Chapter 50: Going on a Tour

Chapter 50: The Royal Tour

Fang Yu spent a long time comforting Yin Zhu, giving him his favorite pastries before finally settling him down.

Yin Zhu had a weak constitution and a sensitive stomach, so Fang Yu was usually very careful about his diet and rarely allowed him to eat greasy or sweet foods like pastries.

After a day of acting up, Yin Zhu went to bed early. Fang Yu went to Yin Zhen’s room and found him still reading. She gently took the book from him and said, "No reading after dark. It’ll hurt your eyes."

It wasn't always a good thing for a child to be too diligent. Reading by candlelight would surely damage his eyesight within a few years. Fang Yu told Yin Zhen to rest in bed.

Yin Zhen obediently listened and lay down in bed. He suddenly said, "Sixth Brother said that you like me more, but I know you actually prefer Sixth Brother because you raised him yourself."

Fang Yu replied, "In my heart, you and Yin Zhu are both my children. I don’t favor one over the other; you’re both the same to me. You're both dear to me."

"Really?"

"Of course it’s true. Do you feel I treat you poorly, which is why you think I like your Sixth Brother more?"

"You treat me very well."

"Then there you go. Alright, time to sleep. Goodnight."

Fang Yu leaned down and kissed Yin Zhen’s forehead, then stroked his cheek before leaving.

Yin Zhen, having been kissed, felt his face grow warm. His Imperial Mother rarely kissed him like this. Shyly, he buried himself under the covers, thinking how kind De Consort was. Perhaps what De Consort said was true—she treated Sixth Brother and him equally.

With this thought, Yin Zhen slept much more peacefully that night.

On the first day of departure, they woke up early. Fang Yu didn’t wake Yin Zhu, since waking him might delay their departure. Before setting off, she had already had Consort Duan and Ying Shan keep an eye on Yin Zhu.

Fang Yu and her attendants rode in one carriage, while Yin Zhen had his own.

The inspection tour had the feel of a leisurely trip. They basically arrived at a new location each day, where local officials would host them and take the group to enjoy the local scenery.

Fang Yu ate well, drank well, and had a great time, feeling quite comfortable during this inspection tour. Even when Noble Consort Tong occasionally shot her disdainful glances or said a few harsh words, she didn’t mind.

For this inspection tour, the Emperor had only brought her and Noble Consort Tong, so either she or Noble Consort Tong would share his bed.

Tonight, it was her turn again.

The Emperor covered her mouth with his, his hands applying firm pressure. She couldn’t help but moan, asking him to be gentler.

"Don’t you like it like this?"

"Who said I like it?" she cooed, but in the end, she was thoroughly worn out.

Fang Yu had slept in the Emperor's quarters that night and set off with him early the next morning. After a two-hour journey, they arrived in Baoding.

The officials in Baoding had long prepared for the Emperor’s arrival. Fang Yu noticed that these people were extremely deferential to the Emperor, very respectful toward the Crown Prince, but the accompanying Eldest Prince and Yin Zhen were largely ignored, even though they were also imperial sons.

These people primarily focused on hosting the Emperor and the Crown Prince, flattering and sucking up to them. It wasn’t that the officials were disrespectful to the rest of them, but one could clearly sense that they were treated as secondary—objects of courtesy and flattery, rather than the main focus.

She could clearly sense the Eldest Prince’s smoldering resentment. At thirteen years old, he was no longer a child and had reached an age where he understood the ways of the world. As the Emperor’s eldest son, how could he accept this?

As for Yin Zhen, perhaps because he was still young, he remained much calmer by the Emperor’s side, not yet fully understanding these subtle distinctions.

Fang Yu and Noble Consort Tong stayed with the Emperor in a large four-courtyard residence, while the princes stayed in nearby mansions.

While it was still early, they went up the mountain to visit a famous local temple, burning incense and praying for the well-being of the people.

Fang Yu and Noble Consort Tong stayed by the Emperor’s side the entire time, with the princes following behind. By the time they returned to their residence after the prayers, it was already dark.

Fang Yu returned to her room and had Xiao Fangzi fetch Yin Zhen so the two of them could dine together.

During the meal, Fang Yu asked Yin Zhen if he was tired that day.

Yin Zhen said he wasn’t.

"That’s good. If you’re tired, remember to tell me. If you feel unwell, tell me too. Don’t keep it to yourself. Have you been eating well lately?"

