Yet this vixen had the gall to provoke His Majesty’s fury, only to enchant him like a demon immediately after, securing undiminished favor.
If this continued, soon even imperial heirs might emerge from that wretch’s womb, forcing noble-born ladies like them to bow to her!
The more Consort Xi thought about it, the angrier she grew.
Her loose tongue was notorious enough for even Kangxi to know of it.
By nature, she was not one to endure quietly had it not been for the advantage of her family name, she would never have attained her rank.
Upon arriving at the Changchun Garden, the palace servants and eunuchs from the Imperial Household Department swiftly guided each mistress to their respective quarters.
The Grand Empress Dowager and Empress Dowager resided in the Ruijing Pavilion, while the Noble Consort occupied the grandest Danning Residence.
Consort Yi stayed in the Yunsong Pavilion, Consort De in the Wanfang Studio, and the six accompanying concubines, including Consort Ping, were all lodged far away near the Back Lake at the Ningchun Hall, Huifang Villa, and Yuanjian Studio.
Only Fang He was assigned to the Yunya Pavilion, situated between the Ruijing Pavilion and the Emperor’s residence, Chunhui Hall.
Though Yunya Pavilion wasn’t as spacious as other places, it was the only two-story building within Changchun Garden, surrounded by water on three sides with a perfect view of the front lake.
Backed by the imperial quarters, it never got too cold.
In contrast, the abodes of Noble Consort Xi and Noble Consort Ping Yuanjian Studio-were wedged beside the Temple of the Earth God, perpetually reeking of sandalwood incense that gave them headaches.
With lakes on both sides, the drafty corridors could send shivers down one’s spine even in midsummer.
Noble Consort Ping, yet to gain favor and naturally timid, dared not complain.
But Noble Consort Xi fumed, slamming things around in her room while muttering curses under her breath.
Two days later, when the consorts gathered at Ruijing Pavilion to pay respects to Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang, Noble Consort Xi nearly choked on her own bitterness at the sight of Fang He’s radiant, fair complexion flushed with the glow of spring.
His Majesty had claimed Yunya Pavilion still needed preparations, keeping Fang He lodged near the imperial quarters yet again.
The other consorts wore similarly sour expressions, though the recent reprimands from the Empress Dowager and Emperor kept them barely composed.
But Noble Consort Xi refused to swallow this injustice.
How could the Emperor show such blatant favoritism?
It made her blood boil.
After the greetings, she deliberately stepped in front of Fang He, signaling Lady Weibin to block her path.
With a honeyed smile, she cooed, “Rumors say Sister Zhao suffered His Majesty’s punishment yet remains favored. How intriguing! Won’t you share your methods with us, so we might avoid disappointing the Empress Dowager again?”
The Noble Consort had no patience for this.
Exhausted beyond measure yet plagued by sleepless nights, she boarded her palanquin and departed swiftly.
But Consorts Rong, Yi, and De lingered by their palanquins, subtly eavesdropping on the exchange.
Fang He was momentarily speechless-not from lack of retorts, but from the sheer absurdity of the question.
She eyed Noble Consort Xi slowly before drawling, “You want me to reveal how I please His Majesty… after opening with an insult? Do you think I’d actually tell you? How stupid would I have to be?”
“Pfft ” Consort An accidentally snorted, hastily covering her mouth behind Consort Jing.
Even Consort Jing and the oft-bullied Consort Ping stifled smiles.
Truthfully, not all consorts despised Fang He.
Many low-ranked ladies-in-waiting secretly revered her like a bodhisattva.
But knowing her strained relations with higher-ranked consorts, none dared openly ally with her.
Yet hearing Fang He’s sharp tongue, the long-suppressed Consort An felt temptation stir.
As for Noble Consort Xi-far from cowed-she merely arched a brow and sneered.
In verbal sparring, she feared no one.
“Didn’t Consort Zhao say we’re all sisters? Why should we stand in ceremony when speaking between sisters?”
After a pause, her gaze swept over Fang He’s chin before she let out a scornful laugh.
