Chapter 53: The Crown Prince Kicks

Chapter 53: The Crown Prince Delivers a Kick

The inner palace has been rather unsettled lately. The Emperor suddenly had Consort Rong and Consort Hui jointly manage the harem, stripping the Empress of her authority over them. Meanwhile, the Niuhulu Family sent another daughter into the palace, a fourteen-year-old who is the Empress’s own younger sister.

Most people in the harem do not know what the Empress did to anger the Emperor. It seemed as if overnight, she was left with only an empty title.

Some connected it to the poisoning incident involving Consort De several months earlier, speculating that the Empress’s fall from grace might be related to that affair. However, no one dared to ask the Emperor directly. Still, everyone knew that Consort De was the most favored consort in the harem, the one the Emperor held dearest to his heart, and not someone to be lightly offended.

The Empress neither cried nor made a scene, appearing to accept it all calmly. Her younger sister, Niuhulu. Yu Wan, moved into the Kunning Palace.

Yin Zhen, living within the palace, heard the rumors circulating. Once, he overheard servants talking in a corner that the Empress was the one who had poisoned his mother, which was why the Emperor was so furious.

Yin Zhen wanted to ask his mother if it was true, but he did not dare. He was afraid that if he received a confirmation, he would not know how to face the Empress. So, he cowardly didn't ask.

Fearing that his mother would be sad, he also did not dare to visit the Empress. But when he heard that she had fallen ill, he secretly went to the Kunning Palace to see her behind his mother's back.

Niuhulu. Yu Wan knew that her situation was beyond recovery. The Emperor had been cruel, and the Niuhulu clan had already abandoned her. She retained only the title of Empress, without any of its actual power. The Emperor had not deposed her, perhaps only to leave her with a shred of dignity.

She became someone everyone avoided in the eastern and western six palaces. No one came to see her, which was also her own fault for never truly being kind to anyone during her many years in the harem.

She had entered the palace in the fourth year of Kangxi’s reign and had been there for twenty years. Her younger sister was only fourteen this year. In truth, they had met only twice. Though they were sisters, they were practically strangers.

With her younger sister entering the palace, she became a discarded pawn of the Niuhulu clan. Although her family had sent word for her to look after and guide her sister, she had no intention of doing so. Thus, since her sister’s arrival, she had not summoned her. Even though they lived in the same palace, she acted as if she did not see her.

"Your Majesty, the Fourth Prince has come to pay his respects."

Niuhulu. Yu Wan looked up in surprise at Nanny Gui and hurriedly signaled for her to bring him in. When she saw Yin Zhen, she could not suppress her emotions.

"Greetings to the Empress. May the Empress enjoy boundless happiness."

Niuhulu. Yu Wan wept bitterly. She had not expected that, in this vast imperial palace, only this child who was not her own would still remember her and come to visit.

Niuhulu. Yu Wan held Yin Zhen and cried bitterly.

"Empress…"

"Yin Zhen, this mother was wrong. This mother has been wrong all these years."

"Empress, please don’t cry."

Yin Zhen did not know why, but he felt like crying too. He raised his hand to wipe away the Empress’s tears.

Niuhulu. Yu Wan looked at this filial child, her heart aching. She had been wrong all these years. If she had gotten along well with Consort De for Yin Zhen’s sake, she would not have ended up in this situation. Consort De was not actually that difficult to get along with. Though favored for many years, she had never been arrogant about it. She had always known her place in the harem, and there had never been any rumors of her deliberately making things difficult for anyone. As Yin Zhen’s birth mother, it was natural for her to want to see her child. It was she who had harshly deprived Consort De of this right, forcing Consort De to find ways to see her child and oppose her. In truth, she had been the one at fault from the beginning.

She truly regretted it, but it was too late.

"Yin Zhen, this mother is sorry for you. This mother should not have abandoned you, should not have put you in a difficult position. Your mother truly loves you. This mother was wrong. All these years, I have wronged you and your mother. Yin Zhen, please help this mother tell your mother that I am sorry."

"Empress, I will help you tell her. Please don’t cry."

Only then did Niuhulu. Yu Wan wipe away her tears and reply, "Alright, this mother won’t cry. Yin Zhen, have a meal with this mother. It’s been a long time since we last dined together."

Yin Zhen knew it was getting late, but seeing the Empress looking so pitiful, he nodded.

Niuhulu. Yu Wan hurriedly ordered the meal to be served.

During the meal, Niuhulu. Yu Wan frequently served dishes to Yin Zhen, urging him to eat more. She looked at the child with maternal affection, afraid that she might never see him again.