"Mother, I want some beef jerky."

Before leaving, Fang Yu had asked the palace kitchen to prepare plenty of beef jerky—spicy, honey-glazed, and five-spice—as snacks to eat in the carriage. She had given Yin Zhen quite a bit, but he had likely finished it all. She smiled and said, "Alright, I’ll give you some more. If you want anything else, just tell me."

"I have everything there, except beef jerky."

This was the first time the boy had asked her for anything. Fang Yu had Pan Liu bring all the remaining beef jerky they had to give to Yin Zhen.

After dinner, Yin Zhen left with several packs of beef jerky.

Fang Yu also went to bed early that night. The next morning, when she woke up, Pan Liu whispered a few words in her ear, saying that several new beauties had arrived in the courtyard.

No need to guess—they were surely gifts from the local officials to the Emperor. It was unclear whether the Emperor would touch those beauties. Even if he did, he might not bring them back to the capital or the palace. Those people were just trying to please the Emperor. If the Emperor was happy, their official positions would be secure.

As an imperial consort, Fang Yu naturally couldn't do anything about this matter. The Emperor was meeting with local officials that day, so she could rest in her room.

Over the past few days, their entire group had been following the Emperor. Fang Yu hadn’t yet taken Yin Zhen out alone to explore the nearby streets and experience the lives of ordinary people.

Seizing the rare opportunity, Fang Yu sent someone to inform the Emperor. After breakfast, she took Yin Zhen out, with a team of guards provided by the Emperor following them.

At the market, Fang Yu held Yin Zhen’s hand as they wandered around, stopping now and then. She bought anything that caught their interest—after all, money was no issue.

It was Yin Zhen’s first time visiting such a lively market, and he was very excited. He bought a stick of candied hawthorn berries to eat.

When someone performed a fire-breathing act, they stood and watched for a long time, clapping along with the crowd. After the performance, they tossed the performer a silver ingot.

When they grew tired, they went to a restaurant to sit down and eat. Yin Zhen’s cheeks were rosy from all the fun.

"Mother, I’m so happy. Can we come out again next time?"

"Of course we can. Are your feet sore from all that walking?"

"Not tired, not tired at all."

Children naturally loved to play. Fang Yu smiled.

With guards following them, the curious onlookers around them kept their distance and didn't try to talk to them.

After eating their fill, they left the restaurant, wandered around a bit more, and then returned. The servants following them were loaded down with packages—they had bought plenty of things. Fang Yu also remembered Yin Zhu back in the palace and bought him many folk toys.

After seeing Yin Zhen back to his residence, Fang Yu returned to her own courtyard. Noble Consort Tong was standing under the eaves, asking her sharply where she had been.

"I went out shopping."

Fang Yu replied naturally.

"You’re in the mood to go shopping? Don’t you know those women are more beautiful than you? You’ll soon fall out of favor."

Fang Yu hadn’t expected Noble Consort Tong to care about the beauties who had been sent over. She smiled and said, "If I fall out of favor, then that’s that. There’s nothing I can do about it. That’s how it is when you age—there will always be someone younger than me. Have you seen those beauties? What do they look like?"

"I told you they’re prettier than you."

Fang Yu had to say, there really weren't many people prettier than her; she was quite confident in her own appearance.

"That's good. If they weren't better looking than me, His Majesty probably wouldn't take a fancy to them. Noble Consort, this subject will return to her room now."

Seeing her indifference, Noble Consort Tong snorted angrily and returned to her room ahead of her.

Fang Yu didn't mind. After returning to her room, she began sorting through what she’d bought that day.

"My Lady, this incense is very fragrant."

Fang Yu leaned in to smell it—it really was quite aromatic. She had bought over a dozen boxes of incense without even smelling them first.

"Pan Liu, take this box of incense for yourself."

Pan Liu smiled and said, "My Lady, then this servant won’t refuse politely."

Fang Yu divided the incense and blush she had bought, giving several boxes to Pan Liu and Hong Ye. By the time she finished organizing everything, it was already dark. Someone knocked on the door—it was Eunuch Liang from the Emperor’s presence.

Fang Yu was a bit puzzled; she had thought the emperor would summon one of the beauties to serve him tonight. She went to the front courtyard where the emperor was staying.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

Kangxi noticed Lady Uya gazing at him with a faint, teasing smile and couldn't help touching his own face.

