Late summer afternoon, the weather was warm and clear, with not a cloud in the sky.
The innocent and adorable little palace maid was being bullied by the steward nanny, forced to trim the flowers and plants under the blazing sun in Changchun Garden.
Yet, she remained optimistic and diligent in her duties.
She thought that as long as she did her work properly without any accidents, she could happily eat a few melons the next day.
And, unsurprisingly, an accident happened.
Just as she was about to finish her task, a wolf in sheep’s clothing—a particularly arrogant big-tailed wolf—passed by with weapons in hand and set his sights on the poor, innocent girl.
“Wuwu… What do you want to do? In name, a palace maid is the Emperor’s woman. Aren’t you afraid the Emperor will kill you?” the little palace maid stammered, pushing him away.
The hoarse, smiling voice answered leisurely, “If neither of us says anything, who will know?”
The little palace maid struggled, kicking and squirming, “I—I insist on telling! Help—”
Her cries for help were swallowed by the wolf, unable to withstand his sharp claws.
He grabbed her tightly by the waist, and before she could react, he dragged her into a fake mountain cave.
“Then I’ll devour you alive. No one will know, right?” The hoarse voice deepened, accompanied by the tearing of fabric, filling her with helpless despair.
The little palace maid gritted her teeth and kicked the big-tailed wolf out of the cave, tumbling into the bushes together.
She tried to wrest the blade from his hand, hoping to strike first.
But this was just what the big-tailed wolf wanted.
Covering her hand that held the sharp blade, perhaps noticing that this little palace maid was surprisingly talented, fragrant, soft, and gifted, he began teaching her sword techniques.
The deep male voice grew hoarser, tinged with excitement at the hunt, “If you learn well enough to satisfy me, I’ll spare your life, otherwise—ah…”
“Wuwu… I’m learning, I’m learning, please not so fast…” The little palace maid’s eyes brimmed with tears, too exhausted to even breathe steadily.
Unfortunately, having never studied martial arts before, the little palace maid was physically drained, tears streaming endlessly, yet she just couldn’t master the “Blade Draw and Scatter Flowers” move.
She cried harder, “Wuwu… I’m so tired. I don’t want to learn anymore. You might as well just kill me…”
Hidden by the overlapping ridges, the big-tailed wolf’s low, content laugh could be heard—half coaxing, half teasing, with a hint of pride.
“Good girl, almost there, just hold on a bit longer.”
***
Outside, Liang Jiugong and Chunlai, responsible for guarding the area and keeping people away, exchanged glances, their faces flushed.
Even though they had served their master for a long time and seen much, the two never expected their masters to come up with such new antics.
Liang Jiugong worried, the mourning period had just ended.
If word got out that Yunya Guan was bustling again, there would be nasty rumors.
Chunlai worried whether the Emperor’s current condition could handle the Contraceptive Soup.
Of course, during the period of filial mourning, a son had to observe mourning for one year, and a grandson for just the first three months.
After the mourning period, no one thought to have the Emperor remain abstinent for a year.
If his Dragon Body was harmed, the Grand Empress Dowager wouldn’t rest in peace even underground.
But everyone knew the Emperor’s filial piety towards the ancestors was well-known, so this sudden indulgence with consorts was bound to cause gossip.
With flushed faces, the two fretted outside while the embarrassing noises inside finally ceased.
The lazy voice of Kangxi ordered, “Bring in some water.”
Chunlai and Wei Zhu quickly brought water to serve.
Upon entering, they saw torn scraps of fabric scattered on the floor—rough palace maid uniforms in dark purple, mixed with bright yellow silk garments.
Both thought: ‘What exactly did these two ancestors get up to?’
But Kangxi didn’t lift the curtain; he simply told them to place the water behind the folding screen and leave.
Once the room was empty, he got up from the bed, revealing a strong physique… along with bite marks and scratch marks.
Behind the half-drawn curtain lay a pale, delicately curved figure, flushed faintly pink, mostly hidden under loose black hair, making one all the more curious to take a closer look.
Kangxi smiled and leaned forward, gently nibbling on Fang He’s back, then stretched out his long arms to lift her up in a cradle.
“You hurt my body, yet I’m not angry with you. And you’re the one getting mad at me.”
Fang He glared at him with a pout, looking at the messy scene inside the curtain.
If she had the strength, she wished she could bite this bastard a few more times.
“That’s all the Emperor’s fault. You’re deliberately taking revenge and want to embarrass me. If I don’t bite you, who else?”
Kangxi glanced at the wet, tangled bedding and sleeping clothes inside the curtain.
That little fox hadn’t embarrassed herself at all; her every reaction behind the curtain made him irresistibly addicted.
Feeling a hint of renewed vigor where he had just rested, Kangxi helplessly sent Fang He to soak in a warm bath.
He turned his back, cleaning himself with well water.
After a while, the bedchamber was tidied up.
Kangxi changed into a casual robe kept at Yunya Guan and went out.
Chunlai and Cui Wei hurried in to attend to him.
Liang Jiugong brought in a cup of tea and quietly asked, “My Lord, shall I prepare the Contraceptive Soup?”