It grew dark, and the evening meal ended. Niuhulu. Yu Wan knew Yin Zhen should return. She half-crouched down to speak to him: "Consort De is your birth mother. She worked hard to bring you into this world. You must be filial to her in the future, listen to her. Only she would never harm you."

"I will. I will come again in a few days to pay my respects to the Empress."

"Alright, this mother understands. Now, go back. Be good and listen to your mother."

"Goodnight, Empress."

Niuhulu. Yu Wan did not know what "goodnight" meant, but she repeated it to Yin Zhen, patted his head, and watched him leave. She did not withdraw her gaze until he disappeared from the Kunning Palace.

Yin Zhen did not know that this would be the last time he saw the Empress.

Empress Niuhulu hanged herself on November 2nd in the twenty-fifth year of Kangxi’s reign. Her wet nurse followed her in death. The Emperor suppressed the news of the Empress’s suicide, announcing publicly that she had died of illness.

Empress Niuhulu’s funeral was conducted according to the rites and specifications of Empress Hesheri. The Emperor posthumously granted her the title of Empress Xiaozhao.

Empress Niuhulu’s younger sister moved out of the Kunning Palace and relocated to the Zhongcui Palace. The servants of the Kunning Palace returned to the Imperial Household Department, and the gates of the Kunning Palace were closed.

Three months after Empress Niuhulu’s "death from illness," the Grand Empress Dowager also passed away from illness at the age of seventy-five. The Emperor was grief-stricken and suspended court audiences for five days.

...

In early August of the twenty-sixth year of Kangxi’s reign, ten months had passed since Empress Niuhulu’s "death from illness," and half a year since the Grand Empress Dowager’s passing. The palace had returned to calm.

Wanliuha Shi had recently given birth to a young prince, who was born half a month premature and died a month later.

Yin Zhen was now nine years old and had moved to the Qianxi Third Residence a month earlier. The eldest prince, Yin Ti, lived in the Qianxi First Residence, the third prince lived in the Qianxi Second Residence, and the Crown Prince resided in the Yuqing Palace. The main gate of the Yuqing Palace was located east of the Qianqing Palace courtyard, beyond the Jingyun Gate, very close to the Qianqing Palace.

"Your Majesty, the kitchen has sent over some ginger milk curd, a specialty snack from Guangdong."

Xiao Fangzi brought out a bowl of chilled ginger milk curd from the food box, the sides of the bowl still beaded with cold droplets.

Fang Yu tasted it and found it quite good. The ginger and milk flavors blended well, sweet with a slight spiciness, refreshing and delicious.

"Tell the kitchen to make a few more bowls. Yin Zhen and Yin Zhu will be coming later and can have a bowl to fill their stomachs."

"This servant understands. The kitchen has prepared several bowls."

After finishing hers, Fang Yu washed her hands and continued trimming flowers.

"The Emperor has arrived."

The others hurried to the door to welcome him. Fang Yu did not go out, waiting instead for the Emperor to enter before rising from the kang to curtsey.

"Xiao Fangzi, go to the kitchen now and bring another bowl of ginger milk curd."

"Yes."

Fang Yu smiled warmly at the Emperor.

"What are you doing?"

"This subject was preparing to arrange flowers and was trimming them when Your Majesty arrived."

Kangxi lifted the hem of his robe and sat down. It was cool in Wuya Shi’s quarters. He glanced at the flower branches she was trimming. She seemed to be in good spirits today, having regained some of her health, with a bit more flesh on her face.

"Your Majesty, is there anything happening at the court?"

Having spent much time with Wuya Shi, Kangxi occasionally mentioned matters of the court to her—not because he expected her to offer solutions, but simply to converse. Over time, Wuya Shi had also begun to ask.

"There is some unrest among the Miao people in Yunnan and Guizhou."

"What should we do then?"

"I have ordered the local officials to reassure and support the Miao people."

The Yunnan-Guizhou region was previously occupied by Wu Sangui and others, and there are still remnants of Wu Sangui's faction there. Although they are not a serious threat, they continue to stir up the local Miao people against the Qing court. The local Miao people are innocent, so the primary approach is to reassure and support them.

"Your Majesty, try this—ginger milk curd. I heard it’s a local specialty from Guangdong. The imperial kitchen chefs have been perfecting it these past few days. I find it quite delicious."

Kang Xi took a sip. The ginger flavor was a bit strong at first, and he immediately thought it wasn’t to his liking. But after a few more sips, he found the taste acceptable—it's okay, with a unique blend of sweetness and spiciness. The chilled drink was also appetizing.

"It’s alright."

