One intense night had replaced nearly a year of intimacy.
She wouldn’t be thinking about it again anytime soon; it was better to make more money by year-end.
The evening before, Consort Zhao and the Emperor had a huge argument at Yanxi Palace—rumor had it they even came to blows.
With Kangxi’s deliberate indulgence, the harem quickly received news.
The eunuchs Liu An and Chen Shun, who had been warned, went in and out delivering food and handling affairs, soon receiving silver coins from various quarters.
The two discreetly spread the news that the master had cried herself swollen-eyed, and these days she didn’t want to see anyone.
Upon hearing this, Consort Hui laughed meaningfully.
“Consort Zhao’s courage is growing by the day.”
Her attendant asked, “Should we inform Duke Niu?”
“No need. I don’t have any unresolved grudges with her, so there’s no need for drastic measures. Now that I think about it, whether she falls out of favor or not, having another ally isn’t a bad thing.”
Consort Hui shook her head thoughtfully, smiling.
There was no denying that Fang He’s style of settling scores with loud, dramatic fights indeed kept the other concubines in check.
Though no one wanted Consort Zhao to remain favored, no one dared to act rashly as before.
Consort Yi, upon hearing the news, acted similarly.
She smiled and ordered her personal maid Dujuan, “Go to the storeroom and pick out a gift that looks gem-like. Let’s go offer some comfort to Consort Zhao.”
Consort Rong did likewise but was currently focused on her Buddhist prayers and could not go in person.
She sent Baishao, the stewardess of Zhongcui Palace, on her behalf.
“Watch the expressions of Yanxi Palace servants carefully. See if Consort Zhao is truly upset with the Emperor.”
Baishao asked, “What if Consort Zhao and the Emperor are estranged?”
“The lady of Chengqian Palace isn’t favored; isn’t it a good excuse to be scared of Chengqian’s bad luck? Shouldn’t we give the Imperial Noble Consort the (Classic of Transcendence) to soothe the departed?”
Consort Rong smiled, leaning back on the soft couch, leisurely counting her Buddhist rosary beads.
“If it’s true, send the news over. The ones who should be most unsettled aren’t us.”
Baishao understood immediately, smiling and agreeing before personally selecting a gift from the private treasury to deliver to Yanxi Palace.
Consort Duan and Consort Xi, who had long hoped for Consort Zhao’s fall, were encountered by Baishao on the way.
Baishao quickly greeted them.
Consort Duan smiled at the palace maids holding a red lacquer tray behind them.
“Let’s go together. So many people are sending gifts to Yanxi Palace; Consort Zhao can’t possibly be so proud as to refuse them all, can she?”
Fang He never sent word that she liked expensive things, but everyone in the palace knew her well enough to understand her greedy nature.
Though she requested house arrest to reflect, the Emperor never forbade visitors.
Even if Consort Zhao didn’t want to see anyone, no one would dare turn away good-willed visitors bearing gifts.
The concubines had a tacit understanding in such matters.
By the time Consorts Duan and Xi arrived at Yanxi Palace, Consort Hui’s sedan chair was already parked outside.
The great gate of Yanxi Palace stood half-open.
Consort Duan smiled, “Probably because they know they can’t stop people, so they don’t bother trying.”
Consort Xi opened her mouth to mutter something but, glancing at the plaque above the palace gate, hesitated and swallowed her words.
From behind them came a smiling voice: “Consort Zhao is still a consort. We’re here to pay our respects; it would be unreasonable for her to refuse us.”
They turned and saw Consorts Tong and An approaching together.
Baishao hurriedly greeted them and was called over.
From afar, more people seemed to be coming.
Consorts Duan and Xi suppressed their smiles and entered the main hall.
Consort Hui was already chatting with a pale-faced Fang He and immediately smiled upon seeing them.
“See, what did I say?”
After all, they were sisters of many years.
If Sister Zhao was confused, they had to come over and advise her.
She also needed to consider Princess Jiujiu and absolutely could not go against the Emperor.
Fang He poked her eyes with a handkerchief, quickly tearing up.
“I only said a few sour words. Haven’t you ever said them too?”
Consort Hui: “….”
Well, at least it wasn’t a brawl.
After Baishao presented the gifts, she carefully observed Fang He’s expression and the demeanors of the palace staff serving inside.
