Learning these recipes came from the almost permanent guest, Noble Consort Zhaoyuan.
Ministers who had previously wanted to challenge the consort’s unconventional ways temporarily held back.
No one dared cause trouble.
In May, news came from Beimeng: Dzungar had defeated Khalkha, leading 30,000 troops on a rampage, even advancing towards Ujumqin.
Ujumqin was less than a hundred miles from Rehe; another 800 miles south lay Jingcheng.
If Gualdan captured Ujumqin and controlled Gubeikou and Xifengkou, it would effectively choke the Jingji Fortress, trapping the Qing in a cage.
Now, the ministers favoring peace were silenced.
Kangxi made a swift decision, ordering Fuquan as Grand General of the Western Expedition and Changning as Grand General of the Northern Expedition, each commanding 30,000 troops to attack from Gubeikou and Xifengkou.
Simultaneously, he ordered Tong Guogang in Shengjing to lead 30,000 troops, along with Dong’e Feiyan Gu defending Guihua City, to press westward in a pincer move with Fuquan and Changning.
After the decree spread through the Forbidden City, Kangxi returned as usual at the appointed hour to Chunhui Hall to dine with Fang He.
Hearing movement, Fang He put down the clothing pattern she was drawing for Jiujiu and smiled, rising.
“The Emperor’s done with work? Jiujiu can already say ‘Ama.’ Today she chased Chang Mao in the Empress Dowager’s palace, scaring Chang Anda so much he had to hide from her.”
Fang He mimicked Jiujiu’s running, laughing nonstop.
“Jiujiu thought Chang Anda was playing hide-and-seek with her; her little legs almost caught fire.”
Kangxi rarely took Fang He’s teasing, but this time only smiled gently.
When she finished, he tenderly pulled her down to sit.
“You all may leave first.”
Kangxi waved at Liang Jiugong, not wanting anyone else to serve dinner.
Fang He found him a bit odd, “Why, Your Majesty, do you want me to serve dinner tonight?”
“I’ll serve you.” Kangxi smiled, picking up a favorite Four Happiness meatball and placing it on her plate.
Fang He’s eyes widened.
Just as she lifted her chopsticks, she shielded herself.
“Your Majesty… are you trying to make me suffer again? I tell you, my losses are costly. Count your private treasury—is it still enough?”
Kangxi chuckled, tapping her forehead, “Can’t I be gentle with you sometimes?”
Fang He was silent for a moment, then said softly, “Before the pig is slaughtered, the farmer is gentle.”
Kangxi: “….…”
Reasonable.
So he not only raised a monkey concubine and a little fox, but also a particularly infuriating pig.
No wonder it was getting livelier around him.
He shook his head smiling, saying nothing else, and carefully tended to Fang He as she finished dinner.
After the hall was tidied, Kangxi held Fang He by the window, watching the full moon over the central lake, his voice still tender.
“Do you know, I’m leaving Jingcheng soon?”
Fang He leaned against him lazily, smiling, “From the day I entered the palace, you had this plan ready, even trying to rush things. If I didn’t know, I’d be seeing ghosts.”
Kangxi chuckled; ‘that rascal always brought up old grudges.’
He tilted his head, kissed her hair, “Everyone else advises me not to stand under a dangerous wall. Even the Empress Dowager has urged me to stay in Jingcheng. Don’t you have anything to say?”
Fang He thought for a moment and replied, “Eating well, drinking well, sleeping well outside? If you don’t take care of yourself because no one’s watching, and come back rough and ugly, I might just get someone else to serve you.”
Kangxi: “…..”
Should he really be having heart-to-hearts with this scoundrel?
Fang He covered her mouth to stifle laughter, turning to hug his waist and look up at him while saying, “You always say I’m a lot like you. If it were me, people would ride my neck. If they can’t kill the enemy, I’d be angry enough to kill myself. I know my General Ye isn’t useless—how could he ever stop you?”
Kangxi’s gaze darkened slightly, ‘That rascal—was she talking about Uya-shi?’
Thinking it over, Kangxi suddenly realized how reckless her waiting and holding off had been when Gualdan was at their doorstep.
If anyone else had told him to wait and wait again, letting the enemy run rampant, he’d have chopped them down with a sword.
He instinctively pulled Fang He closer.
“Do you really trust me that much?”
Fang He was suspiciously silent for a moment.
How to put it—she didn’t know how the war would turn out, but… if they won, how could there be three campaigns?
She chose gentler words, “I believe Heaven loves its son. No matter what happens, you’ll return safely. No matter how long it takes, the Emperor will kill Gualdan and become the Heavenly Khan feared by all tribes of the steppe!”
Kangxi laughed.
Fang He’s words were more convincing than anyone else’s bold claims that the Qing were invincible.
He had quelled even the difficult Revolt of the Three Feudatories; Gualdan he would surely kill as well.
Kangxi lowered his head, pressing his forehead to hers softly. “The Astronomical Bureau has sent the date. I… depart in five days!”
Fang He, living in Chunhui Hall, knew the news earlier than most.
Officials from Fengchen Si, Shangsi Yuan, and Wubei Si, who usually rarely appeared in the palace, coming and going was enough to hint at the matter.
“Then hurry up…” Fang He no longer looked at the lake or moon and tugged Kangxi toward the bedchamber.
“Before you leave, I’m going to squeeze every bit of rations from General Ye!”
Kangxi: “……”
After a night of exertion, when Kangxi rose the next morning, he saw Fang He grumbling in bed about his noise.
The smile on his lips was deeper than ever.
After morning court, he summoned the Crown Prince to the study.
This time, he would not personally go to war with the Dzungar, only leading the Imperial Army to command troops at Bo Luohetun.
That place was over a thousand miles from Jingcheng, and Yinreng was already seventeen, old enough to act as regent.
“I will leave Li Dequan by Noble Consort Zhaoyuan’s side. You don’t need to worry about the harem. Listen more to the Inner Cabinet about affairs of the previous dynasty. Observe and listen carefully. Speak and act less.”
Yinreng was emotional and reluctant, red-eyed as he grasped Kangxi’s sleeve.
“Father, take me with you. I don’t want to act as regent—I want to go to battle with you and Da Ago.”
Every man couldn’t help but yearn to ride horses and fight.
As Crown Prince, Yinreng understood that instead of being his father’s puppet, watching affairs with no real influence, it was better to be on the battlefield.
If Da Ago gained military merit and returned with the army, Yinreng’s position as heir might become unstable.
“Father, you taught me the way of a ruler: one must be hands-on. I don’t want to be here worrying every day. I’d rather be a soldier by your side!”
If not for Fang He’s earlier words, Kangxi might have only felt moved and comforted by his son’s words, thinking the boy thoughtful.
Now, he was not disappointed in the Crown Prince.
He knew Yinreng’s dependence and affection for him was genuine.
Yet he could tell Yinreng’s desire to follow him wasn’t just because he was going to war—it was because Baoqing was going as well.
A sudden pang of emotion surged in Kangxi’s heart.
Baoqing had already set out on his own path, a road whose end didn’t include him.
Not just Baoqing, but the other sons too.
The only one who would walk with him to the end was that little fox.
He swallowed a sigh, smiling as he patted the back of Yinreng’s head gently.
“As Crown Prince, your path is different from Baoqing’s. This empire will be yours one day. You must understand what is light and what is heavy, and shoulder your responsibilities.”
“No matter what happens, don’t rush. When I return, it will be time to select your Crown Princess.”
Yinreng opened his mouth but swallowed more words.
In his father’s eyes was an unyielding refusal.
The empire would be his one day, but for now… it belonged to his Father.
He could only be the obedient Crown Prince.
On May 19, the sky was clear and bright.
The previous day had rain, making the early summer day unusually cool.
Kangxi led 7,000 Imperial Guards, departing Jingcheng in a grand procession watched by the Empress Dowager, the Crown Prince, consorts of the harem, and officials guarding the former dynasty.
By June 7, Changning’s Right Route Army, suffering from supply shortages, was forced to retreat fifty miles south.
In early July, Gualdan personally led troops in pursuit, crossing the Sala Mulun River, ready to continue attacking the Left Route Army.
Kangxi’s orders quickly reached Bo Luohetun, urging both armies to trap Gualdan at the upper Muren River.
By late July, despite having superior numbers, the Qing forces were still slightly on the back foot.
The war reports sent back to Jingcheng caused panic and restlessness among the ministers.
But the harem, receiving none of the news, remained as calm as usual.
Yet beneath this calm, waves just as fierce as the frontlines surged in the shadows.
Before leaving the palace, Kangxi had already decreed that palace affairs be entrusted to Fang He.
Noble Consort Wenxi, feeling unwell, did not refuse and readily handed over the Treasure Seal and Golden Book.
With Gu Wenxing assisting, even though Consort Hui and Consort Rong privately kept obstructing Fang He, she swiftly took control of palace affairs.
Fang He had no intention of abusing her power.
She first decisively seized the Internal Household Department’s old accounts, exposing all rotten, false, and bad accounts—inventorying, punishing offenders swiftly, and clearing the records.
She also quickly reorganized responsibilities across the harem.
Fang He ordered the Internal Household Department’s Imperial Inspectorate to establish new rules and assign duties to various offices.
Though many regulations changed, the Internal Household Department and consorts felt the changes were minor.
However, all tasks were clearly divided with verification standards, bonuses, and penalties.
Responsibilities were specified down to individuals, with daily sign-offs for rewards and accountability.
As a result, those previously benefiting from unclear duties and fake positions had no room to exploit the system.
As for the habitual shirkers and schemers trying to shift blame, they were powerless.
Naturally, many were dissatisfied, and chaos simmered for days.
But Gu Wenxing persuaded the Internal Household Department’s offices to cooperate; under Li Dequan’s orders, the Imperial Inspectorate investigated thoroughly, and the Office of Punishment and Investigation struck wherever needed.
By early July, the harem had quieted down.
After these reforms, Fang He divided palace affairs into three parts, entrusting them to Consort Hui, Consort Rong, and Consort Yi to continue managing the harem.
They reported to her every three days; if anything went wrong, only these three were held responsible.
Fang He soon found herself with more free time.
Originally, Fang He planned to relax and accompany Jiujiu, who was becoming more articulate and daring, enjoying her paid leave.
But before the Mid-Autumn Palace Banquet, Consort Hui, Consort Rong, and Consort Yi came to report on banquet preparations.
Jiujiu rushed in excitedly with her little fishing rod and a half-grown carp just put into the water basin.
Fang He, who had been fond of fresh fish, suddenly felt nauseous from the faint fishy smell and vomited.
Consort Hui and Consort Rong exchanged anxious glances and summoned imperial physicians.
Consort Yi and Fang He calmly comforted the startled Jiujiu while the doctors diagnosed Fang He’s more than two-month pregnancy.
The news caused a huge stir in the former dynasty’s harem.
Especially when Suo’etu’s informants close to the Crown Prince heard, they immediately spread the news.
The harem was awash with tissues.
No one wanted to throw plates or bowls, but the Internal Household Department had standards for each palace’s losses and required reasonable explanations.
If losses were due to objective reasons, the Internal Household Department compensated once; otherwise, the palace had to subsidize to replenish.
The official reason was that with war at the front, the harem had to do its best to contribute and save money for buying warm supplies to send to the front.
Who dared say no?
That would mean making the Emperor and soldiers suffer together.
Even a fool wouldn’t say that.
Even Noble Consort Wenxi was restless.
Fang He was now head of the consorts; if she gave birth to a son, Yin’e would be unfavorably compared.
The Crown Prince’s face had been dark for days.
If Noble Consort Zhaoyuan bore a son, more honored than Yinzhen, he would be a true semi-legitimate heir.
What if Zhaoyuan bore more sons?
The throne was still open.
When Suo’etu secretly sent a message urging the Crown Prince not to hesitate, Yinreng for the first time could not suppress the dark thoughts in his heart.
Thinking of the consort he somewhat admired, Yinreng silently allowed his men to contact Yongshou Palace.
After the messenger left, Yinreng sighed helplessly.
He truly did not want to be enemies with Noble Consort Zhaoyuan.
Even if it came to blows, he would not harm her.
She would remain the most honored woman beside the Emperor.
He just… didn’t want any more brothers.
Unaware of this, the moment a eunuch entered Yongshou Palace’s gate, Yanxi Palace welcomed a guest no one expected.
Concubine Jing reached out to Fang He with a triumphant smile.
“Zhaoyuan, Yuqing Palace has moved. One thousand taels of silver, a silver note will do.”
Fang He clutched her chest, turned her head, and grit her teeth, waving to Cui Wei without watching her go get the silver note.
“Still want to bet with me?”
Concubine Jing casually rested her foot beside Fang He’s, propping her face up to grin.
“Still one thousand taels. I’ll bet with you on the timing and method of their fight. I won’t let you lose.”
Fang He looked curiously at Concubine Jing, “Why are you so kind to help me?”
Actually, even if she didn’t bet, Gu Wenxing had already ordered people to monitor movements between the palaces and Yuqing Palace.
The higher one stood, the easier it was to make others want to drag her down.
No one expected anyone to remember loyalty in the face of interest.
Concubine Jing smiled without hesitation, then sighed as if half-serious, half-mocking.
“Because I like your title very much.”
“Midnight dreams, that ‘Zhao’ character always rings in my ears. The palace is dull—I really don’t want it to disappear.”
Concubine Jing winked at Fang He, “Are you scared? If you need my help, it’s not impossible. Ten thousand taels—I’ll guarantee you no worries, so you can focus on your pregnancy. How about that?”
She was used to such business from previous lives; this was familiar work.
Fang He stared steadily at Concubine Jing, then suddenly curved her lips, laughter deepening until she burst out laughing.
Concubine Jing’s confident expression from entering the hall was now mixed with some confusion.
“You… are you crazy happy?”
Fang He’s smile didn’t fade, “No, I just confirmed one thing.”
She bent down, gently lifted Concubine Jing’s chin, the wildness and flamboyance in her eyes no longer hidden.
“I waited a long time for someone to jump out. At first, I was a bit disappointed. Now? I’m truly afraid—afraid the people in the Forbidden City can’t withstand the turmoil.”
“You might as well help me get more people on our side. I’ll treat you to a good show.”
A spectacle everyone would be grateful for, recalling when offending her was possible because the Emperor was still in the palace.
Fang He had told Kangxi he was like a shackle.
Even if unlocked, she’d still have reservations because the Emperor had many lines she couldn’t accept.
Unfortunately, she didn’t.
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