Fang Yu could tell the Emperor didn’t particularly like it. Everyone’s tastes are different, and there’s no need to force it. She smiled and said, "Your Majesty, I think it’s quite good."

Fang Yu was trimming the flower branches while talking to the Emperor when she accidentally pricked herself on a thorn. She hissed and jerked her hand back.

"Let me see if the thorn went in."

Kang Xi took her hand and examined it carefully.

Seeing the Emperor so concerned, Fang Yu couldn’t help but laugh. "Your Majesty, I’m fine. It was just a prick; it probably didn’t go in."

"Let the servants handle these tasks."

"I have nothing else to do anyway. Really, I’m fine. Don’t worry, Your Majesty."

Fang Yu leaned in and kissed him on the chin.

Pan Liu and the others, seeing this, immediately withdrew, showing great discretion.

Due to the mourning period for the Empress Dowager, Kang Xi hadn't been with anyone for over half a year. Her kiss made him feel hot and bothered.

He cupped the back of her head, took her lips, and deepened the kiss, his tongue exploring hers.

"Your Majesty, it’s still daytime."

Kang Xi had long since stopped caring about whether it was day or night, having done this countless times before. He pulled her up and led her to the bed.

"Your Majesty, you taste like ginger."

"That’s because you made me drink it. And now you’re complaining? Bear with it."

Kang Xi quickly stripped her clothes. After half a year of abstinence, he was a bit impatient. He pushed into her directly, only to be met with a light punch.

"Your Majesty, it hurts. Don’t be so rough."

Kang Xi also noticed she was a bit dry, so he held her close and kissed her for a while until she was more comfortable, making it easier for him to proceed.

In the midst of their intimacy, Yin Zhu’s voice suddenly came from outside.

"Mother, Father, what are you doing in there?"

Fang Yu was startled. She had forgotten that this was the time the two boys usually returned. She tried to push the Emperor away but found him still pressed against her.

"Your Majesty, Yin Zhu is outside."

"Don’t worry, he can’t come in. The servants will stop him."

This was the first time Fang Yu had found herself in such an awkward situation. She hadn’t experienced anything like this before. She could hear Yin Zhu calling repeatedly from outside, trying to get in. The servants were likely doing their best to hold him back, but Yin Zhu’s nature was such that the more he was prevented from doing something, the more he wanted to do it.

She was completely distracted, genuinely afraid that Yin Zhu might burst in.

Kang Xi bit her lip. If Liang Jiugong and the other servants couldn’t even keep people out, they had no business serving in the imperial court.

"Your Majesty…"

"Don’t speak."

Fang Yu also noticed the commotion outside gradually fading. Yin Zhu must have been persuaded by the servants.

Afterward, Fang Yu couldn’t help but pinch the Emperor’s waist in frustration. "Your Majesty, you really aren’t afraid of being seen. I was terrified."

"If you’re so timid, why did you tempt me?"

"Who tempted you?"

Kang Xi dressed himself and helped Fang Yu adjust her dress.

Fang Yu’s hair was disheveled. She called Pan Liu in to arrange it.

Yin Zhu and Yin Zhen came in a short while later. Yin Zhu asked why they hadn’t been allowed in earlier.

"Mother, were you sneaking snacks behind my back?"

Lately, Yin Zhu had developed a strong liking for all kinds of snacks, to the point where he wouldn’t eat proper meals. Fang Yu had restricted his snack intake, so he accused her of sneaking snacks without him.

"What did you learn today?" Fang Yu countered.

"Fourth Brother and I went to the Archery Pavilion to practice shooting. Father, I’m really good at archery."

"Mm, I’ll take you hunting when I have time."

Yin Zhu grinned happily.

Fang Yu noticed Yin Zhen standing silently to the side. Since the Empress’s death, the child had become increasingly withdrawn.

"Xiao Fangzi, bring two bowls of ginger milk curd. Yin Zhen, Yin Zhu, have a bowl to tide you over. It’s not yet time for dinner."

A moment later, Yin Zhu took one sip and put it down disdainfully, saying it didn’t taste good and he didn’t like the ginger flavor. Fang Yu asked Yin Zhen if he liked it, and Yin Zhen nodded, saying it was good.

After finishing his bowl, Yin Zhen said he needed to go back and study.

Since moving to the princes' quarters, Yin Zhen rarely ate with her anymore. The child was growing up and had his own thoughts, so Fang Yu didn’t force him to stay.

Yin Zhu, playful as ever, quickly ran out of Jingren Palace before dinner time, off to find someone to play with.