"Your Majesty, I'm hungry. I haven't eaten yet."

Kangxi immediately ordered a meal to be served.

An hour later, both were lying in bed. Fang Yu nestled in his arms, tracing circles on his chest with her finger. "Your Majesty, I heard several beauties have moved into the courtyard. Why didn't you summon any of them to serve you?"

"What did you buy today when you went out with Yinzhen?"

Seeing the emperor so obviously changing the subject, Fang Yu pinched him. "Your Majesty, I'm asking you a question."

Kangxi saw Lady Uya's eyes widen, looking jealous and sulky, and couldn't help smiling. He wrapped his arm around her waist, giving her a light peck on the lips. "Their beauty doesn't compare to yours."

"So you have seen them."

Only then did Kangxi realize he had fallen into her trap. He chuckled and patted her bottom. "I have seen them, but I don't plan on doing anything with them. I have you; that's enough."

"Your Majesty, you could take them in and bring them back to the capital."

"Do you really mean that? I could bring them back to the palace."

Fang Yu snorted and pinched him again. "So Your Majesty has actually considered it. If you dare touch them, I'll..."

She couldn't think of a threat to make. Honestly, if he really did touch those beauties, she would feel somewhat uncomfortable. Originally, only she and Noble Consort Tong had accompanied him on this trip. If the emperor brought those beauties back to the capital, it would be a slap in the face to her and Noble Consort Tong—they had failed to keep the emperor's favor. How would the others in the rear palace look at them upon returning? They would be seen as inferior to those beauties.

If he disregarded her dignity and favored the presented beauties, she would certainly be unhappy. But she knew she couldn't control it and could only force herself to be indifferent.

Kangxi laughed heartily. "Rest assured, with a jealous little enchantress like you around, no one else can catch my eye."

"Really?"

Kangxi nodded and said it was true.

Only then did Fang Yu smile happily. She flipped over and sat on him, speaking in a coquettish voice, "Then this concubine will serve Your Majesty well tonight, so you won't be tempted by those beauties."

Afterward, Kangxi looked at the exhausted woman and said with a laugh, "Consort De performed very well tonight. I won't be tempted by beauties for the time being."

As soon as he finished, he earned a glare, making Kangxi laugh heartily.

...

They stayed in Baoding for three days before leaving. Afterward, at every stop, people still presented beauties to the emperor. Sometimes, during banquets hosted by local officials, beauties would be invited to dance or play music, trying every way to attract the emperor's attention.

Fortunately, the emperor wasn't someone given to women. Throughout the journey, he didn't touch any of the beauties presented to him. Basically, only she and Noble Consort Tong served him at night.

On the fifteenth day of the imperial tour, the emperor received a letter saying Yin Zhu had fallen ill. When he told her, Fang Yu couldn't help but worry and wanted to return to the palace early, no longer in the mood to continue the tour.

She suggested the emperor continue the inspection while sending some people to escort her back to the palace.

Seeing how worried she was, the emperor decided to return to the capital early.

It took them three days to return to the capital.

Yin Zhu was indeed quite seriously ill. Yingshan said Yin Zhu had been vomiting and having diarrhea a few days prior. The imperial physician said it was due to heat in the spleen and lungs, compounded by catching a cold. Yin Zhu often fell ill during seasonal changes, and prevention seemed useless.

Fang Yu knew that if it progressed, it could turn into consumption, which was difficult to treat in ancient times. A slight misstep could lead to lung damage or white lung, becoming incurable.

Fang Yu made sure Yin Zhu took his medicine every day. When he refused, she forced him. She had the imperial physician come to the Jingren Palace daily.

She didn't dare let Yinzhen near Yin Zhu to avoid infection.

Yin Zhu's illness lasted a long time—he was sick from before the New Year until after. Fang Yu stayed by his side day and night. Finally, when spring arrived and the weather warmed, Yin Zhu recovered. Nearly four months had passed since he fell ill. The little weight he had gained was lost again.

Only then did Fang Yu's anxious heart finally settle. Raising children was truly not easy. Yin Zhu was now six years old. She wondered if he could safely pass this year, meaning he might not die young as in history.

She didn't know if it was some kind of mysticism, but after Yinzhen stopped living in the Kunning Palace, the empress's child, Yin An, really did get sick much less often—at least, she hadn't heard much about it.

