Chapter 56: Returning to the Palace

Chapter 56 Returning to the Palace

During the tour, local officials and wealthy merchants not only offered up beautiful women to the Emperor but also to the older Eldest Imperial Prince. As a royal prince, it was natural that some would try to curry favor with him.

The Eldest Prince accepted them and even had some share his bed. It was said that he had a different woman every night. When the Emperor found out, he had the Eldest Prince brought in and gave him a stern talking-to.

Fang Yu could probably guess what the Emperor scolded him about. The Eldest Prince, at such a young age, was already so overly focused on pleasure and women. Such behavior could easily give people something to use against him. If the Emperor didn’t reprimand him now, who knew what trouble might arise later?

She felt that the Eldest Prince was thinking with his downstairs brain, unable to resist beauty. Such a person would find it difficult to achieve great things.

Of course, as an imperial consort, the Eldest Prince was not her son. She had no right to criticize him, nor would she comment on the matter in front of the Emperor. She simply took it as gossip and moved on.

By the second month of the tour, Fang Yu noticed that her period was late again. She also found herself feeling unusually tired lately. She sent for the accompanying imperial physician to check her pulse. The physician couldn’t feel a twin pulse and could not confirm if she was pregnant, maybe it was too soon to tell.

In the evening, after dark, the Emperor finished his work and came to see her. He asked why she had sent for the physician.

"I just felt a little unwell."

"What did the physician say?"

"The physician said it was due to all the traveling and that there’s nothing seriously wrong."

Only then did Kang Xi feel relieved and had dinner served.

Fang Yu ate quite a lot.

That night, as the two lay down, just as Kang Xi was about to move on top of her, Wuya Shi beneath him suddenly let out a laugh.

"What are you laughing at?"

"Your Majesty, I don’t think I can be with you tonight."

Kang Xi was puzzled. "Why not?"

Wuya Shi leaned close to his ear and whispered a few words. Kang Xi’s eyes lit up. "Is it true?"

"I’m not sure if it’s true, but I really can’t be with you tonight."

Kang Xi felt it was almost certain. Whether before the tour or last month, he had frequently had her serve him. Now, she was finally pregnant. She must have known she might be pregnant but didn’t stop him earlier, waiting until this moment to tell him. Clearly, she was teasing him.

"Then what should I do? What about this?" Kang Xi pointed to his little problem.

"Do whatever you want. That’s your business."

Kang Xi saw Wuya Shi trying to duck under the covers, her laughter mischievous. He wouldn’t let her have her way. He pulled her out and, in frustration, nipped her shoulder.

"You’re just messing with me."

"It’s you who’s messing with me. I’m already this old and still having to have babies. What if I have a hard time giving birth?"

Hearing such a bad thing to say, Kang Xi immediately put a hand over her mouth, his expression turning serious. "Don’t say such things. From now on, you’re not allowed to speak like this."

Fang Yu snorted lightly, thinking to herself that she wasn’t wrong.

"You will definitely give birth safely. If you say such unlucky words again, see how I deal with you."

"I understand. I won’t say it again." Seeing that he was genuinely a bit angry, Fang Yu obediently admitted her mistake.

"Are you feeling unwell anywhere? I’ll get the doctor to come see you again tomorrow."

"I just feel a bit tired."

Kang Xi also noticed that Wuya Shi had been somewhat sluggish these past few days, struggling to get up in the morning. He gently stroked her back and said, "Then I’ll have them take it easier."

"There’s no need to go out of your way for me. I’m fine."

"Sleep now."

Fang Yu blinked and smiled. "Your Majesty, are you sure you don’t need my help?"

"I don’t want to tire you. Sleep."

Fang Yu wasn’t sleepy yet and was in a good mood. In the end, she still took the initiative to help the Emperor take care of things.

Late into the night, the two finally settled down to sleep.

...

After the Emperor learned of her pregnancy, he brought in two more attendants to care for her. Fang Yu wasn’t feeling too bad yet and continued to eat and drink as usual.

By mid-October, they began sailing. Yin Zhu was on the same ship as them. He came to ask her if there was a baby brother in her tummy.

"I don’t know if it’s a little brother or a little sister yet. Have you been having fun these past few days?"

"Lots of fun."

Yin Zhu was still young, and this journey was all about play for him. Fang Yu gently patted his cheek and asked if he wanted a little brother or a little sister.

"I just want Mom to be well."

