The next morning, the court was held.
The Crown Prince, alongside the newly appointed Grand Prince and a host of court officials, had barely begun to murmur about the unfamiliar face of the imperial eunuch when Emperor Kangxi’s decree descended like a thunderclap.
Qi Sanfu, his heart trembling and his voice sharp with excitement, stood in the grand hall of Qianqing Palace and read aloud the new regulations for the Imperial Household Department with deliberate clarity.
Except for Prince Yu Fuquan, temporarily acting as the Minister of the Imperial Household, and Crown Prince Yinreng, the announcement caught everyone off guard.
The Emperor’s decree established a new Supervisory Office within the Imperial Household, beyond the existing ten divisions, with Prince Gong Changning, appointed as its overseer.
This office’s memorials could bypass the Six Ministries and the Grand Secretariat, reaching the Emperor’s ears directly.
Simultaneously, Kangxi ordered all prominent Manchu and Han bondservant families of the Upper Three Banners to be incorporated into the Imperial Household, serving the imperial family exclusively.
Nine families would rotate leadership every three years, taking turns as Deputy Ministers, while the Emperor himself would appoint the Minister.
The remaining six families were granted the privilege of serving as Imperial Attendants, assigned to the Supervisory Office to oversee the Imperial Household and the Office of Palace Affairs.
The court erupted into hushed whispers, ministers exchanging glances, their faces etched with astonishment.
Until this moment, they had only known that the Minister and two Deputy Ministers of the Imperial Household had been sacked, and several families handling external affairs had been raided and executed.
Yet the reasons remained shrouded in mystery.
The nobles and high officials had their suspicions, sensing the matter was tied to the imperial succession—a topic too perilous to probe openly.
None dared to speak of it aloud, maintaining a façade of calm while covertly maneuvering to place their own people within the Imperial Household.
They assumed the Emperor, true to his nature, would let the matter quietly resolve itself, with explanations emerging only after the New Year.
But no one foresaw this sudden decree before the year’s end.
The elevation of nine bondservant families, whose interests were deeply entwined with the nobles and ministers of the Upper Three Banners, sparked immediate dissent.
“May I ask Your Majesty,” one voice rose, “since the supervision of officials has always been the duty of the Censorate, should not the Imperial Household fall under its oversight? Is it not improper to establish a separate Supervisory Office?”
“Minister Zhang speaks true,” another chimed in.
“If the Imperial Household operates independently of the court, it could disrupt the duties of palace offices and government bureaus. It might even lead to overreach by inner court eunuchs. We beseech Your Majesty to reconsider!”
“While the rotation of bondservant families sounds equitable,” a third added, “the Upper Three Banners have far more than nine such families. Elevating these nine risks collusion and corruption, endangering the safety of other bondservants and even the palace’s masters. We implore Your Majesty to reconsider!”
Kangxi’s decree was a calculated move to swiftly and discreetly eradicate the hidden threats planted by the Uya, Liu Jia, and Ma Jia clans.
Though issued in haste, it was not without preparation.
Fuquan stepped forward, his voice ringing with conviction.
“His Majesty, in his sagacity, has long considered this. The Imperial Household, serving within the palace alongside court officials, has always been prone to corruption and bribery.”
“By making it independent,” he continued, “it will be overseen by both the Supervisory Office and the court, ensuring the safety of the palace’s masters.”
The Crown Prince, too, rose to support his father’s decision.
“Any irregularities in government offices or palace duties can be reported and investigated through memorials. I, on behalf of His Majesty, will take on the responsibility of inspection, ensuring no minister is wronged.”
Fukquan acted on Kangxi’s orders, but the Crown Prince stood to gain the most.
Beyond securing a position for his trusted nursemaid- Ling Pu in the Imperial Household, he was no longer confined to reviewing court memorials and past records.
Now, he could serve his father directly, and his enthusiasm outshone all others.
“As for His Majesty’s elevation of these nine families,” he declared, “it is because they have rendered meritorious service to the throne. The imperial family will never forsake those who have earned such honor.”
“Yet the vast operations of the Imperial Household cannot rely solely on these nine families,” he added.
“The Supervisory Office will not be limited to their oversight. Trusted individuals from all quarters may submit secret memorials, preventing collusion and corruption.”
The Grand Prince remained very silent because of the dismissal of Nalan Mingzhu from his post and the birth of his daughter.
Suoetu’s faction, seeing the Crown Prince’s fervent support, quickly followed suit, praising the Emperor’s wisdom.
Kangxi, his expression unreadable, spoke in a low, firm tone.
“Since my loyal subjects raise no objections, Fuquan and Changning, this matter is entrusted to you both. Ensure the Imperial Household is fully restored before the year-end palace banquet.”
Fuquan and Changning knelt to receive the decree.
But they were not alone in their tasks.
Zhao Chang and his covert guards were equally besieged.
They had been tracking several individuals implicated by hidden agents in the Zhuangzi estates, planning to follow the trail and eliminate the network after the New Year.