Consort Duan smiled and stepped forward, “Consort Zhao is right—both thunder and rain are the Emperor’s grace. Whom the Emperor favors is none of our business.”
“As concubines, we should be virtuous and kind, and not disturb His Majesty’s peace out of jealousy. My words are out of concern for Consort Zhao. Please don’t mind.”
Fang He, with tears in her eyes, glanced at the gifts set aside, feeling overwhelmed by the kindness.
She sighed softly.
“Consort Duan, isn’t that the Empress’s duty? They all say I’m a favored consort. Have you ever seen a favored consort as miserable as me? Beaten and scolded. Ah, now I can’t even complain about jealousy. What’s the point of being a favored consort? Might as well become Noble Consort earlier and cry alone with gold and jewels!” Â
Everyone: “……”
If you don’t want to, then make way!
What are you still fussing about?
Consort Hui, Consort Duan, and the others, including Baishao, all saw clearly that Fang He’s worn and pained appearance was genuine, not a pretense.
They were pleased but not interested in staying long, soon taking their leave, ready to laugh heartily elsewhere.
Once they left, Fang He quickly had the hall doors closed, then crouched with Cui Wei by the gift boxes, opening one.
Cui Wei gasped, “Whoa! This is the finest honey wax Buddhist rosary brought in from Korea three years ago! Look—the swastika symbol with the Guangning Temple’s Master Yuanjing’s seal. It must have been blessed. It’s priceless!”
“Consort Hui really made a grand gesture. She’s telling you to recite more sutras.”
“Amitabha, Amitabha!” Fang He smiled radiantly, pressing her palms together and chanting a few Buddha names.
“Wow! Look! The one Consort Duan sent seems to be a celadon jade ewer! Doesn’t look like something from our dynasty.”
Springlai, sharp-eyed, examined it closely and nodded, “This is a Ming Dynasty piece. Consort Duan’s father was a Zhenghuang Banner palace guard. Back then, her family escorted Shizu into the pass, so they must have some old treasures.”
“This must be to help the master drown her sorrows.”
Cui Wei counted the value of the items and laughed with eyes nearly closed.
“No, everyone knows the master’s drinking capacity. They probably want you to drink too much and embarrass yourself. Truly despicable…”
“Right, so evil!” Fang He nodded seriously, “But who told me I’m kind-hearted? I like this kind of bad person, haha.”
Xinguo and Xinnan, standing guard at the door, laughed uncontrollably.
Soon, Cui Fuchuan came running over.
“Master, Concubine Jing and Concubine An are here.”
Fang He quickly sat up, “Hurry, hurry, powder me up and arrange the gifts nicely. I bet more people are coming!
“Everyone, get your spirits up! How much red envelope money we make by year-end depends on your performance these few days!”
Everyone: “……!”
Concubine Jing and Concubine An never meddled in the palace’s dirty fights for favor.
They genuinely cared about Fang He and the Emperor’s quarrel and had come to advise Fang He to lower her head during the palace banquet.
Fang He appreciated their kindness but didn’t bother with empty pleasantries, merely putting on a forlorn expression and sighing, watching them carefully.
“Life in the palace is so uncomfortable. You have to follow the rules whether you want to laugh or cry. Good people are driven crazy. If only there were a chance to leave the palace!” Â
Concubine Jing instinctively lowered her eyes and said nothing.
The aura of illness and melancholy about her grew heavier.
Concubine An’s eyes brightened a little but then dimmed again, murmuring as if to herself, “Yes, that would be wonderful, but unfortunately…” Â
” Concubine An, be careful what you say,” Concubine Jing quietly warned, pulling Concubine An up and gently nodding toward Fang He.
“No matter where, life can be lived. Rather than reminiscing… it’s better to see clearly and live well in the present. I speak out of concern—please take care of yourself, don’t get stuck in a dead end and give others the advantage.” Â
Fang He saw them out, watching their backs for a long time afterward.
She was certain they all wanted to leave the palace.
Even though this was the center of power in all Qing, with wealth and glory at their fingertips, they yearned for the outside world more than she had in the past.
She couldn’t leave, but she wanted to help them.
“Looking at what? Concubine Jing and Concubine An said something unpleasant?” Consort Yi came in from outside and saw Fang He’s absent expression, asking curiously.
“They are from scholarly and military families and somewhat naïve, but have no ill intent. Xinguo needn’t bother with them.”
