Chapter 54: Horseback Riding

Chapter 54 Horse Riding

Fang Yu felt that with Consort Tong present, the Emperor certainly wouldn't bypass her to appoint any of them as Empress. Moreover, there were still the Little Niuhulu clan and the Little Hesheli clan in the palace.

She wondered where Consort Yi had heard the rumor about appointing an Empress.

Fang Yu didn’t dwell on it and continued listening to the opera.

After the palace banquet ended, Yin Zhu ran over to tell her that he would be staying at Yin Zhen’s place for the night. Fang Yu glanced at Yin Zhen and asked if he was willing to let Yin Zhu stay over. Only when Yin Zhen agreed did she allow Yin Zhu to go.

With the wet nurses and Little Shunzi around, Fang Yu felt reassured. This wasn’t the first time anyway. It was a good thing for the brothers to have a close relationship.

Just as Fang Yu was about to return to Jingren Palace, she was stopped by Eunuch Liang. She turned back and entered the inner hall of Qianqing Palace. Approaching the Emperor, she caught a whiff of alcohol on him.

"Your Majesty, have you been drinking?"

"I had a bit, but I’m not drunk."

Those who are drunk never admit it. Fang Yu ordered the servants to prepare a bowl of sobering soup and hot water for the Emperor to bathe.

"You’re disdaining me again."

Fang Yu thought the Emperor was drunk and had no choice but to humor him, saying she would bathe with him.

Only then did the Emperor stop complaining.

A while later, after both had bathed and returned to the bedchamber, Fang Yu had just finished drying her hair and sat on the bed when the Emperor embraced her from behind, clinging to her tightly.

"I intend to grant your elder brother a title."

Fang Yu turned around in surprise, thinking the Emperor must be speaking drunken nonsense. Granting her brother a title would be a great boon for the Wuya family—it would be elevating her brother.

In the Qing dynasty, titles were either determined by birth—descendants of the Aisin Gioro and Gioro clans could hold titles, which were considered imperial clan titles—or granted to non-royal meritorious officials, as well as Mongolian titles.

The Wuya family likely had no one who had performed great deeds for the court. They had even been Bondservants in the past—how could they have accomplished any major achievements?

"Your Majesty, are you serious?"

"Why would I lie to you? I plan to grant your brother the title of Third-Class Baron. Your brother is more capable than your father."

Fang Yu had never met her brother. She only knew that her father was old and had already retired. Her brother, however, had been promoted in recent years and was said to be highly regarded by the Emperor. She didn’t know whether her brother was truly capable or if the Emperor was elevating the Wuya family for her sake. Regardless, it was a tremendous boon. In the future, Yin Zhen and Yin Zhu would have someone to rely on.

She quickly knelt to express her gratitude: "Your Majesty’s great kindness, I accept on behalf of my elder brother. Thank you for your immense grace."

"You may rise."

Fang Yu now proactively embraced the Emperor and kissed his chin: "Your Majesty, will you forget what you said tonight when you wake up tomorrow?"

"I’m not drunk."

That was good. Fang Yu wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him, their lips and tongues entwining.

The Emperor truly wasn’t drunk. He quickly took the initiative, rather fiercely. By the end, she was pressed against him, utterly exhausted.

The next day, Fang Yu wanted to ask the Emperor whether what he had said the previous night was true, but by the time she woke up, the Emperor had already left for court.

A few days later, the imperial edict granting the title arrived at the Wuya household. Everyone in the Wuya family was astonished, including Wuya Futai, who had been granted the title.

A Third-Class Baron was a legitimate title. The Wuya family had previously been Bondservants, but now they suddenly became titled nobility. In the capital, they could truly be considered people of status and standing.

Wuya Futai knew that all of this was thanks to his younger sister. If she hadn’t entered the palace, gained favor, and given birth to two princes, he, as her elder brother, would not have been valued by the Emperor or granted a title.

