After arranging the freshly picked lilies and peonies neatly in the vase, Tongjia Wanying wore an unusually gentle smile and gracefully headed toward the bedchamber.
She planned to place the flowers in her sister’s room, hoping their fragrance would mask the lingering scent of medicine. Â
In truth, Tongjia Wanying knew her sister preferred peonies, while she herself favored the brightly colored roses.
But neither the peonies nor the roses had a scent as strong as the lilies, which could overpower the medicinal smell and help her sister sleep more peacefully.
So, even though she disliked the pale color of the lilies, Tongjia Wanying feigned great fondness as she met Duzhong.
“Where is sister? These flowers look beautiful, and placing them inside the chamber will surely comfort her eyes. She didn’t eat much today; perhaps her mouth feels bitter. I’ll prepare some snacks for her later.”
Duzhong looked at the lilies cradled in Tongjia Wanying’s arms, inhaled their rich scent, and smiled coldly to herself.
But on the surface, she remained expressionless, bowing respectfully. Â
“Second Lady, the mistress didn’t sleep well last night. She suddenly felt sleepy a moment ago and has already gone to bed, only instructing that she not be disturbed.”
Tongjia Wanying furrowed her brows with just the right amount of concern, her face full of worry.
“Even after drinking the calming decoction, sister still can’t sleep? Looks like we’ll have to summon the Imperial Physician to prescribe a nourishing remedy instead.”
“I heard that Consort Zhao has a palace maid skilled in health preservation who even took the pulse of the Eleventh Prince. If it’s effective, perhaps sister could ask for her help and see if she can sleep better.”
Of course, such a health-preserving palace maid was rarer than an Imperial Physician.
Given the many intimate matters involved, the physicians couldn’t do such things, especially across genders. Â
So, naturally, Consort Zhao would never lend such a maid to her sister.
That would only intensify the already tense relationship between the two. Â
‘If sister accepted such help… it would be an opportunity for both the palace and the outside world to see what kind of ungrateful wretch took over the position of Imperial Noble Consort from her.’Â
Afterward, if she entered the palace and sought to pull down Consort Zhao for sister’s revenge, it would be entirely justified, wouldn’t it?
Tongjia Wanying mulled this over silently.
She didn’t insist on entering the chamber and instead smiled faintly as she handed the vase to Duzhong, intending to drop a few more subtle hints. Â
But before she could speak, Nanny Liu, who served beside the Empress Dowager, and Li Dequan from the Office of Punishment and Investigation, accompanied by several martial nannies, entered.
Li Dequan’s face was grim as he conveyed the imperial decree: “By the Emperor’s order, during the Second Lady of the Tongjia Clan’s period of attending to illness in the palace, she has repeatedly sowed discord and spread rumors, disturbing the peace of the Imperial Noble Consort, which is unacceptable.”
“I have long recognized the Tong family’s loyalty and merits. Today, I hereby bestow the title of County Lady upon her and arrange a marriage with Jueluo Clan’s Left Secretary of the Ministry of Rites. May County Lady Tong uphold propriety and refrain from stirring trouble further.”
Tongjia Wanying’s face immediately turned pale.
The vase in her hands fell abruptly, shattering loudly across Danningju. Â
But the Imperial Noble Consort’s bedchamber remained utterly silent.
“No, this can’t be! Someone must be framing me! I must see sister to plead my case!” Tongjia Wanying quickly regained her composure and, ignoring the pain of shards cutting her hand, red-eyed, dashed forward.
Duzhong respectfully blocked her path.
“County Lady, the Imperial Noble Consort has said no disturbances are to be made.”
Tears streamed down Tongjia Wanying’s face as she cried out in desperation, her voice sharp and piercing.
“I am innocent! My personal reputation matters little, but if such a scandal spreads about a Tong family daughter, how will the other sisters marry in the future?”
“If sister doesn’t care about me, will she also ignore the entire Tong family?”
Duzhong lifted her gaze to Li Dequan, who immediately waved his hand.
“Have Nanny Liu escort the County Lady out of the palace.”
Nanny Liu despised palace rumors the most.
She did not believe in ghosts or spirits and had no ill will toward Ninth Princess, but if anyone dared to scheme against her mistress, she would ensure they suffered greatly—even beyond the grave.
Upon learning it was the Tong family, Nanny Liu’s expression grew cold.
She stepped forward to silence Tongjia Wanying and ordered the martial nannies to pack her belongings. Â
“County Lady, please be careful. I will assist you out.”
“This is Changchun Garden. Do not raise your voice or cause a scene. If you offend any nobles, it will only worsen the Tong family’s reputation.” Â
Tongjia Wanying struggled fiercely but could not break free from Nanny Liu’s seemingly simple restraints.
No matter how scheming she was, she was still just a girl in her teens.
Her face was filled with hatred as she shot Duzhong a murderous glare. Â
Surely sister must have hidden some secret from her, denying her entry to the palace!