Hearing this, Fang Yu’s heart softened even more. This child really knew how to say the right things. She comforted him, "Don’t worry, Mom will definitely be fine. I still have to watch Yin Zhu get married."

Yin Zhu was already ten years old and understood what getting married meant. His face turned bright red. "I’m not talking to Mother anymore. I don’t want to get married. Fourth Brother hasn’t even gotten married yet."

With that, Yin Zhu ran off.

Fang Yu chuckled.

Perhaps because the boat rocked constantly, Fang Yu began experiencing queasiness. During the days on the boat, she vomited several times. The Emperor, seeing how severely she was suffering, eventually switched their travel back to land.

Their tour lasted three months in total. By the end of November, they returned to the capital. When they arrived back at the palace, Fang Yu’s belly was already showing a little bump, making it obvious to anyone that she was pregnant.

Soon, the ladies of the court came to congratulate her. Upon returning to the palace, Fang Yu officially began her time to focus on the pregnancy.

As the year drew to a close, the imperial staff sent New Year’s gifts, and her storage room was filled with many new items.

The Emperor occasionally found time to visit her. One day, while looking in the mirror, Fang Yu noticed that her face had gotten rounder.

It happened to be daytime, and the Emperor came to see her again. She complained to him, "Your Majesty, this is all your fault."

Kang Xi was confused, unsure what he had done wrong.

"I’ve gained so much weight. I’m getting flabby, and you keep telling me to eat and eat. I’m almost huge."

Kang Xi looked her up and down. She had indeed gained a little weight, but it wasn’t as excessive as she claimed. Pregnant women naturally put on weight. She was just a little curvier now. He leaned over and kissed her cheek, smiling. "I think you look fine. You haven’t gained that much."

"What do you mean I haven’t gained weight? Look at my waist! No, I can’t eat so much anymore."

Kang Xi gently touched her waist and said seriously, "You really haven’t gained that much. You’re pregnant now, so you should eat more. You’re feeding yourself and the baby. Don’t say such silly things. Eat whatever you want."

Wuya Shi didn't want to engage with him—after all, he wouldn’t be the one struggling to deliver an oversized baby. She pushed his hand away and sat down huffily on the heated brick bed (kang).

The Emperor couldn’t help but chuckle. Remembering he had something to tell her, he asked Liang Jiugong to hand him the register and sat down beside her, coaxing, “I’ve already selected a few daughters of noble families for Yinzhen. Take a look.”

Wuya Shi’s attention was immediately diverted. “But Yinzhen is only twelve years old. He’s not yet of marriageable age.”

“Marriage arrangements take time. We first select suitable candidates, arrange the betrothal, and then wait three or four years for the actual wedding. So we need to start choosing now. These are the candidates I’ve shortlisted. Take a look and help pick a principal wife for Yinzhen.”

An imperial prince’s wedding isn’t arranged in a day—it takes years from betrothal to marriage, so it’s best to decide early.

Wuya Shi took the register and flipped through it. Inside were the genealogical records of the young ladies the Emperor had mentioned, clearly listing their fathers, mothers, brothers, and other relatives, tracing back to grandparents and extending three generations down.

She remembered that Yinzhen’s principal wife was Ulanara Shi, but she couldn’t recall who Ulanara Shi’s father was.

“Take your time looking. Let me know if any catch your eye.”

Wuya Shi looked up. “I don’t know any of these people. Your Imperial Majesty, you should at least bring them here for me to meet.”

The Emperor pressed her cheek, and in doing so, he noticed that Wuya Shi’s face had indeed added some fullness. He paused, but she caught his hesitation immediately.

“See? I told you I’ve gained weight. My face is so much rounder now, and you still said I hadn’t. You were clearly lying to me.”

The Emperor laughed. “What does it matter if you’ve gained a little weight? You’ll slim down again after the baby is born. Even though you haven’t met these young ladies, as an imperial consort, you have the authority to command their attendance.”

“All of them? There are so many, and Yinzhen will only choose one principal wife. Wouldn’t it be awkward if some aren’t selected in the end?”

The Emperor replied, “Whether they are chosen or not, it’s still an honor for them, not a disadvantage.”

After some thought, Wuya Shi agreed. These young ladies would be considered as almost having been selected as an imperial principal wife—any association with the imperial family would bring prestige and honor.

“Alright then. In a few days, I’ll send invitations to their families. Since the Lunar New Year is approaching, I’ll hold a banquet and invite these ladies to the palace.”

“As you wish.”

“Can Yinzhen meet them?”

