Consort Yi added, “You mustn’t get upset now. Drifting apart from the Emperor will only benefit others.
“Better to seize the moment while your feelings with the Emperor are still strong. Once the mourning period is over, have a son and get promoted.”
Fang He thought: What, is she abnormal if she doesn’t quarrel with the Emperor?
What kind of image does she have in everyone’s minds?
***
Fang He returned to Yanxi Palace with mixed laughter and tears.
Even Wei Zhu and Cui Wei served her more cautiously.
Cui Wei even stopped snapping at people!
Even when Fang He teased her, Aunt Cui only smiled wittily in response, no longer rolling her eyes.
If it were only like this in Yanxi Palace, Fang He held back her laughter and was somewhat amused.
But on the sixth night, Kangxi came to Yanxi Palace with a probing expression, constantly staring at her.
“When I go to Chengqian Palace, isn’t Guo Guo angry?”
Fang He thought, ‘you didn’t say it, so it doesn’t count. Why would I be angry?’
Though she didn’t speak, Kangxi caught her confused gaze and his expression immediately softened.
Then Fang He strangely discovered Kangxi had returned to his three-days-on, two-days-off routine!
For three days, he acted wild in Yanxi Palace, then took two days of deep rest in another palace.
From the Noble Consort down to several consorts with children, Kangxi was attentive and didn’t miss a single one.
Jiujiu had recently learned to crawl and couldn’t stay inside.
She insisted on going out.
If they didn’t take her out, Jiujiu wouldn’t fuss but blinked her big black eyes and pouted.
If still not taken out, tears would gather and fall in big drops.
She would whimper so pitifully it broke hearts.
Fang He found it strange.
Jiujiu never cried like this before.
Who taught the child?
But what could she do?
Everyone in Yanxi Palace couldn’t resist the little beauty’s teary-eyed look, so they took her out when the sun was warm.
But outside, it was cold, and soon Jiujiu’s fair little nose was runny.
Fang He feared the child would catch a fever and carefully watched Fule feed the wet nurse with nourishing broth, then fed Jiujiu herself.
She didn’t have time to care what the child’s father was doing.
The calmer Fang He acted, the worse Kangxi’s mood became.
By the late twelfth month, he no longer visited the harem or Yanxi Palace, staying alone in Qianqing Palace.
Although the southern inspection was delayed, Kangxi did not forget to send imperial commissioners to inspect flood control projects along the Yongding River and Zhonghe.
He had long decreed Cao Yin to go south to investigate tax situations in coastal prefectures in Shandong, Jiangnan, and Huguang after the maritime ban was lifted.
Cao Yin returned to the capital mid-twelfth month and submitted a memorial detailing rampant corruption.
The number of officials involved was huge, infuriating Kangxi.
He dismissed a large batch of officials in Henan and Jiangnan before the New Year.
The Grand Canal Transportation Governor Ma Shiji was caught colluding with Jiangnan gentry and embezzling vast sums.
His house was confiscated, his flower-plumed hat taken, and he became the highest-ranking official dismissed before the New Year, silencing the court.
A few days later, Liang Jiugong, unable to bear it, sent Li Dequan to Yanxi Palace to find Wei Zhu and call him.
“Brother.The Emperor is one step away. Wasn’t it all fine before? The Emperor has you, the Consort, but can’t you at least get some reaction?”
Wei Zhu calmly replied, “These are our masters’ affairs, none of our concern. When the Emperor comes, our master always serves him well.”
Li Dequan wanted to curse.
When it was time to serve, his master pushed him away; now when it’s time to make trouble, his master behaves obediently.
Can this ancestor act like a person?
Li Dequan covered his backside and cried, “Speaking honestly with Brother Wei, ever since the Consort caught the Emperor’s eye, the palace has been lively, warming our hearts. We are grateful.”
“Even the eunuchs in charge of punishment have erected a Long-life Spirit Tablet for the Consort.”
He looked mournfully at Wei Zhu.
“I once asked about it and learned that the eunuchs have received more silver in the past two years from the Emperor than in the last ten-plus years, all thanks to Imperial Consort Zhao!”
“Your servant only hopes the Consort can care about us. Many officials come and go at year’s end; eunuch Liang and I dare not tarnish the dignity of Qianqing Palace.”
Wei Zhu nearly laughed out loud but bit his tongue to hold it back and agreed.
