After dinner, Kangxi and Fang He shared an unspoken understanding.
Taking advantage of the gentle evening breeze, they bypassed Jiaotai Hall and walked side by side to the small garden behind Kunning Palace to aid digestion.
The garden was already lit with palace lanterns, the hazy light cradling a slender crescent moon hanging overhead, lending a romantic ambiance.
Liang Jiugong trailed a few steps behind with Li Dequan, Zhaohua, and the others.
Only then did Fang He bring up the question she had hesitated to ask inside the hall: “That green token, was it originally something the Emperor intended to keep in the box?”
Kangxi’s face remained expressionless as he asked, “Do you think I would give myself the chance to be embarrassed in front of so many people?”
Fang He: “……”
Which bastard is he implying?
She snorted lightly, “Then what about the washboard you used? Did you leave it behind in the hall to study whenever you wanted after finishing your painting?”
Kangxi: “……”
He had already ordered someone to chop it up and burn it for firewood.
Without changing expression, he smoothly changed the subject: “I have asked Eunuch Gu. He sincerely wishes to serve under you, but if you don’t want him to go to Yanxi Palace, having Qiao Cheng go instead is also possible.”
“However, his standing in the Imperial Household Department isn’t as strong as Eunuch Gu’s, and he’s not as familiar with some of the unwritten rules.”
Fang He took his hand and shook it gently, speaking frankly, “The person you choose, I naturally trust. But, well… once Qiao Cheng and Wei Zhu arrive at the palace gate, I won’t be able to stay in the dark about what’s going on in Qianqing Palace anymore!”
Kangxi chuckled, stopping in his tracks.
He drew Fang He’s cloak around her shoulders and looked seriously into her phoenix eyes, reflecting the flickering lantern light—and her.
“Guoguo, love breeds fear; love breeds worry. I have never truly grasped your feelings, hence my doubts. But now, I do not.”
Fang He’s lips curved upward slightly.
She deliberately pursed them and raised an eyebrow at him.
“So, Your Majesty, are you certain I adore you… love you to death?”
Kangxi laughed softly and tapped her forehead and said, “I am certain. Ever since you re-entered the palace, you’ve never intended to leave again. It’s just that my fortune is uncertain—good or bad—and I happened to meet a sly little fox.”
Fang He’s heart stirred, ‘Had Kangxi already figured it out so quickly?’
That couldn’t be.
It made her feel a little foolish.
She cleared her throat twice, pulling his hand and continuing forward, pretending not to understand.
“Then I shall accept Eunuch Gu, but managing palace affairs can wait for now. The materials Your Majesty ordered me to study—I haven’t fully absorbed them yet. I’ll first ask Eunuch Gu a few things before taking over.”
Kangxi knew her nature best.
He squeezed her hand and said, “You just want to slack off until after the Empress Dowager’s memorial, don’t you?”
“I’m afraid I might be pregnant in a few days!” Fang He teased, tracing a finger in his palm.
The words surprised him.
“As for when I take over palace affairs, that depends on Your Majesty’s abilities.”
She still wanted a promotion and a raise before officially starting.
She had to secure the first three months of her pregnancy before that.
Besides, the Niuhulu clan wouldn’t let go so easily.
Having kept a low profile in the harem for so long, one show of authority wasn’t enough to intimidate the Noble Consort.
Kangxi’s chest tightened at her words but he said nothing.
Calmly, he draped his arm around her shoulders and turned toward Zhaoren Hall.
Fang He’s heartbeat quickened abruptly.
She had to admit, though she had been overwhelmed the last time she was bedridden for two days, it had been thrilling.
This was the first time since they had openly spoken, with the repeated descriptions from Daningzi about the dual sensation of ice and fire waiting ahead…
Thinking of the warm and cold water already prepared in advance, even before entering the hall, Fang He felt as if she were stepping on clouds, light and airy.
Kangxi didn’t summon anyone to attend to them in the hall.
Neither of them needed servants to help with changing clothes now.
Liang Jiugong silently signaled for the doors of Zhaoren Hall to be closed.
The crimson doors shut completely.