“Besides, if someone dares to act, they should dare to own it. I haven’t even had the chance to ask Sister Zhao what it feels like to be slapped. Why don’t you enlighten us properly?”
Fang He’s smile faded.
This was a challenge she couldn’t refuse.
With a troubled expression, she looked at Consort Xi and said: “Do you really want to know?”
Consort Xi scoffed, “Why else would I ask? I’m sure all our sisters are curious. After all, we’ve served His Majesty for years, yet none of us have ever had such… remarkable skills!”
Fang He widened her eyes, sweeping a shocked glance around the room before fixing on Consort Xi.
With an infuriatingly pitiful look, like a delicate white flower, she pressed-
“Are you certain you wish to know, Your Grace?”
“No need to beat around the bush, Sister. If you don’t want to say, we won’t force you. After all, family scandals-” Consort Xi sneered, cutting in.
But Fang He didn’t let her finish.
Swiftly stepping forward, she swung her arm in a full arc and delivered a resounding slap.
The sharp crack of the blow startled Consort Duan and Consort Ping, their eyes wide in disbelief.
Consort An thumped her chest, choking back laughter she was nearly coughing from suppressed mirth!
Consort Xi was sent sprawling to the ground, her maids failing to catch her as they tumbled together, a testament to the force behind Fang He’s strike.
Clutching her cheek, Consort Xi glared up in disbelief.
“How dare you! You—”
“Didn’t Your Grace want to know how it feels to be slapped?”
Fang He wiped her hands with a handkerchief handed by Cui Wei, smiling carelessly.
“I, your humble servant, am good at many things but words fail me when it comes to describing such sensations. I thought it best to let Your Grace experience it firsthand.”
Looking down at Consort Xi as she staggered to her feet, Fang He asked sweetly, “Well? How does it feel?”
Without waiting for an answer, she swept another glance around the room, her smile widening.
“If any other sisters are curious, though my hand aches… we are family. I’d be happy to oblige.”
The others: “….”
Consort Duan, blocking the path, and timid Consort Ping instinctively retreated.
No, no-we’re not that curious after all!
By the time Emperor Kangxi arrived, the courtyard was still in chaos.
Consort Xi, unwilling to take the humiliation lying down, had clamored for retaliation.
When restrained, she burst into tears, demanding justice from the Empress Dowager.
“What is this commotion?” Kangxi frowned at the uproar, his voice sharp.
His gaze instinctively sought Fang He first.
Seeing her standing unharmed beside Cui Wei, he turned back to Consort Xi.
“Do you not know where you are? Disturbing Her Majesty’s peace—if you continue, return to your palace at once!”
Consort Xi’s tears, initially feigned, now fell in earnest.
She dropped to her knees before the emperor, weeping profusely.
“Your Majesty, grant this humble one justice!”
“I was speaking civilly with Consort Zhao when-without provocation-she struck me across the face!”
“She holds the same rank as I! If I must endure such humiliation, how can I go on living?”
Kangxi: “……”
As the emperor, even he had been slapped without recourse.
What justice could he possibly deliver for Consort Xi?
He resisted the urge to look at Fang He’s hand and calmly glanced at the tightly shut doors of Ruijing Hall.
Last time when she’d slapped him, that wretch’s hand had swollen for days.
If not for the little palace maid in her quarters who knew medicine, he would’ve sent the imperial physician over to check on her.
Now hearing Consort Xi’s words, he felt both helpless and amused-had this troublemaker developed a habit of hitting people?
Knowing Consort Xi’s past temperament, Emperor Kangxi was well aware how much exaggeration lay in her claim of being “unprovoked.”
Had Fang He truly been unreasonable, the Empress Dowager would’ve long summoned family discipline.
Yet he couldn’t appear too biased either.
Feigning anger, he coldly demanded, “What happened?”
Fang He was never one to stay silent.
Quite pleased with Kangxi’s response this time, she first rewarded him with a sweet smile before leisurely answering.
“Three reasons justify this servant striking Consort Xi. First, she presumptuously discussed Your Majesty’s affairs, gossiped about imperial bedchamber matters, and mocked them an act of disrespect.”