Kangxi frowned and shot him a glance, “You fool! What nonsense is that?”
Was he really so ignorant of propriety?
Liang Jiugong quickly knelt, “My Lord, please forgive me. If I misspoke… perhaps I should ask Fule to consult with the Department of Ceremonies… No one dares speak much about the Emperor’s private affairs, but according to the rules of mourning, even after the period, it is improper to spread news of the Emperor’s favoring within a year!”
Kangxi lightly kicked him, “No need. Go and tell the Department of Ceremonies not to record this.”
Liang Jiugong couldn’t help but utter two surprised sounds.
When he looked up, he noticed suspicious red marks on the Emperor’s neck, not properly concealed.
Kangxi coldly glared at him.
“Don’t understand human speech?”
Liang Jiugong quickly bowed and left.
If it wasn’t recorded, it meant there was no bedding service.
The Emperor wouldn’t allow the Imperial Consort Zhao’s offspring to be nameless and without status.
When Liang Jiugong spoke with the eunuchs at the Department of Ceremonies, he was still puzzled—if there was no bedding, how did the two cause such a ruckus even louder than bedding?
When he finished his orders and returned, he saw Fang He slouching on a low table, pouting.
“Let’s have porridge for dinner tonight.”
Kangxi was puzzled, “You just had porridge for breakfast, didn’t you?”
In this heat, with her character, shouldn’t she prefer something fresh and cool?
Fang He looked at him coolly and said, “During the day, I must have been seeing ghosts, wanting something hot to revive my soul. If the Emperor doesn’t want porridge, then have your meal at Chunhui Hall.”
That was that.
Kangxi: “……”
He wasn’t stupid.
Seeing Fang He’s hand under the table, he rubbed his nose and smiled, ordering, “The fish in the garden is good. Add fish ball soup for Consort Zhao.”
The imperial kitchen soon sent dinner.
Naturally, when serving the Emperor, the kitchen wouldn’t send just porridge and soup.
Hot dishes, cold dishes, stir-fries, cold appetizers, meat and vegetables in equal measure—they filled the table.
No one knew exactly when, but since then, they never saw Consort Zhao rise to serve the Emperor again, nor did they set up a small table for her.
Liang Jiugong and Cui Wei naturally served alongside.
Soon, the two noticed Fang He hadn’t eaten a single bite of the dishes placed on her plate.
She didn’t touch the food at all, expressionless as she held a spoon with her left hand, drinking porridge and eating fish balls.
Kangxi simply smiled and watched.
The way she ate vegetables made it seem like a grand feast, and she even took half a bowl more rice than usual.
Liang Jiugong: “…..”
Now he finally understood how these two ancestors caused such a commotion.
Chunlai kept her head down, unable to wipe the blush off her face.
During imperial guard training, naturally there was a part involving intimate matters between men and women…
She just hated knowing too much.
If things were lively at Yunya Guan, Danningju was a place of complete silence.
The Imperial Physician had finished bandaging Tongjia Wanying’s wounds and prescribed medicine to reduce fever and dispel wind-evil.
It wasn’t until late afternoon that Wanying finally regained consciousness.
Hesheri rushed over, crying aloud.
“What exactly happened? How did Tong Momo attempt to assassinate My Lord? How did you get injured?”
Wanying’s complexion was haggard.
She remained silent.
Hesheri anxiously pounded the bed edge.
“Speak quickly! Are you trying to drive your sister and me crazy?”
When Imperial Noble Consort learned Wanying had awakened, she was helped over by Duzhong but ignored Hesheri’s crying.
“Duzhong, escort them out. Tell Gongguo Furen that tomorrow the Second Princess will be sent to Shengjing. Yongsheng is never allowed to return to the capital again!”
Tears suddenly fell from Wanying’s eyes as she raised her head to look at Imperial Noble Consort, staring fixedly without moving.
She never understood where things had gone wrong.
Even if it was her fault, with Father’s understanding of the Emperor, it shouldn’t have come to this?
She knew her life was over, but she refused to accept it—she had to know why!
Hesheri hurriedly stood, “Wanshu, Wanying is your own sister!”
“Then do you and Father remember that I am your own daughter too?” Imperial Noble Consort cut Hesheri off coldly, not even bothering to be angry.
Hesheri’s face paled, her gaze wavering, “Of course…”
Imperial Noble Consort stared hard at Hesheri and said, “When Father hated that my life was too long and bribed the Imperial Physician to give Wanying priority for recovery, what did you think I was?”
“When you had Tong Momo watch me in the palace while hiding the terrible crime she committed, did you think I was a daughter of the Tong family?”
“Year after year, my aunt and I endured life in this deep palace, bringing glory to the Tong family, yet the Tong family is ungrateful and greedy. When they plotted against the Emperor, what did you think I was?”
Hesheri stammered, “Your Father isn’t… I don’t know… It’s not what you think.”
A sad chill welled in Imperial Noble Consort’s heart, coloring her cheeks faintly pink, but her eyes remained deep and dark, without a trace of light.