***
In front of Fang He, he could no longer contain himself and laughed heartily, clutching his stomach.
“Master, why don’t you go see for yourself? After all, it’s nearly New Year, and it’s not good for the Emperor to spend the holiday angry.
“If eunuch Liang and Li Dequan hide some evil plans, maybe your servant and Chen Shun and the others will have to give silver to the punishing eunuchs.”
Right.
Jiujiu’s runny nose was mostly gone.
Fang He originally planned to coax the child and her father well.
She roughly understood what Kangxi was sulking about again—both annoyed and amused.
She just hadn’t had the time earlier, and the timing wasn’t right with her recent period ending.
“That’s it, you go. Tell Cui Wei to prepare some snacks and soup to send to Qianqing Palace. Say I’m inviting the Emperor over for a meal.
“Also, tell Chunlai to go to the storeroom and find some cheap items to replace the expensive things in the hall.”
Wei Zhu was alarmed, “Master, what are you planning?”
“Of course, jealousy!” Fang He snorted lightly.
The consorts in the palace thought her meek and obedient were signs of losing favor; the Empress Dowager and Consort Yi worried her silence meant sorrow; Kangxi thought her understanding meant she didn’t care.
Anyway, if she didn’t get jealous, there would be no end to it.
These days, Kangxi was furious over Cao Yin’s memorial.
Sleeping alone in Qianqing Palace was especially lonely, fueling his temper.
He even started drinking fasting tea but couldn’t cool down much.
Liang Jiugong kept count—he’d been scolded seven times in just over two weeks.
Li Dequan and Qi Sanfu fared even worse, limping as they walked.
Then, Yanxi Palace sent a distress signal.
Still, the silver bribed to the Office of Punishment and Investigation wasn’t wasted.
The limp was feigned, and the medicine was deliberately not applied; otherwise, Liang Jiugong would have sent someone already.
Even though Kangxi didn’t go to Yanxi Palace, Liang Jiugong knew all the news there.
He knew his master’s temper.
If he dared to bring reinforcements to Yanxi Palace while Princess Jiujiu was ill, he’d be severely beaten afterward.
Just as he was thinking this, Kangxi brushed past him.
Fang He peeked out from the doorway, blinking her clear, black-and-white doe eyes.
She glanced at the spot where the teacup had fallen, then gave Kangxi a flattering smile, secretly praising herself for her precision.
It was worth it after practicing throwing the cheapest teacup all afternoon.
Kangxi frowned, about to ask what she was doing, but Fang He’s suddenly raised voice startled him.
“So the Emperor knows which way the Yanxi Palace gate opens!”
She stretched her neck, deliberately shouting toward the rear hall.
She went so hard she even coughed, quickly covering her throat and pulling Kangxi’s hand, smiling more ingratiatingly, dragging him inside.
But her strained voice showed no smallness.
She even casually tossed the other teacup in her hand.
“This humble servant is bold! If the Emperor dislikes me, don’t come! Go to the other consorts who can serve you properly!”
Kangxi: “….”
He hadn’t yet had time to scold her for being presumptuous when the crash of shattering teacups and Fang He’s uproarious noise—louder than Beimeng’s folk songs—made his temples throb.
He took a deep breath but couldn’t help laughing.
Rubbing his temples, he thought even if the Empress Dowager were still alive, she probably wouldn’t blame him for choosing this scoundrel alone.
Just one person causing more commotion than all the consorts combined.
After Fang He finished throwing things, Kangxi, expressionless, was dragged inside by her.
Once alone, he couldn’t help but give her a slap on the backside.
“You’re not afraid of scaring the child?”
Fang He covered her behind and chuckled softly, her slightly hoarse voice now much gentler.
Jiujiu had been cooped up inside for days.
The Empress Dowager, fearing she’d catch cold again, had specially summoned Wuyunzhu to bring a warm sedan chair to take Jiujiu to Shoukang Palace for a couple of days.
Though smaller than Cining Palace and without a garden, Shoukang Palace had a heated flower room behind the main hall to keep the child from catching cold and had plenty for Jiujiu to see.
Fang He knew the Empress Dowager worried she was too absorbed in the child and ignoring Kangxi, causing quarrels.
She accepted the Empress Dowager’s kindness and sent the child away without worry.
She nestled into Kangxi’s arms, smiling up at him.