“Secondly, this servant repeatedly asked Consort Xi whether she wished to experience being slapped, to which she explicitly consented each time.”
“Thirdly, while reluctant to reopen old wounds, this servant had to consider Consort Xi’s admonishment that ‘sisters should share everything.’ After deliberation, having her personally experience the consequences seemed the only way to prevent further slander against our master.”
Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang: “……”
So much for being inarticulate.
Seated by the window on a daybed, she watched the Grand Empress Dowager stifle laughter behind her sleeves, shaking her head in exasperated amusement.
Xiaozhuang had heard Consort Xi’s initial complaint.
With the Grand Empress Dowager present-who couldn’t bear seeing Fang He bullied, especially by the gossip-prone Consort Xi-they’d positioned themselves nearby, ready to intervene.
But Xiaozhuang knew better.
Noble Consort Zhao needed no assistance that girl could argue her way out of wrongdoing, let alone when she had justification.
If she didn’t turn heaven and earth upside down, it wasn’t her.
Frankly, Xiaozhuang couldn’t handle the commotion.
At her age, wasn’t it natural for her hearing to fail occasionally?
Outside, Kangxi nearly laughed aloud.
Suppressing his amusement, he frowned and pointed warningly at Fang He’s head from afar, signaling her to stop before Consort Xi got provoked into threatening suicide a scenario he fully believed possible given Fang He’s infuriating talents.
His gaze swept indifferently over the concubines gathered in the courtyard.
“Is Noble Consort Zhao’s account accurate?”
“Absolutely! This servant heard her confirm twice!” Consort An whispered behind her hand.
Consort Ping still bearing baby fat-nodded instinctively before paling abruptly, twisting her fingers in silence.
Others hesitated to offend Consort Xi, knowing her penchant for troublesome gossip.
Only Consort Yi remained unfazed.
“This consort was departing when I overheard Sister Xi’s remarks. Even outside, I heard Sister Zhao’s repeated inquiries that slap wasn’t undeserved.”
Consort De interjected gently, “Though Sister Zhao’s method was improper, Sister Xi provoked her first. Perhaps mutual apologies would preserve sisterly harmony.”
Consort Xi refused to apologize, kneeling stubbornly with gritted teeth as silent tears fell.
Fang He sneered inwardly.
How typically performative had she intended to apologize, she wouldn’t have struck in the first place.
Rubbing her head with exaggerated gentleness surpassing even Consort De’s…
The white flowers swayed gently a few times before weakly nestling into Cui Wei’s embrace.
“Ah… I used too much strength just now, my head feels…”
Kangxi: “……”
Did you just slap Consort Xi with your head?
“Enough! The moment you step out of the palace, you cause such a commotion. Have you forgotten the palace rules? Since both of you are at fault, go back and copy them—”
“Ouch! My hand hurts so much! Cui Wei, quickly take a look-is my right wrist broken?”
Fang He cradled her wrist with a soft moan.
Her exaggerated and brazen demeanor left the concubines in the courtyard utterly speechless.
Kangxi clenched his jaw for a moment, pinched the bridge of his nose to steady himself, and finished his decree.
“All of you, return to your quarters for self-reflection! Copy the palace rules ten times. You may not leave until you’ve finished!”
Turning, he whispered an order to Liang Jiugong, then ignored the spectacle in the courtyard and went inside to pay his respects to Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang.
Once Kangxi left, Fang He dropped the act.
Calm and composed, she offered a graceful bow to Consort Yi, Consort Rong, and Consort De before striding out without so much as a glance at Consort Xi.
Truth be told, her audacity rivaled even the legendary Consort Xuan’s in her prime.
Few had witnessed Consort Xuan’s arrogance firsthand, so the concubines present were both shocked and bewildered.
How could Consort Zhao act so boldly without fear of displeasing His Majesty and losing favor?
Yet the moment she stepped out of Ruijing Pavilion, Li Dequan approached with a bow and a smile.
“His Majesty, concerned about the injury to Consort Zhao’s hand and wishing to spare her undue hardship, has instructed this servant to escort you to Chunhui Hall.
