Chapter 40: Update

Chapter 40 Update

A few days later, the Emperor still ended up summoning Ying Shan using her green plaque. Only then did Fang Yu truly begin to understand why the Emperor had been angry that day. In truth, she had taken advantage of his fondness for her to emotionally manipulate him, making him comply with her wishes.

The reason the Emperor yielded to her was because he genuinely cared for her and couldn’t bear to disappoint her. Yet, in this matter, she had been acting spoiled because of his favor.

Fang Yu felt she needed to tone down her behavior and not be too willful or self-indulgent. After all, he was the Emperor, and a proper sense of reverence was necessary.

Another year-end arrived, and Fang Yu had completed her month of confinement.

Starting from the twentieth day of the twelfth lunar month, the palace began setting off firecrackers and crackling whips, the constant crackling noises echoing incessantly. According to the wet nurses, Yin Zhen would be startled awake several times during the night.

In recent days, Fang Yu had Yin Zhen sleep with her, and two wet nurses also shared the room.

Whenever Yin Zhen was startled awake at night, Fang Yu would hold and soothe him, and he would quickly calm down.

Fang Yu had never been a mother before; she always felt she was still a child herself. But when the warm, soft little life of Yin Zhen lay quietly in her arms, she realized she had truly become a mother. This child was born from her; they were connected by flesh and blood. The milky scent of the infant made her heart even softer.

However, such intimate days with the child would not last long. After the New Year, Yin Zhen would likely be sent to Kunning Palace.

Soon, it was New Year’s Eve. Fang Yu carried Yin Zhen to attend the imperial banquet, accompanied by two wet nurses and two attendants.

The three-year-old Crown Prince also entered, surrounded by attendants. The children sat at a separate table, led by the Crown Prince. Yin Ti and Yin Zhi, who usually lived in the homes of ministers, had also entered the palace. The three Princesses in the palace sat with decorum, each with several attendants.

The wet nurse held Yin Zhen at the children’s table, and Fang Yu glanced over from time to time.

When the Grand Empress Dowager, the Empress Dowager, and the Emperor arrived and took their seats, the Grand Empress Dowager scanned the room and first inquired about her great-grandchildren, starting with Yin Ti. Yin Ti, already six years old, spoke clearly and articulately, reciting a few auspicious phrases that delighted the Grand Empress Dowager.

Lastly, the Grand Empress Dowager asked about Yin Zhen and had the wet nurse bring the child forward for her to see. She smiled and said, "This child is so sturdy at just two months old. His features resemble the Emperor’s. He’s thriving so well. Noble Consort De, you’ve worked hard."

Fang Yu quickly stepped forward to say it was no trouble and that she was only doing her duty.

The Grand Empress Dowager smiled and signaled for the wet nurse to take the child back, then announced the start of the imperial banquet.

Fang Yu noticed that Yin Zhi began crying, followed shortly by Yin Zhen. Their wet nurses took them out to calm down.

The wet nurses did not return with the children for a long time. Concerned for Yin Zhen, Fang Yu sent Pan Liu to check on him in the back hall. After a while, Pan Liu returned to say the little prince had fallen asleep in a room in the back hall, so the wet nurse had not brought him back to the banquet.

Fang Yu let out a sigh of relief. The wet nurses attending Yin Zhen knew what was best for the child, always putting him first. It was indeed better not to bring him back to the noisy banquet once he had fallen asleep. This was a good sign; if Yin Zhen were sent to the Empress, she could rest a little easier.

The New Year’s Eve banquet lasted over two hours, ending only after the fireworks display. Everyone returned to their respective palaces.

When Fang Yu returned to her room, Hong Ye had already prepared hot water for her. After a quick wash of her face and hands, she hurried to check on Yin Zhen’s sleep.

"Mistress, the little prince is sleeping soundly," Wet Nurse Feng said from nearby.

"The firecrackers tonight won’t be few; chances are he’ll wake up startled a few times."

"It’s alright. The little prince has grown somewhat accustomed to the firecrackers these past few days. With you sleeping beside him at night, he feels secure being near his mother and isn’t as frightened."