Yet the Emperor’s sudden decree shifted their focus.
They were to immediately purge the palace of known agents, leaving undiscovered ones to the Supervisory Office.
Their sole task was to neutralize confirmed threats.
Zhao Chang understood his master’s intent: to prevent the actions of Consort Zhao and other palace concubines from being exposed by these agents, which could ignite a scandal in the outer court.
Any implicated party would face charges of deceiving the Emperor and plotting against the imperial heirs—crimes too grave to be easily suppressed.
Loyal families like the Tongjia, Niuhulu, Nala, and Guoluoluo would suffer repercussions.
These factions would not blame their own but would dig for the truth, shifting blame to others.
In the ruthless game of power, the outer court played far more directly than the inner palace.
They would not hesitate, nor shy from escalating the matter, seizing any chance to topple a rival and secure an advantage.
Yet, should the truth leak, Consort Zhao and her unborn child, lacking powerful backing, would bear the brunt of the fallout.
Kangxi ordered Fuquan to oversee the Imperial Household around the clock, swiftly organizing the newly assigned palace personnel.
At the same time, he dispatched Liang Jiugong and Li Dequan to deliver edicts to the inner palace.
At Chengqian Palace, Liang Jiugong once again retrieved the golden register and seal of the Imperial Noble Consort, delivering Kangxi’s decree to the still plainly dressed consort, her hair unadorned.
“His Majesty’s oral edict: Tongjia-shi, I am fully aware of Uya-shi’s actions and have no intention of showing leniency. My only aim is to protect the imperial heirs and handle matters thoroughly. You, under the guise of Zhangjia-shi, have deceived your sovereign, plotted against the heirs, and manipulated events. How are you any different from Uya-shi?”
“The state has its laws, and the household its rules. For the sake of past affection and Yinchen’s dignity, I will overlook this once. But if it happens again, I will not spare your family’s honor. The entire Tongguo Duke’s household will face consequences. Your health is frail—rest in Chengqian Palace and concern yourself no longer with external affairs.”
Tongjia-shi had known, when she used Zhangjia-shi to divert Kangxi’s attention, that the matter would spiral.
She knew the Emperor’s methods would uncover the truth, but her hatred for Concubine De blinded her to the risks.
Thus, she had collaborated with others, banking on the principle that the law does not punish the many.
“Your concubine respectfully obeys His Majesty’s edict,” she said.
Kangxi had already ordered Yinchen’s jade tablet altered, severing ties between the child raised by her side and that wretched Uya-shi.
At last, she had her own prince, free from her family’s scorn for her barrenness and her sister’s feigned concern about entering the palace for her sake.
Even if it cost her the Empress’s throne and her cousin’s affection, she could not forsake the solemn boy who quietly ensured her care.
She knew the Emperor was warning her against stirring further trouble and dragging his beloved into this quagmire.
Yet, strangely, Concubine Tongjia felt only a urge to laugh, devoid of the expected jealousy.
Her cousin had once cherished her so, but an emperor’s devotion… it was but a fleeting bloom.
With little time left to live, she wondered how long his affection for Consort Zhao would endure.
Liang Jiugong’s next stop was Yongshou Palace, where the golden register and seal were returned to Concubine Niuhulu.
“His Majesty’s oral edict: Niuhulu-shi, Faka’s fate rests on your actions. Your sister’s favor is not yours to squander endlessly. I entrust the inner palace to your management. Should you commit another grave error, your mother and brother will be expelled from the Niuhulu Duke’s household, excluded from the ancestral graves and family records. I say this once—tread carefully.”
Concubine Niuhulu’s lips curled in a bitter smirk.
The Emperor, mindful that Yin’e was his son, had spared her the harshest words.
Her sister’s favor?
Hah… Once, she had been blind to it, but now, gazing at the cold, gleaming register and seal, clarity dawned.
The daughters of the Niuhulu clan had never shared any bond with the Aisin Gioro family, not since the day their father chose to align with Oboi.
Her face impassive, she accepted the tray with the golden register and seal, her voice soft but steady.
“Please convey a message to His Majesty for me, eunuch Liang. I will heed His Majesty’s teachings, ensuring no harm comes to my family, nor will I repay kindness with betrayal. Tell His Majesty to rest assured.”
Liang Jiugong bowed respectfully, wiping the cold sweat from his brow before hurrying to Yikun Palace.
Before Consort Yi, he shed his formal demeanor, treating her with the same deference as always.
“Consort Yi, His Majesty bids you to care well for the two young princes. The Imperial Medical Bureau will ensure physicians attend closely to their health.”
He paused, then added, “If you’re concerned for the Eleventh Prince’s safety… I’ve heard there’s a maid by Consort Zhao’s side skilled in nurturing health.”
Consort Yi, who had been listening with a cool detachment, snapped her head up at those final words, her voice almost eager.
“Who is it?”
