“Don’t tell me it was unavoidable. If you truly wanted to hide where the Emperor couldn’t find you, with your daring and cunning, it wouldn’t have been impossible.”
“True,” Fang He nodded along.
“I could’ve turned bandit, hidden in the mountains, or holed up in some remote corner for the rest of my life.”
She lifted her head, meeting Xiaozhuang’s gaze earnestly.
“But I ran away to live better, more freely. I’ve done nothing wrong-why should I become an outlaw, cut off from the world forever? Why should my descendants, or those who helped me, be forced into the shadows because of my selfishness?”
A flicker of disdain crossed Xiaozhuang’s eyes.
“If you were truly clear-headed, you shouldn’t have fled. This whole ordeal was just to make the Emperor values you more, doesn’t he?”
“Perhaps.” Fang He neither confirmed nor denied it.
The moment she ran, she had prepared for the worst.
If she couldn’t escape forever, she’d need the best possible outcome-keeping Kangxi’s attention, turning his passing fancy into something deeper, had always been within her calculations.
Without waiting for Xiaozhuang to press further, Fang He continued with a smile, “Auntie Su’moer once praised my clarity of mind, and I don’t think I’m a fool either.”
“I fled to live better. And if I’m back, it’s because I intend to live better still-without losing that clarity.”
“If you’re worried I’ll become a femme fatale, don’t be. I fear death more than anyone, and the thought of others watching my rise and fall with glee? The mere idea makes me lose my appetite!”
Xiaozhuang: “……”
You measure your meals in bowls?
She tried to maintain a stern expression as she coldly demanded, “If you wish to thrive in the palace, where all honor comes from the emperor, how can you assure me you won’t become arrogant with favor or commit foolish acts?”
Fang He then rose to kneel, raising her hand solemnly.
“If Your Majesty truly understood my character, such questions wouldn’t be necessary. For every kindness shown, I return tenfold; for every slight against me, I repay in full measure.”
“Above all, I would never harm the ancestral legacy of the Aisin-Gioro clan, for it is the foundation of my own survival.”
“While gaining favor inevitably leads to some arrogance-why else would I seek it?—I would remain the most clear-headed among the favored consorts.”
“I swear by the ancestors of the Xu Jia clan that I shall never harm a child, no matter their misdeeds. Even if they do something stupid, I would hold their parents accountable.”
“All my actions, good or ill, shall be done openly-or may I be reborn as a beast for eternity!”
Like any employment pledge, such words were easy to utter.
Few could truly adhere to every rule, after all the interpretation always remained with the speaker.
Thus Fang He spoke with utmost sincerity, every syllable heartfelt in that moment.
Much like merchants’ extravagant promises before a sale, only to offer excuses when problems arose… as any experienced buyer knew too well.
Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang studied her intently before remarking to Su’moer in Mongolian, “I told you this girl was extraordinary. No wonder Kangxi keeps her in his thoughts.”
“Compared to Wulinzhu’s soft-hearted avoidance, this one is better suited to palace life. Should she gain favor, she’d fare better than those willingly controlled by their maternal families.”
Fang He blinked, having forgotten to mention during her idle days in Jiangnan, anticipating future thank-you letters to wealthy patrons, she’d learned some Mongolian from Sister Naren.
Now she employed her finest acting skills, feigning complete incomprehension as she gazed blankly at Su’moer.
Su’moer didn’t explain, merely replying in Mongolian with a smile, “Then why insist on keeping her? Your conflict with His Majesty only makes him think of her more.”
Xiaozhuang snorted lightly before addressing Fang He again.
“Rise. If you can behave properly without scandal until year’s end, I shall grant you the rank of Noble Lady by decree.”
Rubbing her knees as she stood, Fang He muttered just loud enough to hear, “Your Majesty is far stingier than the Emperor; he lured me to court in Jiangnan with promises of eight-course banquets.”
Xiaozhuang and Su’moer: “……”
These two rascals seemed determined to be the death of someone.
Xiaozhuang chuckled meaningfully.
“Should you last peacefully in the palace until winter, promoting you to Concubine isn’t impossible.”
Catching the implication, Fang He cursed inwardly this probation period was proving more arduous than the journey to the Western Heaven for scriptures.
Having passed Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang’s test, Fang He still faced eighty-one more trials in the imperial harem—all just to become a concubine…
She couldn’t help feeling it wasn’t worth it.
This time, she was still lodged next to Su’moer.
But unlike before, the furnishings in her room had been replaced with fine items suitable for honored guests.
Chunlai continued to serve her as usual.
Fang He only needed to accompany the grand empress dowager in Buddhist prayers daily, attending to Xiaozhuang just like Su’moer did.
During the evening meal, Yu Quangui stood by the door to report.
“Your Majesty, the Emperor visited Chengqian Palace earlier and is now dining at Yikun Palace.”
Xiaozhuang cast a knowing glance at Fang He—at least Kangxi hadn’t lost all sense.
She calmly ordered, “Bring me the imperial consort records tomorrow.”