A royal physician will examine you so you may begin copying the rules sooner.”
The concubines are still gaping in shock behind her: “…”
Even Consort Yi and Consort Rong were numb to it all by now.
Oh, so this “house arrest” is at Chunhui Hall?
Might as well say His Majesty is confining himself with her.
As for whether she’d actually copy the rules…
Given her fearless attitude, what could the Emperor even do if she refused?
Consort De lowered her gaze, masking the darkness in her eyes, her smile fading.
She had seen other concubines favored before-Imperial Noble Consort, Consort Yi, Consort Rong, even herself at the height of their influence.
But none of them, when breaking the rules, had ever received such blatant partiality from His Majesty.
She took a deep breath, steadying herself.
No need to rush.
Having Consort Zhao remain in the Emperor’s presence had its advantages.
Noticing Fang He standing beside her palanquin, waiting for the three senior consorts to depart first, Consort De gave her a cordial smile before glancing at Consort Yi and Consort Rong.
Only after they boarded their palanquins did she enter hers, heading toward Wanfang Zhai.
Fang He watched silently as the three consorts parted ways at the crossroads, her gaze lingering imperceptibly longer on Consort De’s palanquin.
Among the palace maids and eunuchs she had cross-referenced so far, two from the imperial kitchen a pastry chef and his apprentice had also interacted with Qin Xin.
Four Xin, Liu Xi, Chen Shun, and Cui Wei had all been thoroughly vetted with no issues.
They could be considered her own people now.
Fule was already by her side; the others would need more time to assess.
She was curious would Consort De dare to make a move under the Emperor’s nose?
Catching a thief required catching them red-handed…
By the time Kangxi returned to Chunhui Hall, Fang He had already applied her ointment and was sitting obediently at the small desk prepared for her, diligently copying the palace rules.
Though every few lines, she would pause to rub her wrist, her posture earnest but her progress decidedly slow.
Kangxi scoffed inwardly.
This troublemaker was a master of theatrics.
He picked up Fang He’s handwriting and glanced at it.
“Your calligraphy has improved quite a bit. Now you know how to act cute in front of me, but earlier in public, why didn’t you think to save me some face?”
Fang He rose hesitantly, hooking Kangxi’s fingers with hers and giving them a gentle shake.
“Although your concubine had her reasons, nothing escapes Your Majesty’s notice. I did it deliberately, so no one would dare bully me again.”
“I was wrong, punish me… or how about punishing me by not letting me eat? If I go hungry, won’t you stop being angry with me?”
Kangxi pinched her cheek with an amused expression.
“Even when admitting fault, you don’t miss a chance to play the victim. If I let you go hungry again, how many years would you hold it against me?”
Fang He tilted her head up, lightly nuzzling against his dragon robe.
“Well, the wife follows the husband’s lead. Since you’re being petty, I have to… Ah!”
Suddenly, Kangxi clamped an arm around her waist and carried her into the hall with a single hand, nearly flipping her upside down in the process.
She quickly pleaded, “I was wrong, wrong, wro—”
Before she could finish saying it three times, Kangxi deposited her among the bed curtains and immediately pressed down, silencing that endlessly complaining mouth.
Since this was meant to be punishment, no matter how many palace rules she copied, this little troublemaker wouldn’t take it to heart.
Might as well choose a punishment method that pleased him instead.
“Weren’t you going to give me a little prince? Once you’re with child, I’ll waive your punishment.”
Trapped with no escape, Fang He’s pitiful whimpers proved useless against her “good brother.”
Forced to cling to him again and again, she couldn’t get a single word out, only managing to stubbornly roll her eyes at Kangxi.
Later generations would say it to the point of cliché-whether a prince or princess is born depends on the bull’s capability, not the quality of the field.
Unfortunately, this man had no awareness whatsoever.
Not only that, he keenly detected Fang He’s provocation, letting out an angry chuckle.
He’d originally planned to let her have lunch, but since this little troublemaker had asked to go hungry, how could he disappoint her?