Wuya Futai quickly submitted a memorial to express his gratitude. He couldn’t casually enter the palace to thank the Emperor in person; he had to wait for the Emperor to summon him.

Two more days passed, and Wuya Futai met the Fourth Prince. Learning that his sister had sent the Fourth Prince to the residence, he was overjoyed and ordered a lavish feast to be prepared to host the Fourth Prince.

Although the Fourth Prince was his nephew, Wuya Futai didn’t dare act presumptuously in front of an imperial prince. This was the Fourth Prince’s first visit to their home. Though young, the Fourth Prince already carried the bearing of royalty. The entire family was cautious, not daring to speak out of turn.

After seeing off the Fourth Prince, Wuya Futai finally sent a request to the palace to see his sister.

Fang Yu received her brother’s request and, after consulting the Emperor, summoned him. When she saw her brother, she felt that Yin Zhu somewhat resembled him.

Having not seen each other for so many years, the siblings were naturally distant. However, her brother’s words conveyed gratitude toward her, making her feel that he had a decent character—not someone who would forget kindness. Though how much he could achieve remained to be seen.

After politely discussing family matters, Fang Yu sent her brother back. She needed him to establish a firm footing in the capital so that he could support Yin Zhen and the others in the future.

When Fang Yu was chosen to attend to the Emperor, she expressed her gratitude once again.

"Is your birthday coming up soon?"

Fang Yu thought for a moment and realized it was indeed approaching. She leaned on the Emperor’s chest and asked with a smile, "What does Your Majesty plan to give me?"

"What would you like?"

Fang Yu lacked nothing. She lived a life of luxury, with the Imperial Household Department frequently sending her fine goods. There was nothing in particular she desired.

"How about taking me out of the palace for a day on my birthday? It’s been so long since I’ve left the palace."

"Shall I take you horseback riding in the outer city?"

"That would be fine."

As long as she could leave the palace, it would suffice. The palace was comfortable, but it lacked freedom. She had grown weary of staying within the palace walls every day and longed to go out and have some fun. However, as a consort, she couldn’t freely leave the palace.

The next day, after having breakfast with the Emperor, Fang Yu stayed by his side grinding ink while he reviewed memorials.

The Crown Prince came to pay his respects to the Emperor and also greeted her.

"Blessings to Virtuous Mother."

"Good fortune to the Crown Prince."

Seeing that the Emperor seemed to want to speak with the Crown Prince, Fang Yu tactfully excused herself, saying she would return to Jingren Palace. She couldn’t help but glance back at the Crown Prince. She noticed that in front of the Emperor, he appeared respectful and obedient, not at all as ruthless as the rumors suggested.

He had one attitude toward those above and another toward those below. No wonder the Emperor doted on him—it turned out the Crown Prince hid his claws in the Emperor’s presence.

...

Half a month passed, and September 3 was her birthday. Early that morning, Fang Yu followed the Emperor out of the palace. The Emperor didn’t bring Yin Zhen, Yin Zhu, or anyone else—just her, though they were accompanied by many guards.

In the carriage, Fang Yu asked what she should do since she didn’t know how to ride a horse.

"I’ll teach you," Kangxi said. He had taken the children horseback riding before, but today he only wanted to bring the Wuya clan out.

"I’m scared I’ll fall off the horse."

Kangxi smiled at her. "You’re usually so bold. What are you afraid of?"

"It’s different."

Emperor Kangxi pulled her closer: "What's the difference? Is it that you only dare to act boldly in front of me?"

Consort De stuck out her tongue. She didn't think she was particularly bold in front of him. She considered herself quite well-behaved within the palace. As a favored imperial consort, she had already been very modest. She knew he was the emperor, and at most, she might be playfully assertive a little in front of him, never crossing the line. What gave him that misconception?

"I'm very well-behaved, not bold at all. Regardless, Your Majesty must protect me. If I really fall off the horse, I'll hold you responsible."

"Don't worry, I'll pick a docile horse for you."

"No matter how docile, the horse still doesn't understand words."