It would do the girl good to rein in her presumptuous thoughts and sober up.
Even if the Emperor favored her, he wouldn’t halt his duties for her sake.
Ever since Huang Taiji’s time, Xiaozhuang had understood that being a good emperor and a devoted husband were fundamentally incompatible-otherwise, Hailanzhu wouldn’t have died so young.
Fang He stood by with a smile, selecting low-sugar yet flavorful dishes for Xiaozhuang’s plate as if she hadn’t heard a thing.
Even if Kangxi had the inclination to exclusively favor someone which he didn’t—and even if he dared promise her sole affection, she’d have to flee for her life, as that would be her death warrant.
But so what?
The moment she received his favor on the dragon boat, she had already abandoned the principles of her past life.
What use were love and romance?
Could they fill her stomach?
She’d be better off figuring out how to arrange Naren’s and Yunsheng’s marriage or how to climb the ranks faster…
Only by arming herself to the teeth could she protect the family she cherished.
Yet the next morning, when Xiaozhuang awoke, Yu Quangui brought news she hadn’t expected.
“After dinner, His Majesty visited Yonghe Palace to see the little princess and the Thirteenth Prince, then returned to Qianqing Palace and worked through the night with his ministers.”
“Just now, Liang Jiugong came on His Majesty’s behalf to apologize. Heavy rains and hailstorms in Jiangnan this June have killed many. The local magistrate mishandled the situation, leading to an outbreak of plague…”
Fang He’s breath hitched.
“Jiangnan? Which part?”
She had just finished writing to Naren-could the letter still be sent?
Xiaozhuang, interrupted, exchanged an amused glance with Su’moer.
When it came to Kangxi visiting the harem, the girl showed no urgency, yet now she was frantic.
Xiaozhuang saw it clearly-Kangxi might harbor some genuine affection for her, but this girl…
The two still had a long way to go.
As Yu Quangui looked to her, Xiaozhuang nodded faintly.
“Is it severe? If so, have the imperial consorts copy sutras. I shall also donate silver for the Emperor’s relief efforts.”
“Who?”
Yu Quangui hurriedly replied, “From what this servant gathered, the Suzhou region was hit hardest. Liang Jiugong didn’t elaborate further.”
Fang He immediately knelt before Xiaozhuang.
“Venerable Ancestor, this servant wishes to send a letter home… to Shengjing.”
“His Majesty toils day and night and likely neglects his meals. May I be permitted to bring him some refreshments?”
Xiaozhuang didn’t stop her after all, only Kangxi knew Fang He’s true identity and her connection to Jiangnan.
“Then take Liu Mo with you and don’t delay too long, lest you interfere with important state affairs.”
Fang He understood Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang’s implied warning against mischief and nodded hastily.
At this moment, she felt like visiting a grave-hardly in the mood for any antics.
She fetched some pastries from the kitchen and hurried toward the imperial quarters with Liu Mo and Chunlai, both of whom she had dealt with before at the hot spring palace.
Li Dequan spotted Fang He from afar and quickly approached.
“His Majesty anticipated your visit and requests your presence.”
Liu Mo took the food box and whispered, “Her Majesty still expects you to serve lunch-don’t dawdle.”
Fang He nodded absently and rushed into the Hongde Hall.
Inside, she found Emperor Kangxi lounging leisurely on a couch, his deep gaze fixed on her… tinged with something like resentment.
Fang He rubbed the goosebumps on her arm and halted.
“Your Majesty lied to Her Majesty?”
If Jiangnan truly faced disaster, Kangxi would never be this relaxed.
With a cold snort, he pulled her into his arms and nipped lightly at her neck.
“Ungrateful wretch. I did it for—”
Fang He muffled a yelp and silently cursed for himself, obviously!
When he tried to move lower, she yanked his ears and forced his head up.
“Explain first! What’s really going on?”
Kangxi sighed and freed his ears.
“Hailstorms are common in early summer. Did you think I’d wait until returning to the capital to handle it?”
“I had physicians and medicine prepared. Though it spread, it wasn’t severe.”
He added sternly, “The palace isn’t like the outside world. If anyone sees my reddened ears, either Grandmother punishes you, or everyone here suffers for it-no more tugging.”
He pecked her forehead.
“And no more biting!”
Exhausted from the rushed journey back from Jiangnan, he had little energy for state affairs.
But with Fang He newly returned, the Empress Dowager would be watching closely.
Avoiding the harem to appease her would only raise suspicions especially with his chest wounds hidden.
Fang He relaxed and teased, blinking innocently as she halfheartedly rubbed his chest.
“I didn’t mean to. You told me to learn from you—I just haven’t mastered it yet.”
Kangxi flushed at her shameless words and swatted her rear.
“Enough. Tell me exactly what you said to Grandmother.”
“Every detail, so I can arrange things before she blocks your return.”
“No need to worry.” Fang He smiled politely at her otherwise incompetent boss.
“Her Majesty is far more generous-she’s promised to decree me a concubine by year’s end.”