Fang Yu gently touched Yin Zhen’s little face and asked Pan Liu to bring a red pouch containing a string of cash coins. She placed it in the pocket of Yin Zhen’s outer garment as lucky money for the new year.

Turning to the others in the room who were still awake, she smiled and said, "Alright, no need to stay up on duty tonight. Everyone can go back to sleep; there’s no need to stay here."

After soaking her feet, Fang Yu prepared to rest. She asked Hong Ye to leave one candle lit, and Yin Zhen continued to sleep beside her.

Wet Nurse Feng and Wet Nurse Pan slept on makeshift beds on the floor inside the room.

When the firecrackers went off during the night, Yin Zhen was still startled awake, but he didn’t cry out in fear as he had initially. After the wet nurse fed him, he quickly quieted down.

Worn out from the day’s events, Fang Yu was too tired and left the latter half of the night to the wet nurses, falling asleep herself.

Early on the first day of the New Year, Fang Yu was awakened and took Yin Zhen to Cining Palace to pay New Year’s respects to the Grand Empress Dowager. After a short visit, they returned.

There were Chinese opera performances at the theater pavilion, but Fang Yu stayed behind to look after the child.

Consort Duan and others also came by to play with Yin Zhen for a while before leaving.

Having a child around made time pass quickly. Before she knew it, it was the end of January, and Yin Zhen was three months old.

While changing the child’s clothes, Fang Yu unconsciously pinched his little legs, which were chubby like segments of lotus root.

Pan Liu remarked beside her, "Mistress, the little prince is so adorable. He was so tiny before, and now he’s already this big at just three months."

"In a few more months, I might struggle to carry him," Fang Yu said as she finished dressing Yin Zhen. Though it was cold and the room was heated with charcoal, she still bundled the child in layers. As soon as she held him in her arms, he grabbed her hair.

Because he often tugged at it, she had stopped wearing hair accessories and instead wore her hair in a simple braid like the maids. Fang Yu gently patted Yin Zhen’s little hand and warned, "You can’t pull Mother’s hair. You’ll pull all of Mother’s hair out."

Pan Liu smothered a laugh nearby.

"See, Pan Liu is laughing at you. Always pulling hair—who would dare hold you like this? Isn’t that right? Isn’t it?"

Fang Yu kissed Yin Zhen’s cheek several times, and the mother and son were enjoying themselves in the room when the Empress arrived. Xiao Fangzi came in to announce her.

Fang Yu couldn’t turn the Empress away, so she had Xiao Fangzi invite her in. The Empress had been visiting daily lately, saying she came to see the child, but Fang Yu felt the Empress was urging her to hand over the child soon.

The Emperor had yet to make a move, and Fang Yu didn’t understand why the Empress was in such a hurry. Until the Emperor issued an edict, she certainly wouldn’t hand over the child.

"I had some free time and thought I’d come see Yin Zhen."

After all, the Empress managed the affairs of the six eastern and western palaces, with endless duties to attend to. Unlike Fang Yu, who had little to do, the Empress was busy. Fang Yu could only smile at her words.

"Yin Zhen, do you remember your rightful mother? Come, let me hold you."

The Empress reached out to take the child, but Fang Yu took a step back. It wasn’t that she didn’t want the Empress to hold Yin Zhen, but the Empress wore too many hair accessories. Children were easily attracted to such things and would inevitably reach out to grab them.

"Your Majesty, you’re wearing earrings and hairpins. Yin Zhen is at an age where he loves to grab things, from hair to accessories. Once he gets hold of them, he won’t let go. He’s already tugged out plenty of my hair. I’m afraid he might do the same to you."

"Is that so? I’ll remember that. Next time I visit, I won’t wear these accessories."

The Empress withdrew her hand, took off a hairpin, and waved it in front of the child. Yin Zhen reached out to grab it, but the Empress playfully kept it away from him.

Yin Zhen cooed and drooled. Seeing this, the Empress took out a handkerchief and wiped his drool.

Yin Zhen’s attention remained on the hairpin, so the Empress let him play with it. As soon as she reached out, Yin Zhen leaned toward her, allowing the Empress to hold him.