Once again, it was just her and the Emperor. Fang Yu couldn’t help but sigh. "Children really do grow up and stop listening to their mothers."

Kang Xi smiled and brought up the matter of Yin Zhu’s smallpox inoculation, saying that Yin Zhu had reached the appropriate age and that they should choose a day in September for the procedure.

Yin Zhen had already had smallpox, so he didn’t need to be inoculated again. Yin Zhu, now in better health and past six years old, was due for it.

"Won’t September be too hot? The inoculation room is stuffy. Why not wait until October to inoculate him?"

"That works too."

"Your Majesty, will you stay the night?"

"Don’t tempt me."

Fang Yu felt wronged; she was merely asking if he would stay the night. If he stayed, he should naturally join them for dinner, so she needed to inform the kitchen staff in advance.

Kangxi pinched her cheek.

Fang Yu understood his meaning—he would stay. She then instructed Xiao Fangzi to go to the kitchen again.

By evening, they sat down to dine together. Yin Zhu, being a chatterbox, kept talking nonstop during the meal.

Fang Yu responded to him from time to time.

Watching the mother and son chatting so warmly, Kangxi felt a softness in his heart. Children should grow up by their mother's side; only then can they be close.

He thought of his own childhood—distant from his mother, who never spoke to him with such gentle ease, always maintaining a respectful demeanor.

After nightfall, Fang Yu was once again exhausted from their nighttime activities.

...

A few days later, Yin Zhu returned in tears. Fang Yu quickly asked why he was crying.

"The Crown Prince kicked me."

"Why did he kick you?"

"Yin You and I were playing in the imperial garden. I didn’t see the Crown Prince and accidentally bumped into him. He kicked me right away."

Fang Yu asked Yin Zhu to show her where he was kicked. Yin Zhu lifted his trouser leg, and she saw a bruise on his calf, indicating the Crown Prince had used some force.

Little An explained that Yin Zhu had accidentally bumped into the Crown Prince while running, and the Crown Prince, thinking it was a servant, instinctively kicked out.

The Crown Prince, older now, had become increasingly arrogant and violent in the palace, quick to hit or kick people.

Since Yin Zhu had bumped into him first, Fang Yu, as a consort, couldn’t very well blame the Crown Prince. It also wouldn’t be appropriate to complain to the Emperor over such a minor matter. She wiped Yin Zhu’s tears.

"Alright, it’s just a small injury. Don’t cry. I’ll apply some ointment, and it’ll be better in a couple of days. What about the Seventh Prince? Didn’t you say you were playing with him?"

"Yin You went back to Yonghe Palace. He didn’t bump into the Crown Prince."

Fang Yu could only advise Yin Zhu, "Then next time, watch where you’re going. Don’t bump into people, and stay away from your Second Brother the Crown Prince."

"I don’t like the Crown Prince. He’s very mean."

"You mustn't say that. Don’t say it again. Even if you don’t like him, keep it to yourself. Understand?"

Yin Zhu nodded.

Fang Yu applied bruise ointment to his leg. After eating a bunch of grapes, Yin Zhu’s mood improved, and he soon ran out of Jingren Palace.

A short while later, the Crown Prince actually sent a servant with two bottles of ointment and a message: he was sorry for accidentally kicking Yin Zhu, and the ointment was for him.

Since the Crown Prince had apologized, Fang Yu saw no reason to dwell on the matter.

The Crown Prince had been designated heir since infancy, coddled by everyone, doted on by the Emperor, and backed by the Heseri clan. He had every reason to be arrogant and willful.

If he hurt someone, a simple apology was enough; no one could hold him accountable.

Alas, in a few years, the Crown Prince would likely become even more domineering. No one but the Emperor could control him.

Fang Yu went to Yonghe Palace to visit Consort Duan. There, she met Yin You’s birth mother, Daijia Shi.

Daijia Shi was younger than her, but after giving birth to the Seventh Prince, who was born with a disability, she had fallen out of favor. She no longer had the fresh, vibrant beauty Fang Yu remembered from their first meeting. Two deep lines were etched between her brows, and the hardships of her life were written on her face, as if she had withered away in the inner court.

"Greetings, Your Highness. May you have everlasting happiness."

Seeing Consort De, Daijia Shi inwardly marveled at how she hadn’t aged at all these years, nourished by the Emperor’s favor, still beautiful as a flower. Though Consort De was older, she looked younger. The Emperor’s favor toward her remained undiminished, and in the inner court, no one dared provoke Consort De anymore—even Noble Consort Tong now avoided crossing her.

"Please rise, sister. Where is the Seventh Prince?"

