The Virtuous Concubine

But no matter how Malu questioned, the system stopped talking.

It was a pity, but Malu didn't care. She was busy now! After returning to the palace to rest for a while, she met with old acquaintances from the Imperial Kitchen and the Craftsmen Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. She comforted them and told them to do what they should do and just be more vigilant.

However, the two heads quietly handed Malu a note, but Malu threw it into the incense burner without even looking at it: "What do you two mean? I will just pretend that what happened today never happened."

The heads of the Imperial Kitchen and the Craftsmen's Department looked at each other and knelt down quickly: "Your Majesty, please forgive us. We were overthinking. It was... it was a few bondservant families who wanted to show their loyalty to you..."

Malu's eyes were as sharp as swords. She certainly knew that the Baoyi would conduct many private transactions and solicitations in order to consolidate their power, but there was no need to be so anxious since she had just obtained the power of the palace.

"Of course I understand. But there are rules in the harem that do not allow private transactions. Go back and tell them to do their job properly and not to do this unnecessarily."

"Yes, madam." The two heads responded quickly, secretly glad that they had escaped, but how could this madam be so powerful? From then on, they were even more in awe of Malu.

Two days passed in a flash. Today, the morning sun shone in the Forbidden City. It was the day when Emperor Kangxi set out for Mount Wutai. The magnificent palace looked even more solemn and majestic under the shining sun.

The concubines in the harem were waiting in the square outside the Qianqing Palace, even the frail Imperial Noble Consort Tong came. The concubines were dressed in gorgeous clothes, standing gracefully, creating a scene of prosperity and splendor in the heyday of the prosperous times. This time, regardless of their status, from Imperial Noble Consorts down to concubines and maids, all gathered here to see Kangxi off.

Malu was standing in the front, feeling a little impatient. Ever since the news of the Imperial Concubine's pregnancy came out, she had exempted everyone from paying respects. She hadn't gotten up so early in a long time.

Kangxi was just going out to burn incense, not to become a monk! Why did he come in such a big ceremony? Malu felt it was totally unnecessary. She looked at her face and nose, and soon the sound of bells rang out, and Kangxi, surrounded by guards and eunuchs, walked out of the Qianqing Palace.

The emperor was wearing a golden dragon-embroidered robe, a crown on his head, a sword hanging from his waist, and a majestic demeanor, and his steps were steady. The sun shone down, reflecting on the dragon robe, a golden patch that was extremely dazzling.

When the concubines saw Kangxi coming, they all saluted in unison. Imperial Noble Consort Tong led the way with a voice as sweet as an oriole, saying, "Your Highness is being escorted back to the palace. We wish you a safe and speedy return."

Kangxi nodded and said, "I am going to Mount Wutai to pray for peace and prosperity for the country and the people. I will leave all the affairs of the harem to you guys."

All the concubines responded in unison: "We will do our best to wait for the emperor's return."

Afterwards, Kangxi turned around and boarded the carriage that had been prepared long ago, and under the escort of the guards, he slowly drove out of the Forbidden City. The concubines watched the emperor's carriage go away, and only dispersed reluctantly when it disappeared from their sight.

When the crowd dispersed, Concubine Xiao Niuhulu was just about to comfort Concubine Tong, but she suddenly felt a nausea that was hard to suppress. She didn't want to lose face, so she quickly covered her mouth, her face slightly pale, and a trace of panic flashed in her eyes.

Upon seeing this, Imperial Concubine Tong immediately had someone come forward to support her: "What's wrong with you, sister? Are you feeling uncomfortable somewhere?"

Little Niuhulu forced a smile and said, "Don't worry, sister. It may be because you haven't eaten well recently. You will be fine after a little rest."

Imperial Concubine Tong was not willing to comply and summoned the imperial physician on the spot. She felt a little uncomfortable anyway, so let's go see the doctor together! The palace servants quickly brought two carved rosewood chairs and asked the two most senior people in the harem to sit down.

The chairs were covered with soft brocade cushions, and the palace maids carefully helped the two concubines sit down, moving gently for fear of aggravating their discomfort.

The concubines dared not leave, and they also realized that something was wrong, so they just stood there in the increasingly hot sun. Soon, four imperial doctors came and took turns to check the pulses of the two concubines.

Imperial Concubine Tong was indeed weak, and standing for a while had already startled her fetus, so she needed to go back and rest. And little Niuhulu was already one and a half months pregnant.

When Concubine Xiao Niuhulu heard that she was pregnant, she showed an unconcealable surprise on her face, and couldn't help but gently stroke her still flat belly. Concubine Tong also showed a half-true and half-false smile. She held Concubine Xiao Niuhulu's hand and said softly: "Sister, you are so lucky. You got good news not long after entering the palace. You must take good care of yourself."

Malu was not very surprised. The eight, nine, and tenth princes were born on consecutive dates. It was normal for them to have children one after another. However, she glanced at Concubine Yi next to her with a very obscure look. The pulse of the tenth prince has been found, but your ninth prince hasn't burst out yet?

Concubine Yi was very sensitive and immediately noticed Malu's gaze. She was shocked - how did Concubine De know! Although the look was subtle and even obscure, a woman's intuition told her that Concubine De knew, and had known it for a long time!

In a flash, Concubine Yi understood why Concubine De was looking at her. This imperial concubine had already exposed herself after only one and a half months, and she was much older than her! Moreover, she had even slept with Concubine De during the period. If she continued to hide it, she would have a hard time justifying herself.

Concubine Yi was also quite clever. After a moment's attention, she pretended to be weak and hurriedly fell to Concubine De's side.

System: "Ah————bad woman————bad woman is going to frame you————"

Malu ignored the system's screams. She held Concubine Yi firmly, acting like a beauty saving her husband. Then, without caring about her manners, she yelled, "Imperial Physician! Imperial Physician! Come and see Concubine Yi. What happened to Concubine Yi?!"

While acting, Malu felt a little happy in her heart: "Concubine Yi smells so good, what is this thing she uses? I want it too."

Concubine Yi had no idea that Malu was addicted to acting. She could only lean on Malu's arms, her hand gently resting on Concubine De's arm. With a trembling voice, she said, "Sister Defei, I am not feeling well today. Perhaps I am too excited to hear the good news. Please forgive me."

Ma Lu still couldn't tell what kind of incense she used, so he could only gently push Concubine Yi away to let her stand firmly, and said in a concerned tone: "What are you talking about! We are sisters, why should we be so distant?"

The pulse of pregnancy in these four months is so easy to diagnose. The imperial physician who diagnosed the pulse of Concubine Yi could not help but secretly marvel at the fact that she was so advanced in pregnancy: This queen is so bold and careful that she could conceal the good news in such a treacherous place as the harem. However, since they were paid by the emperor, there was no need to conceal it, so they announced in front of everyone in the harem that Concubine Yi was pregnant for more than four months.

When everyone first heard that Concubine Yi was pregnant, they were a little jealous, but when the imperial physician said that the baby was more than four months old, everyone's eyes were a little strange - what is Concubine Yi crazy about? Is she treating us as fools, or what is her purpose?