Yinzhen now only needed to go pay respects to the empress every few days. Fang Yu noticed Yinzhen's personality becoming more cheerful, and he got along well with Yin Zhu and Yin You.

One day, the two brothers returned and said they had archery lessons that day—the instructor had taken them to the Archery Pavilion to practice shooting.

Yin Zhu happily said he had beaten his fourth brother that day.

Fang Yu looked at Yin Zhu suspiciously—with his skinny arms and legs, could he really beat Yinzhen?

"Yinzhen, is it true?"

Yinzhen nodded and said it was true, his tone somewhat dejected.

Fang Yu wondered if Yinzhen had let Yin Zhu win. Yin Zhu soon went off to play with the cat, so she asked Yinzhen how he could have lost to Yin Zhu.

"Mom, I don't know. I feel like I’m so clumsy; I can't shoot straight. Yin Zhu became very accurate after practicing for just a little while."

As he spoke, Yinzhen was on the verge of tears. Fang Yu felt that Yinzhen sometimes set very high standards for himself. If he didn't do well, he would start blaming himself and doubting his abilities—unlike carefree Yin Zhu, who only thought about playing. To Yin Zhu, archery was probably just fun, while Yinzhen treated it as a subject he had to perfect, putting too much pressure on himself.

"It's alright. I'll put up a target in the courtyard. You can practice whenever you have time, but you mustn't strain your arm. Practice only for a short while each day, and rest when you're tired. Perhaps in a few days, Yin Zhu won't be able to beat you."

Yinzhen nodded in agreement.

Fang Yu soon had Xiao Fangzi bring an archery target and set it up in the courtyard. Yinzhen would practice for a while every day after returning from school.

Worried he might strain his arm, Fang Yu made him stop after practicing for fifteen minutes.

Sure enough, a few days later, Yin Zhu lost to him. But unlike Yinzhen, who would practice diligently to win back, Yin Zhu wasn't bothered by losing. He was easygoing—losing didn't bother him, and he would just find something else to play with.

That's probably for the best; it wouldn't do for both brothers to be so competitive—one of them needs to be more laid-back.

...

In early May of the 25th year of Kangxi's reign, due to the nearly eight-year-long war caused by the Revolt of the Three Feudatories, the national treasury was financially strained. Since the imperial selection was expensive, the Emperor suspended the selection process.

The last consort selection had been in the 15th year of Kangxi's reign, a full decade ago. Some ministers sent petitions urging the Emperor to resume the selection, so this year it began again.

"I wonder how many young ladies will enter the palace this year," Consort Duan said with a smile, eating grapes.

"I guess five," Fang Yu showed five fingers.

Ying Shan said there would be eight.

The three began guessing and made wagers.

"I heard Yin An has fallen ill again," Consort Duan suddenly lowered her voice.

Fang Yu was taken aback. Yin An had been fine just a few months ago—how did he get sick again?

Consort Duan explained, "That’s just how it is with children—illness doesn’t give advance notice. Yin An hasn’t even reached his first birthday; he was born with a weak constitution. The Empress must be worn out lately."

Ying Shan added, "It wouldn’t be surprising if news of his passing came tomorrow."

Consort Duan sighed.

Fang Yu was also somewhat surprised. Would the Empress’s child really pass away young?

The Empress was extremely protective of her child. So far, Fang Yu had only seen Yin An once—a thin, small child, much like Yin Zhu had been as a baby.

Before any news came of Yin An’s passing, word spread that the Grand Empress Dowager was critically ill. Her health had been declining over the years, and now she could hardly move. It was said she hardly recognized anyone anymore—age had made her fuzzy.

Now, with her critical condition, the Empress ordered consorts and concubines with children to visit the Grand Empress Dowager when possible, hoping the sight of her great-grandchildren might improve her condition.

Fang Yu took Yin Zhen and Yin Zhu to Cining Palace whenever she had time. On several occasions, they encountered the Empress, who would speak with Yin Zhen, her eyes full of maternal affection and concern.

She never spoke to Yin Zhu, at most acknowledging his greetings.

Fang Yu wondered if the Empress, aware of Yin An’s fragile health and likely early death, had turned her attention back to Yin Zhen.

Yin Zhen clearly still cared for the Empress—after all, he had spent many years by her side, and he wasn’t a heartless or cold child.

Fang Yu didn’t interfere with the Empress’s closeness to Yin Zhen. After all, Yin Zhen was attached to her, and in his heart, she was still his mother, the one who raised him.