Fang Yu thought to herself, this child... bought off with a hairpin. You little traitor.

With the hairpin holding his attention, Yin Zhen didn’t pull the Empress’s hair. A single hairpin would keep him busy for a long time.

Fang Yu couldn’t exactly ask the Empress to leave, so she let her play with the child for a while, seizing the chance to relax and peel an orange for herself.

She knew that if Yin Zhen were sent to Kunning Palace, the Empress would treat him well. If what the Empress had said was true—that she could no longer have children—then she would probably raise Yin Zhen as her own son. Still, as the child’s birth mother, Fang Yu couldn’t stand to give him up.

Fortunately, the Empress didn’t stay for one or two hours. After playing with Yin Zhen for a while, she left, and Yin Zhen soon fell asleep.

...

Niuhulu.Yu Wan returned to Kunning Palace from Yonghe Palace and sat on the heated bed platform, arranging the flowers on the kang-side table.

The noon sunlight filtered through the carved lozenge-patterned window, casting a bright glow in the room. Such winter sunlight felt warm and gentle on the skin.

"My Lady, Prince Yin Zhen is growing so well—fair and plump. The nanny has noticed how much he has grown in just three months."

"Children grow quickly."

"My Lady, the prince is already three months old."

Niuhulu Yuwan understood the nanny's implication: at three months old, it was time to bring him over. Could it be that he would have to be raised by Lady Uya until he was one or two years old? If the child was to be taken in and raised by her, it had to be done early, while he was still too young to form memories.

Yet she couldn’t simply take Yin Zhen away. Without the Emperor's decree, her only option was to visit the child at Yonghe Gong—there was no other way.

The Emperor had always favored Lady Uya. If Lady Uya were to plead with him, he might soften and allow her to keep the child for a few more months. When would the boy ever come to her side then?

Niuhulu Yuwan knew that at times like these, patience was essential. She must not complain to the Emperor, nor pressure him for a decree, lest she appear overly eager to snatch Lady Uya’s child away.

She could only wait. Unless the Emperor did not want her to raise Yin Zhen, he would eventually issue the decree. Having waited this long, what was another month or two?

And so she waited another month.

On the first day of the third month of the eighteenth year of Emperor Kangxi’s reign, the Emperor formally announced that Lady Uya’s child would be named Yin Zhen, registered under Lady Uya’s name, but raised by Niuhulu Yuwan.

The Emperor, along with the Imperial Clan Court, also reordered the birth ranks of the princes and princesses in the palace: Yinti was ranked first, as the First Prince; Crown Prince Yinreng was second; Consort Rong’s son, Yinzhi, was third, as the Third Prince; and Lady Uya’s child was ranked fourth, as the Fourth Prince. There were also three princesses in the palace: the Princess of Prince Gong was the First Princess, Consort Rong’s daughter was the Second Princess, Noble Lady Bu’s daughter was the Third Princess, and Attendant Zhang’s daughter was the Fourth Princess.

Niuhulu Yuwan had waited for the Emperor’s decree, but Yin Zhen was registered under Lady Uya’s name, not hers. This meant Yin Zhen would not be the legitimate son of the central palace.

Although she would raise him, compared to the Crown Prince—the legitimate heir—Yin Zhen would be of lower status: one legitimate, one not.

It would be false to say Niuhulu Yuwan wasn’t disappointed. She did want to raise Yin Zhen, but she also wanted him registered under her name, to truly become her child, not just raised by her.

Upon reflection, she understood the Emperor’s intention: to secure the Crown Prince’s position, ensuring no other prince could surpass or equal him in status. There could only be one legitimate son of the central palace in the palace—the Crown Prince.

The Emperor had planned far ahead for the Crown Prince.

Niuhulu Yuwan couldn’t help but feel a renewed resentment toward the deceased Lady Hesheli. Even in death, she remained a step above, overshadowing her at every turn.

Regardless, the matter was settled, and Niuhulu Yuwan had to accept it. She just didn’t know when Lady Uya would send Yin Zhen over.