Fang He smiled and shook her head, “They didn’t say anything unpleasant. I just feel sorry for them… Forget it, if others come, let them. Did you come to watch the fun?”
Consort Yi had someone carry a large box into the hall and carefully examined Fang He’s face.
Suddenly, she laughed.
Then, her tone carried a hint of mock jealousy.
“Other people’s eyes aren’t blind. Your makeup is almost falling off—are you afraid we’ll see how full of spring you really are?”
Although Consort Yi no longer wished to bear children, she hadn’t so easily withdrawn her affections from the Emperor.
She knew since she had tried to test the Emperor on behalf of Consort Hui and was found out, that favor could never return as before.
But… whenever she saw the intense affection between Fang He and the Emperor that was different from others, she felt uncomfortable.
In the past, she had flirted and fought playfully with the Emperor and had once enjoyed nearly ten years of his favor.
If she had never been greedy… would things be different now?
But soon, Consort Yi suppressed her faint jealousy.
They were all the same.
No one could compare to Fang He, who was free from attachments and could follow her heart.
So even if given the chance to start over, it would still be like this.
Her life was already more dignified than the others in the palace.
She really didn’t want to ruin this peace.
She took Fang He’s hand, who was chuckling, and sat down.
“Tell me honestly, did you and the Emperor team up to trick us out of the good stuff? From now on, you won’t lack Qianqing Palace’s finest things. The rest of us just have to live off old relics, but you’re so black-hearted, you have to rub salt in our wounds.” Â
Fang He motioned for Springlai to guard outside and whispered in Consort Yi’s ear, “Honestly, I wish I could trade places with you. You have several children to take turns playing with. When they get boring, you’ll have grandchildren and daughters-in-law for fun.” Â
Consort Yi: “…”
What does she think grandchildren are?
Fang He grew more envious as she spoke, “So many treasures in the private treasury, people outside still pay you homage. You just lie back and enjoy a life of wealth and honor. If you don’t want to lie back, you can indulge yourself with palace servants… beauties—what a divine life!”
“Unlike me—jealousy always hurts me, and I only have one child. What am I even after?”
Consort Yi: “….”
Makes sense.
But servants… isn’t that scoundrel a bit too bold?
She couldn’t help but ponder Fang He’s words, thinking eunuchs were safer!
To be honest, after hearing Fang He, Consort Yi’s bitterness had lessened.
The favor was gone anyway, and Fang He wasn’t the type to make trouble.
This state was good enough.
Consort Yi covered her mouth and laughed, “Then hurry up and make peace with the Emperor… Stop causing trouble.
“In a few months, your mourning period ends, and you can have another little prince. Then you’ll have Yinqi and Yintong to guide you. You’ll have grandchildren too.”
Fang He glanced faintly at the large box Consort Yi had brought.
“I can’t afford it. We haven’t even saved enough for Jiujiu’s dowry yet. If I have another child, I might become the poorest favored consort.”
Consort Yi laughed even harder, speaking quickly, “Then have more! Get promoted early to Noble Consort, then Imperial Noble Consort. The gifts sent to your Yanxi Palace will be enough for many children’s dowries and bride prices.”
After joking, Consort Yi brought up serious matters.
“I’ve investigated. Concubine Jing is a daughter of a concubine and had little presence at Duke Tong’s mansion. Her aunt passed away early, and Duke Tong’s wife died too. She’s been raised in the courtyard of Wu Jiashi’s.”
Wu Jiashi was the mother of Fahai, the second son of Tong Guogang, and had a strained relationship with the eldest son Erlundai.
Their quarrels in the capital were well known—once even causing Duke Tong to chase the eldest son down several streets with a knife.
“Because Duke Tong was often away, Wu Jiashi’s line was always bullied. Concubine Jing has behaved timidly and fearfully since entering the palace, which makes sense.”
After pausing, Consort Yi continued, “But the informer also said that when Concubine Jing was young, she was pushed into water by Erlundai. It was Tongjia Wanying who saved her.”
Fang He raised her eyebrows slightly.
“So Concubine Jing might be at odds with us because of Second Princess Tongjia?”
“Not necessarily. We’d have to see Concubine Jing herself. She hasn’t appeared since entering the palace,” Consort Yi shook her head.
“But she has to come out for the palace banquet. We’ll know when we see her then.”