Fang He stepped back a few paces, tilting her head to smile at Kangxi, who returned her gaze.
Their eyes met, and an unknown wildfire suddenly ignited deep within, hotter than the candlelight in the hall.
She stepped forward, opening her arms.
Kangxi lifted her fully, letting Fang He embrace him without hesitation.
In the span of moments, their lips met and teeth interlocked.
Fang He couldn’t help but hum softly, cupping Kangxi’s face, responding more passionately than ever before.
Kangxi felt it too.
His burning heart mixed with surprise made him eager to carry her into the Nuan Pavilion.
But just as he took a few steps, faint crying sounds drifted from outside the hall.
Fang He immediately snapped out of her reverie and pushed Kangxi.
“Your Majesty, it’s Jiujiu crying. Please put me down quickly!”
The cries grew louder and closer, as if right outside the door.
Kangxi looked down helplessly at his bright dragon robe, took a deep breath, and gently set her down.
“You go soothe her first. I’ll come over shortly.”
Fang He tidied her clothes, stifling a smile as she went out.
It wasn’t like she had deliberately called Jiujiu here.
Outside, she saw Jiujiu clinging to Chunlai’s neck, hiccupping softly, tears running down her cheeks like a string of crystals.
Hearing the noise, Chunlai turned back and, spotting Fang He, Jiujiu burst into full tears, reaching out to her.
“Wuwu~ E’liang, no, Jiujiu, Liangliang wuwu~”
Chunlai bit her lip and whispered, “Mistress, forgive me. The little lady is probably unfamiliar with this strange place and just won’t calm down.”
When Fang He and Jiujiu went to Shoukang Palace, Fang He spent a long time with Jiujiu, helping her get used to the side hall there.
Jiujiu only slept soundly after that.
Fang He quickly took Jiujiu in her arms, gently patting her to soothe.
“Your mother is always by your side, no one can take your mother away. Your mother belongs only to you. No one will ever compete for you.”
Jiujiu still sobbed intermittently, babbling words no adult could understand.
Fang He only truly understood after becoming a mother—loving one’s child means understanding their feelings, even without understanding their words.
She tilted her head and kissed Jiujiu’s cheek.
“Baby, remember, tomorrow your mother will invite many people to come play with you. That’s why I brought you to Father’s palace today. Tomorrow, we’ll go back!”
As Fang He spoke softly, Jiujiu seemed to understand.
Her cries grew weaker, and she finally dozed off on Fang He’s shoulder.
When Kangxi had calmed down and arrived at the side hall, he saw Jiujiu clutching Fang He’s sleeve, already asleep.
Seeing the mother and daughter nestled together, the lingering cold aura around Kangxi gradually faded.
He lay down beside Fang He and lightly stroked Jiujiu’s chubby cheek with the back of his finger.
“I’ve troubled you and Jiujiu.”
Fang He turned to look at him, her clear eyes shining with laughter.
“To be able to wait for the Emperor as he is today, neither Jiujiu nor I feel wronged. Polite words must be said. Anyway, neither me nor Jiujiu will suffer losses. Any grievances will be made up for sooner or later.”
Kangxi said, “Really no grievances? Your birthday celebrations are being prepared for the Longevity Festival in the palace. Jiujiu’s birthday coincides with the Empress Dowager’s memorial. I originally planned that every year during the Longevity Festival, you and Jiujiu would celebrate longevity with me…”
Fang He quickly clasped Kangxi’s hand, filled with emotion.
“Your Majesty, no matter how much hardship Jiujiu and I endure for Your Majesty’s sake, we are willing! If the birthday could be celebrated during the Longevity Festival, wouldn’t that mean anyone who gives gifts to His Majesty would have to prepare one for us too? “
“Tsk tsk, such grievances, my daughter and I are destined to bear!”
A smile flickered in Kangxi’s eyes as he withdrew his hand and began undoing her clothes.
Fang He was startled, quickly covering her collar and said, “What are you doing? The child is still inside! What if the child is affected?”
Kangxi tapped her hand and scolded her jokingly, “I’m leaving your clothes for Jiujiu, so she won’t be scared when she wakes up!
