Chapter 49: Moving to Jingren Palace

Chapter 49 Moving to Jingren Palace

Fang Yu led the ladies of Jingren Palace to visit the Empress who had just given birth. The Empress had delivered a son the day before, and both mother and child were safe and sound.

When they arrived, Consort Hui and other consorts and imperial concubines were already at Kunning Palace, keeping vigil at the Empress's bedside and speaking with her now that she had regained consciousness after the birth.

Though the Empress's face was slightly pale and she was still weak from childbirth, perhaps because she had given birth to a prince, her eyes sparkled with vitality and light.

"Consort De, you've come."

Fang Yu stepped forward: "Congratulations, Your Majesty. We rejoice with you. Your Majesty has worked hard."

"It is my duty to continue the Emperor's lineage. It is no hardship. I am very happy that all my sisters have come to see me today."

Perhaps the Empress was tired from dealing with them—after all, it was only the first day after giving birth—Nanny Gui, who was by the Empress's side, timely stepped out and said that Her Majesty was tired and needed to rest. Everyone understood and soon left.

Fang Yu returned to Jingren Palace, where Pan Liu brought her a cup of brewed Longjing tea. She took a sip and set it down.

"Your Majesty, the Empress has given birth to a little prince. What about the Fourth Prince?"

Fang Yu was also thinking about what would become of Yin Zhen. Now that the Empress had her own biological son, she would surely treat him differently than before. She wanted Yin Zhen to return to her side, but forcing it would not work. She needed to come up with a thorough plan.

Half a month later, before Fang Yu could think of a good solution, the Emperor began conferring titles in the inner court.

Consort Rong, Consort Hui, Consort Yi, and she were all promoted to the rank of Consort. The younger Hesheli clan member was also named a Consort, with the title "Ping." As the younger sister of the Empress Dowager, the Borjigit clan member was also promoted to Consort, with the title "Xuan." Secondary Consort Wei, who had given birth to the Eighth Prince, was promoted to Noble Lady.

Fang Yu received many more congratulations.

Three days after being named a Consort, Fang Yu was summoned to attend upon the Emperor.

"Are you happy?"

Fang Yu kissed the Emperor's thin lips and smiled, "Of course I'm happy. I am now a consort."

In truth, given the Wuya clan's status, rising from an Answering Attendant to a Consort in just a few years was already the greatest favor the Emperor could bestow upon her. Fang Yu could not ask for more. In terms of status, she was already content. No matter how favored she was, she could not surpass Noble Consort Tong, who came from a superior family background, especially since Noble Consort Tong was the Emperor's maternal cousin and Tong Guowei was the Emperor's maternal uncle.

Sometimes Fang Yu also thought that the Emperor was a very rational person. He was not the type to be blinded by love. Everything he did was carefully considered. He seemed to dote on her greatly, but he never overstepped boundaries, always maintaining a sense of proportion. The status and favor she received were all reasonable. So she felt that the Emperor was actually a bit frightening—he was a qualified emperor.

"Then you must serve well tonight. Be more proactive. Don't make me serve you."

Fang Yu wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing herself against him, and said coquettishly, "I always serve well. Clearly, it's always me serving you. If I didn't serve well, would Your Majesty feel so comfortable? After you're satisfied, you say I didn't serve well. You're the one who's ungrateful after benefiting."

Over the years, Wuya Shi had become increasingly charming and captivating, with a seductive allure blooming between her brows. Kangxi couldn't help but pick her up and lay her down on the bed.

The two soon became entangled.

As the night deepened, the sounds of their ragged breaths in the bedchamber came and went, alternating with each other.

After it was over, Kangxi still held Wuya Shi in his arms. With her warm and fragrant softness, he couldn't bear to let go.

"Is there anything you lack over there?" he asked casually.

"No, thanks to Your Majesty's blessings, I lack nothing."

"Summer is almost here. I will instruct the Imperial Household Department to send you ice."

Kangxi would instruct the Imperial Household Department every year, especially in the summer, as Wuya Shi could not stand the heat.

Fang Yu lay on the Emperor's chest and said softly, "Your Majesty remembers me. You still remember that I cannot stand the heat."

"I'm not like you. You are heartless."

Fang Yu looked up at him, pretending to be angry. "Who is heartless? I have a big heart. Your Majesty, don't slander me."

Kangxi chuckled and touched her waist.

"Your Majesty, that tickles."

