“Couldn’t that fool speak with a straight tongue? Teaching bad habits to the child. What if in the future the tongue never straightens?”
All previous Imperial Heirs had been taught by their mothers and palace servants to speak clearly so they could make an impression when Father passed away.
So Kangxi truly didn’t understand how unclear children’s speech could be, as he himself never had a lisp.
But thinking this way, Kangxi couldn’t help but wave his hand, stopping the servants and eunuchs from bowing, quietly standing at the door to watch.
Jiujiu might have been uncomfortable lying prone and tentatively stretched out her small dimpled hand, pressing hard on the rabbit fur blanket, trying to shakily lift her head.
Cui Wei and the others were so nervous they held their breath, covering their mouths for fear of frightening the little mistress.
Fang He was relaxed, even picking up a hollow golden ball with small bells inside, waving it in front of Jiujiu’s eyes.
“Jiujiu, look, this is gold. Just like your Father’s, shining gold. Jiujiu, do you want it?”
Jiujiu stared at the golden ball, opening her little mouth to babble a couple of sounds.
Drool uncontrollably trickled from the corner of her lips, making Fang He laugh nonstop.
“Well done! Our Jiujiu is just like Mama, drooling at gold. We truly are mother and daughter!”
Kangxi:”…..”
He immediately arranged a golden crib for Jiujiu.
His daughter could never be as hopeless as this fool.
Jiujiu looked at the Five-Colored Tiger, then the golden ball, pouted but didn’t cry, just babbled incoherently.
Seeing Fang He waving the bright toy, Jiujiu suddenly dropped face down.
Spring came swiftly, and Chunlai quickly caught the little mistress, wanting her to lie down and rest.
Kangxi almost couldn’t hold back from stepping inside.
He even wanted to tap Fang He’s head for tormenting the child when she was still so young.
But Jiujiu got serious, pushing herself up shakily again, looking to be making a great effort.
Fang He stifled a laugh and whispered, “Jiujiu, come on! As long as you can lift your head to where Mama’s hand is, all the gold in Mama’s private treasury will be yours!”
Jiujiu seemed to understand, kept trying harder, and her head slowly rose.
“Good, good, just like that—pfft—” Jiujiu suddenly farted, then grinned, showing pale pink gums as if smiling at Fang He, then buried her head back into the rabbit fur blanket, motionless.
Fang He:”…..”
Watching as Chunlai hurriedly lifted Jiujiu, her face wore a particularly content smile.
She finally confirmed that the effort her daughter just made… wasn’t for the gold.
“Are you bored with nothing to do? You have to trouble Fuer Guochun and risk hurting the child!” Kangxi tried to hold back laughter as he came in, teasing Fang He.
Fang He placed the soft cloth tiger into Jiujiu’s arms and sent someone to fetch the Imperial Consort’s Wet Nurse.
The child should be sleeping by now.
“Are you her real father? Am I just the stepmother?” Fang He wasn’t going to indulge Kangxi’s casual fatherly tone.
“You’re so busy. You promised to teach Jiujiu, but I haven’t seen you read her a single book.”
Kangxi:”…”
“…She just passed the Hundredth Day.”
Even the princes only began formal education after their third birthday.
Even if he read now, Jiujiu wouldn’t understand.
Fang He didn’t argue, only curious, “Why do you always call Jiujiu by her full name? There’s no one else here to hear, aren’t you afraid it might spread?”
Kangxi was silent for a moment.
He couldn’t say that whenever he said “Jiujiu,” he couldn’t help but recall the time Fang He explained the name to him.
With his current temper, he really couldn’t handle such thoughts.
He silently changed the subject and handed her the memorial.
“Look this over. The Tong family’s actions relate to you as well. Tell me your thoughts.”
Fang He squinted at Kangxi for a moment, suspicious he was testing her again.
As Emperor, his suspicious and thoughtful nature was hard to change.
She snorted lightly and opened the memorial.
Now that she had read a few sage books and barely escaped illiteracy, she understood most of Imperial Noble Consort’s meaning except for some deep classical allusions.
But she was even more confused.
“Wu Long Pavilion? That scenic spot by the North Sea? Why would she go there?”
Kangxi looked at her in surprise and asked, “How did you learn palace rules?”
“Wu Long Pavilion isn’t far from Ji’an Office, where consorts’ funerary rites are arranged. When a consort is seriously ill, has smallpox, or grows old, they are sent to Ji’an Office.”
“Only the Grand Empress Dowager, Empress Dowager, and Empress may lie in state in the palace. The arrival of a consort’s golden coffin in the palace is considered extremely inauspicious.”
“The memorial from Imperial Noble Consort is to request burial as a concubine, completely cutting off the possibility of being posthumously honored as Empress.”
“These rules are mentioned during the consort selection and when the Imperial Household Department explains palace regulations.”
Fang He: “…..”
“…I entered the palace at twelve. How many years ago was that? Even my own memories of the past decade should have blurred. How can anyone remember everything?”
Hearing Cui Wei whisper explanations, Fang He didn’t respond to Kangxi’s harshness but stared at him in shock.
“So, I serve the Emperor all my life, bear his children, endure his constant sharpness, and when I’m about to die, you still want to throw me outside the palace?”
Fang He laughed angrily, standing to throw the memorial into Kangxi’s arms, pointing at the door.
“Your Majesty, please return to Chunhui Hall. Let’s not meet recently. Otherwise, I fear I might rebel and beat Imperial Noble Consort to death before she does.”
Liang Jiugong, Cui Wei, Xinke, and Xinhua all knelt in fright.
Even though the two masters often quarreled, Fang He’s bluntness at this moment was truly alarming.
The Tong family must have been extremely bold to keep making mistakes.
Liang Jiugong thought that this ancestor before him must have been spoiled by dragons and phoenixes to keep courting death.
Yet unexpectedly, Kangxi did not get angry; instead, he was amused.
“You all go out first.”
Kangxi forcibly pulled the ruffled fox into his arms and told Liang Jiugong to have everyone withdraw.
Once the hall was empty, Kangxi softly coaxed, “I won’t send you to Ji’an Office. Don’t be angry.”
“I give you my solemn word: from now on, I can give you an oral decree—no matter what happens, I will not let you go to Ji’an Office.”
Kangxi felt that as long as Fang He didn’t recklessly provoke death and end up buried in a mass grave, he probably wouldn’t be able to let her suffer such a fate in this lifetime.
Fang He’s anger still surged inside, and she looked at him with a quiet glare.
“So, Your Majesty is asking if Imperial Noble Consort should go to Wu Long Pavilion?”
“I don’t know your relationship with Imperial Noble Consort, nor do I want to. She have been with the Emperor for over a decade, bearing his children and dying for him. Why would the Emperor ask me?”
“Do you want me to kick her when she’s down, humiliate her, or take the opportunity to scheme for Imperial Noble Consort’s position—or even Empress?”
Though Fang He spoke softly, her words were as sharp as a blade.
Kangxi was stunned by her sudden fiery spirit.
“That’s not what I meant…”
He simply couldn’t bring himself to treat Imperial Noble Consort so ruthlessly.
But he also knew her choice was right—she did it for the Tong family.
He felt torn—if he granted her wishes, he felt pity; if he didn’t, he also felt pity.
In this dilemma, he wanted someone to talk to.
In the palace, aside from Fang He, there was no one else.
Kangxi wanted to explain this was because of his trust and affection for Fang He.
Fang He gently pushed him away, lowering her gaze.
Since their quarrel in Yanxi Palace, she had been reflecting on her own recklessness, learning to do as he wished.
“A fine consort.”
“The Emperor said you would change. Your recent changes made me feel I had come to the palace for happiness. But in truth, the Emperor hasn’t changed at all. I don’t care to be Empress or Imperial Noble Consort, spending all day worrying about you and other women cozying up to each other.”
Kangxi covered her mouth, voice grave, “Guoguo, think carefully before you speak! No throwing tantrums!”
If this got out or reached an irreparable point, it would be hard for them to return to harmony.
Though her tone sounded wronged and close to tears, she refused to cry in front of this bastard.
Her heart’s most important things were herself and the child, but that didn’t mean she could stay indifferent to Kangxi’s indulgence and gentleness.
At this moment, if he could make her clear-headed again, she had to thank him.
Workers must never develop feelings for their boss.
She tried to calm herself and showed a hint of guilt on her face.
“Your Majesty, forgive me. Perhaps I’m too sensitive to things alike. It’s truly hard for me to discuss these matters with you. I trust in Your Majesty’s wisdom and will decide accordingly. I dare not speak presumptuously.”
Kangxi frowned.
Even though Fang He’s response was better than expected, he still felt her mood was off.
“Guoguo, I will give you everything you deserve and want as soon as possible.” He embraced the struggling Fang He tightly, hoping she knew his feelings.
“If you want to manage the harem, you’ll have to handle these matters eventually. They were here before I met you… This I cannot change.”
Fang He looked up at him and smiled faintly.
“You’re right. I haven’t adapted to my identity yet. I will adjust my mindset and adapt sooner.”
For Jiujiu, she had to be half a madam, advising this lord to share favor equally and watch the Department of Ceremonies’ chronicles to ensure he rests properly…
Forget it, the more she thought, the more irritated she got.
Her lower abdomen ached slightly.
Maybe her period was coming.
She’d adjust slowly once it passed.
She pushed Kangxi gently and whispered, “Your Majesty, I feel unwell. Perhaps my period is near. You should return to Chunhui Hall. I want to be alone for a while.”
Kangxi was still concerned so he said, “I’ll dine with you first, then return.”
When they began dinner, Kangxi thought deeply and finally made a decision.
Because of Fang He’s response, he didn’t want to be too cruel to his cousin. At least he found a compromise.