She omitted the “noble” title, hoping these competitive relatives would keep… escalating.
Kangxi lifted her chin, studying her.
“As I thought there’s no one your silver tongue can’t charm.”
Pulling her closer, he admitted his own cravings after days of restraint during their travels.
Fang He, afraid this lord would wrinkle her clothes, quickly pushed him away.
“I have a letter for Sister Naren, and I was hoping you could deliver it to Jiangnan for me.”
“Hmm?”
Kangxi raised an eyebrow slightly, tapping her nose with a smile.
“This time, you’re actually asking for my help, aren’t you?”
Fang He didn’t even blink.
“Yes, yes, yes! I’m begging you, begging you, begging you!”
Kangxi: “……”
Back when she was vying for his favor, she hadn’t been this quick to yield.
But for someone else’s sake, she could bend and stretch effortlessly.
Even if it was for a woman, it still irked him.
His expression darkened slightly as he stroked her back, speaking deliberately.
“Many people seek my favor, and I have something to tell you -when asking for help, one must have the right attitude.”
Fang He: “……”
Oh, so now you’re putting on airs?
She tugged at the corner of her lips.
“Are you sure about that?”
Kangxi arched a brow, smiling without a word.
Fang He placed her hand on the hibiscus-patterned collar of her robe and said sweetly, “Then, Your Majesty, you’ll have to let me go first so I can get up!”
Kangxi’s Adam’s apple bobbed imperceptibly before he released her, allowing her to rise.
Truthfully, he hadn’t planned on doing anything.
Being outside the palace was different-if word got out that he indulged in daytime dalliances, both his and Fang He’s reputations would be ruined.
But seeing the shimmer in Fang He’s clear eyes and hearing her soft, intoxicating voice, he hesitated again.
News from the Qianqing Palace wasn’t so easily leaked.
Maybe doing something wouldn’t be so bad after all…
Before he could finish deliberating, Fang He’s hand slid down from her collar, pulling out a handkerchief to dab at her eyes as she began her lament with a mournful look.
“Your Majesty once promised to give me an explanation for the incident where someone tripped me and nearly cost me my life. Where is that explanation?”
Kangxi: “……”
Dealing with Rong Shang wasn’t something that could be done overnight—it required patience.
Fang He’s gaze turned icy.
“And what about Imperial Physician Qin? Have you looked into that matter?”
Kangxi pressed a hand to his temple.
“I…”
That wasn’t the sincerity he wanted!
She flicked her handkerchief and planted her hands on her hips.
“You dragged me here from Jiangnan like some bandit. The ancestral matriarch granted me the rank of concubine on your behalf, but I haven’t even received my monthly stipend. I’ve been spending my own money to serve you-what more sincerity do you want?”
A cold laugh.
In her past life at the hotel and now at the inn, she had honed her skills-she could shame someone to death without uttering a single vulgar word.
Kangxi, now looking thoroughly chastised, rubbed his temples.
“I was only teasing you…”
“I don’t like jokes that cost me money! If I don’t argue with you for a day, do the courtiers inflate your ego so much?” Fang He retorted.
Kangxi sighed helplessly.
“Didn’t I advance you ten thousand taels of silver before…”
“That was from Cao Yin! Oh… now I remember you still owe me a dowry!” Fang He’s feigned irritation turned genuine as she spoke.
She stared at him in disbelief, lowering her voice.
“Don’t tell me you thought taking me in meant you could skip out on paying my dowry?”
“Heavens, open your eyes! I’ve only heard of corrupt officials getting beheaded-why don’t you make your ministers suffer losses too?”
“Fine, I’ll ask the matriarch to send my letter. From now on, I’ll serve her at bedtime and never-mmph!”
Kangxi, torn between amusement and frustration, found himself unable to out-argue this little wretch.
He could only pull her close and silence her infuriating mouth with his own.
Kangxi kissed Fang He until she was nearly breathless, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
Only then did the emperor’s previously wounded heart find some comfort.
Yet fearing he might drive her away-making future stolen kisses…ahem, future encounters with this rascal difficult he had no choice but to coax her.
“Consider this my apology, alright?” he said, pressing his thumb against Fang He’s slightly swollen lips to prevent any retorts that might anger him further.
“The silver owed to you, along with your monthly allowance, I’ve kept it all. Next time you come before me, I’ll take you to retrieve it.”
When Fang He straightened her garments and exited the hall, she was met with awestruck gazes from Li Dequan and Wei Zhu.
These eunuchs had only ever witnessed people groveling before His Majesty, kowtowing so low they might as well be prostrate in the dust while begging for imperial favor.
Today, they witnessed something unprecedented, someone obtaining the emperor’s favor without a single humble word, instead receiving mountains of gold and silver.
Remembering the room full of golden boxes in Jingren Palace, Wei Zhu’s worldview underwent a seismic shift.
“Eh!?”
Suddenly, striving for the emperor’s favor didn’t seem so appealing.
Perhaps serving his elder sister instead might one day earn him the privilege of having Li Dequan address him as “grandfather.”