"The Sixth Prince came by earlier to find him. They went out to play together."

Yin You walked with some difficulty. Among the princes, he got along best with Yin Zhu. Of a similar age, they had grown up together, and only Yin Zhu would stand up for Yin You. For this, Daijia Shi was grateful to Consort De and the Sixth Prince. Though Yin You was her child, he wasn’t raised by her, but since he was raised in Yonghe Palace, Consort Duan didn’t restrict her from seeing him. She could visit him regularly. As his mother, she naturally wished for his well-being.

"Yin You said the Crown Prince kicked the Sixth Prince. Is the Sixth Prince alright?"

"He’s fine. The Crown Prince didn’t mean it; it was an accident. Yin Zhu is okay."

"That relieves me."

Fang Yu nodded to Daijia Shi and then entered Consort Duan’s inner chamber.

"What brings you here today?"

Fang Yu sat down naturally and smiled. "What could I possibly have to do? I’m idle every day. I just wanted to come chat with you, sister."

Consort Duan signaled for the servants to leave, then said, "I heard about what happened. Is Yin Zhu alright?"

"He’s fine."

Consort Duan sighed. "The Crown Prince’s temper is getting worse. I heard he had a servant beaten to death a few days ago."

Fang Yu was shocked; she hadn’t heard about this. Although some masters didn’t value servants’ lives, it was only a few months ago that rumors spread of the Crown Prince beating a servant to death. How could there be another incident so soon? And the Emperor didn’t seem to have taken any action against him.

"Alas, what can we do? He is the Crown Prince. I’ve told Yin You to stay away from him, lest the Crown Prince lose his temper and strike out again."

"Even I want to avoid him when I see him."

Fang Yu chuckled. "Sister, you are a palace consort. Surely the Crown Prince wouldn’t do anything to the consorts?"

"Who knows? The Crown Prince often does the unexpected. He acts on a whim. If he’s in a bad mood one day, we might suffer too."

Fang Yu thought it possible. The Crown Prince had a terrible temper and didn’t even regard his brothers highly, let alone them, the consorts.

Fang Yu stayed with Consort Duan for a while before leaving.

In the blink of an eye, it was Mid-Autumn Festival. Fang Yu brought Yin Zhu to Qianqing Palace for the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet. Upon arrival, they were seated separately.

Fang Yu sat next to Consort Yi.

"Sister, you’ve been looking well lately."

"You as well."

"The Emperor said that in a few days, he wants Yin Qi and Yin Zhu to be vaccinated together. But I’m a little afraid. I’ve heard that people can die from vaccination."

Fang Yu understood Consort Yi’s fear; she was also apprehensive. Yin Zhu had been frail since childhood and had only grown stronger in the last couple of years. Vaccination wasn’t without risk—what if something went wrong? Though Yin Zhu was already seven, she still feared for his safety.

"Sister, to be honest, I’m also afraid. The Fifth Prince and Yin Zhu are still children. But we have to vaccinate them; what if they catch smallpox…"

Fang Yu didn’t finish. Even if there were complications from vaccination, they wouldn’t be as severe as contracting smallpox directly. So, vaccination was necessary—it was unavoidable.

"You're right, sister. Our children will surely be fine. I see the Sixth Prince has shot up again this year."

"Really? I see him every day, so I haven't noticed him getting taller. But the Fifth Prince, I think he's grown quite a bit."

Consort Yi waved a hand modestly and said no, mentioning that Yin Zhu is almost taller than Yin Qi now.

The two chatted about their children like this, and grew a little closer.

After the palace banquet began, Fang Yu listened to the opera and leisurely ate the hot dishes being served.

"Consort De, did the Emperor say anything to you?"

Fang Yu raised an eyebrow and looked at Consort Yi. She felt there was a testing tone in Consort Yi's question about what the Emperor had said to her, and she was somewhat puzzled.

"The Emperor hasn't said anything to me. What do you mean, sister?"

"About naming a new Empress. Has the Emperor not told you who he plans to appoint as Empress?"

Fang Yu was stunned. Naming a new Empress? How did we end up on this topic?

Apart from a few servants who clean and maintain it daily, Kunning Palace had been empty for nearly a year since the Empress’s passing. Historically, after Empress Niohuru's death, the Emperor never appointed another Empress. Even she, Consort De, had to wait until Yin Zhen ascended the throne to become Empress Dowager. Seeing that the Emperor had closed off Kunning Palace, she knew he had no intention of appointing another Empress.

"The Emperor hasn't said anything to me about it."

Consort Yi gave an "oh" and didn’t press further, seemingly a little disappointed at her evasiveness.