Emperor Kangxi chuckled: "Then the cat you usually care for doesn't speak either, yet you always think it's gentle and often talk to it. It is an animal as well."

"How can a cat compare to a horse? Cats are so small, while horses are so tall and big. I'm being honest—I've never ridden a horse before, and I really don't want to injure myself."

"Rest assured, with me here, you won't fall."

When they arrived at the equestrian grounds, the Emperor had a small white horse brought for her. But fearing she might fall, he also had someone equip her with protective gear for elbows, knees, and a helmet.

This put Consort De much more at ease. She mounted the horse, listened to the Emperor's instructions, and nodded, saying she understood.

The groom led her around twice first, letting her acclimate to the sensation of being on horseback before gradually picking up the pace. After one lap, she returned to the Emperor's side and said with a laugh, "Your Majesty, I think I already know how to ride."

Hearing this, Emperor Kangxi couldn't hide the smile in his eyes. The person who had been so afraid of falling just moments ago was now confidently asserting she knew how to ride.

"Your Majesty, come with me."

Emperor Kangxi also mounted his black horse and rode alongside Consort De across the grounds. To match her pace, he didn't ride too fast.

Consort De was quite happy. The sky was vast, the land expansive, and the wind blew as they rode—the feeling of freedom was intense. Having been cooped up in the palace all day, she had felt stifled.

"Your Majesty, let's go a little faster."

"Be careful." Seeing Consort De about to pick up speed, Emperor Kangxi couldn't help but worry. After all, it was her first time riding, and he didn't want her to get hurt.

"Don't worry, Your Majesty. Try to catch me."

Consort De lightly tapped the horse with her whip on the rear and galloped forward. Only by running could she truly feel the sensation of galloping across the open grassland.

The two rode like this for a while on the grounds, engaging in a playful chase. When they grew tired and rested, the Emperor suggested she switch to a taller black horse, but she quickly refused.

"Your Majesty, I am self-aware. I'm only suited for gentle little horses. A tall black horse—I definitely can't handle that."

"Come here, I'll ride with you."

Consort De hesitated for a moment, then jumped down from her white horse and reached out her hand. The Emperor assisted her onto his black horse, with her sitting in front and him holding her from behind.

Sitting on the tall black horse, her vantage point felt entirely new. Consort De grew excited and asked the Emperor to take her for a run.

After one lap, Consort De still wanted more.

"Happy?" the person behind her asked.

Consort De turned her head slightly: "Very happy. This is the best birthday gift I've ever received—priceless."

Emperor Kangxi could see that Consort De was sincerely delighted. Her eyes were nearly crinkled with joy, and her cheeks were flushed. Just taking her out of the palace for a horseback ride had made her so joyful. She was truly a woman easily satisfied.

He couldn't help but kiss her.

"Your Majesty, people are watching."

Emperor Kangxi had to stop.

After they had ridden enough, the two returned to the carriage and headed back to the palace. Inside the enclosed carriage, Emperor Kangxi could freely kiss her. He took her fair, delicate hand and guided it to his lower abdomen.

"Your Majesty..."

"You know what to do. Be good, help me release."

"Is it my birthday or Your Majesty's birthday?"

Hearing Consort De's murmured complaint, Emperor Kangxi chuckled lightly. Because the carriage was still moving, and since Consort De had always enjoyed reading romantic scripts—he had read a few with her—the two of them now felt like they were having a clandestine encounter, just like in those stories.

Finding Consort De's hand movements too slow, Emperor Kangxi gripped her hand and quickened the pace. When he finally released, he noticed Consort De looked somewhat dazed, her eyes filled with innocence and bewilderment.

He used her handkerchief to wipe himself.

"Your Majesty, are you still that sagacious emperor?"

Emperor Kangxi laughed: "You're the one who seduced me."

"Then I’ve been wronged—more than Dou E."