“Since the men and women are not yet married, it’s best they don’t meet alone.”

Wuya Shi pursed her lips and said she understood. If they couldn’t meet, then so be it. As his mother, she could only help to this extent.

True to her word, Wuya Shi sent out invitations a few days later, requesting the young ladies to attend an imperial banquet on December 20th.

On December 20th, the officials’ wives arrived at the palace with their daughters. Once everyone had gathered, Wuya Shi, assisted by her maid, emerged from the inner hall.

“We pay our respects to Consort De. May Your Highness enjoy boundless happiness and peace.”

The crowd knelt in greeting. Wuya Shi knew she had to maintain the demeanor of someone in authority and calmly called for them to rise.

“The reason I’ve invited you here today is likely clear to all. I wish to meet your daughters in advance. Please have your daughters step forward so I may see them.”

Soon, more than a dozen girls around twelve or thirteen years old stepped forward. Each looked youthful and somewhat nervous.

“Please introduce yourselves, one by one.”

“This humble servant is Qijia Yaru, aged twelve. My father is a Manchu banner guard of the Bordered Red Banner. I am skilled in embroidery.”

“This humble servant is Li Yurou, aged thirteen, daughter of Li Changbao, a vice director of the Board of Revenue. I have studied the *Admonitions for Women* and am skilled in needlework.”

“This humble servant is Ulanara Shuxiang, aged eleven, daughter of Fei Yanggu, a First Rank Imperial Household Minister. I have read some books but cannot claim mastery in needlework—I only know a little sewing.”

...

After all the girls had introduced themselves, Wuya Shi glanced at Pan Liu, who immediately stepped forward to present each girl with a gift.

Wuya Shi knew that a single banquet wouldn’t reveal much—everyone would be on their best behavior, careful not to misspeak. Girls of twelve or thirteen were still young and inexperienced.

She took an extra moment to observe Ulanara Shi, who had a clear and pleasant appearance. The other girls didn’t leave much of an impression.

After the banquet, Wuya Shi returned to the inner hall, let out a sigh of relief, and asked Pan Liu if she had noted anyone noteworthy.

“Your Highness, this humble servant thought they were all quite lovely.”

And indeed, they were—none of the girls spoke out of turn, ate excessively, or sat improperly. Everyone behaved flawlessly.

“Very well. Let the Emperor decide. It will all depend on how they get along in the future anyway.”

Wuya Shi put the matter aside, leaving it entirely to the Emperor. After all, Yinzhen was a prince and a man—when it came to marriage, he wouldn’t be at a disadvantage.

After the New Year, a major incident occurred at court: Nalan Mingzhu was dismissed by the Emperor. As the Grand Preceptor to the Crown Prince, Nalan Mingzhu had held positions such as Director of the Imperial Household Department, Minister of Justice, and Minister of War. His influence at court was immense, comparable to that of a Left Councilor, and he often clashed with Suo Etu, the Right Councilor.

He was also the great-uncle of the First Prince and distantly related to Consort Hui, maintaining close ties with the First Prince.

The Emperor dismissed Nalan Mingzhu on charges of forming cliques for personal gain and excluding dissenters. It was said that he had openly bought and sold official positions, installing his allies in key roles.

When the First Prince pleaded for Nalan Mingzhu, the Emperor placed him under confinement to his quarters.

Wuya Shi warned Yinzhen not to get involved. Yinzhen replied that he had no intention of doing so—he and Yinzhu continued attending their daily studies.

Regardless of the turmoil at court, Wuya Shi’s life in the inner courts remained relatively peaceful.

The Emperor, however, grew increasingly busy and seldom visited the inner courts.

One day, Consort Hui suddenly came to Jingren Palace. Wuya Shi initially thought Consort Hui wanted her to plead for Nalan Mingzhu, but instead, Consort Hui only asked about her health and whether the baby was active.

By then, Wuya Shi was five months pregnant. The first three months had been marked by severe nausea, but she had now entered a stable period.

After exchanging pleasantries, Consort Hui left, leaving Wuya Shi puzzled about her intentions. She didn’t dwell on it and continued focusing on her pregnancy. Conscious of her weight gain, she began restraining her appetite to avoid an overly large baby.

Consort Hui didn’t visit just once—she returned every few days for casual chats. As the older of the two, Wuya Shi politely engaged in small talk.

Compared to Consort Hui, Wuya Shi preferred spending time with Consort Yi, whose straightforward nature made conversations easier. Unsure of Consort Hui’s motives, Wuya Shi simply played along.