“It doesn’t matter anymore. If you don’t consider me, I won’t stand by and watch my aunt’s honor be destroyed by Father and this fool.”
“Plotting against the Emperor?” Imperial Noble Consort sneered.
“I think you’re blinded by wealth and power, that’s why you’re so foolish.”
“Someone! Escort Gongguo Furen and the Second Princess back to their residence. They must leave early tomorrow!”
“Sister, it’s all my fault alone. It has nothing to do with Father…” Wanying bit her lip, tears streaming down her face as she cried.
“Don’t act impulsively. Don’t do anything to hurt your loved ones or please your enemies!”
Hesheri hesitated but immediately wanted to ask what Imperial Noble Consort planned to do.
Imperial Noble Consort finally gave Wanying a look—sharp and mocking.
“Do you think Father will let you stay in the residence to recover because of suspicion against me, waiting for me to die so he can scheme afterward?”
This sister of hers had been raised by Father all her life and had been spoiled in her character.
She gave Wanying no chance to argue and sharply ordered, “Duzhong, shut that fool’s mouth!”
“Send a decree tonight to send Wanying to Shengjing. If she dies, she must die outside the capital!”
“If Gongguo Furen disobeys, don’t blame me for putting family aside for justice and having her guard my aunt’s tomb. If she dares to try, let her.”
Wanying was silenced decisively by Duzhong but still spared some dignity—only asking a nanny to escort her out.
Duzhong personally escorted the two into the carriage and left Changchun Garden before locking the gates.
After they left, Imperial Noble Consort collapsed on the soft couch, feeling as if all her bones had been pulled out; she couldn’t even sit upright.
Yun Momo, who was usually restrained by Tong Momo, worriedly came to support her.
“Master, you mustn’t get angry. Perhaps you should send a message to Father. Maybe there’s still room to maneuver.”
Imperial Noble Consort forced a bitter smile and shook her head.
“No. As long as Father doesn’t understand that the Emperor is not his nephew but his master, and doesn’t understand the majesty of the heavenly family, the Tong family will be destroyed by his own hand sooner or later.”
Yun Momo was silent for a moment and sighed softly, “I’ll attend to you first…”
“No need. Bring me writing tools and paper. Send a message to Yinzhen and tell him to come see me tomorrow.”
Imperial Noble Consort coughed violently a few times before gasping out her orders.
She had been clever since childhood, only blinded by love in youth.
Now, nearing the end of her life, her obsessions had cleared.
The Tong family, though appearing flourishing, was actually full of hidden dangers.
If they waited until the Emperor lost patience, perhaps before the new Emperor ascended, they would be completely ruined.
She had to do something.
No one was to drag her Yinzhen down.
In mid-July, Imperial Noble Consort sent another memorial, this time privately to Chunhui Hall, bluntly accusing the Tong family’s servants of attempting to assassinate the Emperor—an act of treason punishable by death.
Kangxi unfolded the memorial brought by his cousin, who had been erudite since childhood, her slender gold-script calligraphy even more beautiful than men’s.
In the memorial, she wrote that she understood the Emperor’s kindness but dared not insult the master because of Empress Xiaocheng’s status.
As a daughter of the Tong family, she would repay her family’s debts and request to recuperate in Wu Long Pavilion.
“Father is sentimental but blind-hearted. I wish to repay filial piety by awakening Father’s heart…”
“I know I cannot repay Your Majesty’s grace in this life… I am filled with guilt and dare not ruin the royal fortune with my crippled body.”
“I earnestly beg Your Majesty’s approval and would be grateful beyond words. In the next life, I hope to return the favor…”
After reading the memorial, Kangxi sat alone in the hall for a long time.
He picked up the vermilion pen several times but never managed to write.
Only when lamps were lit did Liang Jiugong come in.
“My Lord, it is time for dinner. Yesterday you planned to dine with Consort Zhao at Yunya Guan… Shall I send someone to inform her?”
Kangxi took the memorial and stood.
“Tell her what?”
Liang Jiugong thought: ‘Of course, say you’re reminiscing with Imperial Noble Consort here and it’s time to eat, what else?’
But seeing Kangxi head straight to Jifang Pavilion without even asking if the Crown Prince in Jiayin Hall had eaten, he smiled wryly and muttered he had spoken out of turn, then said no more.
When Kangxi arrived at Yunya Guan, Fang He was with Cui Wei and several maids, amusing Jiujiu as she lifted her head.
According to the Imperial Physician, children can start practicing lifting their heads at two or three months.
Fang He, worried that Jiujiu, who was born over a month premature, might develop more slowly, waited until the Hundredth Day to begin.
Jiujiu, who usually happily played while lying down, was now surrounded by a group of pretty ladies and her mother on the soft couch, lying on a soft rabbit fur blanket, tilting her head, eyes wide and round, looking a bit dazed.
“Jiujiu, look at Mama, see what Mama is holding?” Fang He waved a Five-Colored Tiger toy in front of Jiujiu.
“It’s a Big Tiger, a cute, adorable Big Tiger~”
Standing outside the hall door, Kangxi muttered: