The Virtuous Concubine

It was already afternoon when Malu left. Kangxi had planned to go directly to Yonghe Palace today, but Liuying from Chengqian Palace came running to say that his queen was not feeling well and asked the emperor to go and see her.

Malu knew about the health of Imperial Concubine Tong. Imperial Concubine Tong's health had always been not very good, and it could be said that her life span was limited. She was able to recover only because of the continuous Western medicines given by Emperor Kangxi.

Moreover, Kangxi had received so much information today that she wanted to go back and think about it herself, so she generously advised Kangxi to go and see: "Your Majesty, Imperial Concubine Tong has always been weak and sickly, and now it is reported that she is unwell. If Your Majesty can visit her in person, it will surely make the Empress feel at ease, and it will also be of great benefit to her recovery."

How could Kangxi not know this? He was just afraid that Malu would be embarrassed or jealous, and would turn back to the palace fighting and stop working for him. Seeing that she did not have any grudges on her face, he agreed.

"What Concubine De said is very true. I will go to Chengqian Palace now to see Imperial Noble Concubine Tong." Kangxi said, and then changed his original itinerary and prepared to go to Chengqian Palace.

Ma Lu was relieved to see that Kangxi had accepted her suggestion. She bowed and said softly, "Your Majesty is considerate of the concubines, and the sisters in the harem are grateful. I will take my leave first and will not disturb the emperor."

After exiting the Qianqing Palace and walking down the white marble steps, Malu refused the sedan chair: "Such a beautiful sunset is suitable for strolling and enjoying. I want to walk back today."

The afterglow of the setting sun shone on the glazed tiles of the Forbidden City, shining with golden light. Malu led Bai Fu and others to walk slowly along the palace wall, feeling somewhat comfortable. The group had not walked far, and just as they turned the corner, they saw Kangxi's ceremonial procession hurriedly heading towards Chengqian Palace.

Malu smiled, revealing a hint of self-mockery: "She is indeed the apple of the Emperor's eye."

Bai Fu was afraid that her master would be jealous, so she quickly explained, "The emperor cares about Imperial Concubine Tong probably because of the Tong family. The emperor must have seen your virtue and intelligence."

Malu gently waved her hand, signaling Bai Fu not to say more: "Don't you understand me? I don't care about this at all. Unfortunately, starting today, my leisure time is gone."

She looked into the distance, thinking about every word and every action of today, and repeatedly tried to make sure that Kangxi did not suspect her before she gave up.

When she arrived at Yonghe Palace, she had just taken off her lilac-colored python cloak when Bai Xia hurried in to report: "Master, Imperial Concubine Tong is pregnant! Concubine Wei is also pregnant!!"

what?

Without much hesitation, Malu opened the system and checked Concubine Tong's physical condition. Sure enough, the word "pregnant" was clearly displayed on the screen.

How come these two things happened together? Malu's heart moved. She felt that this matter was not simple and was definitely not a coincidence. But fortunately, she did not change her clothes. She only needed to tidy herself up a little before she could go to congratulate Concubine Tong.

She glanced at Kangxi's position again. Hmm? Kangxi had actually left and went to Noble Lady Wei?

Malu sighed. It was a busy day. She immediately ordered Bai Fu to prepare the gift, and asked Jingyi to find Xiao Si'er and bring him to congratulate his mother.

Soon everything was ready, and Malu led Xiao Si'er to Chengqian Palace. Xiao Si'er was very silent along the way. Malu was afraid that his unhappy expression would offend Concubine Tong, after all, this was a happy event for her, so she asked the Fourth Prince: "Your mother has a baby, why is Xiao Si'er unwilling to tell your mother about his happiness?"

Xiao Si'er raised his head and asked her, "Mother, did it hurt when you gave birth to me?"

Malu was slightly startled, and then a tender feeling surged in her heart. She squatted down, looked at Xiao Si'er at eye level, and replied softly: "It hurts, but it's worth it. Because of you, mother feels very happy."

Malu paused for a moment before continuing, "So your mother must be looking forward to this child, so you should be happy for her."

Xiao Si Er was silent for a while, then he showed a simple and honest smile similar to that of the Fifth Prince: "I know."

Seeing that the Fourth Prince understood, or at least adjusted his facial expression, Malu stood up, took the Little Fourth Prince's hand again, and continued walking: "Then let's go to see your noble mother with full blessings."

In fact, Malu also felt that Concubine Tong was crazy, and Kangxi was also crazy. What was the physical condition of Concubine Tong? One dared to favor her, and the other dared to get pregnant! The birth of a child requires a lot of nutrition from the mother. Concubine Tong was so dilapidated, but she dared to get pregnant. I really don’t know what these people think.

Although Malu had doubts in her heart, she knew that this was not something she should delve into. In the harem, everyone had their own way of survival, and all she could do was to fulfill her duty and protect herself and her children.

The two walked and talked, and soon arrived at Chengqian Palace. With Xiao Si'er there, Concubine Tong would not embarrass Malu and let him in directly. Malu led Xiao Si'er into the room and saw Concubine Tong leaning on the cushion at the top. Although her face was pale, her eyebrows were filled with joy that was difficult to conceal.

Imperial Concubine is a high position, so Malu's gaze only lingered on Concubine Tong's face for a moment, and then he bowed respectfully: "I heard that Imperial Concubine Tong is pregnant, so I came to congratulate her. I wish you a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby."

Concubine Tong was extremely happy now, and smiled whenever she saw someone: "Concubine De is so thoughtful, please get up quickly."

Xiao Si'er also imitated Malu and bowed awkwardly: "Xiao Si'er also wishes your mother peace."

Concubine Tong looked at Xiao Si'er, and the smile on her face became much more genuine: "Xiao Si'er is so good, come here and let me see you. I haven't seen you for a long time."

Malu gently pushed Xiao Si'er and motioned him to come forward. Xiao Si'er obediently walked to Concubine Tong and looked at her belly curiously. Concubine Tong was not polite and directly took Xiao Si'er's hand and placed it on her belly, which was not even showing, and said softly: "Xiao Si'er, say hello to your brothers and sisters."

Xiao Si'er didn't dare to move at all. He just looked at Malu for help, his eyes full of uncertainty and shyness. Malu gave him an encouraging smile and said softly: "Xiao Si'er, don't be afraid. Your brothers and sisters will feel your kindness."

Encouraged by Malu, Xiao Si'er plucked up his courage and whispered to Concubine Tong's belly: "Brother and sister, I am Xiao Si'er. I hope you will be healthy in your mother's belly."

Concubine Tong's face was filled with maternal radiance. She felt that her life was complete at this moment, and Concubine De was no longer such an eyesore. She gently stroked Xiao Si'er's head and said, "Xiao Si'er, you are such a sensible and good child. In the future, take care of it just like you took care of Yin Zuo and Wen Xian, okay?"

The atmosphere at this moment was particularly warm. Only Malu knew that this child was Concubine Tong's death warrant.