Two months passed like this. Then, envoys from Russia arrived in the capital to negotiate with the Qing court. The Emperor decided to hold the talks in Nibuchu and appointed Suo Etu, Tong Guogang, and others to lead the delegation. The Crown Prince volunteered to join the mission.

Not to be outdone, the First Prince also volunteered to go to Nibuchu.

In the end, the Emperor decided to send the Crown Prince.

As the princes grew older, Wuya Shi sensed growing tensions among them, particularly between the First Prince and the Crown Prince.

She knew Yinzhen aligned with the Crown Prince’s faction. She suspected Consort Hui’s recent friendliness might be an attempt to gain Yinzhen’s support for the First Prince’s side.

Wuya Shi couldn’t understand why Consort Hui and the First Prince would oppose the Crown Prince, especially since the Emperor showed no intention of removing him from the succession. Perhaps it was simply unwillingness to accept the situation.

Suo Etu, the Crown Prince, and the others soon departed for Nibuchu and returned a month later after signing the Treaty of Nibuchu with Russia. The Emperor praised the Crown Prince and his team for discharging their duties admirably.

Wuya Shi entered her eighth month of pregnancy, her belly growing larger by the day.

The Emperor found time to visit her and brought up Yin Zhen’s marriage again, having decided on Fei Yanggu’s daughter as Yin Zhen’s primary Consort.

“What do you think?”

Lady Uya replied, “I think it’s quite good. Your Majesty, you decide.”

Kangxi touched Lady Uya’s belly. Though she was bold and willful, when it came to important matters, she always listened to him, which pleased him greatly.

“It itches, Your Majesty, stop touching.”

The further along she was in her pregnancy, the more her belly itched, and the more it was touched, the itchier it became. She stopped the Emperor’s caressing hand.

“A few days ago, I checked Yin Zhu’s homework. Compared to Yin Zhen’s handwriting, Yin Zhu’s is simply appalling.”

Lady Uya sat down, somewhat surprised. “Is it really that bad? I think Yin Zhu’s handwriting is alright.”

Kangxi rarely glared at her. It was precisely because she, as his mother, indulged Yin Zhu, praising everything he did, that Yin Zhu had turned out this way—unable to recite texts and with poor handwriting.

“Alright? It’s like chicken scratch. Yin Zhu even proudly thinks his handwriting is good. I think it’s all because you spoil him.”

“As long as he can write, isn’t that enough? Not everyone’s handwriting has to be beautiful. I even think Yin Zhen practices calligraphy too diligently.”

Hearing this, Kangxi looked utterly helpless, momentarily at a loss for words. What did she mean by “as long as he can write”? Was there any mother who spoiled her child like this?

“You… Yin Zhu is already this age and still only wants to play, spending every day with Yin You and the others. Did you know they even left the palace?”

“Aren’t they allowed to leave the palace?”

Kangxi was sidestepped by Lady Uya. This wasn’t about whether they could leave the palace; it was about Yin Zhu neglecting his studies. He was so angry he didn’t want to discuss Yin Zhu with her anymore. No matter what he said, she always took Yin Zhu’s side.

“Your Majesty, don’t be angry. Have some grapes. They’re very sweet. Try one.”

A grape was pushed into Kangxi’s mouth.

Lady Uya stuffed several more grapes into his mouth before stopping under his gaze. She smiled and said, “Your Majesty, you might want Yin Zhu to be accomplished, smart, and capable, but I only wish for Yin Zhu to grow up happily and safely. I want all my children to be like that.”

“So it’s my fault now?”

Lady Uya truly had few demands for Yin Zhu. She also didn’t want him involved in the princes’ struggles, so Yin Zhu’s mediocrity was actually a good thing. The fact that Yin Zhu could survive was, in a way, already different from history. She couldn’t guarantee that the timeline she was in would follow history exactly. What if Yin Zhen didn’t end up ascending the throne? There would be many variables over the decades, and she didn’t know the final outcome. No matter what, as a prince, he could live a life of luxury. So, she would rather Yin Zhu be ordinary and unremarkable.

As for Yin Zhen, his nature was ambitious, and she couldn’t force him to be content with mediocrity. So, she let him do what he wanted.

Moreover, she thought to herself, the Emperor had so many sons. Why focus solely on Yin Zhu? If one son was useless, there were plenty of others.

But she didn’t dare say this to the Emperor’s face.

“Your Majesty, lean closer.”

“What?”