A day passed, and Lady Uya had not sent the child. Another day passed, and still there was no movement.

This time, Niuhulu Yuwan did not go to Yonghe Gong. She waited for Lady Uya to bring the child herself. She had already had the child’s room prepared, including quarters for the nannies and eunuchs.

It had to be said that the Emperor was highly cautious. Even when Yin Zhen was sent over, the nannies and attending eunuchs were chosen by the Emperor himself—she had no say in replacing them. The Emperor never fully trusted her, all because she was born into the Niuhulu clan.

Fortunately, on the third day, Lady Uya sent the child over. Lady Uya did not come in person. Niuhulu Yuwan had the nannies and eunuchs settle in, and the child’s belongings were brought over as well. She instructed the eunuchs to organize everything.

Since Yin Zhen was to be raised by her, and he was only four months old, as long as she treated him well and cared for him sincerely, he would surely grow close to her. The care given in upbringing often outweighs the bond of birth.

Niuhulu Yuwan adjusted her mindset and began attending to all matters concerning Yin Zhen, suddenly becoming very busy.

...

On the other side, Fang Yu had cried until her eyes were red yesterday. When she woke this morning, her eyes were nearly swollen shut. That was why she hadn’t personally taken the child over—to avoid the Empress thinking she was reluctant to let him go. In truth, she was indeed reluctant, but what could she do? She still had to send the child away.

Panliu went to Kunning Gong to deliver the child. As soon as Panliu returned, Fang Yu looked at her and asked if the prince had cried.

"The prince was held by the nanny and didn’t cry at all."

Fang Yu pouted, thinking the ungrateful little one had already forgotten her, his birth mother, now that he had a noble legitimate mother.

She knew Yin Zhen was only four months old and couldn’t even roll over yet—how could he understand such things? To the child, the nannies who usually cared for him were all there, and the Empress was not unfamiliar. Surrounded by familiar people, he wouldn’t be scared enough to cry loudly.

"My Lady, the Empress has no children of her own. She will surely take good care of the prince. Please don’t be sad."

Seeing that Panliu’s eyes were also red, Fang Yu smiled and said, "You tell me not to be sad, but you’re the one crying. Taking care of a child is hard work. We won’t have to do it anymore—that’s a good thing. From now on, we can sleep soundly at night without having to get up in the middle of the night."

"Your servant just can’t bear to part with the prince. I know you can’t either, My Lady. If you want to cry, just cry."

Fang Yu had already cried yesterday. Today, she needed to pull herself together. The room had been filled with Yin Zhen’s things, but she had asked the nannies to take everything to Kunning Gong, keeping only a few clothes he had worn.

"I want beef noodles. Ask Chef Yuan to add chili. Go to the kitchen and tell him."

With a task to do, Panliu stopped dwelling on the prince.

While Fang Yu was eating her beef noodles, Lady Duan came by.

"Where is the Fourth Prince?"

"He’s been sent to Kunning Gong."

A flicker of disappointment passed through Lady Duan’s eyes. She pulled out a chair and sat beside Fang Yu. "Our Yonghe Gong was bustling for a few months, alas, don’t be too sad, sister. Has your greenhead plaque been put back up yet?"

Fang Yu’s greenhead plaque had not been put up since she became pregnant, and it still hadn’t been. She shook her head. "No."

"Sister, it’s been four months since you gave birth. It’s time to put it back up. You’re the only one in Yonghe Gong who has the Emperor’s favor. If you serve him soon, you might have another child quickly."

"What’s the point of having a child if I can’t raise him myself? It’s as good as not having one. Better not go through that hardship again."

Lady Duan sighed and comforted her, "Sister, you mustn’t think that way. Although the Fourth Prince is being raised by the Empress, he is still your child, registered under your name."

"My Lady, please don’t talk about this anymore."

Lady Duan fell silent, not wanting to prolong Lady De’s sorrow. Seeing her swollen eyes, it was clear she was the one suffering the most.

"Then I shall take my leave. If you need someone to talk to, sister, feel free to come find me."