After tidying up, Emperor Kangxi held Consort De close. Since the last time she was poisoned and he saw her lying lifeless, he had realized he had fallen in love with her. He was willing to cherish her for the rest of his life and hoped to grow old with her.

Consort De thought the Emperor taking her out for a horseback ride was her birthday gift, but when she returned to Jingren Palace, she found that the Emperor had already sent her a headpiece set, radiant and gleaming.

She smiled with satisfaction.

Prince Yin Zhen and Prince Yin Zhu had also given her gifts. Prince Yin Zhen had painted a portrait of her—it was very well done, unmistakably her at first glance. Prince Yin Zhu had written a birthday ode for her.

Consort De had them framed and hung in Jingren Palace.

...

The fact that Consort De had gone out of the palace alone with the Emperor the previous day became known in the harem, but everyone was used to it by now. Only Noble Consort Tong was slightly annoyed.

Tong Jia Wang Shu’s face darkened. She held the title of noble consort, but in this harem, she couldn't compare to a single palace consort.

After Empress Niohuru passed away, it was assumed the Emperor would appoint a new empress. But a year had passed, and the Emperor showed no intention of doing so.

The harem was now jointly managed by Consort Rong and Consort Hui. Consort Rong oversaw the eastern six palaces, while Consort Hui managed the western six palaces. She, a noble consort, didn't even have the authority to manage any of the six palaces.

Both Consort De and Consort Yi had given birth to two princes and were quite favored. As a noble consort, she couldn't easily provoke them now, especially Consort De.

The Emperor showered Consort De with all the finest things. The special honor of being taken out of the palace alone was something only Consort De enjoyed.

Tong Jia Wang Shu’s jealousy was useless. Remembering the outcome of Empress Niohuru’s conflict with Consort De—which led to her suicide—she knew she couldn't afford to truly offend Consort De. She had to maintain surface harmony. Her position as noble consort was truly frustrating.

To make matters worse, after all these years in the palace, she still showed no signs of pregnancy. Consort De’s high status in the palace was largely because she had given birth to two princes.

Tong Jia Wang Shu wanted children. She had been drinking nourishing tonics for months, but her belly remained still.

Too agitated to stay in Chengqian Palace, Tong Jia Wang Shu went for a walk in the imperial garden, where she encountered Little Niuhulu Shi, the younger sister of the late Empress Niohuru.

"Greetings, Noble Consort."

"What are you doing here?"

"I merely wished to take a stroll in the imperial garden."

Tongjia Wangshu was in a bad mood and didn't want to see her, so she said unkindly, "I wish to stroll in the Imperial Garden. You are dismissed. I don’t wish to see you."

"Then I shall take my leave."

Consort Niuhulu seemed much more timid and gentler than the Empress. Not daring to delay, she quickly left with her attendants.

Seeing that Consort Niuhulu was so obedient and didn’t dare to oppose her, Tongjia Wangshu felt a little better.

Before she had taken more than a few steps, she ran into the Sixth Prince and Seventh Prince, who had come to the Imperial Garden to play.

"Greetings to Aunt Consort Tong. May Aunt Consort Tong be blessed."

Tongjia Wangshu hadn’t lost her senses. These were princes, not those unfavored lesser consorts in the inner court. As a Noble Consort, she couldn’t arbitrarily punish the princes.

"Why aren’t you two in the Shangstudy Hall attending class?"

It was the time when the princes should be in the Shangstudy Hall. Seeing how guilty both looked, Tongjia Wangshu knew they must have skipped class. Her eyes lit up as if she had caught them in the act. Deliberately putting on a stern face, she scolded, "Sixth Prince, Seventh Prince, instead of studying properly in the Shangstudy Hall, you sneaked out to play. You’ve failed your Imperial Father’s expectations. What punishment do you think you deserve? And you attendants, indulging the young princes to come out and play—do you still want your heads?"

The attendants were so frightened they quickly knelt.

"Aunt Consort Tong, it’s not on them. We sneaked out on our own."