“Is the Emperor still mad at me?”
Kangxi’s tone was cool, “When I entered Yanxi Palace, Imperial Consort Zhao was throwing and breaking things. How could I dare be mad?”
“Oh, I asked the wrong person. Prince, are you mad at me?” Fang He gave Kangxi a playful wink.
Cui Wei, who came in with tea, stumbled, hurriedly placed the teacup down, and left the hall as if chased by a dog, even closing the door behind her.
Fang He laughed until she fell into Kangxi’s arms, poking his chest.
“What about the guards? Are they mad at their servant too?”
Kangxi expressionlessly held her fake little hand.
“Are you just bullying me because you know I can’t be mad at you?”
“Of course not.” Fang He pulled her hand away and cupped Kangxi’s cheek, smiling more brightly.
“I just want you to think it over yourself and praise me a little. But I didn’t expect Your Majesty to be so stupid. How do you manage the court, huh?”
Bite.
Good.
Kangxi lifted his head with her gentle pull.
Though he didn’t fully understand, he vaguely sensed it, and his mood unconsciously improved.
He lightly kissed her lips.
“I want to hear it from your own mouth.”
Fang He covered her mouth with one hand and pulled his ear with the other.
“Can’t I be shy?”
Kangxi nodded calmly and lifted her into his arms, ready to head to the bedchamber.
“Good, I’ll give you time. You can be shy slowly.”
Seeing the evening meal was about to be brought behind the curtain, Fang He quickly confessed.
“I was wrong, wrong, wrong!”
“Well?”
“Didn’t I say so?” She hugged Kangxi’s neck and kicked her legs, wanting to get down.
“You already promised me, and you didn’t visit other consorts or make a fuss. I’m not stupid, how could I misunderstand your goodwill?”
If Kangxi really never even looked at the other consorts, cold and ruthless to the end, Fang He wouldn’t dare like such a man.
In life, one must compromise.
Before the fundamental problem is solved, leaving some retreat and face for others is the best for her.
Kangxi put her down, holding her close as he carefully studied her expression.
“Really not mad at all?”
Fang He wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her chin in front of him.
“I’m not mad because I trust you. Isn’t trusting you good?”
“Living in the palace so long, don’t I know how to please the Emperor and live well?”
Seeing Kangxi’s expression still cool, she poured more honey into his mouth.
“If I didn’t care, I would have already been jealous and scheming in front of the Emperor, trying all sorts of tricks to make you come to me.”
Kangxi knew she spoke the truth and understood the reasoning, but still felt a bit uneasy.
Even if Fang He cared for him, she was still like him—there were many things more important than him in her heart.
Besides the realm, he would have to split his heart open to place Fang He first.
But this scoundrel probably ranked last.
He increasingly understood Fang He’s earlier jealous disputes.
Love, once sown, would cause discomfort even over small things and reason.
He smiled.
“Then why are you causing a fuss now?” His expression remained calm as he asked.
Fang He looked at him with a bright smile, then gently pushed him away.
“Because everyone wants to see me have a big quarrel with the Emperor. I wouldn’t disappoint them.”
Kangxi expressionless: “Be honest.”
“If I make a fuss with you, others will definitely send people to Yanxi Palace to spy, maybe even come to test me personally.”
Fang He touched her nose and grinned.
“Well, it’s year-end. It’s time to give bonuses to the staff. I’m just collecting a few more New Year gifts. Isn’t that reasonable?”
During the visit to Shoukang Palace, she discovered this way to make money.
If they want to watch her stir up trouble, they have to pay.
Instead of handing it over to Concubine Jing in Chengqian Palace, it’s cheaper to give it to her!
Want palace news?
Silver.
Want to know what she and the Emperor are quarrelling about?
Pay extra!
Kangxi: “…”
He actually wasn’t displeased.
He was finally amused, tapping Fang He’s forehead.
“So you’re greedy but want to quarrel with me?”
Fang He smiled and dodged Kangxi’s hand, her beautiful eyes shining.
“Of course not. Quarrels hurt feelings; I wouldn’t bear that.”
“All cunning.”
Kangxi was somewhat satisfied but then heard Fang He cheerfully say, “So, after dinner, how about we have a fight?”
Kangxi: “….”
Quarrel, she won’t bear; fight, he will?
He looked at this scoundrel, thinking she was deliberately trying to get a beating before the New Year!