Fang Yu nodded. After Lady Duan left, she continued eating her beef noodles. Once she was full, she went to sleep, hoping to forget about the child once she drifted off.

Although Fang Yu’s greenhead plaque had not been put up, the Emperor summoned her to attend him that very evening. She had no choice but to take the palace sedan from the Office of Imperial Visits.

After bathing and cleansing herself, she lay on the bed. When the Emperor arrived, she didn’t rise to pay respects. Only when he touched her face did she look at him.

"Have you been crying? Why are your eyes swollen?"

"I didn’t cry. Mosquito bites."

Emperor Kangxi got into bed and drew her near. He knew she had sent the child to the Empress today and that she must be heartbroken. Humoring her, he said, "Yes, all mosquito bites. Should I have the Imperial Household Department send more eunuchs to help you swat them?"

Fang Yu said with irritation, "Your Majesty, don’t tease me. My body hasn’t fully recovered yet. I can’t serve you tonight."

"I didn’t plan on having you serve me. I just wanted to see you."

"I don’t want to see Your Majesty," she said in a low voice.

Emperor Kangxi leaned down to kiss her. He was the one taking the initiative; she remained still and unresponsive. He kept kissing, his tongue probing deeper, sucking and kissing, until she finally began to respond a little.

"In a few days, I will promote you to pin."

"Really?"

Kangxi nodded.

Fang Yu knew this was a case of giving a sweet date after a slap, but having the rank of Consort wasn't bad either. Once she became a Consort, any children she had next could rightfully be raised by her side. She wrapped her arms around the Emperor's neck and smiled, "In that case, you can kiss me a little longer, but I really can't serve you tonight. I still don't feel fully recovered."

Kangxi didn't expose her. Whether she was recovered or not was recorded in the Imperial Hospital's records. She just didn't want to serve him, and he couldn't force her, lest she get angry. He had finally managed to coax her with the promise of a Consort rank; if she got angry again, he wouldn't know how to comfort her.

So that night, they only kissed for a long time.

Five days later, the edict promoting her to Consort came down, citing her merit in bearing a child. Fang Yu went from Noble Lady De to Consort De.

Many people came to congratulate her, and Fang Yu accepted their well-wishes with a smile.

The day after her promotion, Fang Yu went to Kun Ning Palace to see her child. She was led into the heated chamber, where the Empress was holding Yin Zhen on her lap, chuckling about something.

"Sister, you're here. Please, sit. Yin Zhen, look who's here. This is Consort De. From now on, you should call her 'De Mother'."

The Empress deliberately softened her tone when speaking to Yin Zhen. She then said, "Sister, yesterday Yin Zhen rolled over. I think he's about to learn how to roll over."

"He should be soon."

Fang Yu actually wanted to hold the child too, but the Empress kept holding him. If she spoke up, it would seem like she was trying to take the child from the Empress, so she could only sit on the round stool, maintaining a slight smile as she replied to the Empress.

"Yin Zhen is clearly a smart child. Yesterday, he wanted a rattle-drum and even used his own finger to point."

"Really?"

"Sister, you didn't see it. Everyone who sees Yin Zhen praises his intelligence. I know Yin Zhen is the child you carried for ten months and gave birth to, and you miss him, but don't worry. Yin Zhen has adapted very well at Kun Ning Palace. He doesn't cry much, drinks enough milk these past couple of days, and sleeps well at night."

Fang Yu thought to herself that rather than saying so much, the Empress might as well hand the child over for her to hold. But the Empress held Yin Zhen tightly, showing no intention of letting go.

When under someone else's roof, one has to lower their head—especially when her child was in someone else's hands. Fang Yu couldn't show her dissatisfaction with the Empress. Fortunately, Yin Zhen finally noticed his birth mother, his gaze fixed on her, his two little hands reaching out, wanting her to hold him.

Fang Yu didn't care about anything else anymore. She stood up and went over to hold him, taking Yin Zhen from the Empress's arms.

After just a few days, Yin Zhen still recognized her and wanted her to hold him. Fang Yu didn't dare think about what would happen after half a month or a month, when she saw Yin Zhen less often—whether the child would still recognize her.