"They didn’t stop you, so it’s their fault. Someone! Take these attendants away and give them ten cane strikes."

"Aunt Consort Tong, my attendants can only be punished by me. There’s no need for Aunt Consort Tong to handle them."

Tongjia Wangshu was already dissatisfied with Consort De and disliked the princes she had borne even more. Seeing the Sixth Prince daring to defy her directly with a stiff neck, she became even angrier. Furious, she said, "Sixth Prince, what do you mean by that? Do I not even have the right to punish a few attendants?"

"Yes, because they are my attendants, not Aunt Consort Tong’s attendants."

"You—" Tongjia Wangshu was defied by a seven-year-old child, and her face darkened further. "Sixth Prince, I will punish them. Someone! Drag them away for the rod."

Yinzhu had been taught by his mother since childhood to protect his own people. The nurses and servants were his people. Seeing that Aunt Consort Tong only had three people with her while his side had more, he wasn’t afraid. He spread his arms and blocked the way, shouting, "Aunt Consort Tong, I said no, and that means no. If you punish my attendants, I’ll go tell Imperial Father and my mother."

"You—" Tongjia Wangshu couldn’t think of a retort for a moment. She didn’t want to openly break with Consort De yet, nor did she want the Emperor to know she was giving the Sixth Prince a hard time.

"We’ll go back to class now. Goodbye, Aunt Consort Tong."

Yinzhu quickly ran off with Yinyou, and the attendants behind hurried to follow.

Tongjia Wangshu stamped her foot in anger. She, a Noble Consort, was being bullied by a child.

"Your Highness, don’t be angry. The Sixth Prince is so mischievous; the Emperor surely doesn’t like him," the eunuch Hai Lihui said.

Tongjia Wangshu glared fiercely at Hai Lihui and said discontentedly, "I don’t see that the Emperor dislikes the Sixth Prince. Were you all dead just now? I told you to take those people away, but none of you moved."

"Your Highness, the Sixth Prince is Consort De’s son. If we really punish the attendants around him, Consort De will likely bear a grievance against you."

Tongjia Wangshu became even angrier. "So in your eyes, I now have to fear Consort De’s grievance? Am I inferior to Consort De?"

"Your Highness, behind Consort De stands the Emperor."

Tongjia Wangshu directly gave Hai Lihui a fierce kick and angrily returned to Chengqian Palace from the Imperial Garden.

Hai Lihui knew his mistress’s temper—she would calm down after venting. She knew the stakes. The current Consort De was someone even she couldn’t afford to offend. Who would have thought that a former Answering Attendant could rise to such heights? Not long ago, the Emperor had even elevated the Uya clan, directly granting a title to Consort De’s elder brother. Even someone as noble as her had to think twice before offending Consort De.

Her Highness knew this herself, which was why she didn’t dare to forcefully stop the Sixth Prince and the others earlier.

Fortunes shift. Even he, a servant of the Noble Consort, had to yield to Eunuch Fang if he encountered him now.

Tongjia Wangshu was angry all day. She was supposed to take her medicinal broth, but she was so upset she didn’t want to drink it.

Just a few days after stopping the broth, good news suddenly spread in the inner court: Consort Niuhulu was actually pregnant. She had only been in the palace for a year and had only attended upon him a few times. It was said she was over two months along.

So when she had seen Consort Niuhulu a few days ago, she was already pregnant.

Tongjia Wangshu could no longer hold back and smashed several teacups in her room. Even Consort Niuhulu, who had only been in the palace for a year, was pregnant, while she had been in the palace for ten years without conceiving.

Everyone had children, except her.

After calming down, Tongjia Wangshu had someone send soup to the front hall. The Emperor soon flipped her plaque.

Actually, the Emperor occasionally had her attend upon him, but her womb was barren, with no signs of pregnancy.

No matter how angry Tongjia Wangshu was, she couldn’t make a child pop out of her belly. She could only continue drinking the medicinal broth.

...