Father was right—saying sister had no brains was not wrong at all.
Did she even remember the identity of a Tong family daughter? Â
If she had known this would happen, the moment she entered the palace, she would have replaced the tonic ingredients with those aged longer, rather than taking over sister’s resources just to keep her alive all this time!
Despite the bitter hatred stabbing at her heart, Tongjia Wanying still maintained the dignity of a noble daughter.
Once out of Danningju, she ceased struggling, her face sour as she was placed into a sedan chair bound for the palace gates. Â
***
Fang He was inside Dianthus Pavilion, putting away the telescope she had taken from Kangxi’s private treasury.
She was quite pleased and snuggled up to the Empress Dowager’s arm like a cat. Â
“You really had to step in yourself. You’re worth two people. You finally got her out of the palace.”
The Empress Dowager smiled faintly and tapped Fang He’s forehead.
“If not for the Imperial Noble Consort sending me word, I would never have followed your bold plan.”
“Do you realize that by doing this, you’ve deeply offended the Tong family? They won’t trouble the Imperial Noble Consort but will definitely cause trouble for you.”
“Tong Guogang is manageable, but Tong Guowei is petty. If you want to rise in status or have a little prince in the future and need to move in the court, you must be cautious of the Tong family’s schemes.”
Fang He pouted.
“Well, we can’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. We can’t just let such a ruthless woman wreak havoc in the palace because we fear the Tong family’s power. We’ll take it step by step. Who knows who will scheme against whom in the future.”
She helped the Empress Dowager up and whispered, “I think you and the Emperor have been restrained by the Grand Empress Dowager for so long that you’ve lost your temper.”
“After all, we are the imperial family. No matter how powerful the Tong family is, they are still just servants. How can the master have to watch the servants’ moods? Who really rules this realm?”
Wuyunzhu and the Empress Dowager shot Fang He a glare, signaling her not to invoke the Grand Empress Dowager.
Su’moer, however, chuckled softly beside them. Â
She said gently, “I think Consort Zhao’s words are reasonable. The mistress has been so harried by the troubles of the previous years, she’s probably frustrated.”
Hearing Su’moer defend her, Fang He instantly brightened and quickly invited the Empress Dowager and Su’moer to visit Yunya Guan.
“Jiujiu is at the most delightful age right now. Whenever I see her, I want to bring her the best things. Once she grows older and can talk, walk, and jump, she won’t be this adorable anymore.”
“Please, Your Majesty and Nanny Su, would you like to come and take a look?”
The Empress Dowager smiled faintly at Fang He.
“Are you really inviting me just to see the child?”
Fang He grinned obsequiously.
“Oh, how else could I persuade you to come? Do you want to see how the Emperor will scold me?”
As long as the Empress Dowager and Su’moer couldn’t bear to part with the child, Fang He could even hold her at Ruijing Pavilion for a few days, returning to Yunya Guan only after Kangxi’s anger cooled.
Both the Empress Dowager and Su’moer laughed even more heartily, clearly interested in this child with a fated connection to the Grand Empress Dowager, so they followed her to Yunya Guan.
Fang He checked the time—Jiujiu had just woken up, had finished nursing, and hadn’t fallen back asleep yet.
Perhaps hearing the noise outside, the little bundle, clutching a small cloth flower in her mouth, turned her head to look around.
Unfortunately, her vision was still limited.
Though she heard voices, she couldn’t see who was speaking. Â
But she showed no distress, continuing to chew on the cloud-colored flower, occasionally sucking on it.
Soon, saliva dribbled from her rosy lips onto her apricot-colored bib. Â
Fang He helped the Empress Dowager and Su’moer wash their hands and change out of their slightly damp outerwear before cheerfully leading them over.
Her voice unintentionally lifted, Fang He said, “I wonder whose temperament Jiujiu inherited? She’s so calm and lazy, like a little cat. Isn’t that unusual?”
She gently kissed Jiujiu’s cheek.
Upon seeing her, Jiujiu immediately smiled with her toothless mouth, babbled, and reached out as if to offer the flower to Fang He.
But she couldn’t hold it, and it rolled aside. Â
Xinke hurriedly picked it up.
“Could these cloth flowers carry impurities?” the Empress Dowager asked reflexively.
Fang He smiled and explained, “They are replaced every few hours and are boiled in water and sun-dried.”
Since there was no pacifier, and wooden ones might hurt the baby, Fang He had prepared these for Jiujiu, who would soon start teething in a month or so.
They could stimulate her vision and relieve the itching gums. Â
The Empress Dowager nodded in understanding.
Cleanliness was what mattered most. Â
She cradled the baby and, sitting with Su’moer standing nearby, watched the little white bundle whose complexion was fairer than milk cakes, her expression growing softer by the moment.
Watching Jiujiu’s big, glossy eyes reaching for the flower on the Empress Dowager’s headdress, Su’moer’s deep sadness seemed to ease considerably.
