Tong not coming to pay morning respects and didn't ask why she was absent. Just as the Empress was about to speak, Fang Yu suddenly gagged.

She didn't mean to; it was just a sudden nausea. When she looked up, she saw everyone staring at her.

The Empress spoke: "Sister, are you... pregnant?"

Fang Yu herself widened her eyes in surprise. Was she... pregnant?

"I just ate a pork pie on an empty stomach."

The Empress said: "Perhaps you are pregnant. Feeling nauseous early in the morning after eating meat—someone, go fetch the imperial physician."

Just like that, Fang Yu had her pulse taken by the imperial physician in front of everyone. The physician took her pulse twice but wasn't entirely sure. He asked if she had experienced any other discomfort or abnormalities lately, such as drowsiness, fatigue, or a delayed menstrual cycle.

Fang Yu shook her head. She hadn't felt any discomfort; she ate and drank normally, didn't feel drowsy, and her period was only five days late. A five-day delay should be normal, right? She had been late before, so she hadn't considered pregnancy.

"Physician An, what's the situation? Why did Noble Lady De suddenly vomit? Is she pregnant?" the Empress asked.

Physician An replied: "Noble Lady De might be pregnant, but it's still too early to tell from the pulse. It could also be that the pork pie was a bit greasy, causing her nausea. To confirm whether she is pregnant, we may need to observe for a while longer."

Consort Yi chimed in: "Noble Lady De has received so much favor; it's about time she got pregnant. I believe she is pregnant, and I'd like to congratulate Noble Lady De in advance."

Consort Yi didn't seem to genuinely congratulate her; her tone was slightly mocking. Fang Yu couldn't be bothered with them and thought to herself that she might really be pregnant. *The Fourth Imperial Prince must be coming.*

The Empress: "Let's stop here for today. Let Sister Wuya return and rest well. Physician An, please go check her pulse daily from now on. Noble Lady De's pregnancy will be under your care."

Because of the suddenness of the situation, Fang Yu forgot to give Noble Lady Qin the two taels of silver. She returned to Yonghe Palace with Consort Duan and the others. Along the way, Pan Liu and Hong Ye carefully supported her, which she found somewhat unnecessary. If she really was pregnant, it would only be a little over a month along—why would she need support?

"Sister, you finally have good news. You can no longer jump rope or play kickball in the backyard. You must be careful from now on; you're carrying the imperial heir," Consort Duan began advising her.

Fang Yu had to say: "Your Ladyship, it's not yet confirmed that I'm pregnant. It might not be true."

Consort Duan smiled: "I think you are pregnant. You're usually carefree and might not even realize you're pregnant. I'm happy for you. It's been three years since your first night with the Emperor; finally, there's good news."

Shortly after Fang Yu returned to her room, the other junior consorts who were close to her came to congratulate her. Constant Attendant Zhang, Noble Lady Qin, Ying Shan, and others all came, making quite a commotion. It was all because she had gagged in front of so many people.

Anyway, everyone in the palace was convinced she was pregnant.

That evening, the Emperor had her summoned.

"Let me see, are you really pregnant?"

As soon as the Emperor saw her, he touched her stomach. Fang Yu was only wearing sleeping robes, and the Emperor's hand slipped under the hem of her clothes to feel her belly. She said helplessly: "Your Majesty, even the Imperial Physician isn't sure if I'm pregnant. It might not be true. Even if I am, it might only be a month along—you won't be able to feel anything."

Wuya Shi's stomach was very flat, with just a little soft fat. Kang Xi looked at her and stated confidently: "You must be pregnant. It should be confirmed in another half month."

"If Your Majesty thinks I'm pregnant, why did you summon me? I can't serve Your Majesty tonight."

Kang Xi tapped Wuya Shi on the head. He just wanted to see her, not do anything else. He wasn't truly unaware of decorum.

"I'm not asking you to serve me. Just stay here quietly."

The two lay on the bed, and the Emperor continued to touch her stomach. Fang Yu thought to herself, *he's experienced other concubines' pregnancies before, so why is he acting like it's his first time?*

"Your Majesty, Consort Rong and the others have also borne children for you. Did you touch their stomachs like this too?"

Kang Xi felt it was best not to answer this question. Wuya Shi was someone prone to jealousy.

"Your Majesty, are you going to answer or not?"

Kang Xi shook his head, which made Wuya Shi cover his face with her small hands, rubbing it messily. The corners of his mouth lifted, and his eyes were full of laughter.

Wuya Shi then took his hand and bit down hard on the webbing between his thumb and index finger.

"It seems you're the one who's like a dog."

"I'm biting you on purpose."

Kang Xi soothingly stroked her back. "Alright, you're with child now. Don't mess around; be careful with the baby. It's late; let's rest."

Fang Yu pouted. She realized the Emperor was someone who knew how to evade questions—sly as a monkey. She was indeed tired, so she didn't continue arguing with him and closed her eyes to sleep.

Early the next morning, before dawn, Fang Yu was awakened by the Emperor, who had risen early. He told her to wait and have breakfast with him. She mumbled an acknowledgment, turned over, and went back to sleep.

She didn't know how long she slept, but when she opened her eyes, it was already light out. Cai Lian said it was the hour of Chen (7-9 a.m.). She got up, dressed, washed up simply, and waited for the Emperor to finish his morning reports.

As soon as the Emperor arrived, the servants served breakfast. The Emperor's breakfast was always sumptuous, filling the entire table.

"Eat up. Eat more; the child needs to eat too."

Fang Yu glanced at the Emperor and said discontentedly: "Who is more important, me or the child?"

