The Virtuous Concubine

At dawn, an imperial decree from Emperor Kangxi spread throughout the six palaces. The daughter of Abunai, the fifth-rank civil official of Xinzheku, Juechan (also known as Wei), was named concubine! The news spread quickly to every corner of the Forbidden City along with the morning wind, causing the palace people to whisper.

Malu was not surprised to hear this news. The sixth child in her belly had become the seventh child because of the twins, but the general time must have remained the same. The eighth prince must have been born in the near future. So when she heard Bai Xia tell her the news, she just nodded and continued to eat. Now she has a big appetite every day, and she hasn't finished this meal yet!

It was only while eating that she realized something was wrong: "Didn't the emperor go to Concubine Tong's palace after leaving yesterday?" She put down her chopsticks and frowned slightly. Seeing this, Bai Xia quickly replied: "Yes, Madam, the emperor did go to Concubine Tong's place last night, but later it was said that the emperor went to the Imperial Garden and met Jue Chan, and some people also said..."

"What else is someone saying?" Malu asked quickly when he saw that Bai Xia looked strange.

Bai Xia looked around and lowered his voice, "Someone also said that the emperor and Jue Chan had sex right in the imperial garden. It seems that the emperor was quite satisfied with Jue Chan and made her a concubine on the spot."

Malu almost laughed out loud when she heard this - Kangxi's reputation must be ruined! How could the rumor be so outrageous? Kangxi had so many beauties in his harem, how could he be so impatient? She shook her head and said to Bai Xia, "You believe such a rumor? You and I know what kind of person the emperor is. The emperor has always been noble and self-respecting, how could he do such a thing in the imperial garden."

Bai Xia showed an embarrassed look on her face: "Your Highness is right. I was confused for a moment. It's just that what people say outside is so convincing..."

Malu waved her hand, indicating that it was okay: "You are too concerned and confused. There are too many idle people in the harem. They gossip when they have free time. Rumors are always flying. You should stay away from these people, or you will get into trouble." In fact, Malu regretted it to death. If she had known earlier, she should have turned on the video and followed Kangxi to see what was going on.

The system was also very curious: "How can it be so detailed? Ask Bai Xia to elaborate on it. I want to hear it."

Ma Lu had no choice but to ask Bai Xia to tell him in detail. Seeing that the queen was so curious, Bai Xia sorted out the news he had heard: "It is said that the eunuch who carried the imperial sedan chair that I am familiar with, I wonder if the queen still remembers it? He saw with his own eyes that the emperor and Jue Chan walked side by side in the imperial garden and talked happily. Later, the emperor picked flowers for Jue Chan himself, and even drank a glass of wine together under the moonlight. Later..."

Bai Xia paused, lowered her voice and continued, "No one dared to tell what happened afterwards, they just said some vague words that seemed to be true, I listened... Later the emperor dismissed his attendants, and he and Jue Chan were alone in the pavilion, with the doors and windows tightly closed... After they came out, Jue Chan became a concubine."

Ma Lu exclaimed in a low voice. If it was really as Bai Xia said, then it would not be surprising for Jue Chan to be conferred the title. But this was too rude! Ma Lu finally reminded Bai Xia: "Just listen to these words, don't spread them casually. Gossip can melt gold, and constant criticism can destroy a person. You may have said it casually, but for Jue Chan, it was a deep pain."

Bai Xia responded respectfully: "I understand, Madam, rest assured, I will keep my mouth shut."

Malu sighed softly, picked up her chopsticks again, and continued to enjoy her breakfast, but her mind was no longer on the food. Thinking over and over again about what Bai Xia said, Malu simply threw down her chopsticks and stopped eating.

To be honest, Malu was a little disgusted. What did Kangxi mean by this? I thought he was an emperor who endured humiliation, restrained himself and observed etiquette, a wise ruler who took the world as his own responsibility. In the end, wasn't it just because of temporary pleasure that he took every one he met? This approach not only gave Juechan a hellish start, but it was also a blow to the other concubines in the harem.

Are women so worthless in Kangxi's heart?

Malu thought about the warm time she had with him last night, and it was as if she had eaten a fly. Just when they were being affectionate with each other, he turned around and went to Concubine Tong's palace. I thought he was a loyal man, at least he was the same to Concubine Tong, but he left Chengqian Palace and was in the pavilion with a palace maid he didn't know. . .

As expected, men cannot be trusted. Malu drank some water, calmed down, and then asked the system to open the video. She was actually quite curious about whether the twin sisters of Juechan, the biological mother of the Eighth Prince, were really as beautiful as the rumors said.

The system suggested to her: "Wouldn't it be better to see Kangxi's attitude and state at this time?"

Malu knew that the system's words made sense, but she really didn't want to see Kangxi's face. She only thought it was hypocritical. "At this point, he is probably in the imperial palace listening to government affairs. What's there to see?" Malu adjusted her mood and explained to the system. The system thought so and opened the video after using the detector to locate it. It observed the newly-minted favorite concubine.

In the video, the back hall of Zhongcui Palace where Juechan lived was very lively. The palace maids and eunuchs were busy registering the rewards and gifts from the concubines in the harem. Silks, satins, gold, silver and jewelry, each one was exquisite. And the newly promoted concubine Juechan was going to pay a visit to the main concubine Hui in the palace according to the palace etiquette.

Jue Chan's beauty was indeed extraordinary. From a distance, she looked like a newly blooming rose, charming yet elegant. Her skin was as white as snow, her eyebrows were as green as distant mountains, and her eyes were as ripples as autumn water. The corners of her lips were slightly upturned, with a hint of natural tenderness and shyness, as if she was a fairy walking out of a painting, and every part of her body was beautiful.

The system was also very surprised: "There are people who are better looking than you! I lose, I lose——"

Malu curled her lips and said, "You are really a traitor. If you think she is pretty, go ahead and tie her up."

The system knew that it had said something wrong, so it quickly shut up and continued to look at Jue Chan in the picture. As it watched, Malu discovered the problem. Jue Chan's behavior, movements, and expression all revealed her timidity, as if she was a frightened deer, ready to escape from possible danger at any time.

Of course, Malu also knew that this character, which was a minus in the eyes of women, was a big plus in the eyes of a male chauvinist like Kangxi. When women looked at Juechan, they would think that although her behavior was not impolite, she was a little restrained and lacked the temperament of calmness and confidence. But men only thought that she was gentle and pleasant, and suitable for the family.

When Jue Chan entered the main hall where Concubine Hui lived, her steps seemed a little hesitant, her movements were a little stiff when she saluted, and there was a tremor in her voice: "Your concubine Jue Chan, pays homage to Concubine Hui."

But her beauty was so outstanding that even though she was so timid, everyone's eyes were still focused on Jue Chan. As the head of Zhongcui Palace, Huipin was well-informed and accustomed to the changes in the harem. But the moment she saw Jue Chan, she knew in her heart that this person would be favored for a long time.

Huipin's character is just like her title, she is always virtuous and kind, so she would not let Juechan wait for a long time or show her power. She nodded slightly and said, "Get up. I am also very happy to see you. Are you used to being here?"