"This child still recognizes his birth mother. He knows to ask you to hold him."

Fang Yu glanced at the Empress's expression and felt that her smile didn't reach her eyes. The words also sounded somewhat sour. She could only say, "If Your Majesty spends more time with Yin Zhen, he will do the same with you."

"Sister, hold him a little longer. Yin Zhen misses you."

In front of the Empress, Fang Yu didn't dare hold him for too long, nor did she dare kiss Yin Zhen's cheek. After holding him for just a short while, she returned Yin Zhen to the Empress.

"Your Majesty, I've held him enough. Seeing that Yin Zhen is being taken care of so well by you, I am at ease."

"Why would you be worried, sister? I treat Yin Zhen as my own child and would never mistreat him. You can rest assured. Sister, you've just been promoted to Consort—this is a great joy. I haven't even congratulated you yet."

"I am only so fortunate due to the Emperor's grace and Your Majesty's care. It is I who should thank you."

"It's because you yourself are capable. I didn't contribute much. Oh, Yin Zhen seems to have soiled himself."

Fang Yu knew it was time for her to leave, so she asked to take her leave. The Empress waved her hand, indicating she could go.

As soon as she stepped out of Kun Ning Palace, Fang Yu's expression darkened, feeling somewhat stifled. She had to watch someone else's mood just to see her own child and had to be cautious—wasn't that frustrating?

Given the Empress's temperament, she probably wouldn't be able to visit Yin Zhen whenever she wanted. The Empress wanted to monopolize Yin Zhen and didn't want him to be close to his birth mother.

After being promoted to Consort, Fang Yu wasn't particularly happy. Thinking about how Yin Zhen might truly not be close to her in the future, her heart inexplicably ached.

Historically, Yin Zhen indeed wasn't close to Lady Wuya. Lady Wuya even wanted the Fourteenth Prince to ascend the throne and was so angered by Yin Zhen becoming emperor that she died directly from it.

Fang Yu didn't know how to change the situation. The Empress's intention was also clear: she didn't want Fang Yu to have too much contact with Yin Zhen.

Sure enough, a few days later, when she went to Kun Ning Palace, she only saw the Empress. The Empress said Yin Zhen was asleep and didn't bring him out to show her, lest he wake up.

Fang Yu didn't say anything. After chatting with the Empress for a bit, she left. After that, she didn't go to Kun Ning Palace for a month.

On April 2nd of the 18th year of Kangxi's reign, Yingshan came to tell her that her period was late. Fang Yu checked the dates of her attendance in the bedchamber, and it matched.

"Really? Is this good news for you?" Fang Yu asked uncertainly, since some people might not want children.

"It's good news. I've always wanted a child."

Fang Yu then clapped her hands. "Since it's good news, then congratulations, sister, on getting your wish."

Yingshan smiled. "Without you, I wouldn't have been able to attend the Emperor, and I wouldn't have this child. Ning Yan, I really should thank you."

Fang Yu stood up and hugged Yingshan from behind. "If it weren't for you helping me four years ago, I wouldn't have survived that serious illness. What you gave me was a life-saving grace. What I gave you was just a small, insignificant favor."

Yingshan held her hand and asked, "Have you been to see the Fourth Prince recently?"

Fang Yu shook her head and said no.

"Why not?"

"I'm afraid the Empress will be dissatisfied with me and take it out on Yin Zhen."

Yingshan was somewhat surprised. "Would she? The Empress has no children of her own. Why would she mistreat Yin Zhen? Yin Zhen is a Prince. If anything happens to him, she, as Empress, can't escape responsibility. Sister, are you overthinking it?"

She wasn't overthinking it; it was a fact. Yin Zhen being caught between the Empress and her wasn't good. If Yin Zhen became too close to his birth mother, the Empress would inevitably be dissatisfied and might do something. She didn't know what. Rather than forcing Yin Zhen, who wasn't even one year old, to choose sides, it was better for her to give up first. As long as her child grew up safe and sound, and as long as the Empress treated Yin Zhen well, it was fine if Yin Zhen wasn't close to her. She didn't want her child to suffer caught in the middle. That's why she deliberately didn't visit Yin Zhen, hoping the Empress would be less suspicious and dissatisfied and genuinely treat Yin Zhen well.