Kangxi stopped and said, "The seasons are changing. Pay more attention to Yin Zhu's health. Children are prone to illness. Several children in the palace have already fallen ill. Be careful not to let him catch anything."

"Who is sick?"

"Yin Zhi and Yin Qi are both sick, as is the Empress's child."

The Empress's child was only half a month old. For such a young child to already fall ill—Fang Yu frowned. She knew the Emperor would not lie to her about such a small matter, but the Empress's side had kept it very secret. She hadn't known about the little prince's illness. The Emperor told her surely because Yin Zhu's health was poor, just to remind her.

"I understand. I will take good care of Yin Zhu."

"Once Yin Zhu's health is a bit stronger, he will be inoculated."

Fang Yu murmured in agreement.

The night grew late, and the two settled down to sleep.

...

For the little prince to fall ill at just half a month old, it seemed he was also a weak child. Within a few days, news of the little prince's illness spread throughout the inner court, even rumors that he was critically ill and might not survive.

Fang Yu went to visit but did not get to see the little prince, only the Empress. The Empress looked much more haggard and was in no state to entertain her. Soon, she said she was tired, so Fang Yu could only leave.

Because the little prince was ill, imperial physicians were summoned to Kunning Palace almost every day.

By early July, a rumor spread in the palace that the Empress could only have one son in her lifetime. Since the Empress already had the Fourth Prince, her biological son might not survive.

Seven-year-old Yin Zhen was not a child who understood nothing. He had also heard those palace rumors. After returning from the Upper Study, he first went to his study to practice calligraphy and recite texts.

The Book of Rites lay open before him, but he had not turned the page for a long time. His calligraphy practice was restless, and he couldn't concentrate. So he stood up and walked out, wanting to see the Empress Mother.

Ever since the Empress Mother became pregnant, she hadn't been as attentive to him. Yin Zhen could sense this, but he thought the Empress Mother was having a difficult pregnancy, so he didn't say anything.

But after his younger brother was born, the Empress Mother had even less time to care about him. Before, when he returned from school, the Empress Mother would ask him what he had learned, how he had performed at the Upper Study, and whether the Emperor had praised him. Now, the Empress Mother no longer asked.

Especially after his brother's birth, Yin Zhen could sense the pointed looks from others. The servants did not dare say anything in front of him, but his younger brothers at the Upper Study and their study companions were very blunt, saying he was not the Empress Mother's child, that the Empress Mother now had her own son, and that he was not the Empress Mother's son—his birth mother was Consort De.

"Nanny Qiao Yue, I want to see the Empress Mother."

"Fourth Prince, please wait here. This servant will go in to announce you."

After a while, Qiao Yue came out to lead him in. Once inside, Yin Zhen saw the Empress Mother holding his younger brother. He bowed to the Empress Mother, and she bid him rise.

"Yin Zhen, why have you come?"

"I came to see the Empress Mother. Is the Empress Mother feeling better?"

Yin Zhen thought the Empress Mother's complexion didn’t look well. As he stepped forward to touch his baby brother, the Empress Mother suddenly swatted his hand away. He froze.

"Empress Mother..."

"Yin Zhen, your brother is still young. You cannot touch him randomly. Your hands might be dirty."

Yin Zhen let out a disappointed "Oh."

"Yin Zhen, the Empress is alright."

"I heard that my younger brother is sick. How is he?"

"Your younger brother is indeed sick, but you don’t need to worry, Yin Zhen. Just worry about yourself."

Yin Zhen saw his younger brother crying, and the Empress went to soothe him, no longer speaking to him. He stood there awkwardly, unsure of what to do. After a while, he left.

A few days earlier, he had run into his oldest brother, who told him he wasn’t the Empress’s child and that she would abandon him—that he was only adopted and not a trueborn son. He had come here intending to ask the Empress if she would get rid of him, but he couldn’t bring himself to say it.

Feeling upset, he returned to his study.

"Fourth Prince, Consort De has sent over summer clothes. Would you like to see if they fit?"

Xiao Shunzi brought over several pieces of clothing for him to look at. Yin Zhen, who wasn't in the mood to study or practice calligraphy, tried them on. They fit quite well.

"Consort De cares deeply for the Fourth Prince. She sends clothes with every change of season."

In truth, Yin Zhen knew that Consort De had always been sending him things, though sometimes he never received them—the Empress had them taken away. He remembered overhearing Nanny Guo and others whispering when he was three or four about how to handle the items Consort De sent, saying he shouldn't see them. He could only pretend not to notice.

