The Virtuous Concubine

Kangxi had seen Malu in many ways before. Each one left a deep impression on him. He had seen her gentle as water, lively and agile, naughty and humorous, and silently forbearing. But without exception, each one was full of her deep affection and attachment to him.

However, at this moment, he felt an unprecedented sense of distance, as if Malu was looking at him with a completely new gaze, as if he was looking at a completely stranger. This feeling made Kangxi's heart tremble slightly.

Fortunately, as soon as Malu opened his mouth, the familiar tone and teasing made him feel that the feeling of strangeness just now was just an illusion.

"Your Majesty actually remembers to come to Yonghe Palace - I thought Your Majesty had forgotten the way to Yonghe Palace!" There was a hint of coquettishness in her tone, but it also revealed a kind of joy that was difficult to conceal.

Kangxi smiled and shook his head: "I can forget anyone, but I will never forget you. It's just that there are too many things going on in the past period, and I rarely come to the harem."

She lowered her head slightly, avoiding the emperor's affectionate gaze, and a faint blush appeared on her face.

"Your Majesty, you are too kind," Malu pulled Kangxi's sleeve and led the two to the main seat. "I know that Your Majesty is busy with state affairs, so I dare not expect too much. I just hope that Your Majesty is well. This is my greatest wish."

After Kangxi sat down, he said to her: "I know you understand the great principles, but I also hope you know that no matter where I am, you will always be in my heart."

Malu chuckled in her heart, I don't believe you! But she remained calm on the surface, still maintaining her gentleness and humility. She waved and asked someone to bring the twins and Xiao Si'er to show Kangxi his three big babies. The arrival of the children filled the entire Yonghe Palace with laughter.

The twins and Xiao Si'er were not shy children, they were innocent, lively and cute. Xiao Si'er was especially special, he would rush towards Kangxi when he saw him, his big eyes sparkling with desire for fatherly love and curiosity about the world.

Kangxi picked up the little fourth prince, feeling the warmth of his small body in his arms, and an unprecedented tenderness surged in his heart. He rocked the fourth prince again and couldn't help but sigh: "This child is so strong!"

The fourth prince grabbed Kangxi by the collar and said seriously, "Baturu, Baturu!"

Kangxi laughed out loud. He was particularly happy because of the child's innocence. "You know Baturu at such a young age? Great! I'll let you compete with your elder brother some other day!" His tone was full of teasing and expectation. "Let's see who is the real Baturu!"

This big brother refers to the eldest prince Yinzhen, who is currently ranked first. He is famous for his riding and archery skills among many outstanding princes and ranks first. Like the crown prince, he is the pride of Kangxi.

Xiao Si'er turned his head and seemed a little reluctant: "I, I! The biggest Baturu!" Although his words were childish, they also revealed a spirit of not admitting defeat.

Kangxi couldn't stop laughing when he heard this. He was tired of holding the child. This child was too noisy! Kangxi put the child down and patted Xiao Si'er's head gently: "Okay, okay, I'm waiting for the day when my little Baturu grows up to be a big Baturu." Kangxi's words were full of encouragement and expectation.

Xiao Si'er stood in front of Emperor Kangxi, his eyes fixed on the Nine-Dragon Pendant on Kangxi's waist. It was an intricately carved, lifelike jade pendant with nine entwined dragons, symbolizing the supremacy of imperial power. This was also given to him by Kangxi's father, Shunzhi.

Xiao Sier's eyes revealed curiosity. Children, after all, seemed to like sparkling things very much. He even reached out and grabbed the jade pendant. His little hand exerted a little force, showing a child's unique persistence.

Kangxi noticed Xiao Si'er's gaze. He bent down slightly, took the Nine Dragon Pendant from Xiao Si'er's hand, and asked Xiao Si'er gently: "Do you like this?" There was a hint of playfulness in his voice, as if he was considering Xiao Si'er's reaction.

Xiao Sier nodded, with a look of desire in his eyes, as if to say, who wouldn't love such a treasure? Kangxi looked at his eager look and nodded with a smile: "You have good taste, just like your mother, very picky."

However, Kangxi did not give the Nine Dragons pendant to Xiao Si'er immediately. This jade pendant is not just an ornament, it is also a symbol of power and status. Kangxi wanted to leave this jade to the prince, so he would not give it to Xiao Si'er directly just to make her happy.

"This jade pendant belongs to your brother." Kangxi said softly, with an indescribable temptation in his voice, "When you grow up, if you still want it, you will need to find a way. If you are capable enough, I will naturally hand it to you personally."

When Malu heard this, she was so frightened that she knelt down quickly and said in a trembling voice: "Your Majesty, the fourth child is young and ignorant and does not know the rules. Please forgive me." She touched the ground lightly with her forehead, and her posture was extremely humble, for fear that Kangxi would think she was teaching the child to do something wrong.

Seeing Malu like this, Kangxi gently waved his hand, indicating that she didn't need to be too nervous: "Get up. I know what you are worried about. It's okay."

Little Si'er didn't seem to know why his mother was so nervous. He ran over and tried to support her with his little hands, but he only grabbed the corner of her sleeve: "Mother won't kneel, mother won't kneel."

Malu turned to look at Xiao Si'er, her eyes full of tenderness: "Good boy, mother is fine. But you have to remember that you can only ask for it if your royal father gives it to you. Do you understand?"

She gently stroked Xiao Si'er's head, and Xiao Si'er nodded obediently: "It belongs to my father, no one can take it away. My father, the greatest Baturu!"

His words revealed his awe of the imperial power and his admiration for his father, and they touched Kangxi's heart. He loved to hear these words. He smiled and said to Ma Lu, "De Fei, you taught well. The precociousness of Xiao Si Er is inseparable from your teaching. You deserve a reward!"

He also realized that Xiao Si'er was much smarter than other children of his age. However, if no one taught him, it would be easy to hurt Zhongyong. He also cherished talent, so he said to Ma Lu: "I think Xiao Si'er can start his education one or two years earlier, and then go to the study room to study earlier, together with his brothers."

Ma Lu was relieved but a little hesitant when she heard this. She knew that Xiao Si'er was smart, but she was also worried that if the child left her too early, it would be bad for them to develop feelings. Moreover, if she agreed to it, Kangxi would definitely be suspicious of her!

She could only reveal a trace of reluctance in her eyes: "Your Majesty, Xiao Si'er is indeed smart, but he is still so young. I am afraid of forcing him to grow too fast, so let him play for two years first! I don't ask him to become successful. As your prince, he already has endless wealth and honor. Why should he work so hard to make progress?"

Kangxi was speechless, wondering why Concubine De was so lazy. Fortunately, he discovered it early, otherwise the child would have been delayed by her! However, he would not raise his voice to Malu, but gently advised her: "I understand your love for your son. But if Xiao Si'er's talent is not cultivated, wouldn't it be a waste of his potential? We don't want him to pursue fame and fortune, but to make him a knowledgeable and talented person."

When Malu heard what Kangxi said, she could only agree reluctantly: "Your Majesty is very thoughtful. It is a blessing for Xiao Sier to have your care."