Liang Jiugong, standing nearby, was startled by Noble Lady De's question. Which consort would dare ask such a thing? In the imperial family, the lineage always takes precedence. Sometimes the child was more important than the woman carrying it, which was why, in situations where a choice had to be made between saving the mother or the child, the child was usually chosen. Unless the child couldn't be saved, then the mother would be saved. Smart women in the imperial harem never asked such questions so bluntly; it was a forbidden topic.

Liang Jiugong glanced at the Emperor's expression. The Emperor wasn't angry at all; instead, he looked gently at Noble Lady De and replied, "You are more important." This showed just how much the Emperor pampered Noble Lady De.

Noble Lady De was already so favored and loved by the Emperor without a child. If she had a child, especially a prince, no one in the imperial harem would dare oppose her in the future.

Before Liang Jiugong could recover from his shock, Noble Lady De said something even more astonishing.

"You have to save me. If only one of me or the child can survive, you must save me. Don't talk to me about choosing between the mother or the child. No matter what, you must save me first. My life is the most important."

Liang Jiugong almost knelt before Noble Lady De. She truly dared to say anything.

"Understood."

The Emperor replied calmly again, which finally made Noble Lady De happy enough to eat.

Fang Yu didn't see the shock on Liang Jiugong's face. She felt she was just saying what seemed perfectly reasonable. Not just in ancient times, but even in modern times, there was the issue of choosing between the mother and the child. She felt that an unborn child shouldn't outweigh her. She was just confirming it with the Emperor in advance.

"Drink some milk; milk is good for your health."

Fang Yu shook her head and said that milk had a fishy smell; she didn't want to drink it.

Kangxi didn't force Noble Lady De.

This time, Fang Yu started feeling nauseous halfway through the meal and couldn't eat anymore. Once might be a coincidence, but twice was not. Even without waiting for the imperial physician to take her pulse, she was sure she was pregnant.

She couldn't even stand the smell of the food and kept her distance. "Your Majesty, please eat by yourself. I can't eat anymore. I'll return to Yonghe Palace first."

"Order another meal when you get back. You ate too little. Eat a bit more when you feel better."

Liang Jiugong saw the Emperor coaching her like a child. He had never seen the Emperor treat any other consort like this—only Noble Lady De. Just as he was silently marveling, he heard the Emperor order him to prepare a sedan chair to escort Noble Lady De back.

"Your Majesty, the sedan chair from the Office of Imperial Affairs is waiting at the back."

Fang Yu waved to the Emperor and left Qianqing Palace with Pan Liu and Hong Ye. She took the sedan chair from the Office of Imperial Affairs back to Yonghe Palace.

After returning to her room, she ate some pickled sour plums to suppress the nausea.

Pan Liu's face was full of smiles: "Thank heavens, my lady is finally pregnant. I will have Xiao Fangzi fetch some food later. The Emperor is right; my lady ate too little just now. My lady is now eating for two. Hong Ye, my lady must not catch a chill now. Add more charcoal to the brazier."

"Pan Liu, it might only be a month. You don't need to be so nervous."

Pan Liu retorted, "My lady, the first three months are the most critical. It's when the pregnancy is most unstable. I think my lady should not go out these days."

Fang Yu looked helplessly at the overly cautious Pan Liu. She sat on the reclining couch and asked Pan Liu to peel an orange for her.

Xiao Fangzi only learned from Pan Liu's instructions that his lady had felt nauseous again in Qianqing Palace. It was almost certain that she was pregnant; they just needed to wait until later in the pregnancy to confirm the double pulse.

Since his lady was pregnant, she probably wouldn't want to eat greasy food. He specifically instructed Chef Yuan from the kitchen to prepare lighter meals, avoiding heavy oil and meat.

Imperial Physician An came to take her pulse in the mid-morning. Fang Yu found daily pulse-taking troublesome and asked Imperial Physician An to come every three days instead. If she felt unwell, she would call for a physician.

Within two days, the Emperor sent her many rewards and precious items. Fang Yu had Pan Liu store them all in the treasury. Her pregnancy made her the object of envy in the harem.

That evening, she was summoned to Qianqing Palace again.

"Your Majesty, you've given me too many rewards. The other consorts and concubines in the harem are almost dying of envy."

"Watch your words. No talk of death."

The scolded Fang Yu stuck out her tongue and smiled, hugging the Emperor's arm. "I misspoke. I won't say that word again. Don't be mad, Your Majesty."

"Do you want me to reward you or not?"

Fang Yu tilted her head and thought for a moment. Of course, it was better to receive rewards. She didn’t mind having more gold, silver, and jewels. Let others envy and resent her—it wasn’t the first time anyway.

"It seems to me you’re clearly greedy for wealth."

"Well, I entered the palace to become a consort precisely to enjoy luxury and wealth. I want fine clothes and delicious food. I don’t want to suffer; I can’t endure hardship."

Hearing her speak so bluntly, Kangxi looked helpless and pinched her cheek. "So only I can satisfy you. If you hadn’t entered the palace and were living a life worrying about daily necessities, I’m afraid you’d be crying every day."

Noble Lady De was too delicate. Fortunately, such a delicate person entered the palace and became a mistress. Otherwise, she wouldn’t survive a day of hardship outside. He really wondered how her parents raised her to be so spoiled.

"So I remember Your Majesty’s kindness and grace. I am someone who repays kindness."

"I haven’t felt it."

At night, Fang Yu made sure the Emperor knew she was someone who repays kindness. Her hand grew sore by the end, but she managed to help him finish.