"Sister, don't worry about these things. Focus on giving birth to your child. What about the imperial physician? Have you seen an imperial physician yet?"

Yingshan shook her head and said not yet. By her calculations, she was at most two months pregnant. She wanted to wait until three months to announce it publicly; she didn't want any accidents.

Yingshan had her own ideas. Fang Yu didn't force her to see an imperial physician at this time. If she wanted to keep it secret, let her. After three months, when the pregnancy was stable, it would be fine to announce it to the imperial harem. She only told her what pregnant women should pay attention to; previously, her mother and several midwives had told her many things to note about diet.

By the end of April, half a year after giving birth, she officially hung up her green plaque. The Emperor soon summoned her to serve him.

After more than a year, the Emperor was particularly fierce. His hands never left her chest, and soon marks from his fingers appeared on her body.

"They've really grown quite a bit."

Hearing the Emperor's words, Fang Yu silently rolled her eyes at him.

Kangxi felt that Lady Wuya before childbirth was like a Chinese flowering crabapple just blooming in early spring—pure and innocent but with intense vitality. After childbirth, Lady Wuya was like a freshly ripened peach—sweet and fragrant with one bite, shedding the innocence of a young girl and beginning to exude a woman's charm.

Afterward, Fang Yu suddenly felt hungry and had a servant bring her some pastries. She ate several pieces before feeling comfortable again.

By the time they lay down again, it was already the end of the Hai hour (9-11 PM).

"Your Majesty, stop fooling around."

"Here, I can't get enough of touching."

Fang Yu swatted away his mischievous hand, turned her back to him, and began to try to sleep.

"I heard you haven't been to Kun Ning Palace to see Yin Zhen for a while."

Fang Yu spun around. She knew the Emperor was the most well-connected person in the palace; if he wanted to know about anything happening in the rear palace, he would definitely find out.

"Your Majesty, why do you ask? Did the Empress say something?"

Kang Xi replied that the Empress had said nothing, but he had thought Consort De would surely visit her child regularly. Yet it seemed like she hadn’t visited in a month. If he hadn’t seen how gentle she was with the child, he would have thought she didn’t care.

"I know Yin Zhen is being well taken care of by the Empress. Since he is in such good hands, it makes no difference whether I visit or not. I know the Empress treats Yin Zhen as her own, so I have no worries."

"If you want to visit the child, you may go. The Empress won’t stop you. If she does, you can tell me."

Fang Yu couldn’t help pinching his waist. What good are these words now, when the child had already been taken to Kunning Palace and being raised by someone else? What difference would her visits make? Could the child return to her side? In the Emperor’s eyes, the Empress might be gentle, virtuous, and gracious, unlikely to forbid her from seeing the child. If only it were that simple.

He was speaking without understanding her pain, without standing by her side or considering Yin Zhen’s perspective. He only saw harmony among his wives and concubines, peace in the harem, and well-behaved children. He didn’t see the hidden struggles and conflicts among the women, or perhaps he did but didn’t care. To him, these were minor issues.

"What’s wrong? Did I say something incorrect?"

Fang Yu said irritably, "How could Your Majesty ever be wrong? It is we who are wrong. Let’s sleep. I don’t want to talk to you."

Suspecting the Empress had deliberately blocked her, Kang Xi made a trip to Kunning Palace the next day.

"Where is Yin Zhen? Bring him here."

The Empress immediately had someone fetch the child. When Yin Zhen was brought over, he wasn’t crying or fussing, his eyes curiously looking around, wide and curious.

Yin Zhen had grown quite a bit. Kang Xi noticed his eyes, which were exactly like Consort De’s—round and bright, as if cast from the same mold.

It had been a long time since he last held Yin Zhen, and he felt the child had gotten much heavier.