Yin Zhen also vaguely understood that Xiao Shunzi leaned toward Consort De, as he often spoke highly of her.

"Xiao Shunzi, do you think the Empress will abandon me?"

"Fourth Prince, this servant doesn’t know. I only know that a birth mother is the one who truly cherishes her own child."

Yin Zhen thought to himself that he wasn’t the Empress’s biological child—his real mother was Consort De. Would she cherish him?

Confused and uncertain, Yin Zhen had no answer in his heart.

The next day, after finishing his studies, Yin Zhen went with his sixth younger brother to Jingren Palace. Consort De was overjoyed to see him, showering him with hugs and kisses, and even peeling longan and lychee for him to eat.

Consort De worried he might eat too much and lose his appetite for dinner, so she stopped him after he had a few.

While it was still early, Consort De played with him and his sixth younger brother in the courtyard. She also mentioned that she planned to raise a rabbit and a cat.

Yin Zhen had wanted to keep a rabbit before, but the Empress said keeping pets would make him neglect his studies and didn’t allow it.

If Consort De raised them here, he would at least be able to play with them. Consort De rarely said no to him.

Yin Zhen stayed at Consort De’s place until almost dark before returning. When he got back, the Empress didn’t send anyone to ask why he was so late.

Another half-month passed like this. His younger brother’s illness still hadn’t improved. Yin Zhen saw the imperial physicians coming to Kunning Palace every day. The Empress was fully focused on caring for his brother and paid little attention to him.

During the day, he attended classes at the study hall. Afterward, he sometimes went to pay respects to Consort De, sometimes played with Yin Zhu and the others, and sometimes disciplined himself to practice calligraphy and read in his study.

...

"Your Highness, the young prince is spitting up milk again."

Niuhulu Yu Wan had the wet nurse bring the child over. She was supposed to be in confinement, but it hadn’t gone well because the child fell ill during that time.

Over the past few months, she had been busy caring for the child.

She touched the child’s forehead and felt a slight fever again. The constant fevers had left her exhausted.

For a child just a few months old, the imperial physicians dared not prescribe medicine, leaving them to wait it out. When the child was sick, he naturally didn’t want to nurse and had little appetite. Now he was spitting up milk again.

Although born full-term, the child looked frail and hadn’t grown much over the past few months. If this continued, the child might not survive.

Too many children had passed away young in the palace.

Niuhulu Yu Wan held the lightweight child, her heart aching with fear that he might not make it.

"Your Highness, the young prince will surely be fine."

Niuhulu Yu Wan looked at Nanny Gui, who had spoken. She wasn’t so sure herself. If things continued like this, the child would eventually succumb. She couldn’t let the child she had worked so hard to bear die like this. She had also heard the rumors circulating in the palace.

Could it be that as long as Yin Zhen was around, her child couldn’t survive?

"Nanny, Yin Zhen is older now. Could he move into the princes’ quarters?"

"Your Highness, do you want the Fourth Prince to move to the princes’ quarters?"

Niuhulu Yu Wan felt she had no choice. What if the rumors were true? Perhaps because Yin Zhen still lived in Kunning Palace, her child remained ill. If Yin Zhen moved to the princes’ quarters, maybe her child would improve. Right now, all she wanted was for her child to survive. If this child died, she might never have another of her own. So she had to do something to save her child’s life.

"How will Your Highness explain this to the Emperor?"

"Just say Yin Zhen is old enough to move to the princes’ quarters."

Niuhulu Yu Wan knew that Consort De had always wanted to raise Yin Zhen, but she didn’t want to grant her wish. Yin Zhen was indeed old enough and didn’t need to stay in the inner palace anymore.

She looked down at her child, pale and spitting up milk again. Hardening her heart, she made her decision and sent for the Emperor.

When the Emperor arrived, she brought up the matter. Niuhulu Yu Wan watched the Emperor’s expression, but his face showed little emotion, remaining as calm as ever. However, the way he looked at her made her shrink back slightly, feeling as though he saw right through her. His next words made her heart sink even more.

"Yin Zhen is still young. Since the Empress no longer wishes to raise him, let Consort De take him. He can move to the princes’ quarters in a couple of years. Focus on caring for your child."

With that, the Emperor turned and left without giving her a chance to respond.

Niuhulu Yu Wan felt as though everything she had built before was falling apart.

The next day, Yin Zhen came to see her, likely because someone had told him he was to move to Jingren Palace. He asked if she was abandoning him.