Liang Jiugong smiled faintly and replied:
“His Majesty didn’t specify, only that he fears you might lose your composure again, Consort. The young princes could be sent to Shoukang Palace. Surely Consort Zhao would respect the Empress Dowager’s authority, don’t you think?”
Consort Yi’s expression stiffened briefly before she knelt swiftly.
“Please, Manager Liang, convey my apologies to His Majesty. I did bring a medicinal prescription into the palace and harbored thoughts of harming the imperial heirs, but I swear the Fourteenth Prince’s fate was not my doing…”
She paused, then kowtowed deeply.
“I vow on the lives of the entire Guoluoluo clan that I will never again let folly cloud my judgment. I will serve dutifully before the Empress Dowager.”
She had never intended to cross Fang He.
Her actions had been for the Empress Dowager’s favor and her fifth son’s future, but now, learning of a skilled maid by Fang He’s side, she wished only to venerate her like a bodhisattva.
Anyone who dared threaten Yinzheng’s hopes would answer to her.
Liang Jiugong exhaled in relief.
Thankfully, the consorts were not as stubborn as that troublesome ancestor, showing tact and sparing him further difficulty.
Meanwhile, Li Dequan visited Changchun Palace, Zhongcui Palace, and Chuxiu Palace, where Noble Lady Nala resided, to deliver Kangxi’s oral edicts.
Though Consorts Hui and Rong had not directly participated in the affair, Kangxi could not tolerate their silence or their subtle shielding of the culprits.
He even knew of their veiled hostility toward Fang He, making them the likeliest to drag her into the scandal.
Thus, Consorts Hui and Rong were ordered to retreat to the Great Buddha Hall for a year of quiet reflection.
Any misstep would see them exiled to the Nanyuan Palace to join Consort Xuan, with the Grand Prince, Third Prince, and Second Princess stripped of visitation rights.
The two consorts’ defiance withered instantly.
The threat of exile and separation from their children choked any resistance, leaving them to shuffle to the Great Buddha Hall with ashen faces.
Consort Tongjia and Noble Lady Niuhulu, both from lesser branches of the Wulanala clan with fathers of modest rank, faced simpler punishment: confinement to their palaces, with no palace staff permitted to enter or leave.
By month’s end, Kangxi finally found a moment to breathe, heading to Cining Palace to face the Empress Dowager.
“I was too greedy, Grandmother,” he admitted.
“I thought I could root out all the hidden threats at once, neglecting the feelings of those women. Lu Wuning said the child wasn’t lost to premature birth but died of suffocation. Uya-shi’s cruelty surpassed even my expectations, and I found myself unable to punish her harshly…”
Though age had weakened her body, Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang’s mind remained sharp.
Hearing Kangxi’s sighs and vague self-reproach, she let out a cold laugh.
“You’ve made quite a stir reorganizing the Imperial Household, but was there a need for such haste? Don’t you understand that a single misstep could spark a crisis? This matter should never have reached the inner palace. Tell me, how did they find out?”
“Uya-shi’s actions are deplorable, but their deceit and concealment are grave offenses. If you don’t punish them sternly, what authority will you, as Emperor, hold? This is no time for leniency!”
Kangxi lowered his gaze, sighing helplessly.
He knew he couldn’t deceive his grandmother and spoke plainly.
“Grandmother, you know… a war with the Dzungars is inevitable. Whether I’m in the palace or not remains uncertain. Consort Zhao is impulsive and still naïve to the palace’s intrigues. I didn’t want you or Mother to worry, and for her… I couldn’t help but act with haste.”
Xiaozhuang’s expression shifted subtly, likely guessing who had leaked the news.
Setting aside Fang He’s punishment, she saw flaws in her grandson’s approach.
“No matter how urgent, you can’t strike her! It’s like teaching a child—you must explain clearly. You argue with me, so is it any surprise that girl clashes with you?”
Kangxi blinked, stunned.
Truth be told, beyond a few light, inconsequential smacks, he’d never laid a hand on that reckless girl.
That night, provoked by her audacity, he’d only used a touch of force, startled when she wore the dragon pendant to intimidate others, scaring him instead.
Swallowing his frustration, he bowed his head in contrition.
“I understand, Grandmother. Amid the outer court’s chaos, I failed to notice she was pregnant when Uya-shi schemed against her.”
“I was too busy to see her and didn’t want to burden her with court matters. Her desperation led to reckless remedies. The fault, at its root, is mine.”
Xiaozhuang sat upright, startled and asked, “What? She’s with child?”
“Yes… over four months now,” Kangxi said, forcing a smile as he covered for Fang He.
“That night, I intended to demote her to a common concubine and confine her to Yanxi Palace. She fainted from fright, and only then did the imperial physician discover her condition. For the sake of the heir, I couldn’t pursue the matter further and sealed the rear hall of Yanxi Palace. It protects the child and gives her time to reflect. After the birth, I’ll send her to live with Mother for a few years to temper her recklessness.”