The Empress noticed the Emperor’s effort and smiled. "Your Majesty hasn’t held Yin Zhen in a while, has he? Children change every day. This past month, Yin Zhen has grown a lot. Look at his chubby arms."

Indeed, Yin Zhen was chubbier than the Crown Prince was at his age. Kang Xi sat Yin Zhen on his lap.

Yin Zhen was fascinated by the circular jade ornament on Kang Xi’s waist, playing with it with his small hands.

"Has Yin Zhen had any trouble adjusting here?"

"None at all. Yin Zhen isn’t shy and has adjusted very well. The other day, he started rolling over, and yesterday he tried to pull himself up using me. He’s very lively."

Kang Xi saw that Yin Zhen looked healthy and well-cared for. However, he felt he needed to remind the Empress not to hinder Consort De from visiting. His gaze darkened slightly as he said meaningfully, "The Empress treats Yin Zhen as her own, which pleases me greatly. But please do not forget whose child Yin Zhen is. Consort De is his birth mother. When she wishes to visit, I hope the Empress will not deliberately make things difficult for her."

Upon hearing this, the Empress immediately knelt. "Your Majesty, I’ve never hindered Consort De. Whenever she wished to see the child, I never refused. I know Consort De is Yin Zhen’s birth mother; she carried him for ten months. I too have been a mother, though my child did not survive. I understand how hard it is for a mother. Out of empathy, I have always gladly agreed when Consort De wanted to visit. But she has not come to Kunning Palace this past month. It is not that I forbade her; she simply did not come. Who claimed to Your Majesty that I hindered her? That person must be maliciously slandering me and trying to drive a wedge between us. I beg Your Majesty to punish this person severely."

Kang Xi was unsure. The Empress didn’t seem to be lying. Could it be that Consort De hadn’t come of her own accord?

"I placed Yin Zhen in your care because I believed you to be generous and kind. Please do not disappoint my trust."

"I dare not, Your Majesty."

"Please rise. I see Yin Zhen is being raised very well under your care. You’ve done well."

"It is my duty. I dare not claim credit."

Kang Xi handed the child back to the Empress. "I have documents to review. I leave Yin Zhen in your care. Take good care of him, and do not hide anything from me regarding him."

"I obey your decree."

Kang Xi stood up and left Kunning Palace.

After the Emperor left, Empress Niohuru Yuvan handed Yin Zhen to the wet nurse and sat angrily on the heated brick bed (kang), slapped the kang table angrily.

Consort De must have complained to the Emperor. After last night’s intimacy, she must have whispered in his ear. The very next day, the Emperor came to warn her, disrespecting her position as Empress and making her lose face.

It was Consort De herself who hadn’t come to see the child, yet it was made to seem as if she had deliberately prevented it. This made the Emperor dissatisfied with her. Consort De was truly cunning—she had underestimated her. She hadn’t realized how scheming Consort De was.

The Emperor was biased too. He immediately questioned and warned her. Was there anyone in the harem more favored than Consort De? Relying on the Emperor’s favor, Consort De could twist the truth, refusing to suffer the slightest disadvantage.

It infuriated her. Niohuru Yuvan was so angry that the veins on her forehead were bulging.

"Your Majesty, Consort De has... framed you. Please have some tea to calm yourself."

Niohuru Yuvan took a sip of tea, her eyes turning cold. Consort De had schemed for a month to frame her, and she couldn’t swallow this anger. But Consort De was favored and now a consort; she couldn’t think of a good way to deal with her.

"Nanny, what do you think I should do?"

"The Grand Empress Dowager is ill. Why doesn’t Your Majesty have Consort De copy Buddhist sutras to pray for the Grand Empress Dowager’s blessings?"

Making her copy sutras felt like too light a punishment for Consort De, but she truly couldn’t move against her now. She watched as Consort De rose in influence. If only she had blocked Consort De’s path to favor four years ago.

"If I remember correctly, Consort De is quite close with Attendant Nala."

"What does Your Majesty plan to do with Attendant Nala?"

Niohuru Yuvan curled her lips. Dealing with an unfavored attendant was simple enough. Just wait and see.

Unknowingly, Fang Yu had already been set up.