Liang Jiugong was so worried that he felt like running out crying, just like Fang He.
It wasn’t difficult to find a court lady to teach Fang He, but outside the Qianqing Palace, with so many eyes around, it would be hard to keep it a secret.
Unless they were at the imperial resting place, where movement was restricted at night, it might be easier to manage.
But on one hand, that little ancestor was unpredictable, and it was uncertain if she would learn properly.
On the other hand, who knew when the Emperor would summon her back?
What if the Emperor couldn’t wait and called for her before reaching the resting place?
Would he be able to escape a beating?
Perhaps it would be better to just give her a beating and have her stay in Chengde.
Although it would be painful, at least it would be a certain kind of pain.
But Liang Jiugong dared not show any dissatisfaction on his face.
He wasn’t Fang He; he didn’t have that much face in front of the Emperor.
Of course, Liang Jiugong also knew that behind the imperial procession were the Empress Dowager and several concubines.
If those concubines found out about the Emperor’s intentions, it was uncertain whether the Emperor would still get to enjoy this “piece of meat.”
He gritted his teeth and took no action on the first day.
Only when the procession reached the Zunhua Palace, he have the court lady go to teach Fang He at night.
When the court lady arrived at Fang He’s room, Fang He was puffing her cheeks while eating a late-night snack.
Chunlai and Wei Zhu were also there, and the three of them were amusingly fighting over the food, eating like squirrels, laughing and making a lot of noise.
When the court lady entered, Wei Zhu almost choked on his snack, pounding his chest and instinctively looking at Fang He in shock.
Chunlai, on the other hand, blushed slightly but quickly pulled Wei Zhu out of the room to stand guard outside.
Chunlai had long known that, given the Emperor’s favor towards her lady, this day would come.
By then, she and Wei Zhu might become the chief maid and eunuch after her lady was granted a title, and she was very conscious of this.
Fang He was somewhat familiar with the court lady, Lady Li, who had been sent back to the palace after 23 years in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, as they both lived behind the Jiaotai Palace and often saw each other.
Lady Li was from the Li Jia clan and had previously been a third-rank maid in the Jingren Palace.
Emperor Kangxi, remembering his birth mother, had her teach palace maids etiquette in the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Now, being sent to serve in the imperial bedchamber made sense, as teaching how to serve the Emperor was also part of etiquette.
Having been in the Ministry of Internal Affairs for many years, Lady Li appeared much more serious than the previous Lady Liao, with deep frown lines on her forehead.
Fang He dared not be disrespectful and slipped off the bed to curtsey to her.
Pretending to know nothing, she smiled and asked,
“What brings you here, Lady Li? What wind has blown you to my place?”
Lady Li’s expression stiffened slightly.
Honestly, she didn’t know what wind it was, perhaps an ill wind.
Chief Eunuch Liang had suddenly summoned her, asking her to come like a thief, avoiding being seen.
Since when did serving the Emperor become so shameful?
Moreover, Liang Jiugong wanted her to teach a 23-year-old palace maid about intimate matters.
At this age, she still knew nothing…
If she were to bear a royal child, could it even be intelligent?
Liang Jiugong had repeatedly warned her,
“Treat Fang He like an ancestor, and don’t use the same methods as with other palace maids. If you push her too hard, she might cause chaos, and we can only cater to her!”
Liang Jiugong didn’t dare to criticize the Emperor, but if he had to cater to her, didn’t that mean she was someone the Emperor held dear?
Lady Li originally didn’t understand.
If Fang He was so capable, what had she been doing for the past ten years?
Since she hadn’t gained favor before, how had she become an “ancestor”?
But upon seeing Fang He, she suddenly understood.
This girl’s bone structure and aura were truly remarkable.
Others might not notice, but Lady Li, whose job was to select beauties, could tell at a glance from Fang He’s skull, eyebrows, and jawline that she had excellent bone structure.
As the saying goes, beauty lies in the bones, not the skin.
Moreover, Fang He’s voice was soft but not coquettish, and she had a unique liveliness about her.
No wonder she had gained the Emperor’s favor.
As for the past ten years… Lady Li also knew about Lady Xu’s existence and thought perhaps Fang He had been suppressed, allowing her to bloom later.
She became much more enthusiastic.
Hearing Fang He’s words, her habitually stern face showed an unnatural smile as she personally helped Fang He up.
“Chief Eunuch Liang instructed me to come and teach you how to serve the Emperor. Do you have time now?”
Fang He: “……”
If she said no, would Lady Li leave?
She blinked, appropriately showing a bit of confusion, and invited Lady Li to take a seat.
“Previously, the Empress Dowager and the Empress praised me for being good at serving. But have I been lacking in any way?”
Fang He really couldn’t blush immediately after understanding; she was the type who wouldn’t blush even watching adult films, so she continued to play the fool.
Lady Li choked and forced a dry laugh,
“Since I’m in charge of the bedchamber, what I teach you is naturally how to serve the Emperor in bed.”
Fang He thought, well, you might not know as much as I do.