Hearing this, Niuhulu Yu Wan couldn’t bear it. She crouched down to speak to him: "The Empress isn’t abandoning you. How could I? It’s just that your brother is sick, and I’m afraid his sickness could be contagious. You’ve only just recovered from your own illness, and I don’t want you to get sick again. This is for your own good. Stay with your mother Consort De for a while, and when your brother is better, I’ll bring you back."

"Will you really come for me?"

"Yes, of course I will."

"Alright then, I’ll go stay with Consort De."

Niuhulu Yu Wan patted Yin Zhen’s head and held him tightly. After raising him for seven years, she couldn’t help but feel attached. She had no other choice.

Yin Zhen wasn’t foolish—on the contrary, he was quite perceptive. He knew the Empress was abandoning him. Once she had her own child, she no longer wanted him. Her claim that it was for his good was a lie. In the end, he wasn’t her biological son. She had chosen her own child and discarded him.

Soon, the servants packed his belongings and moved them to Jingren Palace. He began living there. For the first few days, he was sad, feeling abandoned.

But Consort De treated him very well. She accompanied him while he studied and practiced calligraphy. When he couldn’t sleep, she told him stories until he fell asleep. He could eat whatever he wanted, and his sixth younger brother played with him.

Consort De had indeed gotten a rabbit and a cat. After school, he would come back and feed the rabbit. Gradually, his unhappiness lifted, and he began to feel that living in Jingren Palace was quite nice.

Fang Yu was also happy these days. Yin Zhen had finally returned to her side. With both her children with her, life felt peaceful and satisfying.

Summer brought frequent rain. This afternoon, the sun had been shining brightly, but before long, a sudden downpour began. Bean-sized raindrops pelted down, quickly soaking the ground.

The two brothers had gone to the study hall in the morning and hadn’t returned yet. They didn't have umbrellas.

Fang Yu saw the rain falling heavier and heavier, so she decided to pick them up herself, afraid they would get drenched on their way back.

"Mother, this servant can handle it. The rain is so heavy—what if you get wet?"

Xiao Fangzi tried to persuade his mistress, thinking he could just take an umbrella and go alone.

"It's fine. You hold the umbrella; we'll go together."

Xiao Fangzi had no choice but to follow behind, while Pan Liu held an umbrella for her mistress.

The imperial study hall was located east of the Qianqing Gate. Fang Yu, accompanied by Xiao Fangzi and Pan Liu, went over and, as expected, found the princes still at the study hall.

"Mother..." Yin Zhu shouted excitedly when he saw her, waving his hand.

Yin Zhen, being more reserved, simply glanced over, his eyes lighting up.

"Mother, are you here to pick us up?" Yin Zhu said excitedly, already edging his way out from inside and standing under the eaves.

Fang Yu glanced around; several princes were there, along with their study companions. The rain was heavy, and none of them had left yet.

"Mother, did you bring an umbrella?"

"Of course, but I think the rain is too heavy now. We can wait for it to lighten up before leaving."

Yin Zhu insisted they could leave now, saying they weren’t afraid of getting wet with an umbrella.

Fang Yu thought Yin Zhu just wanted to splash in puddles—children always loved playing in water. She turned to Yin Zhen and asked if he wanted to go back now.

Yin Zhen nodded.

"Alright then, let's go back now."

Fang Yu indulged the two children. Xiao Fangzi held two umbrellas to shield Yin Zhu, while she held one to protect Yin Zhen, and Pan Liu held a large umbrella to cover her.

Under the children’s eager gazes, the group walked into the rain.

Yin Zhu indeed wanted to play in the water, splashing and jumping along the way. Seeing that she didn’t stop him, Yin Zhen also imitated Yin Zhu, splashing in puddles. The two brothers laughed happily all the way back, almost rushing into the rain.

After returning to Jingren Palace, Fang Yu made sure to inform Consort Duan and the others that Yin You was still at the study hall, and she also sent Hong Ye to the kitchen to fetch several bowls of ginger soup.

Yin Zhu fussed while drinking the ginger soup and got a few light smacks on the bottom from Fang Yu.

"Drink it quickly. If you catch a cold, you’ll have to drink bitter medicine again. Look, your brother has already finished his."

Yin Zhu glanced over and saw that Yin Zhen had drunk his, so he obediently finished the ginger soup.

Fang Yu instructed the attendants to change the children out of their rain-soaked clothes and into dry ones.

After changing, the two brothers played with the cat on the heated kang. Fang Yu had named the cat "Whitey" because it was white. The cat was now well-trained and very obedient, allowing the two brothers to pet it freely.

