The Virtuous Concubine

Good news came from Jiangnan: the flood had subsided. Subsequent disaster relief work had also achieved remarkable results, and now all that was left was to further advance the reconstruction work.

This news spread only after Emperor Kangxi generously rewarded Consort Dezhao of Yonghe Palace. It is said that the procession of people delivering the reward was endless, and the scene was so spectacular that it was jaw-dropping.

The ladies in the harem were naturally delighted to hear the news. However, they did not care about the suffering of the people in Jiangnan, but that Kangxi finally had the leisure to return to the harem after being busy with government affairs for a long time.

For these women who have lived in the deep palace for a long time and rely on the emperor's favor, the emperor's favor is more important than anything else.

What Malu was most concerned about was when Yinzhen and Wenxian would come back. In order to avoid those who came to flatter her, she began to close the door and refuse visitors.

When Kangxi went to the harem, he first went to Malu's Yonghe Palace. However, he did not stay overnight, but just told Malu about the situation of the two children in Jiangnan during this period and an approximate return date.

Then he went to see Wen Xi again. It was said that Wen Xi's condition had completely deteriorated after the Mid-Autumn Festival family dinner. She could no longer get out of bed, and no matter how hard the imperial physician tried, she could not do it.

On the third day, which was also the day when the prince tried out marriage, he turned over the princess's concubine's card.

Although he had reprimanded Concubine Wang a few days ago and stripped her of her title, Concubine Wang was still the most favored young concubine by Kangxi.

Moreover, Concubine Wang gave birth to two young sons, so it was impossible for Kangxi to be angry with her for too long.

Wangpin first shed tears, which was really heartbreaking. Then she started to flirt and fawn on him, and sang a soft Wu dialect tune, and Kangxi also relaxed. After a lot of singing, reciting and acting, she successfully pulled Kangxi into the pink curtain.

Inside the curtains, the flickering candlelight illuminated Concubine Wang’s delicate face and Kangxi’s enjoying face.

Wangpin knew her own advantages and how to control Kangxi's heart. She leaned lightly in Kangxi's arms, tears still wet in her eyes, but she said with a smile: "Your Majesty, you are frightening me. I have lost my appetite these days because I am afraid that you will no longer love me."

Kangxi patted her gently and said, "You are just playing tricks like this. Don't think I will let you off easily."

Upon hearing this, Wangpin hurriedly drew circles on Kangxi's chest with her slender fingers and said in a tender voice: "My heart is all tied to the emperor. If I lose the emperor's favor, how can I live? Besides, the two young boys are still young. If they lose the emperor's love, how pitiful they will be. If the emperor wants to punish me, then punish me severely--"

As they talked, the two of them frolicked deep behind the bed curtains, leaving only a charming scene. The palace servants guarding outside could only vaguely hear the interweaving sounds and slight movements.

Liang Jiugong was guarding outside. He flicked the whisk in his hand lightly and closed his eyes to rest.

This royal concubine is just like this, she has the most tricks and can always make the emperor immersed in them.

However, the emperor will have to get up and listen to the report on the prince's trial marriage later. Fortunately, the emperor is getting older and his energy is not as good as before, so the two of them will have to rest after a while.

Thinking of this, Liang Jiugong couldn't help but chuckle, thinking that it was a good thing this way, so that the princess wouldn't have to rack her brains to come up with endless tricks, and it would also allow her to enjoy more days of favor.

Before Chen Xin, who was standing beside the prince, came over, Wei Zhu came with Doctor Rong.

Liang Jiugong looked embarrassed when he saw Doctor Rong.

The emperor has been taking medicine every day to calm his nerves and boost his energy lately. It is indeed time to take the medicine, but...

The emperor and his concubine were in love inside. If they were disturbed, the emperor would surely be furious.

Liang Jiugong hurried forward and whispered to Wei Zhu and Doctor Rong, "You two, it's not appropriate to go in now. The emperor is inside."

He didn't say the next words, but there was no need to say more, as everyone present understood.

Rong Ji bowed and said, "Thank you for your reminder, Eunuch Liang. Why don't we give this medicine to Eunuch Liang? You can use it when the emperor is ready to take it."

Liang Jiugong showed hesitation. If he delayed the emperor from taking medicine, he would be blamed if the emperor got sick. But if he went in at this time and ruined the emperor's mood, it would be a big sin.

Moreover, when it comes to medication, the imperial physician must be at the side.

In short, Doctor Rong cannot leave, so Liang Jiugong directly asked Wei Zhu to take Doctor Rong to wait nearby.

Rong Ji had also been intimate with Malu, so of course he knew what happened inside.

This was the first time he and Liang Jiugong eavesdropped together.

He felt a little embarrassed and also felt sorry for Malu.

She gave birth to so many children for the emperor and took care of many affairs in the harem. The children also went to the most dangerous place in the south of the Yangtze River due to floods. However, the emperor was having an affair with Concubine Wang here and seemed to care nothing about Malu's efforts.

Wei Zhu noticed something was wrong with Rong Ji, so he gently touched him and whispered, "Doctor Rong, don't be distracted. Nothing can go wrong later."

Rong Ji came back to his senses and nodded slightly.

Liang Jiugong looked at the obviously absent-minded Doctor Rong and shook his head helplessly. This doctor had previously served the current Imperial Concubine Dezhao.

However virtuous the Imperial Concubine was, she could not compete with the charm and style of this new bride.

The three of them waited quietly outside the door. The occasional noises coming from inside the house kept Liang Jiugong on edge.

When the noise in the room gradually subsided, Liang Jiugong coughed lightly, signaling Rong Taiyi and Wei Zhu to stay calm. He then tiptoed to the door and said softly, "Your Majesty, Rong Taiyi has brought the medicine. Would you like to take it now?"

Kangxi's somewhat distracted voice came from inside the room: "Come in."

Liang Jiugong and Rong Ji walked into the room, only to see Kangxi leaning on the couch, looking somewhat lazy, still in a dazed state.

The concubine Wang, who was already dressed neatly, leaned against the side coquettishly, but when she looked back at Rong Ji, her eyes were full of dissatisfaction.

She was just planning to coax the emperor to come a few more times so that she could get her title back as soon as possible, and if she got pregnant, she could go one step further. Now that her plan was interrupted, she naturally wouldn't treat this person well.

Rong Ji stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and said, "Your Majesty, it's time to use the medicine."

Kangxi nodded, and Rong Ji handed him the medicine. After Kangxi took it, he stretched out his hand and asked Rong Ji to take his pulse.

Rong Ji hurried forward, put his finger on Kangxi's pulse, and held his breath. After a moment, Rong Ji said: "Your Majesty, the dragon body is fine, but the state affairs are too stressful, and you need to pay more attention to rest and recuperation. This tranquilizing medicine must be taken on time, and must not be interrupted, so that you can strengthen your body and replenish your vitality."

Kangxi was already familiar with such remarks, so he did not take them seriously. He just casually replied, "I know what is going on. I have been feeling fine these past few days. I just feel a little tired today."

As he said this, he glanced jokingly at the concubine beside him.