Uya Shi also heard that Consort Niuhulu was pregnant. Perhaps because she was young, she had conceived after just a few times of attending upon him.

"Your Highness, have some wolfberry and jujube soup."

The palace maid Gui Yun brought her a bowl of wolfberry and jujube soup. Gui Yun was one of two people she had selected from the Imperial Household Department after Hong Ye left—Gui Yun and Gui Fang, both sixteen years old.

It was the second day of her menses, and her stomach was aching slightly. After drinking the bowl of jujube soup, she felt warmed and a little better.

Gui Yun quickly brought a cushion and placed it behind her lower back for support, and also put a hot water bottle on her stomach. Uya Shi’s stomach hurt, so she just leaned against the bed and read.

When Kangxi arrived, he saw Uya Shi looking listless.

"Your Majesty, why have you come?"

"Are you unwell?"

"My menses have come."

Kangxi sat by the bed and told her about Yinzhu skipping class.

"This child is too playful, Your Majesty. You need to discipline him."

"If I really discipline him, I’m afraid you, his mother, will be distressed."

Kangxi knew that Yinzhu wasn’t as fond of studying as Yinzhen; he was very playful and often skipped class with Yinyou. Uya Shi doted on him, so he usually turned a blind eye, not wanting her to think he was too strict with the children.

"Will Your Majesty hit him? His body is weak; he can’t withstand hitting."

Hearing this, Kangxi felt helpless—he hadn’t even done anything yet, and Uya Shi was already distressed. "Yinzhu is pampered by you."

"He is also Your Majesty’s son. Your Majesty, you can’t bear all the blame on me. Your Majesty, please discipline him. Just don’t hit him; any other method is fine."

Uya Shi admitted that she was indeed quite indulgent with Yinzhu. She felt that as long as the child had a good character, it was enough. He just needed to grow up safe and sound; she didn’t expect him to be erudite.

"When the weather cools down a bit more, he’ll be variolated."

Uya Shi nodded and said she had noted it. She had already spoken to Yinzhu about it. The variolation might require him to stay in the isolation ward for half a month to observe if he had any adverse reactions after the procedure.

This variolation would be done together for Yinqi, Yinzhu, and Yinyou.

"I must congratulate Your Majesty."

"Congratulations for what?"

"I heard that Sister Niu Hu Lu is pregnant. In another half a year, His Majesty may have another son."

Kangxi pinched her cheek; there was still more than half a year to go, and her congratulations came too early. He felt she sounded a bit jealous.

"Once these few days pass, I will flip your green plaque, so you won’t have to envy others for having children."

Fang Yu widened her eyes: "Who’s envious? I don’t want to have any more children."

Kangxi touched her belly and laughed: "Bear me a son."

"I don’t want to! I’m already at this age, Your Majesty, just give up on the idea. Who wants to have sons? Your Majesty, go find someone else to have them for you. Please leave now; I don’t want to see you."

Kangxi leaned over and kissed her. After the kiss, he said: "I won’t find anyone else; I only want you. Give me another son."

Fang Yu rolled her eyes. He thought it was so easy—carrying a child for ten months, giving birth, enduring the pain—it wasn’t him suffering. Men could never understand the pain women go through in childbirth.

But thinking that there was still a little Fourteenth Prince waiting for her, she couldn’t help but feel a headache coming on.

"Your Majesty, I don’t want to see you. Please leave quickly; I’m annoyed."

Gui Yun, her maid, standing nearby, was a bit frightened, thinking how her mistress could speak to the emperor like that without fear of punishment.

Kangxi was already used to Consort Wuya's temper and wasn’t angry at all. Knowing she was unwell, he had only come to check on her. At her urging, he left with a smile.

Fang Yu’s period lasted seven days before it ended. She didn’t hang up her green head plaque, but that didn’t stop the emperor from summoning her to serve him.

She didn’t know what the emperor had said to Yin Zhu, but these past few days, Yin Zhu had been obediently attending classes at the Shangshufang.