With two children around, the room was always lively.

By evening, the Emperor arrived.

They sat together for dinner.

"Mother, I want to eat this."

Yin Zhu pointed to his favorite sweet and sour pork ribs. Fang Yu picked up a piece and put it in his bowl, then gave one to Yin Zhen as well.

"Thank you, Mother."

Fang Yu felt that Yin Zhen was still too formal and polite with her, but there was plenty of time ahead for them to grow closer. She smiled and said, "You don’t need to thank me, Mother. Eat up. If you want anything, just tell me, and I’ll serve you."

"Serve me one too."

Fang Yu shot a glance at the Emperor, who suddenly made his presence known, noticing the teasing look in his eyes. She reluctantly served him a piece.

The dinner was harmonious and joyful. After eating, Yin Zhu and Yin Zhen went off with their wet nurses, and Fang Yu prepared to bathe.

"I’ll join you."

His idea of "joining" her was hardly just bathing. Just as Fang Yu was about to refuse, he pulled her behind the screen.

Fortunately, the bathtub was large enough to accommodate both of them. Fang Yu didn’t dare let Pan Liu or the others stay to attend to them. She and the Emperor frolicked in the tub before finally finishing their bath.

That night, she lay in bed with the Emperor.

"Yin Zhen is doing well with you."

Of course he was—she was his birth mother. If a birth mother didn’t treat her child well, who would? Fang Yu twirled her fingers on the Emperor’s chest. "I have to thank you for that, Your Majesty. Thank you for making it possible."

Kang Xi caught her mischievous fingers. The Empress had suggested moving Yin Zhen to the princes' quarters. Although Yin Zhen was indeed old enough to move, Kang Xi had considered that Wuya Shi had always wanted to raise him, so he granted her wish. At least Yin Zhen could stay in the inner palace for another year or two.

It wouldn’t be too late for Yin Zhen to move to the princes' quarters when he turned ten.

He wasn’t unaware of the rumors in the palace. Whether they were true or not was unknown, but the Empress’s child was indeed unwell. He hadn’t even named the child yet. However, the Empress’s actions were too rushed, making him feel that she didn’t genuinely care for Yin Zhen. Now that she had her own child, Yin Zhen seemed less important to her.

Of course, he also knew that Wuya Shi had played a role in fueling these rumors.

"I know you truly care for Yin Zhen."

"Yin Zhen is my child. I’ve always genuinely cared for him. He’s filial and sensible—the Empress raised him well."

Kang Xi pinched her cheek. It was rare for Wuya Shi to speak well of the Empress, given her temperament.

"Your Majesty, where are you touching?"

"Do you have anything else to say? If not, let’s do something else."

Fang Yu was speechless. Despite his age, he still had so much energy—busy with court affairs during the day and still having strength for such activities at night.

"Don’t pout."

"I’m not pouting."

Kang Xi simply covered her mouth to avoid seeing her reluctant expression. She was always unwilling to serve him, while others longed for the opportunity. She needed to be taught a lesson.

"Your Majesty, be gentle. Your hands are too strong—you’re hurting me."

Kang Xi deliberately applied more force, leaving marks on her body. Eventually, she softened and leaned into him willingly.

...

After Yin Zhen moved out of Kunning Palace, it was said that the little prince’s health improved. The Emperor named the child Yin An, likely hoping the child would be safe and well.

Fang Yu genuinely hoped the child would survive. Only if this child lived would the Empress stop scheming for Yin Zhen.

In the blink of an eye, it was early October. The Emperor prepared to inspect the capital region. Among the princes, the Eldest Prince, the Crown Prince, and Yin Zhen were to accompany him. Among the imperial consorts, she and Noble Consort Tong were to accompany him.

Fang Yu was busy packing her and Yin Zhen’s things.

"Mother, why can Fourth Brother go but I can't? Mother, don't you like me anymore?"

Yin Zhu whined, clinging to her arm and shaking it desperately, his face in a pout.

Fang Yu wanted to say it was all his Emperor Father's decision—he should go ask him, not her. For this inspection trip of the capital region, the Emperor probably isn’t bringing many people, and it won’t be a big procession. The Emperor only allowed three princes to accompany him; even Third Prince Yin Zhi couldn’t go. Yin Zhu was still too young, and the entire inspection would require long carriage rides. Yin Zhu definitely wouldn’t be able to take it.