Lady Uya whispered a few words.

After hearing her, Kangxi directly refused: “No, it might harm the child. Endure it a little longer. The child will be born soon, and then you can do whatever you want.”

“Once the child is born, I won’t want to do it with Your Majesty anymore.”

In the later stages of her pregnancy, Lady Uya’s desires grew stronger, and she particularly wanted relief. But the Emperor, concerned for her health, never went all the way. She thought it should be fine if they were gentle.

“That won’t do either. Don’t think about this. Focus on giving birth safely.”

Lady Uya snorted coldly, turned her face away, and said with slight anger, “Fine, if we’re not doing it, then we’re not. Who cares? Your Majesty, I’m tired. I want to take a nap. Your Majesty, you should leave. I don’t want to see you.”

Kangxi was amused by Lady Uya. If she wasn’t satisfied, she would get angry. At a time like this, she was still thinking about that. Before, she always complained about being tired, but now she wanted to do it.

“Then I’ll leave. I’ll come back in the evening.”

Lady Uya waved her hand impatiently, urging the Emperor to leave quickly.

That night, Kangxi was pestered by Lady Uya. He laughed joyfully, kissing her repeatedly. Though they didn’t go all the way, he still satisfied her once.

…

On the Chou hour, July 20th, in the 30th year of Kangxi’s reign, deep into the night, Lady Uya felt a pain in her belly. Having given birth twice before, she knew her water had broken and called for Gui Yun, who was on night duty.

Soon, the Jingren Palace was bustling with activity, brightly lit.

Xiao Fangzi directly took the palace token and hurried unimpeded to the Qianqing Palace.

Zhang Hongsheng, on night duty at the Qianqing Palace, knew what was happening as soon as he saw Xiao Fangzi. He quickly entered the hall to wake the Emperor.

Kangxi, once awakened, hurriedly dressed and rushed to the Jingren Palace. Lady Uya hadn’t yet entered the delivery room, so he went straight in and saw her eating.

“Your Majesty, why are you here?”

“Are you hungry?”

Lady Uya nodded honestly. “A little. The midwife told me to eat something so I’ll have strength to give birth later. Your Majesty, would you like some?”

Kangxi was in no mood to eat. Seeing that Lady Uya was fine at the moment, able to speak energetically and even smile, he felt slightly relieved.

“You eat. You—tell the imperial kitchen to prepare more food.”

Kangxi pointed to a servant, sending him to the imperial kitchen with the order. After giving the instruction, he turned back to Lady Uya, meeting her smiling eyes. For a moment, he paused, forgetting what he wanted to say.

“Your Majesty, don’t worry. I’m fine. Don’t be nervous.”

“I’m not nervous.”

Lady Uya smiled. If he said he wasn’t nervous, then he wasn’t. She wouldn’t expose him in front of so many people. The fact that he had come so quickly touched her heart. This man truly treated her well. For an emperor to go to such lengths, she was already very content.

Lady Uya continued eating, and after she was full, she paced back and forth in the room.

Kangxi, seeing her walking around with her large belly, grew worried. But after hearing the midwife say that walking helped with delivery, he didn’t stop her.

Lady Uya’s labor was slow. By daybreak, she was only three fingers dilated. Consort Hui was the first consort to arrive at the Jingren Palace after daybreak. She bowed to the Emperor.

“No need for formalities.”

Consort Hui then turned to her. “How is Consort De feeling now? How many fingers dilated? Has she drunk the ginseng soup?”

“Three fingers dilated. I feel very strong now.”

“That’s good.”

Lady Uya’s contractions came, so she didn’t continue speaking with Consort Hui. Others arrived one after another.

She didn’t move to the delivery room until her contractions became more frequent.

Her labor was slow, dragging on until evening before the child was born. In between, she ate another meal, drank two bowls of ginseng soup, and chewed many slices of ginseng.

When she finally saw the wrinkled baby, she had no strength left and soon fell into a deep sleep.

When she woke up, the first person she saw was Yin Zhu.

"Mother..."

"Yin Zhu, have you seen your younger brother?"

Yin Zhu nodded: "I have, he's not cute, he's really ugly."

Fang Yu chuckled and told him he looked exactly the same when he was born.

Yin Zhu's skeptical expression made her laugh. She glanced at Yin Zhen nearby; the child’s eyes were full of worry. She said softly, "Mother is fine, Yin Zhen, don’t worry."

Yin Zhen murmured "Mm" in reply, then turned around to wipe his tears.