The days passed until October 2nd, when the weather in the capital cooled down significantly, entering a pleasant autumn. The three princes began their variolation.

They each had to enter a relatively isolated pox house, with a servant who had already had smallpox attending to them. This meant they had to spend the next half month on their own. If their bodies reacted severely, it might take one or two months.

Fang Yu brought many books for Yin Zhu to read inside. After the variolation, his body would certainly feel somewhat unwell, and his immunity would be low. He couldn’t engage in strenuous activity, so reading was the best option. She was just worried that Yin Zhu, not knowing many characters, might not be able to focus.

Fang Yu also brought him many things to play with, like a chessboard and leaf cards.

When Yin Zhu actually entered the pox house, Fang Yu’s eyes reddened. She knew that when the emperor promoted variolation a few years ago, out of every hundred people inoculated, seven or eight might die. The variolation wasn’t completely safe, and moreover, those inoculated were most prone to fever and chills. Even an ordinary fever was no minor illness for a seven-year-old child.

"Alright, Yin Zhu will definitely be fine. With the imperial physicians watching over him, he will surely come out unharmed." Kangxi noticed Consort Wuya’s reddened eyes and her near-tears worry. He comforted her softly by her ear.

Fang Yu leaned directly against the emperor and began to sob.

Noble Consort Tong and others also came to watch the three princes enter the pox houses. When Noble Consort Tong saw the emperor speaking with Consort De and Consort De leaning against the emperor without regard for those around her, she inwardly cursed her for being shameless, still seducing the emperor at a time like this.

The rest was left to the imperial physicians, and everyone returned to their respective palaces. Consort Duan walked back with Consort De.

Consort Duan was also in low spirits, fearing something might happen to Yin You. She could only pray inwardly for the children’s safety.

After Yin Zhu stayed in the pox house, Fang Yu worried about him every day. Although someone came daily to report that Yin Zhu was fine, she still couldn’t relax.

Yin Zhen, knowing she was worried about Yin Zhu, came to see her every day after school.

Fang Yu didn’t want Yin Zhen to worry along with her, so she pretended not to be anxious or concerned in front of him.

On the eighth day of Yin Zhu’s stay in the pox house, Fang Yu heard that he had developed a fever inside. Her heart immediately tightened.

The imperial physicians said fever in the first few days was normal, but she still couldn’t help worrying.

Consort Yi, who usually had little interaction with her, specially came to Jingren Palace to see her after hearing about Yin Zhu’s fever, kindly comforting her and telling her not to worry.

After ten tense days, Fang Yu finally heard that Yin Zhu’s fever had subsided, and she felt slightly relieved.

By the time Yin Zhu and the others came out, it was already the middle of November. They had stayed in the pox houses for over a month. All three children had developed fever symptoms, and the imperial physicians had to keep them in longer until they were sure the variolation was successful before allowing them to leave.

When Fang Yu saw Yin Zhu, she noticed he had lost weight and immediately had nutritious food prepared for him to help him regain his health. She thought Yin Zhu should now be able to grow up safely without the risk of dying young.

As the year-end approached, the palace began to fill with the festive atmosphere for the New Year.

It had been snowing in the capital these past few days, with a thin layer of snow covering the glazed tiles.

She heard that many places were experiencing blizzards, with houses collapsing, roads blocked, and local food shortages leaving people hungry.

The emperor had been troubled by these matters these past few days.

Fang Yu stayed quietly in the inner court. This winter was indeed colder than previous years, and she didn’t allow Yin Zhu to go out and play, afraid he might catch a chill.

She also sent two padded winter jackets to Yin Zhen, instructing the servants attending to him to ensure there was enough charcoal heating at night.

Yin Zhen still went to the Shangshufang early every morning, but Yin Zhu was lazy and hated studying. He couldn’t get up in the morning and fussed every day about not wanting to go.

Fang Yu was truly afraid this child would remain illiterate, so she occasionally made him get up, forced him to go to school, and made him practice his characters every day.