"It’s not that Mother won’t let you go, it’s that your Emperor Father won’t allow it. You’re still too young for such a long trip."

"If Emperor Father won’t let me go, then you take me, Mother. Fourth Brother can go, so can I. Mother, please bring me along."

Fang Yu said she couldn’t take him, explaining that he gets motion sickness in carriages. Last time they went to the summer palace to beat the heat, Yin Zhu had vomited.

Yin Zhu stomped his foot, mad. "Mother, you don’t like me anymore. You only like Fourth Brother. I don’t like you anymore."

After saying that, Yin Zhu ran out.

Fang Yu wondered if she’d been focusing too much on Yin Zhen lately and neglecting Yin Zhu. This was the problem with having two kids. When Yin Zhen wasn’t living in Jingren Palace, she had indeed focused more on Yin Zhu—after all, she couldn’t have paid attention to Yin Zhen even if she’d wanted to.

To show she wasn’t picking favorites, she went to look for Yin Zhu but couldn’t find him in his room. Instead, she found him in Yin Zhen’s room.

Yin Zhu was crying to Yin Zhen, saying she didn’t like him and wouldn’t let him go out to play with them. Yin Zhen comforted Yin Zhu, explaining that this wasn’t just for playing around—it was an inspection.

"What inspection?"

Yin Zhen couldn’t answer either, since he had never accompanied the Emperor on an inspection before, and he was momentarily stumped.

"Mother likes Fourth Brother, not me."

Fang Yu hurried in, squatting down to talk to Yin Zhu. "Mother does like you. It’s just that you’re not strong enough, and the inspection requires being in a carriage for hours. You wouldn’t be able to handle it—you’d throw up everything you ate, and then you’d have to drink very nasty medicine."

"I’m willing to drink the medicine! I want to go out to play with you, Mother. Please take me."

Fang Yu was getting a headache—suddenly, she couldn’t get through to Yin Zhu. So she said she would have to ask their Emperor Father.

"I’ll go ask Emperor Father with you, Mother."

"Alright then, let’s go now."

Fang Yu thought it would be better to hand this problem off to the Emperor—after all, it was his decision not to let Yin Zhu come along.

"Yin Zhen, you should also figure out what you need to pack. Give whatever you need to Xiao Shunzi and have him pack it. Mother will be back soon."

Yin Zhen nodded obediently.

Fang Yu held Yin Zhu’s hand and went to Qianqing Palace, but the Emperor happened to be out. Eunuch Zhang said the Emperor had gone to see the Grand Empress Dowager. The mother and son waited a while before the Emperor returned.

Yin Zhu ran over and hugged the Emperor’s leg, begging him to take him out to play.

The Emperor looked her way, but Fang Yu pretended not to notice and looked away.

"Yin Zhu, when you’re a little older, Father will take you."

"I am big now, Emperor Father. Please take me."

Kang Xi patted Yin Zhu’s head and glanced at Wuya Shi, who was pretending she wasn’t there. She must have dumped this on him because she couldn’t handle Yin Zhu. But Yin Zhu really wasn’t suitable to come along—he was too young and his health was too delicate. He said gently, "Father knows Yin Zhu has grown up, but if you come along, your mother won’t be able to go. Father can only choose one—you or your mother. If your mother doesn’t go, can you promise Father you won’t cry and ask for her?"

Yin Zhu hesitated and asked why they couldn’t bring his mother along.

"Because your mother gave up her spot for you."

"Alright then, Mother, you wait here obediently for us to come back."

Yin Zhu immediately turned around and waved at her. This child was even willing to abandon his mother just to go out and play. Fang Yu didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. The Emperor didn’t say anything, just smiled at her, probably thinking she couldn’t even handle a five-year-old.

"Father will quiz you on your schoolwork. If you pass, Father will take you."

Fang Yu’s eyes lit up. Why hadn’t she thought of this trick? Yin Zhu had never been serious about his studies—he never memorized the texts his tutor assigned or completed his homework. After class, he just played.

"What lessons?"

"Recite the Three Character Classic for Father."

Kang Xi saw the innocent ignorance in Yin Zhu’s dark, bright eyes—it was clear he hadn’t memorized it.

"Emperor Father, you just don’t want to take me. I don’t like you anymore."

Yin Zhu ran off angrily.

Fang Yu wanted to laugh but held it in, afraid Yin Zhu would see if he turned back. The child had finally caught on. She hurried after him—after all, children still needed to be comforted.

Kang Xi smiled slightly, watching the mother and son leave before entering the hall.