The days went by. This year, few court ladies were selected—only three entered the palace: one from the Zhang Jia Shi, one from the Wanliuha Shi, and one from the Wang Shi. Many others were married off to imperial relatives.

Fang Yu hadn’t expected the Empress’s child, Yin An, to die after all. On the third day of July, news spread that Yin An had succumbed to illness—a high fever that led to convulsions, and he couldn’t be saved. He had just turned one.

Kunning Palace was draped in white. Consorts and ladies of the palace went to comfort the Empress, but she was lost in her grief, unable to engage with them.

Fang Yu saw that the Empress had visibly thinned overnight.

Child mortality was common in the palace, especially among one- or two-year-olds, so no elaborate funeral was held.

Half a month after Yin An’s death, the palace returned to normal, as if nothing had happened.

The Emperor certainly wouldn’t observe mourning for a child who died young, though he often visited Kunning Palace during this time to console her—whether it helped was unknown.

Yin Zhen and Yin Zhu attended classes during the day, while Fang Yu stayed in her Jingren Palace, feeding rabbits, playing with cats, and sometimes doing needlework when bored. After so long in the palace, her embroidery had improved significantly—she could now make a pouch without trouble.

When the Emperor suddenly visited Jingren Palace, Fang Yu was surprised to see him.

She certainly couldn’t turn him away, so she hurried to greet him.

"Your Majesty, what brings you here?"

"Can I not come?"

His tone made it clear he was in a bad mood. Fang Yu thought Yin An’s death must have saddened him. Since he was upset, she couldn’t be too casual. "Your servant welcomes Your Majesty’s visit, of course you can come. I’m delighted. Please, have a seat. It’s hot—let me have the servants bring some cool treats."

Kangxi sat on the jade-mat-covered kang, taking off his outer robe due to the heat.

Fang Yu had Pan Liu move the ice closer to the Emperor to cool him faster. She smoothly climbed onto the kang, moved behind him, and began massaging his shoulders.

Kangxi was indeed troubled. The palace had just lost a child, and when he went to comfort the Empress, she gave him a cold shoulder, absorbed in her grief. His grandmother no longer remembered him. Nothing seemed to go right, and his mood was sour. He just wanted to sit with her—here, he could feel a bit better.

"Harder," he instructed.

Xiao Fangzi soon arrived with a meal box, placing a bowl of chilled yogurt, chilled mung bean soup, chilled eight-treasure porridge, and some icy pastries on the kang table.

"Your Majesty, the yogurt is delicious. Have a bowl."

Kangxi picked up the bowl of yogurt and drank slowly. The red date-flavored yogurt was cool and soothing.

"Sit and talk with me."

"Your Majesty, speak—I’m listening."

For a moment, Kangxi didn’t know what to say.

"Your Majesty, wait a moment—let me show you Yin Zhu’s calligraphy."

Fang Yu got up and brought over Yin Zhu’s practice sheets.

Kangxi flipped through them and laughed. "These scrawls take after his mother."

"Your Majesty, Yin Zhen writes well—why not say he takes after me?"

"Yin Zhen takes after..." Kangxi almost said "the Empress," but remembering Wuya Shi’s dislike for her, he changed his words mid-sentence to "me."

"The good traits come from you, the bad ones from me—how is that fair? Do I have no merits at all?"

Kangxi thought about it. Wuya Shi was beautiful, relatively easygoing, clever in small ways, not petty. Though she could be jealous, she was generally generous and open-minded, not one to dwell on things.

"Your Majesty, why are you thinking so long? What does that mean? Do you see no merits in me? Am I just an airhead?"

Hearing "airhead," Kangxi chuckled and looked at her. "Then you’re the most beautiful airhead."

"Your Majesty, did you only take a liking to me for my face? If I weren’t so good-looking, would you not like me?"

Kangxi nodded solemnly, only to have Wuya Shi playfully grab his neck in jest.

"See if I don’t choke you."

The word "choke" made Kangxi’s expression shift slightly, but before he could speak, Wuya Shi apologized.

"I’m sorry, I spoke without thinking—I didn’t mean it. Don’t be angry, Your Majesty. It was just a joke."

Kangxi knew she meant no harm and didn’t hold it against her. He was used to her occasional bluntness when they joked around. He pulled her onto his lap to sit.