“When the Crown Prince was little, he also slept in Qianqing Palace for a time. He wouldn’t accept anyone but me. But at that time, the Three Feudatories Rebellion was happening, and I couldn’t always accompany him. Later, they wrapped him in the dragon robe that I used to wear, and only then did the Crown Prince settle down.”
Seeing Fang He prepare to stay overnight in the side hall, Kangxi leaned in and bit her earlobe.
“The ice you left in Zhaoren Hall is almost melted.”
Fang He’s breath faltered.
Right, she couldn’t waste it.
Jiujiu usually didn’t need her to stay to sleep—no one trusted her sleeping posture enough to have the child sleep beside her.
She carefully took off her outer garment and gently covered Jiujiu’s small belly.
Before leaving, she reminded Chunlai with some worry, “If Jiujiu wakes and looks for me, you must hold her and call me.”
Chunlai was about to nod when Kangxi gave her a faint look.
She froze and didn’t dare make a sound.
Fang He wanted to ask, but Kangxi had already pulled her along out of the hall.
Though the weather wasn’t cold tonight, the dew was heavier.
Fang He wore only her underclothes, and Kangxi was still worried the little fox might catch a chill.
Before entering the hall, Kangxi glanced at Liang Jiugong, who nodded without expression.
When the Ninth Princess had been crying earlier, Liang Jiugong had already sent someone to fetch Nanny Li.
The nanny in Qianqing Palace was too constrained; in terms of soothing children, the nanny who served in Jingren Palace was much better.
She would ensure the Ninth Princess wouldn’t be scared enough to disturb the two main persons again.
When the two returned to the bedchamber, the fading cold aura receded with their clothes as they slipped out of the canopy, and soon the flames rekindled.
Fang He was kissed breathless, her black hair damp and sticking to her forehead.
She stretched out her hand beyond the canopy.
“Wait, let’s rest for a bit… the ice…”
Kangxi’s large hand, veined and throbbing, caught hers and intertwined their fingers without giving her a chance to refuse.
His low voice carried a hint of mischief.
“No rush. I will let you experience the taste of ice and fire…”
To get ice, the bastard had to be heated up first.
Fang He arched her graceful neck and tugged Kangxi’s ear, wanting to urge him on but also hold him back.
She opened her mouth but couldn’t form a complete sentence.
Kangxi looked into her eyes, almost drowned in moisture, and the fire inside him blazed hotter.
Unable to hold back, he drew his bow and notched an arrow, ready to strike his prey—when suddenly a trembling voice echoed outside the door.
“Your Majesty…” Liang Jiugong’s hesitant call.
Fang He, sensing the sudden interruption, felt her heart drop from her throat.
An indescribable emptiness and absurdity overwhelmed her, causing her to turn her head and laugh.
After all, she had been somewhat satisfied already.
As for this gentleman… pfft, tonight was probably not his night.
Kangxi’s temple vein bulged.
He took a deep breath and sat up with a dark expression.
He knew that Liang Jiugong wouldn’t disturb him without cause.
Seeing Fang He pull the blanket and lazily wave him off with her back turned, he wished he could press her into his embrace first.
Trying to calm himself, Kangxi coldly called in Liang Jiugong.
He concealed the canopy and glared fiercely at him.
“You better give me a reason why I shouldn’t beat you to death!”
Liang Jiugong knelt with a pained face and said, “Your Majesty, sudden news has come from outside the palace: An Prince has passed away.”
‘Hmm?’
Fang He turned and lifted the corner of the canopy, poking her head out from Kangxi’s arm with a curious expression.
“The one who made Zashuhu Li take the blame?”
Kangxi’s expression immediately brightened, “Yes. He is quite fortunate. To have his death fall on the same day as the Empress Dowager’s memorial means that, going forward, his offerings will be made in conjunction with hers. He will probably endure some hardship for the Empress Dowager’s memorial.”
Recalling how An Prince secretly supported the regents and, relying on his military achievements and the late Emperor’s favor, caused countless troubles for him and the Empress Dowager…
Kangxi felt that, by not laughing, he was already showing respect to this uncle.