“I will order Imperial Noble Consort to recuperate in Changchun Garden. If she recovers, she can return to the palace before the new year. If not… she can lie in state at Danningju.”
Changchun Garden was different from Ji’an Office.
It was also a residence of the Emperor, so no one would think Imperial Noble Consort’s passing was bleak, and she could exert influence over the Tong family as she wished.
Kangxi studied Fang He’s expression carefully.
Seeing no reaction, he took the initiative to ladle a bowl of hot soup and handed it to her.
“What do you think?”
Fang He half-heartedly nodded, “Your Majesty is wise. Your decision is naturally good.”
She didn’t want to discuss the matter further, quickly changing the topic.
“When I was in Jiangnan, I heard that when you lifted the sea ban, many people went to the coast. I also heard they went to find good food. There was a merchant from Shanxi Prefecture who said his ancestors crossed the sea during the previous dynasty and brought back three foods as valuable as gold. Why haven’t I seen them in the palace?”
She licked her lips.
When her period was near, she really wanted a roasted sweet potato.
Kangxi knew she was changing the subject and smiled, playing along.
“Oh? Did the merchant say the names of these golden foods? I’ll send someone to find out.”
Fang He suddenly became interested.
She tried to recall but was actually describing three high-yield crops she remembered, translated into palace terms.
“I think they’re called Golden Sweet Potato, Golden Egg, and Golden Rice.”
Kangxi chuckled, “Golden Sweet Potato sounds good, but Golden Egg… is that a food?”
“Sounds like something inedible.”
“Don’t think the names are rustic… The merchant said Golden Egg is a treasure from the field. Because its flesh is like gold and it yields a lot, its taste is soft and glutinous. It even saved his ancestor’s life. Otherwise, I wouldn’t remember it so well.”
She mimicked a potato’s shape.
“Round and yellow on the outside. The sprouts are poisonous and can kill, but the sprouts planted can yield a series of Golden Eggs. Isn’t that amazing?”
Kangxi laughed, “You’re probably talking about sweet potatoes once grown in Huguang that poisoned many people and ruined farmland.”
Fang He’s eyes suddenly brightened.
“The merchant said his ancestor overseas got a method that won’t poison anyone and allows crop rotation.”
“Magesty, can you get some to the capital?”
Kangxi looked meaningfully at Fang He.
If it really didn’t poison, yielded more than ordinary grain, and didn’t ruin the land, Golden Egg… sweet potatoes would indeed be good.
But he had a subtle certainty that this method wasn’t really from the merchant.
He didn’t rush to answer but asked, “What about Golden Sweet Potato?”
“Oh, this one apparently has white skin and red skin varieties. The edible part is dug from the ground…” Fang He racked her brain, gesturing vaguely.
She hadn’t even seen what sweet potatoes looked like in the field, so this was all she knew.
“But the flesh is golden yellow, and when roasted, it’s sweet and fragrant. There’s even a sugary heart that oozes oil, so delicious it melts on the tongue.”
The more she talked, the more she craved sweet potatoes.
Fang He swallowed hard, especially thinking how nice it would be in winter, roasting sweet potatoes by the fire.
Kangxi remembered most memorials about local produce, especially those concerning the people’s livelihood.
He pondered, then laughed, “This must be the Golden Yam from Fujian. It doesn’t grow well in the north, and eating too much causes bloating. The taste isn’t as good as you say.”
Officials who submitted memorials naturally wouldn’t lie.
Golden Yam had been sent to the palace in baskets. Whether boiled or cooked as porridge, it didn’t compare to rice.
As for roasting… the taste probably didn’t change much?
These people wasted food, got bloated from eating too much—wouldn’t they rotate their diet?
Fang He thought to herself: ‘Could live people really die from holding their pee?’
She puffed out her cheeks and continued about the last one.
“Golden Rice is the most amazing.”
She mimicked the shape of corn, “Only this big, with hundreds of seeds. Plant one seed, and it grows a whole Golden Rice. Apparently, it tastes as good as rice. It’s like manna from heaven. The merchant’s ancestor called it Golden Rice.”
It seemed Fang He spoke casually, but Kangxi listened carefully.
The last one was unfamiliar to him.
He quickly realized, “If this truly is a heavenly gift, and the merchant’s ancestor discovered it, recorded it, and passed it down safely, why didn’t they grow it on their own land? Why send descendants to the coast to search?”
“Is anyone stupid enough to reject a heavenly gift?”
Kangxi thought either the ancestor was a fool or the ‘merchant’ was bragging to Fang He.
Fang He was taken aback, “No, I just heard it in gossip, and you talk logic so thoroughly?”
She quickly took a sip of soup.
“Well… I only overheard it briefly. I think someone else asked about it too.”
If these three foods really spread, first, people’s lives would be better; second, her Jiujiu’s supplementary food options would be sorted!
She lowered her head, mumbling, “I can’t quite remember how they explained it, wait, let me think…”
‘You wait while I make it up as I go!’