She sat cross-legged with a serious expression, nodding to Lady Li,
“Please go ahead. I also want to serve His Majesty more thoroughly. Just say what you need to.”
Lady Li’s smile stiffened again.
Normally, at this point, she should first take out a book on intimate matters and directly teach how to please the Emperor.
But before Liang Jiugong left, he had given her a puzzling instruction: to start with teaching how to kiss.
Lady Li had cursed inwardly a lot.
What’s there to teach about kissing?
Doesn’t one just use their mouth?
She coughed lightly and forced a smile,
“You should know that men are yang, women are yin. The harmony of yin and yang requires the flow of their energies, and kissing is part of this…”
Fang He: “……”
Can it really be explained this way?
Not to mention the tongue’s role, if you had just said to open your mouth and stick out your tongue, she couldn’t have continued to play dumb.
At this moment, she suppressed her laughter and slowly nodded with a confused expression.
Lady Li was doubtful,
“Do you understand?”
Fang He nodded more decisively this time,
“Yes, the flow of energy. Humans have seven orifices, and apart from farting, they can all be used, right?”
Lady Li: !!!
She unconsciously tightened her handkerchief and took a deep breath.
“Forget it. Just remember that men are yang and strong, and the Emperor is even more so. Women are yin and gentle, and should simply be chaste and obedient to the Emperor’s will.”
Fang He inwardly sneered.
What’s the difference between that and a dead fish?
No wonder Kangxi wasn’t good in bed.
It seems no one gave him room to improve; they all just practiced acting!
Seeing Fang He lower her eyes and appear obedient, Lady Li relaxed a bit and took out a book on intimate matters, handing it to Fang He.
“Although men lead in matters of yin and yang harmony, you should understand the differences between men and women to know how to serve…”
Fang He, seeing that there were erotic illustrations, became interested and casually flipped through the book, only to choke and lose interest.
Weren’t ancient erotic materials supposed to be implicit yet vivid?
These blank-faced figures, all dressed in layers of clothing, posing in lewd positions… were these supposed to be erotic illustrations?
Don’t tease her.
If looking at these could make one knowledgeable about intimacy, she might as well remain a ‘fool’ for life.
She suppressed her drowsiness and barely listened to Lady Li.
In summary, it was about how men were amazing, always walking around with a stick, and the Emperor was even more so, wielding his dragon stick.
If the Emperor disliked someone… no, if he liked someone, he would give them a few strokes, called “thunder and rain.”
Even if it hurt, one had to endure it and try to appear as if they enjoyed it, and never offend the Emperor.
Bah!
She couldn’t offend him, but he could offend her?
Why did she have to be so degrading?
Lady Li spoke for two quarters of an hour, hesitated, and then asked Fang He again.
“Did I make it clear enough?”
Fang He nodded mournfully,
“It couldn’t be clearer. Although I’ve never been struck, and I fear pain, I will ensure, with my loyalty, that I cry while smiling when the time comes!”
Lady Li: ???
Lady Li’s head was aching.
She had only been a palace maid for three years before being assigned to the Ministry of Internal Affairs as a matron.
Because of her strict adherence to etiquette, she was respectfully called “Lady” by those older than her, and they treated her with some reverence.
Under her guidance, there had never been a palace maid she couldn’t teach.
But after leaving Fang He’s room and returning to her own quarters, Lady Li felt somewhat dazed.
She had taught everything she was supposed to, but… she wished she hadn’t taught anything.
The thought of Fang He serving the Emperor made her feel a bit faint.
Liang Jiugong was anxiously waiting in her room.
When Lady Li entered, he hurried over.
“How did it go?”
Lady Li hesitated,
“If we can’t punish her… maybe give me a few more days?”
Liang Jiugong stomped his foot,
“There’s no time left!”
For the past two days, although the Emperor hadn’t mentioned it, his gaze clearly showed inquiry.
He must want to see that ancestor but is afraid she would embarrass him in front of the court.
He had figured it out: the Emperor wouldn’t punish Fang He, so he had done his job and really didn’t want to get beaten!
Lady Li was helpless and pointed to her forehead,
“But this girl… her mind seems to work differently from others!”
“I talked about the flow of yin and yang, and she associated it with farting. I explained the differences between men and women, and she said she was afraid of being struck. I told her to know her place, and she said she could cry while smiling…”
Liang Jiugong’s expression was numb.
He wasn’t surprised at all; that ancestor was capable of such things.
He wiped his face,
“Tomorrow, after the Emperor finishes worshiping at the imperial mausoleum, we will head to Xuanhua. Tomorrow night, you must go again and make sure she understands!”
Lady Li felt a heavy weight in her heart and doubted if she could do it.
She had never been so unsure of herself before.
But facing Fang He’s sincere and earnest eyes, she couldn’t scold her, couldn’t punish her, and was truly at a loss.
Even though both of them acted very discreetly, while they were talking, Wuyunzhu from the Empress Dowager’s quarters had already bought information from a eunuch at the palace.
The day before, Wuyunzhu had seen Fang He return to her carriage with red, swollen eyes on the Empress’s carriage, and many others had also seen it.
No one thought much of it, assuming Fang He had been scolded by the Emperor and sent back.
No one cared what mistake Fang He had made; it was none of their business, and they were quick to gloat.
Hearing this, the Empress Dowager couldn’t suppress her concern and had Wuyunzhu keep an eye on Fang He, fearing that the palace maids and eunuchs might bully her for “falling out of favor.”
Unexpectedly, she heard that the court lady had gone to teach Fang He.
Wuyunzhu smiled,
“It seems the Emperor truly cares for her and is planning to favor her.”
“In the future, you needn’t worry about interacting with her causing her trouble. Once she enters the harem, you can enjoy her company more.”
The Empress Dowager smiled and nodded slightly,
“That makes sense.”
“But speaking of which, this child is really pitiful. At twenty-three, she still knows nothing, just like me in the past. Unfortunately, Wulinzhu can no longer help her.”
Wuyunzhu didn’t respond.
Because Emperor Shizong disliked the imperial concubines, he was forced by the Grand Empress Dowager to consummate the marriage, and naturally, he wasn’t gentle during the process.
Although he didn’t favor them often, it was enough for the Empress to suffer greatly.
Back then, Wulinzhu, who had already left the palace upon hearing this, immediately sent a message to visit the Empress Dowager in the palace, bringing her many exquisite and detailed erotic books and some items for self-pleasure.
Afraid the Empress Dowager might be too shy to learn, Wulinzhu even avoided others and carefully explained the subtleties, so the Empress Dowager could be more comfortable when Emperor Shizong came to the Kunning Palace.
If it weren’t for Wulinzhu’s help, the Empress Dowager might have only had nightmares about those matters.
Recalling the past, a trace of helplessness flashed in her eyes, and she said to Wuyunzhu,
“The Emperor isn’t one to show tenderness. A woman’s first time is likely to be unbearable.”
“Fortunately, we haven’t gone too far. Take the trouble to ride back to the palace and bring those books I hid, and give them to Fang He. At least don’t let her suffer too much.”
Wuyunzhu was seven years younger than the Empress Dowager and had been specially sent from the North Mongols later.
Even her name was changed based on Wulinzhu’s name.
Her horsemanship, like most North Mongol women, was excellent, and her age allowed her to make the round trip without issue.
Seeing the Empress Dowager’s genuine concern, she agreed.
“We depart the day after tomorrow. I’ll set out early tomorrow morning and, if all goes well, return before dinner.”
The Empress Dowager smiled and urged,
“Then go to sleep. We’re not young anymore, and if you don’t sleep enough, you’ll feel uncomfortable after a day of travel.”
After Wuyunzhu left, the Empress Dowager’s smile suddenly faded.
She stood up and walked to the window, opening it and gazing thoughtfully in the direction of Fang He’s quarters.
Calculating the time, the North Mongols should have made their arrangements.
Taking advantage of Wuyunzhu’s absence, she should also send a message to them.
Whether Fang He wanted to stay or leave, the Empress Dowager hoped it would be her own choice.
The imperial procession stayed in Zunhua for two days and continued on to Xuanhua, also known as Zhangjiakou, on the seventh day of the sixth month.
But just two days after departure, urgent news came from the capital that the Sixth Prince had died.
Along with the tragic news came the report that Consort De, after fainting from crying, was found to be nearly three months pregnant.
The Cining Palace also sent word that Consort Wanliha, while praying with Sumala, had vomited repeatedly and was found to be over three months pregnant.
Wei Zhu, hearing this, smacked his lips in the carriage, while Chunlai scoffed softly inside.
Fang He knew why they reacted this way.
In later times, it wasn’t uncommon for early pregnancies to go unnoticed due to various circumstances.
But in the palace, the imperial physicians checked on the women’s health every half month.
It was impossible not to notice unless it was deliberately concealed.
Especially in Yonghe Palace, where the imperial physician was stationed daily.
Consort De was said to have fainted several times from crying.
How could they not have known?
It was just a matter of timing the news appropriately to comfort the Emperor in his grief over losing a child.
Fang He had been evasive with Lady Li.
Even though Wuyunzhu had secretly given her many spicy and erotic books, she remained unfazed, treating them like gossip magazines.
She didn’t know if Liang Jiugong and Lady Li believed her, but they hadn’t called her to serve the Emperor yet.
But in the carriage, through the curtains, Fang He frequently saw Consort Hui, Consort Rong, Consort An, and Consort Jin bringing their palace maids to the imperial carriage, all with the same joyful expressions.
When they stopped to rest, the palace maids and eunuchs coming and going also wore appropriately auspicious expressions.
In short, whether genuine or not, only joy could be seen, with no trace of the palace having lost a prince.
The thought of having to live in such an environment for the rest of her life, possibly becoming one of these masked figures, filled Fang He with an indescribable frustration.
It felt like when she first realized in her past life that her father and mother loved their partners, children, and parents, but not her.
But could she really do it?