She said, “I think the Ninth Princess’s temperament must have come from the Emperor. He was just like this as a child—never hurried, never impatient, very composed.”
She didn’t mention that such children were often stubborn and troublesome, likely to become little princesses with a hard head.
Fang He didn’t mind who Jiujiu resembled.
She was always herself, and Fang He would use every means to ensure Jiujiu lived happily.
She teased with a smile, “Just as long as she’s not as stubborn as the Emperor. Otherwise, when Jiujiu learns to talk, we mother and daughter might end up quarreling.”
The Empress Dowager and Su’moer exchanged looks, then couldn’t help laughing again.
It was quite possible.
Just considering how much trouble Fang He and the Emperor had caused since her entering the palace was enough proof. Â
“Better to be stubborn like me than to learn your reckless ways.”
“If you fear quarreling with Jiujiu, just have her move in with me.”
Kangxi entered the room with a faint smile.
That gentleman didn’t bother to ask anyone to announce his arrival or listen at the door…
Fang He puffed out her cheeks, feeling guilty, and obediently crouched down with Su’moer. Â
Kangxi lifted her by the arms, seating himself beside the Empress Dowager.
Watching Jiujiu’s gaze follow the jade ornament on his hat, his smile grew more genuine.
“Look, Imperial Mother, doesn’t the little Buddha’s gaze seem especially alert? When she grows up, she should be sharper-eyed than her mother. At least she’ll know to bring me a cup of tea.”
Fang He smiled politely as Cui Wei entered with tea at the doorway.
She suppressed a chuckle and handed the tea to Fang He, who placed it before Kangxi. Â
Seeing Kangxi’s sour expression, the Empress Dowager exchanged a glance with Su’moer, then picked up Jiujiu.
“I see the child is getting sleepy. It’s time to have the Wet Nurse lull her to sleep. I am tired as well. I shall return to Ruijing Pavilion. You two talk.”
Fang He immediately reached out, “Please don’t!”
Kangxi calmly took her hand before she could pull away, smiling as he escorted the Empress Dowager out.
Once the Empress Dowager passed through Yunya Guan’s main gate, Fang He quickly pulled her hand free and dashed off.
“Oh no, I forgot! Jiujiu must nap in the cradle during the day and only sleeps in the bed at night. I’ll have her brought back immediately!”
Kangxi stepped forward with measured calm, standing at the door like a guardian blocking her path.
Outside, Cui Wei swiftly shut the door, telling the two to “have a good talk” inside.
Fang He growled, “Cui Wei, just you wait!” Â
Kangxi eyed her calmly as she quietly shuffled back.
“Storming into the Golden Throne Hall, hmm?”
Fang He glanced at the antique shelf out of the corner of her eye, weighing her chances of escaping through the window.
She smiled more coquettishly at his words. Â
“Your servant only feared the Emperor would be misled by traitors, so in a moment of desperation, she had to act.”
Kangxi leisurely stepped forward and asked,  “So this is the result of your reflection, left all alone in Yunya Guan after chasing me away?” Â
Fang He retreated hurriedly, almost tripping over a stool, and explained in a dry tone.
“Well, Your servant truly reflected deeply and knows she shouldn’t be jealous. This isn’t about suggesting the Tong family daughter enter the palace…”
Kangxi’s long strides quickly closed the distance; there were few places for Fang He to hide in the hall.
He caught her and placed her on the low table. Â
He leaned on the table’s sides, trapping her, and pinched her cheek.
“First demanding something excessive, then switching to something easier to grant—should I be glad you’re somewhat sensible?”
Fang He gave up struggling and hugged Kangxi’s waist, resting her head against his chest.
“So the Emperor thinks the heart can only hold one person—is that an unreasonable demand?”
“So my heart shouldn’t hold only the Emperor?”
Kangxi pressed a long finger to her forehead with a blank expression.
“Only me? What about Jiujiu? The Empress Dowager? Your people at Yunya Guan? Jiang…”
“The Emperor is trying to confuse the matter!” Fang He interrupted boldly, drawing circles on his chest with her small hand.
“Human emotions are complicated—there’s love, kinship, friendship, and so on.”
“Kinship and friendship can hold many, but the place reserved for love should only hold one.”
She took Kangxi’s hand and placed it over her heart.
“Don’t you believe me? The only man who lives in my heart is you. For now, at least. We’ll see when I have a son.”
“After all, you’re the only boss of my life. I must keep Kangxi in my heart so I can always send regards to the Aisin Gioro ancestors.”
“Smooth talk!” Kangxi snorted but didn’t want to argue about the petty matters of the Crown Prince.
He lifted Fang He from the low table and made her stand before him.
“Tell me honestly—how did you persuade the Crown Prince and Mingzhu to work for you?”
Seeing the serious scrutiny in Kangxi’s eyes, Fang He knew this was his main concern.
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